
Member Reviews

The Strawberry Patch Pancake House is the third book in the Dream Harbor romance series by Laurie Gilmore. This is such a sweet, feel-good, easy-reading romance story set amidst a cozy town with familiar characters from previous books.
A renowned French chef discovers that he has a five year old daughter named Olive, whom he never knew about. When her mother suddenly passes away, he makes the move to small town Dream Harbor to step-in as her caregiver and chef for the local diner. He has to not only adjust his career dreams, but figure out how to parent a child with no child-rearing experience whatsoever, and find success in a town very much set in their ways. It’s a rocky beginning, but things change for the better when Iris joins the story.
Iris is a happy-go-lucky townie who floats through life from job-to-job with a cheerful disposition. She is forced to accept the job as Olive’s nanny, a job she feels wholly unqualified for, because she needs more income and a place to live. Their story is an up-and-down progression and the third act breakup seems a bit unreasonable. But the family moments with Olive feel authentic, humorous and touching, and the conclusion is meaningful and satisfying. I have really enjoyed this series as a whole and The Strawberry Patch Pancake House lived up to my expectations.

I don’t know what it is about these books, but I ADORE them. I normally do not like a romance trope where kids are involved, but this one was done with sincerity and realness that resonated with me having a daughter the same age as Olive. My only complaint is that I wanted more of the characters because I especially loved Iris and feel like her character wasn't fleshed out as much as Archer’s. Anyone who already loves Dream Harbor will love this one too, it’s a gem.

There’s something about this series I cannot quite explain, but, man, do I eat these books UP
The Strawberry Patch Pancake House was Laurie Gilmore’s best book yet. I honestly think each one is better than the last. I adore Iris, Archer, and Olive so much and cannot wait for their cameos in future books. Reading this felt like a warm hug, with all the cheesy wholesomeness, a bit of well-done spice, and the overwhelming sticky sweetness of, well, syrup 😏
Now that I’m done with the book, I’ll just be over here daydreaming about leaving reality and moving to Dream Harbor. Sigh.
Thank you so very much to Harper360 for the ARC!

This is a fun feel good book. Love the characters! Archer, Iris and Olive is the perfect blend. Recommend! I was given an advanced reader copy of this book by NetGalley and I am freely sharing my review.

I loved this book!! So thankful for an ARC because I was having a difficult time having to wait until the 18th to read it!!
Dream Harbor is so cute, it feels like I'm in a Hallmark movie (but with spice) everytime I read one of these books (this is Book 4). I highly recommend jumping into these books, they're happily ever after, feel good, spicy romcoms. And Iris and Archer are just another wonderful addition to the couples in this series (Olive is a great addition too).

Cute and quick read. grumpy x sunshine . single dad x nanny. My love for Dream Harbor grows with each book. Thanks to NetGalley and Harper 360 for an advanced copy for an honest review.

Absolutely precious. This series has become my new favorite series in the last year. I’m obsessed! Check these out ASAP!

I love Dream Harbor so much and really wish it was real so I could live there. If you’re a fan of these books then you already know what you’re getting yourself into. This is the perfect balance of grumpy sunshine with a hallmark backdrop. The growth between our mc’s is as sweet as the strawberries and pancakes they dish up. A single chef is thrust into being a single father, where he goes to the small town of dream harbor. He quickly realizes that his acceptance into the town might come at the cost of figuring out their beloved pancake recipes, instead of the new fancy recipes he brings with him. Along the way; he learns a lot about himself, being a father, and the relationships that can make our dreams become a reality.

This started off cute & seemed like the perfect little springtime small town romance but then it got pretty repetitive. Not to mention, the worst part of this book were the last 100 pages. I think it's safe to say, the majority of people don't like the surprise pregnancy trope. It ruined the entire book.
Thank you NetGally for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

I think this has been my favorite book in the series.i like how they incorporated a kid. It was a different dynamic than the first 3 books in the series.
Archer just found out that he had a daughter after her mother dies. He moves from France to get acquainted with his daughter and hopefully gain full custody. He hires Iris has a live in nanny. Iris has such a bubbly personality how could one not love her!
A well written, engaging book. I read it in one sitting. I can’t wait for the next book in the series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This book was another cute, cozy, fun romance in the Dream Harbor world. I loved the main characters, and the cameos of previous characters in the series are always my favorite thing! I loved standalone books that are set in the same world with crossover characters!

