If you are searching for a cozy fall read that captures the spirit of autumn in New England, Katie Cicatelli-Kuc’s Pumpkin Spice & Everything Nice may catch your eye. Marketed as the perfect book for Gilmore Girls fans and YA romance lovers, it promises warm cups of coffee, small-town charm, and plenty of autumn nostalgia. But while it delivers on seasonal atmosphere, it leaves readers divided on character development and romance.
The Premise
Lucy Kane, a sixteen-year-old who helps her single mom run their struggling coffee shop Cup o’ Jo, is not a fan of the famous pumpkin spice latte. Her dislike of the seasonal favorite becomes ironic when a major coffee chain, Java Junction, opens across the street and threatens their livelihood. To make matters worse, the new boy at school—and Lucy’s secret crush—is Jack Harper, the son of Java Junction’s owners. Suddenly, Lucy finds herself torn between family loyalty, her dislike of all things pumpkin spice, and her growing feelings for Jack.
What Works
One thing this book does exceptionally well is atmosphere. Readers looking for a fall-centric story filled with pumpkin patches, festivals, Halloween decorations, baking competitions, and cozy small-town vibes will find themselves satisfied. Briar Glen feels like a charming backdrop where everyone knows everyone, and the seasonal details practically leap off the page.
The mother-daughter relationship is also a highlight. Lucy’s bond with her mom is heartfelt, and the story shows the struggles of keeping a small, independent shop afloat against corporate competition. For younger readers, the emphasis on friendship and the importance of having supportive people in your corner is a strong and positive message.
Where It Falls Short
Despite its cozy setup, many readers felt the book fell flat in execution. The romance, heavily advertised in the blurb, is nearly absent. Beyond a few light moments, there is little in the way of meaningful development between Lucy and Jack. Those expecting a swoony YA love story may be disappointed to find the romance overshadowed by coffee shop drama.
Character development is another weak spot. Lucy often comes across as immature, and her supposed witty banter sometimes reads as unnecessarily rude. The story also leans heavily into repetitive references to pumpkin spice and coffee culture, which may frustrate readers who hoped for deeper exploration of the themes. Overall, the narrative feels more juvenile than the marketed audience might expect, and the lack of emotional depth makes it difficult to fully connect with the characters.
Final Thoughts
Pumpkin Spice & Everything Nice is a quick and cozy fall read, perfect for younger teens or readers simply looking for seasonal vibes. If your priority is a lighthearted story with pumpkin spice lattes, small-town charm, and a comforting autumn aesthetic, this book will deliver. But if you are searching for layered character arcs, a compelling YA romance, or a story with more emotional weight, you may find yourself wanting more.
Ultimately, this is a book that leans heavily on atmosphere rather than plot or romance. It will make you crave warm drinks, baked treats, and a stroll through a fall festival, but whether it warms your heart as much as your favorite latte will depend on your expectations.
If you would like to experience the cozy fall charm of Briar Glen for yourself, you can grab a copy here: Buy Pumpkin Spice & Everything Nice on Amazon
