Autumn at the Cat Cafe

by Kathleen Fuller

In an attempt to save the bookstore next door from being sold to the highest bidder, the owner of a cat café enlists the bookstore owner to help with her annual Autumn Bucket List in this cozy, kisses-only, small-town romance. From USA TODAY bestselling author Kathleen Fuller, Autumn at the Cat Café is perfect for fans of Gilmore Girls and Sarah Adams.

Via Dalton owns Pawsitive Vibes, a successful cat café in small-town Pecan Corner, Ohio. The store next door, Second Chapter Books, is an iconic business in need of TLC, especially after its owner and Via's upstairs neighbor, the crusty septuagenarian Earl Brewster, unexpectedly passes away. Via's devastated by his death but is determined to make sure his legacy lives on by purchasing the bookstore, something she and Earl had discussed before his death. But his estate has to go through probate, and at the last minute Leo Brewster, Earl's long-lost nephew, shows up.

Leo's life is in a shambles. He lost his lucrative hedge fund analyst job and is convinced he's being framed by someone but can't prove it. Financially leveraged to the hilt and blacklisted in his industry, he ends up losing everything but one suitcase of clothing and his expensive sports car. He finally gets a break when out of the blue he hears that he's the heir to a bookstore left to him by an uncle he didn't even know he had. He leaves LA and heads to Pecan Corner to claim his inheritance.

Via and Leo immediately clash, despite the romantic sparks firing between them. When Leo refuses to sell the bookstore to her because she can't pay market value, she formulates a new plan--she must show Leo how important Second Chapter Books is to the community. Refusing to take no for an answer, she enlists Leo to help her fulfill her yearly Autumn Bucket List. Despite having her heart broken three years ago and swearing off men, she finds herself fighting her deep attraction to Leo . . . and losing.

As he looks for a serious buyer, Leo finds his uncle's journals and learns about his estranged family. Although he's desperate to sell to the highest bidder and go back to LA to figure out who framed him, he's falling for his Uncle Earl's community--and the spunky ray of sunshine that is Via Dalton.

Genres: Romance, Autumn, Audiobook, Fiction, Christian Fiction, Contemporary, Enemies To Lovers

302 pages, Kindle Edition

First published 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

[cat (catching up slowly) · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I love her with my life. She doesn’t know that yet, and I don’t want to scare her. But I’ll tell her someday.”


on repeat 𝄞 ࿐♬ 𓍢ִ🎧ྀི ᯓ ‎♪ˎˊ˗
“ᴄᴀᴛ ᴄᴀғᴇ” x sʜᴏғғʏ
0:01 ─♥───────── 2:29


I’m not gonna lie, I initially requested this for of the title because I LOVE cats. 🤣 and i'm so glad i did. Starting with Via walking her cat on a leash had my little heart so happy immediately. I could practically picture the cozy café, cats sunbathing in the windows, coffee everywhere, and fall leaves outside. GIVE ME ALL OF ITTTT

Sir Meow??? I was DYING over how obsessed he was with Leo and how he somehow always knew when Leo was around. It is genuinely so true that cats are drawn to the people who like them the least 😂

I really loved watching Leo slowly realize that there was so much more to life than constantly working and being alone. Seeing him experience Via’s family and this little town made his loneliness feel so much lighter, and I loved watching him become part of something. Via’s kindness really stood out to me, too. Even when things weren’t going the way she wanted, she still genuinely wanted to help him. She just had such a warm, good heart.

Their relationship was probably my favorite part. I loved watching them become attracted to each other through all the ordinary little moments, and the bucket list was such a cute way to bring them closer. 🥹 I also really appreciated how much communication there was between them. Even when they messed up or reacted poorly because of past hurt, they talked about it, apologized, and actually explained themselves instead of letting misunderstandings drag on forever (minus the very end).
AND Leo refusing to give someone the silent treatment when he was upset??? YES. Also when given the chance to compliment Via, he chose her intelligence over her looks and I absolutely loved that 😏 🤌🏼

There was also something really sweet about Leo trying to repair his relationship with his mom. I appreciated that the book allowed that healing to be complicated and imperfect while still showing that sometimes people can choose to try again.

