Laurie does it again!
I was craving mac and Annie's story from the start and OH MY GOD. I couldn't get enough of it!

*Thank you NetGalley for the eARC**

She has done it again! Laurie Gilmore just keeps giving and I keep taking. I have been curious about Annie and Mac’s situationship since the very beginning, and I am extremely excited that this novel delves into the back story of this “love-me, hate-me” relationship.

Without giving anything away, I truly appreciate that we learned what happened, how our character got where they are, and how they will progress through life. This ended exactly how I wanted, and I appreciate that so much.

I cannot wait to see updates on everyone in the next book!

Been waiting forever for Annie & Mac's story and it's finally arrived. These two have been teased throughout the series and their story definitely delivered!

Gilmore provides us with a wonderfully cozy Christmas romance. I really enjoyed Annie and Mac's romance. We get flashbacks and present day which helped better understand the tension and resentments between them. I felt this was needed and provided a lot of understanding and depth to the characters and relationship. These two were the enemies to lovers trope and I really liked how Gilmore wrote it. Sometimes I feel enemies to lovers doesn't work well in contemporary settings but it worked here. There's plenty of bickering, banter and chemistry to keep readers invested. I found the romance very satisfying and worth the wait.

The setting was cozy and holiday themed, which just transported me into the story. I love the small town Gilmore has created. Every time I pick up a book, it's like returning to a favorite place. You will certainly want gingerbread to snack on nearby!

Truly wonderful if you're in the mood for a cozy holiday romance.

Thank you Netgalley for this ARC!

I really enjoy this series and was excited to get Annie and Mac’s story. This is in my top 2 favorites of the series so far. I enjoyed how we get past and present chapters and love a story when the guy pines for the girl.

She’s done it again! Laurie Gilmore keeps delivering, and I keep devouring every word. I’ve been curious about Annie and Mac’s “love-me, hate-me” situationship since the very beginning, and this book finally gives us the backstory we’ve been waiting for.
The Gingerbread Bakery is a cozy, heartwarming Christmas comeback you won’t want to put down. From snow-dusted streets to the scent of fresh gingerbread, Dream Harbor feels like the perfect holiday escape. While Jeanie and Logan’s wedding prep sets a festive backdrop, the real magic lies in Annie and Mac’s story. Told in alternating past and present chapters, we see not only what drove them apart but also how they learn to move forward—and maybe toward each other.
Their banter, vulnerability, and slow rediscovery of love make this an irresistible take on the enemies-to-lovers trope. It ends in exactly the way I’d hoped, leaving me both satisfied and eager for more glimpses into the lives of these beloved characters.
A perfect blend of humor, romance, and festive charm—Laurie Gilmore at her very best.

At last! Annie and Mac’s story! I’ve read the others in this series and have been wondering about them :). Their story is well told, and I found the use of going back in time several times (then and now) really helpful. Excellent world building, believably flawed characters.

Thanks to NetGalley, the author and publisher for an advanced reading copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Thank you so much to NetGalley, Harper Collins and Laurie Gilmore for sharing this ARC with me, in exchange for my honest review.

I have four words for y’all, Mac and Annie…Dream Harbor!!! I fell in love with the plot and the characters and their love story building-up. I love how Laurie Gilmore integrates the flashbacks with present day.
If y’all love enemies to lovers, a snowy town and the smell of gingerbread all around you…Then this book is most definitely for you. I highly recommend this book.

I love this series. It’s just so cute, and I think the books have gotten better as the series goes on.

Sworn enemies Mac and Annie have history. After a heartbreak a decade ago, Annie swore off having Mac in her life in any capacity. Now, while preparing for Jeanie and Logan’s wedding, they are thrust back together in close proximity. Forced to confront the animosity that has been brewing, their story unfolds through a dual POV in both the present day and flashbacks. This gave real depth to their feelings then and now.

The Dream Harbor backdrop is as lovely as always, and the wacky cast of characters shines again. The whole crew, including the book club, returns ready to celebrate the big town wedding.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper360 for the advanced copy!

I love the characters in this book. That being said I probably need to read the previous books in this series to really grasp this book. The storyline was great, I loved the towns feeling and how well it’s written. I’m definitely going to read more of Laurie Gilmore books. Thank you NetGalley for this ARC

A huge thank you to NetGalley and Harper 360 for the opportunity to read this eARC and provide a review. This is the 5th book in the Dream Harbor series and this one is my favorite. When I started the series, with the Pumpkin Spice Cafe I enjoyed it. However, Laurie Gilmore gets me more in love with this town and these characters as each book comes out. This is an enemies to lovers romance has the best banter with some of my favorite book quotes. This follows Annie and Mac but includes all of the characters that we have grown to love in this small town as they prepare to celebrate Christmas and Jeanie and Logan’s Wedding. This was such a fun, sweet, romantic book that is perfect for the holidays to get you in the spirit. I finished it so quickly and I am already excited about The Daisy Chain Flower Shop coming out in 2026 as Book 6 in the Dream Harbor Series!

📖 Title: The Gingerbread Bakery-Bk#5 Dream Harbor

✍🏾 Author: Laurie Gilmore- I read The Strawberry Patch Pancake House & gave it 5⭐

📅Publication date: 9-16-25 | Read: 8-27-25

📃 Format: e-Book 384 pgs.

Genre:
* Contemporary Romance
*Adult Fic

Tropes:
*enemies to lovers
*found family
*forced proximity
*small town
*Christmas
*opposites attract

👆🏾POV: 3rd person single

🌎 Setting: Dream Harbor, MA-2 timelines Then & Now

Summary: In high school Mac was captain of the lacrosse team and Annie was the type-A girl who fell in love w/ him. They had one memorable December when they were nineteen, and later at Annie's 30th birthday when they almost kissed. Now, Mac wants Annie and is willing to do anything to be with her, only Annie is still hurt from him abandoning her.

👩🏾 Heroine: Annabelle "Annie" Andrews-bakery owner, making the wedding cake for Jeanie

👨🏾 Hero: Macaulay "Mac" Sullivan-bar owner, was his father's pub

🎭 Other Characters:

* Jeanie + Logan-getting married
* Kira + Bennett- Kira owns barn for tree farm and wedding planner + Jeanie's brother
*Hazel + Noah- eloped already
*Iris + Archer-Iris is pregnant

🤔 My Thoughts: I loved catching up with the couples, especially for Jeanie and Logan's wedding. Annie and Mac's antagonistic relationship was explained between two timelines-then (high school) and now. Annie felt abandoned waiting for Mac to return from his cross-country trip of self-discovery. I didn't understand Mac's reasons for leaving, only to stay nearby. He needed to find his way but didn't make a profound transformation. Annie took her time protecting her heart for them to get their HEA.

Rating: 5/5 ✨
Spice level: 5/5 🌶️

🙏🏾Thanks to NetGalley, Harper 360, and Laurie Gilmore for this ARC! I voluntarily give my honest review, and all opinions are my own.

4/5 Stars

Dream Harbor has its hold on me. I'm in love with a fictional town and its fictional residents. It is so cozy, warm, and everything I might have ever wanted from a cozy romance. I was especially excited for Annie and Mac, because their story has been teased throughout the last 4. I read all 4 stories prior to this one in two nights because of how easy and wonderful reads they are. Turn my little anxious brain off, enjoy Dream Harbor and their cuteness just oozing out.

In book 5, Laurie Gilmore absolutely knocks it out of the park yet again. I was so eager to learn about these two, and I think they are probably my favorite pair (though Noah, you have my heart as MMC). I love how imperfect they are, how quick to anger, how prideful, how messy they are- just like real life. Some of us hold onto our baggage like talismans, and Annie and Mac had years of history hanging over them. But the second chance love was just as sweet as promised. I really enjoyed the push and pull, and even if it was sometimes frustrating, it didn't feel immature and stupid. The bickering was well balanced by the heartfelt moments of connection. They were two very relatable people trying to protect themselves from being hurt again, and I really enjoyed the journey. Totally recommend this book (and the entire series). Can't wait for the next one!

4.25 ⭐️

The Gingerbread Bakery is the Dream Harbor book I’ve been most looking forward to because I had to know more about the dynamic between Annie and Mac and it did not disappoint! This book alternated between the past and the present, which can be hard to pull off but it worked for me in this one. The flashbacks are super adorable and a good contrast to Annie and Mac’s current contentious relationship, as they’re filled with naïveté and the wonder of first love. I was always happy to read a flashback chapter and it didn’t break the flow at all for me.

As for Annie and Mac’s present timeline, my only small criticism is that I wish it had taken place over a longer period of time, because I feel like I need more time for the relationship to redevelop when they’ve been apart for so long. I do think though that the flashbacks provided enough evidence of their connection that I believe these two making their way back to each other made sense. Second chance romances can have a hard time convincing me that two characters should be together, as the reason for the break up can really make or break it. In this book though, I think the reasons for them being apart are valid and don’t make me think these two shouldn’t get back together. Annie was definitely stubborn in the present timeline towards Mac, but she didn’t take it too far which I appreciate.

Overall, this book was adorable and Annie and Mac were worth the wait. If you like the small town shenanigans that usually take place in Dream Harbor, there’s definitely some of that in here as well. I’m excited for the next trip back to Dream Harbor with Daisy and Elliot!

⭐⭐⭐⭐.5 stars
Thank you Netgalley and Laurie Gilmore for an e-ARC of The Gingerbread Bakery in exchange for my honest review.
I've read all the books in the Dream Harbor series and love them so much! Been *im*patiently waiting for Annie and Mac's book since The Pumpkin Spice Cafe. I love these characters so much!!! I knew all that anger and hatred between Mac and Annie was a cover to hide their real feelings for one another.
I'm not always a fan of second chance romance but I think everything worked out the way it was meant to be. I believe they both had a lot of growing up and finding themselves first before they could be together again.
I will say my main frustration was Annie's stubborness to hear Mac's side of things, however, her feelings were also very understandable and valid to me. I'm glad Mac was a patient king and continued to chase after her knowing she was hiding from him. I love a man that falls first:
"but all he really saw was Annie. Story of his life since he moved back here. Annie was all he ever saw. Annie frowning at him. Annie scowling at him . Annie huffing and sighing and occasionally, if he was lucky, yelling at him. And because he was some kind of masochist, he still wanted to be around her." When he'll take any piece of her he can get!!!! I love that man.
I'm so happy we got to meet Elliot and Daisy (our next Dream Harbor main characters) and can't wait for their story.

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC! I was so excited to read this - I knew Annie and Mac had a good back story, and it did not disappoint! I loved how frustrated I was sometimes with them as characters but it always felt very real. And the flashback scenes were excellent to explain how their relationship (and fall out) happened.

I also loved that it was primarily focused on Logan and Jeanie’s wedding weekend - loved seeing all the details of the characters from prior books!!

This series just keeps delivering. I think we’ve all been waiting with bated breath for Annie and Mac’s story and this was absolutely everything I hoped for. I’m a sucker for a second chance romance and Mac’s years of yearning was exactly what I wanted from this. The series isn’t that deep, but it reads like a warm hug and never fails to hook me in and keep me turning pages. My only regret is not saving this for Christmastime.

