Satisfy Your Literary Sweet Tooth with the Dream Harbor Series
Do Hallmark movies hold a special place in your heart? Does the idea of curling up with a cozy romance sound like the perfect way to spend your day off? Then it’s time to get into Laurie Gilmore’s best-selling series, Dream Harbor.
Who is Laurie Gilmore?
It seems that everywhere you turn, whether that’s the romance aisle of your local Rochester Hills bookshop or a BookTok video recommending your next read, Laurie Gilmore’s name pops up. But who is this mysterious writer?
A #1 New York Times and Sunday Times bestselling author, Laurie Gilmore is known for her popular small-town romance series, Dream Harbor. After self-submitting some work to a HarperCollins offshoot in the UK, the team fell in love with her style of writing and asked her if she’d be interested in writing a new series with them. Now, years later, the enchanting world of Dream Harbor continues to grow—along with her fanbase!
Is Laurie Gilmore a Pen Name?
If the name “Laurie Gilmore” reminds you of a popular TV series, you’re spot on! Though she was born Melissa McTernan, the Dream Harbor series was published under a pseudonym inspired by Gilmore Girls. This isn’t a coincidence—the town of Dream Harbor is meant to have a comforting and quaint vibe similar to beloved Stars Hollow.
Is the Dream Harbor Series Spicy?
While the main vibe of Laurie Gilmore’s series is sweet and cozy, the books definitely have a dash of spice! These spicy romance novels feature open-door, explicit scenes between the love interests and are often ranked as a 3/5 or 4/5 on the chili pepper scale.
Common Tropes in the Dream Harbor Series:
- Small-town romance
- Found family
- Forced proximity
- Enemies to lovers
- Opposites attract
- Second-chance romance
- Grumpy/sunshine
Do You Have to Read the Dream Harbor Series in Order?
While you do not have to read the Dream Harbor series in order, as each book acts as its own standalone romance, it’s highly recommended that you do read them in order. If you skip around, you’ll find spoilers about characters in the other titles!
What’s the Correct Reading Order for the Dream Harbor Series?
Laurie Gilmore’s series has captivated the minds and hearts of readers around the globe since the first title came out in 2023. See what all the fuss is about and dive into Dream Harbor today.
The Pumpkin Spice Café
After her aunt hands down The Pumpkin Spice Café, Jeanie leaps at the opportunity to leave her dull desk job behind and get a fresh start in the small town of Dream Harbor. Logan, the local farmer and town grump, wants nothing to do with the cheerful new girl in town—even if he finds himself inexplicably drawn to her. Will Jeanie be able to find the perfect recipe to win over the brooding yet beautiful Logan?
The Cinnamon Bun Book Store
When Hazel comes across a secret message in a book at her place of work, The Cinnamon Bun Book Store, she decides to enlist the help of Noah, an outgoing and charismatic fisherman. What could possibly be better than a scavenger hunt with the cute bookseller he’s been crushing on? Hazel didn’t start this adventure in search of romance, but as the mystery sends her and Noah around town, their chemistry might be too strong to ignore in the second book of Laurie Gilmore’s series.
The Christmas Tree Farm
Kira North hates Christmas—but even a Grinch can’t resist buying an adorable tree farm in the cute town of Dream Harbor! When out-of-towner Bennett Ellis, eager to take a break from his life and his unrelenting desire to fix things, gets snowed in at the farm, the two are trapped together. Will the glow of the twinkling fairy lights and promise of hot chocolate bring these two lost souls together? Find out in the Christmasy romance title in Laurie Gilmore’s series, The Christmas Tree Farm.
The Strawberry Patch Pancake House
For world-renowned chef and single dad, Archer, it was never part of the plan to move to a small town. But Dream Harbor’s pancake restaurant needs a new chef, and he needs a village to help raise his precious daughter, Olive—starting with a live-in nanny named Iris.
But when she moves in, Iris finds herself in uncharted territory. With a gorgeous new boss who lives across the hall and likes to cook without a shirt on, her professionalism will be put to the test in The Strawberry Patch Pancake House.
Tip: Immerse yourself in Dream Harbor by buying the fourth book in Laurie Gilmore’s series alongside the companion coloring book, The Strawberry Patch Pancake House Coloring Book. With 37 hand-drawn pages to fill in, your favorite hobby just got even more relaxing!
The Gingerbread Bakery
For Annie Andrews, the owner of the beloved Gingerbread Bakery, life should be sugar, spice, and everything nice. But instead, she spends her days arguing with the annoyingly upbeat bar owner, Mac Sullivan. After all, it’s easier to continue the ruse of a rivalry than actually talk to the girl he loves.
But as Jeanie and Logan’s wedding gets closer, it’s clear the two are about to spend a lot more time together. Will Annie see that the man she claims to hate just may be the love of her life after all? Find out in the fifth book in Laurie Gilmore’s series, The Gingerbread Bakery.
The Daisy Chain Flower Shop
Coming May 5th of this year, The Daisy Chain Flower Shop is the latest addition to Laurie Gilmore’s series. Daisy is already unlucky in love, and it doesn’t help that ever since Mayor Kelly called Daisy’s flower shop cursed, business has been slow!
Even the newest resident of Dream Harbor, Elliot, is adhering to the rumors. After endless relationship turmoil, he can’t risk letting any more bad luck ruin his life. When he reluctantly visits her shop, the two decide to enter a fake relationship to convince the town that the curse has been broken. But what happens when fake feelings turn real?
Does Laurie Gilmore Have Any Other Series?
While “Laurie Gilmore” does not have any other published series, you can find a few other books penned by Melissa McTernan, the genius behind the Dream Harbor series. One of which, though originally released as The Wolf Brothers series, is currently being rewritten and republished as The Maple Hollow trilogy. The first in the revamped series, titled Big Bad Wolf, is expected to come out under the Laurie Gilmore name on September 8th, 2026.
3 Ways to Read Laurie Gilmore’s Series:
- Grab the physical copy from your nearest independently owned bookshop
- Start the series with your friends and give the Dream Harbor series the book club treatment
- Listen to the Dream Harbor series on audiobook for a more immersive experience
Whether you’re looking for a festive romance to soothe your winter blues or a cozy autumnal love story, Dream Harbor has you covered! Head to Novel to get the first in Laurie Gilmore’s series today!