This was definitely a cozy sweet story with a lovely setting. Madison has returned to her hometown, a successful food critic/writer, to help save her family's inn. Things have not been right since the death of her mother and her father is struggling to keep things going - Madi has received a letter informing her that the inn is going under and her father needs her help immediately. Little does she know that the love she left behind is the one man her family absolutely needs to help put the inn to rights. Zach has never forgotten her and all they meant to each other. While the story was solid, it felt like the characters especially those surrounding Zach and Madison never full formed - I felt like I was introduced to so many characters but never really got to know them. I didn't really fall in love with Zach and Madison which made it hard to really care about their romance - I just wanted them to get on with it. There was potential with the book, and some readers may relate better than me to the overall story. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to read in return for my honest opinion.

It was an incredibly cute, light hearted slow burn romance. Everything was so well detailed in terms of describing the scene both from the emotional standpoints of the main characters but also the scenery that it almost felt like reading the script of a hallmark movie at times. The raw chemistry between the main characters really tugged on your heartstrings and you can't help but root for Zach throughout hoping that he gets his happy ending.

The lack of clear communication angle that Maddie & Zach's relationship took both past & present became a bit longwinded and toxic in places but it was nice to read about them having real relationship anxieties that were relatable.

Gram's meddeling, gossiping and sass all whilst being so loving and caring towards everyone made her one of my favourites.

I absolutely adored Madison and Zach’s story! From the very first chapter I was wrapped in the cozy autumn vibes of Maple Falls 🍂 The small town charm, the crisp fall air, the smell of cinnamon in every scene… This book felt like the perfect mix of Gilmore Girls and just the right dash of spice 🌶️ Warm, witty, and a little swoony.

The exes to lovers tension was perfection and the forced proximity had me grinning at every page. Special mention to Grams who had me laughing so hard with her witty comments and her sneaky little schemes to get Mads and Zach in the same room 😂 I went in thinking I would just get a cozy romance but I did not expect to tear up… and oh I did.

This was my best read of the year. A true masterpiece that easily deserves 6 stars out of 5 ✨ Harper Graham completely stole my heart and I am already counting down the days until Liam and Cassidy’s story 💛

A special thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for the e-ARC 🤍

Dual POVs and a miscommunication trope are my least favorite combination. Because I have to sit here and suffer knowing both of you are idiots. So be warned, if you DESPISE miscommunication where you know both sides 20% in, don’t do it to yourself.

This book was just okay. The writing style wasn’t super fluid. It felt a bit like someone was writing a story for class and was just checking off boxes. “Character goes here. Now share character’s feeling about it.”
“Character has memory. Parallel character’s current situation.”
“Character sexual tension mentioned, now describe sexual feelings in detail.”
“Character experiences awkward moment. Make best friend show up.”
“MMC POV visits location, describe it with memories. FMC thinks about same location, describes it with more memories.”

You may see that and think, well duh that’s how a story works. Don’t disagree, but I shouldn’t be able to notice it. It should be more subtle and fluid than it is. Since I’m reading an ARC, I really really hope someone just did a pass through of this before publication to make it a little less rigid and more human.

The Cinnamon Spice Inn is the kind of book that makes you want to immediately quit your job, pack up your life, and move to a small town where everyone somehow knows your business before you do. It is warm and cozy in the way that feels like being wrapped in a blanket fresh out of the dryer but also chaotic because the blanket is on fire and the fire is called romantic tension.

The inn itself is pure Hallmark movie magic. I swear I could smell cinnamon every time I opened the book. The romance had me kicking my feet like a teenager even though I am a fully grown adult with back pain. Every side character is just unhinged enough to make you wonder how this town has not been featured in a true crime podcast. The banter is top tier and the love interest is the kind of man who would shovel your driveway at 6 AM while muttering that he hates you and then make you the best pancakes of your life.

