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3.5 AVERAGE
3.5 AVERAGE
lighthearted
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Veeeery cute fall vibes𤊠all the descriptions just made me want to cozy up in the blankets with hot cocoa.
If youâre looking for a cozy small town romance, then itâs the perfect one for you.
All the side characters are also great and add more fun to the book.
With thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC.
If youâre looking for a cozy small town romance, then itâs the perfect one for you.
All the side characters are also great and add more fun to the book.
With thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC.
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I thought this was a really cozy read! A second-chance romance, small town, âGilmore Girlsâ type of vibe.
I really liked setting-with perfect fall small town. I also really liked the MMC, I liked that he was such a town golden boy⌠but because he actually was a good person.
I liked the narrator, obviously wouldâve loved two different narrators since we get both the FMC and MMCs perspective.
I really liked setting-with perfect fall small town. I also really liked the MMC, I liked that he was such a town golden boy⌠but because he actually was a good person.
I liked the narrator, obviously wouldâve loved two different narrators since we get both the FMC and MMCs perspective.
More, i just need more. More from this village, more from this author just more.
This book was gorgeous, I loved the characters and I dont think I took a breath from start to finish. The tension within these pages was just next level.
It was everything I didn't know I needed.
âď¸âď¸âď¸âď¸âď¸
This book was gorgeous, I loved the characters and I dont think I took a breath from start to finish. The tension within these pages was just next level.
It was everything I didn't know I needed.
âď¸âď¸âď¸âď¸âď¸
lighthearted
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Netgalley arc.
This book started out great but unfortunately got very repetitive. It was a good premise and I loved the fall vibes but after reading about 30% I skipped the middle and finished the last 5-10%.
The writing was very wordy where it didn't need to be. The story line and characters lacked depth or development.
Every few pages something smelled of vanilla and the two main characters repeated their thoughts on each other without communicating.
This was the uncorrected arc so hopefully they'll be able to do some heavy rewrites.
This book started out great but unfortunately got very repetitive. It was a good premise and I loved the fall vibes but after reading about 30% I skipped the middle and finished the last 5-10%.
The writing was very wordy where it didn't need to be. The story line and characters lacked depth or development.
Every few pages something smelled of vanilla and the two main characters repeated their thoughts on each other without communicating.
This was the uncorrected arc so hopefully they'll be able to do some heavy rewrites.
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Like most romances, this one is a pretty predictable cozy, small town plot with a girl who has escaped to the big city returning home when she never thought she would. It feels very much like a Hallmark Christmas movie, although this one is set in the autumn.
Of course our heroine finds herself back in her hometown scrambling to solve a big family problem, while her suspiciously well-paying city job seems fine with the time off. Before the end of chapter 1, she has already run into her ex (who she obviously still has feelings for). It's frivolous and predictable, at least to start, and exactly what I want in this kind of cozy, autumn romance book.
Things do get a little frustrating around the halfway point as the characters jump to conclusions over and over again even after talking and realizing that it's happening. It feels like a forced way to add more length to the plot. At 85% of the way through, the character goes from everything being nearly perfect to suddenly have to make an impossible choice. I get how the story arc felt like it needed more drama, but at this point there had been so much back and forth and miscommunication that it just felt frustrating. The issue does end up being resolved super quickly and with less effort than it seems like it should have taken. But that quick resolution does allow for the book to end in a really sweet and simple way that feels like a nice bow on this fluffy autumn romance.
Of course our heroine finds herself back in her hometown scrambling to solve a big family problem, while her suspiciously well-paying city job seems fine with the time off. Before the end of chapter 1, she has already run into her ex (who she obviously still has feelings for). It's frivolous and predictable, at least to start, and exactly what I want in this kind of cozy, autumn romance book.
Things do get a little frustrating around the halfway point as the characters jump to conclusions over and over again even after talking and realizing that it's happening. It feels like a forced way to add more length to the plot. At 85% of the way through, the character goes from everything being nearly perfect to suddenly have to make an impossible choice. I get how the story arc felt like it needed more drama, but at this point there had been so much back and forth and miscommunication that it just felt frustrating. The issue does end up being resolved super quickly and with less effort than it seems like it should have taken. But that quick resolution does allow for the book to end in a really sweet and simple way that feels like a nice bow on this fluffy autumn romance.
adventurous
funny
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Before I begin I would like to thank NetGalley, Bookouture Audio for the advance listening copy. All opinions are my own for this honest review.
Narration Style: Dual POV, Solo Narration
Length: 9 hrs
I feel the need to preface this review with just a couple of points;
- The book says that it features bonus content narrated by Brandon Francis, but this (very sadly) was not included in ALC (so I can't review him yet sadly. When I get a copy of the completed audio, I'll update this review)
- This review is based solo on vibes. I think the actual plot and story might be closer to what I wold normally rate a 3, but as this is my review and I can do what I want I decided to go higher because I actually really love the cute town, I love Andi Eloise and I think she did a fabulous job, finally even though I was frustrate through much of this I also had a good time in general throughout. It's also a debut novel and I really love the style.
