**4-Star Review of *The Cinnamon Bun Bookstore* by Laurie Gilmore**

*The Cinnamon Bun Bookstore* by Laurie Gilmore is a delightful blend of cozy mystery and sweet romance, perfect for those crisp fall days when you want to curl up with a feel-good story. Set in the charming town of Dream Harbor, this book takes you on a whimsical scavenger hunt filled with secret codes, hidden messages, and a dash of romance.

Hazel, the bookish and endearing owner of the Cinnamon Bun Bookstore, stumbles upon a mysterious message hidden in a book. As more codes appear, she enlists the help of Noah, the charming and adventurous fisherman who’s been quietly admiring her from afar. The chemistry between Hazel and Noah is as warm and inviting as the scent of fresh cinnamon buns wafting through the bookstore. Their interactions are full of playful banter, and watching their relationship blossom as they uncover clues around town is pure joy.

What makes this story particularly engaging is the cozy atmosphere Gilmore creates. Dream Harbor feels like a place you’d want to visit, with its quaint shops, friendly locals, and the irresistible allure of the Cinnamon Bun Bookstore. The mystery itself is light-hearted and fun, providing just the right amount of intrigue to keep the pages turning.

While the romance is sweet and the setting enchanting, the mystery’s resolution felt a bit predictable. However, this doesn’t take away from the overall charm of the book. It’s a story that wraps you in a warm hug, with the promise of a happily-ever-after that’s as satisfying as a freshly baked treat.

If you’re a fan of cozy mysteries with a side of romance, *The Cinnamon Bun Bookstore* is a must-read this fall. It’s the perfect mix of love, adventure, and a touch of mystery that will leave you with a smile.

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4 stars!

I enjoyed Laurie Gilmore's "The Cinnamon Bun Book Store" more than I enjoyed "The Pumpkin Spice Cafe." It is a wonderful summer-to-fall transition book that I think readers will devour! I loved Hazel and Noah so, so much, way more than I thought I would! Anyone who has ever felt lost in life, like they are stuck spinning their wheels, can and will relate to Hazel. She is on the verge of turning 30 and feels like she hasn't had any grand adventures in life. She lives in a small town, has had the same friends forever, and works in the same bookshop that she has loved for years. Her life is fine. She is content... but there's no excitement, no chaos, no spontaneity. 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. Enter Noah, who has been head over heels for Hazel for years. Hazel asks for Noah's help to have a memorable summer before she turns 30... but she doesn't expect to fall in love with him in the process! This book will surely satisfy people who are looking for a blend of spicy and sweet. It's shockingly more spicy than I expected! Sure, some of the dialogue is super cheesy bordering on cringe-worthy, but I think there is enough substance and fun here that most readers will overlook the goofiness. I liked this book quite a bit and cannot wait for the next installment in the series!

Thank you to NetGalley, Laurie Gilmore, and Harper 360 for the complimentary ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.

This is the most perfect end of summer/moving into fall book! I knew I would love Hazel and Noah from the peeks of them in the Pumpkin Spice Cafe but I truly didn’t expect to fall for them as much as I did! Noah is such a sweet, charming, and unproblematic guy but I love that the more that Hazel got to know him she really pulled back his layers to see the real Noah. And on the other hand I loved this whole scavenger hunt/mystery that Hazel found herself on that had Noah bringing Hazel out of her shell! It truly was such a wonderful experience to see these two characters blossom together! What a fabulous book, I absolutely love Dream Harbor and all the wonderful stories that reside there. Phenomenal job Laurie Gilmore!

This was a new to me author and MAN Laurie Gilmore did not disappoint. I probably should have started with book one but I just couldn’t help myself. Now on to the next or I guess I should say the first.

Thank you to HarperCollins Publishing, NetGalley, and to Laurie Gilmore for the advanced copy of The Cinnamon Bun Bookstore.

The Cinnamon Bun Bookstore is the second book in the Dream Harbor Series following The Pumpkin Spice Cafe. It’s an adorable small-town romance between bookseller Hazel and fisherman Noah, who have been attracted to each other since the first time they met.

With her 30th birthday approaching, Hazel feels stuck in a rut. She's worked in the same bookstore, in the same small town she grew up in, and doesn't really do much for fun. While working a shift as the manager at the Cinnamon Bun Bookstore, she discovers a clue hidden in a romance novel: a highlighted line in the text.

Her friend Noah, who owns the local fishing tour company, offers to help her solve the mystery. As they uncover more clues, Hazel and Noah embark on a series of adventures around their town, Dream Harbor.

The Cinnamon Bun Bookstore is a wonderful read that will leave you with a smile. Perfect for a cozy night in, this book is a wonderful escape to a world where love, community, and self-discovery take center stage. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a feel-good romance this fall!

