The Mysterious Bakery on Rue de Paris is a magically delicious place with secrets long buried. Evie Woods tells the story of the Moreaus and the Chadwicks, two families whose historical ties date back to the dark days of WWII. This conflict now threatens the future of a small family owned bakery. It’s the story of discovering and finally overcoming the fear and challenges that often hold people hostage, preventing them from recognizing their true potential. It’s a story of love on many levels, a history lesson and a reminder that change can bring big rewards. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book from NetGalley. Most highly recommend.

A lovely historical fiction. Mostly set in modern day France, in a small village bakery, we flash back to the bakery's history and the baker who protected a Romani woman and child during the Nazi occupation. I enjoyed the story which had a little mystery and a little fantasy thrown in with some romance. Beautiful food and relatable characters made this one a quick read.

After having read The Lost Bookshop which I loved, I so looked forward to this book which definitely did not disappoint. A very beautifully written story filled with friendship, romance, and a touch of fantasy and gothic. So enjoyable and a book not to miss. Evie Woods has been added to my must read author’s list. I thank NetGalley (https://www.netgallery.com) for an advanced copy.

Mmmm... I can still smell the scrumptious pastries and warm cocoa .

What a charming little classic mystery filled with picturesque cobble stone lanes set in Paris and romance is definitely in the air !

If you are looking for a cozy little story where the narrator is looking for a new start but isn't sure exactly what is until she finds it , then I recommend this whimsical read.

Evie Woods finds herself on the streets of Compiegne a quaint little town just outside of Paris , where she has come to start a new life and her french is still a work in progress , but it is not mandatory for this Irish girl who has just landed a job at a little bakery where english was a requirement.

Despite butting heads with the Madame of bakery , she is enjoying this new life, but quickly she notices odd little things . Like why is she not allowed to go down to the basement where the head baker works ? Why does she never see the baker coming and going with his baked goods? Why is there no deliveries of supplies ?

Evie can't help herself and the curiosity cat in her needs to keep sneaking around to find out what is going on , meanwhile she is making friends with the dashing Mr. Chadwick .

This was cute and a light enjoyable clean read with a delicious and delightful ending !

Thank you Netgalley , HapperCollins UK and Evie Woods for this charming ARC.

A huge thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and Evie Woods for providing me with an ARC of The Mysterious Bakery on Rue De Paris in exchange for my honest review.

The Mysterious Bakery on Rue De Paris by Evie Woods tells the story of Edith Lane, who leaves Ireland to begin a new chapter of her life in France, working at a mysterious bakery.

This is a sweet and cozy tale that delves into themes of found friendships and love. Edith’s quest to uncover the secrets of the bakery takes her on a heartwarming journey of self-discovery and romance.

While the book is a quick and charming read, I didn’t find it particularly memorable, which is why I rated it three stars. One element that detracted from my enjoyment was the description of Edith as a middle-aged woman at an age I wouldn’t typically associate with that term. This characterisation felt inconsistent and slightly diminished my engagement with her story.

Although I didn’t love this book, I liked it. It’s a charming, lighthearted read that’s perfect for fans of cosy fiction.

Evie Woods’ "The Mysterious Bakery on Rue de Paris" offers a charming blend of whimsy and subtle enchantment, set within the picturesque confines of a small French town.

The narrative centers on Edie Lane, who relocates from Ireland, lured by the promise of a dream job at a bakery in Paris. To her surprise, she finds herself in the quieter town of Compiègne, a twist that propels her journey of self-discovery and healing following her mother's passing.

The story unfolds as Edie acclimates to her new environment, forming connections with the bakery's intriguing owner, Madame Moreau, and her grandson Manu, who is learning the art of baking with guidance from his great-grandfather’s spirit. The pastries crafted in this bakery are said to possess magical properties, providing comfort and even fleeting insights into the past for those who partake. This interplay of reality and the supernatural enriches the narrative, although some readers may feel that the paranormal aspects could be further developed.

Woods skillfully evokes a warm atmosphere filled with nostalgia. The bakery itself emerges as a vital element of the story, enveloping readers in the inviting aromas of freshly baked goods that stir memories and emotions. Edie's relationships, particularly with her hairdresser Nicole and Nicole's jazz musician husband Johnny, introduce a lively social dynamic that enhances the plot. Themes of grief, hope, and belonging resonate throughout as Edie learns to navigate her new life while reconciling with her past.

The writing is accessible and engaging, allowing readers to immerse themselves in Edie's experiences. Rather than focusing on unraveling a mystery, the narrative emphasizes personal growth, which may catch some readers off guard if they anticipate a conventional whodunit.