Overall, this book was basically everything I want from a cozy fall romance: pumpkin patches, corn mazes, fall festivals, sweaters, coffee, cats, small-town charm, kisses, and two people slowly realizing they might have found something they weren’t looking for. It made me feel like I was actually there with them, and I just wanted to curl up somewhere warm and stay in Pecan Corner forever 🙂‍↕️😌

And I’m just gonna end this by saying… I REALLY WISH WE WOULD’VE FOUND OUT WHERE HER BIRTHMARK WAS 🤣

favorite quotes ↓

“I didn’t know how cold and stark my existence was until I met you. How starved I was for love … for you …” His voice cracked with emotion. “Until I almost lost you.” His arms tightened around her. “You’ve brought so much color, light, and warmth to my life. I love you so much. I don’t want to lose you again.”

things to know about the book ↓

🐈‍⬛ opposites attract
🐈‍⬛ unexpected love
🐈‍⬛ forced proximity
🐈‍⬛ bucket list
🐈‍⬛ lots of kittiessss
🐈‍⬛ small town girl x city boy
🐈‍⬛ third-act breakup
🐈‍⬛ written in 3rd person

swearing: none
spice rating: mild kisses

Thank you NetGalley, publisher & author for this arc in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

─────────
・❥・⁀➷ 𝕡𝕣𝕖-𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕕

if you know me you know half my personality is loving cats so you best believe i'm ready for a cat cafe book 😌🙂‍↕️ pleaseeee be good

[BookishKB · Rating 5 out of 5]

🍂🐈 Autumn at the Cat Cafe 📚☕

This was the perfect cozy fall read! 🍂☕ Very Hallmark-esque, and now I am fully ready for fall to come around! Give me the sweaters, pumpkin patches, and fall festivals immediately. 🍁🎃

Via came on very strong in the beginning, and it took me a little while to warm up to her. But she really grew on me as the story went on, and by the end, I loved her and Leo together! 🥹💕

And naturally, the cats were the best part of the story. 🐈 Obviously.

I also really, really loved the 🎧audiobook narration! It was perfect for this kind of cozy romance.

⭐️ 5 Star Read!

What to Expect
🐈 Cat Cafe Owner FMC
😏 Harvard Boy MMC
📚 Bookstore Setting
😤 Grumpy x Sunshine
🏘️ Small Town
🍂 Autumn Bucket List
🎃 Pumpkin Patches
☕ Cozy Fall Festivals
_ _ _ _

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

[Dee (in the desert) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars - just okay - loved the cats😻, didn't care much for the two MC's - felt their relationship was inauthentic & also kinda cringe. I really liked that it was "closed door" too, but unlike the FMC, I was NOT a "smitten kitten" 🤮

[Alicia]

Gifted by the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Right from the start I was uncomfortable with the overwhelming focus on physical attraction between the two characters. I kept reading because aside from that, the story was quite cute, but still...the physical attraction continued to not sit well with me.

At 51% in I came to this passage and that's when I decided I'd had enough.

"Everything about her was gorgeous. Her curves, her mile-long legs, a derriere that didn't quit -- He almost groaned out loud. What was he going to do about his fascination with her?"

I really have no interest in reading about derrieres that don't quit. And this is yet another Thomas Nelson published book that has left me scratching my head.

These characters seemed to have no genuine chemistry or connection, just lust for each other.

*For more reviews and bookish content, be sure to follow me on Instagram @aliciasbooksanctuary

[Melissa (christianbooksandcoffee)]

DNF at 38%. This book mentions attraction WAY too much. They think about how attractive the other is constantly and it’s annoying! Check each other out constantly. Imagine how things look under the clothes like his chest and her birthmark on her butt ….um no! This book has potential to be cute with all the Autumn and cat stuff but it’s constant attention to how attractive the characters are distracts from that.

[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.

[Heidi Robbins (Heidi Reads...)]

Kathleen Fuller is one of my favorite authors of Amish fiction, but sadly that did not translate to contemporary romance for me with this book. It's definitely a cozy story, but I was bogged down with too much mundane detail and lost interest in story. I struggled to connect with Via or Leo, and wasn't feeling the chemistry between them. Maybe I've read too many of this type of story, but the plot of fulfilling bucket list items felt cliche. I gave it until 60% before moving on. I'm sure many will love the book but it just wasn't for me at this time.

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

[Katelyn (editing my 1st draft) · Rating 4 out of 5]

🤬Language Rating: 0/5
🌶️Spicy Rating: 0.75/5
📖Plot Rating: 4.25/5
⚔️Violence Rating: 0/5
😎Christian Worldview: 2/5
⭐️Final Rating: 4.25/5

✨this is a spoiler-free review✨

🎧Now Playing: This Is Love by for KING & COUNTRY

🎶richer or poorer🎶

This was such a cute fall romance! I didn’t know if this would be my jam, but by page one I already knew I was going to love the story! I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a clean, cute autumn romance with light Christian themes!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you to Kathleen Fuller and Thomas Nelson for a copy of this book!

