Living in Dream Harbor as a pancake chef is not Archer's plan, but now he has a daughter who needs him, and suddenly, his chosen career as a chef in Paris seems like someone else's dream. Iris doesn't do anything long-term, but when she is offered a job as Olive's live-in Nanny, she can't refuse. I warmed to the Archer, Iris and Olive from the beginning and invested in their lives. The connection between Iris and Archer is sizzling but is multilayered and messy, with emotional commitment from both of them because they want the best for Olive. I enjoyed the gossip and support from the Dream Harbor community, the passion between Archer and Iris and the emotional connections they make to give them all the found family they deserve.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

Hands down one of the cutest romance books I've read this year, after seeing the tropes of book four in the series, I knew I NEEDED to read it. And I was not disappointed with how much I absolutely loved this book!

This book was sweet and spicy, and everything in between & I absolutely loved it!

Thank you NetGalley for an eARC!

My favourite of this cute series(?) so far. I felt like there was a much deeper storyline and the characterisation allowed for a much deeper connection for the reader than previous books. The tension between Iris and Archer was perfection, they really had be rooting for them. I loved how in their own way, Iris and Archer taught each other so much about what they wished for their future. A really cosy romance with a little bit of spice!

The Strawberry Patch Pancake House by Laurie Gilmore is the perfect blend of cozy small-town charm, slow-burn romance, and a dash of humor. Set in Dream Harbor, we meet Archer, a renowned chef who unexpectedly finds himself running a pancake house while raising his daughter, Olive. He’s way out of his comfort zone, but when Iris, a free-spirited woman who’s never held down a job for long, steps in as his nanny, things start to shift.
The chemistry between Archer and Iris is undeniable, even if it’s a slow burn. Archer is all business, focused on his career and providing for Olive, while Iris is a carefree soul with no interest in commitment. Watching them navigate their new roles and begin to understand each other was so satisfying. The best part? Olive, their adorable little matchmaker, who brings all the sweetness and fun to the story.
I loved how the dynamic between Archer, Iris, and Olive felt real and heartwarming. There’s a lot of humor, but also plenty of emotional moments that had me rooting for them every step of the way. And the food? With Archer’s chef skills and the town's pancake house at the center, it’s a delicious backdrop to the story.
Laurie Gilmore’s Dream Harbor series continues to be a go-to for comfort reading, and this book was no exception. It’s got that Gilmore Girls vibe with a twist—perfect for fans of small-town romances that mix heart, humor, and a bit of spice. I couldn’t put it down and am already looking forward to the next book!


᪥ Single Dad
᪥ Nanny
᪥ Close Proximity
᪥ Opposites Attract
᪥ Small Town
᪥ Slow Burn
᪥ 3rd Person POV

This past weekend I got to celebrate the newest addition to the Dream Harbor Series by Laurie Gilmore! She is super sweet just like her books. So excited I got to add another signed copy to my bookshelf!

MY REVIEW //
We finally got to go back to Dream Harbor!
I’m thrilled we got to meet Archer, Iris, and Olive. As you can imagine the characters are amazing with their personalities, romance, background, and growth. The characters we love from the other books pop up throughout the story making it even more fun to read. Laurie did such an amazing job writing the single dad trope. This heartwarming, slow burn, swoon worthy romance is definitely a 5 star from me!

Thank you so much @harpercollins360 for sending me a #gifted copy of The Strawberry Patch Pancake House. 🍓♥️

#bookstagram #bookstagrammer #lauriegilmore #thestrawberrypatchpancakehouse #dreamharborseries #newrelease #bookcommunity #booksta #bookish #bookishadventures #bibliophile #booklover #booksbooksbooks #harpercollins #booksaremagic #booksofinstagram #readersofinstagram #readmorebooks

This book was very cute and cosy! It follows Archer, a world-renowned chef who just found out he has a daughter named Olive and moves from Paris to Dream Harbor to help raise her after her mum suddenly passes away. In town he meets Iris and recruits her as a live in nanny to help care for Olive. Little does he know that Iris also has zero experience with children and the two embark on a journey of learning how to look after Olive.

I really enjoyed the small town setting and the found family. I think you’ll also like this book if you’re a fan of the grumpy x sunshine and forced proximity tropes or looking for a light, fluffy read.

I absolutely love this series. Laurie Gilmore has a way to captivate and tell stories that are very addicting. I was extremely happy when I got approved to receive an early copy. Strawberry Patch Pancake House did not disappoint. I loved everything about it especially the characters. I loved Archer, Olive, and Iris' story. It was wholesome and beautiful. Thank you once again NetGalley and publisher for giving me this wonderful opportunity. Can’t wait to purchase a physical copy because the covers are absolutely stunning.

This book was such a breath of fresh air. I don’t know how to explain other than the feeling of spring, new starts and hopefulness was this book as a whole.

Aside from the above there was so much spice and sexual tension it was a steamy little read.

Both the main characters were so loveable and the happily ever after was so wholesome. Archer the male main character was trying to be a famous chef until he finds out he has a daughter and the mother has died. He takes his fatherhood very seriously and wants to do well.

Iris is the new nanny for Archers daughter and it was destined to end up with a steamy scene no matter what. Archer was instantly attracted to Iris she is caring, funny, good looking and perfect in Archers eyes.

This is another 5 star hit from Gilmore and I can’t wait to read more from this series.

This series and its characters has definitely burrowed itself into my heart, i really enjoyed this one and the fact it was a single dad romance. I can't wait to read more from the series and i'll be honest i'm waiting very impatiently for Annie and Macs story lol!

Highly recommend!

