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Dream Harbor #5
The Gingerbread Bakery
Goodreads Choice Award
Nominee for Readers' Favorite Romance (2025)As owner of her beloved Gingerbread Bakery, Annie Andrews should have a love life to match her business; sugary and sweet. But instead, she’s locked in a game of words with the irritatingly upbeat bar owner down the street.
Mac Sullivan has everything he wants, except the girl he dreams of. It’s easier to argue with Annie than get her to talk to him but with Jeanie and Logan’s wedding coming up, they're about to spend a lot more time together.
As the snowflakes fall and with romance in the air, will Annie see that the one she loves to hate might just be her perfect match after all?
The Gingerbread Bakery is a cozy romantic novel with an enemies to lovers dynamic, small-town setting and a HEA guaranteed!
Tropes:
• Enemies to lovers
• Found family
• Small Town
• Forced Proximity
Mac Sullivan has everything he wants, except the girl he dreams of. It’s easier to argue with Annie than get her to talk to him but with Jeanie and Logan’s wedding coming up, they're about to spend a lot more time together.
As the snowflakes fall and with romance in the air, will Annie see that the one she loves to hate might just be her perfect match after all?
The Gingerbread Bakery is a cozy romantic novel with an enemies to lovers dynamic, small-town setting and a HEA guaranteed!
Tropes:
• Enemies to lovers
• Found family
• Small Town
• Forced Proximity
358 pages, Paperback
First published September 16, 2025
13619 people are currently reading
130829 people want to read
About the author
Laurie Gilmore
19 books13k followersLaurie Gilmore is a #1 New York Times, Sunday Times, and Globe & Mail bestselling author who writes steamy small-town romance. Her Dream Harbor series is filled with quirky townsfolk, cozy settings, and swoon-worthy romance. The first book in the series, The Pumpkin Spice Cafe, was featured on Good Morning America and was named the TikTok Shop Book of the Year 2024.
She loves finding books with the perfect balance of sweetness and spice and strives for that in her own writing. If you ever wished you lived in Stars Hollow (or that Luke and Lorelai would just get together already!) then her books are definitely for you.
She loves finding books with the perfect balance of sweetness and spice and strives for that in her own writing. If you ever wished you lived in Stars Hollow (or that Luke and Lorelai would just get together already!) then her books are definitely for you.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 7,606 reviews
September 29, 2025
Ladies and gents, a man who yearns is a man who earns. And I've always said that.
I can now walk away from this series feeling complete because I give literally no fu©ks about anyone else.
⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
I can now walk away from this series feeling complete because I give literally no fu©ks about anyone else.
⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
Want to read
October 16, 2024Annie and Mac! Annie and Mac! Annie and Mac!!!!!!!!!!
December 24, 2025
We are finally getting Annie and Mac!!!! Can I wait a whole year for this??? Nooooo!
September 17, 2025
Why was finding this old granny the main plot point
December 2, 2025
This was such a cute read!! I have been loving second chance romances this year so I’ve been so excited to pick this one up!
I love Annie and Mac so much!! Especially after reading all of the other books in this series! I was just waiting for their story because I knew I would end up loving it!
The only thing that I didn’t love was that the ending did feel a bit rushed for me, and I wish the beginning of the story moved a little faster, so that we could’ve gotten a slower ending. But I did really enjoy it so much! I love how easy this series is to read and they are always so perfect for the holidays!
thank you to my bestie ashlyn for reading this with me!! 🫶🏼
I love Annie and Mac so much!! Especially after reading all of the other books in this series! I was just waiting for their story because I knew I would end up loving it!
The only thing that I didn’t love was that the ending did feel a bit rushed for me, and I wish the beginning of the story moved a little faster, so that we could’ve gotten a slower ending. But I did really enjoy it so much! I love how easy this series is to read and they are always so perfect for the holidays!
thank you to my bestie ashlyn for reading this with me!! 🫶🏼
November 4, 2025
“hate is a strong word, but i think i might hate you.”
⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚༉‧₊˚✧˚₊⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧
ੈ♡˳ rating: 3/5 stars
ੈ♡˳ spice rating: 🌶️ (barely there, a few ‘spicy’ scenes)
ੈ♡˳ summary:
when he returns to her beloved hometown, annie finds herself thrown back into the orbit of mac, the man she swore she would never forgive. forced to work together on a wedding that means everything to both of them, old tensions bubble up, unresolved feelings resurface, and the line between hate and love starts to blur.
ੈ♡˳ thoughts:
just because of the anticipation i had for this book, i’m giving it 3 stars. if i didn’t care about the author or the series, it would probably be lower. first of all, this is not an enemies to lovers story. annie is an enemy. annie has an enemy. mac does not. annie has an enemy in me. she was completely unbearable and over the top with her “hatred” for mac. making your best friend cry at her wedding rehearsal because you’re so rude to someone else in the bridal party? absolutely insane behavior. i could not stand annie this entire book and mac truly needed to move on from her.
this book is actually more of a second chance romance, but honestly, it shouldn’t be. the reason they “hate” each other from 10+ years ago is ridiculous, and annie has the emotional range of a teenager. it’s frustrating to watch because the story has so much potential, but annie’s character drags it down.
and let’s talk about the plot, or the lack of one. if there wasn’t a wedding (which only happens in the last few chapters), there’d basically be no plot at all. the book is just annie being mad for reasons that make no sense and mac staring at her like a lovesick fool. i wanted more depth, more development, and a lot more substance. i kept waiting for the moment that would make me root for them again, but it never really came.
this series means a lot to me, which is why i’m still sticking with 3 stars, but this one missed the mark. i’m really hoping the next book gives me the cozy, heartwarming story i’ve been craving.
ੈ♡˳ tropes:
ꕥ second chance romance
ꕥ “enemies” to lovers
ꕥ small town setting
ꕥ wedding backdrop
ꕥ childhood connection
ੈ♡˳ fave quotes:
“sometimes forgiveness is less about them and more about setting yourself free.”
“coming back here feels like stepping into a memory i never really left.”
“you can’t rewrite the past, but you can decide how much of it you want to carry.”
————
post read: this book missed the mark for me, which is so sad because it’s the one i was interested in the most. annie’s behavior the entire book was just cringe and uncalled for. full rtc in the morning. 💟
————
pre read: five books but we finally got annie & mac’s story
aka the one that matters the most.
i can’t wait to devour this one.
⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚༉‧₊˚✧˚₊⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧
ੈ♡˳ rating: 3/5 stars
ੈ♡˳ spice rating: 🌶️ (barely there, a few ‘spicy’ scenes)
ੈ♡˳ summary:
when he returns to her beloved hometown, annie finds herself thrown back into the orbit of mac, the man she swore she would never forgive. forced to work together on a wedding that means everything to both of them, old tensions bubble up, unresolved feelings resurface, and the line between hate and love starts to blur.
ੈ♡˳ thoughts:
just because of the anticipation i had for this book, i’m giving it 3 stars. if i didn’t care about the author or the series, it would probably be lower. first of all, this is not an enemies to lovers story. annie is an enemy. annie has an enemy. mac does not. annie has an enemy in me. she was completely unbearable and over the top with her “hatred” for mac. making your best friend cry at her wedding rehearsal because you’re so rude to someone else in the bridal party? absolutely insane behavior. i could not stand annie this entire book and mac truly needed to move on from her.
this book is actually more of a second chance romance, but honestly, it shouldn’t be. the reason they “hate” each other from 10+ years ago is ridiculous, and annie has the emotional range of a teenager. it’s frustrating to watch because the story has so much potential, but annie’s character drags it down.
and let’s talk about the plot, or the lack of one. if there wasn’t a wedding (which only happens in the last few chapters), there’d basically be no plot at all. the book is just annie being mad for reasons that make no sense and mac staring at her like a lovesick fool. i wanted more depth, more development, and a lot more substance. i kept waiting for the moment that would make me root for them again, but it never really came.
this series means a lot to me, which is why i’m still sticking with 3 stars, but this one missed the mark. i’m really hoping the next book gives me the cozy, heartwarming story i’ve been craving.
