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3.51 AVERAGE
3.51 AVERAGE
Oof.....I was so sure I was going to love this one - a fall setting in a small midwestern town and a second chance romance. Sign me up. I did enjoy the setting of this book, and I loved some of the secondary characters. But the relationship between Madison and Zach was painful to read about by the end of the book. This goes way beyond miscommunication - it is straight up absent or terrible communication. The couple does not learn any lessons from the past, and yet they magically keep rediscovering they love each other (which apparently in this book means they just have great sex). This didn't have the typical HEA that I love because at no point did I think that these characters would last long term after the story ends. I'm not sure if I will pick up the next book in the series or not.
I would say leaning more towards 3.5-3.75 stars for me. This is a perfect, cozy, fall romance that you can turn off your brain and just read and enjoy. It’s hard not to compare to the pumpkin spice cafe and its other books but it didn’t quite give me as much depth as those others. Still a great, easy read for fall and would recommend if you were a fan of pumpkin spice cafe!
lighthearted
3 stars rounded down from 3.5
The Cinnamon Spice is is the first book in the Maple Falls series by Harper Graham!
This book definitely has all the fall feels and was a fun way to start off the fall reading season! It is a Hallmark movie in book form, quick and easy read
The book had a cute premise, lovable characters and overall the writing was good, it was just lack luster overall. I normally am a sucker for a fun fall small town romance so I was super excited to read this book, but most of the conflict of the book was due to miscommunication or lack of communication which for me is what lowers the rating. Miscommunication is one of my least favorite tropes personally. I also wished they focused a little bit more on the mystery in the book (no spoilers) but it was discussed here and there but not woven into the story. I already knew what was going to happen in the end but I think there needed to be a bit more emotion and storyline beyond “the big bad thing happening” and “everything is great and all better” of the plot.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!
The Cinnamon Spice is is the first book in the Maple Falls series by Harper Graham!
This book definitely has all the fall feels and was a fun way to start off the fall reading season! It is a Hallmark movie in book form, quick and easy read
The book had a cute premise, lovable characters and overall the writing was good, it was just lack luster overall. I normally am a sucker for a fun fall small town romance so I was super excited to read this book, but most of the conflict of the book was due to miscommunication or lack of communication which for me is what lowers the rating. Miscommunication is one of my least favorite tropes personally. I also wished they focused a little bit more on the mystery in the book (no spoilers) but it was discussed here and there but not woven into the story. I already knew what was going to happen in the end but I think there needed to be a bit more emotion and storyline beyond “the big bad thing happening” and “everything is great and all better” of the plot.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
Madison leaves NYC to come back to her small hometown of Maple Falls in order to help save her family’s Inn, The Cinnamon Spice. If doesn’t take long to run into her Ex, Zach… and not much longer to realize she’s still attracted to him.
This second chance romance is a great read if you’re itching for Fall Vibes. The description of all things fall is off the charts and will have you smelling apple cider, cinnamon donuts and just the AIR of fall in no time. Stars Hallow in Autumn is exactly what you get with this small town.
As far as the relationship goes… eh. The miscommunication was off the charts and actually maddening. It’s not realistic that these two people could be having such intense sex while not having ANY conversations about ANYTHING and assuming EVERYTHING about the other.
I’ll probably still read the second one since I liked the atmosphere captured and descriptive writing style, and the relationship was what did me in. Hoping for a more enjoyable romantic story line in The Spiced Cocoa Cafe.
Thank you NetGalley for the ALC in exchange for an honest review.
⭐️ 3/5
🌶️ 2/5
This second chance romance is a great read if you’re itching for Fall Vibes. The description of all things fall is off the charts and will have you smelling apple cider, cinnamon donuts and just the AIR of fall in no time. Stars Hallow in Autumn is exactly what you get with this small town.
As far as the relationship goes… eh. The miscommunication was off the charts and actually maddening. It’s not realistic that these two people could be having such intense sex while not having ANY conversations about ANYTHING and assuming EVERYTHING about the other.
I’ll probably still read the second one since I liked the atmosphere captured and descriptive writing style, and the relationship was what did me in. Hoping for a more enjoyable romantic story line in The Spiced Cocoa Cafe.
Thank you NetGalley for the ALC in exchange for an honest review.
⭐️ 3/5
🌶️ 2/5
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Madison returns to the small town she was raised in after receiving a mysterious letter asking her to save her family's Cinnamon Spice Inn. Upon returning she meets her first love, Zach. After not seeing each other for years, their tension-filled romance begins.
If you are looking for a small town romance with a heart-warming second chance love that is, at the same time, the perfect cute, cozy read for those looking to get into the fall vibes, then this is the book you are looking for.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for providing me with the ARC of this book.
If you are looking for a small town romance with a heart-warming second chance love that is, at the same time, the perfect cute, cozy read for those looking to get into the fall vibes, then this is the book you are looking for.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for providing me with the ARC of this book.
