The Cinnamon Bun Book Store by Laurie Gilmore

I preordered this all the way back when it was still called THE BLUEBELL BOOKSTORE. I can see why the title changed; I'm sure after the success of the first book, the publisher thought the food/seasonal theme would make the series feel more cohesive. But unlike the previous book, this one is set during summer. Given some of the reviews and the ratings, it seems like some people bought this expecting more autumnal goodness and were angry that it was a beach read (which seems silly, but people, you know?).

Personally, I thought THE CINNAMON BUN BOOKSTORE was a better book than THE PUMPKIN SPICE CAFE. Both Hazel and Noah have more depth as characters and the sex scenes had actual chemistry. Even the mystery element was fun, although like TPSC, this is a mystery only in the most rudimentary sense of the word. Someone is hiding secret messages inside books that are prompting the introverted Hazel to step outside of her shell and go on "risky" adventures. It's a mystery the way P.S. I Love You is a mystery, in that it's basically not.

Mostly, this is a book about people who aren't sure if they're worthy of love discovering that they are, after breaking free from the societal cage of expectations that they've been placed in. Hazel learns that she's not boring, and that growing up means stepping out of the neat circle of your everyday life sometimes. And Noah learns that success takes many different forms and may not look like the sort of success your parents envisioned for you, and that growing up for him means stability.

Also, we love a reverse age-gap where she's the older one. Although they sure made turning thirty sound like it turns you into the Crypt Keeper.

2.5 out of 5 stars