Archer, Iris, and Olive have made their way into the Dream Harbor universe in such a great way. I have enjoyed all of this series, but this one may be my favorite. Adorable setting, interesting characters, fun moments. I read this story in one sitting, and I bet you will enjoy it as well.

If you’re feeling down or just want a cozy, feel-good romance, this book is exactly what you need. It’s warm, comforting, and full of heart—like the book version of your favorite dessert.

I haven’t read the rest of the series yet, but after this, I definitely will. It has that charming small-town feel, with kindhearted people and a story that pulls you in without feeling overly dramatic or unrealistic.

The story follows Archie, a talented chef who suddenly learns he has a daughter, Olive, after her mother passes away. To raise her, he leaves his successful career in Paris and moves to Dream Harbor, taking a job at a local diner to prove he can provide her with a stable home. But it’s not easy—his new neighbors dislike his fancy food, Olive won’t speak to him, and the town’s older women constantly check in on his parenting skills. He’s in over his head.

That’s where Iris comes in. She’s struggling to find work and desperately needs a fresh start. Becoming Olive’s nanny seems like the perfect opportunity—except for one problem: her ridiculously attractive, grumpy boss. She knows she should keep things professional, but it’s hard to ignore his late-night pancake-making skills or those infuriatingly cute dimples.

Both have a lot to lose, and falling for each other could make everything more complicated. But as their connection deepens, they start to wonder—what if this is more than just attraction? What if they could build the kind of family they never thought was possible?

This book is sweet, heart-melting, and impossible to put down. If you love slow-burn romance with lovable characters and small-town charm, you’ll adore this story. Five stars!

A big thank you to NetGalley and Harper 360 for the review copy!

The dream harbor books always have perfect seasonal vibes. I loved reading about the strawberry festival and seeing dream harbor in spring. I also really enjoyed seeing Iris and Archer connect! I need a personal chef to make me dinner now. I also liked seeing Archer and Iris figure out how to bond with Olive and be responsible for a tiny human. They all had really great connections that were well developed.

I did struggle a bit with Iris originally wanting to be child free and ending up changing her mind. I think women who want to be child free are often told they will change their minds so I wonder if stories like this would be frustrating to read.

I think if you like a nanny and single dad romance, or a smalltown romance you'll love this one! There are town meetings and pancake missions and the spring vibes are excellent!

After surviving a terrible flu, the only thing I wanted was to digest a book that would nourish my soul and heart, lift my broody mood, and bring some warmth back into my life. Thankfully, this book was the perfect cure! It completely treated my post-flu blues, made me swoon, and had me grinning so wide I thought my face might split in two. And, of course, I lost count of how many times I said, “Aww!” while reading.

If you’ve had a tough day, are in a bad mood, or just need something cozy, sexy, and cuddly, grab this book! It’s better than any medicine and just as effective as a warm, gooey chocolate lava cake.

I haven’t read the other books in this series yet, but they’re now at the top of my TBR. I’m saving them for the days when life feels overwhelming, and I need the sweet, swoon-worthy, soft healing powers of a great romance. It gives off a bit of a Hallmark vibe with its small-town, tight-knit community full of good-hearted people, but it’s done in a way that feels authentic and completely lovable—never over-the-top.

The forced proximity, grumpy meets sunshine, and opposites attract tropes are all wonderfully executed. The single dad, found family, and slow-burn romance themes are also major highlights, making it impossible not to devour this story in one sitting.

The plot revolves around hotshot chef Archie, who suddenly discovers he's the father of a little girl, Olive, after her mother tragically passes away. To gain full custody, Archie leaves behind his prestigious career in Paris and moves to the small town of Dream Harbor, where he takes a job at a local diner to prove he can provide a stable home for his daughter.

But adjusting isn’t as easy as he expected. The townspeople hate the changes he makes to the diner’s menu (they even send back his pancakes in protest!), Olive refuses to talk to him, and the town’s elderly ladies keep dropping by unannounced to monitor his parenting skills. Archie is drowning—and he desperately needs help.

Enter Iris, who can barely hold down a job, is struggling to pay rent, and is in dire need of a fresh start. Becoming Olive’s nanny seems like the perfect solution, even if it means dealing with her brooding, ridiculously sexy, grumpy chef of a dad. She should be able to resist his charms… but how can she when he’s whipping up late-night pancakes like it’s some kind of seductive one-man cooking show? Or when his arms flex while whisking butter (seriously, how is that even legal?)? Or when those adorable dimples make an appearance every time she teases him?

But crossing the line could ruin everything. Archie is determined to be a good father and secure full custody of Olive, and Iris can’t afford to lose another job—especially not one that could finally give her some stability. On top of that, the last thing she wants is to hurt Olive by giving up when things get complicated.

Yet, with each passing day, sparks fly, tension builds, and the temptation to break all the rules grows stronger. And even though everyone warns them to keep their hands to themselves, resisting might just be impossible.

