In Laurie Gilmore’s latest romance novel, “The Daisy Chain Flower Shop,” Daisy runs a flower shop in Dream Harbor and believes she’s unlucky in love. The book quickly climbed the bestseller lists after its May 2026 release, solidifying Gilmore’s reputation in the romance genre.
The story takes a twist when newcomer Elliot enters Daisy’s life, bringing with him elements of fake dating, found family, and friends-to-lovers themes—popular tropes among romance readers. As the sixth book in the “Dream Harbor” series, “The Daisy Chain Flower Shop” follows the success of previous titles like “The Pumpkin Spice Café” and “The Gingerbread Bakery.”
Gilmore’s books have found a dedicated following on TikTok, with videos about the series amassing over 26 million views. The first installment, “The Pumpkin Spice Café,” even won TikTok Shop Book of the Year at the 2024 TikTok Book Awards, further solidifying Gilmore’s place in the hearts of readers.
Readers on Goodreads have also praised “The Daisy Chain Flower Shop,” giving it a 4.01 rating from over 8,000 reviews. The novel’s success has brought Gilmore into the spotlight, with interviews showcasing her unique approach to blending sweet covers with spicy romance scenes.
In a recent podcast interview, Gilmore discussed the inspiration behind the series and her editor’s encouragement to add more romance elements. She described Daisy as a character navigating heartbreak and rebuilding her life back in Dream Harbor—themes that resonate with readers seeking cozy small-town romance stories.
Entertainment outlet Cosmopolitan described “The Daisy Chain Flower Shop” as having a fake relationship twist that captures readers’ emotions. Gilmore, known in real life as Melissa McTernan, balances her writing career with family life in Upstate New York, where she also writes fantasy romance novels under her given name.
With “The Daisy Chain Flower Shop” ranking among the country’s top-selling books, Gilmore’s “Dream Harbor” series continues to attract romance enthusiasts looking for comforting settings and beloved storytelling tropes. As Gilmore’s success grows, so does the anticipation for her next captivating tale.
A captivating mix of heartbreak, second chances, and budding romance, “The Daisy Chain Flower Shop” showcases Gilmore’s talent for crafting engaging stories that resonate with readers seeking escapism in the pages of a cozy romance novel.
Peace Nero is a writer and blogger who loves to explore different topics of self-development. She shares her personal experiences in order to help people discover their true purpose in life.