Each time I pick up a book from The Dream Harbor Series by Laurie Gilmore, it feels like coming home. The Strawberry Patch Pancake House is the next installment and needless to say I adored Iris and Archer‘s story as well.
 
Iris has lived in Dream Harbor her whole life and she’s still trying to find her place. She teaches sport classes and I loved how you get to see the other Dream Harbor inhabitants as well. Iris is such a kind, creative and loving person who is just what Archer and Olive needs.
 
Archer is a world-renowned chef, and his life is turned upside down when he learns that he’s a father and he’s the only one his daughter Olive has left. I really liked seeing Archer and Olive‘s relationship and how it slowly progresses and how Archer wants to be the best dad possible. I always adore single dad stories and this one was no different and you can only love Archer.
 
Not only is this a beautiful single dad story but Iris also becomes the live-in nanny and that created the perfect forced proximity situation. This story is just so wholesome and sweet and had so many amazing little moments. These characters grow together and become the perfect little family and I loved every second of it. And the charming setting of Dream Harbor only added to it.
 
You should totally add it to your tbr, if you also love small-town romances. Highly recommend. 5 stars.
 
(Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an arc.)

Book four in the series. Another fun, cozy read in the series, Archer moves to a small town and runs a pancake house. Iris becomes his nanny even though she doesn't hold down jobs for very long. Is their love meant to be? This is a quick, fun, romantic read!

Laurie Gilmore has done it again! Her Dream Harbour series is one of my favourite contemporary romance series, and this is one of my favourites in the series. I love the single dad trope, so I was so excited to see that Laurie was writing a book surrounding the trope! It certainly lived up to my expectations. I loved Iris and Olive's relationship, and I had such a great time watching Olive and Archer form their relationship as well. And the romance between Iris and Archer was well-done as well! The chemistry between them was perfect. I also loved Archer and Iris separately; they were such great main characters. Overall, I would completely recommend this book, and I can't wait for the final book in the Dream Harbour series! :)

I can't quit Dream Harbor! Another wonderful installment from Laurie Gilmore. Pancakes are a big deal in our home, so finding the perfect pancake recipe hit close to home. I loved both of the main characters, and the forced proximity trope was executed wonderfully! I loved seeing all of the previous characters from this series making frequent appearances. It can definitely stand alone, but it's better if you've read the previous ones to make the character connections. I'm ready for the next one!

Thank you netgalley for the chance to read this!
I won't lie: I might be one of the few people who didn't absolutely adore the PSC. But this...THIS I love.
Archer has slight Carmie vibes (yes Chef!), thrust into a small community to take custody of his daughter and run the diner up to the standards of the locals. I LOVE single dads, especially ones who find themselves in parenthood, and Archer is no exception. His emotions are so complex and relatable, and his interiority over Iris makes you want to leap off the page and simultaneously hug and smack him.
Iris is adorable as well, her small town charm and loyalty shining off the page, and the slow burn between these two is completely swoony. It's steamy but not too intensely, and their third act breakup doesn't seem remotely cliche.
I really enjoyed this a TON! The final 'trope' is not my favorite but its delivered well and this couple is just adorable.

Thank you to the publisher and author for this arc! When I was approved for this book on NetGalley, I was soooo excited to get started as this series has been so enjoyable to me. The Strawberry Patch Pancake House did not disappoint. This book is #4 in the series and carries on with all of the hallmark + spicy vibes of which Laurie Gilmore is known. I loved Archer, Olive, and Iris’ story! 4 ⭐️

Okay so maybe I’m biased here, but Dream Harbor seems like the best place ever! I have loved all the other books in this series and this one followed suit. I loved the characters who feel like friends by this point. I love the connections to other books, but the fact that you do not need to read them in order. Honestly, this may be my favorite book in the series so far!

Yup. Finished in a day. This is by far the best book in this series. The best. I loved the characters and the dynamic and banter. The spice was condensed towards the mid to end of the book and not too overpowering.
I loved this book. I loved the slight tie ins to the other books but you do not have to read the others first. I will say I know people are hit or miss on this series but this one was amazing!!
Thanks to NetGalley for an early copy. And I picked up my own from Barnes and Nobel today!! Our March 13.

I swear this series gets better & better each book, and this one is def my new favorite… I mean, how could it not be?!?! We’ve got sweet, we’ve got savory, we’ve got spicy, we’ve got it all 🥞🍓🍰😋

Archer has big dreams of being a chef in Paris - dreams he achieved. But when he arrives in Dream Harbor to meet and raise the daughter he never knew he had, his dreams have to change.

Iris needs a job. Immediately. So when she agrees to become a live-in nanny for the hot new chef in town, who is she to say no?

This was wholesome, a feel good, hallmarky story that Dream Harbor seems to carry. But this also focused on struggles that Olive faces with losing her mom; Archer faces with giving up his dreams; and Iris faces figuring out what she wants to do with her life.