Tropes:
✨ Friends to Lovers
✨ He Falls First
✨ Opposites Attract
✨ Small-Town Romance
✨ Force Proximity

This book gave me all the cozy fall vibes for being set during the summer. I related to Hazel so much and I think a lot of people will as well. Seeing her grow and being there to help Noah realize who he is was is all you want in a story like this.

4⭐️ Thank you to NetGalley and Harper 360 for an advanced copy of The Cinnamon Bun Book Store.

Hazel is turning thirty in a few months and she starts to wonder if she has been going through life playing it safe. She starts to feel like she is in a rut until she starts noticing books at the bookstore she works at have earmarked pages with high lighted passages in them. The crazier part is she feels like they are directed at her urging her to have more adventures. She enlists the help of Noah, Dream Harbor’s sexy elusive fisherman who does not take life too seriously. Noah gladly accepts Hazel’s proposition to help her have a fun adventurous summer because he has feelings for her. But he does not do relationships but once he and Hazel spend more and more time together both of them start wanting more. Can they both let go of insecurities from there past to have a future together?

This is the second book in the Dream Harbor series. This book was so good! This book just gave me all the sweet, cozy, happy vibes but with the perfect amount of spice! I cannot wait to read the other books in this series!

This book was absolutely adorable! I was obsessed with both the MC's, and I thought that the way that the book lead up to everything was so perfect. I was rooting for the couple the whole time! This book gives such cozy fall small town vibes and that was exactly what I wanted. Originally I was unaware that this was part of a series but now I can't wait to read the rest! Some of the wording came off a little funky but other than that it's a truly great book. It's a perfect fall book and I highly recommend it if you're looking for something cozy and easy to read.

Huge thank you to Harper360 and NetGalley for this ARC!

A small town bookstore, angsty playboy ready for a shot at his long term crush, and an FMC stepping into her confidence? Nothing but an absolutely swoon-worthy, cozy, cusp of fall romance! Noah and Hazel had me hooked from the beginning and I have no complaints. Was some of the dialogue so awkward and cheesy I couldn't help but roll my eyes? Yes. Was it feet-kicking-giggle worthy? Also yes. Pull it to the top of your TBR and pick the first chilly day to indulge.

Thank you NetGalley and Laurie Gilmore for the advance copy! Honest reviews only, you know I don't lie.

4.5. The perfect fall read! Summer may be ending but the adventure is just beginning. Curl up in a soft blanket with a cinnamon bun while reading this one! Learn what you like while having a little fun...You won't want to put this down and will only be disappointed that it has ended.

This was such a cute read. Perfect for end of summer/beginning of fall! The romance was perfect. He falls first and treats her like a princess from day one. If you like romance (and a little bit of spice) you’ll like this one! Felt like a hallmark movie in a book and I loved every second of it!

Thank you to HarperCollins publishing, NetGalley, and to Laurie Gilmore for the advanced copy of The Cinnamon Bun Bookstore.

I really enjoyed this cozy and fun book that makes you feel like you are in a Hallmark movie. The Cinnamon Bun Bookstore was a quick and enjoyable read. It was my first book I've read from Laurie Gilmore. I have found out this is book two of the series, however I do not feel the reader will be confused if they read out of order. I will be reading book one, The Pumpkin Spice Cafe soon.

If you are looking for a sweet, but spicy romance story between a book loving lady and a man of the sea that takes place in a small town where everyone knows each other, this is the book for you. Hazel and Noah are opposites, but they bring out the best in each other. Their story is very cute! Gilmore does a good job at creating well developed characters who are relatable. I found myself relating to Hazel on many personal levels. Noah is a happy, easy going, and likable guy who balances Hazel in the positive ways she needs.

The Cinnamon Bun Bookstore is a worthwhile read, especially for this upcoming Fall season. If you are a Gilmore's girl fan and have dreamed of going to Stars Hollow, you'll definitely want to visit Dream Harbor.

The Cinnamon Bun Book Store by Laurie Gilmore is the second installment of the Dream Harbor series. We follow Hazel, the quirky, shy, bookstore manager who is mature beyond her years as she learns to have a little fun. Nearing 30, she feels like she missed out on having fun in her 20s. She asks Noah, the fun and flirty fisherman, to show her a good time.
Already smitten with Hazel, Noah is more than willing to spend some time getting closer to her. But can a playboy and a bookworm really click?

It's such a cute story. I might have even liked it better than the first? Maybe lol. Hazel is my fave. She's smart and reserved but totally comes out of her shell. I also love that the characters from The Pumpkin Spice Café are in there, too.

