The Cinnamon Bun Book Store is a contemporary romance novel by Laurie Gilmore and the second book in the Dream Harbor series.
The story follows Hazel, a bookstore owner in Dream Harbor, who stumbles upon a mysterious coded message hidden in one of her books. With the help of Noah, a charming and adventurous local fisherman, Hazel embarks on a scavenger hunt around town.
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When a secret message turns up hidden in a book in the Cinnamon Bun Bookstore, Hazel can’t understand it. As more secret codes appear between the pages, she decides to follow the trail of clues… she just needs someone to help her out.
Gorgeous and outgoing fisherman, Noah, is always up for an adventure. And a scavenger hunt sounds like a lot of fun. Even better that the cute bookseller he’s been crushing on for months is the one who wants his help!
Hazel didn’t go looking for romance, but as the treasure hunt leads her and Noah around Dream Harbor, their undeniable chemistry might be just as hot as the fresh-out-of-the-oven cinnamon buns the bookstore sells…
The Cinnamon Bun Book Store Review
The first thing I will say about the Cinnamon Bun Book Store, is don’t be misled by the front cover! While the title and autumnal image suggest cosy fall vibes, this is actually a summer romance. Only the final couple of chapters are set in autumn and I was disappointed by that as it wasn’t what I expected.
Despite my disappointment, I found myself slightly more invested in Hazel and Noah’s story than I was with Jeanie and Logan’s in The Pumpkin Spice Cafe. Hazel, the cute and somewhat reserved bookseller, and Noah, the outgoing fisherman, make a great pairing, and I liked getting to read from both their perspectives.
This book is a nice, easy read with a lighthearted tone and a predictable romance, but there isn’t much character depth. There’s some frustrating lack of communication, which can be a little tiring, but if you’re in the mood for something breezy, this fits the bill.
As for the spice level, it’s actually steamier than the first book, but this time it didn’t feel out of place, maybe because the summer setting feels a little less cosy.
Overall, The Cinnamon Bun Book Store doesn’t break new ground, but it’s a fun and sweet romance to relax with if you’re looking for a light read in Dream Harbor.