This is 100% my favorite in the series. So far, it’s felt the most mature, while also still having that cozy, cheesy love with characters from the previous books.

My only complaints with this story was that for the first time, the residents of Dream Harbor made me mad 😡 maybe I’m just too protective of my bby Archer but eat his 🤬 pancakes and shut up (you’re doing great sweetie) and secondly, I wish there had been a bit more groveling or SOMETHIN at the end. But those are nitpicky… I loved this.

4.5 ⭐️✨🌟💫

Thank you NetGalley & Harper Collins for this ARC!

Dream Harbor is back with another cozy small town romance and I’m here for it! After unexpectedly discovering that he has a 5 year old daughter, world renowned chef, Archer, packs his bags and leaves the country to meet her. Iris, a yoga instructor whose life is not going as planned, is a bit scared of children but reluctantly accepts that being a nanny might not be the worst option. Archer, Iris, and Olive quickly won my heart. The way that they all needed each other and slowly came to love each other unconditionally was like a breath of fresh air. Small towns and friends that become family will always have a special place in my heart and that’s exactly what this series gives us every time. There were a few moments that felt rushed but I loved every second of it. Definitely a sweet story that’ll leave you smiling.

I will also be posting a video soon! For now here is my Goodreads review.

I don’t even know where to begin. I normally am not super into single dad/single mom romance. I chose to read this book because I LOVE Laurie Gilmore and this series. With that being said this book had me swooning.

Olive was the cutest little girl ever and watching Archer find his footing as a dad was incredible and dreamy.

I loved getting to meet new characters and spend time with them while still getting to take a peek at our old friends throughout.

l enjoyed the slow burn and watching them have to fight their attraction to keep things professional and when it finally happened it was so amazing.

I appreciate her choosing to write a character like Iris to have past issues from her childhood impact how she approaches romantic relationships in her adult life because I know that is a very real struggle people have and can relate to.

I also am glad for those who maybe don’t have children yet or are new to parenthood reading that even the moms who look like they have it all together are scared too. Parenthood is not easy and not for everyone. I love that she included multiple characters with different opinions on the issue like Iris who didn’t think she wanted kids but changed her mind, Kira who doesn’t want them and is firm in that, and parents that knew they wanted them. It’s important to show versatility.

I would say if you’ve read the previous books this one is spicier than The Pumpkin Spice Cafe but less spicy than The Christmas Tree Farm.

I also thought it was so cute she included the pumpkin spice cafe coloring book into the storyline. I thought it was cute linking in another real life book of hers.

Every time I read a book in this series I declare it my favorite and then another one comes along and that one moves to 2nd place! I just love the setting and the characters and the whole damn town! A little spice, a little sweet, just like I like’em! Many thanks to the publisher and netgalley for this copy for read and review

This was a fun edition to the Dream Harbor universe. I really like Archer as a main character and felt for both him and Iris as they tried to figure out how to best raise Olive after her mother passes away. I think that there was just the right amount of tension and also loved the friendships that existed between characters. I did have trouble at times following what was happening but overall it was a cute and quick read

Oh this book was like a cheesy warm hug. Dare I say that this is the best Dream Harbor book yet? I already liked Iris from the last book, but now I adore her. Meeting Archer was beautiful and Olive was a breath of fresh air to a series of adults with adult worries.

This book and its tropes won’t be for everyone, but for me I will read this again and again. Pre-order your copy asap so you can catch up with your DH friends. Thank you to Net Galley and Harper Collins for the ARC.

I thought that this book was significantly better than the other 2 in the series that I have read! I haven't read the Christmas Tree Farm which I know was the most recent title, but compared to the first two, this one felt so much more mature, well-written and thought-out.

I enjoyed being in the head of both the MMC and FMC, and liked that there wasn't a clear shift in chapter between their points of view. I thought that the writing between the two characters was easily distinguishable and appreciated the way that Laurie Gilmore casually switched their POV. I also loved Olive's character and the joy that she brought into the book. I felt that it elevated the meaning of the love story, creating a family unit rather than just another couple in this small town. It was a refreshing change of pace from the other 2 in the series that I had read.

Additionally, I thought that Laurie Gilmore's writing has improved drastically, It felt smoother, more mature and better-paced. I feel like she has built well on the foundation of the first few books and has now developed into a better author. The aspects of Gilmore Girls and a small-town is cozy and fun!

Thanks so much to NetGalley, Harper360 and Laurie Gilmore for this eArc in exchange for my honest review!

We are back in Dream Harbor and this time we got to look into the life of Iris and Archer! The story introduces us to Archer, a Michelin star level chef who has just had his entire world turned upside down when he finds out he has a 5 year old daughter, Olive, that he wasn't aware of and is now about to have sole custody of when her mom was in a tragic accident. But he doesn't know anything about raising a child, he doesn't live the lifestyle that could accommodate looking after another human being, and he definitely does not plan on staying in Dream Harbors longer than is necessary.

