Cozy Fall Vibes with a Dash of Disappointment: A Review of Pumpkin Spice & Everything Nice
Oh boy, where do I begin? The moment I laid eyes on the cover of Pumpkin Spice & Everything Nice by Katie Cicatelli-Kuc, I was filled with excitement. It screamed cozy fall read, and as a self-proclaimed fan of Gilmore Girls, I felt tugged by the promise of a charming story brimming with all the delightful elements of autumn. Unfortunately, while the season was beautifully evoked, the narrative fell a little flat for me.
Set in the picturesque town of Briar Glen, the story introduces us to Lucy, a youthful soul with a close-knit relationship with her single mother, who owns the local coffee shop, Cup o’ Jo. If you’ve ever dreamed of a town where pumpkin festivals, baking contests, and Halloween costumes are the norm, Briar Glen might just be your dream come true. Initially, the small-town charm combined with Lucy’s cozy, coffee-infused world gave me those quintessential Gilmore Girls vibes, but it wasn’t long before I stumbled into some deeper issues.
While I anticipated luscious romantic scenes blossoming amidst the aroma of spiced lattes, what I found instead was an overwhelming focus on the quest for the "perfect pumpkin spice latte." It felt more like a competition for coffee shop supremacy than a budding romance. The new boy at school, who ends up being Lucy’s crush, turned out to be more of a plot device than a romantic interest. Despite their shared glances and a predictably tepid hug, I was left wondering—was there ever an admission of feelings? The connection that many YA romances thrive on seemed conspicuously absent, and this left me feeling disappointed.
Character development, too, was lacking. While Lucy’s close bond with her mom is endearing, her side of the story often veered into annoying territory. Her attempts at humorous banter frequently came across as rude. It made it tough to root for her, or even find her relatable, which is generally a hallmark of engaging YA literature.
Cicatelli-Kuc’s writing style showcases an inviting tone, with prose that can conjure up the sights and smells of autumn beautifully. However, the pacing felt uneven, and as a reader, I found myself yearning for deeper connections and a more substantial narrative arc. The joys of fall and the warmth of community relationships fell somewhat to the wayside compared to the repetitive pursuit of creating the ultimate pumpkin spice beverage.
Thank you to NetGalley and Scholastic Press for providing me early access to this ARC in exchange for an honest review. I wanted to love this book so much given its premise and cozy aesthetic. It had everything to offer for someone like me, always on the lookout for the perfect fall read!
In conclusion, Pumpkin Spice & Everything Nice may resonate with die-hard fans of cozy, festival-centric narratives looking for light escapism. However, if you’re searching for robust romance or character depth, you might find the experience less fulfilling than anticipated. While this novel didn’t quite meet my expectations, it certainly captured the essence of fall, and for that, I’m grateful—even if it left me wanting more.
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