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Sunshine & Cinnamon: Summer in Laurel Falls
"An entertaining, character-driven tale for romance fans." -Kirkus Reviews
I’m Chase, by the way. You know, in case you need a name for your voodoo doll.” Known for its beautiful waterfalls and apple pie cookies, the sleepy town of Laurel Falls, Maine is a great place to start anew. Chase had come to town to heal and find solace in a new place, free of memories. Ruby had come to visit her young-at-heart grandmother, Mamu, and help at Mamu’s bakery, The Sweet Spot. When Ruby and Chase meet, they may have gotten off on the wrong foot, but their chemistry is undeniable. With a little behind-the-scenes help, Ruby starts to see how wonderful Chase really is and learns to trust again. Chase is determined to right her mistaken assumptions about him. Full of sunshine and all the feels, you’ll want to visit Laurel Falls again and again. Cinnamon isn’t the only thing in the air!
I’m Chase, by the way. You know, in case you need a name for your voodoo doll.” Known for its beautiful waterfalls and apple pie cookies, the sleepy town of Laurel Falls, Maine is a great place to start anew. Chase had come to town to heal and find solace in a new place, free of memories. Ruby had come to visit her young-at-heart grandmother, Mamu, and help at Mamu’s bakery, The Sweet Spot. When Ruby and Chase meet, they may have gotten off on the wrong foot, but their chemistry is undeniable. With a little behind-the-scenes help, Ruby starts to see how wonderful Chase really is and learns to trust again. Chase is determined to right her mistaken assumptions about him. Full of sunshine and all the feels, you’ll want to visit Laurel Falls again and again. Cinnamon isn’t the only thing in the air!
302 pages, Paperback
Published June 22, 2023
28 people are currently reading
302 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
June 23, 2023
Since I wrote this book, I am quite partial to it. :) I just love Chase and Ruby, and Laurel Falls. I hope you’ll love them too! <3
April 4, 2024
I can’t wait to read more <3
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August 25, 2023Thank you to author Lindsay Rochester for my gifted copy of this beautiful book in exchange for my honest review.
Filled with endearing banter, Sunshine & Cinnamon is about as feel-good as it gets. In the picturesque town of Laurel Falls, Maine, Chase is the most sought after bachelor in town and he's recently been kicked out of his apartment above Ms. Millies bakery to make room for her granddaughter.
Ruby is in town to take care of her grandmother as she recovers from surgery. In true grandmother fashion, Ms. Millie has some scheming ways to throw Chase & Ruby together.
This was such a feel good book that will make you want to visit Laurel Falls, get a massage and eat grits. I have always been a sucker for a man who can cook and offers a little southern accent to boot! Head over to amazon and get your copy today. Nicely done on your debut Lindsay!
Read this if you love:
*Short Chapters
*Enemies to lovers
*Small town romance
*Pups that steal the show
*Small town dances
Filled with endearing banter, Sunshine & Cinnamon is about as feel-good as it gets. In the picturesque town of Laurel Falls, Maine, Chase is the most sought after bachelor in town and he's recently been kicked out of his apartment above Ms. Millies bakery to make room for her granddaughter.
Ruby is in town to take care of her grandmother as she recovers from surgery. In true grandmother fashion, Ms. Millie has some scheming ways to throw Chase & Ruby together.
This was such a feel good book that will make you want to visit Laurel Falls, get a massage and eat grits. I have always been a sucker for a man who can cook and offers a little southern accent to boot! Head over to amazon and get your copy today. Nicely done on your debut Lindsay!
Read this if you love:
*Short Chapters
*Enemies to lovers
*Small town romance
*Pups that steal the show
*Small town dances
September 4, 2024
This was an adorable, cozy romance. I thoroughly enjoyed this read!
August 31, 2023
As far as I have read, I haven’t seen multiple voices moving the action forward so well anywhere else .The texting voice of Chase and Ruby (gets nicknamed 🐝) very cleverly moves the plot along. The omniscient author voice is used sparingly as Ruby and Chase talk to you straight out of their own hearts and minds in italics for your better understanding. It’s witty, snappy, and current. The style of the two main characters is like a new Jane Austin male/female word jousting (Pride and Prejudice in the now.).
