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 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, Contemporary Romance, Fiction, Christian Fiction, Enemies To Lovers, Audiobook

Audible Audio

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

[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 Audio, Thomas Nelson Fiction and NetGalley for the advanced copy. All thoughts are my own.

[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.

[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!

[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.)

[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.

[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.

[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.

[Abby | Life-Giving Library · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley, Thomas Nelson, and Zondervan Fiction Audio for a complimentary advanced reader and advanced listener copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

2.5 stars.

I want to preface this review by saying that to the correct audience, this book will probably be charming and sweet. It is very reminiscent of a Hallmark movie, and some people really love that! For me, however, this book wasn't a favorite.

The element that was most distracting from the main storyline is the repetitive mention of the cats in this book. I like cats as much as the next person, but the cat obsession in this story is a bit much. The main female character, Via, owns a cat cafe where people can come and drink their coffee while holding cats, which is a cute idea, but her cat "Sir Meow" was mentioned so often that he seemed more like a side character than a pet. She took him everywhere, had him on a leash, and trained him like a dog. Again, to the correct audience, this may be seen as charming and funny, but to me it seemed more...silly.

Another thing that didn't work for me was the descriptions of the attraction between the two main characters, Via and Leo. I can appreciate a good slow-burn romance, but the way each of them described the way they were attracted to each other was extremely awkward for me to read. More than once, Leo was described as needing to "take a cold shower," which felt like an odd, tiresome joke and added nothing of value to the story. These characters also seemed extremely immature. Yes, they both had wounds in their pasts that shaped the decisions each of them made, but their reactions to certain conflicts seemed extreme.

The advertising for this book made it sound like it would capture more of the charm and atmosphere of Gilmore Girls. I did like the small town setting, but it lacked the witty banter and clever dialogue one finds in Stars Hollow.

All of that to say, I think this author's writing shines when she explores more depth in her characters. In the last 20% of the book, the reader comes to understand Via and Leo a bit more, and I just wish there had been more of that to begin with. It seemed like the story was trying too hard to be "cute," but the writing was way better when it went below surface level. I could have done with a lot less "Smitten Kitten" nicknames and a lot more heart.

Like I said at the beginning of my review, I think there is certainly an audience for this book. I know many people who absolutely love this type of story, and it does make for a quick, cozy read. It's not quite my cup of tea, but for the right reader, I can see it being sweet and charming.

Content considerations:
-No language
-Spice: just some kisses and descriptions of attraction and desire

[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!

[Shelly Hammond · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sweet little book for those that enjoy cleaner romances. I would say it leans sort of like a Hallmark type movie. It's super sweet with characters that are super sweet, for the most part, and a story that just leaves you feeling good after reading it.
Via Dalton has absolutely no interest in men anymore. Well, she's sworn them off at least. She's happy to just take all her time to focus on her quirky little cat cafe and the cute little town of Pecan Corner, Ohio, that she lives in. However, Earl Brewster, the owner of the very much loved bookshop, "Second Chance Books', passes away her little world implodes. Earl was a great guy and she enjoyed knowing him and his shop. She becomes determined to buy his shop and keep his legacy alive. Of course. there is a hiccup in that plan by the name of Leo Brewster. Leo has been thriving in L.A. but when he finds out he has an inheritance, one he has no need of but one he's absolutely not going to let his estranged mother get her hands on it, he packs up and heads to Ohio. All he wants to do is sell it off to the highest bidder and get the heck out of this little town and back to L.A. He is blindsided though when he learns it comes with a stipulation. He will inherit the bookshop but he has to spend one month in the town. He's really not looking forward to having to deal with the happy all the time cafe owner that is refusing to let him destroy the shop in the heart of town without a fight. Desperate to keep the shop as it is Via comes up with a plan. For the month he is there he needs to complete her autumn bucket list and if he isn't charmed with the town, well, then he can leave. As these things go, the two get quite close and even though Via has sworn off men and Leo has sworn off the town of Pecan Corner. the attraction is very hard to deny.
This book is really just cute. It's pretty easy to figure out a good bit of it but it's not really written to be a big surprise or anything, It's written with a good story, fun characters, and a whole lot of cute.
I was lucky to have received the audio version of this book to review. It's really good and the narrator, Melissa Moran, is brilliant. She made the characters come to life in the best ways. This is definitely one for those who like HEA books and especially if you like those without any steam to them.

[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.

[Lacey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

This was a fun easy read with a predictable plot. Think Hallmark movie (and yes, I love Hallmark movies). I can't say that it kept me on the edge of my seat, but sometimes I just love an easy small town romance that doesn't require a lot of mental investment (ie, not a lot of intense world building and magic systems, etc). The cute cats were adorable and added just enough whimsy.

