Book Review: The Gingerbread Bakery by Laurie Gilmore

Book Name	The Gingerbread Bakery
Author	Laurie Gilmore
Published Date	September 16, 2025
Genre	Contemporary Romance / Holiday Romance
Amazon Link	Amazon Link

There’s something undeniably comforting about a cozy holiday romance and Laurie Gilmore’s The Gingerbread Bakery delivers exactly that. With its quaint small-town setting, lovable characters, and warm seasonal vibes, this book feels like a mug of hot cocoa on a snowy evening sweet, heartwarming, and perfectly nostalgic.

🎄 Plot Summary (No Major Spoilers)

Set in the charming town of Mistletoe, The Gingerbread Bakery follows Abby, a passionate baker who’s trying to keep her late grandmother’s beloved bakery running through the busy holiday season. Her gingerbread creations are the talk of the town, and the bakery has become a gathering place for the community. But beneath the twinkling lights and festive storefront lies a real problem: financial struggles that could threaten her dream.

Enter Cal, a big-city real estate developer who returns to Mistletoe after years away. With plans to modernize and “revitalize” the area, he’s ready to make sweeping changes—ones that put Abby’s bakery at risk. But as the holiday magic works its way into both their lives, what begins as a clash of ideals slowly turns into a deeper connection.

🍪 Themes & Atmosphere

At its heart, The Gingerbread Bakery is a story about preserving legacy, finding home, and opening your heart—especially when it’s the hardest to do so. The holiday setting isn’t just window dressing; it’s deeply woven into the story. From gingerbread house competitions to snowy strolls down Main Street, Gilmore knows how to set a scene that feels both magical and real.

The baking descriptions are especially delightful—dough kneading, sugar sprinkling, and the scent of cinnamon practically leap off the page. It’s a sensory-rich experience that makes you want to head straight to the kitchen.

💕 Romance & Character Dynamics

The romance between Abby and Cal is classic opposites-attract. Abby is grounded, warm, and emotionally invested in her community, while Cal starts off as detached, career-focused, and carrying emotional baggage of his own. Their dynamic has just the right amount of slow-burn tension, laced with misunderstandings, quiet moments, and eventually, undeniable chemistry.

What makes their relationship work is that it grows organically. There are no forced tropes or unnecessary drama—just two people trying to reconcile their differences and figure out what truly matters to them.

Side characters, like Abby’s best friend and the quirky townsfolk, add depth and charm, making Mistletoe feel like a place you’d actually want to visit (or move to).

✨ Writing Style & Pacing

Gilmore’s writing is light and accessible, with a tone that matches the cozy romance genre perfectly. There’s a simplicity to her prose that works well for readers looking for an escape rather than literary complexity. She doesn’t overcomplicate the plot, but that’s not a bad thing—in fact, the straightforward nature of the story makes it all the more comforting.

The pacing is steady—never rushed, but never dragging. While the stakes are relatively low, they’re meaningful in a personal, emotional way. You’ll find yourself rooting for Abby, not just to save the bakery, but to believe in herself and her ability to build something lasting, both professionally and romantically.

🎁 Who This Book Is For

• Fans of Hallmark-style holiday movies
• Readers who enjoy small-town settings with strong community vibes
• Lovers of baking, gingerbread, and festive atmospheres
• Anyone looking for a feel-good, clean romance with heart and humor

If you’re not a fan of slower-paced, low-stakes romances, this might feel a little too “quiet” for your taste. But for those who live for holiday romance or want something to curl up with on a cold night, it’s practically perfect.

⭐ Final Thoughts

The Gingerbread Bakery is a deliciously sweet romance that captures the warmth of the holiday season without being overly saccharine. Laurie Gilmore has crafted a gentle, heartfelt story that reminds us of the power of home, tradition, and love served with a generous helping of gingerbread.

It might not reinvent the genre, but it doesn’t need to. Sometimes, what we crave most is something comforting, familiar, and full of joy and this book delivers all of that with sugar-dusted charm.