Jane Austin meeting groups: This book is contemporary Jane Austin! So get it, read it to see what Jane started. It’s contemporary Elizabeth Bennet vs Mr. Darcy. One enjoys that italics are used for the “thinking lines “ of Chase and Ruby - going Faulkner stream of consciousness motion. Author Lindsay Beam Rochester first envisioned her novel ‘s audience as all women from 14+. On a personal note : I know of three men who recently read and appreciated it. They identified with young man Chase’s battle to gain favor with male- burned Ruby— just speaking personally as a three-time reader. So this novel is not just “cute”. Its bare bones reveal great structuring in foreshadowing, character development, flashbacks, and comic relief. The book starts with a meaningful, grabber. Let it pull you in. Rochester carefully uses writers techniques subtly to her purposes. Thank goodness, gratuitous language doesn’t throw a bunch of flow-stoppers its arc. Your teenagers and grandparents will even love this carefully-crafted book. There is a subtle balance of the sad, the bad, the pleasantness of nature, and the courtship dance in the arc of Rochester’s novel. It will leave you wanting more, and you may end up reading it more than once. It’s definitely a book club player too. So Sunshine and Cinnamon (Title itself contains some clues, but this is not a too sugary girly book. There is some light and darkness contrast, but it isn’t the depressing kind that leaves the reader left with hopeless non-resolution.) So the ultimate reader experience is uplift. Thank goodness, Rochester says there’s a sequel coming. Just as we call the original Harry Potter books The Canon, I sense we’ll enjoy more reads a la the contemporary Anne of Green Gables style. I will think of it as the Laurel Falls Series. Try it on!
Jane Austin meeting groups: This book is contemporary Jane Austin! So get it, read it to see what Jane started. It’s contemporary Elizabeth Bennet vs Mr. Darcy. One enjoys that italics are used for the “thinking lines “ of Chase and Ruby - going Faulkner stream of consciousness motion. Author Lindsay Beam Rochester first envisioned her novel ‘s audience as all women from 14+. On a personal note : I know of three men who recently read and appreciated it. They identified with young man Chase’s battle to gain favor with male- burned Ruby— just speaking personally as a three-time reader. So this novel is not just “cute”. Its bare bones reveal great structuring in foreshadowing, character development, flashbacks, and comic relief. The book starts with a meaningful, grabber. Let it pull you in. Rochester carefully uses writers techniques subtly to her purposes. Thank goodness, gratuitous language doesn’t throw a bunch of flow-stoppers its arc. Your teenagers and grandparents will even love this carefully-crafted book. There is a subtle balance of the sad, the bad, the pleasantness of nature, and the courtship dance in the arc of Rochester’s novel. It will leave you wanting more, and you may end up reading it more than once. It’s definitely a book club player too. So Sunshine and Cinnamon (Title itself contains some clues, but this is not a too sugary girly book. There is some light and darkness contrast, but it isn’t the depressing kind that leaves the reader left with hopeless non-resolution.) So the ultimate reader experience is uplift. Thank goodness, Rochester says there’s a sequel coming. Just as we call the original Harry Potter books The Canon, I sense we’ll enjoy more reads a la the contemporary Anne of Green Gables style. I will think of it as the Laurel Falls Series. Try it on!
November 13, 2024
I don’t typically read contemporary romances but thIs cover instantly caught my attention and I knew it needed to read it.
Though this book definitely doesn’t start with a meet cute, it does definitely start off on a rememberable moment where I didn’t know how the world Chase was going to dig himself out of the hole he created for himself. I mean Ruby truly detested him, but thanks to a meddling granny and BFF Chase is able to find his way to make a better impression on her.
I absolutely adored Chase. I loved that he is just a cinnamon roll through and through. He cooks, he paints, he has dogs, he serves his community, and is just an all around good guy. I love that he falls fast for Ruby and he falls hard.
This is definitely a slow burn where their kiss doesn’t happen until you are 3/4 way through but the tension is there and their first kiss is just perfection.
I think really the only parts that I sometimes felt were slow or unneeded was the flashbacks, though it was fun to see them at younger ages and see glimpses of why they were the way they currently are.
Lindsay definitely knows how to write and I cannot wait to continue this series in Laurel Falls.
Physical intimacy Level 3 (descriptive making out)
Dual 1st person POV
Zero Swearing unless you count “dayum” as one
Triggers: Death of Childhood Best friend in Car Accident (Past), Family Member injured and in the ER.
Though this book definitely doesn’t start with a meet cute, it does definitely start off on a rememberable moment where I didn’t know how the world Chase was going to dig himself out of the hole he created for himself. I mean Ruby truly detested him, but thanks to a meddling granny and BFF Chase is able to find his way to make a better impression on her.
I absolutely adored Chase. I loved that he is just a cinnamon roll through and through. He cooks, he paints, he has dogs, he serves his community, and is just an all around good guy. I love that he falls fast for Ruby and he falls hard.
This is definitely a slow burn where their kiss doesn’t happen until you are 3/4 way through but the tension is there and their first kiss is just perfection.