Four stars because I laughed, I cried, I wanted to drink mulled cider while gossiping about the main couple with the inn’s staff. This book is autumn in paperback form and if you do not immediately crave baked goods and a small town love affair after reading it, check your pulse.

Anyone who knows me, knows that Gilmore Girls is one of my favorite shows of all time, so when I find a book that has Gilmore Girls vibes, immediately sign me up. I really enjoyed this cute and cozy book. I really enjoyed how well the author painted the picture of the small town, if I could live in Maple Falls, I freaking would. I loved the little mystery aspect of trying to figure out who was sending out the letters around the town, just when I thought I knew who was behind it they would get a letter and I had to start at square one again. I also really enjoyed the side characters. This book was just so cute, cozy, and wholesome. My only “issue” with this book is that I feel like the ending was a little rushed and a little under developed. Overall, I really enjoyed this book and definitely recommend people to add it to their fall TBR. I’m so thankful I was able to receive this ARC!

The Cinnamon Spice Inn Honest ARC Review:

This was adorable small town, second chance romance with enemies to lovers vibes. The Cinnamon Spice Inn is perfect for fans of Lucy Score and Laurie Gilmore!

Madison relocated to NYC from her small home town of Maple Falls several year ago when she was offered an internship. Leaving, she was forced to attempt a long distance relationship with her childhood sweetheart, Zach.

Madison was torn between her family and friends in the idyllic small town she grew up in and the opportunities available to her in the city. She broke it off with Zach years ago when he unknowingly broke her heart.

This second chance romance has enemies to lovers vibes, small town charm and a cozy autumn atmosphere. I enjoyed this and if you like small town romance, you will too!


Thank you Net Galley and Bookouture for sharing this ARC with me.

This cozy feel-good romance follows the FMC as she returns to her hometown after receiving a mysterious letter warning that her family's inn is in trouble. The catch? Her ex-boyfriend is still in town, and facing him again after all these years is not something she's looking forward to. As she works to restore the inn and uncover the identity of the anonymous letter writer, old feelings resurface and the two slowly find their way back to each other. Though not without a few bumps along the way.

I really enjoyed the warm, comforting vibe of this story. It’s perfect for curling up on the couch wrapped in a blanket with a hot cup of tea and a fall-scented candle burning nearby. While the romance was sweet and satisfying, I would’ve loved a bit more depth in the mystery surrounding the letters. I feel like that part could have been explored more extensively.

While the premise was promising, I found it difficult to stay engaged with this one. I absolutely adored the cozy, small-town vibes, Maple Falls felt so alive, and the descriptions of the inn, the food, and the autumn scenery made me feel like I was right there sipping cider by the fire.

Grams was hands-down my favorite character, full of joy, sass, and wisdom, she lit up every scene she was in. I also really liked the side characters and the sense of community, and I wish we’d spent more time with the whole menagerie of animals at the inn.

But the romance wasn't really for me. Madison and Zach’s over-the-top miscommunication drove me a little nuts. They barely talk through anything, yet somehow expect everything to work out just because the physical chemistry is there. After years of unresolved issues, the ending felt way too sudden and unrealistic for me to buy into their happily-ever-after.

That said, Harper Graham’s writing is lovely, and the atmosphere she creates is perfect for an autumn read. If you enjoy small-town romances with second chances, a dash of mystery, and don’t mind a heavy dose of the miscommunication trope, this one might be worth a cozy afternoon.

My copy of this book was provided by NetGalley and Bookouture for review purposes. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This book is guilty for putting me in my fall feels TOO EARLY. I am now living in fall mentally (even if we are not there yet…). Thank you so much to NetGalley and Bookouture for giving me an arc of this for a honest review.

Lovers of Gilmore Girls, and other small town romances like The Pumpkin Spice Cafe, should flock to this book immediately, as this will give you what you are looking for. Set in October, the Maple Falls town offers cosy galore, a nostalgic simple life- with no stress other than what the main characters Zach and Madison are doing in their love life. Their romance is a slow burn, but that’s not the only thing that will satisfy you- the vivid descriptions of the cinnamon rolls will just about do it for you too….

