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3.5 AVERAGE
3.5 AVERAGE
The Cinnamon Spice Inn by Harper Graham is a small town, second chance romance. Madison returns home to Maple Falls from NYC after receiving a letter that her families inn is in trouble. Her first night home, she runs into Zach, her first love and ex boyfriend, whom she has avoided for 6 years. Zach has remained in town and become a staple of the community. I really wanted to love this book, but I just struggled to stay engaged. The characters are likeable enough, but the constant miscommunication was just frustrating and detracting from the story.
Thank you Netgalley, Bookouture, and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
challenging
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This was a cute story and I did enjoy it, but the lack of communication on behalf of the FMC left me feeling irritated.
The MMC deserved better. The will they/wont they started to feel like overkill after a while
I did enjoy the mystery behind the letters! That was probably my favorite part!
The MMC deserved better. The will they/wont they started to feel like overkill after a while
I did enjoy the mystery behind the letters! That was probably my favorite part!
Miscommunication but worse.
They should not have ended up together.
They should not have ended up together.
I found this book wonderfully cozy, and I think much of that came from experiencing it in audio. Narrators Andi Eloise and Brandon Francis did a great job capturing the whimsical feel of Maple Falls and its quirky residents. My only caveat is that it works better at a slightly faster speed—otherwise, the pacing can feel a bit sleepy.
I suspect that had I read the eARC instead, I might not have connected as strongly. The prose leans heavily on “telling” rather than “showing,” though the rich detail did help paint a vivid picture of the town and the charming inn at the heart of the story.
What didn’t work for me was the overuse of miscommunication. In a recent chat with a debut romance author, she mentioned that many publishers are pushing back on the trope unless it feels fully justified. Unfortunately, this story relied on it without enough reason, which made it feel more like a Hallmark movie scenario than a layered romance.
That said, I still really enjoyed the atmosphere and the cozy vibes it conjured. I highly recommend trying it in audio when it releases on August 28th. It’s been compared to Laurie Gilmore’s work, and while that’s fitting, I honestly enjoyed this even more.
I was fortunate to receive a complimentary ALC or eARC from NetGalley, which gave me the opportunity to share my voluntary thoughts.
How I Rate
Because I mostly read ARCs, I focus on how I think fellow readers with similar tastes will respond. I sometimes round up or down based on pacing, prose, or overall impact, and I try to keep my personal preferences from weighing too heavily.
⭐️ 1 Star – Finished, but not for me; I never DNF ARCs.
⭐️⭐️ 2 Stars – Struggled due to writing, content, or editing issues.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3 Stars – Decent read with untapped potential; recommend with some reservations.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 Stars – Really enjoyed it and would recommend for several reasons.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 Stars – Exceptional; lingers in my mind well after reading. A story I’d gladly revisit.
I suspect that had I read the eARC instead, I might not have connected as strongly. The prose leans heavily on “telling” rather than “showing,” though the rich detail did help paint a vivid picture of the town and the charming inn at the heart of the story.
What didn’t work for me was the overuse of miscommunication. In a recent chat with a debut romance author, she mentioned that many publishers are pushing back on the trope unless it feels fully justified. Unfortunately, this story relied on it without enough reason, which made it feel more like a Hallmark movie scenario than a layered romance.
That said, I still really enjoyed the atmosphere and the cozy vibes it conjured. I highly recommend trying it in audio when it releases on August 28th. It’s been compared to Laurie Gilmore’s work, and while that’s fitting, I honestly enjoyed this even more.
I was fortunate to receive a complimentary ALC or eARC from NetGalley, which gave me the opportunity to share my voluntary thoughts.
How I Rate
Because I mostly read ARCs, I focus on how I think fellow readers with similar tastes will respond. I sometimes round up or down based on pacing, prose, or overall impact, and I try to keep my personal preferences from weighing too heavily.
⭐️ 1 Star – Finished, but not for me; I never DNF ARCs.
⭐️⭐️ 2 Stars – Struggled due to writing, content, or editing issues.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3 Stars – Decent read with untapped potential; recommend with some reservations.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 Stars – Really enjoyed it and would recommend for several reasons.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 Stars – Exceptional; lingers in my mind well after reading. A story I’d gladly revisit.
First, thank you Netgalley, for this ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts. (I received the audio version)
Pub Date: August 28, 2025
Perfect book for this time of year, I was so ready for the Fall Vibes! This is the first book of the Maple Falls series.
This was a cute & cozy small town romance story. At times I felt like I was in this small town, smelling the Autumn weather, drinking a latte by the fireplace.
We follow the MWC who left her small hometown to get away, and has now returned to help save her families inn. Will she be able to return home and avoid her ex, or will they rekindle their relationship?
This is typically the type of book I would prefer to read, but I wanted to give the audio a try. The story itself was good however I found it hard at times for me to not get distracted while listening. I would've preferred for this audio to be a duet, I believe it would've made it so much better and more entertaining. I definitely will read the rest of the series, but will most likely not do anymore audio versions.
I may give this a re-read. I feel like I may connect more by reading it.
Pub Date: August 28, 2025
Perfect book for this time of year, I was so ready for the Fall Vibes! This is the first book of the Maple Falls series.
This was a cute & cozy small town romance story. At times I felt like I was in this small town, smelling the Autumn weather, drinking a latte by the fireplace.
