Such a lovely addition to this cozy small town romance series. I loved the characters so much. I will absolutely be continuing with this series.

Thank you NetGalley and Harper 360 for this ARC!

I’ve read all of Laurie Gilmore’s books in this series and some have been good and others not so much. This one was just okay to me. Wasn’t bad, wasn’t good, just okay. I really liked Archer. His character is by far the best in the book. He’s a single dad trying to adjust to a new reality of having a kid and being a chef in a small town as opposed to being a chef in Paris. His character grew so much and I really enjoyed watching the relationship between him and his daughter grow.
Iris just annoyed me. I can’t put my finger on why but she was not my favorite in this book. However k did like her relationship with Olive. It was the cutest dynamic and I could read about them two alone all day.
All in all this one just didn’t hit the mark for me as much but I think others would enjoy this book.

I’ve never read a book by this author before but after a few chapters I was an immediate fan! Such a perfect read for summer!

I’ve been enjoying this series and have been waiting for Annie and Mac’s book, so I was a little miffed that we weren’t getting it yet and were getting Iris. I’ll admit I wasn’t a big fan of Iris when she was working on the Christmas tree farm.

I can now admit I was wrong to be miffed because this might be my favorite book of the series so far! It was unputdownable, and I read it in 2 days. (It would have been one but I had adulting to do.)

Getting to know Iris in this book changed my opinion of her. I thought she was sort of flaky with all the odd jobs and flitting from one to the other. Learning her background, I no longer see her as flaky but as a strong, independent woman just trying her best.

Archer and Olive gave me Carmy from The Bear vibes mixed with Catherine Zeta Jones’ from No Reservations. This intense chef who suddenly finds himself with a child, working at a small-town diner. I loved watching Archer and Olive learn how to live with each other and their bond grow.

Just be warned you are going to want to eat a lot of pancakes while reading this book. Archer is on the hunt to please the citizens of Dream Harbor, which includes late-night pancake making with Iris as the taste tester. Speaking of the citizens of Dream Harbor, I missed the book club, but Iris’ collection of senior citizens filled that hole of the quirky, gossipy group.

If I had to describe this book in three words I’d say: sweet, simple, easy to read. It’s the feel good, hallmark movie romance readers have come to know and love from Laurie Gilmore. This story follows Archer, a world renowned chef and as of recently, a single Dad. He gives up his life in Paris to raise his daughter in Dream Harbor. Iris is a free-spirit who’s fallen on hard times. When she hears that Archer is looking for a live in nanny she jumps at the opportunity. But as things begin to heat up between Iris and Archer they discover the missing ingredient to finding happiness in their lives might just be each other. I loved this! It was my first time reading the Dream Harbor series and it did not disappoint. It made me smile, laugh, and even tear up at times. This series isn’t spice heavy, but it has the perfect amount to keep things interesting and add to the plot. Gilmore’s writing style feels like reading a fairy tale and I can’t wait to check out the rest of the series!

I’ve been enjoying this series of the life and times of some of the residents of Dream Harbor, ME. Dream Harbor comes across as this quaint, little town with a bunch of eclectic and eccentric residents, who know everything about everyone, and newcomers are instantly subjected to all the quirkiness that is Dream Harbor. However, underneath the small-town veneer, are some hot and sexy residents who definitely know how to spice up their days (and nights) to keep life in Dream Harbor fun and interesting. That’s right, folks, this is no G or PG rated romance story. Enough said.

The book summary pretty much lays out the whole storyline. While I’m typically not a fan of the daddy/nanny trope, I had really liked Iris from the previous installment and was looking forward to reading her story. However, I have always liked the single mom dies and the baby daddy, who was never told about his kid, suddenly finds himself thrown into daddy mode. This trope is almost always good for some laugh of the hard-core bachelor trying to be responsible without trying to screw up to bad. Add in a kid who doesn’t talk for days and Chef Archer is absolutely primed for some help in the form of nanny Iris.

There is the secondary story of the Dream Harbor residents telling Chef Archer that they don’t like his version of pancakes. A renowned chef from a Michelin star restaurant in France does not take this well and spend the entire story testing out different pancake recipes, usually late at night and usually with Iris in attendance. Baking late at night, just the two of them? What could possibly happen? LMAO!!!