Thank you, NetGalley and Harper 360, for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. I love this series!

cozy-pumpkin-spiced-cinnamon-bun-ny fun! loved the small town and it's cast of characters, felt very stars hollow-esque
i enjoyed our main characters and the scavenger hunt was fun (although perhaps the conclusion was a tad unsatisfactory...) but overall this is a great no thoughts head empty book to warm up with this fall!

I cannot thank you enough for allowing me to read The Cinnamon Bun Bookstore!! I am obsessed with this series and cannot wait to continue reading about Dream Harbor. I will attach my review below and it will also be posted on Instagram and Amazon. Thank you again, I cannot wait to add a physical copy to my bookshelf.

After reading The Pumpkin Spice Cafe last year, I could not wait to read The Cinnamon Bun Bookstore and it did not disappoint! If you are looking for a super cute, feel good, and cozy quick read... this is it! It is so darn cute and has the perfect amount of spice! I wish I could take a stroll down Main Street in Dream Harbor.

Hazel is a soon to be 30 year old bookseller who regrets wasting her 20s playing it safe. Noah is a 25 year old playboy fisherman who has been crushing on Hazel for the past year. When mysterious clues start appearing in books at the bookstore Hazel begins to crave adventure, it just so happens Noah is the perfect adventure buddy. Ready to be carefree and reckless, Hazel and Noah team up to solve the mystery. Follow along for their story!

I highly recommend The Cinnamon Bun Bookstore. I loved Hazel and Noah's story and I cannot wait to continue the Dream Harbor Series!!

Huge thanks to NetGalley, Harbor 360, and Laurie Gilmore for allowing me to read an ARC!

A fun fall romp!

If you love a hint of mystery, bookshop atmosphere, beachy vibes, and steamy scenes, this is your next read!

I really enjoyed this book. I loved that fact that the author took us all the way to a satisfying HEA. Loved it!

Thank you to NetGalley and to the publisher for an arc. All opinions expressed are my own.

this is such a lovely, fun, cozy story! I loved the first in this series, and now I feel I can confidently say this is the most cozy, fallmazing, adorable series 🥰

Noah and Hazel are so freaking adorable together, always showing the other how special and amazing they are, even when they don’t see it themselves. I loved the progression of friends to adventure partners to lovers and how they both are able to show the other how worthy they are of the incredible love they give to each other. I loved seeing Hazel see and accept how wonderful she is and loved seeing Noah realize he’s so much more than his perceived mess-ups in the past. they both are worthy of so much love and it was so amazing seeing them realize it.

and the side cast of characters were awesome! they gave this story so much perspective, entertainment, and validation.

just the loveliest, coziest, spiciest story, perfect for fall 🎃🍂❤️

thank you for the arc!

Sigh. This was just so dang cute!

It was nice to be back in Dream Harbor visiting all the Dreamers I loved in The Pumpkin Spice Cafe. I really enjoyed the little mystery aspect of the scavenger hunt books in this one. And it was fun getting to know Hazel and Noah and watching them skirt around the truth as they fell harder and harder for each other. (Seriously guys, one conversation is all it would've taken!) But for real, they were just such a sweet couple and I'm glad we got to see Noah reconcile his feelings about himself- you are good, Noah! You're so sweet and good!

Also glad to see the reappearance of the book club, love them. Also really excited about Jeanie's brother coming for the next book!

This book is a heartwarming tale that perfectly blends the cozy atmosphere of a small-town bookstore with the sweetness of budding romance. Set in a charming, quaint town, the story follows Claire, who inherits a bookstore with a bakery twist. The rich scent of cinnamon buns wafting through the pages is almost tangible, drawing readers into a world where love, friendship, and the joy of reading come together.

Gilmore’s writing is warm and inviting, with a cast of delightful characters who feel like old friends by the end of the book. The plot is engaging without being overly complex, making it a perfect read for a lazy afternoon or a cozy evening by the fire.

While the romance is predictable, it’s also comforting, offering the feeling-good satisfaction often sought in contemporary fiction. The small-town dynamics are well-captured, and the descriptions of the bookstore and bakery make you wish you could step right into the pages.

Overall, this was a delightful read that offers a comforting escape into a world of warmth, love, and cinnamon buns. If you’re a fan of cozy romances with a touch of sweetness, this book is definitely worth your time.

Laurie Gilmore pulls it off again with another small town feel good autumn romance! I absolutely had to read this after reading Pumpkin Spice Cafe, and it did not disappoint. It has everything one is looking for in a small town romance book, from your opposites attract to everybody knows everything. The quirky townsfolk band together to make the loner bookstore managers summer packed full of fun and adventure and the hot fisherman comes along for the ride. This book definitely makes me want to curl up with a hot cup of tea and some bakery and just read it from start to finish. Can't wait to read more Dream Harbor stories!

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for my honest review.