The Cinnamon Bun Book Store Review

The Cinnamon Bun Book Store by Laurie Gilmore

Cinnamon Bun Book Store by Laurie Gilmore (3.75/5 stars) didn’t quite deliver the cozy, fall-soaked vibes I was expecting, especially after Pumpkin Spice Café. Instead of crisp autumn charm, this one leaned heavily into a dead-of-summer feel that threw me off right from the start.

It’s also noticeably spicier than the first book—and while that may work for some readers, it wasn’t really my thing. That said, I can’t deny how much fun I had while reading. I laughed out loud more than once, and the banter absolutely worked for me.

Noah and Hazel were the highlight. Their chemistry was strong, natural, and genuinely enjoyable to watch unfold. They carried the story and kept me invested even when the overall tone didn’t match my expectations. On the flip side… Hazel’s dad - he gave off quirky vibes in the first book, but I was not a fan of him by the end of this book. What he did for Hazel was super weird and kind of messed up.

"She was the tart spark of blueberries on his tongue, she was salt air and rainy days, she was the perfect book. She was kisses and secret smiles. She was everything. He just needed her."

"And she knew her life with Noah would be filled with good stories. This one would be one of her favorites, for sure. This time she married her best friend on a tropical island and promised to love him forever."

Overall, while this book strayed far from the cozy fall romance I was hoping for, the humor and the central romance made it a solid read. Not a favorite, but still entertaining—and I’m glad I picked it up.