What I really love about fall romances, and Graham does so well with this, is how meaningful the romance is. There’s something so relaxing about a slow burn romance outside of the big city cliches (like New York etc.), that don’t accomplish what this book does. I read this in bed with a chai latte, and I felt so cosy, happy and peaceful- it was such a good read, and honestly just what I needed. It was magical and got me hooked from the first page. I also wanted to take my time with it too- as I didn't want it to end.

If you need to slow down and take a breather, in a reading slump, or looking for your next slow burn to devour- pick this up NOW. You will not regret it <3

Thank you for not disappointing my fall needs Harper Graham! This was delicious in every way.

This was a cute, short read—and it definitely put me in the fall mood. As other reviewers have mentioned, I did struggle with the amount of miscommunication in the story; at times, it felt like the only plot point. I also found it a bit repetitive, with Madison and Zach doing a lot of reminiscing in their respective chapters. Still, the setting—a sweet, quaint town—made me wish it was officially fall. The well-rounded characters also helped bring the book to life. And now, I desperately need to try apple butter.

Blew my expectations out of the water. This was the perfect fall romance read. The miscommunication in this book had me on the edge of my seat. Such a great writing style, I cant wait for the second book in the series!

I wanted SO badly to love this! I went in to it for the fall vibes, but I didn’t connect with the characters at all.

Communication? Never heard of her. The MMC and FMC could’ve resolved ALL their problems if they would’ve just talked to each other…

Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC

3 ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

The Cinnamon Spice Inn by Harper Graham was a cozy, autumn-infused read that delivered exactly what the title promises—plenty of warm, seasonal vibes. The descriptions of the inn, falling leaves, and seasonal treats made it feel like a fall getaway in book form. I could practically smell the cinnamon and hear the crunch of leaves underfoot.
While the setting and atmosphere were my favorite part, the story itself didn’t pull me in as much as I’d hoped. Some moments felt a little slow, and I didn’t connect with the characters as deeply as I wanted to. That said, it’s a pleasant read if you’re looking for something light and seasonal to curl up with on a chilly day.

If you like cinnamon bun book store you’ll love this! Such a nice cozy read and the main characters really drew me in!

Looking for a Hallmark movie-esq, fall vibes book? Look no further than the Cinnamon Spice Inn! This is a small town, second chance romance. Harper Graham does an amazing job describing the setting and allowing the reader to feel a part of the book. The character’s personalities are so well fleshed out that you feel like a neighbor! You can taste the cup of soul at the cafe, smell the cinnamon rolls at the inn, see the apple orchard, feel the cool breeze on your arms as you imagine walking around the lake. It’s the perfect fall book! Fall in love with Madison and Zach as the spark reignites their passion for each other while working close together to remodel the town inn.

The Cinnamon Spice Inn is a heartwarming enemies to lovers, second chance romance that feels like sipping a pumpkin spice latte on a crisp fall day. When NYC food writer Madison returns to her small hometown of Maple Falls to save her family’s inn, the last person she expects to work with is Zach her bearded, infuriating, and still irresistible ex. As they battle old feelings, bicker their way through renovations, and prepare for a big Halloween opening, sparks fly and hearts are on the line. Perfect for fans of small town charm, fiery chemistry, and happily ever afters wrapped in autumn vibes.

This was cute! The way the inn and Maple Falls were described had me wishing for chillier days and cozy nights. I am all about fall and Halloween, despite it being a little early 😜

Tropes include: <i>Smalltown, Second Chance, Childhood/High School Sweethearts, Seasonal (Fall), Forced Proximity, Enemies to Lovers (idk about this one)</i>

Maybe it’s because it’s still the middle of summer, but I just couldn’t get into this one. I can always tell when a book is taking me entirely too long to read that I’m not really in it. This took me over a week (I will admit I was a busy bee, but I digress, that’s not normal for me) and I was surprised when I checked and it was only ~350 pages.