This is actually my first narration with Andi Eloise (you can blame my library for that!), but I've followed her (and Brandon) for a long time on her socials, so I found that she really brought her signature warmth to her performance. Her narration style is deliberate, cozy, and she really just nails emotionally charged moments while not overacting, giving space for the story to really breathe. Her Character voices are all very distinct, consistent (with no slipping in tone), and well-executed. In today's climate with listeners really favouring duet-style narration, Andi Eloise really takes a full cast personalities and keeps each one uniquely voiced without ever feeling forced.
She has the perfect cadence and pacing for this small town, cozy mystery genre. She's gentle but not sleepy or boring and maintains enough energy to keep the story moving and listeners engaged in the story.
Honestly it's been a fight to get her narration in my TBR, but Iâve already flagged every title sheâs narrated that my library offers and have my fingers crossed for more! Definitely one of my top narrators!
As for the story; It definitely does have that small-town charm, with a cast of eclectic characters. The atmosphere and aesthetic of this cozy fall romantic mystery are absolutely immaculate. The setting is pure magic, this book isn't witchy by any means but it definitely gave me Practical Magic vibes, probably more-so than Stars Hallow. Definitely got the Pumpkin Spice Cafe vibes as well, but with even more delicious sounding foods, the descriptions of which had my stomach growling CONSTANTLY.
It wasn't all perfect vibes and aesthetic for me though. The FMC, Madison, is what I would describe as a flaky mess (and this is coming from a Gemini!). She tends to create drama and tension where none exists, she spirals at even the most minor conflict, and has am EXTREMELY frustrating habit of running away instead of talking things out.
The broody MMC Zach, has the patience of a saint, but he also has the tendancy to bottle everything up and take his cues from her constantly. He never pushes her or questions her, he lets her lead everything instead of voicing his concerns and basically just waits for her to run away rather than voice what he's thinking. Their dynamic feels kind of like an emotional treadmill, there's lots of movement, no real forward progress.
I think I actually connected for to Liam because he seemed to be the only one making any emotional sense and really had no issue challenging Zach (even if it made no difference in the grand scheme of things). But honestly, if thereâs a sequel, Iâm begging for it to be in his POV!
I'm not entirely sure the emotional character arc really feels satisfying, because it doesn't feel ike Madison has actually learned from her mistakes. By the end of the book I wasnât fully convinced that sheâd actually grown enough to break her cycle of retreat. It felt a little rushed and not really "earned". We didn't get a satisfying scene where she actually fought for what she wanted, she just kind of...ended up with getting everything she wanted without actually showing us what she was willing to do to have it all (vague to avoid spoilers)
From a technical standpoint, the pacing of the audiobook as a whole felt very comfortable, especially for cozy mystery lovers. This was my first audio from Bookouture Audio so I wasn't really sure what to expect, but overall the production is clean and seamless, which really allowed Andi Eloise's delivery to carry the entire narration solo.
I loved this, but I will admit the solo narration of a dual POV story might be tricky for listeners who strongly prefer duet narration. As I said, for me it worked because of how clear Andi Eloise was, but I do think itâs worth noting for those who expect full voice separation between romantic leads it might be a little jarring to have a solo narration on a dual POV especially when you have bonus material by a, very talented, male narrator.
So, final Thoughts? I found this to be a strong debut, that's bursting with atmosphere, food, and fall vibes, my only regret is that I wasn't able to read it with a PSL and an apple butter cinnamon roll! It's funny when you end off a book with a soft spot for a side character, but here's to hoping that we do get a followup with Liam's POV in the continuation of the world. Also, if she wants to drop the official Cinnamon Spice Inn Cookbook, I will definitely be picking that up!
As mentioned in the beginning, I received an ALC of this audiobook from NetGalley, Bookouture Audio in exchange for an honest review. Having said that, all thoughts are my own.
Narration Style: Dual POV, Solo Narration
Length: 9 hrs
I feel the need to preface this review with just a couple of points;
- The book says that it features bonus content narrated by Brandon Francis, but this (very sadly) was not included in ALC (so I can't review him yet sadly. When I get a copy of the completed audio, I'll update this review)
- This review is based solo on vibes. I think the actual plot and story might be closer to what I wold normally rate a 3, but as this is my review and I can do what I want I decided to go higher because I actually really love the cute town, I love Andi Eloise and I think she did a fabulous job, finally even though I was frustrate through much of this I also had a good time in general throughout. It's also a debut novel and I really love the style.
This is actually my first narration with Andi Eloise (you can blame my library for that!), but I've followed her (and Brandon) for a long time on her socials, so I found that she really brought her signature warmth to her performance. Her narration style is deliberate, cozy, and she really just nails emotionally charged moments while not overacting, giving space for the story to really breathe. Her Character voices are all very distinct, consistent (with no slipping in tone), and well-executed. In today's climate with listeners really favouring duet-style narration, Andi Eloise really takes a full cast personalities and keeps each one uniquely voiced without ever feeling forced.
She has the perfect cadence and pacing for this small town, cozy mystery genre. She's gentle but not sleepy or boring and maintains enough energy to keep the story moving and listeners engaged in the story.
Honestly it's been a fight to get her narration in my TBR, but Iâve already flagged every title sheâs narrated that my library offers and have my fingers crossed for more! Definitely one of my top narrators!
