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Maple Falls #6
The Sugar and Spice Kitchen
Emily whips up Christmas magic like a festive fairy: cinnamon rolls, gingerbread cookies, peppermint mochas with Mariah Carey on full blast. When a blizzard hits, her bakery’s kitchen is headquarters for holiday deliveries to save the town. The only problem? Cole, the hot, infuriating firefighter she loves to hate. Can she survive them working side by side?
Emily’s the hot-tempered blonde who pushes every one of Cole’sbuttons. But with Maple Falls snowed in, he needs her help… and her orange-and-cinnamon scented kitchen. Soon it’s command central for Operation Sugar and Spice, with simmering pots, stacked pies, and elf-hatted volunteers loading snowmobiles. Emily’s attitude won’t let up… can they last until Christmas without strangling each other—or worse, falling for each other?
As sparks fly hotter than the kitchen’s wood-fired stove and the truth behind their family feud surfaces, will Emily and Cole give in to what’s always been burning between them… or stay on each other’s naughty list forever?
Emily’s the hot-tempered blonde who pushes every one of Cole’sbuttons. But with Maple Falls snowed in, he needs her help… and her orange-and-cinnamon scented kitchen. Soon it’s command central for Operation Sugar and Spice, with simmering pots, stacked pies, and elf-hatted volunteers loading snowmobiles. Emily’s attitude won’t let up… can they last until Christmas without strangling each other—or worse, falling for each other?
As sparks fly hotter than the kitchen’s wood-fired stove and the truth behind their family feud surfaces, will Emily and Cole give in to what’s always been burning between them… or stay on each other’s naughty list forever?
334 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 22, 2026
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October 26, 2026
There’s nowhere more magical than Maple Falls at Christmas 🎄💖✨ (except DisneyWorld, of course 🤭)
I always look forward to coming back to Maple Falls. It’s safe to say that now on book six of the series I am well and truly invested in the lives of these characters. Harper takes us back to this tight-knit community where everyone is in full blizzard rescue mode. Christmas Day is nearing but the town is in a state of chaos due to the winter storm ❄️ Queue: hot firefighter, forced proximity, and a long-standing family feud…
This enemies-to-lovers romance is a fun mix of festive cheer, fiery chemistry, bickering, and small-town shenanigans. Throw in a bunch of sugar and spice cookies 🍪 and you have yourself a Maple Falls Christmas ✨
This instalment follows Cole and Emily. Childhood best-friends who’d become strangers, divided by a family feud. 17 years later, Cole is back in town visiting his grandfather when a blizzard hits. Fireman Cole is sent out to help Emily, who is snowed in at her bakery, and what was once animosity quickly turns to something else…with the helping hand of forced proximity and a Christmas bake-off - will Emily and Cole give in to what's always been burning between them or will the family feud continue to be fed forever?
First of all, I have to say there is a lot to love about this book - Harper’s easy reading style, a fun storyline, the Christmas vibes, and the mystery element, to name a few. I loved seeing the community come together in the storm, helping each other, delivering food supplies, and checking on the elderly. It was honestly so heartwarming and reminded me of the kindness in people. HOWEVER, my only real issue with this book was how the romance was written. It felt very cliche, forced, and the dreaded - miscommunication 🙄 It’s honestly really annoying because otherwise it was genuinely a really good book.
Cole was undoubtedly my favourite of the two characters (I will explain my issues with Emily in a moment). He was genuinely such a good guy. He showed up constantly for others in a way that felt so natural and honest. A man of many hats: Firefighter Cole, Delivery Cole, Investigator Cole, Lumberjack Cole. Sweet, kind, and handsome - he was pretty much devastating.
Emily, on the other hand, I struggled with. While I could understand that she carried trauma from her childhood, it is never an excuse to treat people badly. She acted so immaturely, constantly jumping to conclusions about people, even those she supposedly loved. I just couldn’t get on board with that at all and her childishness ruined aspects of the book for me.
And because of Emily, I had trouble believing the emotional connection between her and Cole. Sure there was a strong physical attraction, but I NEED emotional depth when it comes to romance. Honestly Cole deserved better. He was such a good guy and he deserved someone who didn’t use his family as ammunition every time she was scared. The scene at the competition was so horrible, something I certainly didn’t expect to read in a Maple falls book 😔
All being said, I did still enjoy the book. I really enjoy Harper’s writing style and her ability to create a strong atmosphere. I always love coming back to Maple Falls to see the whole community, how they interact together, and what fun attics they are up to. No doubt I will be returning for book seven…
3.75 🌟🌟🌟✨
I always look forward to coming back to Maple Falls. It’s safe to say that now on book six of the series I am well and truly invested in the lives of these characters. Harper takes us back to this tight-knit community where everyone is in full blizzard rescue mode. Christmas Day is nearing but the town is in a state of chaos due to the winter storm ❄️ Queue: hot firefighter, forced proximity, and a long-standing family feud…
This enemies-to-lovers romance is a fun mix of festive cheer, fiery chemistry, bickering, and small-town shenanigans. Throw in a bunch of sugar and spice cookies 🍪 and you have yourself a Maple Falls Christmas ✨
This instalment follows Cole and Emily. Childhood best-friends who’d become strangers, divided by a family feud. 17 years later, Cole is back in town visiting his grandfather when a blizzard hits. Fireman Cole is sent out to help Emily, who is snowed in at her bakery, and what was once animosity quickly turns to something else…with the helping hand of forced proximity and a Christmas bake-off - will Emily and Cole give in to what's always been burning between them or will the family feud continue to be fed forever?
First of all, I have to say there is a lot to love about this book - Harper’s easy reading style, a fun storyline, the Christmas vibes, and the mystery element, to name a few. I loved seeing the community come together in the storm, helping each other, delivering food supplies, and checking on the elderly. It was honestly so heartwarming and reminded me of the kindness in people. HOWEVER, my only real issue with this book was how the romance was written. It felt very cliche, forced, and the dreaded - miscommunication 🙄 It’s honestly really annoying because otherwise it was genuinely a really good book.
Cole was undoubtedly my favourite of the two characters (I will explain my issues with Emily in a moment). He was genuinely such a good guy. He showed up constantly for others in a way that felt so natural and honest. A man of many hats: Firefighter Cole, Delivery Cole, Investigator Cole, Lumberjack Cole. Sweet, kind, and handsome - he was pretty much devastating.
Emily, on the other hand, I struggled with. While I could understand that she carried trauma from her childhood, it is never an excuse to treat people badly. She acted so immaturely, constantly jumping to conclusions about people, even those she supposedly loved. I just couldn’t get on board with that at all and her childishness ruined aspects of the book for me.
And because of Emily, I had trouble believing the emotional connection between her and Cole. Sure there was a strong physical attraction, but I NEED emotional depth when it comes to romance. Honestly Cole deserved better. He was such a good guy and he deserved someone who didn’t use his family as ammunition every time she was scared. The scene at the competition was so horrible, something I certainly didn’t expect to read in a Maple falls book 😔
All being said, I did still enjoy the book. I really enjoy Harper’s writing style and her ability to create a strong atmosphere. I always love coming back to Maple Falls to see the whole community, how they interact together, and what fun attics they are up to. No doubt I will be returning for book seven…
3.75 🌟🌟🌟✨
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Christmas vibes were absolutely amazing and I do love a snowed in trope, but I didn't like Emily and that put a damper on the story..
The narrator did a wonderful job. Her narration of Emily was so whiny, it was exactly how I would have imagined her voice, so that was very spot on. The audiobook made this a much better experience!!
Cole and Emily had been friends as kids, but a feud between their families turned them into enemies.. But when they get snowed in at her bakery, that animosity might turn into something else, something more.. Helping the town through the storm, trying to find out the truth about the feud and a baking competition are about to change everything..
Emily was childish, immature and she jumped to conclusion without thinking, I didn't like her at all.. While I can understand it to an extant, I can't forgive it completely. She was unfair to Cole and that left a bad taste in my mouth..
I liked Cole, he was kind, always showed up and was very patient. He deserved better.
Captain was definitely my favourite!!
While, like all the books in this series, is very insta-lusty, their first time came far too quickly.. Their emotional connection came later, but I still needed more. Her attitude towards him was the worst and I never truly rooted for them because of it. That scene at the competition was awful and I'm not as forgiving as Cole.. The physical was the only connection that was believable.
The mystery about the stolen cookies and them trying to find what happened was fun, but the fact something that ridiculous caused the rift between them was so stupid.. I hated that Emily focused so much on it, it ruined the story for me..
I loved the found family though and honestly Cassidy is the only level-headed character here and she's still my favourite.
The town is the best part, the way they help each other, it's the reason I keep reading these books.
*Thank you to Netgalley and to Bookouture Audio for providing me with an ALC.*
The narrator did a wonderful job. Her narration of Emily was so whiny, it was exactly how I would have imagined her voice, so that was very spot on. The audiobook made this a much better experience!!
Cole and Emily had been friends as kids, but a feud between their families turned them into enemies.. But when they get snowed in at her bakery, that animosity might turn into something else, something more.. Helping the town through the storm, trying to find out the truth about the feud and a baking competition are about to change everything..
Emily was childish, immature and she jumped to conclusion without thinking, I didn't like her at all.. While I can understand it to an extant, I can't forgive it completely. She was unfair to Cole and that left a bad taste in my mouth..
I liked Cole, he was kind, always showed up and was very patient. He deserved better.
Captain was definitely my favourite!!
While, like all the books in this series, is very insta-lusty, their first time came far too quickly.. Their emotional connection came later, but I still needed more. Her attitude towards him was the worst and I never truly rooted for them because of it. That scene at the competition was awful and I'm not as forgiving as Cole.. The physical was the only connection that was believable.
The mystery about the stolen cookies and them trying to find what happened was fun, but the fact something that ridiculous caused the rift between them was so stupid.. I hated that Emily focused so much on it, it ruined the story for me..
I loved the found family though and honestly Cassidy is the only level-headed character here and she's still my favourite.
The town is the best part, the way they help each other, it's the reason I keep reading these books.
*Thank you to Netgalley and to Bookouture Audio for providing me with an ALC.*
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
ALC REVIEW 🎄 3 stars 🎄
My first Christmas book of the year!! I'm usually a “Christmas doesn't start until December 1st” kinda gal, but when I saw this next installment of the adorable Maple Falls series available on NetGalley, I just couldn't resist!
This was packed with all the perfect Christmastime vibes from cosy festive baking, to the well-loved “snowed in together” trope, and the sweetest small-town charm that Harper Graham always writes so well.
Cole was a great MMC. He was kindhearted, he owned up to his mistakes, and quite frankly deserves a medal for his patience towards Emily and her immature outbursts.
As mentioned, I found Emily very childish. She was obnoxious, argumentative, and very quick to jump to conclusions. I didn't find it at all endearing, and I found her character as a whole rather irritating. I'm glad her friend called her out on her behaviour because the way she acted towards Cole for a large portion of this book was very unfair.
The overall “enemies to lovers” theme fell kind of flat for me. The reason for Emily and Cole’s animosity — the mystery of the stolen family Christmas cookies — was a bit too ridiculous for me. A 17 year long grudge about missing confectionery?? Come onnn. Also, if a book is marketed as “enemies to lovers” they should NOT be having sex at the 6% mark!! I love a slow-burn so this was far too immediate for me to get on board with.
