If you love small-town romance, then Laurie Gilmore should be at the top of your reading list. Writing under this charming pen name, writer Melissa McTernan brings to life the Dream Harbour series—a heartwarming, Gilmore Girls-esque escape filled with cosy settings, quirky townsfolk, and irresistible love stories.
Whether you’re craving comfort, laughter, or a little swoon-worthy romance, these books have it all. Here’s the perfect guide to reading Laurie Gilmore books in order.
Fall in love with the brand new spring romance set in Dream Harbor, from the bestselling author of The Pumpkin Spice Cafe and The Cinnamon Bun Book Store As a world-renowned chef, single dad Archer never planned on moving to a small town, let alone running a pancake restaurant. But Dream Harbor needs a new chef, and Archer needs a community to help raise his daughter, Olive. Iris has never managed to hold down a job for more than a few months. So when it’s suggested that Archer is looking for a live-in nanny, she almost runs in the opposite direction. Now, Iris finds herself in a whole new world. One where her gorgeous new boss lives right across the hall and likes to cook topless… Keeping everything strictly professional should be easy, right? The Strawberry Patch Pancake House is a cozy romantic mystery with a single dad and found family dynamic, a small-town setting and a HEA guaranteed! Product Information: • ISBN: 9780008713348 • Author: Laurie Gilmore • Publisher: Harper Collins Publishers • Format: Paperback • Pages: 384 • Dimensions: 19.8 x 12.9 x 2.8 cm
When Jeanie’s aunt gifts her the beloved Pumpkin Spice Café in the small town of Dream Harbor, Jeanie jumps at the chance for a fresh start away from her very dull desk job. Logan is a local farmer who avoids Dream Harbor’s gossip at all costs. But Jeanie’s arrival disrupts Logan’s routine and he wants nothing to do with the irritatingly upbeat new girl, except that he finds himself inexplicably drawn to her. Will Jeanie’s happy-go-lucky attitude win over the grumpy-but-gorgeous Logan, or has this city girl found the one person in town who won’t fall for her charm, or her pumpkin spice lattes… Product Information: • ISBN: 9780008610678 • Author: Laurie Gilmore • Publisher: One More Chapter • Format: Paperback • Pages: 374 • Dimensions: 12.9 x 2.6 x 19.8 cm
From the author of the viral TikTok phenomenon, The Pumpkin Spice Cafe, comes a brand new spicy romance! When a secret message turns up hidden in a book in the Cinnamon Bun Bookstore, Hazel can't understand it. As more secret codes appear between the pages, she decides to follow the trail of clues… she just need someone to help her out. Gorgeous and outgoing fisherman, Noah, is always up for an adventure. And a scavenger hunt sounds like a lot of fun. Even better that the cute bookseller he's been crushing on for months is the one who wants his help! Hazel didn’t go looking for romance, but as the treasure hunt leads her and Noah around Dream Harbor, their undeniable chemistry might be just as hot as the fresh-out-of-the-oven cinnamon buns the bookstore sells… The Cinnamon Bun Book Store is a cozy romantic mystery with a HEA guaranteed! Tropes: • opposites attract • small town • forced proximity • he falls first Book 2 in the Dream Harbor series. Product Information: • ISBN: 9780008641580 • Author: Laurie Gilmore • Publisher: Harper Collins Publishers • Format: Paperback • Pages: 378 • Dimensions: 19.8 x 12.9 x 3cm
Laurie Gilmore's Dream Harbor books are interconnected but can be read as standalones. Each book follows a different couple, so you won't be lost if you jump in at any point. But if you love small-town romance and want all the background details on recurring characters, reading them in order can make the experience even more fun.
Dream Harbor #1
Why we love it:
- A super easy read to get you out of a reading slump.
- The perfect seasonal vibes for a cosy autumn read.
The Pumpkin Spice Cafe is a cosy, charming haven where the warmth of fall is captured in every chapter. This heartwarming and enchanting novel is set in a small, quaint town where the beloved Pumpkin Spice Cafe becomes the backdrop for new beginnings, unexpected love, and personal growth. We follow Jeanie, a determined woman, who moves to Dream Harbor to revitalise her Aunt’s cafe and get away from her very dull desk job. Logan, the local farmer, hates town gossip and wants nothing to do with the annoyingly cheerful new girl, but finds himself drawn to her. Filled with charming characters, deliciously cosy moments, and a touch of romance, this feel-good book is perfect for readers looking for a comforting, seasonal escape that blends nostalgia with fresh opportunities.
