Autumn at the Cat Cafe

by Kathleen Fuller

From USA TODAY bestselling author Kathleen Fuller comes a cozy, kisses-only romance about fresh starts, fall leaves, and finding love right next door, perfect for fans of Gilmore Girls and Sarah Adams.

Via Dalton has sworn off men to focus on the two things she loves most: her quirky cat café, Pawsitive Vibes, and the charming town of Pecan Corner, Ohio. But her peaceful world is shaken when Earl Brewster, the owner of the beloved Second Chapter Books next door, passes away. Via is determined to buy the shop and preserve Earl's legacy, but her plans hit a snag in the form of a tall, handsome, and completely unexpected heir.

Leo Brewster's life is thriving in LA, and the last thing he needs is an inheritance in the middle-of-nowhere, Ohio. But the alternative--letting his estranged mother inherit--has him packing his bags to receive the inheritance, quickly sell it off to the highest bidder, and hightail it back to LA. What he didn't count on was the list of stipulations in the will that has him staying in the small town for a month. Oh, and the determined, sunny café owner next door who refuses to let him destroy the town's heart without a fight.

Desperate to convince Leo the bookstore is vital to her community, Via challenges Leo to complete her Autumn Bucket List. As they navigate corn mazes, pumpkin patches, and fall festivals, Leo begins to see the magic in Pecan Corner--and in Via. Despite her vow to stay single and his plan to leave, the attraction between them simmers like hot cider.

Can a season of small-town charm convince a city boy to stay, or will Via lose both the bookstore and her heart?

Grab a warm drink and curl up with this delightful grumpy/sunshine, opposites-attract story of unexpected love and small-town charm.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Fiction, Christian Fiction

304 pages, Paperback

Expected publication August 1, 2026

About the author

Best-selling author of Amish fiction. Also a wife, mother, crafter, coffee addict, football fan, and chocolate aficionado.

Reviews

[Antheia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Netgalley ARC review

It tells the story of Via, a girl who owns a cat café and has to stay really close to Leo, the nephew of her elderly friend who recently passed away. Leo is going to inherit the bookstore, which was supposedly meant for Via.

I really liked Via. She’s super cute, fun, and feels real. She has insecurities from her past and isn’t afraid to show them.

Leo is adorable, I liked him a lot. He had a tough childhood, and it’s really nice to see how that wound starts to heal a little.

It’s a very autumnal story, the perfect mix of sweet and emotional.

[nyakhakhu_ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

The book has all the elements you’d want in a romance: a man inherits a bookstore, but there are conditions attached to it. He enlists the help of the one person he can’t get off his mind. Bonus: she has a bucket list that he’s helping her tick off.

It sacrifices authenticity for coziness. There’s an opportunity to explore the themes more deeply, but that gets lost because the book keeps reminding you (almost every page) that this is about cats and autumn.

I did enjoy it more than I expected. It’s the kind of book I’d revisit now and then for something light and comforting. It’s cute, very cute, and that’s clearly what it’s going for.

The writing didn’t quite work for me. Some lines seem like lazy writing. The characters are cute, but I didn’t connect with them on a deeper level.

Thank you to NetGalley for the eArc.

[Kirsten Clason · Rating 4 out of 5]

Via Dalton has built a life she loves in the small town of Pecan Corner, Ohio. She has the best job ever! She runs a cozy cat café. She partners with the animal rescue place. She brings in a few of their cats to the cafe and they interact with the customers in hopes of getting a forever home.
Via was broken up with right before her wedding, so she has decided that romance just isn’t worth the risk. Stability, community, and her café are enough.

But when her elderly neighbor and close friend—who owns the town’s beloved bookstore—passes away, Via’s world changes. The bookstore wasn’t just another shop; it’s part of the heart of the town, filled with memories, friendships, and stories. Via hopes she might be able to buy it and keep it alive. I loved the description of the shop. It was dusty and had books everywhere, including unique ones that no one had heard of before.

A man named Leo comes into town because he is the nephew of the bookstore owner who passed away. He’s from Los Angeles, used to fast-paced city life, and has zero emotional attachment to this town… despite unexpectedly inheriting the bookstore. To Leo, it’s simple: sell the property, settle the estate, and get back to his real life as quickly as possible.

I found this book to be so adorable! It comes out on Aug 4th, but I would recommend reading it in the fall as it will definitely give you those pumpkin vibes.
I gave this book 3.75⭐️, rounded up.

Thanks Netgalley and Thomas Nelson for this ALC in exchange for an honest review.