🎶better or worse🎶

This story follows Octavia (Via), our incredible FMC who owns the Pawsitive Vibes cat café in the small, quirky town of Pecan Corner, Ohio. When her close friend, Earl Brewster, passes away from a sudden heart attack, things get stirred up in the usually quiet town. Earl’s nephew, Leonardo, comes to inherit his uncle’s home, and with it the town’s charming Second Chapter bookshop. Via is determined to put this arrogant intruder in his place, and save Earl’s legacy…before he puts it all on the market and goes back to the shiny life in California he left.

If only they weren’t so attracted to each other right off the bat. That would make things a lot easier.

🎶could we be together?🎶

I loved the premise of this book! I am not a huge cat person, and so I was worried this book would fall flat, but it did not at all! I loved Sir (Via’s moody kitten), I loved the banter between Leo and Via, I loved the dual POVs, and I loved how realistic the hesitation and miscommunication felt! This is exactly what I pictured when I say I am looking for a fall romcom. Pecan Corner sounds like the coziest town, and I have an urge to go pick out pumpkins after reading this!

🎶could we make it work?🎶

I think Via was a great FMC! Her struggles felt realistic, and I loved how much personality she had! She never felt like a pick-me to me, or like she was acting childish! I wish there were more FMCs like her, who were strong on their own, but also exhibited femininity and grace! I loved the Cat Café concept, and it’s a good thing there isn’t one of those here in PA, otherwise I would have probably ended up adopting a cat! 😂

🎶if love is patient🎶

Leonardo (Leo) had the most character growth in the novel. His character was snarky, and funny, and surprisingly emotional! I loved how his backstory was revealed a bit at a time, and I love how much he cares for Via, right off the bat. I think it was really noble of him not to pursue a relationship in the beginning, and I was cracking up at the camping scene with Fergus (iykyk).

🎶and if love is kind🎶

I think my only true complaint about this book is I wish Christianity was a bit more blunt throughout. The author mentions church multiple times, but it was almost like she didn’t want to commit all the way, because we never hear more about Leo wanting to check out church with Via or Via’s personal faith, despite going to church every Sunday. There were themes of reconciliation and forgiveness and how lying never leads anywhere good, which were well-done, and I appreciated, but I wish Kathleen would have taken the next step. It would have made this book a five star for me.

The plot itself was really engaging, especially because we are waiting for certain things to be revealed about our characters, and for them to discover things about each other. Second Chapter’s ownership and “fate” is also up in the air the entire book. I was invested in this story, and I only put it down when I had to!

🎶oh God, give me a sign🎶

Content wise, there is no spice, only kissing that is kept clean. Mentions of a birthmark, and Via accidentally walks in on Leo shirtless two times. Dora, Via’s sister, teases her about sharing a bed with Leo but quickly apologizes for going too far. No language, and no LGBTQ content.

Definitely would recommend to 13+! Excited to read more by Kathleen Fuller!!

[Beth]

I really wanted to love this one as I’m ready for fall and all the cozy comforts of the season. The fall vibes and the cozy small town setting are really the highlights of the book for me. However, that’s about all I really enjoyed. The romance in this is technically clean, but there’s quite a bit of body part description that I could have done without. Also, the nicknames were super cringe. DNF at 50%.

Thank you, Thomas Nelson for the e-ARC! All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

[ryliekate_reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review of Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley.

Overall, 3.5-3.75 stars :) This truly is such an adorably cozy, autumnal, cat-filled book! It feels very much like a feel-good movie that begs to be experienced while curled up under a comfy blanket.
As the title suggests, it is Autumn at the Cat Cafe. Every page brimming with fall and cats. Is it cheesy? Yes, very much. But it’s cheesy in the best way— and who doesn’t need a little cheesiness in their life?! Via and Leo’s relationship is so sweet, and they do have some growth as the story progresses.
Sometimes the characters fell a little and it very much followed a Hallmark-esq. storyline, and there is nothing wrong with that! Now, it is marketed as Christian fiction, however they never really discuss their faith beyond mentioning going to church and I wish that it could have been a little more integrated. But the book has NO swearing and is sweet kisses only— thank you Kathleen Fuller!!!
I highly recommend if you enjoy clean, sweet, and cozy reads… and if you wish to read a breezy book that feels like a nice cup of spiced tea. Also, cats (just reiterating that it’s in the title, and yes it’s extremely cheesy, but also adorable). Overall, this was so cute and such an enjoyable read. A definite revisit for cozy season 🍂
Happy reading :)

Thank you to Thomas Nelson Fiction and NetGalley for providing this e-copy of Autumn at the Cat Cafe in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

[anzhelika ୨ৎ]

pre-read:
time for an autumn read (it's raining outside).

