📖 Book Review: The Cinnamon Bun Bookstore by Laurie Gilmore
I loved Pumpkin Spice Café, but The Cinnamon Bun Bookstore officially sealed my love for this series. It’s the kind of book that makes you want to curl up in a cozy reading nook with a warm drink and just get lost in the story. With a slow-burn romance, a charming bookshop, and a light mystery that kept me turning pages, this book completely delivered.
What’s It About? (no spoilers)
Hazel has built a quiet, book-filled life for herself, but when she starts receiving mysterious notes from an unknown sender, things take an intriguing turn. Meanwhile, she finds herself growing closer to Noah—a little broody, a little rough around the edges, but full of quiet thoughtfulness. As their connection deepens, so does the mystery surrounding the notes, leading to an engaging and heartwarming story.
What I Loved
✔ Hazel’s story felt layered—her love for books, her struggles, and her cautious approach to love made her incredibly relatable. She’s someone who has built a quiet, comfortable life, but you can feel the way she longs for connection while still being hesitant to open herself up.
✔ Noah stole my heart! He’s got that perfect mix of broody and soft, a little rough around the edges but so thoughtful underneath. His history and personal struggles added another emotional layer to the story, and the way he showed up for Hazel had me rooting for him the whole time. Their relationship felt natural, filled with small but meaningful moments that made me completely invested in them.
✔ The slow-burn romance—I loved the tension and the way things unfolded gradually. It made every moment between Hazel and Noah feel more meaningful and realistic.
✔ The mystery! Who was leaving those notes for Hazel? The book kept me guessing without the whole story being solely about the notes, and I genuinely didn’t know until the reveal. It was a small but well-executed subplot that added another layer to the story.
✔ The friend group dynamics—I adored how this book continued to build on the relationships from book one while making me so ready to see what happens in book three!
What I Wanted More Of
Honestly? Not much. This book gave me exactly what I wanted—cozy romance with a little intrigue and a whole lot of heart. Their chemistry was so good that I wanted the next book to be about them again!
Final Thoughts
The moment I finished this book, I wanted to dive into the next one. If you love stories about found family, a building romance, and bookish settings with a side of mystery, this is for you. Hazel and Noah’s story was the perfect mix of warmth, longing, and personal growth. Grab a cinnamon bun, a cup of coffee, and enjoy!
📚 Rating: 5/5 Stars
☕ Pairs well with: a big summer hat on the beach.