[Zack ;) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is my definition of comforting and cozy. I was immediately hooked by the title and the cover page- I found it absolutely beautiful and I was immediately entranced.
I devoured this book. A day in and I decided that I had to finish it and I need to see what happens between Via and Leo.
Their little town- Pecan Corner- was absolutely charming. The small town, closely knit vibes and the friendly atmosphere was amazing. Everyone in town was just so so sweet and supportive.
I loved Octavia- I loved how sweet and caring she was. I loved that her clothes were all of these bright, beautiful colors. Her passion and love for rescues and her cafe was beyond wonderful and sometime through my read i fell in love with her character too.
Leonardo was so besotted and I loved it. There were times where he was a prick but an understandable prick. He was caring and so drawn to Via that I couldn’t help but swoon every time something romantic happened between them- and there were a lot. Bonus points for his dimples and nerdy glasses, I found it so so sweet.
Their time together was well spent and I loved how well they worked together. The pumpkin patch, the maze, the camping- all those little things they did together off Via’s bucket list just made me fall more and more in love with them and their dynamic.
This is probably one of the coziest books I’ve ever read and I truly, truly enjoyed it so much.

[Karen R · Rating 4 out of 5]

A charming clean contemporary romance set in a friendly little Ohio town.

This enjoyable quick read, with nods to a lovely Midwestern Autumn, features an opposites-attract-type couple. Via is a colorful, lively character who had my empathy as all of her hard work is threatened by a person whose life seemed to be easy on the surface. Both she and Leo have issues to work out and the author does a good job bringing them into the plot as the romantic tension grows.
Some funny cats and family members add some humor along the way. There is an underlying theme of family, friendship, and finding a place to call home. Everyone needs a safe place to land with people who genuinely care about them.

Recommend to readers looking for an enjoyable, low-spice romance. 3.5 stars

(An ebook was provided by the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.)

[BookishKB]

🍂🐈 Autumn at the Cat Cafe 🐈🍂

Bookish Thoughts
I’ll be sharing my full review closer to publication date.

🧡What to Expect
• Grumpy x sunshine
• Small town setting
• Cat café owner FMC
• Bookstore next door
• Autumn bucket list
_ _ _ _

📅 Pub Date: August 4, 2026
📝 Thank you to Thomas Nelson Fiction and NetGalley for the advanced copy. All thoughts are my own.

[Ilaria · Rating 3 out of 5]

If there are cats and it’s autumn, that’s just my jam! 🐈🍂 The vibes were immaculate, and the small town dynamics were just right. I loved the interactions between Via and Leo, they were really funny and cute.
Keep in mind that the slow burn was veeery slow. At 55% through the book they barely smile at each other but admit the attraction they feel, it was a bit odd but it didn’t ruin the experience!
In the end is a really cute and simple book perfect to read in a rainy October day obviously with a cat curled up on your legs 🐈🍁

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for providing me with an ARC copy.

[Elizabeth Foss · Rating 3 out of 5]

There’s a fine line between charming and contrived, and this novel doesn’t so much cross it as fall headlong over it—taking a basket of pumpkins, a bunch of cats, and cinnamon air freshener along for the ride.

Set in Pecan Corner, the story introduces Via Dalton, owner of a cat café so insistently quirky it begins to feel more like a branding exercise than a setting. Pawsitive Vibes is meant to anchor the emotional heart of the book, but the relentless “cat theme”—from décor to dialogue to (yes) jewelry design—quickly wears thin. What might have been whimsical becomes exhausting, as though every page is determined to remind you, in case you’d forgotten, that this is a cat book. And not just a cat book, but an autumn cat book, where every description seems rolled in pumpkin spice and arranged like a seasonal display at a craft store.

The premise itself has promise. A beloved bookstore owner dies, leaving behind a legacy that matters to the community. Via hopes to preserve it; Leo Brewster, the reluctant heir, arrives from Los Angeles intent on selling it off and leaving town as quickly as possible. A will-enforced stay, a small-town “bucket list,” and a growing attraction between opposites—these are familiar ingredients, but not inherently flawed ones. In a different tonal register, they might have made for a warm, grounded romance about place, belonging, and the unexpected reshaping of a life.

Instead, the execution leans so heavily into cuteness that it undermines its own emotional stakes. Via’s aesthetic—autumn-colored wardrobe, auburn hair, carefully curated coziness—feels less like character and more like caricature. Leo’s resistance and gradual softening follow a predictable rhythm, but without the depth or subtlety needed to make that transformation satisfying. The romance itself stutters forward, punctuated by moments that aim for playful chemistry but land closer to awkward—“cold shower” references included, and repeated often enough to become distracting rather than amusing.

And yet, for all its excess, the novel does reveal something more substantial beneath the surface—almost in spite of itself. The third-act conflict is handled surprisingly well. The conversations in that whole sequence feel more honest and more emotionally coherent than much of what precedes them. It’s as if, having exhausted its enthusiasm for charm, the book finally allows itself to take its characters seriously. In those moments, the author’s strengths become clear. She understands conflict, consequence, and the difficult work of resolution. One is left wishing she had trusted those instincts earlier and more often.

