What do you think?
Rate this book
The Bakery Next Door: A grumpy-sunshine small town romance
A bakery. A broken heart. And the man who left twelve years ago—now fixing up the shop next door.Abbie Harlow has poured everything into Sweet Creations, the bakery her grandmother left her. She remembers every coffee order, saves the first cinnamon roll for Mrs. Henderson, and says yes to everyone who needs her. She's the heart of Willow Bay.
She's also exhausted, lonely, and still pretending Daniel Hayes didn't shatter her heart when he left without a word.
Then his truck appears on Main Street.
But Abbie doesn't need this. Doesn't need him next door, teaching the Fletcher boy woodworking, handling her grandmother's mixer like it's made of glass. Doesn't need the way he still looks at her.
When a burst pipe forces them to work side by side—and the town's nosiest blogger volunteers them to co-chair the Summer Festival—Abbie faces a choice she's been avoiding for keep hiding behind walls of sweetness and service, or finally fight for what she actually wants.
Some dreams are worth baking from scratch. Even the ones that broke your heart the first time.
✓ Second Chance Romance ✓ Friends to Lovers ✓ Forced Proximity ✓ Small-Town Romance ✓ Bakery Romance ✓ He Comes Back ✓ Slow Burn ✓ Found Family
Heat Closed Door / Sweet
Heartwarming, emotional, cozy, hopeful
Small coastal town, bakery
HEA Hearts of Willow Bay series (standalone)
Perfect for fans Debbie Macomber, RaeAnne Thayne, Jenny Colgan
The bravest thing she can do is choose herself. Start Abbie's story today.
She's also exhausted, lonely, and still pretending Daniel Hayes didn't shatter her heart when he left without a word.
Then his truck appears on Main Street.
But Abbie doesn't need this. Doesn't need him next door, teaching the Fletcher boy woodworking, handling her grandmother's mixer like it's made of glass. Doesn't need the way he still looks at her.
When a burst pipe forces them to work side by side—and the town's nosiest blogger volunteers them to co-chair the Summer Festival—Abbie faces a choice she's been avoiding for keep hiding behind walls of sweetness and service, or finally fight for what she actually wants.
Some dreams are worth baking from scratch. Even the ones that broke your heart the first time.
✓ Second Chance Romance ✓ Friends to Lovers ✓ Forced Proximity ✓ Small-Town Romance ✓ Bakery Romance ✓ He Comes Back ✓ Slow Burn ✓ Found Family
Heat Closed Door / Sweet
Heartwarming, emotional, cozy, hopeful
Small coastal town, bakery
HEA Hearts of Willow Bay series (standalone)
Perfect for fans Debbie Macomber, RaeAnne Thayne, Jenny Colgan
The bravest thing she can do is choose herself. Start Abbie's story today.
257 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 8, 2026
3 people are currently reading
6 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 of 1 review
February 2, 2026
Love Lost and Love Found
Daniel was Annie's protector and best friend growing up . When Daniel moved to Portland he didn't come back for 12 long years .The loss of his father brought him back . I enjoyed reading tis .
Daniel was Annie's protector and best friend growing up . When Daniel moved to Portland he didn't come back for 12 long years .The loss of his father brought him back . I enjoyed reading tis .
Displaying 1 of 1 review