Is this an exact replica of Laurie Gilmore’s The Dream Harbor series, right down to the hideous, old school looking book cover? 100%. Is there room in my cold dead heart for more of the same fall-themed romances? 100%

The Cinnamon Spice Inn is a Hallmark movie in book form, so if you're looking for a cozy, familiar romance story for the Autumn/Fall season, you'll find it here. There's frequent spicy reminiscences and fantasising before the fantasy becomes reality! The audiobook is well narrated by the sole narrator, Andi Eloise. The audiobook listing does say that there are two narrators, but looking it up on Audible suggests that the male narrator is only part of a duet-narration bonus chapter, which seems to be missing from this ALC.

All that being said, I thought that the plot was a bit too familiar, to the point that I could predict the whole plot from the start, and the plot was too reliant on miscommunication, both in the past and in the present. It felt like there wasn't any character development because it was the exact same issues in the present as there had been in the past. Miscommunication is my least favourite trope but I might have overlooked that and the predictability and given it a higher rating if I'd been rooting for the main characters to get together, but unfortunately I didn't like Madison as a person. Zach came across much better, but Madison wasn't very likeable - for example how she dropped all of her best friends from home as soon as she ended things with Zach and didn't even reach out to Zach's sister Emily when their mother was ill. It's one thing to dump your long-distant boyfriend after a miscommunication, but another to intentionally drift off from all of your friends as well.

This one wasn't for me personally, but it could be a hit for readers/listeners who like second-chance, small town cozy romances with spice, and don't mind the miscommunication trope as it is very prominent.

Disclaimer: I received an Advance Listener Copy from Bookouture Audio and NetGalley but this is my voluntary and honest review.

This book is basically a hallmark movie !
And it’s set in the fall so perfect for the end of summer when you crave to be back in your couch near the fire with a comfy blanket !
If you like those small town romcoms vibes, you’ll like this book !
I loved the relationships with all the town folks it was so fun and wholesome ! However the romance in itself was good but the fights and their problems felt a bit repetitive.

Thank you Netgalley for the ALC !

Grab your favorite fall seasonal drink and settle in for a visit to Maple Falls! Upon receiving a mysterious letter, Madison returns to Maple Falls to help her widowed father revive their family inn. Also pitching in is Madison's childhood love, Zach, who Madison's never gotten over. Their families are connected, their hearts are connected, no matter how much they'd like to pretend otherwise.

This is the first time I've heard of the author, and it feels like a first book. It needs more development of the conflict, resolution, etc, but this book still delivers the feels and is perfect for a lazy autumn day.

I really wanted to love this so much but it just wasn’t for me.

I enjoyed the autumn vibes in this book and a lot of it reminded me of Gilmore girls which I enjoyed and it was a cosy descriptive read

What I didn’t enjoy was the romance aspect of this book and I’m so disappointed because I really wanted to love it. The miscommunication between the main characters was just not for me I felt like it just wasn’t a little big dragged out

Overall a good read if you’re really into small town cosy autumn seasonal romance reads and don’t mind a little miscommunication between the main characters

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.

Harper Graham’s The Cinnamon Spice Inn is a cozy, autumn-wrapped romance that combines small-town charm with a heartfelt second-chance love story. When Madison returns to Maple Falls to relaunch her family’s inn, she never expects to be thrown back into close quarters with her ex, Zach. What follows is a mix of warm seasonal details, witty banter, and slow-burning attraction that makes the story as comforting as a cinnamon latte on a crisp October morning.
What elevates the novel is how Graham balances familiarity with freshness. The tropes—enemies-to-lovers, forced proximity, second chances—are all here, but they’re executed with energy and sincerity. Madison’s big-city outlook collides perfectly with the rhythm of Maple Falls, grounding the romance in both tension and tenderness.
I am not usually someone who gravitates toward romances heavy with spice, yet the intimate scenes here are a standout. They’re not only realistic and tastefully written, but they also serve a purpose: deepening Madison and Zach’s bond rather than overwhelming the narrative. The result is chemistry that feels earned and believable.
If there are minor drawbacks, it’s that some plot turns are predictable, and a few side characters could be more fleshed out. Still, these are small quibbles in an otherwise engaging and immersive read.
The Cinnamon Spice Inn is ultimately a celebration of love, community, and fresh beginnings—perfect for anyone craving a feel-good romance steeped in fall atmosphere. Whether you’re a die-hard romance reader or someone who usually avoids spicier stories, this one strikes a rare balance between comfort and heat, making it a delightful seasonal escape.