Iris is Dream's Harbor yoga instructor, swim instructor, Christmas Tree Farm employee, a jack of all trades. But when she's on the verge of being evicted when she can't come up with the money to pay her rent, she knows she needs to find something quick that could fix all her financial issues. In walks Archer, who is in need of a nanny...

Do you see where I'm going with this?

The Strawberry Patch Pancake House was a heartwarming story of a man learning how to raise his daughter and experiencing a whole new side of love that he never ever thought of wanting, with a woman who also had her own stuff that push away the need of ever settling down and having a family. The adoration that Archer had for his daughter sent all kind of emotions to me and Iris also finding a new side to herself was lovely to read about. But we also got the hottest spice between Archer and Iris that made me not want to stop reading because I needed to know how it ended!

Perfect for anyone who loves a single dad romance with a nanny, forced proximity in a small town with the spiciness you love from all of Laurie's books!

I’m always a sucker for a cute single dad x nanny romance, it’s something I can absolutely NEVER pass up. So, I hopped into this series starting with the 4th book as I tend to do more recently and I really really liked it. Archer is the cutest especially with Olive. It’s precious little girl dad behavior that I CRAVEEEE in mu single dad books. Then theres Iris who is an absolute gem with Olive as well. I love when the kids are present in the books, sometimes I feel they’re brought up for the sake of the troupe and then forgotten, that doesn’t happen here and I’m so thankful for it. As for Irish and Archer, they’re messy adults trying to figure it out but they’re chemistry is just AMAZING throughout. They’re fun and spicy and goofy and its truly so precious. I really enjoyed reading this.

Laurie Gilmore's "The Strawberry Patch Pancake House" is the fourth installment in her charming Dream Harbor series, following the heartwarming story of Archer, a renowned chef, and Iris, a free-spirited nanny, as they navigate the joys and challenges of parenthood while resisting their growing attraction for each other. The book picks up where the previous installments left off, expanding the vibrant community of Dream Harbor and introducing new characters with unique personalities.

Archer, a Parisian chef, finds himself unexpectedly thrust into the role of a single father when he discovers he has a daughter, Olive. Determined to provide for his daughter, he relocates to Dream Harbor, a quaint small town, and opens a pancake restaurant, "The Strawberry Patch Pancake House." However, Archer struggles to balance his demanding career with the responsibilities of fatherhood, leading him to seek the help of Iris, a local resident who, despite her lack of experience with children, is drawn to Archer and his need for support.

Iris, a free spirit who has never held down a job for long, finds herself in a precarious financial situation and reluctantly accepts the position of live-in nanny for Olive. Despite her initial reservations, Iris forms a strong bond with Olive, and her interactions with the young girl bring out her nurturing side. As Archer and Iris spend more time together, they begin to develop a deep connection, realizing they have more in common than they initially thought.

The story unfolds with a slow-burn romance, as Archer and Iris gradually overcome their initial reservations and embrace their feelings for each other. The author skillfully portrays the complexities of their relationship, highlighting the challenges they face as they navigate their newfound roles as parents and lovers. The book is filled with heartwarming moments, humorous situations, and a touch of spice, making it a delightful read for fans of cozy romance.

Gilmore's writing style is engaging and easy to follow, with short chapters that keep the reader hooked. The book's setting in Dream Harbor, a fictional town with a strong sense of community, adds to the charm and warmth of the story. The author also incorporates elements of small-town life, including town meetings, farmers markets, and local festivals, creating a vivid and relatable atmosphere.

Overall, "The Strawberry Patch Pancake House" is a delightful addition to the Dream Harbor series, offering a heartwarming story of love, family, and finding your place in the world. The book is a perfect choice for readers who enjoy cozy romance novels with a touch of humor and a strong sense of community.

This book was cute and definitely had that surprise you’re a dad trope going for it. These books are always a bit cheesy but in that HEA Dream Harbor way. They feel like hallmark movies but books. Small town romances with all the characters and tropes you could want. I will say Archer and Iris were the fun grumpy x sunshine couple and with the addition of Olive they made a cute family. Overall if you’re a fan of Laurie Gilmore I think you’ll enjoy this one. It’s always fun to see the other characters and I can’t wait to see whose book is next!

Thank you Harper360 for providing me with an eARC

I really enjoyed this series up until this book. I feel like this book was slow, but not in a slow burn so good way but more of a I’m dragging and having a hard time finishing it. I still enjoyed the characters. I love the dream, Harper town and the people that are described in it. I even really enjoyed Olive and her little interruptions and story. The book just overall did not hit in the same way the previous ones have.