3 5 overall for the story and audio
🌶🌶 (I'd recommend ages 16+)

This book is perfect for fans of the Dream Harbor series and other small-town themed romances with Hallmark vibes, and a little magical mystery.

Overall, I enjoyed the story. I wasn't a huge fan of the MMCs voice from the FMC POV chapters. It sounded unnatural/forced and distracted me every time. But it probably would have been fine if I was physically reading. Otherwise, the narration was done well and I'd still recommend.

This story is NOT for readers who hate miscommunication/misunderstanding/low communication tropes. I did get frustrated at times with the level of communication happening between the FMC and MMC, and I am usually one who is fine with communication tropes. At the same time, I often see people do this in real life relationships and find it equally frustrating. So it might be realistic?

There was just a lot of hot and cold happening throughout the book, which broke down any build up of tension that was happening. So, I was missing that component in their relationship. Again, it was very start-stop and felt abrupt at times.

However, the storyline was charming and kept me interested. The side characters were loveable and the setting was cozy and full of autumnal comforts--descriptions of traditional fall foods, scents, and activities. It definitely got me in the mood for fall! And I finished the book in one day! 0

For me, this is the type of low stakes cozy romance I like to read between heavier books and could recommend this book for thst purpose. I'll be curious to see how this author's writing evolves in the future.

Thank you NetGalley for an early audio arc of this book! All opinions are my own.

Title: The Cinnamon Spice Inn, Maple Falls#1

Author: Harper Graham-debut author

Publication date: 8-28-25 | Read: 8-26-25

Narrator: Andi Eloise and Brandon Francis voices all the characters with standouts from Madison and Zach. The reading style brought the text to life, and the author and narrator worked together perfectly. The pacing and flow allowed me to get lost in the story. The narrator paused and announced new chapters and there was a table of contents which helped me follow along.

Run Time: 8:52

Genre:
*Contemporary Romance

Tropes:
 *2nd chances
*lovers to strangers to lovers
*childhood sweethearts
*cozy, fall vibes
*small town
*forced proximity

POV: 3rd person dual

TW: grief, parental death, parental abandonment

Setting: Maple Falls

Summary: Madison receives an anonymous note telling her to go home and help her father with the family inn. She vows to renovate and relaunch the inn but needs a handyman. Her ex-boyfriend Zach is the town fix-it guy, but they didn't part on good terms. Will they work together and rekindle old feelings?

Heroine: Madison "Maddie" Kelly-28, a popular food writer, left town 6 years ago and moved to NYC.

Hero: Zach Whitaker-28, a contractor w/ his own business. His father left when he was 9 years old.

 Other Characters: 
*George- Madison's father, Meredith- her mother (deceased)
*Liam-Zach's BFF, has twin brother Jackson in the military
*Edith- Madison's grandmother
*Anita + Emily- Zach's mother + sister -Anita got a secret note to help George w/ inn too
*Jo-Maddie's BFF in NYC
*Coco-George's dog*Kit-new chef @ inn
*Cassidy- taking over a chocolate shop, new to Maple Falls, and lived near Maddie in NYC

My Thoughts: The miscommunications were the plot. Zach believed Maddie forgot about him at her NYC internship, while she thought he moved on w/ another woman when she surprised him in Maple Falls. I liked how welcoming and supportive the town was to Maddie. Zach was a town staple who loved small town life. I saw the possibilities for future books with Liam, Kit, Jackson, and Cassidy that I would definitely read.

Rating: 3.5/5 
Spice level: 3/5   open door, not explicit

Thanks to NetGalley, Bookouture Audio, and Harper Graham for this ALC! I voluntarily give my honest review, and all opinions are my own.

Harper Graham created a warm, cozy setting in Maple Falls and painted a really vivid atmosphere that appealed to all of my senses. Her descriptions of the little lakeside town, orchard, and pumpkin patch cloaked in autumn colours were delightful. I could hear the geese flying overhead, smell the bonfire smoke, and feel the leaves crunch underneath my feet.

There were also plenty of tantalizing references to food and drinks that sounded absolutely incredible: cinnamon rolls with apple butter, smoky butternut soup, smores flavoured truffles, mulled wine, apple cider, and more! This book absolutely needs to be read with a pumpkin spice latte or ginger tea, and a plate of maple cream cookies.

What didn't work for me, unfortunately, was the dynamic between the two main characters, Madison and Zach. Despite being sweethearts since they were in the 5th grade, a simple misunderstanding and lack of communication killed their relationship when they were in their early 20s. Now, six years later, neither have them have emotionally matured or learned to communicate.

There was so much angst and hurt feelings, and whenever they cleared up one misunderstanding, another one quickly occurred. Both of them struggled to be open and honest with each other, and made assumptions without giving the other person a chance to explain, or to make an informed decison. Their listening skills were seriously lacking.

