Rating: ★★★★★
Genre: Contemporary Romance / Cosy Mystery
Available On: Amazon
Laurie Gilmore takes us back to the enchanting small town of Dream Harbor with The Cinnamon Bun Bookstore, the second book in the beloved series that started with The Pumpkin Spice Café. I have to admit this was an inevitable autumn read for me; I’ve had it on pre-order since last year, and recently re-bought the first book in series as a special edition hardback because…well, it’s divine. Bookstagram was quite definitely responsible for making me buy the first book (twice!) and I hold it equally accountable for the purchase of this one, as the hype has been going on for a while. I’m pleased to say it was worth it!
The tale follows Hazel, an endearing bookseller, who finds herself entangled in a treasure hunt when mysterious messages begin to appear hidden between the pages of the books at her store. As the clues keep coming, she enlists the help of Noah, the outgoing and adventurous fisherman who’s had a crush on Hazel for quite some time. Their scavenger hunt takes them on an adventure across town, sparking chemistry that might just be as hot as the bakery’s fresh cinnamon buns. 🍂
I’ve got to admit something here, rather personal: I would dearly love to be a bookstore owner myself, and I find fishermen inexplicably sexy, so this really felt like a book that was almost written for me, if not about me!
The Cinnamon Bun Bookstore Summary
In The Cinnamon Bun Bookstore, we follow Hazel, a 29-year-old bookseller about to turn 30, as she navigates life’s uncertainties and unexpected adventures. Hazel is feeling stuck and uninspired, questioning if her quiet life has amounted to anything memorable. But everything changes when she starts finding secret messages hidden in the books around her store. Unable to decode the messages alone, Hazel recruits Noah—the charming, confident fisherman who embodies everything she believes her life lacks.
Noah is eager to help Hazel, especially since he’s been harbouring a crush on her for months. Together, they embark on a light-hearted scavenger hunt, following the clues all over Dream Harbor. Their adventure not only uncovers the secrets behind the coded messages but also brings Hazel out of her comfort zone, making her realise that she’s far from boring or unadventurous. As their bond grows stronger, the chemistry between Hazel and Noah becomes impossible to ignore, leading to a heartwarming romance.
Themes and Character Development
The Cinnamon Bun Bookstore beautifully explores themes of self-discovery, courage, and embracing change. Hazel’s journey is one of recognising her own worth and overcoming the belief that her life has been too safe or uneventful. I realy enjoyed this, having explored similar themes myself when I wrote Eve Was Framed. The way Noah supports Hazel—without pushing her too far, but instead encouraging her to see her own strengths—makes their relationship feel both genuine and inspiring. He helps Hazel realise that she is more than capable of embracing adventure and that her quiet nature doesn’t mean she lacks depth or excitement.
Again, as a self-confessed introvert I really related to this!
Noah, on the other hand, undergoes his own growth. Known for his adventurous spirit and carefree nature, Noah begins to see that settling down and building a meaningful relationship doesn’t mean losing his sense of self. His journey with Hazel shows him that love doesn’t have to come with sacrifices—he can still be adventurous while being in a committed relationship.
The residents of Dream Harbor, with their vibrant personalities, add charm and humour to the story, making the setting feel like a character in its own right. Hazel’s father, the quirky Mayor Kelly, and the hilarious ongoing feuds between townsfolk bring a lot of warmth and personality, adding to the cosy appeal of the series.
Romance Tropes in The Cinnamon Bun Bookstore
Trope Count: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Laurie Gilmore once again makes great use of popular romance tropes, which makes The Cinnamon Bun Bookstore a delightful, comforting read:
Opposites Attract
Hazel and Noah couldn’t be more different—Hazel is introverted and reserved, while Noah is outgoing and adventurous. Their differences create a natural tension that makes their developing relationship fun to follow, with plenty of endearing and humorous moments.
Small Town Setting
The idyllic town of Dream Harbor continues to be the perfect backdrop, fostering a sense of intimacy and connection not just between Hazel and Noah but also with the community around them. It’s the kind of town where everyone knows each other, which leads to plenty of amusing gossip and involvement from the locals.
Forced Proximity
With Hazel needing Noah’s help to solve the mystery, they find themselves spending more and more time together, allowing their connection to flourish naturally. The scavenger hunt is the perfect excuse for these two to share close moments and get to know each other on a deeper level.
He Falls First
Noah has had his eye on Hazel for quite some time, and his efforts to help her are motivated by more than just a desire for adventure. His clear admiration for Hazel makes their romance even sweeter, as we see him gently encourage her to realise her own worth.
How Spicy Is The Cinnamon Bun Bookstore?
Spice Rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
The Cinnamon Bun Bookstore has a good dose of spice, especially compared to the first book in the series. The chemistry between Hazel and Noah is palpable from the beginning, and the mutual pining adds an element of tension that makes their intimate scenes particularly satisfying. The steamy moments are tastefully written, balancing the cosy vibe of the story with just the right amount of heat. If you enjoy romances that lean into emotional intimacy while still offering a few spicy scenes, this book will hit the perfect note for you.
Final Thoughts on The Cinnamon Bun Bookstore
The Cinnamon Bun Bookstore is a heartwarming, cosy romance that captures all the best parts of small-town life—community, charm, and the joy of finding love when you least expect it. Hazel and Noah’s journey is filled with adventure, laughter, and self-discovery, making it an engaging read that’s hard to put down. Laurie Gilmore’s writing once again wraps readers in the warm embrace of Dream Harbor, where each character feels like an old friend and every story feels like a comforting escape.
If you enjoyed The Pumpkin Spice Café, you’re going to love The Cinnamon Bun Bookstore. It’s filled with the same vibrant energy, quirky characters, and heartfelt romance, making it the perfect book to curl up with, ideally with a cinnamon bun or two by your side.
Just as I was penning this review, my (pre-ordered because I’m actually obsessed!) copy of The Christmas Tree Farm arrived, and I honestly can’t wait to see what festive treats are in store next!