This book is a quintessential autumn romance, a true equivalent of a cozy Hallmark movie with an extra dash of spice! From the very first page, Harper Graham’s writing transports you to the charming small town of Maple Falls in October. She masterfully paints vivid pictures and cozy scenes - think beautiful autumn leaves, light reflecting on the lake, the nostalgic magic of a family's inn, and small yet subtle details which really bring the small town vibe to life.
This story is the romance book equivalent of a delicious sweet treat. Warning, it just might make you have an insane craving for an apple cinnamon vanilla latte. The author has filled this book to the brim with mouthwatering descriptions of all things fall, from cinnamon rolls to decadent desserts. It’s a slow (emphasis on slow) burn romance that lets you savor every moment of the story—perfect for those who love to take their time and marinate in a good read.
You'll find yourself rooting for Madison and Zach, even through all their highs and lows. Their journey is a sweet and heartwarming fall romance about rediscovering first love and taking a chance on a new chapter. Plus, all the animals in the story are adorable, especially the cute puppy named Cocoa, who was a total scene-stealer.
"The Cinnamon Spice Inn" is a perfect book to curl up with a blanket and a cup of cider, light a candle, and celebrate sweater weather. It's an absolute must-read for anyone who is obsessed with fall, summerween, and a reminder to embrace the magic of the season.
A perfect read for fans of:
🍂 Fall romances
❤️ Slow-burn love stories
🎃 Small-town, cozy settings
🍁 Hallmark movies with a little bit of extra spice
I am incredibly grateful to Harper Graham, Bookouture, and NetGalley for providing me with an advanced reader copy of "The Cinnamon Spice Inn."
This story is the romance book equivalent of a delicious sweet treat. Warning, it just might make you have an insane craving for an apple cinnamon vanilla latte. The author has filled this book to the brim with mouthwatering descriptions of all things fall, from cinnamon rolls to decadent desserts. It’s a slow (emphasis on slow) burn romance that lets you savor every moment of the story—perfect for those who love to take their time and marinate in a good read.
You'll find yourself rooting for Madison and Zach, even through all their highs and lows. Their journey is a sweet and heartwarming fall romance about rediscovering first love and taking a chance on a new chapter. Plus, all the animals in the story are adorable, especially the cute puppy named Cocoa, who was a total scene-stealer.
"The Cinnamon Spice Inn" is a perfect book to curl up with a blanket and a cup of cider, light a candle, and celebrate sweater weather. It's an absolute must-read for anyone who is obsessed with fall, summerween, and a reminder to embrace the magic of the season.
A perfect read for fans of:
🍂 Fall romances
❤️ Slow-burn love stories
🎃 Small-town, cozy settings
🍁 Hallmark movies with a little bit of extra spice
I am incredibly grateful to Harper Graham, Bookouture, and NetGalley for providing me with an advanced reader copy of "The Cinnamon Spice Inn."
lighthearted
relaxing
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Ok so, im rating this 3 stars. I didn’t love it, but I didn’t hate it either.. I want to REITERATE, 3 stars does not mean that it was horrible!
This book has the perfect combination for a cozy read. The charming small town, the feel-good vibes, the lovable side characters. Even the beautiful descriptions of the scenery were breathtaking and had me wishing I could transport myself into Maple Falls.
What I couldn’t get behind was the miscommunication trope.. I understand that not liking specific tropes is a personal thing and varies by readers but for me, it just did not hit. Sometimes it fits into the story well but in this case, it was more irritating than anything. The assumptions that were paired with it had me questioning whether the MCs really even knew each other or valued the other’s character (Not going into detail as to not spoil anything).
I also felt like the tension between them was solely sexual and lacked the depth I expected from childhood sweethearts who are getting their second shot. & coming from someone who LOOOVES spice filled books, I just wished there were more swoony romance moments thrown in the mix. Like I get it, he’s a hot muscley handyman and everytime you see him working with his hands, you get flashbacks of how those hands felt on you, but like, you don’t wanna also tell me about how he always made you feel cared for or looked after or like you were the only girl in the world? Or dive deeper into the whys behind how it seems like every other person in the town knows how perfect of a match you two are?..
Regardless of my indifference to these specific MCs, I actually found that I really enjoyed numerous side characters so I am still interested in continuing the series.
***DISCLOSURE: I was given an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review***
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
City girl back in her home town vs grumpy handyman with all the fall scents, flavors, and colors! This second chance romance is perfect for a cozy fall read with some spice.
I really enjoyed the theme of fall, when I read a book that’s set in a fall or holiday setting, I want it to throw it at my face and this definitely did the job! The setting was cute and I love a corny hallmark type story for these seasonal reads. My issue was with the characters. This man was being a big man baby about her passions and career-EWW. They weren’t my favorite but this book did its job still!
Andi Eloise and Brandon Francis did a great job with these characters, the audio was really engaging and fun!
Thank you so much Harper Graham and Bookouture Audio for providing this free ALC. This is my honest review!