The Cinnamon Bun Book Store (by Laurie Gilmore)
I’ve returned to the Dream Harbor series already thanks to the Goodreads Community Challenge. The Cinnamon Bun Book Store by Laurie Gilmore is a qualifying book for the Heartwarmers category.
A cozy small-town romance set in the seaside community of Dream Harbor, Massachusetts, the story focuses on themes of adventure, self-discovery, and love. It follows Hazel Kelly, a nearly thirty bookstore employee who feels stuck in her routine until she discovers a series of mysterious coded messages and highlighted lines hidden in the shop’s books, which send her on a scavenger hunt around town with Noah, a charming local fisherman who has secretly been crushing on her. As they work together to unravel the clues, Hazel begins to step outside her comfort zone, finding both a new sense of courage and a slow-burn romance with Noah amid the warm, cinnamon-scented bustle of the titular bookshop and its tight-knit community.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading The Cinnamon Bun Book Store. It shares similarities with the first book, The Pumpkin Spice Cafe, as it focuses on a specific couple and their dating journey. The narrative revolves around the “will they or won’t they” theme, but it also stands out for its heavier emphasis on romance and milder mystery compared to the first book. I appreciate the inclusion of characters from the first book in the second book, and there’s even a subtle introduction to one of the characters in the third book, The Christmas Tree Farm.
Seasonal stories are a pleasure to read, and I found myself enjoying The Cinnamon Bun Book Store. Initially, I thought I started this one slightly late as it began in late summer. The book’s conclusion arrived during fall and Thanksgiving, which was perfect timing for me, as I finished it the day after Thanksgiving. While I may not be a huge fan of this series, I plan to continue reading more of the books as I enjoy the seasonal themes. I plan to read the next book in the series, The Christmas Tree Farm, as the festive season has arrived.
I borrowed the audiobook of The Cinnamon Bun Book Store from my local library using Libby. Regina Reagan’s narration provided a pleasant listening experience, enhancing the overall enjoyment of the story.
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