But what if this could be more than just a fleeting attraction? What if two struggling adults could come together and create the kind of family they never thought they’d have? Could they find their own happily ever after?

Overall, this book is as sweet as a stack of strawberry pancakes and absolutely deserves its five heartwarming, swoon-worthy stars. I can't wait to read more books in the series, and I highly recommend grabbing a copy as soon as possible!

Many thanks to NetGalley and Harper 360 for providing me with a digital reviewer copy of this cozy small-town romance in exchange for my honest thoughts.

An absolutely heartfelt steamy small town story. Some heavy topics including grief of a child for her lost mother. Reading as Iris learns to let go of her own past trauma around relationships and gets to know Archer as he finds his new goals and learns to love the daughter he never knew he had.
A great smattering of comedy, romance, heat, and people fighting through their own issue for a HEA.

First, I’d like to thank NetGalley, Laurie Gilmore, and Harper 360 for the opportunity to read this novel in exchange for my honest review.

The Strawberry Patch Pancake House was such a cute read! I really enjoyed the single-dad aspect of the story and watching Archer’s relationship with Olive grow. However, Iris felt a bit too flighty throughout the novel—almost to the point where it seemed like the author was constantly reminding us that she doesn’t do relationships. Despite that, I really liked the tension between Archer and Iris early on and appreciated the minimal spice scenes, given that a child was involved in the story.

I also loved returning to Dream Harbor, but I found myself wanting more of the strong community involvement that made the previous books so charming.

Overall, this was a good read, and I’d definitely recommend it to fans of the Dream Harbor series!

The Strawberry Patch Pancake House was not entirely what I expected, but I was pleasantly surprised. Like the book club even pokes at, I don’t usually reach for romance books that involve single parents or children, but I liked the variation of this Dream Habor book. Archer is a world renowned chef who finds himself in Dream Habor when he finds out he has a daughter and now he is the sole parent after a tragic accident. While Archer grieves the life he once had on the other side of the world, he begins to fall in love with Dream Harbor and…the nanny? Although a total faux paux, Archer finds himself falling for the always single, never wants kids, nanny by the name of Iris. Can he convince Iris that he and Olive are worth changing her whole world view?

This series is a fun, fluffy rom com and this one was no different.

A single Dad with a daughter he never knew about. A nanny who isn’t sure she likes kids. Of course you have a good idea of what will happen. It’s a fun read. The little girl was adorable.

I’d recommend this to others.

I received this book free of charge from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

The fourth in Laurie Gilmore’s Dream Harbor series captured the charm that I loved in “The Cinnamon Bun Bookstore.” It was sweet and cozy and, honestly better than expectations after the disaster that was “The Christmas Tree Farm”.

I loved the funny bits of parenthood that were included. Like the story of Archer opening up with Maribel about Olive’s sleepwalking and to use Christmas bells on the door. And Olive asking if the people at the door were trick or treaters with Archer’s deadpan reply of “it’s July”.

Hazel is the voice of reason. I loved that her character had several cameos and that she was written true to character. As I read, I imagined Archer as Jeremy Allen White so that probably helped me like his character so much. Can’t really credit Gilmore for that though.

Ok, now that the review is done, when do I get Annie and Mac????? There was not nearly enough of either of their characters included.

Thank you to Harper360 and NetGalley for the ARC.

Another cozy, quick read in the Dream Harbor series. I love that we see our old mcs and get little updates on their lives. And as always we have our overly involved (nosy) towns people.

Archer and Iris have the best chemistry, the slow burn as they get to know eachother is perfect for this story. I love how as their feelings for one another build we see their characters develop so well. As much as I love Iris and Archer, Olive is absolutely the star of this book.

Strawberry Patch Pancake house did not disappoint to bring the Hallmark vibes we've grown to know from Dream Harbor.
(The little peak at Annie and Mac's story is not enough to hold me over until The Gingerbread Bakery comes out)

*thank you netgalley for this arc*

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper 360 for this E-Arc, in exchange for an honest review.
The Strawberry Patch Pancake House is the kind of book that feels like a warm hug. Iris is doing her best to get her life back on track, and Archer is a ridiculously talented chef whose big dreams took a detour-now he's a single dad trying to start fresh.
When Iris finds out he's moving to Dream Harbor, she jumps at the chance to lend a hand. And honestly? Archer never expected to end up here, but this little town might just be exactly what he needs to figure out what really matters.
I don't usually gravitate toward single-parent romances, but Laurie Gilmore has a way of pulling you in and making you feel everything. I flew through this book in one sitting-no joke-and may or may not have gotten a little emotional (okay, a lot emotional).
One of my favorite things about the Dream Harbor series is how the romance feels so deeply tied to the town itself.
There's something almost magical about it.
Bottom line? If you're in the mood for a heartwarming, feel-good read that leaves you smiling, this one's a must.
4.25 Stars!
#NetGalley, #TheStrawberryPatchPancakeHouse,
#Harper360

I have now read every Laurie Gilmore book that she has published to date, and this one may have been my favorite. I felt like the characters were easy to love and this was a great twist on the single dad trope. Although I will say her books are not my absolute favorite. I feel like I saw the third act breakup coming from a mile away and I started to lose interest at around the 70% mark until about 90%. So for that I will give this book a 3 star which is still a good rating just not my favorite.