Narrator’s Note:
The audiobook narrator did a fabulous job bringing both Madison and Zach to life with distinct voices and natural pacing. The warmth and energy in the delivery made the banter sparkle, and the cozy seasonal setting felt even more immersive. It was the kind of narration that enhances the story rather than distracts from it, making the listening experience especially enjoyable.

Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture Audio for this ALC. This is my honest review.

Quick Summary: A second chance, cinnamon twist romance

My Review: The Cinnamon Spice Inn by Harper Graham is book #1 in the Maple Fall series. It is scheduled for release on 8/28/25.

About the Book: "A fiery, coffee-loving city girl. A laid-back handyman with irresistible hazel eyes. Is this a recipe for disaster? "

In My Own Words: Former best friends turned lovers are reunited when the prodigal daughter returns to her small town and has to work closely with the man who unwittingly broke her heart.

About the Characters: Madison and Zach had obviously been close to each other. That's probably why their split broke them both so deeply. Even when they were at odds, they still had feelings. I appreciated that they struggled with how to reconnect, as well as with how to move past their conflict.

The introduction of other community members and supporting characters was done well. The way they were brought into the existing drama flowed. They showed up as well meaning, highly involved, small town players. The inclusion of a chocolatier with an air of mystery about her and the new chef for the inn who presents with a high energy nature already has me guessing about what comes next. Additionally, Zach's best friend and sister have me rather curious.

About the Conflict: There were a number of things that contributed to the conflicts between the characters. I was especially mindful of the couple conflict, the familial conflict, and the conflict related to the future.

About the Mystery: I loved the mystery surrounding the letters. It wrapped up nicely.

About the Audiobook: This novel was narrated by Andi Eloise and Brandon Francis. Their delivery was smooth and entertaining. I enjoyed the listening experience thoroughly.

My Final Say: Installment one in this new series was interesting enough to keep me wanting more. The cozy, small town vibe made this second chance love story that much more appealing. The leads came across as young and immature, but they also came across as sincere and passionate about each other. The story was light and easy.

Other: Readers who enjoy small town energy, second chance love, and stories with friends to lovers to enemies to lovers scenarios may like this one.

Listed Tropes - >

Tropes:

🍂 Enemies to lovers

🎃 Forced proximity

🍂 Small-town vs. city life

🎃 Opposites attract

🍂 Second chance romance

🎃 Miscommunication

🍂 Childhood sweethearts

🎃 Work romance

🍂 Spicy

Rating: 3.5/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: NA to A
Status/Level: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Audiobook: Yes
Narration: +
Series: Yes

Appreciation is extended to the author, to the publisher (Bookouture Audio), and to NetGalley. Thank you for the opportunity to review an ALC of this title. It was a pleasure to listen to this writer's work. I look forward to further acquainting myself with more from her collection.

I found the dialogue in this to be pretty cringy not gonna lie. Especially how the narrator delivered it? I don't know what I was expecting, but grown adults acting like horny teenagers literally right off the bat was not it. I wanted to enjoy it, but it just wasn't for me. Thank you NetGalley for the arc.

Thank you to Netgalley and Bookouture Audio for the ALC.

The Cinnamon Spice Inn. The title alone invokes a wonderfully warm and cozy feeling. That's sadly where it tapers off.

I wanted to like this book. It has so many fun autumn themes. There's a pumpkin patch, apple orchard, a town that holds a festival just for fall, but it all falls flat. I didn't feel like I was transported into the book. The writing tried to hard to tell me what to think instead of allowing me to really be shown.

The two main characters, Madison and Zach, have known each other since childhood, and used to be a couple. If I wasn't told that to begin with, I wouldn't have known. There was no chemistry except physical. There was no hint of their history of friends, and everything revolved around their physical attraction. When I'm reading a romance, I want a spark between the love interest. The level of spice would have been more appropriate if it felt like Madison and Zach actually liked each other for more than what they had in their pants.