The character development for Iris, Archer and Olive was good. The pacing was steady, and the storyline was pretty much in line with the rest of the series, instalove, and some pretty spicy love scenes. The writing was also pretty much in line with the rest of the series (#3 is still my fave). I’m looking at an overall rating of 3.4 that I will be rounding down to a 3star review. I want to thank NetGalley, Harper 360 for sending me this eARC in exchange for my honest review.

#NetGalley #Harper360 #TheStrawberryPatchPancakeHouse

My first read by this author. I found it to be a fun cozy romance. When Archer, a renowned chef, finds out he has a daughter, he hurries to her when tragedy strikes. Moving to a small town was not on the radar but the needs of his daughter come first. Iris has a hard time keeping a job When it is suggested that Archer may need a nanny, Iris decides for her sake to take on the job. Will these two find that life isn't always as we plan? Even the little bumps can bring so much change? I love how this gives a small town feel with quirky characters and all. I look forward to reading more from this author. I received a copy through Netgalley. A review was not required.

As a world-renowned chef, single dad Archer never planned on moving to a small town, let alone running a pancake restaurant. But Dream Harbor needs a new chef, and Archer needs a community to help raise his daughter, Olive.

Iris has never managed to hold down a job for more than a few months. So when it’s suggested that Archer is looking for a live-in nanny, she almost runs in the opposite direction. Now, Iris finds herself in a whole new world. One where her gorgeous new boss lives right across the hall and likes to cook topless… Keeping everything strictly professional should be easy, right?

Wonderful squishy cozy hug wrapped up in a cute little book cover! Laurie Gilmore does it again, and this one is better than ever! When you're in the mood for something cozy, pick this one up and it will give you the feels and make you happy! 4⭐

I received an advanced complimentary digital copy of this book from Netgalley. Opinions expressed are my own.

Just finished reading an advanced copy of a book that is about to be released on March 18th called, The Strawberry Patch Pancake House. This is the fourth book in the Dream Harbor series, I'm going to be so sad whenever this series is over because I just love these stories soo much! This is about a woman who doesn't do things like long term jobs or relationships, she enjoys things casual and fun. But when a new guy moves into town because he now has custody of a 5 year old daughter he didn't know existed, and he's looking for a live-in nanny right when she's about to be evicted from her apartment... She couldn't say no to the job/housing opportunity, but she doesn't know what she's getting herself into by moving in with them. And he doesn't know what he's getting himself into either, he was a chef in France working towards a Michelin star one minute and the next he's in this small town with a new daughter who won't talk to him, a new job at the local diner where everyone is requesting some specific pancake recipe he doesn't know and can't figure out, and on top of all that he's attracted to the new nanny he just hired to take care of his daughter and live with them. Wow, this was such a fun story! It had me in my feels, I absolutely loveddd every minute of this one and I cannot wait for the next book! 🩷📚

Thank you to the author and to the publisher for this ARC of The Strawberry Patch Pancake House, in exchange for an honest review.

This cozy romance is as warm and comforting as a stack of fresh pancakes on a spring morning. The small-town charm, found family dynamic, and slow-burning romance make for an incredibly heartwarming read. The chemistry between Archer and Iris is undeniable, and their journey from reluctant housemates to something more is filled with tender moments, humor, and just the right amount of tension. The setting of Dream Harbor adds to the charm, making it easy to get lost in the story and fall in love with the town and its characters.
The balance of romance and emotional depth is beautifully handled, making the connection between the characters feel natural and meaningful. There’s a delightful mix of lighthearted moments and genuine emotion, creating a read that feels both uplifting and satisfying. Perfect for those who love small-town romances with a touch of sweetness, a little spice, and a whole lot of heart.

Ugh, Gilmore does it again!

Ok, lots of thoughts on this one, so let’s go. First, I know we’re all disappointed this isn’t Annie & Mac’s book, but it’s coming (teehee), so I’ll forgive her for that one!

This book started a touch slow for me - we met Iris in Christmas Tree Farm, and loved her. It was great to get to know her better, although I did find her insecurity and flightiness a little annoying. It *did* set it up well for Archer to help break those insecurities down. Cute.

Gilmore did a great job of making Archer’s insecurities and lack of confidence as a father (initially) clear. He and Iris complement one another extremely well and their parallel growth paths worked for me.

Once we hit our stride, I sat down and finished the majority of the book in a single sitting. It’s cute, it’s small-town, it’s Dream Harbor.

My biggest struggle was the introduction of new characters, making it seem distant from The Pumpkin Spice Cafe. However! However, Laurie Gilmore does a great job incorporating our favorite, familiar characters into these stories, keeping Dream Harbor together, but growing.

