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3.54 AVERAGE
3.54 AVERAGE
The Cinnamon Spice Inn is quite simply, the Pumpkin Spice Cafe in a slightly different font. Don’t get me wrong, the fall vibes, the scenery, the descriptions, etc. was exactly the ambiance I want during the fall, but I couldn’t help but feel like I’ve read this book before. (okay google play Exile by Taylor Swift)
In this book you follow Madison, the daughter of the Cinnamon Spice Inn owner(s) and hotshot food blogger now living in New York City, and Zach, the small town, extremely hot, local carpenter. Oh, and they happen to be exes. One thing leads to another and they cross paths back in their hometown, the rest? You could probably guess.
I thought this was entertaining! If you’re looking for fall romance books, I’d recommend this one *as long as you can tolerate a miscommunication trope*
I also couldn’t get past the fact that in chapter 1 they talk about how the inn overlooks a mountain scape…and then proceeds to talk about midwestern storms and how crazy they can be. Where…. Girl, where in the Midwest has mountains? Am I missing something? (okay google are there mountains in the Midwest?)
Thank you Harper, Bookouture, and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my thoughts & review.
3/5 stars
In this book you follow Madison, the daughter of the Cinnamon Spice Inn owner(s) and hotshot food blogger now living in New York City, and Zach, the small town, extremely hot, local carpenter. Oh, and they happen to be exes. One thing leads to another and they cross paths back in their hometown, the rest? You could probably guess.
I thought this was entertaining! If you’re looking for fall romance books, I’d recommend this one *as long as you can tolerate a miscommunication trope*
I also couldn’t get past the fact that in chapter 1 they talk about how the inn overlooks a mountain scape…and then proceeds to talk about midwestern storms and how crazy they can be. Where…. Girl, where in the Midwest has mountains? Am I missing something? (okay google are there mountains in the Midwest?)
Thank you Harper, Bookouture, and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my thoughts & review.
3/5 stars
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
fast-paced
➳ 4.25/5 stars
This book honestly felt like having a warm cup of coffee on a rainy day, the kind that just settles into your soul and makes you feel safe, cozy, and content.
There was such a sense of comfort within the story that I found myself sinking into it so naturally, like it was written to be read slowly and savored. I’ve always believed that second chance stories only truly leave an impact when they’re done right, when the emotions aren’t rushed but built with care and depth. And this book, to me, was the perfect example of how to do it well.
The characters were such a joy to follow, and each of them brought something unique to the story. That said, I do think the male main character could have been explored a little more. There were moments where it felt as if his presence was overshadowed, almost like the focus leaned more on the female lead’s journey rather than balancing the two perspectives. But at the same time, I can’t really complain too much, because the female protagonist’s arc was so beautifully done. The way she slowly came into herself, finding her strength and realizing she had always belonged in Maple Falls it was moving to watch.
What I loved most was how natural her growth felt, like it wasn’t forced or exaggerated but written with a quiet truthfulness that made it relatable. Her journey of self-discovery didn’t just make me root for her, it made me reflect a little on belonging, love, and the places that shape us. And even if the male character didn’t get as much time in the spotlight, it almost felt intentional as if the story wanted to remind us that sometimes the greatest love story is the one you have with yourself, and with the place you call home.
All in all, I can easily say this book was everything I hoped it would be. It was heartfelt, comforting, and filled with the kind of warmth that lingers even after you’ve turned the last page. And while there may have been little things here and there that could’ve been done differently, they feel so small in comparison to the beauty of the whole.
➳ "Overall, if you’re on the hunt for the perfect fall read, this book is truly it. Cozy, heartfelt, and full of warmth, it’s the kind of story that makes you want to curl up and savor every page." 💌
— Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This book honestly felt like having a warm cup of coffee on a rainy day, the kind that just settles into your soul and makes you feel safe, cozy, and content.
There was such a sense of comfort within the story that I found myself sinking into it so naturally, like it was written to be read slowly and savored. I’ve always believed that second chance stories only truly leave an impact when they’re done right, when the emotions aren’t rushed but built with care and depth. And this book, to me, was the perfect example of how to do it well.