Perhaps the most unintentionally compelling aspect of the reading experience is the reminder that cat cafés are, in fact, real. The impulse to step outside the novel and look them up—curiosity sparked despite irritation—may be its most authentic point of connection to the world beyond its pages.

In the end, this is a book that tries very hard to be delightful and ends up feeling overdesigned, its charm applied with too heavy a hand. And yet, buried beneath the layers of themed décor and seasonal flourish, there is a more serious story struggling to emerge—one that suggests this author might do far better when she allows herself to write not toward “cute,” but toward truth.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC. Opinions are all my own.

[alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･ What a cute, cozy autumn read! This story follows cat café owner, Via, who meets the nephew of the recently deceased bookstore owner next door named Leo. He’s there to fill out stipulation to meet his inheritance that his uncle left them, leading them to tackle a fall bucket list and getting closer in the process 🍁

°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･ Via Dalton had her heart broken when her ex-fiancé cheated on her the night before their wedding and since then, has devoted all her time away from relationships and building her cat café. She’s very family-oriented and loyal to the community in Pecan Corner. It was cute to see her be so unapologetically herself with all her quirks and cozy presence. She’s the kind of heroine I picture in fall-themed romance books. I like that she learned how to open her heart to trust Leo and remind herself that he isn’t like her ex. I wish we got to explore more of what her relationship with Earl was like because it was touching to see how he treated her like the daughter he never had, maybe in flashbacks 💕

°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･ Leo Brewster is a serious businessman from California and he’s a fish out of water in the small town of Pecan Corner. He realizes he has a lot in common with his uncle that he never knew, including the fact that they were both lonely in life. I also wish we got to see him exploring what his relationship with Earl could have been like. It breaks my heart that they were the family they needed but never got a chance to meet. Leo goes through character development in realizing that he was always worthy of love even when his parents never showed it to him and that he became vulnerable while getting closer to Via 💗

°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･ The fall vibes in this book were so heartwarming and cozy. I loved reading Via and Leo go on their adventures, plus their banter and build-up to friends was cute. A little bit faster than I was expecting but it didn’t turn me off from reading like other books. Very cute book about opening your heart to family and friends ✨

What to expect:
- Cat café owner FMC x hedge fund manager MMC 🐱💼
- Small town setting 🏡
- Autumn vibes 🍂🍎
- Clean/closed-door romance 🚪
- Third-person POV written in past tense

Thank you to Kathleen Fuller, Thomas Nelson Fiction, and NetGalley for providing me with a free eARC in exchange for my honest review!

[Shalaya · Rating 3 out of 5]

Do you see those hallmark movies? She is from a small town, he comes from the big town for XYZ reason, doesn’t start well, they fall in love, conflict, I'm sorry, I love you, HEA.
That’s this book. It’s a hallmark autumn movie in a book.

The story follows Via and Leo, he comes after his uncle passed away, to inherit the bookshop and apartment over. In order to receive it, he has to stay for 30 days and to find specific books as well as answer a quiz. But of course he falls for Via, she falls for him, and things happen.

The story is sweet, it’s cute, people are adorable, it’s your perfect Ohio little town where everyone is genuine and everything is autumn colored. It’s an easy read. The premises are interesting and you find yourself wanting to know more. Nothing traumatic, just minor conflicts that are mostly resolved with actual communication between adults (I know shocking right?) and a happily ever after.
I enjoyed most characters, especially the cats. Sir meow is epic.The story is pleasant, good for those who want sweet fluffy romance, second chance, and that warm feeling of autumn, fallen leaves, pumpkin spice and hallmark movies.

But I did not love the book. It felt too… predictable. Most characters felt like caricatures, some had depth but not enough to truly make me attached to them.

Characters:
Via: Quirky, sweet and …has been hurt by a shitty ex. Relatable.
Leo: Business man, he is kind, he is gentle, but guarded.
Sir Meow: Best cat ever and those of us who have a clingy male cat will understand via’s life.

Romance:
The romance is slow and sweet, it’s careful. You don’t get a kiss until like 70% of the book ish? And that’s it. It’s two adults who have been burned and are careful, and scared.
Just a heads up, no spice at all. One thing that surprised me was that nothing happened between them even as they are getting married. When you read the author’s bio, you understand why. But it makes the book a safe romance for young teens.

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Autumn at the Cat Cafe is a no-spice romance perfect for cuddling up with a blanket and a mug of tea on a brisk autumn afternoon.