I think really the only parts that I sometimes felt were slow or unneeded was the flashbacks, though it was fun to see them at younger ages and see glimpses of why they were the way they currently are.
Lindsay definitely knows how to write and I cannot wait to continue this series in Laurel Falls.
Physical intimacy Level 3 (descriptive making out)
Dual 1st person POV
Zero Swearing unless you count “dayum” as one
Triggers: Death of Childhood Best friend in Car Accident (Past), Family Member injured and in the ER.
July 1, 2024
Sweet and adorable
Sunshine and Cinnamon is super sweet and adorable. It gives you all the warm fuzzies and makes you want to eat all the baked goods you can get your hands on.
Chase and Ruby are sweet together and the unknown of the future was well written. I love that Chase has an artsy side too!
The backstory was written in well and added depth to the characters.
Very sweet book
💋Kisses only
⚠️Death of a childhood friend, family member in an accident and in hospital, ex boyfriend being a cheater pants
Sunshine and Cinnamon is super sweet and adorable. It gives you all the warm fuzzies and makes you want to eat all the baked goods you can get your hands on.
Chase and Ruby are sweet together and the unknown of the future was well written. I love that Chase has an artsy side too!
The backstory was written in well and added depth to the characters.
Very sweet book
💋Kisses only
⚠️Death of a childhood friend, family member in an accident and in hospital, ex boyfriend being a cheater pants
March 6, 2025
⭐️3/5
🌶️closed door romance
🩷realistic and sweet
･:*+.\))/.:+･:*+.)/.:+ ･:*+.\))/.:+･:*+.)/.:+
［things i liked］
🧁CHACE (cinnamon roll MMC)
🎨foods mentioned(made me hungry fr)
🧁badass it girl granny
🎨realistic settings, relationship building up through day to day experiences
🧁no 3rd act break ups
🎨short chapters
［things i didn’t liked］
🐾several miss usage of words were kinda disturbing tbh (maybe I’m lacking a skill of comprehension idk)
🐾chase being “prize” at the auction
🐾committing quite illegal activities for “prank” and getting away bc they are friends?????(chap34,35)
･:*+.\))/.:+･:*+.)/.:+ ･:*+.\))/.:+･:*+.)/.:+
🌶️closed door romance
🩷realistic and sweet
･:*+.\))/.:+･:*+.)/.:+ ･:*+.\))/.:+･:*+.)/.:+
［things i liked］
🧁CHACE (cinnamon roll MMC)
🎨foods mentioned(made me hungry fr)
🧁badass it girl granny
🎨realistic settings, relationship building up through day to day experiences
🧁no 3rd act break ups
🎨short chapters
［things i didn’t liked］
🐾several miss usage of words were kinda disturbing tbh (maybe I’m lacking a skill of comprehension idk)
🐾chase being “prize” at the auction
🐾committing quite illegal activities for “prank” and getting away bc they are friends?????(chap34,35)
･:*+.\))/.:+･:*+.)/.:+ ･:*+.\))/.:+･:*+.)/.:+
June 27, 2023
Sunshine & Cinnamon is an adorable cozy romance that will leave you smiling at the end.
Chase is the most eligible bachelor in Laurel Falls, Maine, but he has not been interested in any of the women there. Until Ruby.
Ruby is in Maine to help out her grandma, who just had shoulder surgery. Her grandma, Mamu, owns the Sweet Spot Bakery and has a little apartment above it where Ruby is staying. Her first week there, she goes to get a massage and has a less than desirable interaction with the masseuse, Chase, resulting in her not getting a massage and leaving very frustrated.
Little does Ruby know, Chase is friends with her scheming grandma, and that is not the only interaction they will be having. Despite Ruby’s initial feelings toward Chase, Mamu believes the two have more in common than they think. Mamu makes sure that they are forced to have several interactions during Ruby’s stay.
Sunshine & Cinnamon is full of cute witty banter, butterflies and breakfast! Make sure to head over to Amazon and get your ebook or physical copy today!
And visit my blog for my full review.
Chase is the most eligible bachelor in Laurel Falls, Maine, but he has not been interested in any of the women there. Until Ruby.
Ruby is in Maine to help out her grandma, who just had shoulder surgery. Her grandma, Mamu, owns the Sweet Spot Bakery and has a little apartment above it where Ruby is staying. Her first week there, she goes to get a massage and has a less than desirable interaction with the masseuse, Chase, resulting in her not getting a massage and leaving very frustrated.
Little does Ruby know, Chase is friends with her scheming grandma, and that is not the only interaction they will be having. Despite Ruby’s initial feelings toward Chase, Mamu believes the two have more in common than they think. Mamu makes sure that they are forced to have several interactions during Ruby’s stay.
