Member Reviews

A beautiful well written love story that will remain in my heart/head for a long time. There is SO MUCH happening here!…

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3.5 stars rounded up.

Laurie moves to Dream Harbour to take over Pumpkin Spice Café. In steps Logan the local produce farmer and supplier to PS café in all his flannel-y goodness.

We follow them as they fall in love with small town life & each other. It's definitely a book to snuggle up with as the weather cools and the leaves start to fall. Logan & Jeanie will definitely warm you up!

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This was absolutely my favourite, coziest read of 2023. I now kind of regret having read it in July, but I’ll be sure to pick it up again when the temperatures start dropping and I’ll start my seasonal rewatch of Gilmore Girls.

The story is set in Stars Hollo-I mean… in Dream Harbor, a small town where the people care and look out for each other, hold bimonthly assemblies to discuss the Mayor’s latest dreams, and just go aggressively crazy for Halloween.

The MC, Jeanie, is such an interesting character: she starts as the average sweet girl looking for a change of pace in her life, but the more we read, the more we have a chance to see all her many facets and her development into her own person.

Logan is presented as the typical small-town-romance grumpy hero, but is in fact what the kids call a soft boi: he has (understandably) strong abandonment issues that make us just want to hug him and comfort him and kiss it all better. Jeanie does- lucky her- and the steamy scenes were to live for!

The side characters, who would not be happy to be called “side”, are always ready to snoop in on the action and add something to the plot: we can see the attention to detail that the author put into creating each of them, and there’s a very interesting foundation for future books starring Logan and Joanie’s friends. (can’t wait for Annie’s!)

The little bit of mystery was a very nice touch, being a good expedient for keeping the story going but also creating a nice break when necessary.

The only side note I can think of is the immediate attraction between the MCs, since I’m not a fan of insta-love, but their relationship was well developed and paced so can’t complain too much. Also, I maybe would have liked the steamy to be more spaced out instead of having most of them in the last chapters.

A big thank you to the author and NetGalley for this ARC, can’t wait for the next books in the series!

#ThePumpkinSpiceCafé #LaurieGilmore #SmallTownRomance #GrumpyxSunshine #CozyRead

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This was absolutely delightful! I finished it in less than a day. It's everything I could want from a romance book: likeable characters that you root for, the perfect amount of spice, and the miscommunication/conflict doesn't go on too long. The fall vibes were also immaculate. Very much giving Gilmore Girls. I can't wait for the next in this series!!

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First off, I wish there were more cozy autumn romances out there! The romance genre could use some more pumpkin spice lattes, fall foliage, and apple pies.

The romance of this book fell flat for me though. The two main characters, Jeanie and Logan, became literally obsessed with each other way too fast - it was almost random. It all felt too rushed and incredibly cheesy. I really wanted more tension and depth between Jeanie and Logan. My favorite part of this story was definitely the setting of Dream Harbour and the small-town ensemble of characters.

This was overall a fast and easy read, but I will call out that I think the cover of this book fits more of a cozy mystery story than a steamy romance.

Thank you to the publisher and Net Galley for the advanced reader's copy in exchange for an honest review.

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I'm not a huge reader of cozies but this one captured my interest. I'm obsessed with fall so naturally The Pumpkin Spice Cafe drew my attention. The story was well written and kept my attention. I enjoyed our quirky main character. The grumpy and sunshine trope is one if my favorites. I'll definitely be recommending this!

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The Pumpkin Spice Café by Laurie Gilmore is a heartwarming and cozy contemporary romance that immerses readers in the delightful world of small-town charm and autumnal bliss. With its warm atmosphere, lovable characters, and enchanting storyline, this book earns a solid 4-star rating.

Laurie Gilmore invites readers into the Pumpkin Spice Café, a quaint establishment that serves up more than just delicious beverages. The cozy setting and vivid descriptions create a comforting backdrop that makes you want to curl up with a warm drink and a good book.

