Member Reviews
I want to join the Dream Harbor Book Club!
Small town romance Hazel and Noah 🧡
Interconnected standalone (loved reading about Jeanie and Logan)
Reverse age gap
Cozy romance + a little mystery = Fall 🍁
Book will have you craving sweet treats 🫐🥤☕️
Such a fun book! I loved the humor and sweet romance. Excited to read The Christmas Tree Farm. Highly recommend this series!!
I will say there was more “smut” than expected with a title called The Cinnamon Bun Bookstore.
Thank you to the publisher for the opportunity to read this advanced copy. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
This is such a great cozy fall read. This is the second book in the Dream Harbor series following Hazel and Noah's story, however I did not read the first book and was easily able to pick up on the characters and story. I was looking for the perfect easy going cozy book to read to get into the fall feel and this book was 10000% it. I didn't want to put it down and read it over a 24 hr period. A very cute and cozy small town romance with a scavenger hunt mystery. I will definitely be reading the rest of the series.
Thanks to NetGalley and Harper 360 for the early eARC in exchange for my honest review.
The Cinnamon Bun Bookstore by Laurie Gilmore is THE fall read of the year.
A perfect spicy small town romance it follows a quiet book shop worker and a local bad boy as they follow mysterious clues left in romance books.
It was an addicting read full of laughter, some tears and of course, our happy ending.
You will really love this cozy fall romcom!
Thank you to Netgalley, Harper 360, and Laurie Gilmore for the chance to read this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
I LOVED the first installment in this series, The Pumpkin Spice Cafe and was so excited to return to Dream Harbor.
This book is your perfect summer to fall transition book! We start at the last sweet chunk of summer and carry right into fall.
This book is for the readers. I adored how beautifully Hazel's love of reading and her bookstore job was woven into the story. As a reader of all romance- there were just so many moments and tidbits that made the story relatable to readers. Add in the fact that Noah was a reader too and we're all in heaven!
I can't wait to return to Dream Harbor for The Christmas Tree Farm in October 2024 and The Strawberry Patch Pancake House in April 2025.
This was the perfect book to get into the fall spirit! I was hooked from the beginning until the end with this one. I loved that Hazel was a bookworm and Noah was a social butterfly. It always makes things interesting. Hazel is on the verge of turning 30 and realizes that theres no chaos or spontaneity in her life. I live in a small town and I know how that can feel sometimes. She starts getting secret messages dog-eared on the pages of certain books in her store, and she takes that as a sign that someone is leaving her clues to help get her out of her comfort zone. Life is about to et interesting for Hazel. This was such a cute, cozy, small town romance that will have you smiling throughout the book. I can't wait to read more in this series.
Thank you NetGalley and Harper 360 for allowing me to read this ARC for my honest opinion.
The 2nd book in Laura Gilmore Dream Harbor series. I will say I have yet to read Pumpkin Spice Cafe yet, but it’s def on my tbr after this one.
This story follows Hazel who works at a bookstore & she finds a message in a book. She gets Noah to help her solve the mysterious note & the 2 have undeniable chemistry.
This book was the just the “getting into fall” book I was looking for to set off the upcoming season. The tension, the characters really just great vibes all around. The spice was 2/5 ⭐️ for me but I wasn’t reading for spice this time around I wanted cozy warm romance feel and this book DELIVERED.
I definitely am looking forward to the rest of the series!!
This is an ARC read via NetGalley 🤍—Reviews/Opinions are honest and my own. I will review on TIKTOK after release date- @abbi.dawn2
Release Date- August 29, 2024
I loved Hazel and Noah’s story! I may have loved it more that Jeanie and Logan’s….. I honestly can’t choose! This was another sweet and cozy read by Laurie Gilmore and absolutely what I wanted for the start of my favorite season. You would think from the cover that this is a closed door romance, but please don’t let that fool you… Ms. Gilmore can write the spice!! The thing about both books in this series is that the whole town is lovable. You don’t just enjoy the main characters, but all the side characters too. The author makes you feel that you are actually in Dream Harbor. I loved this book with the forced proximity/small town vibes and Noah was THE perfect MMC. New book boyfriend? Yes.
This was absolutely adorable, from start to finish. From the beginning, you can’t help but love Hazel and Noah. Both are so wrapped up in their perceptions of themselves and their perceived character flaws. Throughout the book, they help the other through their personal issues and being more confident in themselves. All the while thinking the other wants a causal relationship when they both want something real. The mystery of the book clues was so cute, it was entertaining to see Hazel go down the list of people who could possibly be trying to help her be more adventurous. Really loved the character and relationship development throughout this book. I can’t wait to read more about the characters in Dream Harbour (with the most cozy shop names).
I enjoyed reading The Cinnamon Bun Book Store by Laurie Gilmore. You will fall in love with all the characters. I received an ARC of this book courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and given freely. Happy Reading!
I love the Dream Harbor series and this book did not disappoint! I really related to Hazel's character and identified with a lot of her personality. Noah reminded me of my husband, that was fun! Both Hazel and Noah's stories were super relatable and universal, with Hazel wondering if she wasted her 20s and Noah questioning his self-worth. This book is quite spicy and spicier than The Pumpkin Spice Cafe. Hazel and Noah's relationship was adorable and made me feel so giddy at times.
If you're in the mood for a heartwarming, cozy romance that feels like a warm hug with a dash of mystery, *Dream Harbor Secrets* is the book for you! Although it is second in a series and I hadn't read the first, I was able to follow the story very easily with Hazel and get to know Dream Harbor.
The chemistry between Hazel and Noah is electric, with each clue drawing them closer together in ways neither expected. Their journey is filled with sweet moments, flirty banter, and a blossoming romance that is as irresistible as the fresh cinnamon buns Hazel bakes. The setting of Dream Harbor is beautifully described, making you wish you could stroll down its streets and visit the Cinnamon Bun Bookstore yourself.
