Title: The Cinnamon Bun Book Store
Author: Laurie Gilmore
Year Published: 2024
Genre: Romance
Setting: New England, The United States
My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐(3.25)
The Cinnamon Bun Book Store: A Blurb
Hazel is on the cusp of turning thirty, and she’s reflecting on how she never gets out of her comfort zone. Luckily, someone starts leaving her hints hidden in books in her bookstores–a kind of bucket list of things to do to add a little adventure in her life. Noah, the handsome fisherman who’s always hanging around the bookstore, is more than happy to accompany her as she embarks on this scavenger hunt. Although Hazel doesn’t start with intentions of beginning a romance, feelings and attraction soon begin to arise…
My Thoughts
I recently read The Pumpkin Spice Cafe, and although I didn’t fully buy the romance, I loved the setting and the vibe, so I figured I’d give the next book in the series a shot. The Cinnamon Bun Book Store was pretty similar: I didn’t fall in love with the romance (although it was better), and it wasn’t a thought-provoking book, but it was definitely cute.
Also–this book takes place in summer and early, early autumn. I thought going in that it would be an autumn read, and I saw that many others did, as well. It spans from July to September, so it’s more of a summer book.
The Romance
My main complaint about the romance in the first book was that it was insta-lovey and didn’t feel earned. While I still think that Hazel and Noah could have profited from more obstacles to strengthen their relationship, it still felt like it was more fleshed out than Jeanie and Logan’s story. Both characters did have their own problems, but they were more self-esteem related on the whole, and I don’t know exactly how much I felt they had grown by the end.
This might have been part of why The Cinnamon Bun Book Store didn’t grab me. I’m not saying that people can’t (and don’t) struggle with self-esteem issues in their late twenties and beyond, but it read more like a high school romance. The scavenger hunt plot added to that. The way the characters interacted and their maturity level really took me back to the YA romances I used to read. If it had been a YA novel, it would have been fantastic (maybe with a few less spicy scenes, though). As an adult romance, it just fell a little flat.
I also didn’t really buy the chemistry between the two. I did appreciate that they had more backstory and that it took a little longer to develop compared to the first book. However, I was left wanting more.
The Plot + Setting
As always, the setting was perfectly created. I loved that we got to see more of the town and its surrounding area, and I also loved that we saw the characters from the first book. The author does a great job of making Dream Harbor seem like a living, breathing universe.
The plot was cute, but there was no substance there. I don’t say that as a bad thing, necessarily; most of us don’t read romance novels for the substance. If you’re looking for a light, fun read, The Cinnamon Bun Book Store is a good pick.
A Final Word
While The Cinnamon Bun Book Store‘s romance read a little juvenile for me, I think it will be perfect for people who love light, spicy romances set in adorable small towns. It’s a quick, easy read, and you’re sure to finish it in a few sittings.
Have you read this? Let me know what you thought!
