Ratings53
Average rating3.3
“The Pumpkin Spice Cafe” serves up small-town charm with a side of pumpkin-spiced chaos. Our leading lady (who's as lively as a stale baguette) takes over her aunt's cafe and promptly gets haunted by cats, ghosts, and possibly an annoyed barista. Enter the “grumpy” farmer, who's really just a soft-hearted soul with enough abandonment issues to fill his pumpkin patch. He also has animals named after pop stars to keep him company. With 25 mentions of “flannel,” this book delivers on Hallmark vibes but is very close to a parody.
The cat was cute tho
Cute, hallmark type, small-town story about a woman who's lost, taking over her aunt's cafe, getting involved with the nosy but caring townspeople, and falling for the hunky farmer. Great cozy read when you need a pallet cleanser but not a lot of substance if thats something you're looking for.
4 stars
I've never craved a cider donut more!!!! This book was so cute; the fall festival, allllllll the fall coffee, pumpkins, goats, silkie chickens, and farmers market.
Jeanie, sweet workaholic starting a fresh start, meets the local grumpy farmer Logan. Small Town Romance, found Family, and sunshine/grumpy man.
I would just like to warn people going into this that it's a cozy mystery, it's not.
This book is a small-town contemporary romance. If you like more drama and tension in your books, this one is not for you. If you are here for the fall vibes though, this book delivers it. Loved the grumpy-sunshine trope, but I did find it weird how they started saying how they started loving the other person the moment they met them by the 70% mark. It was definitely a bit on the insta-love side, but considering the length of this book it was expected.
Fun romcom book, not the best-written one I've read in terms of plot and character depth, but it was a cute, relaxing read.
I would like to thank HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This is a sweet read about a girl that moves into a small town to manage her grandmother's caffe, and ends up falling for a guy who is the town's sweetheart..
The story is told through third person narration on dual POV, which I wasn't particularly fan.
I found the romance to be underdeveloped as we don't see them falling for each other at all. The “get to know” and longing are my favorite parts of romances and this one left me disappointed.
The story would have benefit from more interactions between Jeanie and Logan. Still, I might read the remaining characters stories.
Recommended for contemporary romance readers who enjoy:
- Small town setting
- Dual POV
- Insta love
- Found family
- Spice
- Third person narration
I gave this 4☆ I enjoyed it and the cozy vibes! I loved how even though this was a romance book the romance wasn't the main focus of the story. It was about her finding a place to call home and fit in the community so I see the Gilmore Girls vibes.
okay so this rating is really hard for me because i LOVED the vibes and the town and the fall atmosphere. i didn't even mind the mc but there was no plot really and i hated the romance.
Book Review: The Pumpkin Spice Café by Laurie Gilmore
4 out of 5 stars
If you're looking for a heartwarming and delightful romance novel to curl up with this holiday season, look no further than “The Pumpkin Spice Café” by Laurie Gilmore. This charming tale follows the story of Jeanie, a young woman seeking a fresh start, and Logan, a local farmer with a grumpy exterior. Set in the picturesque town of Dream Harbor, this book is sure to capture your heart and leave you with a warm and fuzzy feeling.
Jeanie's life takes an unexpected turn when her aunt gifts her the beloved Pumpkin Spice Café, giving her the chance to escape her monotonous desk job. Eager for a fresh start, Jeanie embraces her new role as a café owner and immerses herself in the small-town charm of Dream Harbor. However, her arrival disrupts Logan's routine, and he initially wants nothing to do with the cheerful and optimistic Jeanie. Yet, despite his resistance, Logan finds himself inexplicably drawn to her.
The author, Laurie Gilmore, skillfully weaves together a delightful story full of love, friendship, and personal growth. The writing is engaging and flows effortlessly, making it easy to get lost in the pages of this book. Gilmore's ability to create vivid descriptions of Dream Harbor brings the setting to life, allowing readers to feel like they are right there alongside the characters.
One of the highlights of “The Pumpkin Spice Café” is the likable and relatable characters. Jeanie's happy-go-lucky attitude is infectious, and readers will find themselves rooting for her throughout the story. Logan's grumpy demeanor provides an interesting contrast, and witnessing his transformation is both heartwarming and satisfying. The chemistry between Jeanie and Logan is palpable, and their relationship develops in a natural and believable way.
As someone who typically avoids romance novels, I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed “The Pumpkin Spice Café.” There is just something irresistible about holiday-themed romances that draws me in, and this book did not disappoint. From the adorable cover that perfectly captures the essence of the story to the captivating writing and lovable characters, I was hooked from beginning to end.
Overall, “The Pumpkin Spice Café” is a delightful and charming romance novel that will warm your heart and leave you with a smile. Laurie Gilmore's writing is engaging, the setting is enchanting, and the characters are endearing. Whether you're a fan of romance novels or not, this book is worth picking up for a cozy read during the holiday season. So grab a pumpkin spice latte, curl up in your favorite blanket, and let Jeanie and Logan's heartwarming journey sweep you away. You won't be disappointed.
Note: This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary.