When fall hits, everything has this warm, nostalgic and cozy vibe that makes everything feel better. “The Pumpkin Spice Café” by Laurie Gilmore hits all the points, which is why this is my fall book of the year.
This romance is set in a charming small town called “Dream Harbor.” Dream Harbor makes it feel like you’re stepping into a fall Pinterest board. The “Pumpkin Spice Cafe” is a small cafe that screams fall. Its setting is so toasty and makes you feel the vibe that Gilmore was going for.
What made this book stand out was how comforting it is. The plot did not have wild chaos or jaw-dropping moments, because it did not need it. Instead, it leans towards soft romance, a nice community and well-developed characters with great dynamics. It is a story that makes you appreciate all the small things in life.
Gilmore accomplished something particularly hard when it comes to writing books. She made the setting feel so comforting and real that it feels like you’re living in it. The romance feels genuine instead of rushed. It has a feel-good vibe to it that makes you want to soak in every sentence, making it the perfect fall read.
So yes, “The Pumpkin Spice Cafe” was my fall book of 2025. It’s warm, sweet and the exact vibe that autumn deserves. I recommend this book to anyone looking for a quick and cute read.