As always, Andi Eloise’s narration was engaging and enjoyable. My only criticism was that the voice used for Emily’s character sounded quite whiney. However, I would argue that this is actually very fitting for Emily, so although it did grate on me, it matched her immature character rather well (perhaps unintentionally, but it was effective all the same.)
Overall, this was a cosy, easy to listen to Christmastime read that I would recommend to anyone who is a fan of small-town romance and who is looking for a cute book for the festive season.
Thank you to NetGalley, Harper Graham and Bookouture Audio for gifting this audiobook in exchange for an honest and unbiased review. All opinions are my own.
My first Christmas book of the year!! I'm usually a “Christmas doesn't start until December 1st” kinda gal, but when I saw this next installment of the adorable Maple Falls series available on NetGalley, I just couldn't resist!
This was packed with all the perfect Christmastime vibes from cosy festive baking, to the well-loved “snowed in together” trope, and the sweetest small-town charm that Harper Graham always writes so well.
Cole was a great MMC. He was kindhearted, he owned up to his mistakes, and quite frankly deserves a medal for his patience towards Emily and her immature outbursts.
As mentioned, I found Emily very childish. She was obnoxious, argumentative, and very quick to jump to conclusions. I didn't find it at all endearing, and I found her character as a whole rather irritating. I'm glad her friend called her out on her behaviour because the way she acted towards Cole for a large portion of this book was very unfair.
The overall “enemies to lovers” theme fell kind of flat for me. The reason for Emily and Cole’s animosity — the mystery of the stolen family Christmas cookies — was a bit too ridiculous for me. A 17 year long grudge about missing confectionery?? Come onnn. Also, if a book is marketed as “enemies to lovers” they should NOT be having sex at the 6% mark!! I love a slow-burn so this was far too immediate for me to get on board with.
As always, Andi Eloise’s narration was engaging and enjoyable. My only criticism was that the voice used for Emily’s character sounded quite whiney. However, I would argue that this is actually very fitting for Emily, so although it did grate on me, it matched her immature character rather well (perhaps unintentionally, but it was effective all the same.)
Overall, this was a cosy, easy to listen to Christmastime read that I would recommend to anyone who is a fan of small-town romance and who is looking for a cute book for the festive season.
Thank you to NetGalley, Harper Graham and Bookouture Audio for gifting this audiobook in exchange for an honest and unbiased review. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I'm a fan of the author so this was an automatic read/listen for me. Soon as I started listening I was happy to be back in Maple Falls this time with a miserable Colt, firefighter, trapped at the bakery with Emily during a snowstorm.
This audiobook had all my favorite things: Cozy, cute, adorable, a bake-off, a mystery, Christmas magic, and chemistry between Emily & Colt. Add stolen cookies, a family feud between their grandparents, and festive baking you get feel good festive romance with fantastic narration and plenty of Christmas spirit.
I’m ready for my next trip to Maple Falls!
Read/listen on release date 10/22/2026.
Thank you Netgalley, and Bookouture Audio for the Audiobook.
This audiobook had all my favorite things: Cozy, cute, adorable, a bake-off, a mystery, Christmas magic, and chemistry between Emily & Colt. Add stolen cookies, a family feud between their grandparents, and festive baking you get feel good festive romance with fantastic narration and plenty of Christmas spirit.
I’m ready for my next trip to Maple Falls!
Read/listen on release date 10/22/2026.
Thank you Netgalley, and Bookouture Audio for the Audiobook.
October 22, 2026
4🌟 | 2🌶️
Sometimes all you need is a cosy Christmas romance to make an ordinary afternoon feel a little more magical.
Between the cozy bakery, festive baking, and everyone coming together during the snowstorm, this had me craving Christmas way earlier than usual. I also loved catching up with familiar faces. This series really does have that cozy small-town charm that keeps me coming back!
Cole was such a sweetheart, and honestly, his patience deserves an award! He’s kind, dependable, and has an adorable dog, so what’s not to love? Emily was a little harder to warm up to, but I appreciated getting to understand her better as the story went on. Their childhood history added a fun twist to the romance, and I enjoyed seeing their relationship develop as they worked through the family feud.
Between the Christmas atmosphere, found family, and all the little moments that make Maple Falls feel like home, this was a lovely festive escape.
A great pick for anyone who enjoys their Christmas romances with a little spice and plenty of small-town charm.
~~~~
A sincere thank you to Harper Graham, Bookouture and NetGalley for the ARC! 🥰📚
I’m so grateful for the early read. As always, all thoughts and opinions are completely my own. ✨
Sometimes all you need is a cosy Christmas romance to make an ordinary afternoon feel a little more magical.
Between the cozy bakery, festive baking, and everyone coming together during the snowstorm, this had me craving Christmas way earlier than usual. I also loved catching up with familiar faces. This series really does have that cozy small-town charm that keeps me coming back!
Cole was such a sweetheart, and honestly, his patience deserves an award! He’s kind, dependable, and has an adorable dog, so what’s not to love? Emily was a little harder to warm up to, but I appreciated getting to understand her better as the story went on. Their childhood history added a fun twist to the romance, and I enjoyed seeing their relationship develop as they worked through the family feud.
Between the Christmas atmosphere, found family, and all the little moments that make Maple Falls feel like home, this was a lovely festive escape.
A great pick for anyone who enjoys their Christmas romances with a little spice and plenty of small-town charm.
~~~~
A sincere thank you to Harper Graham, Bookouture and NetGalley for the ARC! 🥰📚
I’m so grateful for the early read. As always, all thoughts and opinions are completely my own. ✨
October 26, 2026
This is a STUNNINGLY written book that has vivid descriptions which will make you feel like you have escaped on a beautiful break, breathing the the scent of cakes and cookies and falling in love with everything around you!! It takes you on a journey to Maple Falls and I was devastated when I had to pack my case to come back home and leave Maple Falls behind 😭
OMG!!! I ABSOLUTELY LOVE, LOVE, LOVED THIS BOOK, AN ABSOLUTELY AMAZING, FUNNY, CHARMING, WITTY AND PAGE TURNING MUST READ!!!
I have read several books in this series and absolutely LOVED every single one and this stunner is certainly no exception!! An absolutely flaming hot, spicy, tasty delight! I absolutely Love, LOVE, LOVED this absolutely STUNNING AND LUSHIOUS page turner!! It was just absolutely beautiful and I was hooked from the very first page to the last!! An absolute must read!!!
AN AMAZING, SPICY, BOOK FILLED, TASTY AND STUNNING ESCAPISM THAT WILL WHISK YOU AWAY TO THE DREAMY MAPLE FALLS!!
What an absolutely feel good, heart warming, turn a frown upside down escapism! It is a gorgeous story ram packed with romance, scrummy treats, spice, beautiful settings, snow, heat, community, kindness, drama, friendship, laughter, deliciousness, feistiness and absolutely everything you could ask for and so much more!! It really does tick every single box in everything you could want in a beautiful escapism. It will have you feeling like you are on a rollercoaster ride of emotions. Harper's beautiful, vivid fantastic immersive writing skills and gorgeous imagination will keep you sucked in from beginning to end. Once you pick up this book and turn the pages I can guarantee you will not want to put it down!!
ALL BOOKS IN THIS BEAUTIFUL SERIES ARE FREE WITH KINDLE UNLIMITED! WHY ARE YOU STILL WASTING YOUR TIME HERE INSTEAD OF READING THESE PAGE TURNERS!! GO, GO, GO!
A spicy, stunning and sexy page turning book of deliciousness!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A heartwarming Christmas romance filled with small-town charm, delicious baking, old grudges, and unexpected love.
Thank you to Bookouture, NetGalley, and Harper Graham for providing an advance reader copy of The Sugar and Spice Kitchen. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
There is something incredibly comforting about a book that makes you feel as though you have stepped straight into a Christmas movie, and The Sugar and Spice Kitchen does exactly that. Harper Graham has such a wonderful way of bringing her settings to life that Maple Falls feels like somewhere you could actually visit. From the scent of freshly baked gingerbread and cinnamon rolls to the snow-covered streets and festive decorations, every little detail adds to the magic of the season.
What I particularly enjoyed was how effortlessly the author created that sense of belonging. Maple Falls isn't simply a backdrop for the romance; the town and its residents are an important part of the story. When a powerful blizzard threatens the community, everyone comes together to help those in need. Watching the bakery transform into the centre of Operation Sugar and Spice, with volunteers preparing food and organising deliveries, was one of my favourite aspects of the book. It captured the generosity, kindness, and togetherness that make Christmas stories so special.
Another thing I appreciate about Harper Graham's books is how she continues to develop her fictional world. Familiar faces from previous stories make appearances, and rather than feeling unnecessary, their involvement makes the town feel more authentic. It's lovely seeing characters continue with their lives beyond their own books. Even if you're new to the series, there is enough warmth and background to make you feel welcome.
Emily👩🦰
Emily is a passionate, hardworking baker who has built much of her life around her kitchen and the people she cares about. She has a fiery personality, a stubborn streak, and absolutely no intention of making life easy for Cole. I had mixed feelings about her throughout the story. On one hand, I admired her dedication to her bakery and her willingness to help the community during the blizzard. Beneath her sharp remarks and defensive attitude, there is someone who genuinely cares about others.
On the other hand, her behaviour towards Cole occasionally tested my patience. Their families have carried a ridiculous disagreement over stolen cookies for seventeen years, and Emily seems determined to keep that resentment alive. There were moments when her accusations and comments felt unnecessarily harsh, especially considering how patient Cole was with her.
However, learning more about Emily's childhood and the emotional impact of her father's abandonment helped me understand why she struggled with trust and forgiveness. It didn't necessarily excuse every decision she made, but it gave her character more depth. I appreciated seeing her gradually confront those feelings and allow herself to become vulnerable.
Cole👨🏼⚕️
Cole was easily one of my favourite characters in this book!
A handsome firefighter with a generous heart, a great sense of responsibility, and an adorable dog? Harper Graham certainly knew what she was doing when she created him! What made Cole so appealing wasn't simply his appearance or profession, but the way he treated the people around him. He genuinely cares about Maple Falls and is always prepared to help without expecting anything in return. His kindness feels natural rather than something he does to impress others.
I especially admired his patience with Emily. Despite their constant disagreements and the accusations she throws his way, he often approaches situations with a level of maturity and understanding that I found refreshing. He isn't perfect, but his willingness to listen, forgive, and look beyond their families' history made him an incredibly likeable romantic lead. And of course, I can't forget Captain! His dog added another lovely touch to the story and made Cole even more endearing.
Their relationship blends childhood history, enemies-to-lovers tension, and forced proximity, creating plenty of opportunities for entertaining exchanges. Because Emily and Cole have known each other for so long, their arguments feel personal. They understand exactly how to irritate one another, and their constant bickering brings a playful energy to the story. Underneath that frustration, however, there is an attraction neither of them can completely ignore.
I enjoyed their chemistry, although I did feel the physical side of their relationship developed a little faster than the emotional connection. At first, their sudden moments of intimacy didn't always feel entirely convincing, especially when they were still struggling to communicate properly. Fortunately, I found their romance much more enjoyable as the story progressed. Working together during the blizzard forced them to see each other differently, and their quieter conversations revealed a more vulnerable side to both characters. Those moments of honesty made their growing affection feel more meaningful.
The balance between sweet romantic scenes and occasional spice worked nicely, particularly once their relationship began to develop beyond their initial attraction.
