Book Review: The Pumpkin Spice Café by Laurie Gilmore

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

If you’re looking for a cozy, heartwarming romance that feels like wrapping yourself in a chunky knit sweater with a pumpkin spice latte in hand, The Pumpkin Spice Café by Laurie Gilmore is exactly the book you’ll want to curl up with this fall.

The story follows Jeanie, who inherits her aunt’s café in the small town of Dream Harbor—a welcome escape from her mundane desk job. Enter Logan, the handsome but grumpy local farmer who would rather keep to himself than get caught up in the town’s endless chatter. Of course, Jeanie’s cheerful, sunshine-filled energy collides with Logan’s broody nature, and what unfolds is a classic grumpy x sunshine romance full of charm, banter, and sweet small-town vibes.

What I loved most:

The cozy atmosphere: Dream Harbor is written like the quintessential Hallmark-style small town—full of quirky locals, warm gatherings, and gossip that spreads faster than a pumpkin spice latte order in October. The romance dynamic: The tension between Jeanie’s optimism and Logan’s reluctance made for delightful chemistry. I found myself rooting for them even when Logan was being frustratingly stubborn. The feel-good factor: This book promises a happily-ever-after, and it absolutely delivers. It’s low on angst and high on comfort, which makes it perfect for readers who want a stress-free romance read.

What held it back slightly (hence the 4 stars instead of 5) was that at times the plot felt predictable, leaning heavily into familiar romance tropes. While comforting, I occasionally wished for a bit more depth or surprise in the character development. Still, predictability isn’t always a bad thing when you’re looking for a cozy escape—it’s like knowing your favorite coffee order will taste the same every time.

Final Thoughts:

The Pumpkin Spice Café is a delightful, heartwarming read brimming with autumn vibes, sweet romance, and small-town charm. If you’re a fan of grumpy x sunshine romances or want a feel-good book to match your pumpkin spice season, this one’s a must-read.