#Readalong The Cinnamon Spice Inn by Harper Graham

 

When Madison Kelly receives an anonymous note informing her that her widowed father is struggling to keep the family-run inn afloat, she immediately drops everything and returns to Maple Falls. It's six years since she spent any real time in her hometown, and she's not sure how she's going to deal with seeing the man who broke her heart.

I've recently taken part in my first ever Readalong hosted by The Tandem Collective (link to website here), Instagram handle @tandemcollectiveuk/@tandemcollectiveglobal. The Readalong brings together a group of people across the globe to read the same book at the same pace and discuss what they're reading. I think this is a fantastic idea for book lovers who don't have an opportunity to talk about what they are reading. The schedule takes place over a week but is pretty flexible. There are also prompts for discussion and creative challenges (which are not compulsory).

The book, recently published The Cinnamon Spice Inn by Harper Graham, is a small town romance, set in Maple Falls. Madison knew that her dream career would take her away from Maple Falls, but she didn't foresee that it would spell the end of her relationship with her childhood sweetheart, Zach. Being dragged back to her hometown brings lots of emotions to the surface and Madison knows she's got to address the problem if she's to move on with her life.

We quickly learn that misunderstanding, on both parts, was the root of the problem, one that could have been quickly resolved if they'd communicated. Unfortunately, both decided to sweep the issue under the carpet and plough on with their lives. It is only when Madison returns home after six years, and the pair are in forced proximity, do they finally talk about what happened. When they realise miscommunication is at the heart of the problem, their relationship quickly reignites. The big question is will it be enough to stop Madison returning to New York?

The real star of the book is the wonderful town of Maple Falls. The author paints such an idyllic picture that I immediately wanted to pack my bags and buy a one-way ticket. Beautiful descriptions of autumn scenery, a tight-knit community and delicious food and drink drew me right in; as a UK reader, this is just how I imagine small-town America to be. 

Combined with the wonderful descriptions and the spicy will-they-won't-they romance, there's also the struggles with the inn to contend with and the mystery surrounding the anonymous letter. I found the combination of all these elements kept me turning the pages, desperate to know more. I was a little bit sad to reach the end of my time in Maple Falls. However, all is not lost as Harper Graham has made this the first book in a trilogy. I'm already looking forward to returning for The Spiced Cocoa Café and The Cherry Crush Flower Shop.

A huge thank you to Harper Graham, Bookouture and The Tandem Collective for providing a review copy of The Cinnamon Spice Inn and allowing me to take part in the Readalong.

Author Details

Harper Graham lives with her mischievous spaniel in a cozy small town in Connecticut. Her quirky neighbours may or may not have inspired the residents of her Maple Falls series. When she’s not hiking with her daughter, baking her grandmother’s recipes or reading in her favourite coffee shop, Harper can be found writing the sweet and spicy romance stories of her own dreams.