4.5 stars

ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Loved it! Annie and Mac's story has been one that everyone has been waiting for and Laurie did not disappoint. It was much deeper and emotional that I thought it would be which just makes sense with Annie and Mac. Loved it and can't wait for the next one.

Welcome back to Dream Harbor!

Annie and Mac: right person, wrong time. Told in a dual timeline, we read the love story of these two seemingly “enemies” fall for each other first as teenagers and then again as successful business owners.

The universe that author Laurie Gilmore has created with her Dream Harbor series, and expanded on with The Gingerbread Bakery, is a guaranteed comfy and cozy small town romance read perfect for your seasonal TBR.

Thank you to Harper 360 and NetGalley for an advanced copy of The Gingerbread Bakery by Laurie Gilmore in exchange for my honest review.

Another fantastic story in Dream Harbor. Loved Annie and Mac's story! I loved the way the author went back in time to share the past of the two of them and keep the present story progressing!

I was beyond excited for this book—it’s the 5th book in the Dream Harbor series, and Laurie Gilmore did not disappoint.

The Gingerbread Bakery follows Annie and Mac. While I do recommend reading the first four Dream Harbor books, you could easily jump into this one without feeling lost. Gilmore does a great job making each book stand on its own.

This story has everything:
One-sided enemies-to-lovers
Second chance romance
Forced proximity
Cozy small-town vibes
Comedy & multiple POVs
Golden retriever × black cat dynamic

Annie has sworn to hate Mac forever—but only Mac knows why. When they’re both part of Logan and Jeanie’s wedding party, emotions come bubbling back to the surface in the funniest and sweetest ways.

I absolutely loved this book. I stayed up all night reading, and at one point I was laughing out loud at 4 a.m. The mix of banter and coziness made it such a perfect rom-com read.

Highly recommend this to anyone looking for a cozy, witty, and quick romance read. Dream Harbor continues to be such a comfort series, and The Gingerbread Bakery might just be my favorite so far.

The gingerbread bakery , is a hopeful lost love rediscovered later in life. If the love is meant to be it will work out

This is book five in the Dream Harbor series. Jeanie and Logan, characters from an earlier book, are finally tying the knot. Annie, who owns the town bakery, and Mac, the local bar owner, are thrown back together to help make the wedding a success. But with a fling from over a decade ago that ended on bad terms, tensions run high. Annie can’t stand Mac, while he’s determined to win her back.

It’s a quick, enjoyable read. While you don’t have to read the previous books to follow along, they do add depth and context to the characters. I really enjoyed it!

📖 Book Review 📖 Laurie Gilmore rings in the ‘ber months with a return to Dream Harbor, the coziest small town with arguably the highest concentration of baked goods per square mile. And while Gilmore’s books are standalone novels, and The Gingerbread Bakery is no exception, you might as well grab your favorite sweet treat and drink and indulge in the whole series because the whole town makes an appearance in the long-awaited fifth installment of this beloved cozy collection. The suspense is high as all of Dream Harbor and readers wait to see if Mac and Annie will finally stop fighting their feelings for each other and get their happily ever after…

I enjoy this series, so I was excited to get approved for an ARC on NetGalley.

This one gives us the story of Annie and Mac, who we’ve seen throughout the first four books of the series. We finally get to learn what the backstory is with them and is told through flashbacks. We also have the present day timeline of the wedding weekend for Logan and Jeanie.

This was cute. A fluffy romance. Quick weekend read. I liked it, but it wasn’t my favorite of the series.

Will still recommend to others who have enjoyed this series.

I received this book free of charge from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

For fans of Jill Shalvis and Susan Mallery
I fell in love with “The Gingerbread Bakery” when I first read the book description. The story itself is even richer and more nuanced.
“The Gingerbread Bakery” is Book 5 of author Laurie Gilmore’s Dream Harbor series. For me, it’s both the first book of the series and the first book by Gilmore that I’ve read. I’ll definitely be seeking her backlist!
Enemies-to-lovers can be a wonderful trope when done well, and Gilmore knows how to do it. Rather than a quick recap of the past then having the full story unwind in the present, Gilmore chooses to use flashbacks to set the stage and help us get to know both Annie and Mac in their late teens, when their attraction first blooms.
The book juggles three storylines beautifully — Annie and Mac in the past, Annie and Mac today and their involvement as bridesmaid and groomsman in a beautiful Christmas season wedding. Even the wedding backdrop adds drama to their struggle to find their first love again.
Gilmore is a talented writer who wove all of these threads together in a beautiful tapestry of a cozy Christmas story. I adored both Annie and Mac and could understand their disparate viewpoints. Use of the flashback showed me how each had changed during the past decade to become the people they are now.
If you’re looking for a Christmas-themed romance to help you escape your own reality for awhile, “The Gingerbread Bakery” is perfect.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher. These opinions are my own.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. While enemies to lovers isn’t my favorite romance trope, this was my favorite of this series. It wasn’t a true enemies to lovers, it was more a second chance romance. And I loved the characters.

Annie and Mac have spent the most of the last 4 books bickering. The hate between the two is mostly one sided (Annie’s hatred is mostly justified, Mac’s is nonexistent) but decide to call a truce for the weekend to celebrate their best friend’s wedding. I have only read the first book but you would completely fine going into this book without any prior knowledge of the series!

I liked this book! It’s very low stakes, high angst and that usually makes for a quick read. Annie and Mac are absolute idiots in love and it was fun to how it all started. There’s also a surprising amount of self reflection between the two. They also adopt kittens! It’s a really cute and funny read and perfect for the holiday season.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper 360 for this eARC in exchange for an honest review!

This series is what first got me hooked on Hallmark-style romance, and it never disappoints. Every book is heartwarming and guaranteed to lift my mood.

Thank you to NetGalley for the early read! I highly recommend this to anyone who wants to believe in love again and soak up those cozy small-town vibes. This installment ended up being my favorite in the series, since it finally dives into the backstory of my two favorite characters.

Each time Laurie Gilmore announces a new book - we were all hoping for Annie and Mac. With the Gingerbread Bakery we finally get to see why there has always been so much tension and what exactly happened in the past to cause. I really enjoyed the dual time narrative which is new for the Dream Harbor series and without it I don't think the story would have lived up to my expectations. We have to see what happened all those years ago when Annie and Mac first started hanging out.

I loved how much both characters grew and learned from each other, even if at times infuriating. With this book we meet the love interests for the Daisy Chain Flower shop as well which helps build intrigue and interest! Can't wait to hand sell this at Christmas time.

This was my first read by Laurie Gilmore, and even though it’s part of a series, you can absolutely jump in and enjoy it as a standalone. This was also my first visit to Dream Harbor, and wow—what a charming little town! The quirky characters and cozy vibe made the perfect backdrop for Annie and Mac’s story.

I’m usually not a big fan of the hate-to-love trope, but I have to admit this one worked for me. The dual POV really helped me understand how Annie and Mac got to where they are, and it added so much depth to their slow-burn romance.

What I loved most is that, while this is definitely a romance, it isn’t overly saccharine. It’s sweet without being too sweet—balanced with sharp, witty moments from side characters that made me smile.

A huge thank you to Nate Gawley, Laurie Gilmore, and Harper 360 for my ARC copy. 💌

Devoured! That’s the first word that comes to mind when I think about this book. I absolutely devoured Annie and Mac’s second chance romance! I don’t know if it was the small town vibes, the tension between them or both but I loved The Gingerbread Bakery so much that it’s easily my favourite in the series.

It feels like every book Laurie Gilmore writes just keeps getting better and this one was no exception. The enemies to lovers trope paired with forced proximity was written in such a swoony, giggle inducing way. I especially enjoyed the alternating chapters between past and present Annie and Mac, making their story even richer. And that slow burn? Perfectly paced, making the romance all the more satisfying.

If you haven’t picked up the Dream Harbor series yet, I highly recommend diving in especially now that we’re in our cozy Gilmore Girls era!

This is the fifth Dream Harbor book, but it works perfectly as a standalone (though I now want to read the others). I loved the seamless mix of past and present, which gave real depth to Annie and Mac’s story instead of just telling us what happened. Both characters felt developed and compelling, and their romance had me invested from start to finish.
The holiday vibes were perfection.

Arc Review!!

Tropes: enemies to lovers, second chance, small town, slow-burn

Laurie Gilmore has done it yet again everyone! This was such a quick and fun second chance romance for the holidays (even tho it's not even completely fall season yet). The "cake" for their wedding was such a cute idea and I absolutely melted for Mac with the kittens! You follow Annie and Mac's story as they navigate through their complicated past while trying to survive a wedding together...emotions run high and truths get revealed in this cutesy story!

Thank you so much NetGalley + Harper Collins for this e-ARC!

It is always so much fun to return to Dream Harbor and The Gingerbread Bakery was no different! We have seen Annie and Mac in previous books, and you always got the impression that they had a past. This book gives us insight to that past with a dual timeline between the Christmas they fell for each other and the present Christmas when they are both a part of Jeanie and Logan's wedding party. I loved being able to see how their relationship developed and how the mishaps of Jeanie and Logan's wedding weekend brought them together!

Honestly, I just wish we could have gotten more of Annie and Mac together with the rest of the Dream Harbor crew! I also really enjoyed that this allowed us to see Logan and Jeanie's wedding. Highly recommend if you have already been to Dream Harbor and highly recommend if you are someone who enjoys an enemies to lovers, second chance situation.

Thank you Harper360 and NetGalley for the ARC!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Gingerbread Bakery is book five in the Dream Harbor series. Mac & Annie’s story is the one that we’ve been waiting for.
Mac & Annie have history and try their best to avoid each other and annoy each other as much as possible. Jeannie & Logan are getting married and they are forced to spend a lot of time together .
The Christmas vibes and the cute banter between Mac & Annie make this book great. It was worth the wait .
Thank you NetGalley and publisher for a copy for my opinion.

I adore this entire series. From book one to this one. I didn’t really love the character of Annie much tho. Her whole persona was kind of ridiculous. Other than that I felt like I had revisited old friends with this addition to the series and can’t wait for more. Many thanks to the publisher and netgalley for this copy for read and review

I’m calling it: hands down the best book in the series.

I could not wait for Annie and Mac’s story. I always knew there was more there than we thought.

In this novel, we follow Annie and Mac. With a few flashbacks we find out these two had a magical December together when they were 19. Flash forward 11 years later, Annie hates the ground Mac walks on, while he is trying to win her over. As they prepare for their best friend’s wedding, will these two reconnect?

This book was just what I needed. It was so cute and low stakes. I’ve been so stressed out lately, and this book had me smiling and laughing at Annie and Mac’s antics.

You’re going to love Annie’s strong nature. She acknowledges what occurred between her and Mac and doesn’t want to get hurt again. Still, she feels this pull that even the reader feels.

You’re going to love how cute Mac is. He checks on Annie during a snowstorm. He adopts two kittens when they are found abandoned (Holly and Claus are on the cover!), and he lets himself be vulnerable with the girl he loves as he attempts to gain her trust again.

I highly recommend this book!

*An ARC was received in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced reader copy of The Gingerbread Bakery by Laurie Gilmore.

