Book Review: The Pumpkin Spice Café (Dream Harbor #1) by Laurie Gilmore
⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3.36 stars)
The Pumpkin Spice Café by Laurie Gilmore arrives on a wave of cozy fall vibes and major social media buzz, promising readers a charming small-town romance set in the idyllic Dream Harbor. The cover and concept—complete with crisp leaves, baked goods, and the allure of new beginnings—drew in fans of seasonal reads in droves. Unfortunately, for many readers, including myself, the story didn’t quite live up to the hype.
The novel follows a city transplant who finds herself working at a quaint café in Dream Harbor, where she quickly crosses paths with a rugged local. Their connection is immediate and intensely physical, but not in a way that feels organic. The instant sexual tension between the two main characters skips over emotional buildup and development, making the relationship feel forced rather than swoon-worthy.
While the setting is undeniably cozy and the premise has great potential, the characters themselves come across as one-dimensional. There’s not much depth or growth, and the interactions often feel more scripted than sincere. As a result, it’s difficult to become truly invested in their journey.
In the end, The Pumpkin Spice Café delivers light, seasonal escapism but falls short of being memorable. It’s a quick, easy read for fall romance fans, but those expecting a deeper story or more nuanced characters might walk away a little disappointed, especially if they were lured in by all the TikTok and Instagram excitement.
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