˗ˋˏ ୨୧ thank you to NetGalley, Thomas Nelson Fiction + Audio, and Kathleen Fuller for the digital arc and alc in exchange for an honest review! ୨୧ ˎˊ˗

[Samantha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to Net Galley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for the ARC of this book. All opinions are my own.

3.5 stars rounded to 3.

This was a easy read/palate cleanser type of book (not in a bad way), and I finished it in one day. I wish I read it closer to fall because the fall vibes were perfect. All the descriptions of fall décor, changing tree colors, and fall activities would definitely scratch my itch that time of year.

The first third of this book was rough. Everything was happening so fast that I was very confused. The first few chapters take place in the span of seemingly 30 minutes. That might not be that bad, but then contrasting that timeline with the rest of the book that skips days at a time, I wish it would have been a bit less jumbled at the start. The vibes are cute with the cats and fall time, but some of the descriptions in the book were really giving me the ick. The two main characters think some weird things sometimes, and they were overly descriptive in their desire for the other character (which I felt a bit odd since this was a no spice book).

I will say I hate a insta love story because they feel so fake, but this one wasn't too bad. The main characters have a deadline on their time together, which makes the timeline go faster than it probably should have. The main characters do have some good conversations and go into their past traumas, so it was nice that it wasn't just a lust story.

Once I hit about 2/3 of the way through the book I was hooked, I really liked the main characters and learning about Earl. Most of the supporting characters were fun, especially the cats. One character that was kind of getting on my nerves was Via's sister Dora. Also, Leo's moms was a good contrast to all the other characters. You always need a good villain, but the ending felt very out of left field for her and I didn't expect it at all. I'm not sure I like how her ending was written, but it does make for a happy ending.

Overall this was a cutesy book and I would recommend it if you like a cheesy romance, particularly with cats, fall vibes, and the state of Ohio.

[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.

[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.

[Meagan McGee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction Audio for giving me the opportunity to listen to this audio book for an honest review!!

The narrator was perfect!

Sir. Meow was definitely the star of the show! The was he brought these two; Via and Leo, together was just so cute!!

Via Dalton owns Pawsitive Vibes, a successful cat café in small-town Pecan Corner, Ohio.

The store next door, Second Chapter Books, (An amazing name by the way!) is an iconic business in need of TLC, especially after its owner and Via's upstairs neighbor, the crusty septuagenarian Earl Brewster, unexpectedly passes away.

Via, devastated but determined to make sure his legacy lives on wants to purchase the bookstore, something she and Earl had discussed before his death. But his estate has to go through probate, and at the last minute Leo Brewster, Earl's long-lost nephew, shows up.

Leo's life is in a shambles. He lost his lucrative hedge fund analyst job and is convinced he's being framed by someone but can't prove it. Financially leveraged to the hilt and blacklisted in his industry, he ends up losing everything but one suitcase of clothing and his expensive sports car. He finally gets a break when out of the blue he hears that he's the heir to a bookstore left to him by an uncle he didn't even know he had. He leaves LA and heads to Pecan Corner to claim his inheritance.

Via and Leo immediately clash, despite the romantic sparks firing between them.

When Leo refuses to sell the bookstore to her because she can't pay market value, she formulates a new plan. She must show Leo how important Second Chapter Books is to the community. Refusing to take no for an answer, she enlists Leo to help her fulfill her yearly Autumn Bucket List. Despite having her heart broken three years ago and swearing off men, she finds herself fighting her deep attraction to Leo . . . and losing.

As he looks for a serious buyer, Leo finds his uncle's journals and learns about his estranged family. Although he's desperate to sell to the highest bidder and go back to LA to figure out who framed him, he's falling for his Uncle Earl's community--and the spunky ray of sunshine that is Via Dalton.

EEEEEKKKK

You had me at the names of each store, Uncle Earl, and honestly this was such a great book! The chemistry between Leo and Via throughout had me kicking my feet. This is a book that had me craving apple cider, pumpkin pie and that cold crisp autumn air.

It makes me want to move up north so I can experience this. It was such a cozy read that I could stop.