ੈ♡˳ tropes:
ꕥ second chance romance
ꕥ “enemies” to lovers
ꕥ small town setting
ꕥ wedding backdrop
ꕥ childhood connection
ੈ♡˳ fave quotes:
“sometimes forgiveness is less about them and more about setting yourself free.”
“coming back here feels like stepping into a memory i never really left.”
“you can’t rewrite the past, but you can decide how much of it you want to carry.”
————
post read: this book missed the mark for me, which is so sad because it’s the one i was interested in the most. annie’s behavior the entire book was just cringe and uncalled for. full rtc in the morning. 💟
————
pre read: five books but we finally got annie & mac’s story
aka the one that matters the most.
i can’t wait to devour this one.
September 19, 2025
OOOoooppps 😅 I finished this in less than 12 hours 😬
Ah, to be back in Dream Harbor 😌 there is no feeling quite like it. I have been following along this series very closely since the beginning and I certainly wasn’t ready to stop at the Gingerbread bakery 🍪🧁🫚🎃
‘The sweetest things are worth the wait’ 🥰
Oh, how true that is for this book. It was a sweet, and delightful treat that I have been waiting months for 😌 If you are looking for an autumnal cozy read, this is it 🙌🏽
I love the sense of community Gilmore has created throughout this series. Dream Harbor really has become a very realistic small town that you find yourself getting swept up in.
‘This place had effect on people. They came here sad or lost or alone until Dream Harbor worked its magic.’ ✨
This is a story of many kinds - enemies to lovers; second-chance romance; slow burn; feel good small-town vibes. It ticks the box of many tropes, but it is more than just a tick box exercise, it is a layered story full of love, friendships, fun, charming characters and heartfelt moments 😌
The Gingerbread bakery is set in the run up to Jeanie and Logan’s wedding day. And a wedding in Dream Harbor means EVERYONE gets involved! Each person has their own job, including Annie and Mac, however, it is during this forced time together that an old flame is rekindled 🔥 the question is: will Annie kill or kiss the man she fell for nearly 10 years ago…
I thought Gilmore did an excellent job with this one. It was very different from the other books in the series, whilst still remaining true to the genre of a small-town romance. I particularly loved the back and forth between past and present. It created a real sense of intrigue and mystery to Annie and Mac’s past 👀 I was patiently waiting for more information as it was drip fed to us in a slow burn ❤️🔥
Annie the owner of The Gingerbread bakery may sound like a sweet innocent young woman, but this girl is feisty. She has been broken once before and is determined not to let that happen again. Will she get a second-chance at romance? 💕
“You’ve been stalking that man with your eyes all night. I feel like I’m watching a nature documentary and you’re about to pounce.” 👀😂🤭
Overall, I really enjoyed this read; clearly as I finished it in less than 12 hours 🥲 There was something so compelling about the writing, pages just flew by. I am already excited to hear Daisy’s story next…🌼
4.5 🌟🌟🌟🌟💫
Ah, to be back in Dream Harbor 😌 there is no feeling quite like it. I have been following along this series very closely since the beginning and I certainly wasn’t ready to stop at the Gingerbread bakery 🍪🧁🫚🎃
‘The sweetest things are worth the wait’ 🥰
Oh, how true that is for this book. It was a sweet, and delightful treat that I have been waiting months for 😌 If you are looking for an autumnal cozy read, this is it 🙌🏽
I love the sense of community Gilmore has created throughout this series. Dream Harbor really has become a very realistic small town that you find yourself getting swept up in.