LA man inherits a chaotic bookshop in a small town from an uncle he never even knew existed. The cat cafe owner next door is immediately suspicious because she thought she and Earl (the uncle) were going to eventually combine their businesses and now she is scrambling because she doesn't want to lose her ability to keep her business afloat, but she's also dealing with grief of the sudden loss of a friend. Leo is determined to sign the papers and sell the bookstore as soon as he can. Unfortunately, he learns that his uncle set stipulations into the will that he must adhere to in order to inherit the shop. Needing help, he enlists Via from next door to assist with all the tasks.

This book did have a little more emotional feels than I expected. The author did well in portraying the grief of a loss you never even had. Leo finds his uncle's journal and discovers that Earl thought that his nephew couldn't even be bothered to meet him, while Leo never even knew his mother had a brother in the first place. The journal entries show a lonely man who is just getting through the days until he meets a young woman next door who turns into a friend and daughter that he never had, of sorts.

We also watch Via grieve the loss of Earl (as well as the rest of the town who was touched by Earl's presence). It was a nice bit of emotional healing without shattering my heart completely, which I appreciate.

This was a little insta-love for me in general, but since all Hallmark movies usually are, I can't complain. Like I said, I love a good Hallmark movie.

[Ciara Hartman · Rating 4 out of 5]

🎧 Audio Review: Enjoyed the narration for this one!

📝 Story Review: This story was really enjoyable. Definitely gave the cozy small town vibes that I love. Also, the main cat in this story was a hoot! I enjoyed how these two became friends before letting their almost insta-attraction take over. After all, neither thought a relationship could work, so why pursue anything?

Overall a relatively light easy read, but it does deal with the loss of an elderly man who was special to the FMC and was a previously unknown relative of the MMC. Some issues with the last will he left behind and what he had planned to put in a new will. It also deals with MC’s who have past trauma which triggers certain reactions when dealing with each other and leads to misunderstandings and hurt feelings.

I’d definitely recommend this for those that want romance without the spiciness and love the small town cozy vibes!

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5
Spice Level: 🌶️ 0.5/5

Vibes: Cozy small town with books, cats, people who take care of each other and a slow burn romance.

Tropes & Micro-Tropes 👇

- Small Town
- Inheritance w stipulations
- Starting off on the wrong foot
- Forced proximity vibes
- Both MC’s have some trauma
- Cat Cafe
- Bookshop
- Rich city MMC
- Cafe owner FMC
- ‘Harvard boy’
- ‘Smitten Kitten’
- A cat called Sir, who likes to go on walks and is obsessed with the MMC
- Surprise journal finding
- She thinks he’s sexy in glasses
- He thinks she’s sexy in anything

CW’s 👇

- Loss of a relative/friend
- Trauma from past failed relationship
- Trauma from neglectful parent
- Sort of a third-act break up
- Dysfunctional family dynamic

Audio Release Date: August 4, 2026
Audio Run Time: 7 hrs, 56 mins
Narrated By: Melissa Moran
Genre: Cozy Romance
POV: Third Person; Dual

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction Audio for this ALC in return for my honest review.

[Kate Conder · Rating 3 out of 5]

First, I would like to thank NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for sending me the audiobook ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Review.

This is my first time reading a book by Kathleen Fuller, and I thought is was quite a nice, Hallmarkesque, seasonal read. This book has all the cozy, small town, autumn feels, which I absolutely love as a seasonal reader! If you are a fan of Gilmore Girls, the setting definitely has a similar feel to Stars Hollow. Even thought this book is primarily a clean romance, it addresses some deeper life experiences in a thoughtful and heartfelt manner, which I felt added depth to the characters and the story.

The author walked her characters through death, loss of family, finding family, forgiveness, and making amends in a way that felt authentic to their unique experiences and personalities. I loved the character growth of both the FMC and MMC. I thought that the pacing of the evolution of their relationship felt natural and not rushed or forced. I enjoyed the incorporation of the cats, but listening to the narrator attempt cat sounds repeatedly was a little cringy. I was also not a fan of the pet names that the FMC and MMC called each other. I love cozy mysteries and romances, but I honestly feel like the excessive puns and extra nicknames that often come up in them are a bit cliché. It takes me out of the story every time, but that is just me. If you enjoy those aspects, you will probably not mind it in this book.

The audiobook narrator did a wonderful job of presenting the story, giving voices to the characters, and maintaining the comfort read feel of the book. The pacing was a little slow for me, so I did listen to the book on a faster setting, but overall I enjoyed the audio version.

Content Warnings:

Death
Grief/Loss

*All thoughts and opinions are honest and my own.