Via is super fun! Spunky and Iconic. I love how chaotic she is with her furniture and the clothes she wears. She is bright and she is the owner of a cat cafe!

Leo, I didn't like him at first with the way he protected his sports car for dear life. But as he got used to the way he lived at Pecan Corner (which is also a favorite name.) he slowly let loose, and became less of a stickler and way more handsome in my eyes!

This is perfect to read during the fall, cozied up on the couch or in a chair to read. If you love Sunshine X Grumpy, cuteness everywhere, cat cats and lots of cats, slow burn romance, then this is for you!

[Marian. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Esta historia es la perfecta para leer o escuchar en esta época otoñal que viene y si eres amante de los gatos ¡seguro este libro te encantará!

Nuestra protagonista Via Dalton es propietaria de un Cat Café (si, un café con gatitos) y me encanto todo de ella, su personalidad, sus sueños, TODO, es mi favorita de toda la historia y luego tenemos a Leo Brewster, sobrino del dueño (difunto) de la librería de al lado, el viene de Los Ángeles, un chico de la ciudad que se ve envuelto en una herencia de la cual no sabía nada y que se tiene que quedar en el pequeño pueblo de Pecan Corner para poderla cobrar ¿un poco cliché? si, pero a mi me funciono.

La historia es acogedora desde el minuto uno, llena de referencias al otoño en cada página, llena de ese encanto que solo los pueblos pequeños nos traen y si, un romance lindo que aunque un poco dramático un poco al final, me gusto y mucho.

La narradora, Melissa Moran le dio vida perfectamente a cada personaje y eso es algo que me sorprende cuando son narrados a una sola voz, la destreza que tiene es inmensa y Melissa dio en el punto con cada uno de ellos y en un tono de voz muy entendible.

Esta es de esas historias que lees o escuchas con una sonrisa en la cara y te hace sentir todo acogedor por dentro.

********

This story is perfect for reading or listening to as fall approaches, and if you’re a cat lover, you’re sure to love this book!

Our protagonist, Via Dalton, owns a Cat Café, and I loved everything about her—her personality, her dreams, EVERYTHING—she’s my favorite character in the whole story. And then there’s Leo Brewster, the nephew of the (late) owner of the bookstore next door. He comes from Los Angeles—a city boy who finds himself caught up in an inheritance he knew nothing about and has to stay in the small town of Pecan Corner to claim it. A little cliché? Yes, but it worked for me.

The story is cozy from the very first minute, full of references to fall on every page, full of that charm that only small towns can offer—and yes, a sweet romance that, although a bit dramatic toward the end, I really, really liked.

The narrator, Melissa Moran, brought every character to life perfectly—and that’s something that always surprises me in single-voice narrations. Her skill is immense, and Melissa nailed the essence of each character with a very clear and easy-to-follow tone of voice.

This is one of those stories you read or listen to with a smile on your face, and it makes you feel all warm and cozy inside.

📌 I received an advance listenig copy of this audiobook through netgalley, and this is my honest opinion/review of it.

[Hannah · Rating 2 out of 5]

2 Stars.

The vibes:
- cat cafe
- A cat who acts like a dog
- Autumn setting / timeline
- Closed door (kisses only)

🐈 My thoughts:
This promises a cute fall romance with a bookshop and cat cafe setting. The idea was really cute but the story struggled with quite a bit of telling versus showing.

🐈 The characters have a lot of physical attraction to eachother, and I get that but beyond that I didn’t see much else. Why do these characters want to be together other than that? What makes them work well together? How can their lives actually work together? They both found eachother super hot, had the nicknames of “smitten kitten” and “Harvard boy”, and Leo was constantly taking “cold showers” (😵‍💫), but I needed more depth.

🐈 The plot execution also had me asking a lot of questions. He’s helping her with an Autumn bucket list. She helping him get the shop ready to sell. What’s in it for either person though?? With the way that he isn’t telling her the truth of his intentions, it made even less sense to me that either person would make this trade off. It does create the plot device for them to spend time together, but it just didn’t make sense to me in the story.

🐈 Lastly - I am the biggest cat girl you’re going to find but I was pulled out of the story by some of the wild cat behaviors that didn’t feel organic to me. Sir Meow goes on morning walks on the leash, goes to the pumpkin patch (and anywhere), and uses the potty like a dog outside. I’m willing to accept that cats have different personalities, but this felt like a leap for me.

Note / spice content: closed door (kisses only)
Release date: August 4, 2026.

Thank you so much to Kathleen Fuller, Thomas Nelson, and NetGalley for the gifted copy. I received this eARC from the author/publisher, but this honest review is voluntary.