Sunshine & Cinnamon is full of cute witty banter, butterflies and breakfast! Make sure to head over to Amazon and get your ebook or physical copy today!
And visit my blog for my full review.
June 22, 2023
Sunshine & Cinnamon, the debut novel from Lindsay Rochester, was absolutely fantastic!
Ruby is such a fun character. Chase is swoon worthy! So sweet and thoughtful. Mamu and Vera are the best side characters. Their scheming and games, perfect.
Not to mention Chase’s pups, Hershey and Tuck, were a cute part of the story, too!
Ruby was going through a rough time in her life and wasn’t looking for a relationship, much less to find a guy she could see herself trusting. Her first encounter with Chase was.. not so good.. and I wondered how he’d make it up to her but my oh my he sure did.
Laurel Hills is now added to my bucket list of places to visit. I absolutely NEED to see Laurel Falls. When I read the description i immediately googled to see if it was a real place and was like “yep, I need to see this in person!”
Also, THAT EPILOGUE! It got me. I read the first line and was like “oh my gosh!!!!! How cute!” And then laughed out loud when I kept reading and realized it wasn’t what I thought it was.
I am a sucker for enemies (more so just disgusted with him) to lovers and small towns. So yes, this book pulled me right in!
Ruby is such a fun character. Chase is swoon worthy! So sweet and thoughtful. Mamu and Vera are the best side characters. Their scheming and games, perfect.
Not to mention Chase’s pups, Hershey and Tuck, were a cute part of the story, too!
Ruby was going through a rough time in her life and wasn’t looking for a relationship, much less to find a guy she could see herself trusting. Her first encounter with Chase was.. not so good.. and I wondered how he’d make it up to her but my oh my he sure did.
Laurel Hills is now added to my bucket list of places to visit. I absolutely NEED to see Laurel Falls. When I read the description i immediately googled to see if it was a real place and was like “yep, I need to see this in person!”
Also, THAT EPILOGUE! It got me. I read the first line and was like “oh my gosh!!!!! How cute!” And then laughed out loud when I kept reading and realized it wasn’t what I thought it was.
I am a sucker for enemies (more so just disgusted with him) to lovers and small towns. So yes, this book pulled me right in!
June 23, 2023
A great beach read. I actually loved the characters and would enjoy a summer in Laurel Falls.
The story was a page turner for me. A good wholesome read for ages 15 to 80!
A 5 out of 5!
The story was a page turner for me. A good wholesome read for ages 15 to 80!
A 5 out of 5!
August 30, 2024
This book!! It is so beautiful, obviously the cover is gorgeous, but I really loved the story so much. I had a smile on my face a majority of the time that I was reading it. It’s Lindsay’s debut novel and I absolutely adore her writing!! I’m from the Northeast, and loved her descriptions of the picturesque small towns in Maine and Vermont. The characters were all so endearing, Chase was such a sweet and charming MMC without even trying, and Ruby was easy to relate to in many ways. The banter between these two was hilarious, I couldn’t get enough of them together. But it isn’t all light hearted, as Chase and Ruby have both suffered losses in their lives, and are afraid to let anyone in for fear of losing them or getting hurt again.
If you love:
💜Small Town
☀️Reverse Grumpy/Sunshine
🧁Slow Burn
💜Clean Romance
☀️He Falls First
🧁Stranded Together
💜Southern Gentleman
☀️Meddling Secondary Characters
🧁Dual POV
Then you should definitely grab this one! It’s on #kindleunlimited and in paperback. It is the first in the 𝘓𝘢𝘶𝘳𝘦𝘭 𝘍𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘴 𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘴 and the second is available as well!
If you love:
💜Small Town
☀️Reverse Grumpy/Sunshine
🧁Slow Burn
💜Clean Romance
☀️He Falls First
🧁Stranded Together
💜Southern Gentleman
☀️Meddling Secondary Characters
🧁Dual POV
Then you should definitely grab this one! It’s on #kindleunlimited and in paperback. It is the first in the 𝘓𝘢𝘶𝘳𝘦𝘭 𝘍𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘴 𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘴 and the second is available as well!
November 17, 2025
Beautiful imagery
This high quality story is loaded with lots of cozy storytelling details, vibrant characters, and natural dialogue. Very well written!
This high quality story is loaded with lots of cozy storytelling details, vibrant characters, and natural dialogue. Very well written!
July 24, 2024
This was a sweet and clean small town romance, that gives total Hallmark movie vibes with a beautiful small town setting, great friendships, a fun and meddling grandma, a couple of cute pups, and a super sweet HEA.