‘This place had effect on people. They came here sad or lost or alone until Dream Harbor worked its magic.’ ✨
This is a story of many kinds - enemies to lovers; second-chance romance; slow burn; feel good small-town vibes. It ticks the box of many tropes, but it is more than just a tick box exercise, it is a layered story full of love, friendships, fun, charming characters and heartfelt moments 😌
The Gingerbread bakery is set in the run up to Jeanie and Logan’s wedding day. And a wedding in Dream Harbor means EVERYONE gets involved! Each person has their own job, including Annie and Mac, however, it is during this forced time together that an old flame is rekindled 🔥 the question is: will Annie kill or kiss the man she fell for nearly 10 years ago…
I thought Gilmore did an excellent job with this one. It was very different from the other books in the series, whilst still remaining true to the genre of a small-town romance. I particularly loved the back and forth between past and present. It created a real sense of intrigue and mystery to Annie and Mac’s past 👀 I was patiently waiting for more information as it was drip fed to us in a slow burn ❤️🔥
Annie the owner of The Gingerbread bakery may sound like a sweet innocent young woman, but this girl is feisty. She has been broken once before and is determined not to let that happen again. Will she get a second-chance at romance? 💕
“You’ve been stalking that man with your eyes all night. I feel like I’m watching a nature documentary and you’re about to pounce.” 👀😂🤭
Overall, I really enjoyed this read; clearly as I finished it in less than 12 hours 🥲 There was something so compelling about the writing, pages just flew by. I am already excited to hear Daisy’s story next…🌼
4.5 🌟🌟🌟🌟💫
September 19, 2025
☆☆☆☆.25
The Gingerbread Bakery ended up being my second favorite installment in this cozy series, just a touch behind The Cinnamon Bun Book Store, which still holds the top spot for me.
I’ll admit, I’m usually not the biggest fan of second-chance romance, so I went in a little cautious. However, Annie and Mac’s story completely won me over. Their history felt believable and their reunion had the right mix of warmth and slow-burn tension, with just enough drama to keep things interesting. It was both heartfelt and charming in a way that caught me pleasantly off guard.
Sweet, cozy, and festive, this was exactly the kind of heartwarming small-town read I was hoping for. If you’re already invested in the series, this one is a delightful treat.
The Gingerbread Bakery ended up being my second favorite installment in this cozy series, just a touch behind The Cinnamon Bun Book Store, which still holds the top spot for me.
I’ll admit, I’m usually not the biggest fan of second-chance romance, so I went in a little cautious. However, Annie and Mac’s story completely won me over. Their history felt believable and their reunion had the right mix of warmth and slow-burn tension, with just enough drama to keep things interesting. It was both heartfelt and charming in a way that caught me pleasantly off guard.
Sweet, cozy, and festive, this was exactly the kind of heartwarming small-town read I was hoping for. If you’re already invested in the series, this one is a delightful treat.
December 18, 2025
Soooo cute and the holiday vibes were just perfect!!
December 3, 2025
from the very first chapter this had me wrapped in a sugar coated chokehold gingerbread scents, snow swirling, small town nonsense, I was READY to ascend. and then…the plot slipped on ice, face planted and the ending bolted like it had a bus to catch. I just sat there blinking, wondering who pressed the fast forward button on my Kindle?
and the way everyone treated grandma’s disappearance?? I was SCREAMING. these people were out here baking cakes and sharing flirty glances while grandma was quite literally LOST TO THE WIND. I alone carried the emotional burden of caring. I was ready to light a candle in the window and whisper her name into the night, but the characters said ‘lol anyway :)’
I have never felt so personally victimized by a cozy romance in my life. dramatic? yes. am I wrong? absolutely not.
#justiceforgrandma forever and always.