[aribooks · Rating 3 out of 5]

It really start up soooo well, and I was so into it, I liked the setting of small town vibes, the cat in the story line, and I loved how he was named Sir!! I found him so funny, and it was really cute. And it had really cozy autumn vibes : small town, diff activities, the coffee shop, the friendly neighborhood.
Sadly through the story, I just started getting bored at little bit. It was a slow beginning, and really slow story, which was fine at first, for me, but it kind of just started to be way too slow, and kind of nothing was happening, until it was. And I found the pacing not for me at all…

For the characters, I really enjoyed Via a lot. She was really sweet, but also funny and I loved how she was determined to make the bookstore still live and not sell off and become something else. And how she was so into showing Leo the greatest part of her hometown.
For Leo, it was really different, it took me like half the book to enjoy him just a little bit, because I couldn’t stand him from the beginning at all. That classy guy, with rich vibes and kind of superiority manners really made me hate him a lot. He seemed like a jerk for a really long time, and even when you warm up it’s really not a character I appreciated.
I had a really hard time connecting to the characters because they really missed some depth, and growth through the whole book…

It was marketed as “perfect for fans of Gilmore girls” and of “Sarah Adams”, but sadly i think it’s really not similar at all…
But overall, it was a really easy and at some moments, funny read!!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this arc!

[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.

[Bbecca_marie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Autumn at the Cat Cafe 🍂🐈✨Review✨thank you so much partner  @ThomasNelsonFiction @tlcbooktours for the gifted copy!

Autumn at the Cat Cafe
by Kathleen Fuller
out now!

About the book 👇🏽

Via Dalton is perfectly happy running her quirky cat café in the charming town of Pecan Corner, Ohio—until the beloved bookstore next door is inherited by Leo Brewster, a handsome LA businessman determined to sell it and return home. Desperate to save the shop, Via challenges Leo to complete an autumn bucket list and experience everything their small town has to offer. As they navigate pumpkin patches, fall festivals, and corn mazes, Leo starts falling for both Pecan Corner and Via. But with Via determined to stay single and Leo planning to leave, they’ll have to decide if their unexpected connection is worth changing their plans.

My thoughts 💭:

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

If you’re looking for a sweet, cozy autumnal read that you can finish in one sitting, look no further! This one delivers all the fall feels with a charming small town, a cute romance, and plenty of cozy feels. The romance was adorable, and It comes with playful nicknames! Overall, this was such a fun little in between book perfect when you want something light, comforting, and easy to get lost in.

What to Expect👇🏽
🍂 Cozy autumn vibes
🐈 Cat café
📚 Bookstore
🏡 Small-town romance
💕 Cute & sweet
😏 Playful nicknames

Happy reading 📖✨🍂🐈

[Emily · Rating 1 out of 5]

*Thank you to the Publisher for providing me with an ARC of this title. All thoughts and opinions are my own and were in no way influenced by receiving this copy.

DNF 64%

I could write a very lengthy review about how bad this book is. Juvenile main characters. Calling a cat SIR the entire book?? Ridiculous. "Smitten Kitten" is gag worthy material too. Especially when she just met the guy. Who in their right mind would would also set up a quiz to ensure the person you're willing your belongings too actually deserves is?? What happens if he fails?? Literally the dumbest plot point I've ever read.

But the thing that made this book a DNF for me is the "rolls upon rolls" comment. That she shouldn't be wearing the dress she was wearing because it was tight and made her look dumpy. Just for our hero to swoop in and tell her she's beautiful. Hey guess what Kathleen. Fat people are beautiful even with rolls upon rolls in skin tight clothes too. Actually disgusting that in 2026 we're writing about women's bodies like this.

Also yeah we get it the book takes place in Ohio. you don't have to name drop every single town and business within the state and you certainly do not need to make the Cleveland Browns such a massive plot point in your story. What is with the obsession with the Cleveland Browns in Ohio based books! The Guardians and Cavs are right there and they are actually good in their divisions. (I love the Browns and will die for them but people come on I do not need to read about it too)

[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.

[Crimson Books · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

⭐️⭐️⭐️☆☆ (3/5 Stars)

I picked up Autumn at the Cat Café because cats and a café sounded like a combination I couldn't really say no to—plus, I have a major weakness for anything to do with animals.

Overall, I thought I was going to get a really cute, comfy read, but unfortunately, it wasn't one that completely worked for me or managed to keep me fully engaged.

