Joao Nsita
- Sep 22
- 6 min read

Book Review: The Cinnamon Bun Book Store (Dream Harbor, Book 2) by Laurie Gilmore – A Cozy, Romantic Mystery with Heartwarming Characters and Plenty of Spice

Updated: Sep 26

If you’re looking for a lighthearted, feel-good story packed with witty banter, sweet romance, and the perfect mix of quirky characters, then Laurie Gilmore’s The Cinnamon Bun Book Store (Dream Harbor, Book 2) is a must-read. Released in September 2024, this cozy romance transports you to the charming town of Dream Harbor, where love, mystery, and the intoxicating aroma of cinnamon buns fill the air. Whether you’re a fan of heartwarming, small-town love stories or you enjoy a page-turning mystery, this book delivers it all in a perfectly paced narrative.

Plot Overview: Opposites Attract in the Most Charming Way

At the center of The Cinnamon Bun Book Store is Hazel, a shy, bookish woman who runs the local bookstore. She’s the embodiment of the introverted, endearing heroine that readers can’t help but root for. On the other side of the romantic equation is Noah, the confident, outgoing local fisherman with a playful streak and a heart of gold. Despite their apparent differences, Noah has secretly been crushing on Hazel for months.

The romance begins when Hazel stumbles upon a hidden secret message within the pages of a book in her store. Puzzled but intrigued, she finds herself drawn into a scavenger hunt, following a series of mysterious clues scattered across Dream Harbor. She enlists Noah’s help in cracking the code, leading to plenty of moments filled with romantic tension and laugh-out-loud situations.

As the adventure brings them closer together, their undeniable chemistry blossoms into something more. Hazel and Noah’s sweet romance is marked by unforgettable moments of connection, playful teasing, and swoon-worthy banter. Their journey together not only uncovers the mystery but also reveals just how much they mean to one another. For fans of opposites-attract stories, The Cinnamon Bun Book Store hits all the right notes, creating a whimsical and heartfelt tale that will leave readers smiling.

A Cozy Setting Perfect for Romance

Dream Harbor is as much a character in this story as Hazel and Noah. The picturesque small town, with its inviting bakery, quirky bookstore, and tight-knit community, makes for the perfect backdrop to this romance. Gilmore’s descriptions of the cozy cinnamon-scented bookstore and the idyllic surroundings transport you right into Dream Harbor, making you wish you could pop into the local cafe and share a cinnamon bun with the characters.

The small-town setting also creates a wonderful forced proximity trope that enhances the story’s charm. As Noah and Hazel work together to solve the mystery, they find themselves spending more and more time together, leading to an irresistible slow-burn romance. Their chemistry sizzles from the start, but Gilmore skillfully builds romantic tension, keeping readers hooked until the very end.

Character Development: Endearing and Relatable

What truly makes The Cinnamon Bun Book Store stand out is its characters. Hazel is a charming, relatable heroine who is bookish and introverted but has a hidden adventurous side. Her quiet strength and determination shine through as she tackles the mystery and discovers more about herself in the process. Readers will find themselves rooting for her to not only solve the puzzle but also embrace love and life with Noah.

Noah, on the other hand, is the quintessential swoon-worthy hero. His playful demeanor and flirtatious charm are balanced by his deeper, caring side. His affection for Hazel is evident throughout the story, making his character incredibly endearing. The fact that Noah is the first to fall for Hazel makes the story even more engaging, as we watch him patiently woo her with his kindness and humor.

Together, Hazel and Noah have sparkling chemistry, creating a romance that is both sweet and heartwarming. Their dynamic is filled with clever dialogue, laugh-out-loud moments, and a deep emotional connection that grows stronger with each chapter. Their story is the perfect feel-good romance, ideal for readers looking for a lighthearted escape with a bit of spice.

The Mystery: A Fun and Engaging Plot

While the romance takes center stage, the mystery element adds an exciting twist to the story. As Hazel and Noah follow the clues hidden within the bookstore, readers are treated to an engaging plot that keeps the pages turning. The scavenger hunt not only serves as a plot device to bring the characters together but also adds an element of adventure and intrigue to the narrative.

Gilmore strikes the perfect balance between the romance and the mystery, ensuring that neither aspect overshadows the other. The mystery itself is lighthearted and whimsical, fitting perfectly within the cozy, small-town setting. It’s not overly complex but provides just enough suspense to keep readers hooked until the very end.

Perfectly Paced with Just the Right Amount of Spice

One of the standout features of The Cinnamon Bun Book Store is its perfectly paced plot. The story flows effortlessly from one charming moment to the next, with a satisfying blend of heartwarming romance, quirky humor, and light mystery. The progression of Hazel and Noah’s relationship feels organic, with plenty of swoon-worthy, slow-burn tension.

For readers who enjoy their romances with a bit of spice, The Cinnamon Bun Book Store doesn’t disappoint. While the love scenes are tasteful and not overly explicit, they add just the right amount of heat to the story. Gilmore strikes a balance between sweetness and spice, making this book a perfect pick for readers who enjoy a little extra sizzle in their romances.

Conclusion: A Cozy, Heartwarming Romance That’s Hard to Put Down

Overall, The Cinnamon Bun Book Store is an endearing, uplifting, and heartwarming romance that will leave you feeling cozy inside. With its engaging plot, charming characters, witty banter, and sweet romance, it’s the perfect feel-good read for fans of small-town love stories. Whether you’re in the mood for a lighthearted rom-com or a cozy mystery, Laurie Gilmore’s latest book is the perfect escape into the world of Dream Harbor.

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The Cinnamon Bun Book Store (Dream Harbor, Book 2) by Laurie Gilmore – Reviews

“Soooo much fun!!”Perfectly paced and super fun, I couldn’t put this down. Hazel and Noah were so sweet, and their chemistry was swoon-worthy. The return of the infamous town meeting was hilarious! – Faria at Blackburn

“Laurie Gilmore just gets better and better!”I loved this book! Hazel and Noah completely captured my heart. This is a perfect comfort read, full of unforgettable moments. – Abbey Rowlinson

“Sweet small-town romance with spice!”Dream Harbor is such a delightful setting. This book is cute, cozy, and filled with fun, unique characters. – Micky Cox

FAQs

Is The Cinnamon Bun Book Store a standalone book?Yes, although it’s part of the Dream Harbor series, it can be read as a standalone.
What are the main themes in the book?The book explores themes of love, self-discovery, adventure, and second chances, all wrapped in a cozy, small-town setting.
What tropes are featured in this story?The Cinnamon Bun Book Store includes popular romance tropes like opposites attract, forced proximity, and he falls first.
Who is the target audience for this book?Fans of lighthearted, feel-good romance with a bit of mystery and spice will enjoy this book.
Is there a lot of spice in the romance scenes?Yes, there’s some spice, but it’s balanced with sweet, heartfelt moments.
Do I need to read the first book to understand this one?No, each book in the Dream Harbor series focuses on different characters, so you can enjoy this one on its own.
Is this book more focused on romance or mystery?While romance is the central theme, the mystery adds a fun, engaging subplot that enhances the story.
What makes Noah and Hazel’s relationship special?Their sparkling chemistry, witty banter, and sweet dynamic make their romance feel authentic and relatable.
Is this a good book for fans of small-town romance?Absolutely! The small-town charm and quirky characters are a huge part of this book’s appeal.
How does this book compare to the first in the series?This book leans more into the romantic tension and spice while maintaining the humor and heart of the first.

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