The characters in The Pumpkin Spice Café are endearing and relatable, with their hopes, dreams, and struggles that resonate with the reader. The romance that unfolds within the pages of the book is sweet and tender, capturing the magic of unexpected connections and second chances.

Gilmore's writing style is engaging and evocative, transporting readers into the heart of the small town and immersing them in the sights, sounds, and aromas of the café. The dialogue flows naturally, adding depth and authenticity to the interactions between the characters.

What sets this book apart is its ability to evoke the spirit of autumn and the sense of community that comes with it. The Pumpkin Spice Café serves as a gathering place where friendships are forged, dreams are shared, and love finds its way. The book embraces the cozy and nostalgic atmosphere of the season, making it a perfect read for autumn lovers.

While The Pumpkin Spice Café offers a delightful reading experience, there were moments when certain plot points felt a bit predictable, and the pacing could have been slightly tighter. However, these minor flaws do not detract from the overall enjoyment and charm of the story.

In conclusion, The Pumpkin Spice Café is a heartwarming and cozy contemporary romance that will warm your heart and leave you craving autumn delights. Laurie Gilmore's ability to capture the essence of small-town charm and the magic of seasonal moments is commendable. Fans of feel-good romances and those seeking a dose of autumnal joy will find themselves enchanted by this delightful book.

#ThePumpkinSpiceCafe #LaurieGilmore #ContemporaryRomance #CozyRead #SmallTownCharm #BookReview

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Jeanie inherits her aunts café, after she decides to retire. Moving to Dream Harbour gives Jeanie the chance to restart. While dropping off some pumpkins and grouds, Logan the local farmer meets Jeanie, Soon sparks begin to fly and they soon end up in a spot of need to go on a ghost hunt.

I loved the autumn theme throughout, it made everything feel warm and cosy. I really wanted a pumpkin spice latte after reading. This is a perfect read for the autumn months. I loved the the book club scenes and I want more - it's the type of group, I wish I had in my own village.

I felt that some of the background characters could have been fleshed out more, I felt it especially in the town meeting scenes. They were there to make it seem more like a town but it felt they were there just to show that the main focus was between Jeanie and Logan. It would have been nice to learn more about the other businesses and owners- see more interaction. I also didn't like the miscommunicating scenes, I didn't think it was needed or it should have been done in another way as it felt like it was there for the sake of being there. It would have also been nice for the pair to have a couple more dates together- I loved the ghost hunting scenes.

Thank you Netgalley for a copy of the book for an honest review

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I have not read this author but I really enjoyed this story about Jeanie, Logan and the town of Dream Harbor. The problem that everyone knows your business and they are very protective of their own, Some have a hard time about the past but must be positive about putting in the past instead of being scared of it and and always assuming the worst. A GOOD READ.

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I am obsessed with this book! Thankyou so much NetGalley and one more chapter for the chance to read this book! I am in love with all the characters they’re so captivating, and I love the different personalities portrayed between them all! This was a perfect grumpy sunshine romance, it was a slow burn with a few spicy scenes which were amazing! I’m so happy with how the story ended and it was the perfect romance journey!

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I received a free copy of, The Pumpkin Spice Cafe, by Laurie Gilmore, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Jeanie is gifted The Pumpkin Spice Cafe, by her lovely aunt. Logan lives in town where Jeanie's cafe is, sparks fly when they are looking for a ghost. This is a nice read, I love autumn time and pumpkin everything, this in a nice book to cozy up with in the fall.

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Grumpy/Sunshine meets cozy romantic mystery? 100% yes! This was absolutely adorable and I loved every single page!

We follow Jeanie who has recently moved to town and taken over her Aunt’s beloved Pumpkin Spice Cafe. Things are brewing up nicely until some strange occurrences start giving Jeanie the willies. Lights are malfunctioning, strange noises are keeping her up at night and items are going missing - and there is no explanation in sight! Logan (local farmer and town grump) notices Jeanie’s distress while making his produce delivery to the cafe and breaks his cardinal rule of not getting involved to help her catch the culprit! As they sleuth out the perpetrator - friendships blossom, feelings bloom and they discover that they just might be what the other has been searching for all along.