I liked the idea of the cat café as a cosy setting, and the cat's behavior was absolutely adorable. Yet, unfortunately, I didn't really connect with anything else because the characters didn't feel entirely genuine. They were okay but came across as a bit one-dimensional. While there were some moments I liked, it wasn't quite enough to make the overall read truly enjoyable.

I also felt that parts of the story moved a bit too slowly. Honestly, if the book had been cut down a little, nothing would have really been lost. I found myself waiting for things to happen, which left me feeling a bit disappointed.

That said, it was still an easy read; it just lacked the depth I usually look for when it comes to character development. It definitely captures that lovely autumn atmosphere, and I think if you are looking for a simple, relaxing story filled with cats, coffee, and a bit of romance, you might enjoy this much more than I did—and if you do, that's great!

[Kimberly Adams · Rating 3 out of 5]

A cozy fall day put into a book! This was a cute story. It had a lot of moments that would make this a great made-for-tv romance. The pacing of the romance was nice, considering the short timeline. If you like a cozy, clean romance then this book is for you!
*spoilers*
However, I did not like the FMC and hated the MMC. Both need therapy for their abandonment issues to start. Having their family and friends walk on eggshells and refuse to confront the real issues only made things worse. The third-act break up was flimsy at best. The 'betrayal' of the book being one small thing kept from the MMC, which would have impacted the FMC's financial wellbeing. It was not the countless lies, never truly explained by the MMC which was the basis for the majority of the plot. Cute book, but frustrating romantic ending.

[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.)

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

**Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction Audio for a digital copy of this text in exchange for an honest review.

This cozy romance was exactly what I expected, very Hallmark Channel in the best possible way. I’m just not sure I was in the right headspace for a cozy mystery. There was nothing wrong with the writing, the characters, the narrators. It just wasn’t what I was in the mood for. If cozy vibes and sweet romance are what you are in the mood for, give it a go. This one is exactly what it says it is.

[ritα · Rating 4 out of 5]

This audiobook was really refreshing!
I loved the autumn vibes and it made me crave that time of the year. The cat was the star, obviously! 🤏🏼
Except a (really) slow burn romance, cosy vibes and smiling. Grab yourself a hot drink and give this one a go.

Thank you to NetGalley, Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction Audio for the Advanced Listener Copy of this book in return for a honest review.

[Jeong Sieun Alexandrine · Rating 4 out of 5]

ALC review through Netgalley thanks to the author, Thomas Nelson and the Zondervan Fiction Audio team ☆

This was a deliciously cozy read !
Absolutely love the choice of narrators.
The story, while not being mindblowing in originality, was a great execution of everything we love about fall , hallmark like romance and heartwarming small town vibes ~

Making me wish for the end of summer ASAP 🍂

[Ana Luiza · Rating 2 out of 5]

pt-br:
Autumn at the Cat Cafe nos apresenta Via Dalton, que jurou ficar longe de homens para focar em seu aconchegante café de gatos, o Pawsitive Vibes, na charmosa cidadezinha de Pecan Corner, Ohio. Quando seu vizinho Earl falece, ela fica determinada a comprar a amada livraria dele, que fica ao lado, para preservar seu legado. É aí que entra Leo Brewster — o sobrinho distante da cidade grande que herda a loja e planeja vendê-la para quem der o maior lance antes de voltar para Los Angeles. Desesperada para salvar a livraria, Via desafia o ranzinza Leo a completar sua “Lista de Desejos de Outono”, esperando que a magia da cidade pequena (e alguns gatos adoráveis) o façam mudar de ideia.

Tenho que admitir: este livro me conquistou inteiramente pelo “fator Gilmore Girls”. Geralmente não sou de escolher esses romances clichês de outono em cidades pequenas, que parecem saídos de uma fôrma de bolo e têm capas ilustradas quase idênticas, mas decidi dar uma chance a este porque adoro gatos, a vibe do outono e Gilmore Girls. Além disso, a capa é inegavelmente adorável.

Infelizmente, promover este livro como algo parecido com Gilmore Girls ou com as obras da autora Sarah Adams parece uma tremenda forçação de barra, feita puramente para capitalizar em cima das tendências literárias atuais. Autumn at the Cat Cafe não se parece com nenhum dos dois. Em vez disso, ele se desenrola como um filme que seria facilmente adaptado pelo canal Hallmark. Na verdade, a atmosfera geral me lembrou muito a série de TV Good Witch (e sim, essa é mesmo uma produção da Hallmark).