The setting of the book is an idyllic Midwest small town, complete with locally owned mom-and-pop shops, town festivals, and an everyone-knows-everyone atmosphere. The autumn ambiance was everywhere in the story, from the colors to the clothing to the food to the events the MCs participated in (pumpkin patches, corn mazes, and more). I do love autumn.

The story was an easy and quick read. I enjoyed that we got both Via's and Leo's POV and both their insights into some of the same moments at times. We have a forced proximity type storyline, and blessedly the miscommunication that so often permeates romance novels was sparse and really only comes into play toward the end. The tension and relationship building was well done and the MC's banter was fun. The ending was sweet and fitting. And I also appreciated the fact that the cats were also characters with fun personalities and the usual superiority complex of the species.

There were a few things I didn't quite click with. There is a pretty heavy hand with the instantly-attracted-to-each-other internal monologues on both Via and Leo's perspectives; I wish this was maybe a little more drawn out, a little less focus on how hot the guy is and how unique the girl is. I also wanted a little more from the bucket-list activities, as sometimes those were skimmed over. The character's actions with the conflict towards the end felt overdramatic for what it was. But overall these are relatively small small complaints.

I am not the biggest fan of the romance genre, but I really did like this one and would recommend it to others maybe just stepping into the genre as well as seasoned romance readers. If you are looking for a clean romance with a flair for the fall and MC's to root for, then pick this up. Thank you to Thomas Nelson Fiction and NetGalley for the opportunity to read the ARC.

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Autumn at the Cat Café – Kathleen Fuller ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for the ARC.

This book felt like wrapping up in a soft blanket with a warm drink while leaves fall outside the window.

Autumn at the Cat Café is a cozy small-town romance that focuses just as much on community, healing, and finding where you belong as it does on the romance itself. After losing someone who meant a great deal to her, Via finds herself facing uncertainty about the future of the life she's built around her beloved cat café. Enter Leo, a California businessman who arrives in town to settle his late uncle's affairs and unexpectedly turns her world upside down.

What I enjoyed most was the heart of this story. Both Via and Leo are carrying old hurts, and neither is looking for love when they first meet. Their relationship develops naturally as they spend more time together, learning that first impressions don't always tell the whole story.

Via was easy to love. She's warm, loyal, and deeply connected to her town, but she's also still carrying scars from past betrayals. Leo initially comes across as someone who doesn't quite fit into Pecan Corner, but watching him slowly find connections and discover parts of himself he had been missing was one of my favorite parts of the book.

And of course, the setting deserves its own mention. Between the cat café, the bookstore, the cozy town atmosphere, and all the autumn activities, this book practically smells like cinnamon and fallen leaves.

🍁 Cozy small-town setting
🐾 Cat café owner FMC
📚 Bookstore inheritance subplot
🍂 Fall atmosphere
❤️ Emotional healing
🐱 Plenty of feline side characters
✨ Sweet, clean romance

If you're looking for a low-drama, feel-good romance that embraces all the best parts of autumn, this is a lovely choice. It won't sweep you away with high stakes or intense romance, but it absolutely succeeds at being warm, comforting, and charming.

[Natalia · Rating 4 out of 5]

To me Kathlee Fuller is synonym of small town goodness, even with its harsh edges.
It's lovely when you fall in love with the story, the background, and the characters finding their way while challenging who they think they are to reach their happy ending. But it's truly amazing when they do it in a small town that feels so real and they have to go through cosy grilmore-ish settings and the hard stuff to get their moment.

This books tell the story of Octavia Dalton, the owner of the cosy cat caffe on Pecan Corner.After losing her neighbor and best friend Earl, whom she hoped to acquire the neighboring used bookstore and keep his legacy alive in the community.

But her dreams are interrupted when Leo Brewster arrives in a sports car claiming his uncle's inheritance to sell to the highest bidder to go back to his life in Los Angeles.

What neither of them expects is that the will contains stipulations such as spending a month in his apartment, organizing his store, and finding his lost belongings. And for that, he's going to need Via's help. Even if it means helping her with tasks at her caffee and crossing items off her autumn bucket list alongside her curious cat.

This is a cute story of two opposites having to live side by side and reaching agreements to help each other without realizing that they're not as much of a rival as they thought .

I enjoy Kathleen Fuller's stories; her cosy and colorful villages, the perfect slow burn that gradually gives way to the characters' feelings, and her secondary characters are so endearing that you're always hoping the next book in the series will be about one of them.

I´ve read Maple Falls series and I enjoyed every particular story so I know this series is going to be so good, ideal to have a great time with a cup of coffee.

Thanks to Kathleen Fuller and her team at Thomas Nelson fiction for giving me a copy of this beautiful book in exchange for my honest and voluntary opinion.