From the start, I just didn’t feel any sort of chemistry between Zach and Madison. It was described as enemies to lovers but that’s not at all what I would call it. A second chance? Absolutely. They were mad at each other, but I wouldn’t say they were enemies. All of their problems hinged on miscommunication and when they actually talked, they were both quick to drop their anger. 6 years of silence followed by a quick apology? Wouldn’t be my reaction, but to each their own.

I didn’t feel any type of way about either of our main characters. I was honestly a little more interested in Kit 🤷‍♀️ They felt flat and uninspired. I wanted them to have more to their personalities than just being “the one that got away” or “sacrificing” for the other. Zach felt a bit more developed, but there was just so much going on in the background that Madison kind of fell through the cracks for me.

The meddling townspeople were some of my favorite characters. It was cute to see them wanting the best for the couple. They all played a small part in helping with the inn and it truly felt like a community.

A lot of the spice/steamy moments weren’t exactly what I was expecting. Not quite fade-to-black, but definitely not full blown smut. Maybe twice (?) I felt like we got a whole scene, but even then, it wasn’t anything to write home about.

I will say, the writing itself was good. The way the author described things and painted scenes felt immersive and warm. She wrote about cinnamon rolls filled with apple butter in a way that had my mouth watering. Where can I get one? 🤤

This one just wasn’t for me, but I wouldn’t say it was a bad book. I think if I would’ve read this in the height of fall, I may have enjoyed it a little more. Save it for a cool, cozy fall evening while sipping some warm cider and you’ll enjoy yourself.

The Basics:
Contractor 🛠️ // Food Writer 📝
3rd Person Dual POV
Standalone, but #1 in the “Maple Falls” series
HEA 🖤 + epilogue
🌶️/5
⭐️⭐️.5/5


Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read this ARC 🤍

For lovers of The Pumpkin Spice Cafe series and Hallmark rom-coms. This book follows Madison as she is summoned home by an anonymous letter informing her that her father needs help to keep the family inn afloat. She faces her childhood sweetheart, Zach, for the first time since she left him and the small town of Maple Falls for the excitement of New York City.

I really enjoyed the cozy feel of this book. Read it when you're ready to get into an autumn mindset. All the characters are lovely - there really isn't a villain. This book was also only lightly spicy, like Buffalo sauce, I would say. Inoffensive, but definitely there.

I liked the mystery and will continue on with this series when it's released. I felt more attached to the town and overall vibe than to the main characters, especially when the book-long conflicts were resolved in about one sentence each.

Thank you Bookouture for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Reading The Cinnamon Spice Inn felt like being wrapped in a giant autumnal hug—cozy, warm, and full of charm. I absolutely adored it.

I’m primarily a fantasy reader, and most romance novels tend to fall flat for me, especially the cliché ones. I’ll admit, I initially assumed this would be similar to another well-known series in the genre that I didn’t enjoy (the cover art gave me that impression). I couldn’t have been more wrong. The second half of the book, in particular, surprised me with several plot twists I genuinely didn’t see coming—a refreshing and much-needed change for the genre.

The author’s depiction of Maple Falls is enchanting; I found myself wishing it were real. In fact, I ended up reading most of the book with a cinnamon roll and hazelnut latte in hand, completely immersed in the autumnal atmosphere. Now I’m officially ready for fall. 🍂

The characters are bursting with personality: Madison and Zach’s shared history had me rooting for them from page one; George’s affection for his animals was endearing; Kit’s passion for her cooking radiated from the page; and Jo delivered those rock-solid best-friend vibes that every protagonist needs. Each one felt distinct and memorable.

I can’t wait to return to Maple Falls in the next book. This one is an easy ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ from me.