What sets *Dream Harbor Secrets* apart is how it seamlessly blends romance with a dash of mystery, making it a page-turner that’s hard to put down. The scavenger hunt adds an extra layer of excitement, and watching Hazel and Noah’s relationship unfold is pure joy. Fans of the author’s previous work will be thrilled to return to this cozy, vibrant town, while new readers will quickly fall in love with its quirky characters and heartfelt stories.
Overall, *Dream Harbor Secrets* is a delightful, feel-good romance that will leave you smiling long after you’ve turned the last page. Whether you’re a fan of small-town cozy love stories or just looking for a sweet escape, this book is a perfect choice.
It's The Summer Of HANSOF!
The Cinnamon Bun Bookstore is an absolutely delightful read that combines charm, romance, and a touch of adventure.
Set in the quaint town of Dream Harbor, the story follows Hazel Kelly, who has spent fifteen years in the same job at her beloved bookstore. Hazel's life takes an unexpected turn when mysterious clues left in the books ignite an adventure that pulls her out of her comfortable routine.
The book is both sweet and spicy, with a writing style that is engaging and warm. The plot is well-crafted, and the chemistry between Hazel and Noah is palpable. Noah's admiration for Hazel is heartfelt and sincere, and their relationship is a joy to witness. Hazel's journey from a predictable life to embracing new experiences is both inspiring and endearing.
The small-town setting, coupled with the small business backdrop, adds a cozy, inviting atmosphere to the story. Fans of feel-good romances will find this book irresistible. It's a captivating read with a perfect balance of romance and adventure. I highly recommend this book and the entire series to anyone who enjoys heartwarming stories with a touch of spice.
It's a wonderful, feel-good book that's sure to leave you with a smile.
The Cinnamon Bun Book Store is the DREAMIEST love story of the season! I stayed up all night reading it and have a full-blown love hangover today. I can already tell that Hazel and Noah’s love will stay with me for a long time.
Noah is the PERFECT misunderstood bad boy and I related deeply to Hazel’s introverted, shy insecurities. The mutual solace and excitement they found in each other continues to squeeze at my heart! And their chemistry was some of the hottest I have ever read. Dang. Laurie Gilmore really knows how to sprinkle the sweetest sweet with the spiciest spice!
So far this is my favorite of the Dream Harbor series! Which, btw is the closes to small-town Gilmore Girls vibes on paper I have found thus far. I think this makes me an official Laurie Gilmore fangirl!
Thank you to NetGalley for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
Way steamier than I expected, so maybe not so much for me.
But If you love, cozy mysteries and steamier rom-coms, plus FALL!!
I would recommend!
Thanks to Netgalley and the Publisher for the ARC in exchange for my unbiased opinion.
I just finished reading The Cinnamon Bun Book Store and I absolutely loved it! This is the 2nd book in the Dream Harbor series and it does not disappoint. This is Hazel's story. Hazel is about to turn 30 and wants her final couple of months to be wild and crazy. She has always lived a fairly quiet and calm life, but wants to show everyone that she can be exciting! Who better to help her than the sexy playboy Logan.
Logan is know to bounce from woman to woman, keeping things casual. Casual is exactly what Hazel's wants... or is it?
With lots of steamy sparks, laughter and sweetness, The Cinnamon Bun Book Store is such a fun, fast read. Reader also get to visit with the characters from the first book, The Pumpkin Spice Cafe and see what they are up to!
A cozy read great for the end of summer!
I ADORED this book. Hazel and Noah are absolutely perfect for each other and their chemistry was written so well! A player trying to be better and a book store owner trying to branch out - these two are a match made in heaven.
If you’re looking for a small town, opposites attract, forced proximity, he falls first read - this one’s for you!
This was just as cosy as The Pumpkin Spice Café, and I definitely understand why so many people are loving these books. To me, it was the ultimate feelgood read and I genuinely enjoyed it, but I could have done with a little more plot. I don't think this book will really stick with me, but it did what I wanted it to do, which is help me relax after a tiring day. I'm looking forward to reading the Christmas book in December!
Big thanks to NetGalley and Harper 360 for the ARC!
I love it when the second book in a series is even better than the first! The Cinnamon Bun Bookstore has all the charm of The Pumpkin Spice Café, including small-town antics, kooky neighbors, and heaps of romance. But it improves on the original formula with more relatable arcs for both MCs, weaving personal development alongside the love story.
I really enjoyed watching Hazel and Noah help each other grow and overcome their insecurities. And while they encountered some bumps along the way, including a touch of the miscommunication trope, none of the drama was drawn out, which I appreciated!
The SPICE was also a big improvement. In Book 1, the open-door scenes surprised me and felt out of place. But this second book did a great job hinting at Hazel and Noah’s growing chemistry early on, which helped the intimate moments feel natural.
I don’t consider it a spoiler to say that there’s an HEA at play here. And while I won’t go into details about it, I will say I didn’t feel the epilogue was necessary. I’m all about tying up loose ends, but the book’s final scene felt rushed and unrealistic.
If, like me, you’re coming back to Dream Harbor to catch up with old friends, bask in some Stars Hollow vibes, and get whisked away by a romance as frothy as the foam atop a PSL, then you won’t be disappointed!
Absolutely yes!!! All the stars for this adorable series, but especially this book.
This book gave all the fall/autumn vibes that I’ve been craving and all the tropes that I love. Small town Gilmore girl-ish town and community vibes, he falls first, forced proximity, a little adventure hunt through town. Loved every second of this and could not put it down.
I also loved that this book was an ode to all the book lovers out there. Finding clues in the books and the adventures along the way really made me fall in love this cute little town all over again