Title: THE CINNAMON BUN BOOK STORE
Author: Laurie Gilmore
ISBN: 9780008641580
Publisher: Harper Collins
Pages: 384
Source: Private Copy
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 need 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…
Official Summary
09 July 2025
Dream Harbor Series #2
I’ll admit upfront — this still isn’t my usual genre of choice. I tend to lean towards darker thrillers, gritty crime, or fast-paced psychological twists. That being said, there’s something undeniably charming about Laurie Gilmore’s Dream Harbor series, even if sweet small-town romance isn’t what I usually reach for.
In The Cinnamon Bun Book Store, we follow Hazel, the shy yet determined bookstore owner, as she stumbles across a series of secret messages tucked inside the pages of her shop’s books. The setup is playful — a treasure hunt through Dream Harbor with cryptic clues, hidden codes, and of course, the lingering aroma of freshly baked cinnamon buns.
Enter Noah — the local fisherman with a big heart, easy smile, and the perfect “boy next door” energy. He’s had his eye on Hazel for a while, and the treasure hunt offers the perfect excuse to spend time with her. Their chemistry is warm and easy, and as predictable as it might be in these cosy romances, you can’t help but root for them as they piece together the puzzle.
The strength of this book lies in its atmosphere — Gilmore crafts Dream Harbor as the quintessential small town: charming shops, friendly neighbours, and that comforting sense of community. It’s light, wholesome, and reads almost like a Hallmark movie in book form — cinnamon buns, flirtatious banter, and scenic coastal vibes included.
That said, for readers like me, who prefer something with more grit or tension, The Cinnamon Bun Book Store can feel a little too sugary-sweet at times. The stakes are low, the romance is slow-burn but safe, and everything wraps up neatly with very few surprises. But I can absolutely see the appeal for anyone who enjoys heartwarming, cosy reads with a sprinkle of mystery and a guaranteed happy ending.
Not my usual genre, but for what it is, The Cinnamon Bun Book Store delivers. If you love small-town romances with quirky characters, light-hearted mystery elements, and enough sweetness to rival a bakery, this one will hit the spot.
Also by Laurie Gilmore
THE PUMPKIN SPICE CAFÉ
When Jeanie’s aunt gifts her the beloved Pumpkin Spice Café in the small town of Dream Harbor, Jeanie jumps at the chance for a fresh start away from her very dull desk job.
Logan is a local farmer who avoids Dream Harbor’s gossip at all costs. But Jeanie’s arrival disrupts Logan’s routine and he wants nothing to do with the irritatingly upbeat new girl, except that he finds himself inexplicably drawn to her.
Will Jeanie’s happy-go-lucky attitude win over the grumpy-but-gorgeous Logan, or has this city girl found the one person in town who won’t fall for her charm or her pumpkin spice lattes…
About the Author
Author bio from the author’s site
Laurie Gilmore is a No. 1 Sunday Times bestseller and a USA Today bestseller who writes steamy small-town romance. Her Dream Harbor series is filled with quirky townsfolk, cosy settings, and swoon-worthy romance. The first book in the series, The Pumpkin Spice Café, was featured on Good Morning America and was named the TikTok Shop Book of the Year 2024.
She loves finding books with the perfect balance of sweetness and spice and strives for that in her own writing.
OMG I am reading ‘SMUT’ Okay, so this is not what you’d expect from me, but I have committed to reading the series and there is no turning back now. This series is exactly what you would expect from the titles. If nothing else, the books add a little colour to my bookshelf. If you are a romance fan – I would generally ask why, but stepping into Dream Harbor does provide a silly little escape – guess I am starting to see the appeal of the genre.