As always with Laurie Gilmore's books, this one was another big win for me! All of the books in this series are such easy reads, and this was no exception. Sometimes you just need to read a feel good book, that still has plenty of the spice I always love. I also really liked that this one had a single dad trope, which was different and refreshing. I absolutely adore the town of Dream Harbor, the feel of the community and love for their neighbors. I wish I could live there! This is the story of Archie, a hotshot chef from Paris who finds out he has a daughter Olive when her mother is tragically killed. Enter Iris, a young woman looking for a way to relieve some of her financial issues. This story has tension, temptation, spice, and so many heartfelt moments to make you smile! This is book #4 in the Dream Harbor series, but it can easily be read as a standalone.
A huge thank you to NetGalley, Harper 360 & Harper Collins for the gifted copy, which I read and reviewed voluntarily!

This was the Dream Harbor story I didn’t know I needed! Archer, a renowned chef, has his world turned upside down when he finds out he has a five-year-old daughter, Olive. After uprooting his life from Paris to Dream Harbor, not only must he learn to navigate fatherhood and run a diner, but he must also figure out how to not fall for the new nanny, Iris. While barely making ends meet and on the edge of eviction, a live-in nanny gig might give Iris some financial peace of mind. Not only does she fall quickly into rhythm with caring for Olive, but she also finds herself falling for her new boss. What could possibly go wrong?
Going into book four, I was a little uncertain about seeing more of Iris and being introduced to new characters. However, Laurie Gilmore did a phenomenal job of bringing these characters into the DH universe and blending them flawlessly with characters we’ve grown to love from previous books.
I would absolutely recommend this to anyone looking for a sweet, thoughtful and cozy read. It was a journey seeing Archer, who thought he had everything he wanted in life, go through the process of shifting gears and prioritizing Olive, who he previously had no knowledge of. It was refreshing seeing Archer process his feelings of becoming a parent unexpectedly and make an effort to develop an attachment to Olive. I also loved Iris and her growth throughout the story and overcoming her relationship insecurities. She cares so deeply for those around her and the work she does and I was so happy to see her confidence grow as she looked after Olive. Her and Archer’s dynamic in caring for Olive felt so organic and candid. Lastly, I appreciated how Archer and Iris helped Olive process her grief and found ways to keep her mom present.
Now for Iris and Archer’s relationship, who knew making pancakes could be so hot?! The slow burn and tension between them had me giggling and kicking my feet. I’m glad they were able to effortlessly uplift and support each other throughout the story and that their crushes weren’t just a “hit-and-run” (IYKYK).
Overall, this was such a fun and cute read and might be my new Dream Harbor favorite! I can’t wait to finally read Annie and Mac’s story next!

I’m a sucker for a small town romance, especially when that town has total Stars Hollow vibes, but with MUCH cuter men (ha!). This is the fourth book in Gilmore’s Dream Harbor series and my second favorite, after the Christmas Tree Farm. This book could’ve been a trite take on one of my least favorite tropes, single dad/nanny, but luckily Gilmore had the characters understand and honor their positionality and give enthusiastic consent. Basically the story is: what if Carmy from The Bear (but taller) learned he had a daughter, because her mom (who he had sex with a handful of times) died, and he had to move from France to Stars Hollow to take care of her and leave his Michelin star dreams behind? Amazing right?!? And it was a great, quick, steamy, cozy romance. Gilmore’s writing has improved since book 1. I will keep revisiting Dream Harbor, because there are more singles, and therefore more books to come. Thanks to Net Galley and Harper Collins for this eARC in exchange for my honest review. 4 stars

I will devour Laurie Gilmore's books every damn time!! This book had me blushing and kicking my feet in delight. Archer just found out that he is a dad and dropped his whole life in France to go to his 5YO daughter. Iris is not one to hold on to a job long and sees the opportunity to be Archer's live-in nanny as another job to hold for the time being. Well, neither one expected the chemistry between them to be as hot as the griddle in Archer's diner. And the two can hardly keep their hands to themselves once the match is lit!

The Strawberry Patch Pancake House by Laurie Gilmore is a heartwarming & perfectly sweet & spicy small town romance between a chef/single dad & nanny. I think this just might’ve become my favorite of the series! It gave me all the best kind of feels mixed with some steamy moments, the entertaining & delightfully humorous charm of their small town community & the heart & family that make you feel like goo on the inside in the best way.
This is book #4 in the Dream Harbor series, but it can easily be read as a standalone. However, I’ve read & enjoyed the entire series, so I do recommend it all!
The Strawberry Patch Pancake House is great for those looking to read…
🍓 Small Town Romance
🍓 Single Dad x Nanny
🍓 Found Family
🍓 Forced Proximity
🍓 Sweet & Spicy Romance
🍓 Slowburn
There’s the cutest small town map I’ve ever seen along with an amazing playlist to go with the book. Dream Harbor is the kind of town I wish I could move to. I adored the antics of their small town. Olive was such an adorable kid. It was a joy watching the chemistry between the two leads was so berry fun.
If you are looking for a berry sweet & spicy small town romance, I highly recommend The Strawberry Patch Pancake House!
Massive thanks to NetGalley, Harper 360 & Harper Collins for the gifted copy, which I voluntarily read & reviewed.

