Laurie Gilmore
Book Group Reading Guides

1. The Pumpkin Spice Café
2. The Cinnamon Bun Book Store
3. The Christmas Tree Farm
4. The Strawberry Patch Pancake House
5. The Gingerbread Bakery

1. The Pumpkin Spice Café

1. If you were to step into Jeanie’s shoes, how would you navigate the challenges and responsibilities of owning The Pumpkin Spice Café?

2. Think about the moment Jeanie first meets Logan. What elements in that encounter set the tone for their evolving relationship?

3. Forgiveness and second chances play a big role in the novel, particularly through Jeanie’s interactions with certain characters. How do you think these themes shape the story and do you agree with the decisions that were made?

4. What do you think the significance of the changing seasons as a metaphor within the story has on character development?

5. Dream Harbor has plenty of unique townsfolk including Mayor Kelly, Annie and Hazel. How do they contribute to the charm of the town?

6. The Pumpkin Spice Café brings romance, community interactions, and small-town life together. What were the standout moments for you in the book?

2. The Cinnamon Bun Book Store

1. Hazel feels that her life is missing adventure. Can you identify with her desire for more excitement?

2. What role does the history of Dream Harbor play in unravelling the book’s central mystery? 

3. How does the local gossip about Hazel and Noah add depth to their evolving relationship? 

4. In what ways does Noah’s past influence his interactions with Hazel and the Dream Harbor community? 

5. How do you think the portrayal of family dynamics adds to the complexity of the characters?

6. How does the author’s use of foreshadowing enhance the anticipation and suspense in the narrative?

3. The Christmas Tree Farm

1. Bennett and Kira bring different personalities to their relationship, embodying the concept of opposites attract. Do you think this works in real-life relationships? 

2. How does the warm, romantic atmosphere of the Christmas tree farm setting enhance the story’s themes of love and unity?

3. The story deals with themes of starting anew, the value of community and unravelling mysteries. How do you see these themes reflected throughout the book?

4. The Christmas Tree Farm explores the complex and unexpected return of past love. Have you ever encountered a similar scenario? If so, how did it impact your perspective on relationships?

5. What does “home” mean to Kira and Bennett by the end of the story, and how does that differ from their initial views? 

6. The book ends with a surprising discovery that opens up new possibilities for Bennett and Kira. If you were in their shoes, how would you handle this newfound treasure, and what impact do you think it would have on your future together?

4. The Strawberry Patch Pancake House

1. What does Archer’s journey from a world-renowned chef to a small-town pancake house owner reveal about his character development and priorities?

2. In what ways does Iris’s role as Olive’s nanny evolve throughout the story, and how does this impact her relationship with Archer?

3. Does Olive’s character contribute to the overall narrative? What does she represent in terms of hope and healing?

4. What does the book suggest about the importance of pursuing one’s dreams versus the responsibilities of family?

5. Discuss what role food plays in the relationships between characters in The Strawberry Pancake House. How does it enhance their connections?

6. Consider how the theme of community plays a role in the characters’ lives. How does Dream Harbor shape Archer, Iris, and Olive?

7. How do Archer and Iris navigate the complexities of their relationship while also considering Olive’s feelings? What challenges do they face?

8. Discuss the importance of communication in relationships as portrayed in the book. How do Archer and Iris demonstrate effective or ineffective communication?

9. Explore how different characters handle personal loss and grief and whether their methods are effective or not.

10. In what ways does the book challenge traditional notions of family and love?

5. The Gingerbread Bakery

1. What role does the theme of second chances play in the relationship between Annie and Mac? Does it resonate with your own experiences of forgiveness, if so, how?

2. Discuss how Annie’s relationships with her friends and family influence her decisions regarding Mac. Are there any moments where her loyalty is tested?

3. What impact does Annie’s bakery have on her sense of identity? How does it reflect her personal growth throughout the novel?

4. What do you think the author is trying to convey about love and relationships through the ups and downs of Annie and Mac’s romance?

5. How do the various holiday traditions depicted in the book enhance the themes of love and community? Which traditions resonate most with you?

6. Discuss the significance of the gingerbread house as a symbol in the story. What does it represent for both Annie and Mac?

7. In what ways do the characters confront their fears and insecurities? How does this contribute to their development?

8. Did any moments in the story make you laugh or cry? How did these emotional responses enhance your connection to the characters?

9. How does the author balance sweetness and spice in the romance between Annie and Mac? What elements do you think are most effective?

10. What lessons about love and commitment do you think the characters learn by the end of the novel? How do these lessons apply to real-life relationships?