Pumpkin Spice Cafe and Apple Almond Tarts
“All things sizzling and nice start with pumpkin spice.” Now that sounds like a great line for a spicy novel such as it is Laurie Gilmore’s “Pumpkin Spice Café.” If you are looking for something both hot and sweet, then this small-town romance about a grumpy but gorgeous farmer and a high-strung reluctant café inheritress is a good read. After her aunt retires, she gives her café to her niece Jeannie who is looking for a change. Soon she meets local agriculturalist Logan, who is only looking to be left alone. This book is the first of a series called, “The Dream Harbour Series.” Is this the start of something spicy? Let’s find out together.
A book set in the fall season but is good in all seasons
The Story
It all begins with Jeannie who witnessed a tragedy in her office and taking a long look at her life she does not want to follow suit (let alone wear one anymore). After realizing that she wants something different, she inherits her free-spirited Aunty Dot’s café after she decides to retire. Although a little scared at first, Jeannie jumps in and gets to work. Unfortunately, she does not know how to run a small business and everything starts to go wrong. Appliances are breaking down, strange noises in the middle of the night are keeping her up, and above all, her café may be haunted. But by what?
In walks the hunky farmer Logan who has no intention of making friends but finds himself drawn in by this energetic and vibrant new woman in town. She needs help fixing things, she is scared of everything, and above all is the talk of the town. Gossip is something he wants to avoid at all costs after his very public break-up that has left him a little traumatized. But here he is; on stakeouts, he’s helping out at the café, and volunteering at the local farmer’s market all just to see her. Can the two of them let go of their troubles and move forward together?
My Review
This book did two things to me. It made me crave pumpkin lattes and have my heart racing like a horny jack rabbit. The book has quite a few sexy scenes to inspire romance in a person’s life. It all starts with a kiss, then a make out session in a car, and then some steamy sex scenes that anyone would feel a blush coming on.
However, that was not just what the book was about. What I saw was two people coming together when some odd troubles were brewing to help each other out. Logan wanted to help Jeannie get settled and feel safe in Dream Harbour while Jeannie wanted to pull Logan out of his comfort zone without pushing him too far (or at all for that matter). Everything they did, they did by their own admission and choices. Neither one of them had to help the other, they just wanted to because they were good, decent people.
The story was believable in a sense that two people meet, and without really meaning to, fell in love. Sure, it is the typical opposites-attract motif but that is what makes these two characters so compatible. Jeannie is bubbly and out-going while Logan is reclusive and a little irritable but when the two of them see that deep down, they align well with each other some amazing things happen between them. Both characters have tremendous chemistry despite some real troubles that they were going through but, in the end, they managed to help each other. That is always so touching to read.
I loved that the author put in some descriptions of the food in her book. I had to say that it stirred many cravings for all these delicious autumn delicacies. However, I think I would have loved to have a little more of a sensory description of them. We got what the pumpkin spice lattes, and apple donuts look like but nothing about how they smelled or tasted. I was kind of hoping for more story there.
I also felt that the mystery in the novel was wrapped up a little too quickly and easily. I won’t go into details about it but I thought that there could have been a little more to it than what was given. We got a good explanation for everything but to get to that point, you would think it would require more investigating, interviewing, and research. It just seemed a little too neat if not obvious.
Top-notch tasty treats
The Pairings
Yes, I know that this is obvious but you cannot read this book without having a pumpkin spice latte of some kind. In my case, it is a pumpkin spiced chai that is to die for. It keeps me warm from that terrible cold wind that keeps creeping in anywhere there is a open door close by. The spices really work their magic while the sweetness of its syrup mix so beautiful with the creamy whole milk that the hot chai brings it all together. Talk about beating the cold.
As apples are prominent in this book, I had an almond apple tart to go with this drink. Oh yes, there is a strong honeyed taste but with the help of the earthy almond, you get a perfect balance in each bite. It also turned out to be quite hardy so when it was as cold as it was outside, I did not fear going back out in it. In fact, I faced it while walking back to my bus stop and going home feeling above satisfied.
The Rating/Final Thoughts
7/10
Wonderful book! I look forward to reading more from Laurie Gilmore including her sequel to this one which is called, “Cinnamon Bun Bookstore.” So, look for that one coming soon. The characters were as enjoyable as they were authentic, the story (although typical) made you feel all warm and fuzzy inside. It’s only downfall was that it needs to be a little more sensory and thought put into a mystery. Never-the-less, I will enjoy the hot bevvie that I am craving and l look forward to what’s next. Cheers!