Book Title: The Cinnamon Spice Inn

Author: Harper Graham

Series: Maple Falls #1

Narrator: Andi Eloise & Brandon Francis

Genre: Cozy Romance, Second Chance Romance

Publication Date: 28 August 2025

Rating: ★★★☆

I received a free copy from Bookouture Audio and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Introduction

🍁 The Cinnamon Spice Inn is the perfect book to prepare you for the Autumn/fall mood. It's a sweet and spicy second-chance romance that feels like wrapping yourself in a warm blanket. It gave me all those tiny cozy vibes I didn't know I needed, making me want to grab a big cup of spiced latte and curl up while I watch nature prepare itself for Autumn. This story is an easy, fun listen/read (I did both) that’s all about finding your way home—both to a place and to a person you thought you’d lost forever. As a fun bonus, the written version includes a cozy map of the town and a playlist to help you get into the autumn mood!

Plot Summary (Spoiler-Free)

🍂 The story follows Madison, a city food writer who returns to her charming small town, Maple Falls, to help her family save their struggling inn. She quickly runs into is Zach, her high school ex and the town's ridiculously handsome handyman. It's clear from the start that the spark between them never died. As they work together to restore the inn, they have to confront their past and figure out if they can have a second chance at love, or if history is doomed to repeat itself. The plot is full of small-town charm, cozy autumnal descriptions, and just the right amount of steamy tension.

Narration and Performance

🎧 The narration and performance felt like a warm hug. The narrator did an amazing job bringing the town of Maple Falls to life. Each character, from the main couple to the quirky side characters, had a distinct voice that made them feel like real people. The voice of Zach was particularly well done—his laid-back, grumbly demeanor came through perfectly, making him even more endearing. The narrator captured the cozy, relaxed tone of the book, making it a perfect listen for a quiet afternoon. The emotional moments, from the yearning looks to the frustrated misunderstandings, were all conveyed with just the right amount of emotion.

Overall Thoughts

🤔 My first impression was that the story moves a bit too fast in the beginning, and as a reader/listener, it took me a while to get into the narrative. But once settled in, the dual-POV really helped connect with the characters.

✨ Madison's journey felt so relatable. She’s stuck in a loop of repeating past mistakes and has to learn to stop running from her past. Her internal struggles and indecisiveness, especially in her relationship with Zach, were frustrating at times, but they also made her feel very human. You just want to yell at her to "just talk already!" and stop letting miscommunication get in the way. On the other hand, Zach is the ultimate sweetheart. He's so unaware of his own appeal but is completely and madly in love with Madison. His quiet devotion and pining were so swoon-worthy and made it easy to root for him the entire time.

👻The "miscommunication trope" was a bit overused and felt more like a crutch for the plot than a genuine character flaw, but the chemistry between the two main characters made up for it. The book also does an amazing job of making you feel like you're right there in Maple Falls. The descriptions of cinnamon pastries, crisp autumn air, and cozy inns made me want to move there immediately.

🍂 All in all, listening to / reading the story was as if I was watching a Hallmark movie with a little extra spice. While the romance could have had more depth, it’s a feel-good, easy read that’s perfect for the season.

Conclusion & Final Rating

💌 If you’re looking for a cozy, lighthearted, and heartwarming romance to get you into the fall spirit, look no further. This book is like a warm cinnamon latte for your soul—sweet, spicy, and utterly delightful. It’s perfect for fans of small-town settings, second-chance romances, and Gilmore Girls-style banter. While it might not be a deep, emotionally complex story, it’s a fun and relaxing listen that leaves you with a smile. I’m already hoping the author writes more about the side characters, especially Gram and Hank!

Final Rating: ★★★☆

Book Tropes:

Enemies to lovers

Forced proximity

Small-town vs. city life

Opposites attract

Second chance romance

Miscommunication

Childhood sweethearts

Work romance

Spicy


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This book started out with a great premise and had plenty of push and pull between the main characters that went just far enough before they talked to each other and figured it out until the next issue arose. However, the book could have done without chapters 42-55 because it just felt like the author kept throwing in obstacles to add to the word count. Overall the story was good but it definitely got to a point where you just want to shake them and tell them to get it together.
The narrator did a great job with the material. Her pacing and voice acting was perfect.

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.

🎧 AUDIOBOOK REVIEW 🎧

The Cinnamon Spice Inn by Harper Graham is a cozy autumn romance with a lovely seasonal vibe. The audiobook narration was warm and inviting, perfectly matching the small-town charm of the story. While the plot moved a bit slowly for me, the narration made it an enjoyable listen.