The Cinnamon Bun Book Store by Laurie Gilmore~
Description~ The Cinnamon Bun Bookstore is the second installment in the Dream Harbor book series by Laurie Gilmore. This book follows the life of Hazel, a girl about to be in her 30’s who feels like she never lived her 20’s the way she should have. She never took risks, never went on big, storytelling adventures, and now she was 2 months away from leaving her 20’s behind and nothing to show for it. Until one day, she noticed a book… and in this book, a mystery. Reaching out for help in this matter, Hazel asks Noah, another Dream Harbor resident/fisherman, to show her the way.
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Review~ As a fellow 29 year old who never took risks, let me just say that I understand the fear all too well. For somebody like me, Hazel is incredibly relatable in the best of times and the worst of times, seriously it’s like these books call me out.
Bypass the fact that this book is MUCH spicier than the first book, The Pumpkin Spice Cafe, the growth both personally and romantically between both Hazel and Noah was just *chef’s kiss*. Hazel and Noah were so easy to love despite the “she doesn’t want me like that” / “he doesn’t want me like that” bits which had me hollering “THEY DO” every single time it happened.
For me the biggest takeaway for this book was that once their feelings for one another were clear, it felt rushed and I really wanted to savor more of their beginning relationship phase.
The characters, the overly tight knit community of Dream Harbor, the relationships built here… it’s no wonder that this series was able to pull me out of my reading slump. I truly feel like a member of the Dream Harbor family and I honestly can’t wait to see what this town has to offer in the next book. See you all there!
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I want to say a big thank you to NetGalley for a copy of The Cinnamon Bun Bookstore in exchange for an honest review.
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#thecinnamonbunbookstore #lauriegilmore #bookreview #booksoflemon8 #bookwormsoflemon8
Stepping into Laurie Gilmore's Dream Harbor series with 'The Cinnamon Bun Bookstore' was like wrapping myself in a warm blanket, and honestly, a much-needed escape! As someone who's also navigated the anxieties of approaching 30 with a feeling of 'what ifs' and 'should haves,' Hazel's character resonated with me on such a deep level. It’s rare to find a protagonist whose internal monologue feels like it’s plucked directly from your own thoughts about missed opportunities and the fear of stepping outside your comfort zone. Gilmore masterfully crafts Hazel’s journey from hesitant to hopeful, making her growth feel earned and incredibly inspiring. The charm of Dream Harbor itself is undeniable. It’s one of those cozy, tight-knit communities you wish you could visit, and Gilmore brings it to life so vividly. This setting isn’t just a backdrop; it’s a character in its own right, fostering connections and providing the perfect stage for Hazel and Noah’s slow-burn romance. Speaking of Noah, the chemistry between him and Hazel is palpable, even through their initial 'I don't think they like me that way' internal monologues – which, let's be real, we've all been there! Witnessing their relationship blossom, with all its tender moments and misunderstandings, was truly a joy. While I might have wished for a little more lingering in the 'newly together' phase, their story still left me with a warm, fuzzy feeling. And can we talk about the book cover? The visual of a green storefront, adorned with autumn decorations and a sweet book cart, perfectly captures the cozy, inviting atmosphere that Laurie Gilmore creates within the pages. It's the kind of cover that makes you want to curl up with a hot drink and lose yourself in a story, and 'The Cinnamon Bun Bookstore' absolutely delivers on that promise. It sets the tone for a heartwarming, autumnal read that’s both comforting and adventurous in its own way. If you're looking for a book that will pull you out of a reading slump, introduce you to a community you'll adore, and give you a relatable romance to root for, Laurie Gilmore's latest Dream Harbor installment is definitely one to pick up. It’s a delightful blend of self-discovery, small-town charm, and a romance that will make your heart sigh.
Sounds like a nice read. Iam reading the first book and so far it’s really good and cozy for the season. With soo much chaos going on in the world, one needs softness.