I just adore this whole series. This is a second chance romance with Annie and Mac. They spent a few weeks together while all their friends were out of town and plan to see each other in a year. Fast forward 11 years and they “hate each other”. They are both on a wedding for their friends and wind up being together more than they plan.

I’ve read all the Dream Harbor books so far and I really enjoy them! They’re cute, slow burns where you feel like you know everyone in town. I do love that each of these books can be read as a standalone, but I love that you can connect the characters even more! It’s a cute and swoony series that doesn’t disappoint. Yes, it feels formulaic sometimes, but that’s actually what I love about this series. Each one is going to give you the same cozy feeling we all read romance books for! Loved it!

Cute and cozy second-chance romance. Small town where everyone knows everything. Found family where we get to catch up with characters from previous books. Wedding planning, Christmas flashbacks, and some spice to add in too. Great addition to the series.

Thanks to Harper 360 for this ARC in exchange for my honest review. Watch for The Ginger Bread Bakery to come out September 16, 2025.

🎄 𝙰𝚁𝙲 𝚁𝚎𝚟𝚒𝚎𝚠🎄

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗚𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗿𝗯𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗕𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗿𝘆

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

🗓️ September 11th

📄 384

𝘉𝘰𝘰𝘬 5 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘋𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘮 𝘏𝘢𝘳𝘣𝘰𝘳 𝘚𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘴

ℝ𝕖𝕒𝕕 𝕚𝕗 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕝𝕠𝕧𝕖:
🎄Enemies to Lovers
❤️Second Chance
🎄Dual Timelines
❤️Forced Proximity
🎄Small Town
❤️Opposites Attract
🎄Found Family
❤️Slow Burn

𝔸𝕝𝕖𝕩𝕒, 𝕡𝕝𝕒𝕪 “𝔹𝕒𝕔𝕜 𝕥𝕠 𝔻𝕖𝕔𝕖𝕞𝕓𝕖𝕣” 𝕓𝕪 𝕋𝕒𝕪𝕝𝕠𝕣 𝕊𝕨𝕚𝕗𝕥

Jeanie and Logan [𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘗𝘶𝘮𝘱𝘬𝘪𝘯 𝘚𝘱𝘪𝘤𝘦 𝘊𝘢𝘧é] are finally getting married. Annie, owner of 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗚𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗿𝗯𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗕𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗿𝘆, is busy fulfilling bridesmaid duties and finding it impossible to avoid Mac. When an important attendee goes missing the two much put aside their differences and work together to save the big day.

𝓜𝔂 𝓽𝓱𝓸𝓾𝓰𝓱𝓽𝓼:
My favorite book of the series yet! I adore the Dream Harbor Series - the seasonal vibes, friendships, and found family in this series leaves me with the biggest smile.

Annie and Mac, finally!! 🍪🍺

The dislike and tension between these two were no secret amongst their group. I have waited so long for their story and Laurie Gilmore did not disappoint. 👏🏻👏🏻

For Mac, its always been Annabel Andrews. The past and present timelines captured my heart from the beginning. Following their young love story, through heartbreak, and now as adults made me love them enough more. This one read more like a true romance novel than a cutesy holiday read.
Between the tension, chemistry, and pining, I could not put this book down. Oh, and the spice… This book felt like a Hallmark movie I want to watch again and again. 🎄❤️🥹😍😮‍💨

"𝙃𝙚 𝙩𝙖𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙗𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝘿𝙚𝙘𝙚𝙢𝙗𝙚𝙧 𝙤𝙛 𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙡𝙞𝙛𝙚."

The real MVP is Mac’s mom.. She raised this man RIGHT!😉👏🏻

❤️Huge thanks to Laurie Gilmore, NetGalley, and Harper 360 for allowing me to read The Gingerbread Bakery in advance.

4⁄5⭐
“I hate you, but I love you” never looked so sweet


I’ve binge read the whole Dream Harbor series, and The Gingerbread Bakery brings the perfect tension between Annie and Mac. Shoutout to Harper 360, because when this popped up on NetGalley I have never hit the request button faster. The classic enemies-to-lovers spark is back, and yes, I’m still here for it. The snowy, small-town wedding setting? Totally cozy. The accompanying playlist, especially Taylor Swift’s So High School, is chef’s kiss, it nails their vibe perfectly.

That simmering “hate-to-love” dynamic totally carried the story, even if a few tropes felt familiar. If you want cute, cozy, and a dash of heat, with a playlist that slaps, this is your winter romance fix.

One word... FINALLY! 4 whole books with recurring characters and we finally get their story. Annie and Mac are the best slow-burn couple in Dream Harbor.

Known to the residents of Dream Harbor (and the readers) as enemies, Annie and Mac have been prominent characters throughout the series without truly knowing why they resent each other as much as they do. When I saw that the 5th installment of Dream Harbor would be about them, I couldn’t wait for release date (hence immediately applying for the arc).

Turns out, Annie and Mac’s story has a lot more to it than we have previously been made to believe. With Annie remaining tight-lipped even with her closest friends about her issues with Mac, it was a relief to finally understand why.

But, I was expecting some sort of long-ago slight, not a backstory that would break my heart.

“How do you look at someone for thirteen years and not realize they’re actually beautiful?”

The difficulty with this review is that I want to rant and rave about their story, but I can’t without giving away the biggest spoilers and ruining what is a heart-wrenching love story that we’ve all been waiting so long for.

What I will say is, that Annie is not the sweet and innocent character I initially believed her to be. She is definitely more on the feisty side with the way that she holds her grudges against Mac. Who is a swoon-worthy man who knows what he wants and is absolutely not the bad guy.

“If this man was her Christmas miracle, she would like to file a complaint with Santa or the baby Jesus or whoever was in charge, because the only miracle here would be if she didn’t kill or kiss Mac before the wedding was over.”

Without giving too much away, in the words of Mac...

“second-chance romances just hit different.”

And yes, yes they do. Because this is one of those second-chance romances where you can feel the individual perspectives and understand the feelings of both of the characters. It dives into the complexity of young adulthood, not knowing who you are but feeling like you have found the right person before you have even begun to find yourself.

The Gingerbread Bakery is the epitome of ‘right person, wrong time’.

And it’s worth mentioning that there’s still a strong emphasis on the other characters from the previous books with an upcoming wedding that ultimately throws the two together after Estelle goes MIA. The mission to retrieve the runaway results in Mac and Annie reliving their past.

“All he really saw was Annie. Story of his life since he moved back here. Annie was all he ever saw.”

Side note – the nightdress thing freaked me out. Why did nobody mention the fact that generations of women had gotten lucky on their wedding night and continued to pass it down through the family? So gross.

Anyway, The Gingerbread Bakery is a second-chance romance in a small-town, with the best slow burn from enemies-to-lovers.

“I wanted to keep you close even when I knew I didn’t deserve to.”

Highly recommend!

Thank you NetGalley and Harper 360 for the arc in exchange for an honest review.

This book was so great! The story of Annie and Mac has been built since book one. It was so interesting to see where their relationship started. Perfect addition to the Dream Harbor series.

All the warm cozy Christmas vibes without feeling like it has to be read at Christmas. I am a lover of Christmas books due to the way they warm my heart, but feeling like I can only read them during the holidays can be stressful. I love that this book gave me all those feelings in August! This book is quite plot heavy. You are really able to get to know the FMC and MMC over quite a long period of time. It is set up for you to experience their journey alternating from them NOW (angry with a side of hopeful for a second-chance romance) and THEN (young immature love). I will say that Laurie Gilmore will make you work for that HEA moment, so you need to be ready to put in all the heartache that comes with that kind of push and pull. I love that their story allows for so much interaction with former beloved characters from Dream Harbor. This felt like a love letter from all of them and if there wasn't a hint to more love on the horizon I would have been blissfully satisfied with how everyone's story was unfolding. The perfectionist in me really related to Annie (FMC), but that girl can really hold quite a grudge (it would be impressive if it wasn't so infuriating.) I felt like Laurie really spent so much time giving us a rich story that the spice level of this book wasn't quite as much as the previous books in her series, but it was definitely there. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to step back into Dream Harbor and am already wanting to return when the audiobook of this story is released. Spice 2/5

I've been waiting for Mac and Annie's story and it did not disappoint! I loved the switch between current day and flashbacks to their brief relationship after high school. We could see their growth over time and I'm glad Mac finally convinces her to give him a second chance! This book was sweet and an easy read. I can't wait to see what's next in this series!

Mac and Annie may just be my favorite couple of the series now. I will say I’ve always been a sucker for a good enemies to lovers and this one did not disappoint. I loved the change in perspective as well as the jumping of timelines. The only negative I have would be the ending was a little too abrupt for me. While I am glad it wasn’t drawn out like so many books I’ve read lately I could have used a little more of that special Mac and Annie love story.

Gingerbread bakery

It was so good to finally read Annie and Mac’s story. I love a good enemies to lovers and it’s honestly so hard to do in a contemporary setting in my opinion.

I loved the flashbacks and getting to see how they both grew from their experiences. I loved the cameos of all the previous couples as well.

Some of my favorite parts in no particular order:
Mac walking around with the kittens in his pockets.
The CAR scene had me sweating.
Nana’s nightgown.
Mac’s favorite movie

Talking about their grandpa’s had me sobbing. It really does suck losing them.

Overall Gingerbread Bakery is my favorite installment so far. I devoured it in one sitting. 5 stars.

Laurie Gilmore delivers another cozy hit with The Gingerbread Bakery, the newest addition to Dream Harbor. This book is as sweet and warm as its title promises, blending holiday charm with the perfect dash of romance.
Annie, the bakery owner who has poured her whole heart into gingerbread and sugar cookies, finds herself constantly clashing with Mac, the annoyingly cheerful bar owner down the street. Their banter keeps the story light and fun, and watching their walls slowly come down as wedding events force them together was the kind of small-town magic I crave this time of year.
This one is packed with all my favorite tropes—
✨ Enemies to lovers
✨ Forced proximity
✨ Found family
✨ Cozy small town
It gave me that perfect BER month vibe: festive, warm, and a little spicy in just the right moments. It left me smiling and in the mood for baked goods and twinkle lights.
If you’re looking for a feel-good, low-angst romance to curl up with as the seasons shift, this one is a delightful pick.

4.5! I love a good second chance romance and honestly the build up for Mac and Annie has been a looooooong time coming! Getting the glimpses into 19 year old Annie and Mac was gold and everything I didn't know I needed. It added so much more depth to all the glares and hurt we've seen between them in the previous books. I think the ending too with Mac saying he did show up but just couldn't go through with it was so real, and both of them having to reconcile with the fact that even at 20 they were still so young and dumb when it came to the love they felt for each other. Chasing after Estelle for half the book was also just a hilarious and quirky way to force them into closer proximity. Ending the epilogue with literally NO ONE being surprised at them getting together was the icing on the cake, just bliss. I love how I can always rely on a dream harbor book to be cozy, and make me feel like there is a sweetness to love outside of the heat and fire and passion that we so often see, it's double sided and complex and DH shows that well.