❄️ The Story & Atmosphere
The Christmas atmosphere was undoubtedly the highlight for me. I loved the descriptions of the bakery, the holiday preparations, and the way the entire town became involved in helping one another. The story also moves at a comfortable, engaging pace. It's the kind of book you can settle into with a warm drink and suddenly realise you've read far more chapters than you intended. The writing is lighthearted, descriptive, and easy to follow without losing the emotional elements of the story.
I also enjoyed the mystery surrounding the missing cookies and the long-standing family feud. Although I suspected some of the revelations before they happened, discovering the truth provided a satisfying conclusion to a conflict that had influenced Emily and Cole for years. If I had one criticism, it would be that some of the misunderstandings felt unnecessarily prolonged. There were occasions when a simple conversation could have resolved much of the tension. Nevertheless, I appreciated how the characters eventually addressed the past instead of allowing it to dictate their future.
Final Verdict:👩🏻💻
What I love most about Harper Graham's storytelling is her ability to make an ordinary fictional town feel like home. By the final pages, Maple Falls feels familiar, its residents feel like old friends, and you almost wish you could walk into the Sugar and Spice Kitchen yourself for a freshly baked cinnamon roll. I'd happily recommend this to readers who enjoy small-town Christmas romances, childhood connections, enemies-to-lovers banter, forced proximity, handsome firefighters, and a little spice alongside their holiday sweetness.❤️
Thank you to Bookouture, NetGalley, and Harper Graham for providing an advance reader copy of The Sugar and Spice Kitchen. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
There is something incredibly comforting about a book that makes you feel as though you have stepped straight into a Christmas movie, and The Sugar and Spice Kitchen does exactly that. Harper Graham has such a wonderful way of bringing her settings to life that Maple Falls feels like somewhere you could actually visit. From the scent of freshly baked gingerbread and cinnamon rolls to the snow-covered streets and festive decorations, every little detail adds to the magic of the season.
What I particularly enjoyed was how effortlessly the author created that sense of belonging. Maple Falls isn't simply a backdrop for the romance; the town and its residents are an important part of the story. When a powerful blizzard threatens the community, everyone comes together to help those in need. Watching the bakery transform into the centre of Operation Sugar and Spice, with volunteers preparing food and organising deliveries, was one of my favourite aspects of the book. It captured the generosity, kindness, and togetherness that make Christmas stories so special.
Another thing I appreciate about Harper Graham's books is how she continues to develop her fictional world. Familiar faces from previous stories make appearances, and rather than feeling unnecessary, their involvement makes the town feel more authentic. It's lovely seeing characters continue with their lives beyond their own books. Even if you're new to the series, there is enough warmth and background to make you feel welcome.
Emily👩🦰
Emily is a passionate, hardworking baker who has built much of her life around her kitchen and the people she cares about. She has a fiery personality, a stubborn streak, and absolutely no intention of making life easy for Cole. I had mixed feelings about her throughout the story. On one hand, I admired her dedication to her bakery and her willingness to help the community during the blizzard. Beneath her sharp remarks and defensive attitude, there is someone who genuinely cares about others.
On the other hand, her behaviour towards Cole occasionally tested my patience. Their families have carried a ridiculous disagreement over stolen cookies for seventeen years, and Emily seems determined to keep that resentment alive. There were moments when her accusations and comments felt unnecessarily harsh, especially considering how patient Cole was with her.
However, learning more about Emily's childhood and the emotional impact of her father's abandonment helped me understand why she struggled with trust and forgiveness. It didn't necessarily excuse every decision she made, but it gave her character more depth. I appreciated seeing her gradually confront those feelings and allow herself to become vulnerable.
Cole👨🏼⚕️
Cole was easily one of my favourite characters in this book!
A handsome firefighter with a generous heart, a great sense of responsibility, and an adorable dog? Harper Graham certainly knew what she was doing when she created him! What made Cole so appealing wasn't simply his appearance or profession, but the way he treated the people around him. He genuinely cares about Maple Falls and is always prepared to help without expecting anything in return. His kindness feels natural rather than something he does to impress others.
I especially admired his patience with Emily. Despite their constant disagreements and the accusations she throws his way, he often approaches situations with a level of maturity and understanding that I found refreshing. He isn't perfect, but his willingness to listen, forgive, and look beyond their families' history made him an incredibly likeable romantic lead. And of course, I can't forget Captain! His dog added another lovely touch to the story and made Cole even more endearing.
Their relationship blends childhood history, enemies-to-lovers tension, and forced proximity, creating plenty of opportunities for entertaining exchanges. Because Emily and Cole have known each other for so long, their arguments feel personal. They understand exactly how to irritate one another, and their constant bickering brings a playful energy to the story. Underneath that frustration, however, there is an attraction neither of them can completely ignore.
I enjoyed their chemistry, although I did feel the physical side of their relationship developed a little faster than the emotional connection. At first, their sudden moments of intimacy didn't always feel entirely convincing, especially when they were still struggling to communicate properly. Fortunately, I found their romance much more enjoyable as the story progressed. Working together during the blizzard forced them to see each other differently, and their quieter conversations revealed a more vulnerable side to both characters. Those moments of honesty made their growing affection feel more meaningful.
The balance between sweet romantic scenes and occasional spice worked nicely, particularly once their relationship began to develop beyond their initial attraction.
❄️ The Story & Atmosphere
The Christmas atmosphere was undoubtedly the highlight for me. I loved the descriptions of the bakery, the holiday preparations, and the way the entire town became involved in helping one another. The story also moves at a comfortable, engaging pace. It's the kind of book you can settle into with a warm drink and suddenly realise you've read far more chapters than you intended. The writing is lighthearted, descriptive, and easy to follow without losing the emotional elements of the story.
I also enjoyed the mystery surrounding the missing cookies and the long-standing family feud. Although I suspected some of the revelations before they happened, discovering the truth provided a satisfying conclusion to a conflict that had influenced Emily and Cole for years. If I had one criticism, it would be that some of the misunderstandings felt unnecessarily prolonged. There were occasions when a simple conversation could have resolved much of the tension. Nevertheless, I appreciated how the characters eventually addressed the past instead of allowing it to dictate their future.
Final Verdict:👩🏻💻
What I love most about Harper Graham's storytelling is her ability to make an ordinary fictional town feel like home. By the final pages, Maple Falls feels familiar, its residents feel like old friends, and you almost wish you could walk into the Sugar and Spice Kitchen yourself for a freshly baked cinnamon roll. I'd happily recommend this to readers who enjoy small-town Christmas romances, childhood connections, enemies-to-lovers banter, forced proximity, handsome firefighters, and a little spice alongside their holiday sweetness.❤️
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Emily has been carrying a seventeen-year grudge over stolen Christmas cookies, and somehow Cole, now a hot firefighter with a dog, is still the one expected to prove he is not the problem. I am sorry. At some point the statute of limitations on baked goods has to kick in.
These two used to be best friends, which makes the whole thing even more ridiculous. One plate of cookies disappears before a competition, Cole’s grandfather gets blamed, both families get weird about it, and Emily apparently stores that grievance in the same part of her brain where other people keep their Social Security number. Cole leaves town. Comes back years later. She is STILL ready to litigate.
Then a blizzard hits Maple Falls and, because this town cannot experience one normal event, Emily’s bakery becomes emergency command central. Suddenly there are pies everywhere, soup going out on snowmobiles, volunteers in elf hats, and Cole helping coordinate the whole thing like this is a FEMA response sponsored by cinnamon.
Which means Emily has to work with him. Closely. For hours. While snowed in. With all that unresolved history sitting between them like a third person with opinions.
And Cole is maddeningly decent. He helps everybody. He is calm. He is patient. He has Captain. He keeps showing Emily, over and over, that he is not the villain she built in her head when she was a kid, and Emily responds by basically going, “That is exactly what a cookie thief would want me to think.”
She drove me nuts sometimes because every time something went wrong, she would grab the nearest accusation and sprint with it. No pause. No follow-up questions. Just vibes and prosecution. Meanwhile Cole is standing there taking it because he understands more about why she is angry than she does.
And once you get into the stuff with her dad leaving, it clicks. She is not really hanging onto cookies. She is hanging onto the idea that if she can point to one clear betrayal, then everything else that hurt her makes more sense too. That part got me. Then the book wisely moves on before turning it into a therapy session.
I also liked that the old feud actually gets dragged back into the light instead of everybody just shrugging and moving on. Emily and Cole start pulling at what really happened, and every answer gets her a little closer to admitting she has spent seventeen years being furious at the wrong people. Which is rough, but also... babe.
And through all of this, Maple Falls is doing what Maple Falls does best, which is absolutely refusing to mind its own business. Everybody is helping. Everybody knows something. Everybody is one casserole away from being directly involved in Emily and Cole’s love life. I have been here enough times now to know privacy is not part of the town charter.
The Sugar and Spice Kitchen is 3.5 stars for me. I liked Cole a lot, I liked the snowstorm chaos, I liked the old-mystery angle more than I expected, and Emily frustrated me just enough that I now feel like I personally know her and should be allowed to tell her to calm down.
Merry Mayhem Prize: For Keeping a Seventeen-Year Cookie Grudge Alive Until a Blizzard, a Fire Chief, and Half the Town Finally Forced Everybody to Talk About It
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for the ARC, and for bringing me back to Maple Falls, where apparently emergency preparedness means soup, snowmobiles, one emotionally exhausted firefighter, and a baker still demanding answers about cookies from 2009.
These two used to be best friends, which makes the whole thing even more ridiculous. One plate of cookies disappears before a competition, Cole’s grandfather gets blamed, both families get weird about it, and Emily apparently stores that grievance in the same part of her brain where other people keep their Social Security number. Cole leaves town. Comes back years later. She is STILL ready to litigate.
Then a blizzard hits Maple Falls and, because this town cannot experience one normal event, Emily’s bakery becomes emergency command central. Suddenly there are pies everywhere, soup going out on snowmobiles, volunteers in elf hats, and Cole helping coordinate the whole thing like this is a FEMA response sponsored by cinnamon.
Which means Emily has to work with him. Closely. For hours. While snowed in. With all that unresolved history sitting between them like a third person with opinions.
And Cole is maddeningly decent. He helps everybody. He is calm. He is patient. He has Captain. He keeps showing Emily, over and over, that he is not the villain she built in her head when she was a kid, and Emily responds by basically going, “That is exactly what a cookie thief would want me to think.”
She drove me nuts sometimes because every time something went wrong, she would grab the nearest accusation and sprint with it. No pause. No follow-up questions. Just vibes and prosecution. Meanwhile Cole is standing there taking it because he understands more about why she is angry than she does.
And once you get into the stuff with her dad leaving, it clicks. She is not really hanging onto cookies. She is hanging onto the idea that if she can point to one clear betrayal, then everything else that hurt her makes more sense too. That part got me. Then the book wisely moves on before turning it into a therapy session.
I also liked that the old feud actually gets dragged back into the light instead of everybody just shrugging and moving on. Emily and Cole start pulling at what really happened, and every answer gets her a little closer to admitting she has spent seventeen years being furious at the wrong people. Which is rough, but also... babe.
And through all of this, Maple Falls is doing what Maple Falls does best, which is absolutely refusing to mind its own business. Everybody is helping. Everybody knows something. Everybody is one casserole away from being directly involved in Emily and Cole’s love life. I have been here enough times now to know privacy is not part of the town charter.
The Sugar and Spice Kitchen is 3.5 stars for me. I liked Cole a lot, I liked the snowstorm chaos, I liked the old-mystery angle more than I expected, and Emily frustrated me just enough that I now feel like I personally know her and should be allowed to tell her to calm down.
