This was a very easy read, did not tax the brain at all, I would say on par with a Mills & Boon book, I did like the characters and enjoyed the feel of a small town, the "twist" was very quickly resolved and only caused a minor ripple in the characters story.

Although this is part of a series these books can be read as standalones. This centres around ladies coming together with their lives intertwining . Lovely read with twists and turns . I recommend this and give it 5 stars.

Thanks to Netgalley and publisher for this ARC

this is the first book I've read by this author and I would certainly keep her on my list.

A sweet story. Nice to see characters that are a bit older and, presumably, wiser. Cleo is well settled in her hometown and daily life, although somewhat closed off. The peripheral characters draw you in and pull her out of her shell and routine. Her growth, with the assistance of these characters and Ethan, is wonderful to see. As usual, there is the expected wrench to gum up the works, but it all works out in the end. I look forward to more book in Clamshell Bay.

An enchanting journey through vividly imagined worlds and compelling characters. This fiction gem weaves a tapestry of emotions, adventure, and unexpected twists that kept me eagerly turning the pages. The author's masterful storytelling evokes a powerful connection, making this book an absolute delight to read. Highly recommended for anyone seeking a captivating escape into a richly crafted story!






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I really enjoyed this book and the introduction to Clamshell Bay. Cleo’s story was a fun, easy read, perfect for a beach read. This book had plenty of twist and turns that kept it interesting and unexpected throughout. The setting was cute and quaint. Clamshell Bay is the quintessential storybook town, and the characters were very different from one another but made for interesting storylines.

Thank you to NetGalley for letting me read this book and thank you to the author as well.
Cleo’s story and an introduction to Clamshell Bay.

It is a lovely book. I liked how Cleo is depicted as an admirable, strong female character. There’s something about her that makes her, along with her bakery, part of the heart of the community in Clamshell Bay. I liked how Cleo learns to lean on others despite her reluctance to ask for help when Ethan sweeps into her bakery and friendships bloom during a baking class. It is also depicted in the story how close knit a community can be when one of their own faces problems. The only thing that I didn’t like was the kind of open ending.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me a copy of the book.

First of all, thank you Storm Publishing for giving me this opportunity to read this story.
I am so happy to read this kind of story. I love how both characters are so mature in handling the obstacles they face.
It's light and full of wholesome moments. I love how the community in clamshell bay protects their own. I just love it so much!
Can't wait to read the second book!

Strong female characters, former superstars, and a small coastal beach-town setting. What could be more perfect for a quick, easy beach read to round out summer?

Cleo’s story and an introduction to Clamshell Bay. An easy read , perfect for a vacation or a bit of down time.
I absolutely loved it, great location, interesting characters, and twists and turns to the plot I didn’t expect .
Love how the four friends met, very different people with different lives and the start of a friendship which I am sure will grow.
Absolutely loved it and would highly recommend it cannot wait to read the next book
Thanks to Netgalley, Storm Publishing and Sara Jane Bailey for letting me read this book in exchange for an honest review

Fun and easy to read, The Bakery at Clamshell Bay begins a new series focused on friendship, small towns and second chance romances. Filled with quirky characters, village gossip, mouthwatering baked goods and people overcoming their fears to risk opening their hearts.

The Bakery and its sequel The Cottage at Clamshell Bay are quick reads that I'm glad I received as ARCs. Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for warming up my nights this week with two hearwarming reads.

Loved this story of love and friendship. Cleo's story of romance at a 'certain age' was lovely and realistic. That combined with her new friends made this book charming and I can't wait for more. It was a definite cozy read and just made me want to take up bread making. Can't wait for more (in fact immediately started her next!!)

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC

The story revolves around 52 year old Cleo Duvall, owner of the Bakery & Cafe, in the small town of Clamshell Bay. Cleo was once married, but her husband ran off with the neighbours wife. When she hosts a baking class for three women, all very different from each other, the four of them form a strong friendship.
Of course, there is also some romance in the form of Ethan Crisp, a former TV heartthrob. Ethan is a drifter who lives on his sailboat named Vagabond. There's an instant spark between Cleo and Ethan. Her friends encourage her to have some fun, but unfortunately, some drama unfolds.

The Bakery at Clamshell Bay is the first story in a new series by Sara Jane Bailey. It is beautifully written, and the author described the scenery so beautiful. It's a heartwarming read about female friendship, love, and life. I loved the sense of community at Clamshell Bay and the support they offered Cleo in her hour of needs.

I can't wait to read more about Clamshell Bay!

Thank you to Sara Jane Bailey, @netgalley and @stormbooks_co for the ARC of this book.

The Bakery at Clamshell Bay by Sara Jane Bailey is a lovely story about the power of friendship. 4 very different women find their lives linked, and are empowered by each other. Clamshell Bay is a beautiful, affluent place, with lovely houses, and a friendly community. Cleo owns the bakery and is famous for her cinnamon buns, bread and her coffee. The bakery is the hub of the bay, a place for catch ups with friends, or just for passing the time with a coffee and a pastry. Brooke is a tall, beautiful ex-model who seems to be living the perfect life. Megan is a rebel, doing her own thing her own way, and Libby is a wife and mother. All four are brought together when Cleo runs a baking class that they all attend, and as they get to know each other, secrets are revealed, as well as past hurts and present troubles, and they rally around each other, providing the love and care that each need. Ethan is an ex-actor who stops at Clamshell Bay to order a part that he needs for his boat. He meets Cleo, and gets to know her and the others. He carries a lot of emotional baggage with him, and hides a lot of his past. With the help of Delilah, a tiny one-eared kitten that he adopts, he finds himself drawn into Clamshell Bay, and the lives of its’ inhabitants. I loved the story, engaged with the characters, and really enjoyed the book.

Wonderful aromas waft off the pages from the Clamshell Bakery and Cafe, but lovely owner Cleo is extremely tense.
This is a lovely romance, with many twists and turns.
I enjoyed this book immensely.

This is a common review for both The Bakery at Clamshell Bay and The Cottage at Clamshell Bay
They are the start of a new series and they're heartwarming and well plotted stories, set in a lovely setting and featuring a great cast of characters.
Can't wait to read other books in this series
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

The Bakery at Clamshell Bay by Sara Jane Bailey is a page-turning novel. There are strong female characters, a hunky former star actor, a small coastal town, and a bakery that is the hub of the town. When the past comes calling, the town circles around Cleo (the bakery owner) to show her that they have her back. Cleo has to accept that this is the time for her to accept their help when she has always been the supporter for everyone else.

I was provided a copy of the book, but all opinions are my own.

Interesting story, secrets always have a way of coming out. Well written with good characters and an entertaining plot. Thank you netgalley for the advanced copy

The Bakery at Clamshell Bay is a sweet and wholesome, grumpy/sunshine romance sure to delight. Four stars!

This is a nice read about four women friends who all support each other through life trials and are great friends. Each is very different and each of them believe in the strength and power of strong women friendships. As each woman traverses new relationships and life problems they all join together to support one another. Set on a coastal setting in Washington state this is atmospheric and a enjoyable read.

Thank you to the publisher and to Net Galley for the opportunity. My review opinion is my own..

An enjoyable read. The books center around 4 friends living in Clamshell Bay in the Pacific NW. I read Libby's book first, and this one is Cleo's. While not in order I was not lost. Good summer reads and hard to put down. Would recommend.