[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.

[Justicereads · Rating 3 out of 5]

The cover of this book totally sucked me into wanting to read it. However, the story fell very flat for me with a very slow pace. Think Hallmark, but a three-hour movie instead of a two-hour one. I think listening to this book probably made it a little worse. The narrator's feeling the need to sound out the meow for the cats rubbed me the wrong way. I don't think I've heard that done in any other book, nor do I want to hear it in any other book. This was my first book by this author, and I believe when I looked her up, she writes Regency Romance typically, so maybe she's still finding her footing in this genre? I'm not sure why I appreciated the cute town setting and the supporting characters. But the two main characters just didn't do it for me. The heroine was very whiny and immature, and I felt like I was handling a lot of her situations. The male protagonist, however, was on point, being that he came from one area and lifestyle to this small town and had to adjust quickly. He was definitely my favorite character. I really wanted to be finished listening to it within the first hour.

That said, I did just have the wonderful experience of visiting my own cat cafe just one state away with my girlfriends a couple of weeks ago. It was a delightful experience, and I do feel like the author portrayed her cat cafe very similarly to the one I experienced in real life. Actually, I think maybe the author should get in touch with the cat cafe I visited and encourage them to adopt more cats because only seeing three walk around the store seemed a little underwhelming, though they were still very cute and fluffy.

[SW · Rating 3 out of 5]

Autumn at the Cat Café is the literary equivalent of wrapping yourself in a cozy blanket with a warm drink while watching the leaves change colors. Kathleen Fuller delivers a sweet, wholesome romance filled with small-town charm, lovable cats, and plenty of autumn vibes.

I absolutely adored the setting of Pecan Corner and the neighboring cat café and bookstore. Via was an easy heroine to root for, with her determination to preserve both Earl's legacy and the heart of her community. Leo's grumpy city-boy attitude paired perfectly with Via's sunny optimism, making their opposites-attract dynamic both fun and heartwarming.

The Autumn Bucket List added an extra layer of seasonal magic, featuring all the things I love most about fall—festivals, pumpkin patches, and cozy traditions. Fans of *Gilmore Girls* will definitely appreciate the close-knit town atmosphere and quirky community feel.

This is very much a kisses-only romance, so readers looking for a sweet and wholesome love story will find plenty to enjoy. While the plot was fairly predictable and there weren't many surprises along the way, the journey itself was delightful and comforting. Sometimes you just want a feel-good romance with lovable characters and a happy ending, and this book delivers exactly that.

Overall, Autumn at the Cat Café is a charming, cozy read that perfectly captures the magic of the season. If you're looking for a heartwarming fall romance filled with books, cats, and small-town charm, this one is well worth adding to your autumn TBR.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Valerie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a really cute read! I went into it not knowing that the author writes Amish literature. I don't know much about the Amish, except that they have amazing farmers' markets. There were some moments in here that were a bit cringe, like the obvious issue with swearing (the "swear" words were things like "he can go pound sand," LOL) and a heart-shaped birthmark on her butt. I'm agnostic, and even though it mentions that Sundays are for church so the whole town kind of shuts down, it's really not bad. There is no real religious agenda being pushed here; it's just a part of life in Pecan Corner.

The main characters themselves were charming. Octavia ("Via") is a down-to-earth woman who has been heartbroken before, but instead of getting depressed, she goes after her dream of owning a cat cafe. The cats were so sweet, and I love that the author gave each one their own personality. I also loved Sir Meow—he was the best character in the whole book!

Leonardo ("Leo") was written a little differently than I expected, too. He gives off major f-boy vibes at first but isn't one at all, which was refreshing. He is a total gentleman and a consent king. Their relationship, and how he falls in love with the town, was really sweet.

I can appreciate that the author did not go for the easy miscommunication trope here. They both had adult, civilized conversations, which made me so happy. Miscommunication just frustrates me when I'm reading.

In general, this is really just a kissing-only type of romance. Don't expect spice, and definitely expect a slow burn. At times it can be quite slow, but it was enjoyable overall. A solid 3.5/5 for me!

[Ayla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Autumn at the Cat Cafe by Kathleen Fuller

Rating: 4/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you to Thomas Nelson Fiction, Thomas Nelson, Netgalley, and the author for access to this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Autumn at the Cat Cafe is a sweet and fun read that’s so wonderful for fall. With cats, autumnal vibes, and romance, this story features a likable FMC and MMC, a cute bookstore and cat cafe, and a super wholesome romance. Such a lighthearted, cozy, and enjoyable read!