Merry Mayhem Prize: For Keeping a Seventeen-Year Cookie Grudge Alive Until a Blizzard, a Fire Chief, and Half the Town Finally Forced Everybody to Talk About It
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for the ARC, and for bringing me back to Maple Falls, where apparently emergency preparedness means soup, snowmobiles, one emotionally exhausted firefighter, and a baker still demanding answers about cookies from 2009.
October 2, 2026
Update:
Well as I mentioned- I got the audiobook from Bookouture Audio! I should have had a little more patience to do this as an immersion read but in the end I was glad to have the experience of not having the audio to see if the book stands on its own without narrator help and it absolutely does.
However, Andi Eloise does such an awesome job! She is incredibly talented and just brings the characters to life. It is a single narration audiobook but she does well with the voices of both the FMC and the MMC and auxiliary characters. The production was also clean and easy to listen to. As for which format is best? They are both equally enjoyable as it pertains to the conveying the prose but it’s such a treat to listen to Eloise’s voice that I’m in favor of the audio!
Original:
This is the first book in the series that I’ve read with my eyeballs rather than my ear holes! My first surprise was finding the cutest little map of Maple Falls at the beginning of the book. It’s rudimentary, but such a nice touch because now I can actually visualize where everything is!
I think this series, now at book six, is the longest one I’ve read entirely as ARCs and completely in order! I am so thankful to Bookouture for giving me the complimentary ARCs via NetGalley to read ahead of publication because I am such a fan of this series and will immediately grab every new installment.
Thankfully, this one was no different from the rest in providing that whimsical, cozy satisfaction I need to reset my brain between more complicated reads. Are they formulaic? 100%. But in this case, the enemies-to-lovers trope is front and center, complete with all the usual ups and downs, while we get to sprinkle in some Christmas magic and a locked-room trope, courtesy of a convenient blizzard.
As always, I love the cozy atmosphere that Graham creates. I just went to look something up in the book’s description on NetGalley, something I hadn’t actually read until now, and it says; “Grab a blanket, a hot chocolate, and settle in for a deliciously cosy and spicy holiday romance packed with quirky small/town charm, laugh out loud banter, sizzling Chemistry and enough Christmas magic to melt the coldest heart.” It literally tells you all you need to know. That white embodies exactly what the book is.
Her books always have the charm of a Hallmark movie, but they are so much more elevated, both with the spice, of which there is plenty, and the depth of the characters. If you’re a fan of Laurie Gilmore’s Dream Harbor series, this one is definitely going to be satisfying.
For me, though, I’m a Maple Falls girlie. I simply enjoy it more. I know exactly what I’m going to get, and that’s some cozy, predictable satisfaction.
Well as I mentioned- I got the audiobook from Bookouture Audio! I should have had a little more patience to do this as an immersion read but in the end I was glad to have the experience of not having the audio to see if the book stands on its own without narrator help and it absolutely does.
However, Andi Eloise does such an awesome job! She is incredibly talented and just brings the characters to life. It is a single narration audiobook but she does well with the voices of both the FMC and the MMC and auxiliary characters. The production was also clean and easy to listen to. As for which format is best? They are both equally enjoyable as it pertains to the conveying the prose but it’s such a treat to listen to Eloise’s voice that I’m in favor of the audio!
Original:
This is the first book in the series that I’ve read with my eyeballs rather than my ear holes! My first surprise was finding the cutest little map of Maple Falls at the beginning of the book. It’s rudimentary, but such a nice touch because now I can actually visualize where everything is!
I think this series, now at book six, is the longest one I’ve read entirely as ARCs and completely in order! I am so thankful to Bookouture for giving me the complimentary ARCs via NetGalley to read ahead of publication because I am such a fan of this series and will immediately grab every new installment.
Thankfully, this one was no different from the rest in providing that whimsical, cozy satisfaction I need to reset my brain between more complicated reads. Are they formulaic? 100%. But in this case, the enemies-to-lovers trope is front and center, complete with all the usual ups and downs, while we get to sprinkle in some Christmas magic and a locked-room trope, courtesy of a convenient blizzard.
As always, I love the cozy atmosphere that Graham creates. I just went to look something up in the book’s description on NetGalley, something I hadn’t actually read until now, and it says; “Grab a blanket, a hot chocolate, and settle in for a deliciously cosy and spicy holiday romance packed with quirky small/town charm, laugh out loud banter, sizzling Chemistry and enough Christmas magic to melt the coldest heart.” It literally tells you all you need to know. That white embodies exactly what the book is.
Her books always have the charm of a Hallmark movie, but they are so much more elevated, both with the spice, of which there is plenty, and the depth of the characters. If you’re a fan of Laurie Gilmore’s Dream Harbor series, this one is definitely going to be satisfying.
For me, though, I’m a Maple Falls girlie. I simply enjoy it more. I know exactly what I’m going to get, and that’s some cozy, predictable satisfaction.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was such a fun small town holiday romance!
Emily and Cole have some serious family beef, and I’m not gonna lie, someone starts talking about my grandparent, and we aren’t staying friends. So this plot totally tracks!
What surprised me is that they totally have this beef, but the chemistry was off the charts! From the beginning of the story, it was palpable. Watching them work together to help the community during the snowstorm was actually really fun. I enjoyed their bickering and loved that neither one of them was willing to back down! Although, at times I felt like Emily was harsh with Cole.
As they work together more, the tension just escalates. I’m just gonna say it. Cole is HOT! He literally did not disappoint! Not only did he do and say all the right things, but he was also quite mature. He held his own with Emily and always seemed to keep a level head.
I enjoyed the ending of the book! The plot resolution made sense and gave closure. I was here for it! Overall, this was a super cute holiday read!
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review!
Emily and Cole have some serious family beef, and I’m not gonna lie, someone starts talking about my grandparent, and we aren’t staying friends. So this plot totally tracks!
What surprised me is that they totally have this beef, but the chemistry was off the charts! From the beginning of the story, it was palpable. Watching them work together to help the community during the snowstorm was actually really fun. I enjoyed their bickering and loved that neither one of them was willing to back down! Although, at times I felt like Emily was harsh with Cole.
As they work together more, the tension just escalates. I’m just gonna say it. Cole is HOT! He literally did not disappoint! Not only did he do and say all the right things, but he was also quite mature. He held his own with Emily and always seemed to keep a level head.
I enjoyed the ending of the book! The plot resolution made sense and gave closure. I was here for it! Overall, this was a super cute holiday read!
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Emily is specialized in baking, especially those festive bakery, gingerbread cookies, cinnamon rolls, flavoured drinks, etc. However, being in the winter and blizzard is no joke. With her own ability and her kitchen capacity, she is feeding the whole town. But the only problem is that she has to work with Cole, her ex-best friend (who has turned into her enemy).
I really the festive (Christmas) atmosphere explained in this book. I also love the comfort feelings among people in the small town community, how people are willing to help each other without wanting anything back. Furthermore, the banters between two main characters are really on-point. Also, I love the mystery that has been introduced since the beginning. And that starts to reveal in the enjoyable way.
Thank you the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for an ARC. All opinions are my own.
I really the festive (Christmas) atmosphere explained in this book. I also love the comfort feelings among people in the small town community, how people are willing to help each other without wanting anything back. Furthermore, the banters between two main characters are really on-point. Also, I love the mystery that has been introduced since the beginning. And that starts to reveal in the enjoyable way.
Thank you the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for an ARC. All opinions are my own.
Did Not Finish
October 20, 2026
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I am shocked! I've read all of the Maple Falls books and really like them, but this one is just awful. Emily is one of the most unsufferable FMC's I've come across and she makes the story unbearable. I get it, it's an enemies to lovers trope, but Emily is just mean, and her animosity towards Cole is very offputting. Their dialogue is not only inane, but nasty and confrontational all the time. And unfortunately, the narrator's voice for Emily was just silly...she sounded like a little child, which didn't go with the content in the book. I'm so disappointed, I was looking forward to another instalment in this series.
Thank you to Netgalley and Bookouture Audio for the ALC in exchange for an honest review.
I am shocked! I've read all of the Maple Falls books and really like them, but this one is just awful. Emily is one of the most unsufferable FMC's I've come across and she makes the story unbearable. I get it, it's an enemies to lovers trope, but Emily is just mean, and her animosity towards Cole is very offputting. Their dialogue is not only inane, but nasty and confrontational all the time. And unfortunately, the narrator's voice for Emily was just silly...she sounded like a little child, which didn't go with the content in the book. I'm so disappointed, I was looking forward to another instalment in this series.
Thank you to Netgalley and Bookouture Audio for the ALC in exchange for an honest review.
October 22, 2026
The Sugar and Spice Kitchen, a cozy holiday romance
I just love Maple Falls! With this being book 6, it really feels like a place that I know and have visited. Emily owns and runs the Pumpkin Pie Bakery, while Cole is firefighter. These two have some serious history though, having been childhood friends, but Cole's grandfather, Mr. Alders, was accused of stealing Emily's grandmother's cookies before a competition, and Emily has never forgiven Cole...even though everyone else has. While Cole has feelings towards Emily, she seems to be having a hard time seeing through her own anger.
Honestly, Emily really annoyed me. Her anger/hatred towards Cole and his grandfather seems a bit ridiculous, especially considering that the thing she is so mad about happened so long ago, and even her own Grandfather had made amends with Mr. Alders. I did not like Emily's character basically through most of the story, even though she does so much for the town. But after all the selfless things that Cole has done, and then Emily goes and accuses Cole of yet another thing, I just can't stand her! It made my day when all the other characters admitted to having done all the things she accused Cole of, and her embarrassment in front of everyone was just what she needed. She does finally come to a reckoning when a friend calls her out, so Emily does go through a lot of growth in this story, finally admitting to and realizing that she needs to work on herself.
Cole, the quite literal perfect guy any girl would want. Helps everyone without even being asked, all the little things he does, could make a girl swoon. Of course, Emily has the physical reaction to Cole, but her hard head has a tough time getting past her unreasonable anger.
I love that Emily and Cole go on this mystery investigation to finally find out who stole the cookies all those years ago. As they nearly reach a dead end, a blast from the past comes strolling into town and has had the answer all this time. I think this story is a perfect example of how truths can get twisted over time.
I actually really loved this story, despite my dislike for Emily, is has a great ending, and is so full of warm delicious foods, and hot cocoa, it will make you want something warm and yummy to go along with your reading. I cannot wait for the next one!
Thank you so much to Bookouture, Netgalley, and the author for a copy!
Some fav quotes:
" And Emily knew being snowed in with Cole was far more dangerous than the blizzard outside…"
"Cole had been in worse situations. None immediately came to mind. Emily was a five-alarm fire all on her own."
"Cole had been in worse situations. None immediately came to mind. Emily was a five-alarm fire all on her own. The rest of her seemed to have developed a completely different opinion."
"The heavy turnout jacket stretched across his shoulders. The suspenders she had slid down his shoulders two days before. His gloved hands looked huge on the handlebars. She hated how attractive she found the whole picture—the embodiment of every ridiculous firefighter fantasy she’d ever rolled her eyes at in books."
"The heavy turnout jacket stretched across his shoulders. The suspenders she had slid down his shoulders two days before. His gloved hands looked huge on the handlebars. She hated how attractive she found the whole picture—the embodiment of every ridiculous firefighter fantasy she’d ever rolled her eyes at in books."
"“I say it every year because it’s true,” the mayor said, “there’s no place more magical than Maple Falls at Christmas time! Even a blizzard can’t dampen our spirits!”"
