ARC Book Review: The Gingerbread Bakery by Laurie Gilmore
How is it that we’ve already entered the ‘ber’ months? Not that I’m complaining—okay, maybe just a little. I love the cozy vibes, but as a Minnesotan, I know winter is lurking around the corner, and I’m not ready to say goodbye to the sunshine just yet. So, I’m holding tight to every last bit of warmth while fully leaning into autumn mode: crisp air, changing leaves, apple everything, and of course... a fresh stack of fall book releases!
Let’s kick things off with the first September read I’m reviewing: The Gingerbread Bakery by Laurie Gilmore.
Annie Andrews has poured her heart into her beloved small-town bakery, but her love life is anything but sugary. Her days are filled with flour, frosting, and the frustratingly charming bar owner down the street, Mac Sullivan. He’s cheerful, persistent, and—much to Annie’s annoyance—always finding reasons to trade barbs with her. Mac may have everything he wants, except the one woman who’s constantly on his mind. When a mutual friend’s wedding forces them into each other’s orbit, the sparks they’ve been ignoring become impossible to deny. As snow begins to fall and the town buzzes with holiday magic, Annie starts to wonder if the man she’s been arguing with might just be the one she’s meant to fall for. Cozy, romantic, and full of small-town charm, The Gingerbread Bakery is the perfect read to curl up with this season.
This was my first time reading anything by Gilmore, and I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed her writing style. I’m a sucker for cozy, romantic stories set in charming small towns—but let’s be real, not every author nails the balance. Too often, they veer into overly saccharine territory. I’ll admit, I hesitated before requesting this ARC on NetGalley because the cover screamed sweet overload. But I went with my gut and requested it anyway—and I’m glad I did. Gilmore managed to hit just the right note of warmth and charm without going overboard, which is no small feat in this genre.
This was a solid ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 for me, and here is why it was not a 5-star. The male main character’s development had depth and nuance. As a POC lead, his arc was not only well-developed but also refreshingly genuine. With his emotional growth and layered personality, I was rooting for him.
However, the reason this wasn’t a full five stars for me is that I found the female main character’s development a bit lacking. While the story certainly gives us a satisfying happily-ever-after, I felt there was something missing in her emotional or personal journey. It’s hard to pinpoint exactly what—but her character didn’t resonate quite as deeply as I hoped. Her POV had some introspection, but it did not quite hit the mark for me.
That said, every reader experiences a story differently, and this is still a delightful and heartwarming read. If you love festive romance with comforting vibes and endearing characters, The Gingerbread Bakery is a treat worth savoring.
