Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing as well as the author for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

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Title: The Bakery at Clamshell Bay
Author: Sara Jane Bailey
Publisher: Storm Publishing
Publication Date: August 4, 2023

This is the first in a series and it’s the better of the two so far. This one tells the story of Cleo Duvall and her three friends that she meets in her weekend baking class. She runs the Clamshell Bakery, which is famous for its cinnamon buns. Cleo is divorced and is content with her predictable, safe, and comfortable life, until a handsome, maybe not-so-stranger walks into her bakery. You know the rest!

This book was definitely a feel good treat as yummy as a cinnamon bun in the morning. I enjoyed it much more than the second one. It was nice that they came out together so that one could be fresh in my mind as they both involve the same charming setting and characters. I found the writing in this installment to be much better and well established than in the second book. The reader gets a better sense of the community of Clamshell Bay and the characters are much more fleshed out and embraceable. This one gave me Debbie Johnson’s Comfort Food Cafe’ vibes and I loved it for that. The romance was comfortable and predictable and I loved the celebrity twist of it. We’ve all had that dream.

All in all, this story was heart-warming and comforting. The literary equivalent of soup and grilled cheese on a rainy night. I hope that there will be more and that they will be more like this book.

This was a lovely story that was hard to put down. Beautiful setting, lovely cover, well written, and easy to read. You like the characters immediately and the setting is idyllic. Cleo owns the bakery and it is the heartbeat of the town. Her cinnamon buns and breads are mouthwatering. I was so jealous I could not run down to the bakery and sink my teeth into one of them. Enter a former actor, Ethan. Will sparks of love fly? Cleo is used to being on her own and loves her feet on the ground in Clamshell Bay. Ethan lives on his boat and is a wanderer, moving from place to place whenever he likes. Are they meant to be? Sara Jane Bailey's writing is so realistic and has a way of drawing you in to each character's life. This book would make a great beach read. It is the first in a series and I can't wait to read the next installment.

This was an enjoyable read that was light and wholesome. Book 1 in the Clamshell bay series. Cleo runs the local bakery and it's the town center for good bakery items and local gossip. Set in a tourist area in the Pacific Northwest, Cleo gives baking classes as a way to make money in the off season. This class includes, Brooke Mattson, a former supermodel who dreams of being a mom but is struggling to have a baby; Libby Brown, a proud homemaker whose happy family isn’t as perfect as it seems; and Megan Alexander, the local painter who may be free-spirited – or a commitment-phobe. When an older ex actor stops in town for boat repairs these older women all recognize him. Ethan is fascinated by Cleo and together they adopt a kitten and fight off attempts by her ex to take over her business. A wonderful story and look forward to more.

This was a lovely story, and I really enjoyed the writing. This was the first book I read by the author, and I definitely will read her again. The characters are believable, the pacing is good, and the plot comes together well.

A lovely cosy read of love, friendship and secrets. Set in the seaside village of Clamshell Bay it will make you feel like you are in the idyllic setting.

I really really enjoyed this book. It was nice to meet new characters in a new setting. The author did a fabulous job describing clamshell Bay that I could easily visualise myself there. Can't wait to start the next installment

First of all, what a lovely cover! I would looove to visit Clamshell Bay. This book is the first in a series. It’s about Cleo, who has lived in this town almost her entire life. She owns a cute cottage and a bakey, and gives bakery classes. This sounds so lovely and dreamy, and Cleo is satisfied with her life, but she also feels a bit lonely ever since her husbans ran away with a young neighbour three years ago. But then Ethan enters Clamshell Bay on his boat, and that basically changes Cleo’s life.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and will continue with the second book The Cottage at Clamshell Bay soon!

Such a lovely book of women and friendship and what a wonderful location and setting. This is a great summertime/beach/holiday read with great characters that fit well into the story.

Cleo and her baking classes grabbed my attention as I found her interesting and likeable. Then there is Brooke, Libby and Megan, all different but all bonding over the baking of bread. I could see myself in this friendship for sure.