[An · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you the author, publisher and NetGalley for this eARC!

Actual rating is 3.75/5, rounded up to a 4.

What I enjoyed about this book:
- This was a quick read filled with pumpkins, Pecan Corner, Sir Meow (and Squeaks! And the other kitties!), Pawsitive Vibes and Second Chapter really brought on the autumn vibes.
- There were plenty of little details about the lives of the shops and people living in Pecan Corner which felt as though I was walking through the streets itself. The pumpkins and maze sounds like a lot of fun.
- Our main characters Via and Leo started out awkward and clunky with each other but eventually warmed up to a lovely friendship that led to something more. Both had their own personal insecurities and issues. I was very happy to see that they were addressed pretty well and not just glossed over. That part of the book felt frustrating to read and I questioned our main characters’ choices BUT it was what made that part of the story really good because it was such a realistic portrayal.

What I did not enjoy so much about this book:
- I wished some of the themes were better explained for a more in-depth feel. There were attempts made but the emphasis on keeping the plot cosy outweighed the other themes.
- Via and Leo’s romance outcome was a little predictable towards the later half of the book. The third act breakup wasn’t really my cup of tea in books because there was always a risk of the reunion falling flat. In this case, their reunion did not feel as impactful as I wished it could have been.

Nonetheless, I really enjoyed this book as a whole. It was lighthearted and easy which is perfect for a quick read or as something to cheer you up if you’re feeling down. Looking for something cute and cosy? Maybe something that brings on the autumn vibes? Then this book is for you.

[Nikita ✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a lovely, cosy autumnal book! When I pick up a book like this, I want all the cheese and clichés and so I didn't mind the excessive autumn bucket list, Via's overly colourful attire and the classic cosy cafe vibes.

Autumn at the Cat Cafe follows our FMC Via, who is a colourful, fun, outgoing individual who has fulfilled her dream of opening a cat cafe in Pecan Corner. When the gentleman living next door suddenly dies, Via is forced to deal with his nephew Leo who wants to clear out the apartment and bookshop owned by his uncle and sell it ASAP. However, there is a catch - Leo must fulfill some stipulation set by his uncle before he can claim his inheritance and so he is stuck in Pecan Corner for 30 days.

The opposites-attract-trope was done well and while it was a slooowwwwww burn, I thought Fuller did a good job bringing up Via and Leo's past experiences which made them both reluctant to start a relationship. I enjoyed the banter between the two of them and thought the third act conflict was handled very well and the conversations between Leo and Via during and after the conflict felt very genuine and honest.

I did, however, feel like I was missing a bit more plot with Via and her sister and friends who she works with. They were mentioned a few times, but predominantly in relation to Leo and I would have loved to have had more interactions which didn't revolve around Leo.

Overall, it was a very cute and cosy book and perfect to read while curled up under a blanket - bonus points if you have a cat!

[Becky 'The5thbookreader' · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
So I saw this book on Netgalley and oh my goodness it was something I was really interested in the premise. We meet Via and Leo when they're world's collide at the death of Earl Brewster.
Via is your typical independent because she's been forced to be, witty, cute girl next door character. I think this would be such a good palette cleanser or something you read over the autumn months. The only reason I didn't rate is 5 stars is the overall feeling of the book didn't have me jumping for joy. I would have loved some more wearing between them both.

Where do I start with this book, so you've got a cat cafe one side and a second hand book store the other. The book store was owned by Earl and Leo has come to get his uncles affairs in order and sell the shop. They go through some challenges which ends up breaking their relationship/friendship but can they reconcile? You'll have to read it to find out!

The ending was super lovely and cute, it was wrapped up and you even get an epilogue which was so perfect for both of the characters!
The two characters are really at polar opposites and you'd think they wouldn't have anything in common until Leo needs help from Via.
This romantic cute town story is just adorable and honestly I would read another book of Kathleen Fullers. Kathleen's writing is descriptive but not over the top and super easy to read.
I think in total I read this book over 3/4 days. I think I would have finished it sooner if I didn't have work 😅

The book comes out 4th August 2026.