O estilo de escrita pareceu um pouco infantil demais para o tom real da história. Para começar, achei incrivelmente difícil acreditar que a Via deveria estar na faixa dos vinte anos — ela fala e se comporta muito mais como alguém no final dos quarenta. Quanto ao protagonista masculino, Leo, me perguntei se a autora estava tentando escrevê-lo como um tipo cínico à lá “Harry Burns” de Harry e Sally — Feitos Um para o Outro, mas ela errou feio o alvo. Ele parece apenas um idiota irritante, e o comportamento dele — para ser sincera, o comportamento da maioria dos personagens desta cidade — é simplesmente bizarro.

Pelo lado positivo, a estrutura da história é, na verdade, bem interessante. Dá para notar que a autora fez um esforço genuíno para criar arcos individuais para os personagens secundários e adicionou detalhes atenciosos para dar vida a Pecan Corner. Infelizmente, essa base é desperdiçada porque falta desenvolvimento aos personagens, e a trama ao redor deles parece mal executada. Fiquei com a nítida impressão de ser um projeto do tipo “escrever para pagar os boletos”. Não há absolutamente nada de errado em escrever por um contracheque, mas ainda assim é possível entregar algo decentemente escrito e envolvente.

Se você está procurando uma leitura bem leve, sem grandes dramas, no estilo Hallmark e com uma pitada de estética outonal, este livro pode satisfazer um desejo rápido. Mas se você busca a profundidade real, a sagacidade ou um romance verdadeiramente encantador de Gilmore Girls, talvez seja melhor procurar em outro lugar.

inglês/english:
Autumn at the Cat Cafe introduces us to Via Dalton, who has sworn off men to focus on her cozy cat café, Pawsitive Vibes, in the charming town of Pecan Corner, Ohio. When her neighbor Earl passes away, she is determined to buy his beloved bookstore next door to preserve his legacy. Enter Leo Brewster — Earl’s estranged, big-city nephew who inherits the shop and plans to sell it to the highest bidder before returning to LA. Desperate to save the bookstore, Via challenges the grumpy Leo to complete her “Autumn Bucket List,” hoping the small-town magic (and some adorable cats) will change his mind.

I’ll admit it: this book entirely bought me over with the “Gilmore Girls” factor. I am not usually one to pick up these cookie-cutter, cozy, small-town autumn romances with near-identical illustrated covers, but I decided to give this one a chance because I adore cats, fall vibes, and Gilmore Girls. Plus, the cover is undeniably adorable.

Unfortunately, marketing this book as similar to Gilmore Girls or the author Sarah Adams feels like a massive stretch designed solely to capitalize on current reading trends. Autumn at the Cat Cafe feels like neither of those. Instead, it plays out like a movie that would easily get adapted by the Hallmark Channel. In fact, the overall atmosphere strongly reminded me of the TV show Good Witch (and yes, that is indeed a Hallmark production).

The writing style felt a bit too juvenile for the actual tone of the story. For one, I found it incredibly hard to believe that Via is supposed to be in her twenties—she speaks and behaves much more like someone in her late forties. As for the male lead, Leo, I wondered if the author was trying to write him as a cynical “Harry Burns” type from When Harry Met Sally..., but he missed the mark entirely. He comes across as just an annoying jerk, and his behavior— honestly, the behavior of most characters in this town— is downright bizarre.

On a positive note, the structure of the story is actually quite interesting. You can tell the author made a genuine effort to create individual arcs for the side characters and added thoughtful details to make Pecan Corner feel alive. Sadly, that foundation goes to waste because the character development is lacking, and the plot around them feels poorly executed. It left me with the distinct impression of a “writing to pay the bills” project. There is absolutely nothing wrong with writing for a paycheck, but you can still deliver something decently written and compelling.

If you are looking for a very light, low-stakes, Hallmark-style read with a dash of autumn aesthetic, this might satisfy a quick craving. But if you are looking for actual Gilmore Girls depth, wit, or a truly charming romance, you might want to look elsewhere.

Thank you NetGalley, Thomas Nelson, and Kathleen Fuller for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review!

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a sweet, wholesome story! It's got everything you want in a cozy, clean romance. Small town. Quirky heroine. A little bit of mystery and intrigue. Hilarious townies. Cats. Books. A checklist. Honestly, it could be a jumbled mess with how many tropes are involved here, but Fuller makes the entire story feel like an Autumnal-Hallmark -Stars-Hollow-inspired Rom Com. A fast, fun, feel-good read, for sure!

Thanks so much to the publisher and NetGalley for an audio ARC in exchange for an honest review.