Full of friendship, small town vibes, quirky characters, swoon worthy romance, delicious coffee, an adorable feline, all the grumpy/sunshine goodness, mystery and a guaranteed HEA - Pumpkin Spice Café is a charmingly fantastic read!

Thank you to One More Chapter for the advanced copy!

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Book Review 📚
The Pumpkin Spice Café by Laurie Gilmore - 4/5 ⭐

A small town, cozy cafe romance with a beautifully written plot and even some laugh-out-loud moments! I get this HUGE 'Stars Hollow' vibe from the setting (maybe the author planned that?) But Gilmore really set the scene.

I won't lie, I absolutely adored the characters. Jeanie and Logan stole my heart. She's peppy, happy-go-lucky and strong! The kind of strong that hears a noise and doesn't run the opposite way screaming! Whereas Logan is grumpy on the outside but adorable on the inside. The fact he rehomes pets and names them after celebs is AMAZING. A really awesome touch to his character that made him feel very real life.

I love the route Gilmore went down with the characters and I enjoyed the mains and the side characters equally. But I wasn't expecting the story to go down such a different kind of route! That really caught me off guard but I still LOVED it. If anything I think it made the story much more interesting.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins for allowing me to read this ARC - this is an HONEST review from my own personal opinion.

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"Pumpkin Spice Cafe" by Laurie Gilmore is an intriguing small-town romance that transports readers to the cozy setting of a charming café. While the story initially captivates with its delightful ambiance and endearing characters, it takes an unexpected twist as Jeanie, the protagonist, finds herself entangled in a mysterious series of strange noises in her apartment above the cafe.

Gilmore expertly weaves this element of mystery into the narrative, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the story. As Jeanie's curiosity grows and the noises persist, she enlists the help of the town hunk, Logan, to unravel the enigma. Together, they embark on a stakeout, their hearts racing with anticipation, in an attempt to discover the source of the peculiar sounds.

This subplot introduces a thrilling and suspenseful element to "Pumpkin Spice Cafe." The author skillfully balances the romance between Jeanie and Logan with the anticipation and excitement of their joint investigation. As the pair ventures into the unknown, the reader is drawn deeper into the story, eagerly turning the pages to uncover the truth behind the mysterious noises. Jeanie's determination and Logan's unwavering support create a strong bond between them, deepening their connection beyond their initial attraction. The shared experience of uncovering the truth strengthens their relationship and adds an extra layer of emotional depth to the story.

This unexpected detour into mystery may divide readers seeking a purely romantic storyline. However, if you enjoy a blend of romance and suspense, you'll love the extra layer of intrigue! Just be aware, things get spicier too, adding drama and intensity. 🔥😮

In conclusion, "Pumpkin Spice Cafe" by Laurie Gilmore is a captivating small-town romance that ventures into the realm of mystery. The introduction of strange noises and the subsequent stakeout create an air of anticipation and excitement that enhances the story's appeal. Gilmore's skilled storytelling, combined with the endearing romance between Jeanie and Logan, makes for an engaging read that keeps readers eagerly flipping pages.

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The Pumpkin Spice Cafe is like a hug in a book! This small town romance had all the coziness. Jeanie moves to Dream Harbour to run her aunt’s Pumpkin Spice Cafe. She meets Logan, a local farmer, and they are attracted to each other. Logan has been hurt before and they both have to decide if they want to take a chance on love. This has quirky characters, adorable farm animals, and even a cute cat. I couldn’t stop smiling and I loved the sweet ending.

Thanks so much to the publisher and NetGalley for the eARC for my own opinion.