Here’s a polished version of your review:

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⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

*The Gingerbread Bakery* by Laurie Gilmore completely stole my heart. I absolutely loved the main characters and how their stories wove together in such a beautiful dual timeline. Second chance romance isn’t always my favorite trope, but in this case, I found myself rooting for them the entire time. The writing pulled me in from the first page, and the balance of past and present made their journey even more emotional and satisfying. Out of the whole series, this one has definitely been my favorite so far—it felt cozy, heartfelt, and impossible to put down.

Thank you NetGalley for the advanced copy of The Gingerbread Bakery by Laurie Gilmore.

Book 5 in the Dream Harbor Series brings us Annie and Mac’s story, and it truly feels like stepping back into a town filled with holiday magic. I loved the cozy bakery setting—the descriptions of warm gingerbread, twinkling lights, and small-town traditions made the atmosphere feel so inviting and festive.

Annie and Mac’s relationship had the perfect balance of tension and sweetness. Starting out with that prickly enemies-to-lovers vibe and slowly unraveling into a heartfelt second chance at love, their chemistry felt natural and well-paced. There’s just the right touch of spice to keep things fun, but the heart of the story lies in their emotional connection and the way they learn to open up to each other again.

Overall, this was a charming, feel-good romance with a holiday flair. Fans of small-town series will enjoy revisiting Dream Harbor, and Annie and Mac’s story makes a lovely addition to the lineup. It’s the kind of book that leaves you smiling and craving gingerbread cookies by the end.

Loved this installment, the previous wasn’t my fav (strawberry pancake house) but this one really turned me around!!

second chance romances are one of my favorite tropes and this one was sooo good😭 i really enjoyed the going back and forth between the past and present. it really showed us how annie had gotten to the point of not liking mac. they are definitely my second favorite couple from this series💕

The Gingerbread Bakery by Laurie Gilmore is a certified banger. This rivals to lovers, second chance romance, dual timeline book should have been my kryptonite but it was SO STINKING CUTE! The book follows Annie and Mac's story in the present as they are trying to help set up their friends' wedding and it is interspersed with the perfect Christmas season that they had together right out of high school. I don't know how Laurie Gilmore does it but the book is freaking fantastic and for a 5th book in the series with tropes that I don't normally like then it has to be very good.

My favorite part about the book is Annie, I think she is amazing. I love her negative attitude and absolute rage against Mac. This is not a read, it is an observation. Mac was an absolute tool in the past and my girl did not let him forget it, which I think is beautiful. I also liked Mac even if at times he was making excuses, but I enjoyed myself so much that I don't see the bad, just the good.

I truly think that you might enjoy this book immensely if you like cozy holiday vibes even if dual timelines are mostly terrible. I do not think you would like this book if cozy books aren't your thing and the holidays aren't your thing. Me, I love the holidays. I love every holiday. I've been known to throw "Holiday Holidays Parties" that celebrate every holiday during the holidays so I loved this. And the holidays are really in your face in this one.

Tropes: rivals to lovers, dual timeline, second chance, he falls first, small town, forced proximity, holiday

Thank you to NetGalley, Harper 360, and Laurie Gilmore for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

I absolutely adore this series. I think it gets better and better with each book.

I loved Annie and Mac. Their story was lovely. The banter was great. Their chemistry was amazing. I really think these books just keep getting better and better.

No notes. Keep doing what you're doing.

I know why this series is so popular. Each story is so relatable and the characters are so real and honest. Messy emotions, painful baggage, and the search for love this one has it all. The dual timeline telling of the story is the perfect way to explore the history and story of Mac and Annie and I feel like I've waited a lifetime for their love story. This was perfect. Thank you Harper 360 for this ARC.

Where do I begin with this one. I have been so excited for Annie and Mac since book ONE and I was worried that it would not hold up to the hype but it knocked it out of the park! I didn’t know if I was gonna like it when I first started because it’s told in a duel timeline and I’m not the biggest fan of them. After a few chapters I didn’t mind the back and forth, I feel like it was really needed to be able to see what had happened between them.

I did get a little bit annoyed with Annie after finding out the reason for her hating him so much but as a stubborn grudge holder I understood where she was coming from.

I knew that Mac would not let me down. The man was so down bad for our girl Annie the WHOLE TIME. He was so in love and obsessed with her and it made me love him so much more than I already had. Nineteen year old Mac is a different story, I just wanted past Mac to not be so afraid of being a failure to her.

Thank you Harper 360 and NetGalley for letting me read a free copy of this book in exchange for a review

Laurie Gilmore's cute, small-town romance series continues with a Christmassy installment, Gilmore's writing is breezy and accessible, and it's been a long while since I've enjoyed small-town romances quite as much as I did here. I enjoyed the dual-timeline story; it was a unique way to give us Annie & Mac's backstory in a nuanced way. While it was well-written and paced, the romance wasn't my favourite -- it relied on rather childish emotions from both leads, and at the end, it felt like only of them properly apologised, so I felt off-kilter the rest of the book. If you enjoyed other books in Gilmore's Dream Harbor series, I'm sure you'll love this one. It could be read as a stand-alone for new readers, but the barrage of names that you're expected to know and enjoy does make it tricky and truly is best read as part of the series.

Thank you to NetGalley and to Harper 360 for the opportunity to read and review this ebook ARC. All opinions are mine alone.

This is probably one of my favorites of the series. Annie made me a little nutty at times but the tension her unforgiveness brought also added more layers to the story. It was so nice to see Kira accepting of the town and joining in -just really in her element. Finally seeing a wedding between Jeanie and Logan was also great and Estelle and her nightgown adventure made me laugh out loud. Can’t wait for the next book. I love how the author sets the stage for new relationships and more books.

Thank you Harper Collins 360 for the eARC in exchange for an honest review. The Gingerbread Bakery will be released on September 16, 2025!

I’ve been a fan of the Dream Harbor series since book 1, The Pumpkin Spice Cafe because I love a good cozy romance series. The fifth book, The Gingerbread Bakery might be my favorite so far. Written in a dual timeline, we see the ups and downs of Annie’s and Mac’s relationship, where he is down bad for her. I love seeing the characters from the previous novel make appearances throughout the novel as well as the slow burn and forced proximity between Annie and Mac. Another fantastic novel in the series.

This is everything you want in a small town romance and exactly what you expect for a continuation of Dream harbor. The BANTER the absolute chemistry between Mac and Annie plus the cozy Christmas vibes and seeing all the other characters makes this a nice easy enjoyable read.
Loved the past and present timeline. I'll prob give this a reread closer to the holidays, thanks to the publisher the author and netgalley for the advanced readers copy 🩷

Book five in the Dream Harbor series is just as fun as the previous 4. However, each book can be read as a standalone. But, why would you want to? The latest book gives the back story on Mac and Annie. The book is filled with the same charm as the others and has some heavy sexual content. I read the book in a day while sitting on the beach…just perfect. Looking forward to more stories coming from Dream Harbor.

Thank you #NetGalley, #Harbor360, #LaurieGilmore and #TheGingerbreadBakery for the advance copy for my honest review

Thank you to NetGalley, Harper 360, and Laurie Gilmore for an eARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Finally!!! This is the book I know we've all been waiting for. Don't worry, the answers we've wanted about Mac and Annie all along are inside. We get their story told from two time periods, now and from back when they were both 19. Finally being able to see why Annie harbored so much resentment for Mac, and why he never really seemed to hit back at her quite as hard as she went at him was so gratifying. I honestly felt like I'd been waiting forever for the tension to release between these two, so I was beyond excited to be able to read this.

We also meet the two characters who will become the MCs in book 6, and we still get updates on every couple from all of the previous novels. Each pairing appears consistently throughout this one, and it was nice to have the entire series have such a nice flow between books.

If you've been waiting since the Pumpkin Spice Café for this couple's story, then run to your nearest retailer on September 16th. This is definitely a romance you won't want to miss.

It is official: I can see what all of the Laurie Gilmore hype is about!
The Gingerbread Bakery is perfect if you love:
- Second chance romance
- Small towns
- Cozy Christmas themes

Annie is a bakery owner, that has recently (but unwantedly) reconnected with her ex fling, Mac.
Annie hates him after he left her and their hometown behind.
But now, she will have to endure him while they are part of the same wedding party.
Annie is deadset on thinking Mac is the worst guy in town, and he wants desperately to change her mind.

This is the 5th installment of the beloved Dream Harbor series, and good news: It can be read as a standalone.
While it is recommended to have read the previous books first, so that you have some understanding and connection to the other characters, it isn’t necessary.
I have not read the other books yet (though, now i plan to), and it did not effect my ability to enjoy this one at all!

The writing is very nice here.
It is super easy to follow, and it makes the story go by so quickly. While I would not consider this a "short" romance, it felt pretty short. I guess I was just that into it.
I really liked the back-and-forth between the past and present. It really let me get the full story of Mac and Annie. It shows instead of just tells.
It elevates it a lot!

The romance was great, and I really liked both main characters.
Both of them felt well developed (you will probably find them even more developed if you have read the previous books), and i was invested in their story and what would happen to them.

The sweet, sweet Christmas vibes in this. Really, I love that.
I will always fall for a cute little seasonal read- and this was no exception.
This had be READY for the holiday season.
I think i need a gingerbread cookie and a peppermint hot chocolate in hand. Like, now.

Great story overall! What’s not to love?

Huge thank you to Netgalley, Harper 360 and author Laurie Gilmore for providing me with the eARC of "The Gingerbread Bakery", in exchange for my honest review!
Publication date: September 16th, 2025
Reviewed on Goodreads: August 29th, 2025

Another story set in Stars Hollow-er, I mean Dream Harbor and another 5 🌟 read for me!

This book follows the love story of Annie and Mac (finally!) and let me tell you-the back story is so worth it! Annie has always annoyed me more than other townies so I am very happy to soften to her in this story.

We also get to experience the wedding of Logan and Jeanie and visit with old friends like Hazel, Noah, Archer, Iris, Kira and Bennett!

I just love this world that Laurie Gilmore has created and will continue to read the series with the sixth novel next year!

Read this if you like:
🍪 spicy Gilmore Girls vibes
🧁 the rest of the Dream Harbor series
🍩 enemies to lovers and forced proximity
🥮 second chance romances/the one that got away
🥧 small town vibes

The Gingerbread Bakery by Laurie Gilmore gave me all the cozy, Hallmark movie vibes and more! Dream Harbor is the kind of small town you immediately want to move to. It’s filled with snowy streets, holiday lights, and of course, the smell of gingerbread drifting from Annie’s bakery. Annie is sweet but guarded, while Mac, the charming (and slightly infuriating) bar owner, pushes all her buttons in the best way. Their banter cracked me up, and you can feel the tension simmering every time they’re forced together. I love how the author balances the sugar sweet setting with just the right amount of slow burn spice. The enemies to lovers dynamic never felt forced, but was playful, swoony, and so satisfying once walls started to crumble. The perfect holiday romance comfort read!

Annie Andrews is not sure she can survive Jeanie and Logan's wedding. Her ex, Macaulay "Mac" Sullivan is making her life difficult just by being in the wedding party. They are in forced proximity and sworn to play nice. The tension between these two was oh so good and I knew it was just a matter of time before something cracked.

