A modern day Fairy-tale, The Mysterious Bakery on Rue de Paris is a truly magical read.
I adored the storyline, and the characters in which we got to know throughout the book.
A beautifully written story which I am certain others will love too!

The Mysterious Bakery on Rue de Paris is a modern fairytale. Evie Woods has written a magical story that will help readers forget the painful news going on in the world around us. Readers can escape into a small bakery just outside Paris, where delicious French baked goods make readers dream of wonderful pastries, where history happens, where mysteries have occurred, and where love can once again bloom. No way am I going to spoil this beautifully written fairytale with plot details. Escape from the world and read The Mysterious Bakery on Rue de Paris.

Thank you to HarperCollins UK and NetGalley for providing me with this ARC. Obviously I cam recommending The Mysterious Bakery on Rue de Paris. I loved this novel.

3.5 stars
You’ll find this magical boulangerie et pâtissière tucked away on the cobbled streets of Compiègne, north of Paris, where just a single taste of the buttery croissants unlocks a precious memory and reveals a hidden longing. However, as World War Two looms, Pierre Moreau, its owner, knows that things will change.

In the present day, Edie (Edith) Lane has flown into Paris from Dublin to be the assistant manager at the quaint bakery but she’s currently stuck at the Gare du Nord in a bit of a predicament. She has expected the boulangerie to be in Paris itself as that’s her dream but clearly, it’s not. However, maybe the place will work its magic on her too.

One thing is for sure, the storyline makes for mouthwatering reading right from the start when Edie’s first task is to fill the window with baked goods. I’ll have a croque monsieur et une religieuse s’il vous plaît. Merci. I wish. It begins as a charming story sprinkled with magical fairy dust which does make me feel as if I’ve strayed into a sort of homage to Chocolat and Vianne by Joanne Harris. There’s even a Roma element which Chocolat has with the riverboat gypsies. The plot becomes infused with a bitter taste from the past as Compiègne has a fascinating history which I find so interesting. The atmosphere of the place is mostly delightful, matched by some lovely characters especially in the jazz club.

However, as it progresses it becomes a bit predictable and several narratives make it feel a bit disjointed. The problem that hangs over the boulangerie is wrapped up rather quickly and somewhat fortuitously too.

Overall, it’s an easy read for a rainy or chilly day when pâtisserie and hot chocolate are required.

Ps. A smattering of French would be most helpful!

With thanks to NetGalley and especially to HarperCollins, One More Chapter for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.

What a fantastic read by an author I am quickly feeling the need to devour her whole catalog. I truly enjoyed the historical nuances as I got to watch the development of both Hugo and Edith as they discovered who they are today through a journey of discovering the past. The beautiful details, cleverly woven plot, and comfortable banter was exactly the book that keeps readers turning pages and enjoying the journey. I would have liked a little more on Manu as his role in supporting the journey I feel could have been more flushed out.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review from NetGalley.

I just read the best book. The Mysterious Bakery on Rue de Paris by Evie Woods was a five star read!

A magical story that will leave you with a happy feeling.
There is a bakery on the Rue de Paris in Compiègne that Edith Lane from Ireland is going to be the Assistant Manager of. Edith had put her life on hold while her mother was dying but now it is time to live life and move to Paris to start a new job. The bakery however is not in Paris it is an hours train ride away so the start to Edith’s adventure doesn’t go well.
The bakery is owned and run by Genevieve Moreau an old grumpy French lady and her grandson, Manu. There is a sad story waiting to be told about her life dating back to WWII with the original baker Pierre Moureau and his kindness in taking in a Roma mother and daughter.
There is mystery, magic love, loyalty and friendship.
A lovely weekend read

“Life in Rue de Paris changed for everyone who opened their hearts……the magic ingredient was the enduring power of love”

This book is marvelous. The most perfect setting and the most beautiful story. I was captured from the first page and couldn’t put it down until the end.

If you're looking for a book that will sweep you off your feet, make you feel all the feels, and leave you with a sense of wonder, 'The Mysterious Bakery on Rue de Paris' by Evie Woods is an absolute must-read. This enchanting novel has everything you could possibly want: romance, mystery, history, a touch of magic, and even a ghost. In fact, it is hands down the best book I have read this year—so much so that it felt as if it was written just for me.

For fans of feel-good romance (think Abby Jimenez's heartwarming style), this book delivers a sweet and tender love story that will melt your heart without ever crossing into anything inappropriate. It's the perfect blend of light and love, full of moments that will make you smile, sigh, and possibly even get a little teary-eyed.