"A man should not be sexy tying on an apron, but here she was, fantasizing about the hot firefighter who could also bake."
"“I may have one or two lumberjack fantasies,” she said, into his thermal. “Just so you know.”"
"Of course. Of course he looks like that in a suit. Because he looked like everything in everything—gear, flannel, thermal with the sleeves pushed up, axe in hand—and apparently a suit was simply the next item on a list that was going to continue indefinitely."
I just love Maple Falls! With this being book 6, it really feels like a place that I know and have visited. Emily owns and runs the Pumpkin Pie Bakery, while Cole is firefighter. These two have some serious history though, having been childhood friends, but Cole's grandfather, Mr. Alders, was accused of stealing Emily's grandmother's cookies before a competition, and Emily has never forgiven Cole...even though everyone else has. While Cole has feelings towards Emily, she seems to be having a hard time seeing through her own anger.
Honestly, Emily really annoyed me. Her anger/hatred towards Cole and his grandfather seems a bit ridiculous, especially considering that the thing she is so mad about happened so long ago, and even her own Grandfather had made amends with Mr. Alders. I did not like Emily's character basically through most of the story, even though she does so much for the town. But after all the selfless things that Cole has done, and then Emily goes and accuses Cole of yet another thing, I just can't stand her! It made my day when all the other characters admitted to having done all the things she accused Cole of, and her embarrassment in front of everyone was just what she needed. She does finally come to a reckoning when a friend calls her out, so Emily does go through a lot of growth in this story, finally admitting to and realizing that she needs to work on herself.
Cole, the quite literal perfect guy any girl would want. Helps everyone without even being asked, all the little things he does, could make a girl swoon. Of course, Emily has the physical reaction to Cole, but her hard head has a tough time getting past her unreasonable anger.
I love that Emily and Cole go on this mystery investigation to finally find out who stole the cookies all those years ago. As they nearly reach a dead end, a blast from the past comes strolling into town and has had the answer all this time. I think this story is a perfect example of how truths can get twisted over time.
I actually really loved this story, despite my dislike for Emily, is has a great ending, and is so full of warm delicious foods, and hot cocoa, it will make you want something warm and yummy to go along with your reading. I cannot wait for the next one!
Thank you so much to Bookouture, Netgalley, and the author for a copy!
Some fav quotes:
" And Emily knew being snowed in with Cole was far more dangerous than the blizzard outside…"
"Cole had been in worse situations. None immediately came to mind. Emily was a five-alarm fire all on her own."
"Cole had been in worse situations. None immediately came to mind. Emily was a five-alarm fire all on her own. The rest of her seemed to have developed a completely different opinion."
"The heavy turnout jacket stretched across his shoulders. The suspenders she had slid down his shoulders two days before. His gloved hands looked huge on the handlebars. She hated how attractive she found the whole picture—the embodiment of every ridiculous firefighter fantasy she’d ever rolled her eyes at in books."
"The heavy turnout jacket stretched across his shoulders. The suspenders she had slid down his shoulders two days before. His gloved hands looked huge on the handlebars. She hated how attractive she found the whole picture—the embodiment of every ridiculous firefighter fantasy she’d ever rolled her eyes at in books."
"“I say it every year because it’s true,” the mayor said, “there’s no place more magical than Maple Falls at Christmas time! Even a blizzard can’t dampen our spirits!”"
"A man should not be sexy tying on an apron, but here she was, fantasizing about the hot firefighter who could also bake."
"“I may have one or two lumberjack fantasies,” she said, into his thermal. “Just so you know.”"
"Of course. Of course he looks like that in a suit. Because he looked like everything in everything—gear, flannel, thermal with the sleeves pushed up, axe in hand—and apparently a suit was simply the next item on a list that was going to continue indefinitely."
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
⭐ Rating: 3.75 Stars.
✨ The Vibe
A cozy, festive small-town holiday romance with Christmas baking, forced proximity, a hot firefighter, family feuds, banter, and spice. Think snowy small-town chaos due to a blizzard, cinnamon rolls, gingerbread cookies, holiday deliveries, and plenty of Christmas magic. 🎄
🫶 Who Will Love This?
If you love cozy Christmas romances set in a small town with a tight-knit community that helps each other out when in need, plus lots of baking, forced proximity, a 17-year-old family feud, and a hot firefighter with a cute dog driven insane by a hot-headed but kind bakeress, this one might be right up your alley.
🔥 Tropes & Elements
- Holiday romance
- Firefighter romance
- Small-town romance
- Baking & Christmas chaos
- Enemies to lovers
- Forced proximity
- Cozy + steamy
💭 My Thoughts
I really enjoy Harper Graham's writing style. Her books are so easy-going and funny, and they always pull me in quickly while giving me ALL the atmosphere. This one especially delivered on the Christmas vibes.
I loved Maple Falls going into full rescue mode when the blizzard hit. Everyone immediately started helping, delivering food and supplies, and making sure people were okay. It was SO cute and cozy.
And Cole?! THIS MAN. 😭 He is genuinely such a good person. He helps everyone, all the time, and it just comes naturally to him. Kind, sweet, handsome, firefighter, muscles, abs… excuse me while I fan myself. And then there's Captain, his dog. Obviously I loved him too.
Emily, however... girl. I understood that she had her own trauma, and I can see how her father's abandonment could have affected her, but I just could not get behind the way she treated Cole. Holding a grudge for 17 YEARS over some stolen cookies when the people actually involved had already made up weeks after it happened?! I was struggling. 😂
She repeatedly threw accusations at Cole and his family and made some genuinely mean remarks, and I just kept thinking: Cole deserves better. I did really like the eventual resolution of the family feud, though. I won't say too much because of spoilers, but I thought the truth about the cookies was handled really well.
This wasn't my favorite Maple Falls book, but I still enjoyed it. The writing, pacing, Christmas atmosphere, cozy small-town setting, baking, spice, Cole, and Captain all worked for me. Basically: give me Christmas + a cozy town + baking + forced proximity + a hot firefighter, and I'm probably going to have a good time. 😂🎄
📢 Disclosure: Thank you to Bookouture, NetGalley, and Harper Graham for providing me with an ARC. All thoughts and opinions are always my own.
✨ The Vibe
A cozy, festive small-town holiday romance with Christmas baking, forced proximity, a hot firefighter, family feuds, banter, and spice. Think snowy small-town chaos due to a blizzard, cinnamon rolls, gingerbread cookies, holiday deliveries, and plenty of Christmas magic. 🎄
🫶 Who Will Love This?
If you love cozy Christmas romances set in a small town with a tight-knit community that helps each other out when in need, plus lots of baking, forced proximity, a 17-year-old family feud, and a hot firefighter with a cute dog driven insane by a hot-headed but kind bakeress, this one might be right up your alley.
🔥 Tropes & Elements
- Holiday romance
- Firefighter romance
- Small-town romance
- Baking & Christmas chaos
- Enemies to lovers
- Forced proximity
- Cozy + steamy
💭 My Thoughts
I really enjoy Harper Graham's writing style. Her books are so easy-going and funny, and they always pull me in quickly while giving me ALL the atmosphere. This one especially delivered on the Christmas vibes.
I loved Maple Falls going into full rescue mode when the blizzard hit. Everyone immediately started helping, delivering food and supplies, and making sure people were okay. It was SO cute and cozy.
And Cole?! THIS MAN. 😭 He is genuinely such a good person. He helps everyone, all the time, and it just comes naturally to him. Kind, sweet, handsome, firefighter, muscles, abs… excuse me while I fan myself. And then there's Captain, his dog. Obviously I loved him too.
Emily, however... girl. I understood that she had her own trauma, and I can see how her father's abandonment could have affected her, but I just could not get behind the way she treated Cole. Holding a grudge for 17 YEARS over some stolen cookies when the people actually involved had already made up weeks after it happened?! I was struggling. 😂
She repeatedly threw accusations at Cole and his family and made some genuinely mean remarks, and I just kept thinking: Cole deserves better. I did really like the eventual resolution of the family feud, though. I won't say too much because of spoilers, but I thought the truth about the cookies was handled really well.
This wasn't my favorite Maple Falls book, but I still enjoyed it. The writing, pacing, Christmas atmosphere, cozy small-town setting, baking, spice, Cole, and Captain all worked for me. Basically: give me Christmas + a cozy town + baking + forced proximity + a hot firefighter, and I'm probably going to have a good time. 😂🎄
📢 Disclosure: Thank you to Bookouture, NetGalley, and Harper Graham for providing me with an ARC. All thoughts and opinions are always my own.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This book suffocated me with longing. I swear I spent more than half of it holding my breath, waiting for these two people to finally get into the same damn room and deal with what was happening between them.
I read more than half of this book in one sitting, and the tension felt like burning air. Harper Graham does atmosphere better than almost anyone I’ve EVER read. You can smell her settings, feel them, practically step inside them. In the middle of the absolute chaos of my life right now, this book felt like a soft little caress to my soul.
A very hot, very steamy caress. Jesus. Christ.
I will only say: Cole chopping wood.
What worked:
The pacing was fantastic. Graham keeps tightening the tension, gives you just enough release to survive the next minute, and then turns it up again. Also, this book is excellent fan-service to all females out there.
I also loved the Christmas atmosphere because it wasn’t just candy canes, decorations and manufactured festive fluff. The warmth came from community; making things together, showing up for people, creating something that brings other people joy. A baby blanket for a friend. A gingerbread town for a community event. Christmas as connection rather than consumption.
And underneath all of that, the romance itself becomes a story about forgiveness, choice and deciding what you actually want your life and relationship to look like.
What didn’t work:
My personal problem was the foundation of the enemies-to-lovers conflict . I won't spoiler anything but the reason Emily and Cole have avoided each other and carried this resentment for SEVENTEEN years felt wildly disproportionate to what actually happened. I could believe it creating a painful fallout when they were young. Even a grudge lasting a few years. But seventeen YEARS? By adulthood, most of the things that happened a decade ago lose meaning in the big picture of navigating ADULT life.
And because that foundation didn’t convince me, some of Emily’s behavior landed much harder. At one point she does something to Cole that I found genuinely cruel and humiliating. I was sitting there thinking: How the hell is this still going to become a love story? after what she just pulled.
Her fear, abandonment issues and tendency to destroy things before they can hurt her explain the behavior, but for me they didn’t excuse it. She was childish, unreasonable and deeply hurtful in a way I struggled to accept from an adult woman.
Frankly, Emily did not deserve Cole’s forgiveness nearly as easily as I wanted Cole protected from her.
But Harper Graham still pulled me back in.
This should probably have lost a star for me based purely on that central conflict. And yet… I devoured it. The atmosphere, the pacing, the unbearable tension, the warmth, the community, the steam and Cole chopping wood like Thoren Bradley completely won.
It gave me everything the book I’d read before it had been missing: emotional intensity, genuine coziness, chemistry that actually made me desperate for the characters to touch, and a festive setting that felt meaningful.
Thank you Netgalley and Bookouture for the exclusive early access!!
I read more than half of this book in one sitting, and the tension felt like burning air. Harper Graham does atmosphere better than almost anyone I’ve EVER read. You can smell her settings, feel them, practically step inside them. In the middle of the absolute chaos of my life right now, this book felt like a soft little caress to my soul.
A very hot, very steamy caress. Jesus. Christ.
I will only say: Cole chopping wood.
