DNF: The Pumpkin Spice Café by Laurie Gilmore

Sometimes a book sounds like exactly the kind of story I should love. However, once I start reading, it doesn’t always work for me. Unfortunately, that was the case with The Pumpkin Spice Café by Laurie Gilmore.

Set in the small town of Dream Harbor, the story follows Jeanie. She leaves her old life behind and takes over her aunt’s café. She then meets Logan, a local farmer who prefers to keep to himself.

The cosy café setting immediately appealed to me. I also loved the autumnal atmosphere. Because of that, I was really looking forward to reading this one.

Sadly, I didn’t make it to the end.

Why I DNF’d It

The main issue for me was the author’s writing style.

I simply couldn’t connect with it. As I read, I struggled to become absorbed in the story. I kept hoping the writing would start to click for me. Unfortunately, that never happened.

It wasn’t the premise that put me off. In fact, the cosy setting and autumnal atmosphere were exactly what attracted me to the book.

However, I wasn’t enjoying the way the story was written. As a result, I didn’t feel motivated to continue reading.

Eventually, I realised I was reading because I felt I should finish it. I wasn’t reading because I wanted to find out what happened next. For me, that’s usually a clear sign that it’s time to put a book down.

My Thoughts

I know The Pumpkin Spice Café has a huge number of fans. Therefore, I can understand why the premise appeals to so many readers.

It has many of the elements you’d expect from a cosy small-town romance. There’s a café, a close-knit community, romance and plenty of autumn vibes. It also features the grumpy-sunshine trope.

Unfortunately, those elements weren’t enough for me.

Although I liked the overall premise, I couldn’t connect with the writing. That’s why I decided to stop reading rather than force myself to finish it.

I don’t think this means it’s a bad book. Instead, it simply wasn’t the right book for me. I think that’s an important distinction when writing a DNF review.

Final Thoughts

I’m becoming much more comfortable with not finishing books that aren’t working for me. After all, there are so many books I want to read.

I would rather spend my reading time enjoying a book that pulls me in. For that reason, I don’t feel guilty about putting a book down when it isn’t working for me.

For me, The Pumpkin Spice Café was a DNF because I didn’t connect with Laurie Gilmore’s writing style.

DNF rating: Not rated

I don’t think it’s fair to give a book a star rating when I haven’t finished it.

Have you read The Pumpkin Spice Café? Did you love it, or did you struggle to get into it too