The Dream Harbor series is addictive! This story balances the perfect amount of romance, spice, and everything nice. This time around we had a lot of baggage to unpack as well though since they were together back in their younger days. I loved that the chapters alternated from current time to back in their youth, it gave a lot of insight to the characters and their relationship. Overall, I am pleased with this addition to the series, and I am excited to see what the next book brings. If you are a fan of contemporary romance with enemies to lover’s trope you will love this book.

This was such a cute book. I loved learning more about Annie & Mac & their story. I liked getting the back story of them too.
The setting is such a cozy town. And all the other couples are great characters too.
I wanted to try Annie's cookies, they sounded so good!
A lovely addition to the Dream Harbor series.

Thanks for a chance to read!

4.5 🌟

This is one of my most anticipated releases. Everytime I read a new Dream Harbor book, I knew this one was the one I really needed. And I’m so happy I got chosen to review it. This book definitely didn’t let me down. I guessed that something happened with Mac and Annie so finally getting to see their story in the present, seeing their story in the past was so wholesome. Because finally we understand a bit better as to why these two were always fighting.

Annie and Mac are total opposites and it just happened that they connected when they were nineteen. I thought it was so special to see one of them know what they wanted and have it all planned out and the other one had absolutely no clue what to do with life. You definitely get to see both sides. Seeing these opposite kids fall in love during Christmas time was adorable.

Then we get the fallout, and now in the present Annie and Mac are part of Jeanie’s wedding so they have to play nice. Finally seeing these two as grown ups, still not over their love story at nineteen gives nostalgia in a good way. I was impressed by Mac finally coming to his senses and learn that he’s always wanted Annie. And with Annie, I’m impressed at how much she fought. She’s definitely staying her ground and making Mac work it. So applause to her. I absolutely loved the ending, I’m so happy I got to read this one early and hope readers like it as much as I did.

Thank you, Netgalley and Harper 360, for this E-Arc.
I was so excited to receive a copy of The Gingerbread Bakery as it was one of my anticipated readers for the year.

Laurie Gilmore gave us the story we have been waiting for, Mac and Annie's. The story is told in past and present time, and we finally get to be told what the fall out was. If you love small towns and enemies to lovers, this story is for you. Take a trip to Dream Harbor and find out why Mac and Annie have disliked each other for years.

Tropes:
Enemies to lovers
Found family
Small Town
Forced Proximity

We finally get Annie and Mac’s story after being teased for 4 books. Given that this is book 5, you do need to read the prior books to know what’s going on. This story takes place around Logan and Jeanie’s wedding. Both Annie and Mac are in the wedding and end up coming together to get errands completed. The story alternates between current time and 11 years prior showcasing what led to their contentious relationship. I will say, I didn’t love Annie for most of the book. You get the background of her hatred, but she was pretty mean to Mac when he was really nice to her. Definitely team Mac on this one. Anyway, read this if you’re continuing the series.

Thank you, Harper360, for providing this book for review consideration through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

This is a very cute enemies (of sorts) to lovers story. Annie and Mac have a secret history, once no one really knows only speculates on. What they do know is that they can't be in the same room without fighting. With their best friends getting married, can they work out their differences? Lots of fun, some cute moments, and of course romance. Great addition to the series, although it can be read as a stand alone.
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

First of all, getting Jeanie and Logan's wedding was the best! They had the exact wedding I would have imagined they did.

But anyways, this book if for Annie and Mac and I am so glad to have gotten their story! I loved getting their history and finally finding out why Annie hates him so much. It was really fun to see how playful Mac was behind everything, I just had him pictured as standoffish guy from the other books. But that's probably just my own feelings on how he was portrayed. Annie seemed so hateful in all of the other books but really she's so warm hearted and loyal, until you betray her. She was there for everyone when they needed it no matter how it affected her. I enjoyed how understanding Mac was of her need to never fail and how he brought some fun into her life. They were the perfect pair from the start of their days when they were younger until now. This small town was so much fun to re visit! There was a lot of humorous moments that had me giggling and then Mac had me swooning with how thoughtful he could be. I loved seeing all of the previous characters and it being set near Christmas time. All of the descriptions of the town during the holidays made me so ready for that season to be here!

I could not put this one down and if you have read this series so far, you won't want to miss this one! If you haven't, I highly suggest reading the others first to get the full feel of everything. Especially since this one's activities center around the wedding of other characters.

Thank you so much Netgalley, Harper360, and Laurie Gilmore for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review!

I have been NEEDING this book like air, and I almost screamed when I saw the netgalley approval a couple days ago. Completely consumed this on Monday, like a normal person.

I LOVED Annie and Mac's story. There was so much depth there that comes from characters that have known one another for a long time and have so much history. It still gave that feel good, dream Harbor energy, but with an extra zing in there.

Absolutely loved this book. 100% recommend.

The Gingerbread Bakery was a cozy, feel-good romance that made me smile the whole way through. Annie and Mac’s banter was playful and charming, and their enemies-to-lovers chemistry was sweet without ever feeling too heavy. The small-town holiday vibes added the perfect sprinkle of magic, and the bakery setting made me crave cookies while I read. It was light, heartwarming, and a delightful seasonal escape that left me cheering for their happily ever after.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

Dream Harbor has become one of my favorite places!!! It’s my favorite small towns. I don’t think I read an arc faster!! I couldn’t wait for Annie’s story and Mac is well Mac lol! They’re both great! Cannot wait for my physical copy!

The best absolute Dream Harbor book ever!!
From frienemies to romance this book had a little of everything in it. Even the small town vibe where everyone knows everyone else. Like family you night say.
I simply couldn't put Annie and Mac's story down!
Wow!! I eagerly kept turning the pages to see what happens next. I found myself rooting and laughing at the characters in this book. Sometimes "sighing" happily!
I didn't want this story to end. I enjoyed every moment of this book.
This book made my heart happy and full.
5 stars for a job well done!
My thanks for a copy of this book I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.
More Dream Harbor please!!

I’ve read all the books in this series and this one might just be the best! This series just gets better and better! Annie and Mac I’m in loveeee! The banter and chemistry plus the all around cozy Christmas vibes made this book so unbelievably wonderful!

Amazing. Perfect. Obsessed.

I mean... Annie + Mac AND Jeanie + Logan's wedding in ONE BOOK! I couldn't put it down.

Like most Dreamers, I'd been waiting for Annie + Mac's story for what felt like forever and this was ABSOLUTELY worth the wait. Such a wonderful and heartwarming return to Dream Harbor. I loved every second of this book and can barely contain my happy thoughts.

I am a sucker for a second chance love story! This is my first time reading any of the books in this series, and anything by Laurie Gilmore. I enjoyed this one so much I will be going back and reading the rest of the series. I need to know everything about the other characters. Books that are standalones, but where characters intermingle between all the books are my favorite.

This story had plenty of banter and spice between Mac and Annie. Both made decisions in the past that hurt and bruised feelings and egos, and turned them into enemies. When the air is finally cleared , and feelings set straight between the two, was the love they thought they had years ago, something that never truly went away?

Please never stop writing about Dream Harbor!! God I love these books and I’ve been waiting for Mac and Annie since book one! I knew there had to be a piece of their story we hadn’t seen but I truly wasn’t expecting the history involved! I loved the flashback scenes where you got to see them when they were young and how sweet and innocent they were. Annie is such a strong and stubborn character and at times it was a little infuriating but so relatable. Mac is so sweet and such an idiot in love. God I love these two so much! And all the characters from previous books being so sweet and in love was the cherry on top! I’m so glad Mac and Annie finally got their happily ever after! Easy 5 stars! And now I’m ready for Christmas!

I loved the Gingerbread Bakery. Everything in Dream Harbor is a nice cozy read. The relationship between Mac and Annie was fun to read, I love hate to love relationships. With the backdrop of the wedding in where you got to see everyone from the previous books this is one of my favorite Dream Harbor books.

Every single book in this series becomes my new favorite, and this one really exceeded my expectations. I knew Annie and Mac had an unresolved past resulting in lots of tension and angry banter, but what I didn't expect was to completely fall in Iove with their story. Teenage love is overcome by miscommunication and immaturity. The flashbacks from the past to the present were well written and very easy to understand which point of time you were in.
Their raw moments, the wedding, reappearances of past characters....perfection! Their chemistry was beyond insane! Seeing them finally get it right was so fulfilling and sweet. Loved this one, so much! Dream Harbor is my fictional happy place!
Thank you to Netgalley and Harper360 for this ARC!

Thank you to Netgalley, Harper 360 and Laurie Gilmore for a copy of "The Gingerbread Bakery" in exchange for my honest review❄️🎄🩷🐈‍⬛️🐈

Publication date: September 16. 2025 🗓

🩷 second chance romance
🍪 touch of enemies to lovers
❄️ charming small town
🎄 cozy Christmas time magic
🐈‍⬛️🐈 adorable kittens

This is the 5th book in Laurie Gilmore's Dream Harbor series. While it's not necessary to read the other books first, a lot of connections and interactions will make more sense if you do.

We finally get Annie and Mac's story! Finally! If you've read the previous books, you get why this is exciting! And it was worth the wait😊

Mac and Annie have complicated history and until this book we never find out what makes then sneer and snap at each other at every interaction throughout the series. We finally find out that after a painful breakup ten years ago, Annie made it clear she wanted nothing to do with Mac again and is determined to keep him far away from herself and her heart. But as Jeanie and Logan’s magical winter wedding approaches and they're both part of the wedding party, they are put into situations that require them to interact more than they have in years. Forced to face the pain of the past and long-simmering resentment, their journey back to each other is told through a dual POV that blends present-day moments with flashbacks.
Dream Harbor continues to be as charming as ever. All the couples from previous books are back, as well as all the endearing and eccentric townspeople (book club included), as they come together to celebrate a Logan and Jeanie's magical winter wedding.

This book is a quick and cute seasonal read and I really enjoyed the cozy romance with Christmas vibes. Ready for hot chocolate, lights and gingerbread cookies now🍪🎄🍫✨️

The Dream Harbor books are always so cozy and comforting, so I tend to turn a blind eye to some of the plot and dialogue choices. Annie's and Mac's (mostly Annie's) inabilities to communicate? At least it was acknowledged. The old "I've known you since I was five, but only now do I see you're the most beautiful/handsome person ever" trope? Better late than never. The random tattoo scene that barely elicited a reaction? Um...well, that was a little odd.

Even though the story of Mac and Annie wasn't my favorite of the series, I gobbled it up all the same. There was a Christmas village, lots of baking references, two adorable kittens, and plenty of appearances from the characters of previous books. It was cute and steamier than I expected, and despite my critiques, I can't wait for the next one.

As owner of her beloved Gingerbread Bakery, Annie Andrews should have a love life to match her business; sugary and sweet. But instead, she’s locked in a game of words with the irritatingly upbeat bar owner down the street.

Mac Sullivan has everything he wants, except the girl he dreams of. It’s easier to argue with Annie than get her to talk to him but with Jeanie and Logan’s wedding coming up, they're about to spend a lot more time together.
Loved this book I enjoyed the whole series

We finally got the story of Mac and Annie!!!! I was so excited to see what had happened to make Annie hate him so much! A slow burn with a then/now timeline. I absolutely loved this series!