The characters were such a joy to follow, and each of them brought something unique to the story. That said, I do think the male main character could have been explored a little more. There were moments where it felt as if his presence was overshadowed, almost like the focus leaned more on the female lead’s journey rather than balancing the two perspectives. But at the same time, I can’t really complain too much, because the female protagonist’s arc was so beautifully done. The way she slowly came into herself, finding her strength and realizing she had always belonged in Maple Falls it was moving to watch.
What I loved most was how natural her growth felt, like it wasn’t forced or exaggerated but written with a quiet truthfulness that made it relatable. Her journey of self-discovery didn’t just make me root for her, it made me reflect a little on belonging, love, and the places that shape us. And even if the male character didn’t get as much time in the spotlight, it almost felt intentional as if the story wanted to remind us that sometimes the greatest love story is the one you have with yourself, and with the place you call home.
All in all, I can easily say this book was everything I hoped it would be. It was heartfelt, comforting, and filled with the kind of warmth that lingers even after you’ve turned the last page. And while there may have been little things here and there that could’ve been done differently, they feel so small in comparison to the beauty of the whole.
➳ "Overall, if you’re on the hunt for the perfect fall read, this book is truly it. Cozy, heartfelt, and full of warmth, it’s the kind of story that makes you want to curl up and savor every page." 💌
— Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks to NetGalley for giving me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Overall this book was okay. I enjoyed the autumnal setting and the imagery of the town. That was my favorite part of the book. The main characters, Zach and Madison, seemed very one dimensional to me. I liked the side characters more than the main characters which is quite telling. The plot was also very weak and mostly hinged on miscommunication between Madison and Zach. The miscommunication trope is my absolute least favorite, it’s just super frustrating to read. I’ll list out the good and the bad parts in more detail below. There will be spoilers in the breakdown below.
The good:
-cozy autumnal setting
-wholesome small town vibes
-fun side characters (especially Kit and Liam)
-descriptions of the town and inn were well done
-spicy scenes were good, they could’ve used a bit more flair though as they got a bit repetitive
-touching moments with Madison and her family
-the mystery of the letters, it was touching that her mom wrote them before she passed
The bad:
-Madison and Zach are so frustrating together, they don’t communicate at all. Honestly their relationship is a bit toxic.
-Miscommunication trope was so exhausting and annoying to read
-Madison and Zach had been together since 5th grade until they were 21?? Did Madison go to college? Doesn’t seem like it
-How could they be together for 10 years and break up the way they did??? Then they cleared it up in like 2 sentences once they reunited.
-The plot point was so weak. When she got the job offer (which who just gets mailed a job offer via USPS?!) my head was screaming “oh she could do that remote and it would solve all of her problems”. But did she think that? Noooo. So we end up having this chaotic back and forth between her and Zach only for her to take the job as a remote position
Overall this book was okay. I enjoyed the autumnal setting and the imagery of the town. That was my favorite part of the book. The main characters, Zach and Madison, seemed very one dimensional to me. I liked the side characters more than the main characters which is quite telling. The plot was also very weak and mostly hinged on miscommunication between Madison and Zach. The miscommunication trope is my absolute least favorite, it’s just super frustrating to read. I’ll list out the good and the bad parts in more detail below. There will be spoilers in the breakdown below.
The good:
-cozy autumnal setting
-wholesome small town vibes
-fun side characters (especially Kit and Liam)
-descriptions of the town and inn were well done
-spicy scenes were good, they could’ve used a bit more flair though as they got a bit repetitive
-touching moments with Madison and her family
-the mystery of the letters, it was touching that her mom wrote them before she passed
The bad:
-Madison and Zach are so frustrating together, they don’t communicate at all. Honestly their relationship is a bit toxic.
-Miscommunication trope was so exhausting and annoying to read
-Madison and Zach had been together since 5th grade until they were 21?? Did Madison go to college? Doesn’t seem like it
-How could they be together for 10 years and break up the way they did??? Then they cleared it up in like 2 sentences once they reunited.