But this book isn't just about romance. It masterfully weaves in elements of historical fiction, with a fascinating glimpse into World War II that adds depth and richness to the story without overshadowing the main plot. The historical timeline, though brief, helps to unravel the mystery of a magical bakery, its ghostly inhabitant, and the misunderstood owner who is struggling to hold it all together. Trust me, don't let the mention of WWII scare you off—this subplot enhances the story and makes the magical elements feel all the more meaningful.

The ghost and mystery add an intriguing layer to the narrative, keeping you hooked and wanting to know more as the secrets of the bakery slowly unfold. There's just enough magic to spark your imagination, but it’s never too fantastical. It’s the kind of magic that fits seamlessly into the story, pushing the plot forward without ever feeling out of place.

What makes this book even more special is Evie Woods' ability to balance all these elements in a way that feels effortless. You’ll find yourself completely immersed in the world she creates, with every page offering new layers of wonder and excitement.

I can already tell that this is a book I’ll return to again and again. If you love a story that’s heartwarming, mysterious, and just a little bit magical, "The Mysterious Bakery on Rue de Paris" is the perfect choice. I truly believe everyone should read this book at least once—and, like me, you’ll likely find yourself revisiting it time and time again. Trust me, you won’t regret it.

Evie has done it again! I read The Lost Bookshop about a year ago and fell in love with not only the characters but the story telling and could envision the scenes as if I was there with her writing style. This book did not disappoint! I found myself rooting not only for Edie and Hugo, but for the entire family that she had found in the bakery. The characters digging into their past and using that to create their future was heartwarming and brought legitimate tears to my eyes as they fought for their legacy and family name as well as Edie to find who she truly was. I would hands down recommend this book, and this author to anybody in a heartbeat, she has become one of my favorites, and I look forward to diving into The Story Collector!

In high school, I spent a year in France and this book took me right back to those cherished cobbled streets. Loved this book from cover to cover

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This is a charming story and I loved reading it. It was full of delightful characters, with plenty of plot twists and I found it thoroughly enjoyable. The book was well-written and flowed along at a nice pace. I quickly became absorbed in what was happening and wanted to know what happened next.

The characters were very relatable. I really liked how Edie came alive in the bakery and found her way. This story will appeal to anyone who loves a good romance with a storyline with a bit of a difference, not to mention the mouth watering descriptions of the bakery breads and pasteries.

A beautifully immersive read that has you feeling like you’re living amongst the characters. Perfectly written and descriptive, a wonderful heartwarming story. I thoroughly enjoyed this just as much as the lost bookshop! Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for my ARC

Fate has a way of working things out: some might say that the stars align or it’s in the cards.

Edith moved to France on an impulse decision. She is like everyone else, just looking for change.

This story is mystical, mysterious and magical. There’s love and fate gets to choose the path. Fate reaches far back in history with this one and nothing seems to be an accident.

For myself, I find it hard to let things play out how they’re supposed to. I have to have control but Edith gives that control up.

It is heartwarming and heartbreaking. There’s a Hallmark feel to this and reminds me of the movie Chocolat (with Johnny Depp). I can smell the bread baking and see the cobblestone streets now. The imagery is excellent and places me right in the middle of it all.

Thanks to #HarperCollinsUK, #OneMoreChapter and #NetGalley for the #ARC. The opinions expressed are my own.