[Anne Wolters · Rating 5 out of 5]

Autumn at the Cat Café is a heartfelt, small‑town story set in charming Pecan Corner, Ohio. Via Dalton has sworn off men after a painful breakup with her former fiancé, but she pours her heart into her wonderfully quirky Cat Café—a cozy spot where customers can sip coffee, cuddle with clever, adoptable cats, and enjoy Via’s over‑the‑top seasonal décor and festive wardrobe.
When Earl, her next‑door neighbor and the beloved owner of Second Chapter Books, unexpectedly passes away, Via longs to buy the bookstore and carry on his legacy. But Earl’s handsome nephew, Leo, arrives from Los Angeles claiming to be the heir. He’s eager to sell the shop, hop back into his luxury car, and return to his fast-paced life—until he learns that Earl’s will requires him to stay in Pecan Corner for thirty days and complete several tasks first.
Via offers to help him meet those requirements, and in return, Leo helps her tackle her Autumn Bucket List. As the month unfolds, Leo begins to appreciate the warmth and camaraderie of small‑town life—and both he and Via can’t ignore the sparks growing between them.
Kathleen Fuller has a gift for weaving humor into every story, and this book is no exception. I found myself laughing out loud more than once. Her characters are lovable, relatable, and full of heart, making this an engaging, uplifting read from beginning to end.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All comments and opinions are my own.

[icantcomeimbooked · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

this was such a cute cosy, easy read and honestly just really warm and fuzzy the whole way through and there's cats - instantly sold.

it’s one of those books you pick up when you don’t want anything too heavy, just something soft easy to read and that will give you a pick me up after a long week.

we follow via, who owns a cat café and is just trying to protect her little life in her small town and then Leo shows up and kind of turns everything upside down i really loved the small town setting in this it felt so warm and welcoming, especially with all the autumn vibes like festivals, pumpkin patches, and all the little local spots it just had that really cosy feel the whole time.

the romance was super sweet too very slow burn, not overly dramatic.

Via and Leo start off completely opposite, but you slowly see things shift between them and i actually really liked how natural that felt Leo’s character growth was also really nice to see
he starts off wanting to leave straight away, but the longer he stays, the more things start to change for him and i liked how the town and the people around him played a part in that.

Its about finding where you belong, fresh starts and community which made it such a comforting and nice read overall just a really cute, cosy story that was perfect for those autumn vibes.

thank you to net galley, the publisher & Kathleen fuller for the arc

[nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Autumn at the Cat Cafe by Kathleen Fuller is a cozy small-town romance that completely delivers on heart, warmth, and comfort.

Leo and Via don’t have the smoothest beginning, but watching their relationship slowly unfold is one of the most satisfying parts of this story. Both characters are carrying pieces of their past that make trust difficult, and their individual journeys toward healing feel genuine and heartfelt. The emotional growth is quiet, steady, and beautifully done.

This story features a forced proximity trope (handled very cleanly), a small-town setting, a city guy/country gal dynamic, and a lovely found family element that makes the town...and especially the cat café...feel like home. It’s the kind of book where the setting feels just as comforting as the romance itself.

If you’re looking for a no-spice romance, this one is perfect. The romance is sweet, gentle, and wholesome...sweet kisses only, nothing provocative...making it accessible to readers who prefer clean romance or simply want something cozy and low-stress.

This was my first book by Kathleen Fuller, and it definitely won’t be my last. There’s something quietly beautiful about the way this story unfolds, and it feels tailor-made for crisp mornings, cozy blankets, and an autumn TBR.

📚 Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for providing this ARC. All thoughts are my own.

🍂 Release date: August 4, 2026

[Suraiya Srabon]

Autumn at the Cat Cafe is the kind of cozy romance that feels like stepping into a small town wrapped in autumn colors, warm drinks, and soft purring cats. The story blends a charming cat café, a struggling bookstore, and a grumpy/sunshine romance in a way that feels comforting without becoming overly dramatic. Kathleen Fuller writes the town of Pecan Corner with so much warmth that it almost becomes a character itself, and the emotional connection between Via and Leo develops naturally through shared memories, community events, and quiet moments rather than forced tension. The autumn atmosphere was especially well written — every festival, pumpkin patch, and café scene added to the cozy feeling of the book.

What stood out most to me was how the story focused not only on romance, but also on grief, belonging, and finding a place where you truly feel at home. Via’s determination to protect the bookstore and Leo’s gradual connection to the town made the emotional moments feel genuine and heartfelt. The cats and side characters added a lot of charm without taking attention away from the main couple. At times, though, the pacing felt a little slow in the middle, and I wished some conflicts had been explored with a bit more depth before being resolved. Still, the writing style is easy to sink into, and the book leaves behind the same comforting feeling as a quiet autumn afternoon spent in a bookstore café.

[Nicole Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Autumn at the Cat Café was such a cozy, charming fall romance filled with small-town warmth, lovable characters, and the absolute dreamiest autumn atmosphere. Between the cat café, the bookstore next door, and all the seasonal activities, this book honestly felt like stepping into a Hallmark movie made specifically for book lovers and cat people.
Via was immediately easy to root for. I loved her passion for her café and her determination to protect Earl’s bookstore and the community surrounding it. She had such a warm and caring personality without feeling overly perfect. Leo, on the other hand, started out as the classic city guy who wants nothing to do with small-town life, but watching him slowly soften and connect with both the town and Via was incredibly satisfying.
The Autumn Bucket List was such a fun part of the story. Pumpkin patches, corn mazes, festivals, cider, cozy sweaters... this book fully commits to the fall vibes and I loved every second of it. The romance itself was sweet and slow-building with enough emotional depth to keep me invested.
I also appreciated that the story balanced romance with themes of grief, belonging, and community. The bookstore and café both felt like characters themselves, adding so much heart to the story.
If you love cozy fall romances, small towns, opposites attract, bookstores, cats, and seasonal comfort reads, this one is absolutely worth picking up.