Tropes:
- Grumpy x sunshine
- Small town
- Found family
- Spice
Dream Harbor #2
Why we love it:
- The cosy town setting where we meet new, fun characters.
- Sparks flying. Tension. Friends to lovers. Need we say more?
We return to the picturesque town of Dream Harbor in The Cinnamon Bun Bookstore where books, baked goods, and love intertwine. When book-loving Hazel finds a secret message and codes pop up in between the pages of the books, she decides to follow the clues and enlists a friend to help—Noah, the gorgeous and adventurous fisherman who’s secretly crushing on her. Hazel isn’t looking for romance, but as the excitement of the scavenger hunt leads them through the town, their undeniable chemistry starts to sizzle. With small-town charm, witty banter, a heap of spice, and the magic of unexpected love, The Cinnamon Bun Bookstore is the perfect escape for anyone who loves a feel-good romance wrapped in the warmth of a beloved bookshop.
PSA: Don’t be fooled by the cover, this is a summer romance that leads into autumn.
Tropes:
- Opposites attract
- Small town
- Forced proximity
- He falls first
- Spice
Dream Harbor #3
Why we love it:
- It has cosy, Hallmark-worthy vibes, complete with twinkling lights, snowy kisses, and all the holiday feels.
- From tree farm shenanigans to a love story sweeter than a cup of hot cocoa, this book delivers heart-melting moments with a side of holiday cheer.
The Christmas Tree Farm is a sizzling grumpy x sunshine holiday rom-com that delivers festive charm and undeniable chemistry. Kira North despises Christmas—so buying a rundown tree farm in an impossibly cheerful town might not have been her best idea. Struggling to get the farm ready, she crosses paths with Bennett Ellis, a handsome Californian on a break from his dating disasters. Ben has no intention of helping the stubborn, sharp-tongued owner—until fate keeps throwing them together. As sparks fly (and axes swing), their reluctant partnership turns into something far more heated than a winter fire. Perfect for fans of Gilmore Girls and steamy holiday romance, The Christmas Tree Farm guarantees heartwarming moments, laugh-out-loud encounters, and a happily-ever-after wrapped in Christmas magic.
Tropes:
- Grumpy x sunshine
- Small town
- Forced proximity
- One bed
- Spice
Dream Harbor #4
The Strawberry Patch Pancake House is a spring romance novel by Laurie Gilmore, set in the charming town of Dream Harbor. The story follows renowned chef and single father Archer, who relocates to this quaint community to run a pancake restaurant and find a supportive environment for his daughter, Olive. In need of assistance, Archer hires Iris, a free-spirited woman known for her short-lived jobs, as Olive's nanny. As they navigate their new roles, Archer and Iris discover unexpected commonalities, leading to a slow-burning romance. Readers will be captivated by the novel's blend of small-town charm, the complexities of single parenthood, and the heartwarming journey of two individuals finding love and family in unforeseen places.
Tropes:
- Single Dad
- Slow burn
- Forced proximity
- Found family
- One bed
- Spice
Dream Harbor #5
The Gingerbread Bakery is the fifth installment in Laurie Gilmore's beloved Dream Harbor series, set to release in September 2025. This cosy romance centres on Annie, the local bakery owner, and Mac, the pub proprietor, who must set aside their mutual animosity to prepare for Jeanie and Logan's (from the first book!) upcoming wedding. As they collaborate amidst the festive backdrop of Dream Harbor, their relationship evolves from adversaries to something unexpectedly deeper.
Readers will be enchanted by the enemies-to-lovers dynamic, the charming small-town setting, and the heartwarming themes of found family and forced proximity. Gilmore's signature blend of humour, warmth, and festive spirit will no doubt make this novel a delightful addition to the series, perfect for those seeking a feel-good holiday romance.
Tropes:
- Enemies to lovers
- Small town
- Found family
- Forced proximity
Whether you're just discovering Laurie Gilmore or revisiting Dream Harbour, reading these books in order is the best way to experience all the charm, romance, and small-town magic she brings to life. With cosy settings, lovable characters, and heartwarming romance, each book is a delightful escape. So grab a cup of coffee, find a comfy spot, and get ready to fall in love with Dream Harbour!
If you love Laurie Gilmore's charming small town romances, you might also enjoy a cowboy romance from author Elsie Silver's back catalogue for more cosy, but steamy, feel-good reads. And if you're in the mood for even more romance, check out our guide on Emily Henry books in order to find your next favourite read!
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