December 3, 2024
This is really a 3.5 for me. So sweet and wholesome, perfect cozy book for cuddling up on the couch with. Brought me back to high school nights with Nicholas Sparks
March 18, 2024
OVERALL STAR RATING: 5/5
CLEAN RATING: 5/5
I don’t even know where to begin with this beautiful book. It was the biggest and warmest hug! I thought the title and cover were incredible, but now that I’ve read the story…my goodness…it’s just next level and makes me smile. There are things I would love to say here about the cover, but it would be a bit of a spoiler, so my lips are sealed. I could honestly start a re-read on this one right now. It was just that good.
This book whisks you away to the season of Summer in Laural Falls, Maine where we follow the story of Ruby and Chase. Ruby is in town visiting her adorable and spunky grandmother, “Mamu”, who runs The Sweet Spot bakery. The most awkward and adorable meet cute takes place when Ruby goes for a massage one day at the spa where Chase works. You would never expect for there to be a chance at love after the events that unfold, but there was an undeniable chemistry. And well, Mamu seems to be on a matchmaking mission.
The writing flowed seamlessly. Stunning, captivating, heart gripping and beautiful. How many words can I use to convince you to read this?
I love it when inner dialogue from the characters is included on the page and this one had a heavy dose of it, making it extra special. There were also a lot of flashbacks to Ruby and Chase’s younger years. You’re given the opportunity to know them both SO well, not just surface level.
“The pastor was talking about husbands loving their wives. He said, “My wife is the cheese in my macaroni.” I want Ruby to be my cheese. – Chase <-- How could you not adore a character that says this?
I can’t wait to read Lindsay’s second Laurel Falls book, Love & Shooting Stars, which takes place in the Autumn.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
For more reviews and bookish content, be sure to follow me on Instagram at: aliciasbooksanctuary
CLEAN RATING: 5/5
I don’t even know where to begin with this beautiful book. It was the biggest and warmest hug! I thought the title and cover were incredible, but now that I’ve read the story…my goodness…it’s just next level and makes me smile. There are things I would love to say here about the cover, but it would be a bit of a spoiler, so my lips are sealed. I could honestly start a re-read on this one right now. It was just that good.
This book whisks you away to the season of Summer in Laural Falls, Maine where we follow the story of Ruby and Chase. Ruby is in town visiting her adorable and spunky grandmother, “Mamu”, who runs The Sweet Spot bakery. The most awkward and adorable meet cute takes place when Ruby goes for a massage one day at the spa where Chase works. You would never expect for there to be a chance at love after the events that unfold, but there was an undeniable chemistry. And well, Mamu seems to be on a matchmaking mission.
The writing flowed seamlessly. Stunning, captivating, heart gripping and beautiful. How many words can I use to convince you to read this?
I love it when inner dialogue from the characters is included on the page and this one had a heavy dose of it, making it extra special. There were also a lot of flashbacks to Ruby and Chase’s younger years. You’re given the opportunity to know them both SO well, not just surface level.
“The pastor was talking about husbands loving their wives. He said, “My wife is the cheese in my macaroni.” I want Ruby to be my cheese. – Chase <-- How could you not adore a character that says this?
I can’t wait to read Lindsay’s second Laurel Falls book, Love & Shooting Stars, which takes place in the Autumn.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
For more reviews and bookish content, be sure to follow me on Instagram at: aliciasbooksanctuary
August 22, 2023
This was a sweet read, and not just because of cinnamon. Ruby is the typical, stubborn woman who prefers to listen to her mind rather than follow her heart. But Chase is the definition of a perfect book boyfriend - charming, funny, and most importantly patient. His ability to continue to be himself and show how much he cared for Ruby despite knowing she was leaving was endearing. He could have easily been just as stubborn as Ruby and withheld his feelings, but he chose to live in the moment with her and I really appreciated that.
And of course, who couldn’t love Mamu? She is the epitome of the perfect grandmother, and she had this ability to meddle in Ruby’s life without coming off as annoying and overstepping. Ruby’s love for her is obvious, as she never became frustrated with Mamu for interfering.
I didn’t like how the book continually switched between third and first person. With as many internal thoughts Ruby and Chase had, it would have just been easier to use first person throughout.
Overall, I thought this was an easy yet sweet read. There wasn’t anything too out of the norm of a typical romance story, but the characters definitely kept me interested.
Thank you to Lindsay and Reedsy for this ARC!
And of course, who couldn’t love Mamu? She is the epitome of the perfect grandmother, and she had this ability to meddle in Ruby’s life without coming off as annoying and overstepping. Ruby’s love for her is obvious, as she never became frustrated with Mamu for interfering.