Via Dalton is focused on her cat café, Pawsitive Vibes, and the town of Pecan Corner, Ohio. But her world is turned upside down when Earl Brewster, the owner of the bookstore next door, passes away. Via is determined to buy the store and protect Earl's legacy, but her plans are thwarted by an unexpected heir. Leo Brewster is thriving in LA, but is now headed to claim the inheritance and quickly sell it. However, he did not expect the stipulation in the will that requires him to stay in town for a month. Via challenges Leo to complete her Autumn Bucket List in order to convince him that the bookstore is necessary for the community. Leo soon starts to see the beauty of the small town and begins falling for Via. Despite her determination to stay single and his plan to leave town, the attraction between them grows and Via wonders whether she’ll lose both the bookstore and her heart.

Autumn at the Cat Cafe is such an entertaining and fun story! The small town is utterly charming, the fall vibes are perfect, the character development is fantastic, and the growth throughout feels genuine. Overall, such a cute and enjoyable story!

[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.

[Jinn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advance listening copy of this audiobook from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This one started a little slow for me, but I got more invested with each chapter and ended up really enjoying it. Set around a cozy cat café and bookshop, it’s the perfect kind of story to curl up with on a quiet autumn evening.

After the death of his uncle, an estranged nephew inherits the local bookshop and cat café, bringing unexpected changes to the lives of those around him. Via is dealing with some painful experiences from her past that have left her guarded and hesitant to trust. Watching her gradually heal and open herself up again was one of my favorite parts of the story.

I especially loved the warm small-town setting, the welcoming community, the cats wandering around doing their own thing, and the easy chemistry and banter between the main characters. What really makes this story shine is its comforting, uplifting atmosphere. There aren’t any true villains here, just people learning, growing, and finding their way forward. The narration was well done with a clear, pleasant voice that suited the story. I did end up listening at 1.25x to 1.5x speed because the default pace felt a bit too slow for me and was making me sleepy, but the overall audio quality was very good.

A heartwarming, feel-good romance full of second chances, healing, and cozy autumn vibes. I’d recommend it to anyone who loves bookshops, cat cafés, small towns, and gentle romances with a bit of emotional depth.

[Yvette Jarrell · Rating 4 out of 5]

🎧ARC Review 🍂🐾
Autumn at the Cat Café by Kathleen Fuller
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

If cozy fall romances are your thing, Autumn at the Cat Café deserves a spot on your autumn TBR. Filled with small-town charm, an adorable cat café, a beloved old bookstore, and a sweet opposites-attract romance, this was such a comforting read.

After a heartbreaking betrayal, Via has poured everything into her cozy cat café and the community she loves. When the owner of the neighboring bookstore passes away, she dreams of keeping the beloved shop alive. But those plans are shaken when Leo, the late owner’s nephew from Los Angeles, unexpectedly inherits the bookstore and plans to sell it.

I loved the cozy atmosphere, from the charming bookstore and playful café cats to the colorful autumn setting. Via was easy to root for, Leo’s character growth was heartwarming, and their friendship slowly blossomed into a sweet, clean romance.

Warm, wholesome, and full of found family, friendship, and second chances, this is the perfect book to enjoy with a cozy blanket and your favorite fall drink. If you love clean romances, bookstores, cats, and all the autumn vibes, add this one to your TBR! 🍁📚🐈

The narrator, Melissa Moran was perfect and did a great job of bringing the story to life! Highly recommend the audiobook!

This book is available on August 4, 2026. A huge thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction Audio | Thomas Nelson Fiction for providing this advanced listeners copy in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Jo|Ruth Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, once I started reading this I was totally hooked! This had enemies to more (short lived), forced proximity vibes and you all, the chemistry between these two is off the charts, even when they are in denial, lol.

Via has goals of buying the bookstore next door that was owned by her late friend while also running the cat café beside it... that is until Leo shows up. Leo has inherited the bookshop and only plans on selling it. But with the will's stipulations, he has to not only stay in town for 30 days, but also get to know the shop much better and the town. In exchange for Via's reluctant help, he decides to help her with her autumn bucket list... expecting to learn more about the town, not expecting to fall in love on his temporary stay, changing all his plans. But the closer they get and the more invested they become, the more they can see the risks and the secrets they are each keeping from each other add to that.

These two. The chemistry was off the charts. The banter and nicknames were super fun and the cat antics were just as exciting. My only drawback was the focus being so much on physical attraction at times in a bit too steamy of a way... aka Leo constantly talking about needing to take cold showers. That said, it's a just kisses romance and I knew going in Kathleen wouldn't scoot away from physical attraction, so I was prepared. All in all, I would totally recommend this one, especially in the fall.

I'd give this a 4.5 rounded up to a 5.

I received a complimentary copy. This review reflects my honest opinion.

[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.