#TheMysteriousBakeryonRuedeParis #EvieWoods

"To all those with a taste for magic." This dedication perfectly sets the tone for The Mysterious Bakery on Rue de Paris, a delightful tale blending romance, history, and a touch of magical realism.
The story centers on Edith, a 30-year-old Irishwoman who moves to France for what she believes is a bakery job in Paris, only to end up in a quaint village instead. Working for the grouchy yet intriguing Madame Moreau, Edith discovers that the bakery holds more than just recipes—it’s steeped in secrets connected to its founder, Pierre Moreau, and his extraordinary past.
As Edith adjusts to life in the village, she uncovers a hidden notebook from 1945 beneath her apartment floorboards. The notebook holds Pierre’s recipes and offers a glimpse into his life during the war. Edith befriends Manu, who is later revealed to be Madame Moreau’s teenage grandson. He shares that Pierre, now an apparition, appears to guide Manu in perfecting his baking skills. The bakery’s legacy unfolds further through Madame Moreau’s wartime history, including her Roma family’s struggles during the Holocaust and the betrayal that led to her parents’ capture.
Meanwhile, Edith forms a bond with Hugo, a British photographer grappling with his brother’s death and the weight of inheriting his family’s business—the same business threatening to close Madame Moreau’s bakery. However you learn early on that Hugo’s true passion lies in creating something meaningful, and he ultimately brings an unexpected partnership to the story’s resolution.
From humorous moments (“I should’ve dog-eared the pages; that would’ve served him right!”) to deeply emotional ones, the narrative balances lightheartedness with poignant themes. The book artfully weaves together loss, resilience, and community. Madame Moreau’s Roma heritage and her family’s wartime struggles add historical depth, while Hugo’s passion for photography and humanitarian goals highlight modern-day challenges. Edith’s idea to expand the bakery, using Pierre’s last known bottle of vanilla, becomes a clever and heartfelt way to save the bakery, symbolizing the enduring power of community and creativity.
The book concludes with a satisfying and hopeful ending: the bakery is saved, Hugo’s restaurant thrives, and both Edith and Madame Moreau find peace with their pasts.
While I wasn’t initially impressed with the author’s previous work, The Mysterious Bakery on Rue de Paris was a pleasant surprise that I thoroughly enjoyed. With its rich historical layers, endearing characters, and a sprinkle of magic, this is a captivating read. It has all the ingredients for a perfect escape—romance, mystery, and history wrapped into one. Highly recommended for those who enjoy heartfelt tales with a touch of enchantment.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

With it's charming characters and impeccable sense of place, readers will surely fall hard for Woods most recent offering.

We follow the grieving Edith Lane as she is called to move from her Irish home, impulsively taking a job in the bustling and romantic patisseries of Paris. Fate has other plans, and much to her dismay, our lost heroine finds herself in a town and bakery immensely different than her brain had conjured. As Edith navigates her unlikely new life, she is met with heartwarming characters and unsettling mysteries!

I truly adored this story. It's sweet and light with just enough depth to make it meaningful. It's got some heart-wrenching historical elements that drive the mystery but the characters and ultimate outcome balance the hard human truths nicely.

This will be a sweet little treat for those looking for a heartwarming tale with some depth.

This is the second book I’ve read by Evie Woods and the second one that has made me feel so many things. The way she sets scenes and makes you feel like you’re on a cobbled sidewalk right alongside her characters is an immersive experience I miss as soon as I finish the book.

After moving from Ireland to France in the mistaken idea that she was going to be working in a bakery in Paris, Edie Lane discovers that things are not quite as she thought they would be...

A mystery that dates back to World War 2, finding contentment in unexpected places, and the joy of found family are among the key elements that emerge from this story, which is an enjoyable and easy read. It gets 3.5 stars.

This is my first Evie Woods novel. I’ve heard good things about The Lost Bookshop but haven’t yet managed to get round to reading it.

I enjoyed this book overall. It felt like a warm comforting hug about found family and finding oneself. It was an easy read, loved the writing style, and I generally enjoyed the character of Edith.

There were a few glaring flaws though. It was very cliche and only pardoned because it was mostly well-written though some scenes were too cringe for me. I also felt everything was a bit rushed and too instant: insta-love, insta-friendship. Edith found herself a little too quickly as it was all an instant revelation.

I enjoyed the backstory of Pierre Moureau which was probably my favourite part and it was a nice piece of history to learn about a group of people that is largely overlooked.

The ghost story element was a little weird for me. It took this book from a gentle cosy romance to magical realism but it felt a little out of place. I wasn’t keen and didn’t think it worked that well.

I liked it a lot. I wouldn’t re-read it again and I’m in two minds about whether to read another Evie Woods novel. I wasn’t wowed and there was a lack of depth to the characters of having them well fleshed out over time.

I give this 4 stars.

I love this author, she has such a great writing style which is very accessible and her characters are always so relatable. I also enjoy the little bits of magic in every story. High quality escapism with a storyline full of love and tragedy that will make you smile and pull at your heart-strings. I also enjoy the way that history is woven into the narrative - things I wasn't aware of before. Bravo, another winner and now I'm yearning for French pastries and fresh baguettes!

Past and present collide in this beautifully told tale..

A story about the history of a bakery in France and the kindness of a stranger during WW2 and how that kind act threatens the future of the business.

I loved how this story unfolded and I never wanted it to end. It is one of those books that must be spoken about and read more than once.
I loved it ..