I didn’t like how the book continually switched between third and first person. With as many internal thoughts Ruby and Chase had, it would have just been easier to use first person throughout.
Overall, I thought this was an easy yet sweet read. There wasn’t anything too out of the norm of a typical romance story, but the characters definitely kept me interested.
Thank you to Lindsay and Reedsy for this ARC!
April 20, 2025
I recently signed up for a book blast for Lindsay Rochester's upcoming book "Blossoms and Breezes". I'd never read this author, but the book sounded good. I quickly realized it was part of a series.. Book 4 to be exact.. so I decided to jump in and read books 1-3 first. All I can say is WOW I am so glad I signed up for the Book Blast and discovered this author and this book!
Sunshine & Cinnamon is Book 1 in Rochester's Laurel Falls series. Laurel Falls is a lovely town in Maine with fun, quirky and lovable characters. Chase comes there to pursue his art and to get a fresh start away from the pain of the past and he is absolutely not looking for nor desiring a romantic relationship. Ruby comes to Laurel Falls to help her grandmother and to enjoy a summer break from her job as a teacher as she heals from a broken heart and, like Chase, she is not looking not desiring a romantic relationship. Thankfully we don't always get what we think we want.
There are sweet, funny, frustrating and painful moments in this story. It is not an easy journey as these two work through their past feelings, fears and current attraction.
I love that along the way, we have chapters that step back in each of their lives at pivotal moments to fill in the back story for us. Well done indeed!
Sunshine & Cinnamon is Book 1 in Rochester's Laurel Falls series. Laurel Falls is a lovely town in Maine with fun, quirky and lovable characters. Chase comes there to pursue his art and to get a fresh start away from the pain of the past and he is absolutely not looking for nor desiring a romantic relationship. Ruby comes to Laurel Falls to help her grandmother and to enjoy a summer break from her job as a teacher as she heals from a broken heart and, like Chase, she is not looking not desiring a romantic relationship. Thankfully we don't always get what we think we want.
There are sweet, funny, frustrating and painful moments in this story. It is not an easy journey as these two work through their past feelings, fears and current attraction.
I love that along the way, we have chapters that step back in each of their lives at pivotal moments to fill in the back story for us. Well done indeed!
February 8, 2025
📚 Sunshine and Cinnamon
✍🏻 Lindsay Rochester
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
This was a very sweet, super slow burn and honestly really sad read for me. It was giving Virgin River vibes. Nothing crazy going on, no high stakes, but lots of internal struggle and the empath in me was feeling all of the emotions. Which is a good thing! Books are supposed to make us feel. Just be prepared 😅
🎨 Artist MMC who had lived through so much grief and isn’t sure if he’s willing to let himself love again.
🎨 Stubborn FMC who’s only in town to look after her grandmother for a bit and will soon be moving back home. She’s been burned in the past and isn’t looking to let that happen again.
🎨 Scheming grandma and best friend who want the FMC to have everything they feel she deserves.
🎨 Grand gestures
🎨 Wood-chopping scene
🎨 He cooks for her
🎨 Slowwww burn
🎨 Alternating timelines
🎨 Dual POVs
🎨 Closed door as always!
🫑🫑🫑🫑
🤬 there is a curse word but it’s in French so if you don’t know your French curse words you might not even know you’re reading it?
⚠️ De@th, injury and hospital visit, and cheating (not by the main characters)
✍🏻 Lindsay Rochester
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
This was a very sweet, super slow burn and honestly really sad read for me. It was giving Virgin River vibes. Nothing crazy going on, no high stakes, but lots of internal struggle and the empath in me was feeling all of the emotions. Which is a good thing! Books are supposed to make us feel. Just be prepared 😅
🎨 Artist MMC who had lived through so much grief and isn’t sure if he’s willing to let himself love again.
🎨 Stubborn FMC who’s only in town to look after her grandmother for a bit and will soon be moving back home. She’s been burned in the past and isn’t looking to let that happen again.
🎨 Scheming grandma and best friend who want the FMC to have everything they feel she deserves.
🎨 Grand gestures
🎨 Wood-chopping scene
🎨 He cooks for her
🎨 Slowwww burn
🎨 Alternating timelines
🎨 Dual POVs
🎨 Closed door as always!
🫑🫑🫑🫑
🤬 there is a curse word but it’s in French so if you don’t know your French curse words you might not even know you’re reading it?
⚠️ De@th, injury and hospital visit, and cheating (not by the main characters)
August 26, 2023
First things first: can we please get a standing ovation for this cover because it is truly one of the most beautiful I have ever seen! I saw this book cover while scrolling on Instagram, and it made me freeze because it was so stunning. It is 100% the reason why I picked up this book.