There is a storyline in this book that some people be thrilled about, but I don’t want to spoil anything. Please finish the book and then read the author’s acknowledgment’s at the back. She talks about the difficulty of that storyline, and has a really great outlook. Trying to be cryptic, but just trust me!

I continue to love this story and this world! BRING ON BOOK 5!

Once again I’m blown away. I don’t think I’ve ever given Laurie Gilmore less than 4 stars. I love everything about this series. The characters, the story, the spice. I love it all. 10/10

Thank you NetGalley and Harper360 for the e-ARC of “The Strawberry Patch Pancake House” by Laurie Gilmore.

This was by far my favorite book of the Dream Harbor series so far!
Maybe I am just a sucker for single dad tropes, but this book had me hooked. The tension, the unexpected surprise, and little Olive… it was the sweetest little romance book. I love Iris and Archer together, even if it was a slow burn relationship.

I give this book 5 stars!

Book #4 in the Dream Harbor series. This series is set in the small town atmosphere of Dream Harbor, with each book featuring a different business and group of citizens. Each contains a touch of romance mixed in with the small town drama that keeps readers coming back for more. It's pretty obvious that this town and it's characters are well known by author Laurie Gilmore, she's brought them to life as she shares them with us.

**Book Review: *The Strawberry Patch Pancake House* by Laurie Gilmore** 🍓🥞💖

If you’re in the mood for a cozy, feel-good romance that serves up **small-town charm, sizzling chemistry, and all the heartwarming vibes**, *The Strawberry Patch Pancake House* is the perfect read. Laurie Gilmore takes us back to **Dream Harbor**, where love, second chances, and delicious pancakes are always on the menu.

**The Story:** Archer, a **world-renowned chef turned small-town pancake house owner**, isn’t exactly living his dream—but he’s doing what’s best for his daughter, Olive. Enter Iris, a **free-spirited nanny** who’s just trying to find her way in life. When she moves in to help take care of Olive, sparks fly between her and Archer. **Forced proximity? Check. Slow-burn romance? Double check.** As they navigate their undeniable attraction, the tight-knit Dream Harbor community and the challenges of single parenthood add even more layers to their story.

**Why You’ll Love It:**

✨ **Single dad/nanny trope done right**—the tension, the tenderness, the *will-they-won’t-they* moments? *Chef’s kiss.*
✨ **Small-town vibes that feel like a warm hug**—nosy but lovable neighbors, community traditions, and the kind of place you *wish* you could move to.
✨ **Emotional depth + swoon-worthy romance**—it’s not just about love; it’s about **finding yourself, healing, and creating a home.**
✨ **Pancakes. Lots and lots of pancakes.** (Warning: This book *will* make you hungry.)

With *The Strawberry Patch Pancake House*, **Laurie Gilmore delivers the ultimate cozy romance that’s as sweet and satisfying as a fresh stack of pancakes.** Whether you’re a longtime Dream Harbor fan or new to the series, this book will leave you smiling (and probably craving breakfast food). **Highly recommend!** 🥞💖

Sadly, this one was a dud for me. I liked the couple well enough, but the premise was not to my taste. It also had my #1 least favorite trope, which ruined the whole thing.

I loved the story, the world building and meeting the different characters. I felt completely immersed in the story and couldn't stop reading it.

This was a cute 4th installment in the Dream Harbor series. I quite liked Olive, the 5 year old, and I was content with the single dad / nanny trope. It was nothing new, but relatively enjoyable all the same.

What I'm tired of though, and this was even a point of discussion in the book between characters, is that said nanny always needs to get pregnant. Why can't a woman find happiness with her found, adopted family? Why do the nannies always need to get pregnant themselves? I was especially bothered because the first pregnancy was a result of a one night stand. Get it together, Archer. Condoms are your friend sometimes.

Thank you to Netgalley and Harper 360 for eArc. All thoughts ans opinions are my own.

10 stars ✨ I loved this one so much. Small town vibes. A pancake festival! A small diner! Single dad and nanny. The little girl was so adorable and precious. I enjoyed the banter between the MC’s and the cute dialogue with Olive. Such a cute book!!!

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC of this book. This is such a cozy and romantic book. This book follows Iris as she becomes the live-in nanny to the hot new chief/ new single dad. This series is very cozy, and a great pleasant, quick read.