Rating: ★★★★★
Genre: Contemporary Romance / Cosy Mystery
Available On: Amazon
You will notice from the image I’ve chosen to share of The Pumpkin Spice Café by Laurie Gilmore that I own not one, but two copies of this little book. There is a very good reason for that (at least, as far as my rationalisation for the amount spent on books is concerned!) and that is this: I really really loved it when it came out last year in paperback. So when they released a hardback special edition in tandem with the launch of the second book in the series (the equally adorably titled The Cinnamon Bun Bookstore) I just had to have it.
As usual, Bookstagram made me buy a book (because I’m weak willed and easily swayed by a pretty cover, particularly if that cover is autumnal). But it quite surpassed itself this time by making me buy said book twice.
I don’t think that’s happened before.
I’d love to say I hope it doesn’t become a regular occurrence, but the realist in me is all too aware that would be a false hope.
Aside from anything else I just bought the paperback of book two and they’re bound to release a special edition of it to match this first one.
But anyway, enough babbling (although the foil leaves and sprayed edges really are worthy of a good babble!). Why exactly did I love this book so much?
The Pumpkin Spice Café Summary
Laurie Gilmore’s novel, The Pumpkin Spice Café, is set in the charming small town of Dream Harbor, as Jeanie is unexpectedly bequeathed the beloved local café by her late aunt. Seizing the opportunity for a fresh start, she leaves her tedious desk job behind. Upon her arrival, Jeanie’s exuberance and innovative plans for the café quickly endear her to the town’s residents, bringing a fresh zest to the sleepy community.
Meanwhile, Logan, a local farmer known for his solitary lifestyle and reticence towards town gossip, finds his routine disrupted by Jeanie’s spirited presence. Despite his initial annoyance with the cheerful newcomer, Logan is inexplicably drawn to her. The novel explores their evolving relationship, embodying a classic ‘grumpy x sunshine’ trope amidst a backdrop of cosy, autumnal settings.
The narrative is packed with whimsy, like the fact Logan’s farm animals are named after pop stars, adding a touch of humour and eccentricity to the story. As the plot unfolds, Jeanie and Logan navigate misunderstandings and the challenges of small-town life, gradually coming closer through shared experiences and mutual support.
As Jeanie settles into her new life managing the Pumpkin Spice Café, mysterious happenings begin to stir beneath the surface of Dream Harbor’s idyllic charm. Early into her tenure, Jeanie is rattled by unsettling noises and minor disturbances around the café. Initially dismissing them as quirks of the old building, the persistence of these disruptions compels her to seek help. Logan, initially reluctant to engage, finds himself drawn into the investigation, driven by a protective streak and a growing concern for Jeanie’s safety. Together, they delve into a light-hearted investigation, uncovering clues that hint at past secrets entwined with the café’s history. This subplot not only spices up the narrative with intrigue but also serves as a catalyst for Jeanie and Logan’s deepening relationship, as they navigate the challenges of trust and teamwork. With a definite Gilmore Girls vibe going on (so much so the author chose the pen name Laurie Gilmore!), there’s really a lot to love about this novel.
There’s also a fair bit of literal spice in the novel as things heat up between Jeanie and Logan, though this is well done, allowing for natural development of their relationship and avoiding any kind of insta love situation. Although, I have seen a few people billing it as an ‘insta love’ novel on Booktok, which surprised me as it wasn’t the vibe I got at all.
The Pumpkin Spice Café combines romance, a sense of community, and the transformative power of embracing new beginnings, all wrapped up with a dash of cosy mystery and a guaranteed happily-ever-after. In other words, it’s everything I love in a book.
What Romance Tropes Are In The Pumpkin Spice Café
The Pumpkin Spice Café takes advantage of several classic romance tropes, making it a very comforting read in a lot of ways as you know what to expect, but it’s delivered in a fun and enjoyable way. The main tropes in the book include:
Grumpy x Sunshine
This trope involves a relationship dynamic where a more cynical or reserved character (Logan) is paired with a cheerful, optimistic one (Jeanie). This contrast often leads to charming and humorous interactions as the characters influence each other’s outlooks on life.
Small Town Setting
The story is set in a quaint, close-knit community, which is a common backdrop in romance novels that lends itself to a cosy, intimate feel. This setting often facilitates a deeper connection between characters and the community, adding layers to the romance and character development.
Found Family
Throughout the book, characters find a sense of family not through blood relations but through close-knit community ties and friendships. This theme is particularly resonant in romance, emphasising support, acceptance, and love among chosen family.
Mystery Subplot
While not a romance trope per se, the inclusion of a mystery subplot adds intrigue and an additional layer of interaction between the romantic leads, deepening their connection as they work together to solve it.
What Genre Is The Novel?
The Pumpkin Spice Café is a romance novel, but also a cosy mystery. You could easily classify it as either, and I’d guess which you chose would depend on which element you prefer. Personally, I felt the mystery side of things took a backseat to the romance, yet the romance wouldn’t have developed without the mystery, so they’re very well enmeshed.. The book features a mix of cosy romance and romantic mystery, set in a small-town environment. The setting and themes align closely with cosy and charming elements typical of feel-good romance novels, while the mystery sub-plot brings just enough extra interest to the plot and sets the character up for regular encounters to fuel their romance.
How Spicy Is The Pumpkin Spice Café
As the title suggests there is definitely an element of spice in this book, and it’s not all coming from the lattes! The novel has more steamy content than you might expect from what appears to be a purely Hallmark-style romance at first blush. Things get particularly spicy towards the end of the book, for while it starts off with a cosy, small-town romance vibe, it includes a string of steamy scenes that develop as the relationship between Jeanie and Logan progresses.