Buddy read with Alyssa Nieves💗
and the way everyone treated grandma’s disappearance?? I was SCREAMING. these people were out here baking cakes and sharing flirty glances while grandma was quite literally LOST TO THE WIND. I alone carried the emotional burden of caring. I was ready to light a candle in the window and whisper her name into the night, but the characters said ‘lol anyway :)’
I have never felt so personally victimized by a cozy romance in my life. dramatic? yes. am I wrong? absolutely not.
#justiceforgrandma forever and always.
Buddy read with Alyssa Nieves💗
September 17, 2025
Thoughts
Andddd Laurie has won me over for the second time with this series, I was excited to get to Annie and Mac's story and she delivered!! Zero notes! One of my favourite enemies to lovers, second chance romance books!
My Bookstagram
Andddd Laurie has won me over for the second time with this series, I was excited to get to Annie and Mac's story and she delivered!! Zero notes! One of my favourite enemies to lovers, second chance romance books!
My Bookstagram
September 10, 2025
arc
2.5⭐ if I'm being generous.
I struggled with this one so much. I hate second chance romance with a passion. I don't think most romance deserves a second chance unless there's great improvement and fixes. I was grappling with Annie and Mac's anger and frustration and I couldn't get myself to believe in their romance.
Like sure Mac broke his promise, but Annie was a right b*tch at times. 🤷♀️ So it's crazy that Mac still wants to try with someone who isn't willing to hear him out and is mean? No thanks. 😂 This just feels like Mac doesn't have self respect to walk away from someone who's unwilling to give him the time of the day. I read further and realized that their magical past that they've been idolizing was only a week long?
This is a problem with a lot of romance books. People need to walk away so much sooner. I can accept a toxic relationship in a dark romance. But to claim this is a sweet cute romance? Nah.
This is not a HEA. This relationship doesn't last beyond the last page of this book.
2.5⭐ if I'm being generous.
I struggled with this one so much. I hate second chance romance with a passion. I don't think most romance deserves a second chance unless there's great improvement and fixes. I was grappling with Annie and Mac's anger and frustration and I couldn't get myself to believe in their romance.
Like sure Mac broke his promise, but Annie was a right b*tch at times. 🤷♀️ So it's crazy that Mac still wants to try with someone who isn't willing to hear him out and is mean? No thanks. 😂 This just feels like Mac doesn't have self respect to walk away from someone who's unwilling to give him the time of the day. I read further and realized that their magical past that they've been idolizing was only a week long?
This is a problem with a lot of romance books. People need to walk away so much sooner. I can accept a toxic relationship in a dark romance. But to claim this is a sweet cute romance? Nah.
This is not a HEA. This relationship doesn't last beyond the last page of this book.
September 15, 2025
I was really excited for this book! I wanted Annie and Mac’s book like four books ago. Honestly i probably should have stopped reading this series like four books ago.
The reason Annie had so much animosity toward Mac felt pretty weak to me. Maybe it’s just because I’m a grown adult who’s emotionally capable of moving past things and giving people the chance to explain themselves, but it felt a little immature and dragged out longer than it needed to be.
The pacing was slow, the drama felt forced, and by the time things were finally resolved, I was more annoyed than invested.
This is what i get for falling for a cute cover.
The reason Annie had so much animosity toward Mac felt pretty weak to me. Maybe it’s just because I’m a grown adult who’s emotionally capable of moving past things and giving people the chance to explain themselves, but it felt a little immature and dragged out longer than it needed to be.
The pacing was slow, the drama felt forced, and by the time things were finally resolved, I was more annoyed than invested.
This is what i get for falling for a cute cover.
September 9, 2025
ARC -4.5 /5⭐️ feeling so blessed to have received an ARC of this book 🙌🏻📚 this series is one of my all time favorites and Laurie Gilmore is so amazing at what she does. I am so frickin happy that we are finally getting Annie and Mac’s story 😭😩 and let me tell you..it did not disappoint!!