Another wonderful addition to the Dream Harbour series by Laurie Gilmore! "The Gingerbread Bakery" is book 5 and it was great going back to these characters.

Second chance romances are my bread and butter. Love the angst. Love the tension.
I think this was my favourite book in the series. Im so glad we finally got Annie and Mac's story and maybe that is why I liked it more than the others. It was FINALLY about characters we have known before and not some random person from France and a baby sitter.

I absolutely loved this book. This is book 5 in The Dream Harbor series, and I think it may be my favorite one so far. Annie and Mac were the two characters throughout the earlier books that I always wanted closure on, and here we are!

They had such a complicated past, filled with hurt and hits to their pride. And a lot of bitterness and grudge holding after Mac had disappeared for so long. Annie can definitely hold a grudge, she was hurt and felt embarrassed by him, so I totally get where she was coming from. But gosh, there were times that I just wanted to yell, "throw Mac a bone!". Mac is such a sweet guy, he is thoughtful and considerate and hearing his inner dialogue just made me want to give the guy a hug.

Getting to see how they were feeling in the past, the events that led to the apparent hatred between the two of them, was so sad for them but I loved the closure of it all. I love a second chance romance, and this just really checked all the boxes. This was such a good, comfy, and romantic read. And Jeanie and Logan's wedding, perfection, I'm so glad we got that in this book. For people who have loved this series so far, I really think you'll love this next installment. I can't wait for my physical copy to come in the mail to put next to the others!!

Enemies to lovers, second chances, holiday season
Spice level 💖
ARC
This book has tied with Cinnamon Bun Bookstore as favorite book in the series.

The way I screamed when I was approved for the eARC - and then I "just one more chapter"ed my way through it and stayed up way too late finishing it because once again Laurie (Melissa) absolutely delivered on the cozy, sweet, and spicy romance with easy to root for characters. This is for the fans of the Dream Harbor series. I highly recommend reading the other books first before diving into this one but this one is giving The Christmas Tree Farm a run for its money as my favorite in the series to date.

I have been patiently waiting for Annie and Mac's story and I wasn't disappointed. Stubborn and steadfast Annie and her understandable but girl-get-over-it-grudge with sweet and surprising Mac. I cried so many times while reading their story. I wasn't ready for Mac's years of quiet pining, his self doubt, and what really transpired between these two that caused me to be so invested in their relationship over four other stories! So excited for the new character intro and the next book to come! Thank you NetGalley and Harper360 for the chance to read this eARC!!

This book felt like a warm hug on a snowy day. From the very first page, I was completely pulled into the charm of Dream Harbor. The setting, the characters, the banter it was everything I wanted in a cozy romance.
The enemies to lovers tension was so fun to watch unfold, especially with all the little moments that made me smile (and a few that made me melt). The chemistry? Off the charts but still sweet in all the right places. I loved the bakery vibes, the community feel, and how it all just made me want to curl up with a cup of hot cocoa and never leave.
If you’re into small town love stories with heart, heat, and holiday magic, this one is for you. It’s sugar, spice, and everything nice with a side of slow burn perfection. 💕🍪

4 stars out of 5.

I really enjoyed reading this book. If you are looking for a cute enemies to lovers book, look no further. I enjoyed both Annie and Mac and loved how their relationship developed from when they were teenagers. I have not read any of the other books in the series so I do think this can be read as a standalone but I think I would recommend reading those books first. We get a little glimpse of the other characters from previous books, but after reading this book, I want to know more. Overall, a really great read and I am excited to go back to book 1 in the series.

In The Gingerbread Bakery, Annie's best friend Logan is getting married. She is a bridesmaid which means she has to be face to face with her nemesis Mac. The two have a tangled past that Annie wants to forget. They end up spending a lot of time together before the wedding which means old feelings are brought to the surface.

Thank you Netgalley and Harper 360 for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Did I just finish another Dream Harbor book in a matter of hours? You bet I did. These books and this little town are such a comfort and always feel like a warm hug, even when the main characters are battling obstacles and their heads and hearts are at war. Dream Harbor is truly magical, and Annie and Mac’s story was no different. I loved the different timelines, matching up fresh out of high school memories with present day enemy feels as they both are forced together to make sure Jeanie and Logan’s wedding goes off without a hitch… a feat made a tad more difficult when Estelle disappears the morning before. Exploring their old wounds and mistakes as they attempt to be civil and also fight their instincts when around each other makes Annie and Mac one of the most endearing couples in the town so far. Not only was their story just an incredible adventure to explore, but I always adore seeing the townspeople and past characters in their lives now. And the ending? Absolutely perfect. I can’t wait to see what’s next!

I’ve waited so long for Annie and Mac’s story. They had appearances in previous books and I always loved what a good friend Annie is. I don’t always love second chances but Laurie Gilmore does a beautiful job of then and now chapters to tell their story. Both characters are so loyal and it’s a perfect match. And of course, I loved seeing everyone from previous books (Logan’s grandma!!).

this is quite possibly the best book ive read all year. i literally loved it so much. i had worried that annie and macs story wouldn't be worth the wait because sometimes as readers we expect A LOT. im so glad i can say that it exceeded all expectations and i already want ti read it again

The cute and cozy Dream Harbor series is back with the pairing everyone has been hoping for, Mac and Annie! The enemies to lovers trope combined with second chance romance made this worth the wait.🙂
💗💔❤️‍🩹❤️
Mac has been back in town for the past few years after spending time traveling coast to coast getting to know who he is. Annie's reception to him has never thawed despite his attempt at apologies and warm manner. We finally get their story; it's presented on a dual timeline under the headings NOW and THEN. Seeing their past and current situations was entertaining. Their chemistry sizzled and made sense.
🥂🥂🥂
Plans for Jeanie and Logan's wedding are underway and the whole town is participating and lending a hand. Think Stars Hollow from <i>Gilmore Girls</i>. Annie is determined that her best friend Logan's wedding go off without a hitch. So much so that she begrudgingly accepts help from Mac when she doesn't see an alternate option. Old memories and hurts clash with new highs and lows.
🎄🎄🎄
Don't let the cute cover fool you this series has 🔥 spice well beyond cinnamon and ginger. The humor has good timing. The relaxed smooth writing style makes it easy to slip right into this sweet little town. The holiday atmosphere was wonderful, nothing about it felt overdone. If you've been keeping up, you're sure to recognize characters from past novels. 🫶🏻

🐈‍⬛🍪🍪These novels feel like a hug! 🍪🍪🐈

Thank you to Harper 360 for providing an ARC via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This was such a cute read! So glad to finally have Mac and Annie's backstory.
If you like enemy to lover trope books, this series is perfect. It has everything you can think of from romance to humor to the right amount of spice. Perfect read for those who love Hallmark movies during the holidays.

Thank you to the author and NetGalley for this ARC!

Another great read by Laurie Gilmore! The Dream Harbor series is one of my favorites, and The Gingerbread Bakery is a sweet new addition to it!

I love a good small town romance, and this one delivered. It started out a little slow, but once it picked up, I was hooked. It was cozy & fun, and had plenty of banter & laugh out loud moments. Mac & Annie had a complicated history, but I enjoyed their journey from enemies to lovers and their second chance at romance.

Would definitely recommend this to anyone looking for a sweet slow burn with a little extra sass & spice!

[Thank you to NetGalley and Harper 360 for an eARC in exchange for my honest review.]

4 ⭐️ / 1 🌶️
This was Mac and Annie’s story, finally!
I loved all the real feels of this story.
This is a second chance romance, with plenty of great banter back and forth.
The yearning, the angst, the forgiveness, the pride they both had to give up to work through the past.

This week was SO heavy with so many things
A cozy romance was just what I needed!!

This book is out now and I hope yall snag it!
It is the 5th book of the dream harbor series.

The Gingerbread Bakery is as sweet and cozy as its title suggests. From the very first page, the story wraps you up in the comforting scents of cinnamon, sugar, and freshly baked bread. The setting is whimsical yet grounded, creating a bakery that feels like it could exist right down the street—but with just a touch of magic.

The characters are delightful, each one full of charm and heart. The baker’s kindness and creativity shine through, and the way the story weaves together friendship, community, and the simple joy of sharing baked goods makes it both heartwarming and memorable. Younger readers will adore the playful details, while older readers will appreciate the gentle reminders about generosity and finding happiness in small moments.

The pacing is light and engaging, making it a perfect read-aloud for families or a cozy solo read on a chilly afternoon. The descriptions of the bakery’s creations are vivid—you can practically taste the gingerbread cookies and warm loaves of bread.

Overall, The Gingerbread Bakery is a feel-good story that leaves you smiling (and maybe craving a sweet treat). It’s the kind of book that feels like comfort food for the soul—warm, charming, and sprinkled with a little bit of magic.

Gingerbread Bakery is a delightful, heartwarming story that will charm fans of cozy contemporary fiction. The book follows a bakery filled with sweet treats, warm friendships, and the ups and downs of running a family business. The characters are relatable and endearing, and the story balances humor, romance, and small-town charm perfectly. It’s the kind of book that makes you crave a cup of coffee and a pastry while reading, and leaves you with a smile long after the last page. A perfect pick for readers who love feel-good, character-driven stories with a dash of sweetness.

I swear this series just gets better and better. It’s finally Annie and Mac’s story….and the hate to love is strong in this one. Or is it? These two have some unfinished business.

Annie has vowed to not be around Mac now that he’s back home in Dream Harbor. She can’t stand him after years of pent up emotions that seem to always be simmering when he’s around. But now that their friends are getting married, they have to be around me another. Annie is a stubborn as a mule, but Mac isn’t backing away. He wants to apologize. But she’s won’t let him…until she does.

The Dream Harbor series is like coming home to family and friends, and a town that stands beside one another.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper 360 for my copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are those of my own.

Laurie Gilmore’s The Gingerbread Bakery is a heartwarming novel that captures the magic of community, love, and the holiday season. For fans of the Dream Harbor series and those unfamiliar with it, this book can be read as a standalone or as a continuation of the series. This reader had never read any of the other books in the series (although that’s about to change) and certainly did not feel as though any background or crucial information was missing.
From the first page, Ms. Gilmore’s cozy descriptions transport readers straight into the town of Dream Harbor, where they meet Annie and Mac. Annie is the owner of a successful bakery in the town where she grew up. Self-sufficient and independent, Annie is in the throes of helping plan a long-time friend’s wedding. Mac is the jock from high school who has returned to Dream Harbor after a decade away and runs the neighborhood pub. He has a history with Annie and is dead set on winning Annie over. Annie and Mac have the quintessential love-hate relationship that is revealed through chapters that focus on the past alternating with those that take place in the present. Chapter by chapter, Ms. Gilmore reveals both sides of the story that has led to this fractious relationship, letting the reader in on information that the characters themselves will have to discover. The characters are written with authenticity and charm, making it easy to become invested in their journeys.
This is more than just a holiday romance—it’s a story about belonging, second chances, and the little joys that make the season bright. Perfect for fans of cozy, small-town romances, The Gingerbread Bakery is a feel-good read that lingers long after the last chapter.