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As soon as it hits mid-July, my brain starts to laser focus on pumpkin spice season. Getting the chance to read this arc was perfect timing to quench that thirst!

A cozy, small-town mystery romance set at the Pumpkin Spice Café? It’s the perfect snuggle under a blanket, watch the leaves fall, with a warm cup of coffee cozy read.

I loved Logan and Jeanie’s journey to find one another. It’s grumpy x sunshine, but the sunshine is that aspirational persona that Jeanie is looking to become. And I love that about her. She’s carrying some stress and baggage but she is so openly wanting to be accepted and find a place where she belongs.

Thank you so much to Harper Collins UK and NetGalley for this advanced copy!

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Set in an idyllic Stars Hollow-esque small town in New England, this autumnal romance about a big city girl inheriting and attempting to run a pumpkin-themed cafe, settling into herself, and finding love locally, is the perfect cosy read to prepare you for autumn. A story that only begins to unfold as our main character Jeanie meets local farmer and certified gourd distributor, Logan, a pair connected by the threads of an unravelling mystery at the heart of the cafe, this is a romance that is almost certain to keep you hooked from page one.

I found myself really enamoured with this book. Aside from the adorable romance, which is earnest, genuine, and not to mention steamy, the small-town setting really made this book shine. I loved the time we got to spend in the cafe as well as around town during different fun events like the bi-weekly town meeting (think Gilmore Girls plus a whimsical Mayor who uses his dreams to make decisions), the weekly market, the local (and vibrant) book club meetings, and the most seasonal of all, the Fall Festival. It only helps that, in this setting, we got to see the mental trials and tribulations of Jeanie and Logan, both of whom take the time in this book to work on themselves, to understand their personal fears and insecurities, and to come together as happier individuals.

Although some of the side characters would benefit from a bit of fleshing out and I would've liked to spend more tangible time in the other local establishments mentioned, like the bookshop or bakery, or even seeing the banter of the book club more often, this romance hit the spot with its autumnal vibes, swoon-worthy romance, and sweet baked treats. More than worth picking up when autumn starts to show its face again in September.

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I want to thank Netgalley and the author for gifting me the ebook.
I really was enjoying this book when it first started but then the love started to fade. The author repeated herself over and over and over again. I like how the town was quirky. But I just didn't really care for it as the story went on.
It was just so unrealistic and insane to have such a tiny town and I love how the author throws in her liberal feminist views. I have belonged to many book clubs and we never read a smut book first of all and then to talk about how they were ready a porn smut book about guy on guy action. It was just disgusting. Thumbs down for me.

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An adorablely sweet sunshine and grumpy romance set in a small town during pumpkin spice season, aka the best season. Fall.

After suddenly figuring out that life in the city wasn't for her. Basically realizing that she did have anyone to lean on and lived and breathed her corporate job. Jeanie moves to Dream Harbour to take over her aunt's coffee shop.

Jeanie is delightfully bubbly and the meet cute with Logan is hilarious. We love a girl that approaches perceived danger with a baseball bat.

Logan is quiet and has some trauma, so he secludes himself at his farm taking care of all his rescue animals and actual farm duties.

The two are drawn together as some mysterious happenings occur at the coffee shop.

It is a cute, zero stakes, and little spice story that is best read with some hot apple cider or a pumpkin spice latte.

Will be reading any other story that comes out of Dream Harbour.

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Grab your Pumpkin Spice Lattes and have Alexa play Cardigan by Taylor Swift, and read this book! I can’t get over how cute this was. Jeanie is new in Dream Harbor and ready to take over her aunt’s coffee shop aptly named Pumpkin Spice Cafe. She meets hunky pumpkin farmer, Logan and bam my favorite new read was created. This was everything a girl could want in a novel, angst, PSL’s, and smut. Sunshine meets grump. I am shouting from the rooftops for everyone to read this cozy romance.

Thank you Netgalley, One More Chapter, and Harper Collins UK for my eARC in exchange for a review.

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