The alternating story lines between then and now was just perfection, such a great idea. I loved getting to see the history between the two 🤩 but miss Annie girllll oh she can hold a grudge! Annie was making me so mad, I was like come on girly just give in 😩 I loveee Mac.
I also really loved the build up to Jeanie and Logan’s wedding, it was a great full circle moment for the series.
I don’t know what Laurie Gilmore is putting into these books but it HITS everyyyyy single time! I hope this series never ends. Highly highly recommend 🩷📚
The alternating story lines between then and now was just perfection, such a great idea. I loved getting to see the history between the two 🤩 but miss Annie girllll oh she can hold a grudge! Annie was making me so mad, I was like come on girly just give in 😩 I loveee Mac.
I also really loved the build up to Jeanie and Logan’s wedding, it was a great full circle moment for the series.
I don’t know what Laurie Gilmore is putting into these books but it HITS everyyyyy single time! I hope this series never ends. Highly highly recommend 🩷📚
November 9, 2025
Ain’t no way you make your friend cry at HER rehearsal dinner, because you (in your thirties btw) are unable to behave and keep your mouth shut because wompwomp your 1 month situationship 11 years ago ended badly
December 25, 2025
I had such high expectations for this book and maybe that's on me 😭 but this one was such a disappointment...
Pre-read: I think I need a light cozy romance now after all the emotional reads and Dream Harbor never disappoints 😌🥰
Pre-read: I think I need a light cozy romance now after all the emotional reads and Dream Harbor never disappoints 😌🥰
September 17, 2025
⭐️
Oh my God, give me a break!! The most boring and disappointing book in all of Dream Harbor. I'm so disappointed I wouldn't even write a review. I've been waiting a long time for Annie and Mac's story. I expected jokes, teasing, the wait, a beautiful enemies-to-lovers story. Instead, what did I read? A lousy second chance. Annie is obnoxious, stubborn, and truly nonsensical. Her only characteristic is that she bakes cookies. Oh, and she hates Mac.
Mac, on the other hand, is practically a characterless figure, obsessed with Annie. When I found out there was a second chance behind their story, I hoped it would at least make sense. Instead, to put it simply, 10 years earlier, they dated for about a month, had sex once, and never spoke again because he went off to travel the world, blah blah blah. Man..have some self-respect and forget it, I don't understand this obsession with Annie, she's a bit of a b**ch, stubborn and partly blonde I don't remember anything about her, and I just finished reading the book.
Oh my God, give me a break!! The most boring and disappointing book in all of Dream Harbor. I'm so disappointed I wouldn't even write a review. I've been waiting a long time for Annie and Mac's story. I expected jokes, teasing, the wait, a beautiful enemies-to-lovers story. Instead, what did I read? A lousy second chance. Annie is obnoxious, stubborn, and truly nonsensical. Her only characteristic is that she bakes cookies. Oh, and she hates Mac.
Mac, on the other hand, is practically a characterless figure, obsessed with Annie. When I found out there was a second chance behind their story, I hoped it would at least make sense. Instead, to put it simply, 10 years earlier, they dated for about a month, had sex once, and never spoke again because he went off to travel the world, blah blah blah. Man..have some self-respect and forget it, I don't understand this obsession with Annie, she's a bit of a b**ch, stubborn and partly blonde I don't remember anything about her, and I just finished reading the book.
August 29, 2025
I love this series. It’s just so cute, and I think the books have gotten better as the series goes on.
Sworn enemies Mac and Annie have history. After a heartbreak a decade ago, Annie swore off having Mac in her life in any capacity. Now, while preparing for Jeanie and Logan’s wedding, they are thrust back together in close proximity. Forced to confront the animosity that has been brewing, their story unfolds through a dual POV in both the present day and flashbacks. This gave real depth to their feelings then and now.