[Booked & Dreaming · Rating 4 out of 5]

First of all, I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. This book was just what I needed when I picked it up: cozy, quick, and fun. It’s the kind of story that wraps around you like a warm blanket on a chilly afternoon, which feels perfect with the autumn vibe. Sir Meow steals the spotlight as the true star of the story, and I won’t be taking questions! The cat café and its delightful details are simply charming, and the small-town Pecan Corner feel adds a warm, lived-in touch. Leo and Via come into the story carrying some real trust issues; different reasons, same wall, and while I wish there were a bit more exploration of that in the middle, both characters do experience genuine growth. The slow-burning romance was actually something I appreciated; they spend most of the story choosing friendship over everything else, which made the ending feel more rewarding than if things had moved too fast. I do have two minor criticisms: the third act breakup isn’t my favourite storytelling device, and the ending felt a little too neat—problems that had been building just sort of... dissolving too conveniently. But honestly, none of that took away from how much I enjoyed the story. If you’re looking for something cute, easy, and truly cozy, this book delivers perfectly.

[Emily Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one is very well-written. The author has done a really good job of perfecting the cozy small-town vibe and also done a good job of making the personalities three-dimensional. The publisher is Christian, so this is a clean romance. But it isn't the type of Christian romance that is completely about religion. The characters go to church, but the religious aspect is subtle rather than over the top. Therefore, this is a good pick for someone who is either less religious or not religious. The only thing that I liked a smidge less is that this is not a male character that I personally would have wanted to pick. He lies to her almost from the start about being allergic to cats, which is kind of a sore spot for me since I've seen dog-lovers downplay other's allergies because they are "liars." In other words, to me, that particular lie makes life harder for people who really do have allergies and that part was hard for me. I also felt that the male character took advantage of Via a little because he had her doing, for free, a job which is typically paid and was to benefit only himself. However, even though I didn't like the man very much, the romance is written quite well. It has that nice gradual feeling and is very believable rather than insta-love. The plot arc is also quite successfully done. Overall, I quite enjoyed this one despite not liking the male character.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 🌟 📖 A Beautifully Heartfelt, Slow Burn Masterpiece!

I absolutely loved Autumn at the Cat Cafe by Kathleen Fuller. If you are a fan of small town romances that deliver high emotional stakes and an abundance of cozy vibes and cats, this is an absolute must read. I highly recommend it!

The plot of this book completely hooked me from the very beginning. Kathleen Fuller does a magnificent job weaving together a story that feels incredibly grounded and real. It doesn’t shy away from the heavy stuff, beautifully exploring themes of grief, family drama, heartbreak, and ultimately the healing power of love.
But my absolute favorite part? The romance. It is a spectacular, ultra slow burn filled with the kind of intense yearning that keeps you flipping pages late into the night. Your heart will ache for these characters as they navigate their feelings. Best of all, it is a completely clean romance, proving you don’t need explicit scenes to create incredible chemistry and emotional depth.

Whether you're in it for the cozy small town setting, the emotional depth, or just the cats, this book delivers. A phenomenal 4.5-star read that I will be thinking about for a long time.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher Thomas Nelson for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Kim L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set in the cozy town of Pecan Corner, Ohio, this story follows Via Dalton, a cat café owner who’s done with romance after a past heartbreak. She pours all her energy into her shop, her community, and her love for all things festive—until life throws her a curveball.

After her neighbor Earl passes away, Via hopes to take over his beloved bookstore, but his nephew Leo shows up from Los Angeles ready to sell and leave. The catch? He has to stay in town for a month to fulfill the terms of Earl’s will.

As Via helps him navigate small-town life—and pulls him into her autumn bucket list—Leo starts to slow down, and their initial friction turns into something softer. The chemistry builds naturally, with a sweet friends-to-lovers vibe and a touch of grumpy-meets-sunshine energy.

Kathleen Fuller blends humor and heart effortlessly, and I loved the glimpses of Earl’s life through his journal. Via is bright and resilient, while Leo’s growth adds depth to their story.

Warm, charming, and full of small-town magic, this one is perfect if you’re in the mood for something cozy and uplifting. 4.5 ⭐ rounded up!