The whole miscommunication trope was taken to the point where the only future I can see for them is one fraught with an endless cycle of misunderstandings and drama, followed by lusty make up sex.

The conflict and difficult decision that Madison faced in the last few chapters of the book also had such a simple and obvious solution. Despite her problem solving skills and ability to plan events, hire and manage staff, and give the inn a total makeover, it took her weeks to find a compromise between the two opportunities before her? I struggled to find this believable.

Although the main characters disappointed me, I quite liked the secondary characters Kit, Emily, and Cassidy. Maple Falls is a charming setting, and I liked it enough that I would be glad to return to it in another book. I just hope the romance will be as enticing as the food descriptions!

Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookoutoure Audio for a complimentary copy of the audiobook in exchange for my honest review. Narrator Andi Eloise did a great job.

I loved The Cinnamon Spice Inn! It has all the cozy vibes a pumpkin spice, small-town warmth, and a second-chance love story between Madison and Zach. It really is a sweet, cozy romance and I read it in a day, I just could not put it down. I can’t wait for the next book!

When I read the description for this book, I wa so excited to start it, due to the time of year, and me being so ready for fall. The author did an amazing job making me feel cozy. However, I just couldn't get into the story as much as I wanted to. I have a problem with adults not being able to communicate and have an adult conversation, leading to so many miscommunications. 3.5/5

Thanks NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

This was a cute enough book, but it just didn’t hold my attention. The fall vibes were great. Sadly, I DNF’d at 70% after listing to it at 1.75 speed..

Cozy vibes for sure, but wow that breakup hinged on such a tiny misunderstanding? Dramatic much! Maybe that was the point, to frustrate the reader a little.😋 Still, a cute book with a touch of spice that made it enjoyable.

I had no idea when I started this book, I was going to end it in tears!!!!! All of my happy, feel-good, sensitive receptors were activated in the very best way!

Such a cute cozy fall read, chockfull of small town vibes, treats that had me drooling and itching to try baking myself, and spice that seemed to come out of nowhere and have me panting for my own grumpy contractor.

A lot of the plot is driven by the miscommunication trope and oh my goodness so many problems could have been solved if any single person had just faced their deep-rooted fear of being rejected and simply talked it all out but somehow despite it all, the big city girl who ran from her past really did manage to have her cinnamon roll and eat it too.

And the grumpy contractor, I mentioned, Lord, those hands, those rippling muscles, and beads of sweat......

Need I say more?!

Well actually yes, light a honeycrisp apple candle, snag you a copy of this book and immerse yourself in the town of Maple Falls.

I wanted a cute and endearing book, the fall vibes and pretty cover made me request this one. Maybe it was me, maybe it is that I just read another romance with the same tropes that was actually cute and endearing.

Mostly this was repetitive, she thinks about him, he thinks about her. Then they see each other and we have her pov and the his pov of the same scene with the same everything. Then they think about each other. Then they see each other and have the same feelings all over again, and we get to read everything again! oh, and they remember, of course, the same thing that happened a bunch of years ago, and you guessed it, we read about it again and again.

The story has potential, a small town romance, an old flame, reconnection, miscommunication that was quickly solved and left space (not taken advantage of) for actual romance.

There's other stories to explore in this book, hopefully this gets a series and the storytelling better honor the story to be told.

This was a cute, fun, cosy, second chance, small town romance. This was a very atmospheric read and the characters had good chemistry and obvious yearning however my main issue was the communication issues between them both in the past and present. I liked the audiobook narrator but would have liked a male to portray mmc pov.

For any good relationship to be successful, there must be communication. Our couple couldn’t seem to communicate at all which was infuriating. They both let their previous relationship dissolve without a discussion and even cut off friends that were in their circle. This story didn’t feel like a typical enemies to lovers. The fall vibes were on point but the plot was a bit frustrating with all the miscommunication happening and not just with the main couple. I still enjoyed parts of this story and it got me excited for all the fun fall festivities to look forward to. There was a little bit of spice which added a little something extra to enjoy. I would definitely check out future books in the Maple Falls series focusing on other characters 🍁 #TheCinnamonSpiceInn #NetGalley

The narrators Andi Eloise and Brandon Francis are both new to me. This would have been great as a duet with so many voices in this story. The narration as is was just ok to me.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture Audio for the opportunity to listen to this book in exchange for my honest review.

If this doesn’t get turned into a Hallmark movie!!

I listened to The Cinnamon Spice Inn on audiobook and it was just so cute! The narrator, Andi Eloise, did a fantastic job with the narration. If you love a small town second chance romances, you’re going to love this one!

I especially loved the cozy fall vibes, it almost felt like a holiday romance even though the only holiday mentioned in the book is Halloween. There’s even a small mystery running through the story that gave it a fun extra layer, but at its heart, this is a romance through and through. The banter, the chemistry, the “Hallmark movie in book form” energy had me hooked. I ended up finishing it in a single day because every time I had to stop, all I could think about was what would happen next. Adorable and absolutely worth picking up if you’re in the mood for a sweet, fall themed, and fun romance.

Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture Audio for sending this ALC for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

I really loved the fall vibes on the cover of this one (shoutout to the cover artist, omg! Gorgeous!)) and needed an audiobook to fulfill my fall itch. I’m happy I picked this one up!

This was the definition of cute, quick, and cozy. I liked the dual POV set up and enjoyed seeing both of the character’s sides of the story. I also felt like it helped me get to know the MMC Zach, because Madison’s POV didn’t always let us into who he was. He obviously adored her so, swoon there for sure! The setting was perfect with a cute inn and a town with a super fall aesthetic. I loved the small town vibe and all of the side characters.

I did feel that it got repetitive towards the end. The main characters never learned anything, especially where communication is concerned, and had the same argument over and over. Then all of sudden they were both over it and moved on. I’d say this was my biggest obstacle with the story.

That being said, this was exactly what you would expect in a good way. Sometimes we all need a little predictability and I loved that about this book. It was never cringe. I never felt like this book was trying too hard or trying to be something it wasn’t. It did exactly what I was hoping it would, and for that I loved it.

The narrator was great and I did enjoy this as an audiobook. I might even say I preferred this as an audiobook because it was really easy to get into the fall vibes while driving around or doing chores around the house! It honestly put me in a great mood!

I think it’s definitely worth it to check out if you’re big into Hallmark, want a low stakes palette cleanser, or you just want cute and cozy fall vibes. I will definitely keep my eye out for book 2 in the Maple Falls series.

Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture Audio for the Advanced Listener Copy in exchange for my honest review!

I gave this one 5 stars on paperback and I'd give it the same for the audio book. Andi and Brandon did a brilliant job of narrating and bringing the story to life.

Cozy vibes all the way.

3.75⭐️
First, Thank you Netgalley, for this ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts. (I received the audio version)

Pub Date: August 28, 2025

Perfect book for this time of year, I was so ready for the Fall Vibes! This is the first book of the Maple Falls series.

This was a cute & cozy small town romance story. At times I felt like I was in this small town, smelling the Autumn weather, drinking a latte by the fireplace.


We follow the MWC who left her small hometown to get away, and has now returned to help save her families inn. Will she be able to return home and avoid her ex, or will they rekindle their relationship?

This is typically the type of book I would prefer to read, but I wanted to give the audio a try. The story itself was good however I found it hard at times for me to not get distracted while listening. I would've preferred for this audio to be a duet, I believe it would've made it so much better and more entertaining. I definitely will read the rest of the series, but will most likely not do anymore audio versions.

I may give this a re-read. I feel like I may connect more by reading it.

I liked it. It felt warm and cozy. It was definitely giving the feeling I wanted. The miscommunication trope was definitely present, which did get a bit annoying towards the end. I just kept thinking, " Haven't we been here before? shouldn't you have learned already?" But other than that, a quick, cozy, and easy read.

A huge thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for this ALC in exchange for my honest opinion<3

Perfectly charming!
I absolutely loved the world building and setting of Maple Falls and all of its inhabitants, I could feel the chill in the air, the smell of cinnamon and the crunch of leaves under my feet. To say it is perfectly cosy is almost an understatement.
The plot was enjoyable but I found the fmc a bit annoying, if she actually spoke to the mmc instead of ignoring him or running off they wouldn’t actually have any problems and I felt that she ‘fell into him’ one too many times but all round this is still a gorgeous autumnal read.
Audio narrator was fantastic 10/10

4 star read for me. Cute little small town romance with a great nosey little town members and spicy little romance waiting to be rekindled. I enjoyed the characters and the narration of this story and look forward to the next book. Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture Audio for the early audible arc.

This book has such a cute cover and gives off the perfect autumn Gilmore Girls vibes, which I loved since fall is my favorite season. A cozy small-town romance should have been right up my alley, but sadly the romance was a bit of a disappointment for me. Madison, the FMC, was pretty frustrating, and the miscommunication felt forced, because it could’ve been solved in a minute! Zach honestly felt too good for her. On the bright side, Kit was such a great character: she totally deserves her own book.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture Audio for the digital copy and audiobook in exchange for my honest review.

This is a fall Hallmark romance in book form. Loved Alll the food being referenced in the book, the community and friends, esp Jo (with the calendar pics sent - if you know, you know), the fall decor and landscape descriptions, the small town atmosphere and the idea of the Cinnamon Spice Inn. The actual romance was probably my least of all this, because it was rather contrived as well as facile, but who cares?! When you have a family heirloom recipe for bourbon apple butter bubbling on the stove, or a chocolatier describing her wares and pitching for the fall festival? I mean, you'd have to he properly ascetic not to love this book, and that, my friends, I am Not. Thank you Netgalley for this ALC.