The Dream Harbor backdrop is as lovely as always, and the wacky cast of characters shines again. The whole crew, including the book club, returns ready to celebrate the big town wedding.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harper360 for the advanced copy!
Sworn enemies Mac and Annie have history. After a heartbreak a decade ago, Annie swore off having Mac in her life in any capacity. Now, while preparing for Jeanie and Logan’s wedding, they are thrust back together in close proximity. Forced to confront the animosity that has been brewing, their story unfolds through a dual POV in both the present day and flashbacks. This gave real depth to their feelings then and now.
The Dream Harbor backdrop is as lovely as always, and the wacky cast of characters shines again. The whole crew, including the book club, returns ready to celebrate the big town wedding.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harper360 for the advanced copy!
September 18, 2025
sometimes side characters should just stay side characters
September 19, 2025
Ok this was absolutely adorable. I love a steamy second chance romance. I thought the author balanced the before and present timelines perfectly. Not too much in the past but important to support the current situation. Also- audio, dual narrators! I’d say this was a 🌶️🌶️🌶️ but the scenes are quick and you can skip (if you want!).
October 1, 2025
my least favorite of the series 2,5 ⭐️
December 16, 2025
the way my stubborn ass wouldn’t have forgiven him
September 5, 2025
I was looking for a cozy, sweet read when I decided to check out this upcoming book. I have not read any of the others in the series, but that did not hinder the story at all. Although I am sure reading previous stories would have rounded out the characters more.
I definitely had some love-hate issues on this one, and while it ended up wonderful at the end, I have to admit, I struggled with how Annie treated Mac through most of the book.
Told from two POV’s and time frames, we learn how Mac’s choices and insecurity impacted her. But as a young adult, who hasn’t made choices on the fly without seeing or understanding the long-term effect or impact on others.
She was so mean to him throughout almost the entire book. The author really played the enemies-to-lovers second-chance romance to the hilt. What I did love was the community, friends, and support from others. And, of course, a small town Christmas vibe that has me craving a dreamy, snowy, and sweet holiday. With a romance, of course!
The Gingerbread Bakery is the first book I have read by this author, and I did enjoy the overall plot and story. Her storytelling ability is sweet and a little spicy. I will definitely read more from this author!
~~~~
* I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
* Full review - https://amidlifewife.com/the-gingerbr...
I definitely had some love-hate issues on this one, and while it ended up wonderful at the end, I have to admit, I struggled with how Annie treated Mac through most of the book.
Told from two POV’s and time frames, we learn how Mac’s choices and insecurity impacted her. But as a young adult, who hasn’t made choices on the fly without seeing or understanding the long-term effect or impact on others.
She was so mean to him throughout almost the entire book. The author really played the enemies-to-lovers second-chance romance to the hilt. What I did love was the community, friends, and support from others. And, of course, a small town Christmas vibe that has me craving a dreamy, snowy, and sweet holiday. With a romance, of course!
The Gingerbread Bakery is the first book I have read by this author, and I did enjoy the overall plot and story. Her storytelling ability is sweet and a little spicy. I will definitely read more from this author!
~~~~
* I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
* Full review - https://amidlifewife.com/the-gingerbr...
October 23, 2025
When will we finally stop allowing women to slap men in the face and get away with it?
November 10, 2025
4.5 stars
A second chance christmas romance!? This was told in dual timeline, which is my favorite way to read a second chance romance. They had an "almost" romance until the hero left and now the heroine hates him. They're thrown back together for a mutual friend's wedding that they're both a part of. Lots of banter and forced proximity while they are preparing for this wedding, and they're forced to confront what really went wrong. The hero hasn't been back for a while, and there is definitely animosity on the heroine's side towards him, until it slowly fades into them really talking. And tons of small town shenanigans happening too! Loved!!
