📚 The Cinnamon Bun Book Store: TikTok Made Me Buy It (Book 2 of the Dream Harbor Series)
✍️ By Laurie Gilmore

The Cinnamon Bun Book Store is the second installment in Laurie Gilmore’s Dream Harbor series, an enchanting and heartwarming romance that has captivated readers, particularly on social media platforms like TikTok. This series transports readers to the small, idyllic town of Dream Harbor, where love, community, and the cozy charm of bookstores take center stage.

Plot Summary:

In Book 2, we return to Dream Harbor, this time focusing on the quaint and charming Cinnamon Bun Book Store, which has become a popular meeting spot in the town. The protagonist, Hazel, is a book lover and baker who has always dreamed of owning her own bookstore café. When she finally gets the chance to make that dream come true, Hazel pours her heart into creating the perfect bookshop, blending the smell of freshly baked cinnamon buns with the comfort of reading nooks and shelves lined with all her favorite books.

However, not everything goes as smoothly as Hazel hopes. The bookstore struggles to attract customers at first, despite its cozy atmosphere and delicious pastries. Hazel begins to worry that her dream may not survive, but a sudden surge in popularity thanks to TikTok changes everything. A viral video brings a flood of customers, and suddenly, Hazel’s Cinnamon Bun Book Store is the talk of the town.

As Hazel tries to manage her newfound success, she also meets Ethan, a handsome but reclusive author who frequents her shop. Ethan is drawn to the charm of the bookstore and the warmth of Hazel’s personality, even as he struggles with his own writer’s block and personal issues. Together, they navigate the ups and downs of small-town life, social media fame, and the complexities of love.

Themes:

• Books and Bookstores: The setting of a charming, independent bookstore café adds a magical, bibliophile element to the story that will resonate with readers who love cozy settings.
• Romance and Second Chances: The novel explores the slow-burn romance between Hazel and Ethan, both of whom are trying to heal from their pasts and learn to trust again.
• Community and Small-Town Charm: Dream Harbor’s close-knit community plays a significant role in the book, offering a backdrop filled with supportive friendships and charming characters.
• Social Media and Modern Influence: The story highlights how platforms like TikTok can unexpectedly change lives, for better or worse, as Hazel’s store experiences a whirlwind of change thanks to social media fame.

Writing Style:

Laurie Gilmore’s writing is sweet, heartfelt, and full of warmth. She has a way of creating characters that feel relatable and a setting that readers will want to escape to. Her descriptions of the bookstore, the baked goods, and the small-town atmosphere make the story feel cozy and inviting, while the romance unfolds gently, building up to an emotional and satisfying connection.

Why You’ll Love It:

• Bookstore Vibes: If you’ve ever dreamed of spending your days surrounded by books and the smell of cinnamon buns, this story will whisk you away into that very fantasy.
• Feel-Good Romance: The romance between Hazel and Ethan is touching and full of emotional depth, with just the right amount of slow-burn chemistry.
• Bookish Charm: For those who love books about books, independent bookstores, and the love of reading, this novel is a delightful celebration of the written word.

Who Should Read It:

• Romance Lovers: Especially those who enjoy slow-burn, feel-good romance set in small towns.
• Bookstore Enthusiasts: If you dream of running or frequenting a quaint little bookstore, this is the perfect escapist read.
• Fans of TikTok-Influenced Reads: This series taps into the current trend of books that have been boosted by TikTok popularity, making it a fun and timely read for social media-savvy audiences.
• Fans of Cozy Fiction: Readers who enjoy novels like The Little Paris Bookshop or The Bookshop on the Corner will find similar cozy, comforting vibes here.

The Cinnamon Bun Book Store is a delightful addition to the Dream Harbor series, mixing cozy small-town romance with the charm of bookshops and a dash of social media magic. If you love books that make you feel warm and fuzzy inside, this one is a must-read!