As for the story; It definitely does have that small-town charm, with a cast of eclectic characters. The atmosphere and aesthetic of this cozy fall romantic mystery are absolutely immaculate. The setting is pure magic, this book isn't witchy by any means but it definitely gave me Practical Magic vibes, probably more-so than Stars Hallow. Definitely got the Pumpkin Spice Cafe vibes as well, but with even more delicious sounding foods, the descriptions of which had my stomach growling CONSTANTLY.
It wasn't all perfect vibes and aesthetic for me though. The FMC, Madison, is what I would describe as a flaky mess (and this is coming from a Gemini!). She tends to create drama and tension where none exists, she spirals at even the most minor conflict, and has am EXTREMELY frustrating habit of running away instead of talking things out.
The broody MMC Zach, has the patience of a saint, but he also has the tendancy to bottle everything up and take his cues from her constantly. He never pushes her or questions her, he lets her lead everything instead of voicing his concerns and basically just waits for her to run away rather than voice what he's thinking. Their dynamic feels kind of like an emotional treadmill, there's lots of movement, no real forward progress.
I think I actually connected for to Liam because he seemed to be the only one making any emotional sense and really had no issue challenging Zach (even if it made no difference in the grand scheme of things). But honestly, if thereâs a sequel, Iâm begging for it to be in his POV!
I'm not entirely sure the emotional character arc really feels satisfying, because it doesn't feel ike Madison has actually learned from her mistakes. By the end of the book I wasnât fully convinced that sheâd actually grown enough to break her cycle of retreat. It felt a little rushed and not really "earned". We didn't get a satisfying scene where she actually fought for what she wanted, she just kind of...ended up with getting everything she wanted without actually showing us what she was willing to do to have it all (vague to avoid spoilers)
From a technical standpoint, the pacing of the audiobook as a whole felt very comfortable, especially for cozy mystery lovers. This was my first audio from Bookouture Audio so I wasn't really sure what to expect, but overall the production is clean and seamless, which really allowed Andi Eloise's delivery to carry the entire narration solo.
I loved this, but I will admit the solo narration of a dual POV story might be tricky for listeners who strongly prefer duet narration. As I said, for me it worked because of how clear Andi Eloise was, but I do think itâs worth noting for those who expect full voice separation between romantic leads it might be a little jarring to have a solo narration on a dual POV especially when you have bonus material by a, very talented, male narrator.
So, final Thoughts? I found this to be a strong debut, that's bursting with atmosphere, food, and fall vibes, my only regret is that I wasn't able to read it with a PSL and an apple butter cinnamon roll! It's funny when you end off a book with a soft spot for a side character, but here's to hoping that we do get a followup with Liam's POV in the continuation of the world. Also, if she wants to drop the official Cinnamon Spice Inn Cookbook, I will definitely be picking that up!
As mentioned in the beginning, I received an ALC of this audiobook from NetGalley, Bookouture Audio in exchange for an honest review. Having said that, all thoughts are my own.
emotional
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
i sobbed, i laughed, i gasped...this book made me feel so many things, and it was amazing! with each page, i fell more in love with the characters, the town of maple falls and the mystery woven into the plot. the second chance elements were beautifully written and the characters were gorgeously complex.
the only negative from my perspective was the multiple mis-communication situations but thats a personal preference!
arc reading this was a privilege and i urge all to read this!
medium-paced
The Cinnamon Spice Inn is exactly what I crave in a fall romance: a cozy setting, a sweet second-chance story, and a whole lot of heat. I'm a total sucker for the Hallmark-style plot where a city girl returns home to save a family business, and this book delivers on that familiar, feel-good charm.
While I was completely invested in the crisp autumn vibes and the sizzling physical chemistry between Madison and Zach, I couldn't help but feel a key ingredient was missing. Their emotional conflict felt a bit lukewarm, and I wanted to see more depth in their connection. The fire was definitely there, but the foundation felt a little shaky.
All in all, it's a fun and spicy seasonal read that will satisfy your craving for a heartwarming tale with a little kick. Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced reader audiobook.
lighthearted
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This book read like every small town romance, but was missing the spark that makes me love a nice cozy small town.
I like a good miscommunication trope, but only when itâs done right. I felt like this was a book about two people who really need to learn how to talk to one another and not jump to conclusions to soon. The whole book could have been avoided if they just spoke to each other and that really let me down.
It was missing the tension that would have made it amazing and everything seemed to happen to perfectly.
All thoughts and opinions aside, the narration was really well done and redeemed it a little bit.
Thanks NetGalley and Bookouture for the advanced copies. I wish I could have enjoyed it more.
I like a good miscommunication trope, but only when itâs done right. I felt like this was a book about two people who really need to learn how to talk to one another and not jump to conclusions to soon. The whole book could have been avoided if they just spoke to each other and that really let me down.
It was missing the tension that would have made it amazing and everything seemed to happen to perfectly.
All thoughts and opinions aside, the narration was really well done and redeemed it a little bit.
Thanks NetGalley and Bookouture for the advanced copies. I wish I could have enjoyed it more.