Common Sense Media Review
By Sage Moreaux
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Clean, fun romance has coffee, autumn vibes, social media.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
In PUMPKIN SPICE & EVERYTHING NICE, autumn has come to the New England town of Briar Glen, bringing tourists from far and wide to admire the fall colors and enjoy a warm spiced latte. But this year, sixteen-year-old Lucy is dismayed to find that a rival coffee shop is moving in right across the street from the charming coffee shop, Cup o' Jo's, that she helps her mom run. To make matters worse, the owner's son, Jack, is in Lucy's grade. While Jack is both handsome and kind, Lucy can't help but see him as the competition. Determined to help her mom save their coffee shop, Lucy sets out to create the perfect Pumpkin Spice Latte. But will crafting a delicious drink be enough?
Is It Any Good?
Straightforward and full of seasonal color, this autumn-themed book is a coming-of-age story with a hint of romance. Pumpkin Spice & Everything Nice will be a fun, quick read for fans of autumn festivals, flavored coffee, and small-town settings. Lucy's relationship with her mom is one of the most enjoyable parts of the story. The plot is rather uneven, with misunderstandings causing most of the conflict between Lucy and Jack. While the characters are generally nice, most read fairly flat, with Lucy's two friends feeling nearly interchangeable. And while Jack's ability to easily fit in at a new school is explained, he seems almost too nice and friendly. This book is best for teens who enjoy baking, seasonal reads, and clean, light romance.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Lucy's determination to craft the perfect latte in Pumpkin Spice & Everything Nice. When can relentless determination be, well, too much?
What do you think about how social media added to the success of the coffee shop? Why do you think the author chose to include this plot element? Do you think the owners could've found another way to succeed?
This book is marketed as a young adult romance, but while there is some chemistry between Lucy and Jack, there is nothing more physical than a couple of hugs. Do you think this makes the story a romance, or do you think it falls into another genre?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Holiday
- Topics : Baking , Family Stories ( Moms , Single Parents ) , Friendship , Holidays ( Halloween ) , School ( High School )
- Character Strengths : Perseverance , Teamwork
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Scholastic Press
- Publication date : August 6, 2024
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 14 - 18
- Number of pages : 336
- Available on : Paperback, Audiobook (unabridged), Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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