I enjoyed reading The Strawberry Patch Pancake House by Laurie Gilmore. You will fall in love with all the characters. I received an ARC of this book courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and given freely. Happy Reading!

Thanks to Netgalley and One More Chapter for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

Absolutely love the Dream Harbor series and devour each one as I get them!
This one has a different twist to it, fresher and more life affirming.
Struggling single dad, Archer and his new found daughter, Olive, are having to adjust to one another and need help from a flighty yoga instructor, Iris, living in a beautiful small town where everyone knows everything isn’t easy and their mounting physical attraction is getting difficult to ignore!
Forced Proximity and Slow Burn tropes with lots of feel good vibes.

Laurie Gilmore is the queen of cozy reads. If I want something cozy and heartwarming to read it’s always going to be Laurie Gilmore. This book had me hooked from the start! Sudden single dad x Nanny trope I’m here for it!! I loved the semi workplace romance between the two, but the bond and the growth between them and Olive was the most heartwarming!!

Read If you’re wanting
Grumpy x sunshine
Forced proximity
Opposites Attract
Found Family
Small town romance


Thank you Laurie Gilmore & NetGalley for this ARC!!

Thanks to the Publisher and Netgalley for an early review copy.

I loved reading this book.

Archer has only recently found out that he has a five year old daughter called Olive, her mother passed away. Suddenly the life he was living as a chef in France now seems a long time ago.

Iris, loves her life, and has never thought about being in long relationship, or even having kids. But, she has taken the job of being a nanny to Olive as she has financial problems. She is a yoga water aerobics instructor and most of her attendees are elderly. It was lovely to see her interactions with them.

Her relationship with Olive was lovely too.

The food made your mouth water and the different ways in which pancakes were made, made me want to try the recipes.

I recommend this book.

The Strawberry Patch Pancake House is an absolute treasure! From the very first page, I was swept away to a charming little town filled with delightful characters. The setting felt like a warm hug, and the descriptions of the food had me craving pancakes all day long! What I loved most was how Laurie Gilmore blends heartwarming moments with just enough drama to keep you hooked.

This story had everything I adore in a romance: a single dad, forced proximity, slow burn chemistry, found family, and even a one-bed trope! All these elements combined to make a story that was as swoon-worthy as it was heartwarming.

I’ve loved everything Laurie has written, and this book is no exception. Her knack for creating characters you can’t help but root for is unparalleled. If you're after a feel-good read that will leave you grinning, this is it. It’s the perfect combination of charm, love, and mouth-watering food that will make you feel right at home.

This book really captures the magic of small-town life and the healing power of community. I honestly couldn’t put it down!

I was unsure how I felt about the pregnancy trope leading into a third act breakup. Neither of those are my favorite things. However, I do think it was nicely done once I gave it a chance. I also loved the acknowledgement section talking about the trope. Characters were all loveable per usual in this series. I do wish timeline wasn't so rushed (two weeks dating and then pregnant was fast for me, but again, it grew on me).

I love this series, it’s an easy read that is a one sit read. It’s a cozy romance that focuses on Archer this time, he has just found out he has a child so has to come back to look after her. He gets a nanny Iris as he’s busy working at the Pancake house as a chef. It’s a feel good book that will leave a smile on your face. Loved it. 5 star read. Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for a copy.

I loved reading this book! Laurie Gilmore’s Dream Harbor series emits all the cozy, warm and happy feels of a small town romance. The story of Archer, Iris and Olive allows the reader to fall in love with this newly single dad and his newly hired nanny. There is a community of people who support one another but are also a little ridiculous at times. Reading this book is relaxing, easy to fall into and provides good vibes, smiles and laughing through the entire story.

Archer is a Parisian chef who suddenly finds himself in Dream Harbor having just discovered he has a daughter. Finding himself in the position of being a single dad to a little girl has his head spinning and his life turning upside down especially as he discovers small town life. No matter, Archer has a plan - get custody approval for his daughter and move back to Paris as quickly as possible. Only, Archer never planned on what living in this small town might actually bring into his life in addition to Olive.

Iris has lived in Dream Harbor her entire life. She never spends too long at one job or in a relationship. Yet, when she finds herself on the verge of eviction and her bank account running very low, thus she finds herself applying for the live-in nanny position. Although Iris has very little confidence about her abilities to take care of a child, during her interview she feels drawn to Archer and his need for help.

There is a quick learning curve for both Archer and Iris in their new roles and the challenges they meet. Despite all this, they find a way to learn more about each other and themselves. Archer never thought he wanted to be a dad, live in a small town or work anywhere but a 5 star restaurant. And Iris never thought she could stay in a job for more than a few months or that a single dad and his daughter might just wrap themselves around her heart.

This book can be read as a standalone however I strongly recommend reading the entire series. Each book is so unique in its focus on one couple and creating a love for the small town romance. Make sure to add this to your TBR stack!

This book was cute. It wasn't my favorite in the Dream Harbor series, but we can't all be 5 stars. Either way I still enjoyed it and will read anything Laurie Gilmore writes.

(There is a "she woke up feeling nauseous" moment that made me groan with annoyance, if you know what I mean, but it was so close to the end that it didn't impact my overall experience. )

The Strawberry Patch Pancake House was so cute!! I love anything forced proximity and a single dad!! I did like it the least in the series so far because of the weird ending and third act breakup. but it was still a page turner and entertaining to me. 5/5 ⭐️ thank you netgalley, Laurie Gilmore, and Harper Collin’s for my eARC in exchange for an honest review.

What’s not to love?
Grumpy single dad? ✅
Sunshine nanny? ✅
Amazing chemistry? ✅

Laurie Gilmore is a comfort author for me and she does not disappoint!