Thank you to Harper Collins 360 and NetGalley for this ARC. Planned publication date is 16 September 2025

the tension between Annie and Mac throughout the book was exactly what I neededd. I love this authors books completely obsessed with her writing anything she writes I will read!!

Finally we get Annie and Mac! I’ve been waiting for their story since I started the Dream Harbor series. Mac and Annie have known each other since they were 5, but 11 years ago Mac broke Annie’s heart. 3 years ago he moved back to Dream Harbor and Annie has been struggling with how to deal with him since.

While I initially hated that Laurie waited until Book 5 to give us their story, I’m so happy she did. Set during Jeanie and Logan’s wedding, we finally get the full story of what happened back then and how Annie and Mac can learn to move on. But this also allowed for a bigger wedding party. We get to see the original 3 interacting with Iris, Noah, Bennett, Kira and Archer. It made the whole wedding so much more special, this truly was the story of Dream Harbor. Plus we were introduced to the love story in the next book, and I can’t wait!

Thank you to NetGalley, Laurie Gilmore and the publisher for this ARC.

The Gingerbread Bakery is the perfect small-town romance! Annie and Mac’s story has all the charm—tension, sweet bakery vibes, and a slow build that makes their blossoming love so satisfying. Annie can’t stand Mac at first, but watching their banter melt into something deeper is pure delight. Cozy, heartfelt, and sprinkled with just the right amount of sugar and spice. 🥰 I also enjoyed the then and now aspect.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

I devoured this book pretty quickly. This is the perfect holiday read. Just overall, a feel good, second chance, Christmas read. No major plot, dramatic plot aside from their task, but a lot of humor, and spice. I normally do not read third person books, but the way this one was written was very easy to follow. I also liked the then and now flashbacks.

Laurie Gilmore's Dream Harbor series is on my TBR shelf, but I got this ARC before reading the others...The Gingerbread Bakery can function as a standalone and rather effectively because I am going back and reading every single one of these, pronto! Annie and Mac's chemistry is spot on in an lovers to enemies to lovers story, at the backdrop of Jeanie and Logan's wedding (which will surely be satisfying for readers that are reading this as not a stand alone). Laurie Gilmore creates such a small town cozy read, but it is spicy, which actually blends quite well together (probably why this series is such a social media favorite). Devoured it as much as I would Annie's gingerbread cookies.
Thanks to #NetGalley and #Harper360 for the ARC.

Devoured! That’s the first word that comes to mind when I think about this book. I absolutely devoured Annie and Mac’s second chance romance! I don’t know if it was the small town vibes, the tension between them or both but I loved The Gingerbread Bakery so much that it’s easily my favourite in the series.

It feels like every book Laurie Gilmore writes just keeps getting better and this one was no exception. The enemies to lovers trope paired with forced proximity was written in such a swoony, giggle inducing way. I especially enjoyed the alternating chapters between past and present Annie and Mac, making their story even richer. And that slow burn? Perfectly paced, making the romance all the more satisfying.

If you haven’t picked up the Dream Harbor series yet, I highly recommend diving in especially now that we’re in our cozy Gilmore Girls era!

Annie and Mac share a complicated past, the kind that leaves scars and turns two people into sworn enemies. For the last ten years Annie has done everything she can to keep Mac out of her life. But when they are both pulled into the whirlwind of their friends’ wedding, avoiding each other is no longer an option. What follows is a reunion neither of them wanted, but one that might just change everything.

I have been eagerly waiting for Mac’s story and it was absolutely worth it. Laurie Gilmore delivered another heartfelt small town romance that perfectly balances tension, warmth, and those laugh out loud moments we have come to expect from this series. I especially loved how familiar faces from earlier books continue to appear in the story. It feels like catching up with old friends.

The love and hate dynamic between Annie and Mac started out a little frustrating and the pace felt slow in the beginning. But once the story hit its stride about a third of the way in, I was completely hooked. The chemistry, the banter, and the emotional payoff made it impossible to put down.


This is book five in the series and honestly it might be my favorite yet. If you love a good second chance romance with plenty of sparks, this one is for you.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.

Gah. FINALLY. The whole angsty set up for Mac and Annie’s story throughout the series so far left all of us fans begging for this one! And it certainly delivered. I LOVED IT.

“The sweetest things are worth the wait” tagline on the cover applies to Annie and Mac, sure, but I think Laurie was talking to us fans too.

I just gotta say I don’t know how I feel about a gingerbread house for a wedding cake, but it’s not my wedding 😆

Anyway, every book I get more obsessed with this town. Maybe because the couples are such good friends and every time we add one more couple with an HEA, Dream Harbor gets even cozier ✨ 🤗💕

I am so glad the next title is already announced so I could pay extra attention to the new couple when they popped up here. Thank you, thank you, Harper 360 for this ARC!

Bring on the Daisy Chain flower shop! 🌼

Thank you Laurie, @netgalley, and @harpercollins360 for this ARC!

The ebook is available now but the general release date is September 16, 2025!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️

I read the first book in the Dream Harbor series (The Pumpkin Spice Cafe) back in May and loved it! When I was approved for this ARC, I decided to read books 2-4 before reading this one to catch myself up on the folks of Dream Harbor and I’ve never been so ready for the cozy months! While these books can all be read as stand alones, it definitely adds to the experience to read all of the books before reading this one.

Annie Andrews is the owner of The Gingerbread Bakery. She has been in a heated game of words with the golden retriever bar owner, Mac Sullivan, for years now.
They have a painful history that Annie just can’t forget, but being forced to be nice to each other for a weekend to support their friends who are getting married may be just what is needed to break the ice.

This is a small town, forced proximity, enemies to lovers, second chance romance. I mean…does it get any better?

I loved how we jumped back and forth in time in this book. Laurie Gilmore did such an excellent job of keeping me invested in both storylines, past and present, and from both perspectives. I relate soooo deeply to Annie because I can hold a grudge like no other even if it’s a little unfair.
Mac is just a sweet man who has been paying for his mistakes over and over. I felt so deeply for both characters that I fully empathize with both perspectives.
I really enjoyed watching the drama between them unfold over the rest of the series and loved seeing the resolution now.
Ms. Laurie, you’ve got me wrapped around your little finger ma’am!

I’d love to see this series as a limited tv series. I think that would be soooo cute!
Hallmark…where ya at???

#TheGingerbreadBakery #NetGalley #Harper360 #LaurieGilmore #smalltownromance #secondchanceromance #DreamHarborSeries #books #bookstagram #bookreview

Laurie Gilmore has done it again! Dream Harbor is simply the cutest little town with the sweetest characters. The gingerbread bakery is the 5th installment and it may be my favorite one yet. Mac is following his dads footsteps and running the bar a few stores down from Annie's gingerbread bakery. There is some love lost between these two due to some miscommunication when they were still teens. Their best friends are getting married and the whole town is comming together. However Annie ever the perfectionist has been tasked with finding a missing spunky family member before the wedding is ruined. She's stuck with her archenemy Mac, but with all this time spent together the ice could be melting between these two and a delightful second chance romance is waiting for us!

Annie and Mac have history, the kind of history that left a unshakable ding on their hearts, and the kind of history that made them instant enemies. Annie has spent the last decade avoiding him at all costs and made it known that she would not make room for him in her life, in any capacity, again. But now they are about to be thrown together again for the sake of their friends wedding and it's going to be a reunion neither were expecting or wanting... a reunion that is certain to be filled with fireworks. And not the good kind of fireworks... well maybe?

The pages of The Gingerbread Bakery hold the story of two people who tried their hand at love once and failed miserably. But love isn't giving up on them that easily. When they find themselves being forced into one another's orbit again for a friends wedding it's evident that there are some serious ill feelings there, but also some unresolved feelings too. Could it be possible to still love someone who hurt you after all these years? It's a question that Annie is not wanting to think about but constantly does anyway.

I really enjoyed delving between the pages of this one, it was my first visit Dream Harbor series and I have to say it's pages really delivered. Within a matter of a few pages I felt right at home with these characters and enjoyed watching Annie and Mac's forced reunion unfold. Tensions were high, the banter was on point, and the love bits were quite heartwarming... it was an enjoyable escape for sure! I'm definitely making a return visit to read all the stories I have missed out on! Highly recommend!

I requested an advanced copy of this title from the publisher, via NetGalley request, and I am voluntarily leaving my honest and unbiased opinion.

I have been WAITING for Macs story and I loved it equally as much as I loved all of the others. I love how the series still includes the other characters we’ve grown to love.

I have had these books on my list for a while and wanted to get this one read before the release date, so I started here! I like that you don’t have to read them in order, but get to read about the same group of characters. This reminded me of a cozy, but less cheesy, Hallmark movie set in Stars Hallow (iykyk). Mac and Annie were both fun characters, though stubborn as heck! It’s a love/hate kind of relationship that we get to see in two different times of their lives. It wasn’t hard to follow at all, and I thought the writing style was relatable and entertaining. I will recommend and can’t wait to read the others in their appropriate seasons…Pumpkin Spice Cafe is next! Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy to review!

Thank you Netgalley for the ARC read. It was a great read.
This book is the 5th in the series and may just be my favorite on so far. The love/hate type relationship between Annie & Mac was annoying at first and felt so slow. Just keep reading - it's worth it!
About 1/3 of the way through the book got much better once the story was laid out.

Make sure you're paying attention to the chapter titles as they say 'now' or 'then' otherwise you may get confused.

Love, love, love!! It was so good to go back to Dream Harbor and get Annie & Mac's story. I also love that it has Jeanie & Logan's wedding. The back and forth timeline to cover Annie & Mac's story was nice. It didn't disappoint, and I highly recommend a visit!!

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for advanced copy, and I give my review freely

I loved this second chance/enemies to lovers story. My favorite tropes. Annie has quite the stick up her butt and Mac really wants her to lose it. The story was a perfect mixed of sweet and spicy. I'm so glad that we got another story in Dream Harbor. I'm really hoping Ethan gets his story too.

Thank you Netgalley for the ARC.

THANK YOU HARPER 360 and NETGALLEY for giving me the opportunity to read an advanced readers copy of this book!

I honestly really love this series! I love how quick and easy reads theyare but you get a fun story that just makes you smile. I love how all of the characters make apperances in other books and you can see their stories continuing as well.

This book only took me so long to read because work has been exhausting- i can usually read these books in a couple days. If you love cute little romance stories, that i also think have funny moments this series is for you!

The Gingerbread Bakery by Laurie Gilmore is an absolute delight! If you're looking for a book that feels like a warm hug, this is it. Gilmore has a talent for bringing the cozy, small-town of Dream Harbor to life, and it's totally the kind of place you want to get lost in, especially with the smell of gingerbread in the air. The Dream Harbor series as a whole is so comforting and each of the love stories are a total escape. They are super light, breezy reads, and you'll fall for the charming characters and their equally sweet love stories.

If you love the enemies-to-lovers trope, the raging tension between Annie and Mac are the epitome of this dynamic. Their playful banter and undeniable chemistry is crafted for anyone who loves a strong second-chance romance with yearning, nostalgia, and angst.