If you are looking for a really sweet and clean small town romance, reminiscent of a good Hallmark movie, then Lindsay Rochester has it for you! I absolutely loved the town of Laurel Falls - it gave me total Virgin River vibes in the best possible way. Mamu and her bakery were spectacular, and this book totally made me hungry! I found Chase and Ruby's relationship to be pretty interesting, and Chase himself is such a cinnamon roll MMC! I really enjoyed the ending of this book and the way in which Chase has created quite the grand gesture in order to get the girl. It made me swoon!
On a technical level, at times the writing left something to be desired. For me personally there was way too much internal dialogue - I don't need to always be told exactly what the characters are thinking all of the time. But I totally applaud the author for publishing her first book, and I'm excited to see what else is in store for Laurel Falls.
If you are looking for a really sweet and clean small town romance, reminiscent of a good Hallmark movie, then Lindsay Rochester has it for you! I absolutely loved the town of Laurel Falls - it gave me total Virgin River vibes in the best possible way. Mamu and her bakery were spectacular, and this book totally made me hungry! I found Chase and Ruby's relationship to be pretty interesting, and Chase himself is such a cinnamon roll MMC! I really enjoyed the ending of this book and the way in which Chase has created quite the grand gesture in order to get the girl. It made me swoon!
On a technical level, at times the writing left something to be desired. For me personally there was way too much internal dialogue - I don't need to always be told exactly what the characters are thinking all of the time. But I totally applaud the author for publishing her first book, and I'm excited to see what else is in store for Laurel Falls.
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November 10, 2023What’s it about?
Ruby travels to Maine to stay with her Mamu and help out for the summer. She’s been burned in love and is protective of her heart. But then she meets Chase, a massage therapist and Laurel Falls’ most eligible bachelor. Too bad their first run in is awkward and painfully uncomfortable. But Chase is immediately smitten and can’t get Ruby out of his mind.
When Chase agrees to offer up a date with him as an auction item at the local fundraising dance, Ruby’s friend, Vera, and Mamu decide to play matchmaker.
My thoughts:
Are you having a bad day? Need a book that’s a palate cleanser? This is your book. It is so sweet and adorable. It embodies all of the “sunshine and cinnamon” of its title.
Perfect for fans of:
He falls first
Awkward meet cutes
Scheming family members
Hallmark, closed-door romance
Thanks for swapping books with me Lindsay!
Ruby travels to Maine to stay with her Mamu and help out for the summer. She’s been burned in love and is protective of her heart. But then she meets Chase, a massage therapist and Laurel Falls’ most eligible bachelor. Too bad their first run in is awkward and painfully uncomfortable. But Chase is immediately smitten and can’t get Ruby out of his mind.
When Chase agrees to offer up a date with him as an auction item at the local fundraising dance, Ruby’s friend, Vera, and Mamu decide to play matchmaker.
My thoughts:
Are you having a bad day? Need a book that’s a palate cleanser? This is your book. It is so sweet and adorable. It embodies all of the “sunshine and cinnamon” of its title.
Perfect for fans of:
He falls first
Awkward meet cutes
Scheming family members
Hallmark, closed-door romance
Thanks for swapping books with me Lindsay!
April 26, 2025
Pretty good debut for this series! I read “Love & Shooting Stars” (the 2nd book in the series) first bc I thought it was a standalone, and then promptly read “Flurries & First Love” (the 3rd book) after that for the winter vibes! I wanted to go back and read “Sunshine & Cinnamon” now before the author’s 4th book, “Blossoms & Breezes” dropped. All of these books can technically be read as standalones, but it’s one of those series that are interconnected, so the MCs of previous stories show up as side-characters in later stories. So it was kinda weird for me to go back to before Ruby & Chase were together after already meeting them as a couple in the later books! That was my bad for not reading in order though haha. I really liked the banter, and Laurel Falls as the setting is my favorite! The author’s writing keeps getting better as she releases new books, as her 3rd book is definitely my favorite so far. I’m looking forward to the 4th book
July 17, 2023
I loved this book! The perfect beach read/summer romance book. It’s light and fun with a few more serious moments that keep the book grounded and realistic, enhancing the human flaws, characteristics, and emotions of the protagonists. Dual POV with two lovable main characters that you can’t help but root for. Rochester crafts and transports the reader to Laurel Falls, an idyllic hamlet whose residents are full of personality and heart. I loved the ending - it’s so sweet and cute. It will leave you swooning over Chase and wanting to book a vacation to Laurel Falls ASAP! Put this on your TBR, and keep an eye out for Rochester, as her debut novel shows talent and promise.