Finally I want to thank Netgalley and HarperCollin’s for sending me the advance reader copy of this book.

This book was everything I didn't know I wanted it to be. I have been in love with this series from the very beginning and I keep thinking that I can't love the next book as much but I always do. This was the first book that made me tear up a little and there was definitely a lump in my throat at the end. This was such a sweet and also spicy addition to Dream Harbor. I loved all the pancake trial and errors. This is usually my least favorite trope, but Laurie somehow made it work and made me love it. I'm already sad to leave Dream Harbor and can't wait until book 5 comes out so I can visit again. Spice 2.5/5

Review copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Each time I pick up a book from The Dream Harbor Series by Laurie Gilmore, it feels like coming home. The Strawberry Patch Pancake House is the next installment and needless to say I adored Iris and Archer‘s story as well.
 
Iris has lived in Dream Harbor her whole life and she’s still trying to find her place. She teaches sport classes and I loved how you get to see the other Dream Harbor inhabitants as well. Iris is such a kind, creative and loving person who is just what Archer and Olive needs.
 
Archer is a world-renowned chef, and his life is turned upside down when he learns that he’s a father and he’s the only one his daughter Olive has left. I really liked seeing Archer and Olive‘s relationship and how it slowly progresses and how Archer wants to be the best dad possible. I always adore single dad stories and this one was no different and you can only love Archer.
 
Not only is this a beautiful single dad story but Iris also becomes the live-in nanny and that created the perfect forced proximity situation. This story is just so wholesome and sweet and had so many amazing little moments. These characters grow together and become the perfect little family and I loved every second of it. And the charming setting of Dream Harbor only added to it.
 
You should totally add it to your tbr, if you also love small-town romances. Highly recommend. 5 stars.
 
(Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an arc.)

Book four in the series. Another fun, cozy read in the series, Archer moves to a small town and runs a pancake house. Iris becomes his nanny even though she doesn't hold down jobs for very long. Is their love meant to be? This is a quick, fun, romantic read!

Laurie Gilmore has done it again! Her Dream Harbour series is one of my favourite contemporary romance series, and this is one of my favourites in the series. I love the single dad trope, so I was so excited to see that Laurie was writing a book surrounding the trope! It certainly lived up to my expectations. I loved Iris and Olive's relationship, and I had such a great time watching Olive and Archer form their relationship as well. And the romance between Iris and Archer was well-done as well! The chemistry between them was perfect. I also loved Archer and Iris separately; they were such great main characters. Overall, I would completely recommend this book, and I can't wait for the final book in the Dream Harbour series! :)

I can't quit Dream Harbor! Another wonderful installment from Laurie Gilmore. Pancakes are a big deal in our home, so finding the perfect pancake recipe hit close to home. I loved both of the main characters, and the forced proximity trope was executed wonderfully! I loved seeing all of the previous characters from this series making frequent appearances. It can definitely stand alone, but it's better if you've read the previous ones to make the character connections. I'm ready for the next one!

Thank you netgalley for the chance to read this!
I won't lie: I might be one of the few people who didn't absolutely adore the PSC. But this...THIS I love.
Archer has slight Carmie vibes (yes Chef!), thrust into a small community to take custody of his daughter and run the diner up to the standards of the locals. I LOVE single dads, especially ones who find themselves in parenthood, and Archer is no exception. His emotions are so complex and relatable, and his interiority over Iris makes you want to leap off the page and simultaneously hug and smack him.
Iris is adorable as well, her small town charm and loyalty shining off the page, and the slow burn between these two is completely swoony. It's steamy but not too intensely, and their third act breakup doesn't seem remotely cliche.
I really enjoyed this a TON! The final 'trope' is not my favorite but its delivered well and this couple is just adorable.

Thank you to the publisher and author for this arc! When I was approved for this book on NetGalley, I was soooo excited to get started as this series has been so enjoyable to me. The Strawberry Patch Pancake House did not disappoint. This book is #4 in the series and carries on with all of the hallmark + spicy vibes of which Laurie Gilmore is known. I loved Archer, Olive, and Iris’ story! 4 ⭐️

Okay so maybe I’m biased here, but Dream Harbor seems like the best place ever! I have loved all the other books in this series and this one followed suit. I loved the characters who feel like friends by this point. I love the connections to other books, but the fact that you do not need to read them in order. Honestly, this may be my favorite book in the series so far!