The Pumpkin Spice Café by Laurie Gilmore Review: Cozy Small-Town Romance You’ll Want to Try

If you’re looking for a cozy, feel-good romance to start your reading year, The Pumpkin Spice Café by Laurie Gilmore might be just what you need. I recently picked it up after being in a reading slump, and it was the perfect book to ease back into reading. If you are on the book side of TikTok, then you probably saw this book already and might not be sure if you should pick it up. 

Here’s my spoiler-free take on it and whether it’s worth adding to your TBR.

*This post contains affiliate links. 

Spoiler-Free Summary

So, here’s the deal with The Pumpkin Spice Café by Laurie Gilmore 🍂☕. The story follows Jeanie, who gets an unexpected opportunity when her aunt gifts her a little café in the small town of Dream Harbor. She’s ready for a fresh start, escaping her boring city job, and this café seems like the perfect way to do it.

Then there’s Logan, a local farmer who’s all about keeping his distance from the town gossip and staying under the radar. Naturally, Jeanie’s arrival shakes up his quiet life, and even though he tries to resist, he can’t help but be drawn to her sunny, upbeat personality.

The book is basically a grumpy x sunshine romance set in a cozy small town, where you get to watch Jeanie settle in, make friends, and navigate this slow-burn attraction with Logan. It’s got all the warm, comforting vibes of a Gilmore Girls-style story with some fun, romantic tension thrown in.

If you’re into small-town romances, feel-good reads, and that kind of “love-hate-turned-love” energy, this one’s right up your alley.

My Thoughts on the Book

I gave The Pumpkin Spice Café 4 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️. 

While it’s not the best book I’ve ever read, it’s enjoyable, cozy, and easy to read, exactly what I needed.

Characters and Chemistry

Both Jeanie and Logan are lovable characters, and their chemistry feels natural and easy to follow. Logan’s grumpy personality contrasts perfectly with Jeanie’s sunshine attitude, and the book does a great job showing why they clash and why they’re drawn to each other.

Sometimes the focus on Logan’s past struggles felt a little heavy, but it didn’t take away from the story. Fans of Gilmore Girls will notice a familiar dynamic reminiscent of Lorelai and Luke, especially in the small-town, grumpy x sunshine interactions.

I also really liked the secondary characters like Hazel, Annie, and Noah. They add depth to the town of Dream Harbor and make you invested in the world Laurie Gilmore has created. You can’t help but root for everyone as the story unfolds.

Writing Style and Pacing

The writing is funny, cozy, and easy to read, which is why this book was perfect for me after a reading slump. The plot is simple but engaging, and you can easily imagine yourself in Dream Harbor, sipping pumpkin spice lattes and watching the small-town romance play out.

The pacing is smooth, and the story moves along nicely without any parts that drag. It’s the kind of book you can read in one or two sittings, and you’ll be left wanting to pick up the next book in the series to learn more about other characters and their relationships.

Tropes and Small-Town Vibes

I really enjoyed the grumpy x sunshine trope here. It never felt overdone or forced; you can clearly see why Logan is reserved and why Jeanie is so upbeat.

The small-town vibe is one of the book’s biggest strengths. You see Jeanie slowly building friendships with other locals and trying to fit into Dream Harbor, even as her relationship with Logan develops. This makes the story feel warm and inviting.

The book also touches on themes of found family, community, and personal growth, making it a cozy romance that’s more than just a love story.

Emotional Connection

While it didn’t make me cry, it did make me laugh and smile. I personally related to Jeanie’s experience, having moved back to a small village after living in a big city for several years. That added an extra layer of connection for me.

This is the kind of book you read when you want to relax and enjoy a simple, heartwarming story. It doesn’t overcomplicate things or make you overthink; it’s straightforward, cozy, and just plain enjoyable.

Social Media Hype and Comparison

I first heard about this book on social media, but it wasn’t the hype that drew me in, it was the plot. I love the focus on a small-town setting, which I hadn’t read in a book before.

Comparing it to Part of Your World by Abby Jimenez, which I read before, I preferred The Pumpkin Spice Café because it’s set entirely in the small town of Dream Harbor. You get more time to immerse yourself in the town and its characters, making it feel like a cozy escape.

Who Should Read This Book?

I would recommend this book to:

• Anyone who wants a feel-good, easy-to-read romance
• Fans of small-town settings and grumpy x sunshine dynamics
• Readers looking for a light, cozy escape

If you’re expecting innovative writing or a complex, thought-provoking story, this probably isn’t the book for you. But if you need a simple, enjoyable read after a long day or a heavy book, it’s perfect. Also, there is some spice in this book. I personally just skip those parts, and in this book, it was easier to do that as there were only two chapters in which those scenes were described. 

Not every book has to be outstanding or mind-blowing; sometimes, all you need is a book you can relax with, and The Pumpkin Spice Café delivers exactly that.

Where to Get It

You can pick up The Pumpkin Spice Café on Amazon here. 

This post contains affiliate links. If you click and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I genuinely enjoy and think my readers will love.

Final Thoughts

The Pumpkin Spice Café is cozy, charming, and a perfect small-town romance. It’s not life-changing literature, but it’s exactly what it sets out to be: a fun, feel-good read with lovable characters, smooth pacing, and enough charm to keep you smiling.

If you want a book that makes you laugh, warms your heart, and is easy to pick up anytime, this is a great one to add to your TBR.

Have you read The Pumpkin Spice Café? Or is it on your reading list? I’d love to hear your thoughts!