May 23, 2024
okay - I had a good feeling I’d like and enjoy this book going into it, but I had no idea I’d love it SO much! This was easily a 5-star read for me, given I love small town settings and this one was THE cutest and coziest small town. Trust me, you’ll get cozy reading this one!
Chase moves to Laurel Falls to start a new chapter and move on past certain things, while Ruby comes to Laurel Falls to visit Mamu, her grandma. These two end up having some funny and awkward meetings 🙈 that will have you feeling warm and fuzzy + on the edge of your seat like you’re watching a cozy hallmark movie. Mamu was also the funnest, most-plotting grandmother ever and I love that 😜💜
Chase moves to Laurel Falls to start a new chapter and move on past certain things, while Ruby comes to Laurel Falls to visit Mamu, her grandma. These two end up having some funny and awkward meetings 🙈 that will have you feeling warm and fuzzy + on the edge of your seat like you’re watching a cozy hallmark movie. Mamu was also the funnest, most-plotting grandmother ever and I love that 😜💜
October 22, 2023
Sunshine & Cinnamon
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
If you love a small town vibe with beautiful scenery, romance, and a bakery, you'll love this book by Lindsay Rochester!
Both Ruby and Chase are trying to heal from past hurts. Chase lives in the beautiful town of Laurel Falls, Maine. Ruby travels there to visit her grandmother.
They get off on the wrong foot, but her grandmother tries to smooth things over to make a love connection.
And this book cover! Just gorgeous!
Thank you, @lindsayrochester.writes for the gifted copy of your book! I can't wait to read the next book in this series.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
If you love a small town vibe with beautiful scenery, romance, and a bakery, you'll love this book by Lindsay Rochester!
Both Ruby and Chase are trying to heal from past hurts. Chase lives in the beautiful town of Laurel Falls, Maine. Ruby travels there to visit her grandmother.
They get off on the wrong foot, but her grandmother tries to smooth things over to make a love connection.
And this book cover! Just gorgeous!
Thank you, @lindsayrochester.writes for the gifted copy of your book! I can't wait to read the next book in this series.
June 24, 2023
Such a lighthearted and joyful read- perfect for a weekend trip of a read at the beach.
Chase is such an amazing character and his banter with Ruby is hilarious. I giggled, gasped, teared up, and fully enjoyed every bit of the emotional roller coaster.
Great job on your debut novel, Lindsay!
Chase is such an amazing character and his banter with Ruby is hilarious. I giggled, gasped, teared up, and fully enjoyed every bit of the emotional roller coaster.
Great job on your debut novel, Lindsay!
January 3, 2024
What To Expect:
-Alternating timelines
-Enemies to Lovers
-Meddling grandma and BFF
-Life after loss
-Delightful baked goods
Chase is such a boy-next-door, who would do anything for anyone in Laurel Falls, but unfortunately has a meet-disaster when the beautiful Ruby walks into his massage studio. Both Ruby & Chase have their reasons for guarding their hearts, and yet they both let their walls crumble down as they realize what a gift their potential relationship could be. I loved the setting of Laurel Falls, with the beautiful scenery and small town charm. I’m definitely continuing on to the second book, Love & Shooting Stars. Thank you to the author for the complimentary copy!
-Alternating timelines
-Enemies to Lovers
-Meddling grandma and BFF
-Life after loss
-Delightful baked goods
Chase is such a boy-next-door, who would do anything for anyone in Laurel Falls, but unfortunately has a meet-disaster when the beautiful Ruby walks into his massage studio. Both Ruby & Chase have their reasons for guarding their hearts, and yet they both let their walls crumble down as they realize what a gift their potential relationship could be. I loved the setting of Laurel Falls, with the beautiful scenery and small town charm. I’m definitely continuing on to the second book, Love & Shooting Stars. Thank you to the author for the complimentary copy!
July 16, 2025
Absolutely loved this book! Very well written; it's a combination of my favorite authors but it's unique, not a copycat. It's a good heartwarming story with a little bit of humor, seasoned with all the feel good things that I enjoy like small towns and bakeries. Looking forward to reading the rest of the series!
July 13, 2025
A cinnamon with sugar that is so sweet that will put an arrow thru your heart. The characters each have significance input into this couples lives. The stories chapters each have substance in them. You will each one
September 16, 2023
Huh?
DNF. Honestly don’t know how this got 5 stars…
I lost time and brain cells from the 25% I did actually read.
DNF. Honestly don’t know how this got 5 stars…
I lost time and brain cells from the 25% I did actually read.
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