If you’re a fan of cozy small-town romance with a touch of spice, Laurie Gilmore’s Dream Harbor series is a must-read. Known for its charming settings and heart warming stories, this series has taken the romance world by storm, with The Pumpkin Spice Café earning the TikTok Shop Book of the Year 2024 award. Whether you’re new to Laurie Gilmore’s books or a devoted reader, this guide provides the complete list of her books in order, perfect for diving into the delightful world of Dream Harbor.
Who Is Laurie Gilmore?
Laurie Gilmore, also known as Melissa McTernan, is a #1 New York Times, Sunday Times, and Globe & Mail bestselling author who crafts steamy small-town romances. Her Dream Harbor series, set in a quaint town reminiscent of Stars Hollow from Gilmore Girls, blends quirky characters, cozy vibes, and swoon-worthy romance. With a focus on the perfect balance of sweetness and spice, Gilmore’s books are ideal for readers seeking heartwarming stories with a touch of heat.
Laurie Gilmore Books in Order: The Dream Harbor Series
The Dream Harbor series is Laurie Gilmore’s signature collection, featuring interconnected standalone novels that can be enjoyed independently. However, reading them in publication order enhances the experience by providing background on recurring characters and the charming town of Dream Harbor. Below is the complete list of Dream Harbor books in order, including upcoming releases, as of July 2025.
- The Pumpkin Spice Café (Dream Harbor #1) – Published August 2023
- Overview: Jeanie inherits her aunt’s beloved Pumpkin Spice Café in Dream Harbor, seeking a fresh start from her dull desk job. She meets Logan, a grumpy local farmer who avoids the town’s gossip but can’t resist her charm. This grumpy-sunshine romance is a cozy, fall-themed delight with a guaranteed happily-ever-after (HEA).
- Why Read It?: A TikTok sensation and winner of the 2024 TikTok Shop Book of the Year, this book is perfect for fans of Gilmore Girls and small-town romance.
- Where to Buy: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
- Fun Fact: Nominated for the Goodreads Awards, Best Romance, 2024.
- The Cinnamon Bun Book Store (Dream Harbor #2) – Published October 2024
- Overview: Hazel, a bookseller, discovers secret messages hidden in books at the Cinnamon Bun Book Store. She teams up with Noah, an adventurous and charming fisherman, for a scavenger hunt that sparks undeniable chemistry. This cozy romantic mystery is a perfect autumn read.
- Why Read It?: Combines romance with a treasure hunt, offering a unique twist in the series.
- Where to Buy: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
- Fun Fact: Also nominated for the Goodreads Awards, Best Romance, 2024.
- The Christmas Tree Farm (Dream Harbor #3) – Published November 2024
- Overview: Kira North, who despises Christmas, buys a Christmas tree farm in Dream Harbor. She clashes with Bennett Ellis, a visitor from California, but their chemistry grows as they navigate the festive season. This grumpy-sunshine romcom is perfect for winter vibes.
- Why Read It?: Offers a festive twist with a heartwarming found-family dynamic.
- Where to Buy: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
- Fun Fact: Nominated for the British Book Awards, Pageturner Book of the Year, 2025.
- The Strawberry Patch Pancake House (Dream Harbor #4) – Published March 2025
- Overview: Archer, a single-dad chef, moves to Dream Harbor to run a pancake restaurant and raise his daughter, Olive. Iris, who struggles to hold down a job, becomes his live-in nanny, leading to a slow-burn romance in a cozy setting.
- Why Read It?: Features a single-dad and found-family trope, perfect for fans of emotional, slow-burn stories.
- Where to Buy: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
- The Gingerbread Bakery (Dream Harbor #5) – Expected September 2025
- Overview: Details are limited, but this upcoming release promises another cozy romance set in Dream Harbor, continuing the series’ signature charm.
- Why Read It?: Perfect for readers eager to return to Dream Harbor’s quirky community.
- Where to Pre-Order: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
- The Daisy Chain Flower Shop (Dream Harbor #6) – Expected 2026
- Overview: Little is known about this final installment, but it’s set to deliver more small-town romance and swoon-worthy moments in Dream Harbor.
- Why Read It?: A must for completing the Dream Harbor journey.
- Where to Pre-Order: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Companion Books
- The Pumpkin Spice Café Coloring Book – Published May 2025
- A delightful companion to the series, this coloring book lets fans relax and immerse themselves in the world of Dream Harbor.
- Where to Buy: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
- The Strawberry Patch Pancake House Coloring Book – Publication TBD
- Another coloring book to complement the series, offering fans a creative way to engage with Dream Harbor.
Why Read the Dream Harbor Series in Order?
While each Dream Harbor book is a standalone with its own couple and HEA, reading in publication order enhances the experience by:
- Providing context for recurring characters and town dynamics.
- Capturing seasonal vibes, from fall in The Pumpkin Spice Café to winter in The Christmas Tree Farm.
- Building a deeper connection to Dream Harbor’s quirky community.
Where to Start with Laurie Gilmore’s Books
If you’re new to Laurie Gilmore, start with The Pumpkin Spice Café for its viral charm and cozy fall setting. For a quick escape, any book in the series works as a standalone, but fans of Gilmore Girls, Hannah Grace, or Emily Henry will love the small-town romance and witty banter throughout.
Where to Buy Laurie Gilmore Books
You can find Laurie Gilmore’s books at major retailers, including:
- Amazon: Check for eBooks, paperbacks, and audiobooks.
- Barnes & Noble: Offers paperbacks and eBooks with frequent discounts.
- Indigo: Great for Canadian readers looking for physical copies.
- Audible: Perfect for audiobook lovers, with narrations that bring Dream Harbor to life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I read the Dream Harbor series out of order?
A: Yes, each book is a standalone, but reading in order enhances the experience with recurring characters and town events.
Q: Are Laurie Gilmore’s books spicy?
A: Yes, they feature a balance of sweetness and spice, making them ideal for readers who enjoy steamy yet heartwarming romance.
Q: Is Laurie Gilmore a pen name?
A: Laurie Gilmore is a pen name for Melissa McTernan, who also writes the Wolf Brothers romance series.
Q: What’s the next Laurie Gilmore book?
A: The Gingerbread Bakery is set for release on September 16, 2025.
Final Thoughts
Laurie Gilmore’s Dream Harbor series is a cozy, spicy escape into a charming small-town world. Whether you’re sipping a pumpkin spice latte or curling up with a cinnamon bun, these books offer the perfect blend of romance, humor, and heart. Start with The Pumpkin Spice Café and work your way through the series for a delightful reading journey. Happy reading!
Sources: Information compiled from trusted book databases and retailer sites, including Goodreads, Amazon, and Barnes & Noble.