What worked:
The pacing was fantastic. Graham keeps tightening the tension, gives you just enough release to survive the next minute, and then turns it up again. Also, this book is excellent fan-service to all females out there.
I also loved the Christmas atmosphere because it wasn’t just candy canes, decorations and manufactured festive fluff. The warmth came from community; making things together, showing up for people, creating something that brings other people joy. A baby blanket for a friend. A gingerbread town for a community event. Christmas as connection rather than consumption.
And underneath all of that, the romance itself becomes a story about forgiveness, choice and deciding what you actually want your life and relationship to look like.
What didn’t work:
My personal problem was the foundation of the enemies-to-lovers conflict . I won't spoiler anything but the reason Emily and Cole have avoided each other and carried this resentment for SEVENTEEN years felt wildly disproportionate to what actually happened. I could believe it creating a painful fallout when they were young. Even a grudge lasting a few years. But seventeen YEARS? By adulthood, most of the things that happened a decade ago lose meaning in the big picture of navigating ADULT life.
And because that foundation didn’t convince me, some of Emily’s behavior landed much harder. At one point she does something to Cole that I found genuinely cruel and humiliating. I was sitting there thinking: How the hell is this still going to become a love story? after what she just pulled.
Her fear, abandonment issues and tendency to destroy things before they can hurt her explain the behavior, but for me they didn’t excuse it. She was childish, unreasonable and deeply hurtful in a way I struggled to accept from an adult woman.
Frankly, Emily did not deserve Cole’s forgiveness nearly as easily as I wanted Cole protected from her.
But Harper Graham still pulled me back in.
This should probably have lost a star for me based purely on that central conflict. And yet… I devoured it. The atmosphere, the pacing, the unbearable tension, the warmth, the community, the steam and Cole chopping wood like Thoren Bradley completely won.
It gave me everything the book I’d read before it had been missing: emotional intensity, genuine coziness, chemistry that actually made me desperate for the characters to touch, and a festive setting that felt meaningful.
Thank you Netgalley and Bookouture for the exclusive early access!!
October 21, 2026
I do love a good enemies-to-lovers romance, and throw in Christmas, a cosy little bakery and a grumpy firefighter, and I’m sold! 😂❤️
I really like the sound of Emily. A festive baker with Christmas music playing, cinnamon rolls in the oven and enough attitude to keep a certain firefighter on his toes! She sounds like she brings plenty of personality to the story, and I can already imagine the banter between her and Cole.
And Cole… a brooding firefighter from the family her family has been feuding with for years? Oh, this should be fun! 😂 I’m always a fan of two characters who insist they can’t stand each other, only for circumstances to throw them together and make things a whole lot more complicated. Being snowed in together while trying to save Christmas deliveries sounds like the perfect recipe for chaos, a few arguments and plenty of sparks!
I also love the sound of Maple Falls at Christmas. The cosy bakery, the snowstorm, the festive baking and the whole town pulling together give this such a lovely Christmassy feel. It sounds like one of those books you can really settle into when you want something fun and entertaining, with a bit of romance and spice thrown in for good measure.
I’m also curious about the family feud and the secrets behind it. I wonder whether Emily and Cole will finally put the past behind them, or whether their families will make things even more complicated!
This sounds like such a fun mix of festive fluff, fiery chemistry, bickering and small-town shenanigans. I can imagine there’ll be plenty of moments to make me laugh, along with those swoony romantic moments we all love. ❤️
Definitely one I’d be tempted to pick up for a bit of Christmas escapism! Give me a cosy blanket, a hot chocolate and a festive enemies-to-lovers romance any day. 🎄☕📖
I really like the sound of Emily. A festive baker with Christmas music playing, cinnamon rolls in the oven and enough attitude to keep a certain firefighter on his toes! She sounds like she brings plenty of personality to the story, and I can already imagine the banter between her and Cole.
And Cole… a brooding firefighter from the family her family has been feuding with for years? Oh, this should be fun! 😂 I’m always a fan of two characters who insist they can’t stand each other, only for circumstances to throw them together and make things a whole lot more complicated. Being snowed in together while trying to save Christmas deliveries sounds like the perfect recipe for chaos, a few arguments and plenty of sparks!
I also love the sound of Maple Falls at Christmas. The cosy bakery, the snowstorm, the festive baking and the whole town pulling together give this such a lovely Christmassy feel. It sounds like one of those books you can really settle into when you want something fun and entertaining, with a bit of romance and spice thrown in for good measure.
I’m also curious about the family feud and the secrets behind it. I wonder whether Emily and Cole will finally put the past behind them, or whether their families will make things even more complicated!
This sounds like such a fun mix of festive fluff, fiery chemistry, bickering and small-town shenanigans. I can imagine there’ll be plenty of moments to make me laugh, along with those swoony romantic moments we all love. ❤️
Definitely one I’d be tempted to pick up for a bit of Christmas escapism! Give me a cosy blanket, a hot chocolate and a festive enemies-to-lovers romance any day. 🎄☕📖
October 2, 2026
Thank you so much to Netgalley, Harper Graham, and Bookouture for letting me arc read another one of Harper’s books!!
I have tried to ARC read as many of Harper’s books as I can get my hands on because I love her writing so much. I feel like she instantly draws you into the story with the vibes of the small town. I feel like I’m experiencing Christmas, the smell of cookies in the air, and hot chocolate on the stove. Everything about the vibes that her writing presents from the first page just makes you wish it was the holidays already!
I love the small town trope in this book. It makes me want to move to a small town especially when she builds on the different characters. I love how involved characters from her other stories are in whatever book shes currently releasing. It really ties the books together and makes you feel even more welcomed into the story.
I also just love Emily and Cole’s story. Emily annoyed me at some points because of the way she treated Cole but he is such a green flag man. He was mature and forgiving at times when many people might not be so understanding. I also get some of the trauma Emily has that leads her to act a certain way so all in all I loved her. Together they were so sweet and had a bit of spicy moments here and there.
I would definitely recommend this book if you’re looking for your next holiday read!
I have tried to ARC read as many of Harper’s books as I can get my hands on because I love her writing so much. I feel like she instantly draws you into the story with the vibes of the small town. I feel like I’m experiencing Christmas, the smell of cookies in the air, and hot chocolate on the stove. Everything about the vibes that her writing presents from the first page just makes you wish it was the holidays already!
I love the small town trope in this book. It makes me want to move to a small town especially when she builds on the different characters. I love how involved characters from her other stories are in whatever book shes currently releasing. It really ties the books together and makes you feel even more welcomed into the story.
I also just love Emily and Cole’s story. Emily annoyed me at some points because of the way she treated Cole but he is such a green flag man. He was mature and forgiving at times when many people might not be so understanding. I also get some of the trauma Emily has that leads her to act a certain way so all in all I loved her. Together they were so sweet and had a bit of spicy moments here and there.
I would definitely recommend this book if you’re looking for your next holiday read!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Sugar and Spice Kitchen by Harper Graham
6th book in the series that can be read as a standalone.
Thanks Netgalley, Bookouture, and Harper Graham for this ARC in exchange for my review.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶
🎄Holiday Romance, Childhood Friends, Spice, Forced Proximity, Baking Competition, Small Town
This is such a cozy and spicy Christmas read. It felt messy, chaotic, and relatable. There's a long feud between two families and Emily can't seem to let it go. She's fiery and a bit immature, but she does grow in the book. Thankfully, she has good friends surrounding her. Cole is an extremely patient and broody firefighter. Parts of this story had me like oh my god. I didn't expect certain parts of the spice, but I didn't mind either. Their chemistry sizzled, and the banter was written well. It's a definite read if you like cozy mixed with spice.
#spicyreads #Netgalley #harpergraham #romance #holidayreads
6th book in the series that can be read as a standalone.
Thanks Netgalley, Bookouture, and Harper Graham for this ARC in exchange for my review.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶
🎄Holiday Romance, Childhood Friends, Spice, Forced Proximity, Baking Competition, Small Town
This is such a cozy and spicy Christmas read. It felt messy, chaotic, and relatable. There's a long feud between two families and Emily can't seem to let it go. She's fiery and a bit immature, but she does grow in the book. Thankfully, she has good friends surrounding her. Cole is an extremely patient and broody firefighter. Parts of this story had me like oh my god. I didn't expect certain parts of the spice, but I didn't mind either. Their chemistry sizzled, and the banter was written well. It's a definite read if you like cozy mixed with spice.
#spicyreads #Netgalley #harpergraham #romance #holidayreads
September 26, 2026
Sweet story of childhood friends who come together to help their community while discovering love. Forgiveness, community, and a community like a Hallmark movie. I was all in. Perfect cozy novel!
October 21, 2026
This book was really cute! It was a quick and easy Christmas book with great spice. The tropes are enemies to lovers, small town, and forced proximity. I did think the original conflict that caused the main characters to hate each other was a little extra but it all came together in the end. I thought the audio and narration was good, but I do wish it was two narrators. I have really enjoyed this series and can’t wait to read more!
Thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture Audio, and Harper Graham for letting me listen to this ALC!
Thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture Audio, and Harper Graham for letting me listen to this ALC!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I enjoyed myself a lot reading this. It felt like a Hallmark movie and that's a vibe.
Our FMC did annoy me at times and the book was maybe a tad too long for me? Also the solution of who stole the cookies kinda disappointed me. I expected an ulterior motive. I expected foul play. I expected drama. It didn't really deliver that.
But nevertheless it was a fun cute holiday read. Definitely read this with cold weather/close to the holidays.
Our FMC did annoy me at times and the book was maybe a tad too long for me? Also the solution of who stole the cookies kinda disappointed me. I expected an ulterior motive. I expected foul play. I expected drama. It didn't really deliver that.
But nevertheless it was a fun cute holiday read. Definitely read this with cold weather/close to the holidays.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was my first read by Harper Graham. Although this was the sixth installment in the Maple Falls series, it wasn't necessary to know the previous stories to enjoy the reading. It follows Emily and Cole, who were best friends for years until an unfortunate misunderstanding led them to abandon their friendship.
While it was a cute small town romance and followed most of the same storyline - with Cole having moved to the big city (New York) and recently coming back to Maple Falls, I found myself frustrated with Emily and her inability to let go of the rumor that Cole's grandfather stole her grandmother's baked cookies right before an annual competition was set to happen.
Did the two have chemistry? Absolutely! It was chemistry that stemmed from their closeness when they were young, being two people that really understood each other. And it was pretty hot, actually! Emily's grudge and inability to believe Cole so far into the book surprised me. He's this huge cinnamon roll and she comes off as snarky.
Emily's grudge leads to the third act breakup but thankfully she wakes up and apologizes to Cole and they have their HEA. Overall, it was a great holiday small town romance.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!
While it was a cute small town romance and followed most of the same storyline - with Cole having moved to the big city (New York) and recently coming back to Maple Falls, I found myself frustrated with Emily and her inability to let go of the rumor that Cole's grandfather stole her grandmother's baked cookies right before an annual competition was set to happen.
Did the two have chemistry? Absolutely! It was chemistry that stemmed from their closeness when they were young, being two people that really understood each other. And it was pretty hot, actually! Emily's grudge and inability to believe Cole so far into the book surprised me. He's this huge cinnamon roll and she comes off as snarky.
Emily's grudge leads to the third act breakup but thankfully she wakes up and apologizes to Cole and they have their HEA. Overall, it was a great holiday small town romance.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Quick Summary: A 5-alarm fire, Xmas joy romance
My Review: The Sugar and Spice Kitchen by Harper Graham is book #6 in the Maple Falls series. It is scheduled for release on 10/22/26.