A second chance christmas romance!? This was told in dual timeline, which is my favorite way to read a second chance romance. They had an "almost" romance until the hero left and now the heroine hates him. They're thrown back together for a mutual friend's wedding that they're both a part of. Lots of banter and forced proximity while they are preparing for this wedding, and they're forced to confront what really went wrong. The hero hasn't been back for a while, and there is definitely animosity on the heroine's side towards him, until it slowly fades into them really talking. And tons of small town shenanigans happening too! Loved!!
September 26, 2025
I love this sweet little series and this sweet town
November 11, 2025
Qu'est-ce que j'aime cette saga... c'était tout aussi doux et touchant que les premiers tomes, tout aussi lent mais surtout tout aussi cosy. J'adore l'ambiance, j'adore les personnages, j'adore leurs histoires, leurs relations, j'adore le style, j'adore TOUT. TOUT JE VOUS DIS. Et alors là on est sur du friends to lovers de qualitey, doublé d'un second chance, saupoudré d'un boy obsessed qui m'a mise à genoux. Gros coup de coeur donc. ❤️🩹
December 4, 2025
this actually became my favorite of the series
September 8, 2025
4.5 stars 🌟
We finally get Annie and Mac's story.
🔹️found family
🔹️small town romance
🔹️second chance
🔹️Christmas vibes
🔹️enemies to lovers
I ate this one up just like I did the rest of the series. This series holds a special place in my heart. This is book 5 in the series but you could easily read it as a standalone. We finally find out why Annie seems to despise Mac and their story. This book alternates between pay
past and present giving us their backstory but goodness the way he Pines over Annie is everything.
If you're already read any books on this series, this is is on par with all the rest with the other characters that we've grown to love, the adorable storyline splashed with just the right amount of spice. This is could be a hallmark movie along with the rest of the series. This is how this books reads to me.
A big thanks to Netgalley and Harper360 for the e-arc in exchange for my honest review.
publication date September 16, 2025
We finally get Annie and Mac's story.
🔹️found family
🔹️small town romance
🔹️second chance
🔹️Christmas vibes
🔹️enemies to lovers
I ate this one up just like I did the rest of the series. This series holds a special place in my heart. This is book 5 in the series but you could easily read it as a standalone. We finally find out why Annie seems to despise Mac and their story. This book alternates between pay
past and present giving us their backstory but goodness the way he Pines over Annie is everything.
If you're already read any books on this series, this is is on par with all the rest with the other characters that we've grown to love, the adorable storyline splashed with just the right amount of spice. This is could be a hallmark movie along with the rest of the series. This is how this books reads to me.
A big thanks to Netgalley and Harper360 for the e-arc in exchange for my honest review.
publication date September 16, 2025
September 18, 2025
Annie wtf girl .... why the hell would you HIT Mac ?!?! Idc what he did to make you feel bad in the past, literally abusing someone is not cool. if the roles were reversed, this would 100% not fly....
I was really hopeful for this one. Yes, it was a good slow burn but honestly it is so repetitive with these second chance dual timeline books. predictable. Plus I found Annie to be very immature and a lot of her decisions I thought were kinda stupid.
Eh. I think I'm done with this series. Its cute and has that nice small town vibe going but it's all just far too basic and boring now. Like I thought we were finally gonna be done with it after this one... But no, they had to spend a decent amount of time just propping up the next couple in this plot too 🤦🏻♀️ which was practically non-existent – if you removed the wedding they are attending, what even happens in this book? NOTHING!
I was really hopeful for this one. Yes, it was a good slow burn but honestly it is so repetitive with these second chance dual timeline books. predictable. Plus I found Annie to be very immature and a lot of her decisions I thought were kinda stupid.
Eh. I think I'm done with this series. Its cute and has that nice small town vibe going but it's all just far too basic and boring now. Like I thought we were finally gonna be done with it after this one... But no, they had to spend a decent amount of time just propping up the next couple in this plot too 🤦🏻♀️ which was practically non-existent – if you removed the wedding they are attending, what even happens in this book? NOTHING!
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