We follow the MWC who left her small hometown to get away, and has now returned to help save her families inn. Will she be able to return home and avoid her ex, or will they rekindle their relationship?
This is typically the type of book I would prefer to read, but I wanted to give the audio a try. The story itself was good however I found it hard at times for me to not get distracted while listening. I would've preferred for this audio to be a duet, I believe it would've made it so much better and more entertaining. I definitely will read the rest of the series, but will most likely not do anymore audio versions.
I may give this a re-read. I feel like I may connect more by reading it.
I really enjoyed listening to this audiobook. The narrator was great and made the listening experience better for me. It was a dual POV which I prefer in most books, I do wish the MMC had a male narrator but that’s just my preference. The story was cute and definitely had me feeling the fall vibes. The descriptions really had me feeling the autumn mood and was a nice fall comfort read. This is definitely a great cozy fall romance that I would recommend to get you in that fall season. The little side mystery was perfect too with the setting and I really enjoyed the reveal of it at the end of the book.
Tropes
🍁 second chance romance
🍁 small town
🍁 little bit of a slow burn
Rating: 3.5⭐️ 2.5-3🌶️
Thank you Netgalley and Harper Graham for letting me read an early copy. Cannot wait for book 2.
* Looking for a cozy small town book for this autumn, look no further!! The Cinnamon Spice Inn is such a cute book and gave me all sorts of feelings. It heavily reminds me of a series I love to watch every fall, total coincidence that it reminds me of it, but man did I love it. Harper is fantastic at building the imagery and it makes you feel like you are watching a movie as you read on.
*Spoilerish*
This book is somewhat spicy, but it doesn't feel like they rushed the characters into it. Now they did have a past, so I think that is why it didn't feel so rushed? I do wish if there was a little bit more on forgiveness and trying to build up a foundation again, but it didn't take away from my enjoyment of this book. The only thing that really frustrated me, was the back and forth. It felt way too much. But again, I could be picky.
Things to note, this is NOT an enemies to lovers. I would classify it as second chance. Madison has a problem with running from her problems yet blaming others. Very frustrating. There was little to no communication and that is HUGE when it comes to relationships.
Breaking this down, if you want just a book to read that gives you feelings, and you take it like a holiday movie, its good.
* Looking for a cozy small town book for this autumn, look no further!! The Cinnamon Spice Inn is such a cute book and gave me all sorts of feelings. It heavily reminds me of a series I love to watch every fall, total coincidence that it reminds me of it, but man did I love it. Harper is fantastic at building the imagery and it makes you feel like you are watching a movie as you read on.
*Spoilerish*
This book is somewhat spicy, but it doesn't feel like they rushed the characters into it. Now they did have a past, so I think that is why it didn't feel so rushed? I do wish if there was a little bit more on forgiveness and trying to build up a foundation again, but it didn't take away from my enjoyment of this book. The only thing that really frustrated me, was the back and forth. It felt way too much. But again, I could be picky.
Things to note, this is NOT an enemies to lovers. I would classify it as second chance. Madison has a problem with running from her problems yet blaming others. Very frustrating. There was little to no communication and that is HUGE when it comes to relationships.
Breaking this down, if you want just a book to read that gives you feelings, and you take it like a holiday movie, its good.
lighthearted
medium-paced
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
The falls vibes definitely made the book. I’d love to re-read this book this fall.
I am not a fan of the miscommunication trope and that was definitely a main point between the two main characters. The supporting characters were great and I’m excited to read their stories in the future.
Thank you Net Galley for the ARC.
I am not a fan of the miscommunication trope and that was definitely a main point between the two main characters. The supporting characters were great and I’m excited to read their stories in the future.
Thank you Net Galley for the ARC.
Thank you to the author and Netgalley for the audio eArc in exchange for an honest review!
This book is definitely worth adding to your fall TBR! I adore the cozy fall vibes, and this book delivers the quintessential small town feel.
I actually really enjoy a sprinkle of miscommunication in my romance, and the beginning of this book had me thoroughly enjoying it despite second chance not being my usual trope of choice. I thought her determination to save the Inn, and his stepping up to help was great, and their reconnecting had me giddy.
In short, the MMC is a poster boy for wholesome book boyfriends. He notices details, he is staunchly loyal and quietly romantic. But honestly, he deserves better than the FMC, who is so anti-communication it is actually painful. It made parts of this book super hard to read, since she avoided talking about absolutely everything.
This book is definitely worth adding to your fall TBR! I adore the cozy fall vibes, and this book delivers the quintessential small town feel.
I actually really enjoy a sprinkle of miscommunication in my romance, and the beginning of this book had me thoroughly enjoying it despite second chance not being my usual trope of choice. I thought her determination to save the Inn, and his stepping up to help was great, and their reconnecting had me giddy.
In short, the MMC is a poster boy for wholesome book boyfriends. He notices details, he is staunchly loyal and quietly romantic. But honestly, he deserves better than the FMC, who is so anti-communication it is actually painful. It made parts of this book super hard to read, since she avoided talking about absolutely everything.
emotional
mysterious
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
What a cute fall read! This small town romance has all the fall vibes, exes finding their way back together, mystery letters, and a cozy inn that needs fixing up! There are a couple of spicy scenes and lots of tension! I loved the narration of the audio, it was very well done. Highly recommend to fans of The Pumpkin Spice Cafe series!
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the advanced copy!
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the advanced copy!