About the Book: "The snow is falling. So are they…
She works in Maple Falls’ coziest kitchen. He’s the brooding firefighter from the family that’s feuded with hers for decades. They drive each other crazy, and now a snowstorm has thrown them together…"
In My Own Words: Wanting. Needing. Yearning. Secret longing. Connecting in spite of a standing disconnect. Love that would not be denied for two friends turned enemies turned lovers.
About the Characters: The featured couple in this installment was Emily and Cole.
👩🍳 - Emily -> Baker, former BFF of Cole, stubborn and focused, generous with a desire to help others, compassionate heart
👨🚒 - Cole -> Firefighter, former BFF of Emily, rigid and willful, protective even though he comes across as a grump, relief worker at heart
🐱 - Nutmeg -> Meow! Cuteness in a fur ball.
About the Conflict: A disaster turned misunderstanding from 17 years ago wrapped up two sorry-not-sorry-friends in regret, even as they both fought against the hot and bothered heat that kept them coming back for more. The tone of this book sneaks up on you and causes a minor emotional throat punch to the heart before you even know it's happening.
About the Audiobook: This novel was narrated by Andi Eloise. Bravo! (Do I need to say more?)
My Favorite Scenes (coded, so as to avoid spoilers):
🌨️❄️ - Snowed In
🔔 - Jingle Bells & Candy Canes
🎯 - Operation Cole
🏘️ - Small Town Toasty Times
🍪 - Cookies Be Gone Then Found
☃️ - Snowmobile Adventures
🎂 - Bake Off! (Hot, Charged, & Reckless)
🔥 - Mmm...hmm, Oh Yes
❤️ - Remembering You + Me
⏳ - That's Nostalgia
📝 - A Recipe for Joy
🍊🥃 - Zest is Best
My Final Say: I have said it before, and I will say it again, I love this series! Maple Falls charmed the socks right off me. It was so easy to sit a spell and listen to everyone. I love that this installment was about reconciliation, finding and making peace, loving up on those who are cared about, and resting in truth. Watching Emily and Cole come back to the place of their sweet love for each other was cinnamon-spice goodness. The mystery-to-go totally earned a chef's kiss salute.
I absolutely loved the significance of Emily trying to recreate her grandmother's cookie recipe. That was huge, in my eyes. The whole process seemed to be linked to her heart, her memories, her loss, her healing, and her finding her way to resolve. Likewise, Cole and his grandfather's spice cake served as a point of contention and as a point of reconciliation. Both the cookie and the cake had so much symbolism attached to them. (The family feud and the new bake off angle to be undertaken by the main characters after 17 years of waiting for vindication are book club gold.)
Other: Readers who enjoy cozy spice, fire causing fantasies, small town community bonding, and close proximity working scenarios will adore this story.
[Indicated] Tropes:
Enemies to lovers
Workplace romance
Firefighter romance
Holiday romance
Small-town vs. city life
Cozy and steamy
Rating: 4.75/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: A
Re-read: Yes
Keeper: Yes
Favorites Shelf: Yes
Status: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️3/4
Level: 🍬💕💋🌶️
Character Chemistry/Heat Factor: ✅
Format: 🎧📱
Narration: +
Series: Yes
Cover: +
Title: +
Sincere appreciation is extended to the author, to the publishers (Bookouture | Bookouture Audio), and to NetGalley. Thank you so very much for granting access to a digital ARC and an ALC of this title in exchange for an honest critique. I thoroughly enjoyed reading/listening to this book.
My Review: The Sugar and Spice Kitchen by Harper Graham is book #6 in the Maple Falls series. It is scheduled for release on 10/22/26.
About the Book: "The snow is falling. So are they…
She works in Maple Falls’ coziest kitchen. He’s the brooding firefighter from the family that’s feuded with hers for decades. They drive each other crazy, and now a snowstorm has thrown them together…"
In My Own Words: Wanting. Needing. Yearning. Secret longing. Connecting in spite of a standing disconnect. Love that would not be denied for two friends turned enemies turned lovers.
About the Characters: The featured couple in this installment was Emily and Cole.
👩🍳 - Emily -> Baker, former BFF of Cole, stubborn and focused, generous with a desire to help others, compassionate heart
👨🚒 - Cole -> Firefighter, former BFF of Emily, rigid and willful, protective even though he comes across as a grump, relief worker at heart
🐱 - Nutmeg -> Meow! Cuteness in a fur ball.
About the Conflict: A disaster turned misunderstanding from 17 years ago wrapped up two sorry-not-sorry-friends in regret, even as they both fought against the hot and bothered heat that kept them coming back for more. The tone of this book sneaks up on you and causes a minor emotional throat punch to the heart before you even know it's happening.
About the Audiobook: This novel was narrated by Andi Eloise. Bravo! (Do I need to say more?)
My Favorite Scenes (coded, so as to avoid spoilers):
🌨️❄️ - Snowed In
🔔 - Jingle Bells & Candy Canes
🎯 - Operation Cole
🏘️ - Small Town Toasty Times
🍪 - Cookies Be Gone Then Found
☃️ - Snowmobile Adventures
🎂 - Bake Off! (Hot, Charged, & Reckless)
🔥 - Mmm...hmm, Oh Yes
❤️ - Remembering You + Me
⏳ - That's Nostalgia
📝 - A Recipe for Joy
🍊🥃 - Zest is Best
My Final Say: I have said it before, and I will say it again, I love this series! Maple Falls charmed the socks right off me. It was so easy to sit a spell and listen to everyone. I love that this installment was about reconciliation, finding and making peace, loving up on those who are cared about, and resting in truth. Watching Emily and Cole come back to the place of their sweet love for each other was cinnamon-spice goodness. The mystery-to-go totally earned a chef's kiss salute.
I absolutely loved the significance of Emily trying to recreate her grandmother's cookie recipe. That was huge, in my eyes. The whole process seemed to be linked to her heart, her memories, her loss, her healing, and her finding her way to resolve. Likewise, Cole and his grandfather's spice cake served as a point of contention and as a point of reconciliation. Both the cookie and the cake had so much symbolism attached to them. (The family feud and the new bake off angle to be undertaken by the main characters after 17 years of waiting for vindication are book club gold.)
Other: Readers who enjoy cozy spice, fire causing fantasies, small town community bonding, and close proximity working scenarios will adore this story.
[Indicated] Tropes:
Enemies to lovers
Workplace romance
Firefighter romance
Holiday romance
Small-town vs. city life
Cozy and steamy
Rating: 4.75/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: A
Re-read: Yes
Keeper: Yes
Favorites Shelf: Yes
Status: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️3/4
Level: 🍬💕💋🌶️
Character Chemistry/Heat Factor: ✅
Format: 🎧📱
Narration: +
Series: Yes
Cover: +
Title: +
Sincere appreciation is extended to the author, to the publishers (Bookouture | Bookouture Audio), and to NetGalley. Thank you so very much for granting access to a digital ARC and an ALC of this title in exchange for an honest critique. I thoroughly enjoyed reading/listening to this book.
October 21, 2026
The Sugar and Spice Kitchen by Harper Graham is a cosy and spicy, enemies to lovers holiday read. I was quickly pulled into the story and it delivered the light and engaging narrative I was looking for.
Emily and Cole's banter was entertaining and their sizzling chemistry was apparent from the get go. The opposite of love isn't hate, it's indifference and that was crystal clear in this book. There is nothing indifferent in how these two feel about each other, which explains how quickly they transition from verbal sparring to sex. They have a long standing history and extensive knowledge of each other, which made the speed at which physical intimacy fired up feel less out of place than it might have otherwise.
I do wish there was more of a focus on safe sex along with intimacy, not just in this book but in many I have read. Trusting the pill and the other person's word feels like a big leap of faith. And this lack of trust comes through loud and clear following their first encounter. This just proves that physical contact is one thing, but intimacy is something else entirely.
I enjoyed how the chapters shifted between Cole and Emily's perspective. I also appreciated how their relationship took time to build, heal and evolve over the course of the book. Resolving old grievances, especially when they involve a longstanding family feud, hurt feelings and betrayal is not easy. By the time things got hot and heavy again it felt earned.
The mystery behind their family conflict was woven into the central romance in a way that was very satisfying. The writing was engaging and brought a slice of small town life along with all of the ways that people show up for each other during times of crisis and celebration.
In a world where everything feels incredibly heavy and often jarring, having a cosy, idealized small town to escape to feels good. A guaranteed HOA doesn't always happen in real life, but there is a comfort in reading a book where you know just what you are in for.
This was my first introduction to the Maple Falls Series. It has piqued my interest and I will definitely be checking out the rest of the books. The series would appeal to fans of Laurie Gilmore's Dream Harbor and BK Borison's Lovelight series. It is an open door romance with lots of spice, set against the backdrop of a supportive small town.
I received an ARC copy of this book via NetGalley, all opinions are my own.
Emily and Cole's banter was entertaining and their sizzling chemistry was apparent from the get go. The opposite of love isn't hate, it's indifference and that was crystal clear in this book. There is nothing indifferent in how these two feel about each other, which explains how quickly they transition from verbal sparring to sex. They have a long standing history and extensive knowledge of each other, which made the speed at which physical intimacy fired up feel less out of place than it might have otherwise.
I do wish there was more of a focus on safe sex along with intimacy, not just in this book but in many I have read. Trusting the pill and the other person's word feels like a big leap of faith. And this lack of trust comes through loud and clear following their first encounter. This just proves that physical contact is one thing, but intimacy is something else entirely.
I enjoyed how the chapters shifted between Cole and Emily's perspective. I also appreciated how their relationship took time to build, heal and evolve over the course of the book. Resolving old grievances, especially when they involve a longstanding family feud, hurt feelings and betrayal is not easy. By the time things got hot and heavy again it felt earned.
The mystery behind their family conflict was woven into the central romance in a way that was very satisfying. The writing was engaging and brought a slice of small town life along with all of the ways that people show up for each other during times of crisis and celebration.
In a world where everything feels incredibly heavy and often jarring, having a cosy, idealized small town to escape to feels good. A guaranteed HOA doesn't always happen in real life, but there is a comfort in reading a book where you know just what you are in for.
This was my first introduction to the Maple Falls Series. It has piqued my interest and I will definitely be checking out the rest of the books. The series would appeal to fans of Laurie Gilmore's Dream Harbor and BK Borison's Lovelight series. It is an open door romance with lots of spice, set against the backdrop of a supportive small town.
I received an ARC copy of this book via NetGalley, all opinions are my own.
October 26, 2026
This is a STUNNINGLY written book that has vivid descriptions which will make you feel like you have escaped on a beautiful break, breathing the the scent of cakes and cookies and falling in love with everything around you!! It takes you on a journey to Maple Falls and I was devastated when I had to pack my case to come back home and leave Maple Falls behind 😭
OMG!!! I ABSOLUTELY LOVE, LOVE, LOVED THIS BOOK, AN ABSOLUTELY AMAZING, FUNNY, CHARMING, WITTY AND PAGE TURNING MUST READ!!!
I have read several books in this series and absolutely LOVED every single one and this stunner is certainly no exception!! An absolutely flaming hot, spicy, tasty delight! I absolutely Love, LOVE, LOVED this absolutely STUNNING AND LUSHIOUS page turner!! It was just absolutely beautiful and I was hooked from the very first page to the last!! An absolute must read!!!