This book is the perfect read for curling up by the fire and getting lost in a feel-good small-town romance. The plot is filled with charm, heartfelt moments, and a strong sense of found family that makes the whole series so compelling. It's truly a sweet and heartwarming escape that leaves a lasting impression.

As a fan of this author since The Pumpkin Spice Café and the other installments in the Dream Harbor series, I can say that this one did not disappoint. Gilmore's books are always fun, light, and cozy, making them perfect for fans of Gilmore Girls and Hallmark-style holiday movies.

Thank you to the publisher, Harper 360, and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy of The Gingerbread Bakery. All opinions are my own.

This is a perfect read for fans of:
❤️ Enemies-to-lovers and second-chance romance
⏳️ "Then/Now" past flashbacks
🎄 Holiday love stories with spice
💚 Cozy, small-town settings
🍪 Gingerbread cookies, cake, and of course, lots of food!
🎁 Hallmark holiday movies
✨️ Gilmore Girls
💖 Christmas lights

Like many, FINALLY we get Annie and Mac's story!!! While Annie is pretty prickly, you'll learn exactly why she is the way she is. If you know me, you know I don't love second chance romance but I absolutley loved the pacing on this. The flashback are all perfectly timed. Less on the spice than the previous in this series, but still such a sweet and wholesome story. The third act is pretty tame and not a whole lot of conflict, but these two are at odds the whole book so it kind of makes sense. Great for fans of BK Borison and any small town / holiday romance fans!

Thank you NetGalley and Harper 360 for the ARC! This was an absolutely perfect installment for this series! Just in time for the cozy season. I seriously love the community Gilmore has created!

This series has been such a delight with all of its small town charm, and I like many others was very excited to read about Annie and Mac, and let me tell you their story did not disappoint.

I’m a sucker for a man who grovels, and Mac definitely did some groveling. Tho at some point I did just want to shake Annie and make her give him a break lol

The wedding 💒 of the year did take up a lot of plot time but overall I did enjoy this book.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review. The Gingerbread Bakery is a heartwarming holiday read filled with charm, community, and cozy small-town magic. The bakery setting is wonderfully atmospheric and the characters are endearing, each with their own struggles and hopes. While it follows some familiar holiday-romance beats, it’s done with so much warmth that it feels comforting rather than predictable. A sweet, uplifting story that’s perfect for anyone wanting to get into the holiday spirit.

The Gingerbread bakery really surprised me in how much it put me in the holiday spirit and in a good mood. I really enjoyed this and would recommend to anyone who loves the holidays and everything they embody.
Annie owns the bakery and very much wants to find a life partner and to fall in love.
Mac owns a business down the street and the two constantly bicker.
Perfect for fans of:
Enemies to lovers
Small town romance
Cute sweet romance

The Gingerbread Bakery is such a fun and cute small town romance! Complete with a second-chance romance, yummy bakery, and slow burn, this is the perfect holiday read.

Thank you for the opportunity of an eARC, and I am leaving this review willingly.

I absolutely loved The Gingerbread Bakery! It’s the fifth book in Laurie Gilmore’s Dream Harbor series, and I devoured it in just one day. This cozy romance has such a sweet enemies-to-lovers vibe between Annie, who owns the Gingerbread Bakery, and Mac, the local bar owner. With Jeanie and Logan’s wedding bringing them together in the heart of Dream Harbor, their banter and chemistry made for such a fun read. The whole story felt warm, charming, and full of those feel-good moments that make you want to curl up with a blanket and never put the book down.

Laurie Gilmore has done it again in Dream Harbor with The Gingerbread Bakery! ✨ Every time I pick up one of her books, I know I’m in for something heartwarming, cozy, and completely enchanting. Yes, you know there’s a happily ever after waiting at the end, but it’s the beautiful journey that makes her stories so unforgettable.

Dream Harbor feels like a place I wish I could pack my bags and move to—the small-town charm, the bakery setting, and the tender, slow-burn romance all wrap together like the coziest blanket on a winter night. Laurie has such a gift for creating characters you want to root for and moments that make you laugh, swoon, and sometimes tear up.

This series is my guiltypleasure and yes, not my usual read but The Gingerbread Bakery is the sweetest addition yet. I’ll keep reading these forever—they’re pure feel-good magic. 💕

Releases September 16th!

This story felt like wrapping up in a warm blanket on a snowy evening. Annie and Mac have that perfect spark of chemistry that makes an enemies-to-lovers romance so satisfying, and their banter had me smiling the entire time. I loved how their dynamic slowly shifted from playful annoyance to genuine affection, with just the right amount of tension and tenderness. The small-town setting was pure charm, filled with cozy vibes, comforting friendships, and a real sense of community that made Dream Harbor come alive on the page.
What really worked for me was how the romance built steadily, with sweet moments balanced by deeper emotional beats. Watching Annie open up and let her guard down felt honest and earned, and Mac was both charming and sincere in a way that made him easy to root for. This was the kind of feel-good read that leaves you smiling long after the last page. It’s festive, warm, and full of heart, with just enough spice to keep things interesting. A perfect winter read for anyone who loves a comforting romance with a side of baked goods.

I love this romantic, fun, feel good series. Faithful readers will have seen this second chance romance coming for a while and have been rooting for it! Mac and Annie are funny as frenemies and awesome as a love match. Such a hopeful and loving book filled with friendship and family.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper 360 for an advanced e-reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I’ve been eagerly waiting for The Gingerbread Bakery by Laurie Gilmore since The Pumpkin Spice Cafe. I desperately needed a story about Annie and Mac! The Dream Harbor series has been one of my all-time favorites since its release, and I’m thrilled that we’re getting books featuring all the couples! Of course, we all know they’ll end up together…but I’m along for the ride regardless!

Reading about Annie and Mac was a refreshing change of pace. I loved the alternating storyline chapters, which were sprinkled throughout the book to provide historical context for Annie’s coldness towards Mac while also hinting at their unrequited feelings. I’m a sucker for a good grudge romance, and I thoroughly enjoyed the book’s resolutions. I felt like there was a sense of closure. Laurie Gilmore is one of those authors I’ll read repeatedly. I can’t wait for the next book in the series!

I enjoyed this book! It took me a bit to get into pumpkin spice cafe but this one was quick for me to love! I enjoyed the characters and the storyline. Looking forward to the next one!

Thank you netgalley! This is easily my favorite of the Dream Harbor series.
I think I just completely fell watching Annie/Mac on the sidelines in some of the other stories, but getting to see them in this dual pov, dual timeline story is just...chefs kiss. This hits all my favorite tropes: second chance romance, forced proximity, and enemies to lovers. This is an example of enemies to lovers done right: you NEED that tension and banter (which Gilmore delivers perfectly), but it needs to be rooted in something real but not over the top. It has to be something you could really come back from, and this simmering chemistry that boils next to heartbreak is just perfect.
It was so nice to see some of our other Dream Harbor characters but these two truly deliver entirely on their own. You root from them from page one, the slow burn is wonderfully built, the steamy scenes are JUST the right amount of steamy, and the HEA is everything you'd want!

𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: ★ ★ ★ ★.5
𝗔𝗥𝗖 𝗥𝗘𝗩𝗜𝗘𝗪:

Kicking, Screaming, Crying….I couldn’t WAIT to dive into this one. I love the Dream Harbor series. Laurie Gilmore is an auto-read for me. This is book #5 in the series and each one just gets better and better. Annie and Mac are my favorite. This book gives all of the sweet SWEET feelings. The way that our author writes flows flawlessly, makes you swoon and I honestly think that all of these should become a little mini series if you ask me. You need to go back and read all the previous if you haven’t yet because you are missing out (although I suppose you could read this solo if you’d prefer, but I think you’d be missing out on the rest…)and then when you get to this one, be ready to fall head over heels again. I need MORE. Put this on your TBR right away.

𝗧𝗥𝗢𝗣𝗘𝗦: Found Family, Cozy, Small Town, Enemies to Lovers, Second Chance, Christmas Vibe

Large thank you to our Author, NetGalley as well as Harper 360

The Gingerbread Bakery is the latest enjoyable addition to Laurie Gilmore's Dream Harbor series. We finally find out what is causing Mac and Annie's tension and the story does not disappoint.

This quick feel good read, is light hearted with the perfect amount of spice. Can Mac and Annie overcome miscommunications and bad timing and get their happy ever after?

Thank you NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

I will start off by saying I have not read any of the other books in this series, and I was still able to enjoy this book. Spicy second chance romance with banter and angst in a light hearted Christmas setting. Estelle’s storyline was fun as well. I enjoyed this enough that I now need to go back and see what I’ve missed in the previous books.

Thank you to NetGalley for the advance copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

The Gingerbread Bakery by Laurie Gilmore is as charming and comforting as its title suggests. This is a story best enjoyed when you’re looking for something light, sweet, and easy to sink into—a warm mug of cocoa in book form. The writing is cozy and accessible, the plot surface-level but engaging enough to whisk you away from the real world for a few hours. While it doesn’t probe deeply into character development or heavier themes, it succeeds as a gentle escape, the kind of book you reach for when you need a palate cleanser or simply want to immerse yourself in a feel-good atmosphere.

Another good read in the series following Annie and Mac. Again this has same town and characters from previous read but follows the romance and history between Annie and Mac. As always this was a light cozy read with a little spice . I enjoyed it and gave it 4 stars. Thank you for this fun read !

I absolutely adored The Gingerbread Bakery! Laurie Gilmore delivered such a cozy, small-town romance that had me hooked from the start. The push-and-pull between Annie and Mac was perfection. I’m such a sucker for enemies-to-lovers and this one gave me all the angst and tension I love. Watching their banter slowly turn into something deeper was just chef’s kiss.

On top of that, the whole Dream Harbor setting is so warm and festive, with the wedding chaos, found family vibes, and of course, plenty of gingerbread goodness. It felt like stepping right into a Hallmark-y winter wonderland, but with just enough sparks flying to keep things interesting.

If you’re in the mood for a small-town, holiday romance filled with charm, sass, and a guaranteed HEA, this is the perfect cozy read.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARK.

This story has been long awaited and it did not disappoint. I truly loved everything about this book. The second chance, the banter, the angst. Ugh what isn’t there to love. Being back in the town of Dream Harbor was a joy.

This is a second chance romance novel that gives small town vibes. Think Gilmore Girls with a little bit of spice. It’s the perfect book to cozy up with on a cold winter day and a cup of hot coco.

The Ginger Bread Bakery is the best Dream Harbor story yet! Not quite enemies to lovers dynamic, but more of a jock and scholar finding they have more in common than they previously thought. Anni has been avoiding Mac through the previous 4 books. This edition of the series flashes back to show us how their love story began, why the journey ended, and gives a tension filled weekend full of memories.
Although it’s not as spicy as “The Cinnamon Bun Cafe” it is a wonderful romance that I couldn’t put down. The innocence of Dream Harbor and the quirkyness of successful 30-somethings makes it a pleasant break from reality. This was an excellent book that will draw me to read the upcoming sixth in the series. I was losing faith in the series after “The Christmas Tree Farm”, gave “Strawberry Patch Pancake House” a reluctant read, but feel like the series has been redeemed with “Ginger Bread Bakery”. I look forward to the next Dream Harbor coupling.