The Pumpkin Spice Cafe by Laurie Gilmore
Today we’re going to be talking about another book that is popular with the booktok crowd. That’s right! In today’s blog post I’m sharing my The Pumpkin Spice Cafe book review.
This fall themed romance takes place in a small-town setting and is perfect for fans of Gilmore Girls. The chemistry between Dream Harbor’s cafe owner and local farmer is total Luke and Lorelei vibes. Plus there are so many other fun small town elements, like humorous side characters and town meetings. You’ll want to visit Dream Harbor and never leave
Luckily, once you read this book there are others in the series the check out next. So keep reading for my full The Pumpkin Spice Cafe book review.
And if you enjoy today’s review, check out my other romance reviews here.
What is The Pumpkin Spice Cafe About?
When Jeanie’s aunt gifts her the beloved Pumpkin Spice Café in the small town of Dream Harbor, Jeanie jumps at the chance for a fresh start away from her very dull desk job.
Logan is a local farmer who avoids Dream Harbor’s gossip at all costs. But Jeanie’s arrival disrupts Logan’s routine and he wants nothing to do with the irritatingly upbeat new girl, except that he finds himself inexplicably drawn to her.
Will Jeanie’s happy-go-lucky attitude win over the grumpy-but-gorgeous Logan, or has this city girl found the one person in town who won’t fall for her charm, or her pumpkin spice lattes…
Who is Laurie Gilmore?
Laurie Gilmore is a small town romance author known for her Dream Harbor series. You’ll want to start with book 1 which is about Jeanie and Logan, The Pumpkin Spice Cafe. Then move on to the rest of the books in order.
What Order to Read Laurie Gilmore Books?
If you’re interested in reading this series, here are the Dream Harbor books in order.
- The Pumpkin Spice Cafe
- The Cinnamon Bun Bookstore
- The Christmas Tree Farm
- The Strawberry Patch Pancake House (coming soon)
- The Gingerbread Bakery (coming soon)
My Initial Thoughts
I first starting listening to this audiobook because of how popular it is! I felt like all of my friends on booktube and substack were reading it and I wanted to know what the big deal was. Plus, I love a small-town romance novel. But I did have some misgivings.
I think it’s because the audiobook narrator’s voice just doesn’t match the character. In my head, Jeanie is a young thirty something trying to start a new life at her aunt’s cafe in dream harbor. And I hope this doesn’t sound ageist but the narrator’s voice just seemed too old for the character. Some of the earlier events in the story (like ghost hunting) and the older narrator’s voice just made Jeanie seem to kooky. I wasn’t sure if she was a character I could really enjoy or not.
I wound up Really Liking Jeanie
I wound up setting the book aside for a couple of weeks and then coming back to it. The small town reminded me so much of Stars Hollow and I love a grumpy x sunshine trope. And I’m glad I decided to come back to it. The autumn vibes made it the perfect love story to listen to this fall. Jeanie is a main character that I could really root for because she was kind of everyone really tried hard to fit in with the town.
I wasn’t sure about her and Logan at first, and not just because of their exciting for meeting. Lol. They just seemed too different! But it was so sweet how he warmed up to her and was willing to help her with whatever she needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Pumpkin Spice Cafe Book Spicy?
Yes! Don’t be deceived by the cover. This small-town romance definitely has some spice in it. During this book Jeanie and Logan spend a lot of time, circling each other. And when they finally make things work it is fireworks!
Is the Pumpkin Spice Cafe about Gilmore Girls?
No, but it’s perfect for fans of Gilmore Girls! Dream Harbor is very similar to Stars Hollow in that it is home to quirky townsfolk who love a good small town festival. This light-hearted read is about romance and found family and and is the perfect balance of sweetness and spice.
How Long Does it Take to Read The Pumpkin Spice Cafe?
It depends! I think most readers will finish it in a few days depending on how much time they have to read. It’s a lighthearted read that will suck you in. You’ll be dying to find out how Logan and Jeannie work things out in the end.
Can a 13 year old read the pumpkin spice cafe?
No. This book is definitely too mature for a 13 year old, in my opinion. There is a lot of sexual tension and adult scenes. This is a romance novel, after all.
Is the pumpkin spice cafe a slow burn?
Yes, When Jeanie and Logan meet, it’s not on the best of terms. She almost attacks him! But most contemporary romance books have a problem that the characters must overcome. Haha. They aren’t sure of each other although the chemistry is definitely there. And it simmers for a majority of this story until they just can’t take it any longer.
How steamy is the pumpkin spice cafe?
Pretty steamy! This is a slow burn romance between two people who aren’t sure if they are ready to try again at love. Jeanie is new to town and running her aunt’s café. She has a lot on her plate! Meanwhile, Logan is getting over a proposal gone wrong. They can only deny each other for so long. And when they finally give in it gets quite steamy. Most of these scenes are at the end of the book.
Is The Pumpkin Spice Cafe a Series?
Yes, The Pumpkin Spice Cafe is the first book in the Dream Harbor series. If you’re interested in reading this series, here are the Dream Harbor books in order.
- The Pumpkin Spice Cafe
- The Cinnamon Bun Bookstore
- The Christmas Tree Farm
- The Strawberry Patch Pancake House (coming soon)
- The Gingerbread Bakery (coming soon)
Thank you for Reading!
I hope you enjoyed today’s The Pumpkin Spice Cafe book review. It took me a while to get into it, but I wound up really enjoying this romance novel with fall vibes. With the Gilmore Girl vibes and the heartwarming story, this quick read is definitely one to check out. I know I’ll be checking out the rest of the series for sure!