AN AMAZING, SPICY, BOOK FILLED, TASTY AND STUNNING ESCAPISM THAT WILL WHISK YOU AWAY TO THE DREAMY MAPLE FALLS!!
What an absolutely feel good, heart warming, turn a frown upside down escapism! It is a gorgeous story ram packed with romance, scrummy treats, spice, beautiful settings, snow, heat, community, kindness, drama, friendship, laughter, deliciousness, feistiness and absolutely everything you could ask for and so much more!! It really does tick every single box in everything you could want in a beautiful escapism. It will have you feeling like you are on a rollercoaster ride of emotions. Harper's beautiful, vivid fantastic immersive writing skills and gorgeous imagination will keep you sucked in from beginning to end. Once you pick up this book and turn the pages I can guarantee you will not want to put it down!!
ALL BOOKS IN THIS BEAUTIFUL SERIES ARE FREE WITH KINDLE UNLIMITED! WHY ARE YOU STILL WASTING YOUR TIME HERE INSTEAD OF READING THESE PAGE TURNERS!! GO, GO, GO!
A spicy, stunning and sexy page turning book of deliciousness!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
2.75🌟
Childhood enemies to lovers, Emily and Cole meet again. They try to solve the mystery surrounding a feud between their grandparents that has deeply affected each of them.
~♡ What I loved ♡~
Small town vibes at Christmas!
Snowed in at a bakery to start really set the feel of Christmas to come.
A Christmas baking competition follows and is always fun. Both main characters join using recipes their grandparents had used in a baking competition from their time. The reason of the original feud between the grandparents.
I enjoyed the townspeople. They were fun, quirky, and really came together when needed. Emily, with Coles prompt, puts together packages for the community from her bakery to help out after the snowstorm. And then they all stood up for what was right when it came to it.
Cole was patient and kind, sometimes to his own detriment. I honestly think he should have walked away from her.
~♡ What I didn't love ♡~
Emily. She is quite immature and I did not find it adorable. She is very adamant that his grandfather stole cookies from her grandmother. She refuses to accept anything else and acts childish about it.
The whole point of finding the truth of the bake off years ago. A feud between grandparents about cookies should not cause a generational feud. Not to mention that when they solved it, the reasoning could have been solved easily when it actually happened.
The spice was too soon and felt unnecessary in the beginning. I would prefer to know the characters beyond a couple pages.
~♡ The Audio itself ♡~
The audio was ok. Easy to listen to at high speeds and for the most part it was great. I liked everything about the audio except the voice switch used for Emily's character made her sound almost whiney. Although, it did fit her character, so if that was the goal, then actually the narrator nailed it.
Thanks to Bookouture Audio, Harper Graham, and NetGalley for sending for me an Arc to review.
Narrated by Andi Eloise
Childhood enemies to lovers, Emily and Cole meet again. They try to solve the mystery surrounding a feud between their grandparents that has deeply affected each of them.
~♡ What I loved ♡~
Small town vibes at Christmas!
Snowed in at a bakery to start really set the feel of Christmas to come.
A Christmas baking competition follows and is always fun. Both main characters join using recipes their grandparents had used in a baking competition from their time. The reason of the original feud between the grandparents.
I enjoyed the townspeople. They were fun, quirky, and really came together when needed. Emily, with Coles prompt, puts together packages for the community from her bakery to help out after the snowstorm. And then they all stood up for what was right when it came to it.
Cole was patient and kind, sometimes to his own detriment. I honestly think he should have walked away from her.
~♡ What I didn't love ♡~
Emily. She is quite immature and I did not find it adorable. She is very adamant that his grandfather stole cookies from her grandmother. She refuses to accept anything else and acts childish about it.
The whole point of finding the truth of the bake off years ago. A feud between grandparents about cookies should not cause a generational feud. Not to mention that when they solved it, the reasoning could have been solved easily when it actually happened.
The spice was too soon and felt unnecessary in the beginning. I would prefer to know the characters beyond a couple pages.
~♡ The Audio itself ♡~
The audio was ok. Easy to listen to at high speeds and for the most part it was great. I liked everything about the audio except the voice switch used for Emily's character made her sound almost whiney. Although, it did fit her character, so if that was the goal, then actually the narrator nailed it.
Thanks to Bookouture Audio, Harper Graham, and NetGalley for sending for me an Arc to review.
Narrated by Andi Eloise
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley for this ALC. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I am absolutely a Christmas‑in‑December girl, but the moment I saw this available to request, I didn’t hesitate to press that button.
I loved being back in this town, and this instalment brought all the Christmas vibes with it. The small‑town, community feel is something I’ve come to adore, and Harper Graham captured it so well.
Forced proximity is one of my favourite setups, so finding out the two MCs were snowed in together, and that they happened to be childhood‑friends‑to‑enemies, was a treat.
I really liked Cole. He was kind, patient, and genuinely owned the mistakes he’d made. Honestly, how he managed to deal with Emily and her immature tantrums is beyond me. Emily, on the other hand, irritated me. She was childish, quick to jump to conclusions, and I couldn’t believe it took so long for someone to call her out on her behaviour.
As a stan of enemies‑to‑lovers, this didn’t land for me. They shouldn’t be getting down and dirty within the first few chapters, and their reasoning for being “enemies” was ridiculous. A 17‑year‑old grudge over missing cookies? Be so for real.
The narration was great as always. Although I don’t know if it was intentional, Emily’s chapters had a really whiny tone that fit her character but wasn’t enjoyable to listen to.
Overall, it was a cute, if slightly ridiculous, small‑town cosy read.
Perfect for readers who enjoy snowed‑in romances, festive small‑town settings, childhood‑friends‑to‑enemies‑lovers chaos, and light, easy holiday reads.
I am absolutely a Christmas‑in‑December girl, but the moment I saw this available to request, I didn’t hesitate to press that button.
I loved being back in this town, and this instalment brought all the Christmas vibes with it. The small‑town, community feel is something I’ve come to adore, and Harper Graham captured it so well.
Forced proximity is one of my favourite setups, so finding out the two MCs were snowed in together, and that they happened to be childhood‑friends‑to‑enemies, was a treat.
I really liked Cole. He was kind, patient, and genuinely owned the mistakes he’d made. Honestly, how he managed to deal with Emily and her immature tantrums is beyond me. Emily, on the other hand, irritated me. She was childish, quick to jump to conclusions, and I couldn’t believe it took so long for someone to call her out on her behaviour.
As a stan of enemies‑to‑lovers, this didn’t land for me. They shouldn’t be getting down and dirty within the first few chapters, and their reasoning for being “enemies” was ridiculous. A 17‑year‑old grudge over missing cookies? Be so for real.
The narration was great as always. Although I don’t know if it was intentional, Emily’s chapters had a really whiny tone that fit her character but wasn’t enjoyable to listen to.
Overall, it was a cute, if slightly ridiculous, small‑town cosy read.
Perfect for readers who enjoy snowed‑in romances, festive small‑town settings, childhood‑friends‑to‑enemies‑lovers chaos, and light, easy holiday reads.
October 26, 2026
I adore this series and I was excited to return to Maple Falls for this book! Maple Falls is a delightfully quirky small town with all the cute businesses I want to visit and festivals that I want to attend with the unique residents of the town. This is book six and the characters are feeling like friends and I enjoy hanging out with them in each book. The books are interconnected standalones so they can be read and enjoyed without reading the previous books.
This is Emily and Cole’s story. Emily and Cole were best friends until a feud that divided the community destroyed their friendship. Cole is back in town and is the fire chief. He has never let anyone get close but there is something about Emily. He is determined to solve the mystery of missing cookies that destroyed everything and maybe end the feud. Emily owns the bake shop and has a habit of lashing out before thinking. She is desperate to rediscover her family’s cookie recipe and is even willing to let Cole help. I could feel the sparks between them and I was rooting for them to figure it out. There is so much to love in this book with a snow storm, forced proximity, and the renewed baking competition leading to a second chance for Emily and Cole. Plus the characters from the previous books make appearances and it adds depth and enhances the small town feel.
I highly recommend this book to readers that enjoy small town romances and I can’t wait to return to Maple Falls.
Thanks to Bookouture for the free, gifted copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This is Emily and Cole’s story. Emily and Cole were best friends until a feud that divided the community destroyed their friendship. Cole is back in town and is the fire chief. He has never let anyone get close but there is something about Emily. He is determined to solve the mystery of missing cookies that destroyed everything and maybe end the feud. Emily owns the bake shop and has a habit of lashing out before thinking. She is desperate to rediscover her family’s cookie recipe and is even willing to let Cole help. I could feel the sparks between them and I was rooting for them to figure it out. There is so much to love in this book with a snow storm, forced proximity, and the renewed baking competition leading to a second chance for Emily and Cole. Plus the characters from the previous books make appearances and it adds depth and enhances the small town feel.
I highly recommend this book to readers that enjoy small town romances and I can’t wait to return to Maple Falls.
Thanks to Bookouture for the free, gifted copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This book started out nice and spicy! LOL I’ve been a huge Harper Graham fan since the first book in this series. This audiobook did not disappoint. The story was a fun listen with low stakes and lots of holiday cheer. Cole and Emily are snowed in at her bakery. They were childhood friends but he moved away. Emily’s grandfather accused Cole’s grandfather of stealing cookies. There’s an old family mystery to find out if Cole’s grandfather actually stole the recipe or now. The tension between Emily and Cole was hotter than the bakery oven. Lots of great conflict and spice in this story. Solid back and forth between our two main character. Will they? Won’t they? There’s a Christmas baking competition. Lots of fun, silly townsfolk in Maple Falls. There’s definitely mention of past characters which is a fun surprise. Andi Eloise does a great job narrating this story. My only complaint is that some times her voice gets a little bit shrill when in Emily’s character. This book was a great way to spend the afternoon doing household chores and cooking. This is a great addition to this year’s holiday book selection! I received this audiobook from Bookouture Audio and NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is a review for the audiobook and book
What a fantastic audiobook. She kept me glued to my listening device. I was so hooked on the bake off and Emily doung her own investigation of the theft of her nanas cookies the whole time Cole was mad about it. And their feud just growing lust between them lol The narrator did an amazing performance and the narrstion was wonderful
Book Review also provided to me by the publisher and net galley
I loved this book. Emily and Coke were so cute together especially when they were feeding over who stole her Nana cookies lol the who time the were yearning and lusting after each other and they just couldn't stop fighting over it, so they bother entered the bake off, her trying to recreated her Nana cookies, and him using his grandpa's spice cake recipe. The writing was fabulous and I was glued turning the pages and couldn't put this book down. It had loveable characters and I absolutely adored all the side characters as well. Thid author makes cozy little towns thst make you wish they were real so you could be a part of them. I highly recommend
What a fantastic audiobook. She kept me glued to my listening device. I was so hooked on the bake off and Emily doung her own investigation of the theft of her nanas cookies the whole time Cole was mad about it. And their feud just growing lust between them lol The narrator did an amazing performance and the narrstion was wonderful
Book Review also provided to me by the publisher and net galley
I loved this book. Emily and Coke were so cute together especially when they were feeding over who stole her Nana cookies lol the who time the were yearning and lusting after each other and they just couldn't stop fighting over it, so they bother entered the bake off, her trying to recreated her Nana cookies, and him using his grandpa's spice cake recipe. The writing was fabulous and I was glued turning the pages and couldn't put this book down. It had loveable characters and I absolutely adored all the side characters as well. Thid author makes cozy little towns thst make you wish they were real so you could be a part of them. I highly recommend
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