This is just a lovely story, was fun to read and the characters and setting made me want to be there. I really enjoyed it and found it so easy to read (didn't take me long and now I look forward to reading the next book in this series).

Thank you NetGalley and Storm Publishing for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.

The Bakery at Clamshell Way is a beautifully written book. I enjoyed the plot, characters and the setting. I recommend this book.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
Really enjoyed this lovely book. Looking forward to reading the next one in the series as well. I also listened to the audiobook format.
Great feel good read.

Great beach read, While somewhat predictable regarding the romance the unexpected friendships that developed through baking warmed my heart. I especially enjoyed how four different personalities bring their strengths to bond into great friends. I look forward to the next book in this series.

I loved this book. A real feelgood story about an older woman running her own bakery and cafe. She lacks self belief, but soon has her life turned around by a visitor to her cafe in Clamshell Bay.. The local community are fully supportive of her, the ladies who attended her bakery classes are delightful. All the characters are well written and very true to life.
I can recommend this book to those who enjoy romance or want an enjoyable holiday read.

An absolutely lovely love story with so many delicious cakes and loaves as well!
from the meet cute between Cleo and "the man off the telly" to the reappearance of her ex the book is brimful of stolen glances, amazing characters and great imagery.
I will be returning to Clamshell Bay for sure!

I loved this story and theses characters!! First book by this author and I will differently read more by her! Feel good book! Highly highly recommend,

Thank you to NetGalley, Sara Jane Bailey, and Storm Publishing, for an ARC copy of "The Bakery at Clamshell Bay".

"The Bakery at Clamshell Bay" is a delightful and heartwarming novel that will whisk you away to the charming town of Clamshell Bay on the Washington State coast. The main character is Cleo Duvall, a baker with a passion for her craft and a café that serves as the heart of the community.

Cleo teaches a weekend baking class, bringing together a diverse group of women. Each student carries her own unique set of dreams, challenges, and secrets. From Brooke, the former supermodel yearning to become a mother, to Libby, the seemingly perfect homemaker with hidden troubles, and Megan, the free-spirited painter with commitment issues, their lives are as diverse as the flavours in Cleo's bakery. The women bond over the magic of bread dough and the aroma of freshly baked goods.

Sara Jane Bailey's storytelling will leave you craving not only Cleo's famous cinnamon buns but also the warmth and love that permeate the pages of this charming novel.

A sweet, easy to read romantic book about life in a small coastal town in Washington state . Cleo has a bakery and is loved by most of the townspeople. When a stranger rocks up in a yacht for coffee, they quickly establish a friendship. The book is told from both Cleo's and Ethan's point of view. Nice to read a book about romance and friendship after the bloom of youth. Both Cleo and Ethan have past relationships and lived a life with ups and downs.
I like the descriptions of the town , the baking and the people. Perhaps the friendships were a bit too rapid ? Nevertheless it was an entertaining read without being too twee
Thanks to Net Galley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review

I loved this feel good book based around friendship and loyalty. the writing style made you feel as if you were there with the lovely characters. I look forward to reading more from this author

Everything about this book I love it. I truly enjoy the small-town vibe and there are no characters I didn't like (except the ex-husband). I just find the ending a bit rushed (that's why I gave it 4 stars instead of 5.) But overall, It was a fun read for me. Looking forward to being back in Clamshell Bay with the second book. :) Thank you Net Gallery and Storm Publishing,

Set in Clamshell Bay, this book revolves around a small bakery that is the beating heart of the close-knit town.

I loved that the side characters had their own quirks and dreams, it added another layer to the plot.

The plot captures the magic of friendships and romances and the joy of following one's passion.

A quick, easy read that has everything you would expect from short romance book set in small town America. The story moves along at a nice pace, the setting is lovely and it was easy to switch off and imagine yourself in Clamshell Bay. Just make sure that you have made yourself a hot drink and have a delicious baked good to eat whilst you read this.