-The plot point was so weak. When she got the job offer (which who just gets mailed a job offer via USPS?!) my head was screaming “oh she could do that remote and it would solve all of her problems”. But did she think that? Noooo. So we end up having this chaotic back and forth between her and Zach only for her to take the job as a remote position
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
Thank you to NetGalley for an eARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
The Cinnamon Spice Inn is everything you're looking for in a cozy, fall romance. When Madison receives a letter that her family's Midwestern inn is in trouble and in danger of closing, she leaves her home in NYC to help her father. She had left years ago to pursue her dream of living in the big city, and ended up leaving behind the love of her life, Zach.
This is a second chance romance filled with Hallmark-esque vibes, with just a dash of spice. The miscommunication trope is leaned on heavily here, and it is used more than once as Zach and Madison dance around each other for most of the book. The whole town is rooting for them to make it, and to see The Cinnamon Spice Inn return to its former glory. If you enjoy a warm, small town setting during the fall months filled with romantic tension, then definitely give this one a read.
The Cinnamon Spice Inn is everything you're looking for in a cozy, fall romance. When Madison receives a letter that her family's Midwestern inn is in trouble and in danger of closing, she leaves her home in NYC to help her father. She had left years ago to pursue her dream of living in the big city, and ended up leaving behind the love of her life, Zach.
This is a second chance romance filled with Hallmark-esque vibes, with just a dash of spice. The miscommunication trope is leaned on heavily here, and it is used more than once as Zach and Madison dance around each other for most of the book. The whole town is rooting for them to make it, and to see The Cinnamon Spice Inn return to its former glory. If you enjoy a warm, small town setting during the fall months filled with romantic tension, then definitely give this one a read.
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
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:
Complicated
I wanted to love this book. The description had me hooked—it sounded like everything I usually devour. But by 66%, I just couldn’t do it anymore and ended up DNF’ing. The plot was so predictable that I skipped straight to the last chapter just to check if I was right about the letters (spoiler: I was).
And let’s talk about the “enemies to lovers” trope. Sorry, but if you still love the person the whole time… you’re not enemies. That’s just unresolved feelings with extra steps. 👀
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
“Love is the sweetest spice of all.”
Firstly Thank NetGalley and the publisher for the audio ALC of this book. Please note this gift has not affected the way in which I have reviewed this book.
TheCinnamonSpiceInn by HarperGraham is book one in the MapleFalls series, and
is a 3.9⭐️ read.
The Audiobook out on 28th AUG 2025
Self-confessed coffee addict and food writer Maddison has convinced herself she belongs in NYC. But then she’s called back to the small town of Maple Falls to save her childhood home, The Cinnamon Spice Inn.
She’s NOT looking forward to seeing her ex, Zach now a sexy handyman who knows exactly how to push her buttons. But she won’t let anything distract her from the inn’s relaunch… right?
Zach is frustrated in more ways than one when his latest job brings him face-to-face with the girl who got away. He’s already agreed to renovate her family’s inn and he’s nothing if not a man of his word. But the last thing he wants is to work side-by-side with that stubborn, infuriating fine, totally gorgeous red head.
Sparks fly as they prepare for the big Halloween opening. Will Madison save The Cinnamon Spice Inn and have a second chance at love, or will it all go up in flames?
—:—:—:—:—
It’s a story with a fiery, coffee-loving city girl. A laid-back handyman with irresistible hazel eyes. Which could make this story a recipe for disaster? Find out in this totally cozy and unputdownable enemies-to-lovers romance in the small town of your dreams! Gilmore Girls + spice + everything autumn!
The Cinnamon Spice Inn, is totally addictive, heart-warming, and a cozy small-town spicy romance you want to pick up! It will give you all the feels and emotions we all want from a Second Chance story.
Favourite Quote: “First a s*x dream, and not this? As if she needed a real life encore to last night’s thoroughly inappropriate fantasy.”
Spicy Level - 🌶️🌶️
Note: Please read and review all trigger warnings before reading any recommended book. We love to read for our pleasure, so keep your mind, and emotions safe!
Audio Book Available
Publisher: Bookouture
Narrator: AndiEloise & BrandonFrancis
Release date: 28AUG2025