📖 Title: The Strawberry Patch Pancake House-The Dream Harbor series #4
✍🏾 Author: Laurie Gilmore- Read books 1&2- 5*, book #3- 3*
📅Publication date: 3-18- 25 | Read 3-12-25
📃 Format: eBook 384 pgs.
Genre:
*Adult Fic/Women's Fic
*Contemporary Romance
Tropes:
*small town
*single father
*slow burn romance
*forced proximity
*found family
*workplace romance
👆🏾POV: 3rd person, dual- Archer and Iris
⚠️TW: death of parent, sleepwalking
🌎 Setting: Dream Harbor, New England
Summary: Archer just found out he has a 5-year-old daughter Olive and comes to Dream Harbor to take custody of her. Iris's rent is overdue and her job as an exercise instructor isn't enough. Gladys-the diner owner- suggests Archer work as a cook there and hire Iris as his live-in nanny.
👩🏾 Heroine: Iris Fraser- 26, a yoga instructor turned live-in nanny
👨🏾 Hero: Archer Baer-a chef from Paris, temporarily comes to DH
🎭 Other Characters:
*Olive-Archer's 5-year-old daughter
*Gladys-hires Archer as diner's new cook
*Cate Carpenter-Olive's mother (deceased)
*Rebecca-Iris's cousin
*Kira-Iris's friend
*Noah + Hazel-Archer's next-door neighbors
*Jim+ Cathi- Archer's father and stepmother
🤔 My Thoughts: I loved the effort Archer took to connect with Olive. They bonded over cooking and slowly Olive began to trust him. Iris never wanted to be a mother, but she was a natural taking care of Olive. The town also looked out for them having a small part in putting Archer and Iris together. It's a feel- good, cozy, HEA. I am excited for Annie and Mac's story next!
Rating: 5/5 ✨
Spice level 4/5 🌶️ open door, explicit
🙏🏾Thanks to NetGalley, Harper 360, and Laurie Gilmore for this ARC! I voluntarily give my honest review, and all opinions are my own.

This is the fourth book set in Dream Harbor, originally introduced to us in the internet famous, The Pumpkin Spice Cafe. In this edition of the Hallmark Movie - ish series, we learn the romantic fate of Iris, who appears most recently as the main employee at The Christmas Tree Farm.
Out of work and out of a place to live, Iris meets grumpy, new single father Archer when he is new in town and in need of a full time nanny. Archer is a chef who is now forced to run a local diner and try to make pancakes that are not too fancy for the Dreamers. We all know where this is headed and we can expect some spicy love scenes along the way.
The Dream Harbor series is comfort food in book form. You read these for the same reason you watch fluffy christmas movies, they are calming and light and don't require much of you and you are never in doubt of the happy ending that is waiting for you.

✨🍓Thanks to Harper Collins Australia for providing me with an e-copy of “The Strawberry Patch Pancake House”, by Laurie Gilmore, for review ♥️✨
🥞What to expect:
Forced Proximity
Found Family
Single Dad
Slow Burn
Small Town
📖Summary:
Everything had been going exactly to plan for Chef, Archer Baer when a twist of fate sees him abandoning his life in France for the small town of Dream Harbor.
Suddenly, he’s balancing the demands of the quirky town’s unruly diner patrons with being a father to little Olive, who needs him now more than ever.
When free-spirited Iris steps into the role of live-in Nanny, Olive is thrilled. It seems like the perfect arrangement until the sizzling chemistry between Iris and Archer becomes apparent and the pair start to wonder if they have bitten off more than they can chew!
✏️My thoughts:
The Serotonin is heeeeereee! This book was the escape from reality that I so desperately needed right now. It’s equal parts funny and heartwarming, with an unhinged book club that I want to join immediately. The book left me with no doubt that Laurie Gilmore’s recipe for small town romance is flawless (and her thoughtful reflection on the story’s tropes in the acknowledgments section just made me love her work even more).
For me, life’s definitely batter at the Strawberry Patch Pancake House! (I said what I said!). 5 stars.

I love this series. This one was one of my favorite. The relationship between Olive and Iris was adorable. I love how the town "welcomed" the new chef to their diner. Perfect Hallmark story with some spice!