Many thanks to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.

[Srijita Das · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review of ARC Copy

Autumn at the Cat Cafe by Kathleen Fuller is hands down a cute, cozy & warm novel. This is practically that kind of book which you pick up when you don't want to fill your head with further heaviness.It is story that is wrapped within the blanket of purring cats, and books and of course, a sunshine/grumpy romance in your way. The setting of the story absolutely have the dreamiest autumn, the characters are so lovable and it's such a easy read. The author has done a commendable job by creating the soft echo of small-town environment and The Autumn Bucket List is the show-stealer of this novel as well as the pumpkin patches, apples, corn mazes etc. Both the bookstore and the cafe felt like walking talking characters and the story has the perfect balance of the sense of belonging, community , grief and romance.
The town Pecan Corner felt like the main character adding more dimension to the story and the emotional connection between Via & Leo was not at forced but rather a result of shared memories which is no doubt unique to the story.
Overall if you are looking for a no-spice , cozy read this book is for you.

Thank you netgalley & Thomas Nelson Fiction
for sending me this ARC.

[Lori Parrish · Rating 5 out of 5]

Y'all I am so glad I saw this book and grabbed it! It is the cutest and the most funniest story this author has ever written in my opinion. This will be my favorite by her.
Cats, books and people all right up my alley. I was so delighted and happy while reading this one. Wow!
Sir was adamant about getting to know Leo. Actually pretty insistant lol. Cats just know some things about humans. I know I have one. She's pretty demanding at times.
I love the smell of books! My most favorite thing.
The romance part was pretty cute too. I loved the way the author did that.
I really couldn't put this book down. I didn't want this story to end. It was too enjoyable.
I loved Leo and Via especially Via. I loved in getting to know them.
Life has a way of working things out doesn't it?
I'm giving this story 5 stars for a job well done! I highly recommend it
Thanks for the opportunity to read and review this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.

[carly · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a fully fledged, 100% cat lady—and someone obsessed with all cat-based books—this did not disappoint!

Kathleen Fuller creates wonderful characters, with complex, well-developed and engaging storylines, full of individuality—right down to the cats themselves.

I loved the perfectly captured cattitude of “Sir” and “Squeaks”, and the pivotal role Sir plays in matchmaking Via and Leo. I also really appreciated the references back to Earl and his story, despite him not being present. It made everything feel more genuine and true to the emotional journeys of the characters.

Overall, it’s a cute small-town romance featuring a grumpy MMC and a bubbly sunshine FMC, alongside a second chance at happiness. It delivers all the cosy autumn feels—the café setting, the sense of found family, and the friendly small-town vibes all come together to make this a really enjoyable read.

Thanks to NetGalley, Kathleen Fuller, and Thomas Nelson for the advanced copy of this book. All views expressed in this review are entirely my own.

[Randi Sampson · Rating 4 out of 5]

With all the small-town autumn vibes of Gilmore Girls and a story that feels like stepping right into a Hallmark movie, this one truly will make it feel like fall... even if you're reading it in the springtime like I did! Via and Leo get off to a bit of a rough start with him coming to town to claim the inheritance his uncle has left him- a bookstore that she had planned to keep alive to honor its former owner. The stipulation? He has to stay in town for a month. Enter an autumn bucket list and all the fall festivities you would expect in a small town... and of course, an unexpected romance. Like I said, this one truly feels like it could be found in a Hallmark movie... in the best way possible. Still, if you're not a fan of those types of stories... well, this one probably won't be your cup of tea! But if you do love those types of stories, this is a sweet romance that is sure to make you smile!

Autumn at the Cat Cafe is a kisses only romance with no language.

**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.

[حالم Haalim · Rating 3 out of 5]

You know those books where the setting does more work than the actual story? This is one of them.

The beauty of this book is its setting. Small Ohio Town with genuine people, no rush and it made everything feel calm. The entire atmosphere made me pause and think about how different life would feel if everything just... slowed down. Normally, I tend to enjoy the characters rather than the world but not this time. All i cared about was "Sir Meow" and Pecan Corner. The whole vibe of the book and how each street looked.

Speaking of "Sir Meow", he is a highlander cat and so much better than so many men out there. He listens to you without judging you and goes on walk with you. This man acts like he owns Pecan Corner. So yes, the most entertaining character of the book.

However i do not love the book, I like it sure, enjoyed the first half? Definitely. The first half was strong, the premise felt fresh and the small town charm was working. But somewhere after the first act it became very repetitive, and consistent. The romance as well followed a very predictable path without much depth to make it feel earned

A solid read if you want something cozy and low stakes, just go in expecting you will enjoy the cats more than anything else😂

Thankyou net gallery for the e-arc