Laurie Gilmore has done it again! In her latest addition of the popular small town romance series, she welcomes readers back to the delightfully quaint town of Dream Harbor. A small town where everyone knows everyone and love always finds a way to blossom. I devoured this book in two days and couldn’t put it down. I love the he light hearted and cosy feeling that each book brings and expands on the fun world Gilmore has created.
*This post contains spoilers*
The latest addition to the series, The Gingerbread Bakery follows fan favourites Annie and Mac, who for the past four books have always thrown tension filled glares at one another. Readers are constantly left wondering, why? What is their history? Gilmore has answered these questions. This book is a tribute to young, first loves and then second chances once you’ve grown up and understood what you want from life and who you are. These themes are carefully explored through Annie and Mac from when they’re nineteen to present day.
Jeanie and Logan’s wedding is imminent and there is a missing Nana and a hundred of last minute errands Annie needs to fulfil as a bridesmaid. All while trying her best to be civil with Mac. They agree to behave, but close proximity means old grudges come to light.
I adore this series and love the light hearted and cosy small town feel of every book. I’ve been interested in Annie and Mac’s relationship since it’s been hinted that there’s something more to their past and really enjoyed the way the book unfolded with the flashbacks and povs. The flashbacks to that perfect December when they were nineteen was very sweet and really contrasted to how their characters had grown since that time they spent together. It was also heartbreaking when the reader realises why they’ve been fighting since and how it’s really to cover up the secret longing and fear of rejection they harbour for each after eleven years.
I loved the inclusion of other Dream Harbor characters that make an appearance throughout the book and how they all work together to make Jeanie and Logan’s wedding spectacular.This is a slow burn, second chance romance that has a lot of depth with Annie being scared of failure and not being good enough and Mac feeling like he wasn’t good enough for Annie. I liked that they both realised their faults and apologised. I did feel the pace dragged a little in the second half but I loved the ending. The tension between Mac and Annie having to work together on wedding errands was entertaining. The book is set in December and around Christmas and is a wonderful winter read. It is a light hearted, easy read that has a lot of cute moments. I loved the antics of the Dream Harbor gang.
Read my reviews of the other books in the Dream Harbor series – The Pumpkin Spice Cafe, The Cinnamon Bun Book Store, The Christmas Tree Farm, and, The Strawberry Patch Pancake House.
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Amy is a writer and reviewer and her action-packed debut novel, CORNELIA FAIRFIELD AND THE DARKENED HEART is set to be published in 2026! For more content click here to read book reviews, short stories and updates on Amy’s writing journey.
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