This enchanting tale encourages readers to savor each moment like one of its delightful pastries—sweet, comforting, and full of unexpected turns.

Although I couldn’t identify with Edith Lane, I felt for her and her predicament. I couldn’t imagine being her age, dealing with grief, and starting over in a new country, especially when roadblocks threatened to derail her journey. When she made her discovery surrounding Pierre Moreau, the story picked up and held my attention. I loved the exploration of our journey taking us where we need to be rather than where we intended.

This is a sweet story about a secret ingredient - the enduring power of love.

Don’t start this one on an empty stomach!

Congratulations on a fantastic cover.

I was gifted this copy by Harper Collins UK, One More Chapter and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.

The words Bakery and Paris attracted me to this book, and like Edith, I assumed it was about a bakery in Paris. Unlike Edith, I was excited for the story to take place in small town France.

Edith takes a job on a whim at a bakery not-in-Paris, discovers a bit of a mystery to figure out, a small business dilemma to resolve, and a handsome man to accept into her heart. Add lots of butter, sweet pastries, an eclectic supporting cast, and a touching backstory steeped in WWII.

It really was a quick and light, sweet read, but I didn't find it memorable. The writing was simplistic, sometimes overly so - parts were lyrical, others were almost childish. I honestly did not like Edith until almost halfway through the book - I found her lack of growth mindset to be childish and slightly obnoxious, making her seem younger than she is. I felt that while the premise of the story had potential, the result lacked depth.

Overall, it was a quick little snack of a story. Thank you to NetGalley and One More Chapter for the ARC.

A good read to curl up with on a dark evening, French patisseries, romance and a smattering of magic. Light and enjoyable.

The Mysterious Bakery on Rue de Paris is a cozy, magical novel that’s sure to lead you down an enchanting road of possibility. I enjoyed the premise of this novel, and the magic included in every chapter. This was heartwarming, and the perfect curl-up during the weekend read. Definitely recommend!

Thank you to Netgalley and HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter for the ARC of this novel; all opinions are my own.

I adored this delightful novel that truly warmed my heart. It is a heavenly mix of romance, adventure, mystery and magic. A savory pinch of paranormal activity runs in the background adding mystique and awe. I love stories that showcase Parisian cooking and bakeries; along with discoveries of lost books or pieces of other memorabilia from the past. And this one, being centred around a bakery, includes recipes. Ones that have a special connection to the past owner but is utilised to rescue the current one in the present.

The Prologue provides a mysterious caption of a baker whose bakery is ‘nestled among the cobblestone streets of Compiegne… whose pastries offered a taste of magic that could chase away even the darkest of sorrows.’ I was captivated from the first page! Also, the author’s descriptions were vivid and powerful from the start and continued throughout making me feel part of the setting and drama that unfolded.

Food can be magical in the way it conjures wonderful memories. It can invoke passion, satisfaction, excitement and courage, too. It might even inspire you to do things you had not thought of before. So, yes, it can be a tool for convincing one to change their mind, attitude or mood. And this happens in The Mysterious Bakery on Rue de Paris but I am not about to give away the ‘who’.

I was swiftly transported to the bakery setting in France with Edie Lane who has left Ireland motivated by the sadness of loss in her heart. This is her chance to recover and find a new path: a job offer as an Assistant Manager in a bakery in Paris, the city of dreams. But what she encounters is very different from what she expected and things don’t go so well at first: starting with the location. It is not in Paris but in a city further north. (One with an interesting history that includes Joan of Arc.) The adjustments will challenge her in ways she never expected. It is a steep learning curve, starting with communicating in the French language. I must note here: I found reading the phrases fun as I have not spoken or read French in a long time so I was amazed how much came back to me reading this novel. Evie Woods weaves the French phrases well throughout the English text, translating or inferring so the reader never gets lost.

Edie, with her struggles and aspirations, is superbly authentic. The author presents accurately how most would react in a totally new culture and environment, learning a new language and trying to make friends. Despite the bumpy road on her path to self-discovery, her journey is an exciting one and I loved every turn, twist and victory in her personal development.

Besides our brave Edie in the present, this novel has an endearing cast of characters that work together like a symphony of scents and tastes. And even when friction rises between them, it brings about positive results—eventually.

I enjoyed the present timeline but the past is tenderly presented, too. What I loved about Monsieur Moreau is how he used food to express his love— a love he could not share with another due to circumstances. So he poured that love into his baking and many people experienced that wellspring bubbling at his core by tasting and eating his food! It is true that we put a lot of our emotions in the dishes we prepare and this story highlights that. Cooking can lift your spirits as it is a type of creativity which sets the soul free to explore. It can even release a pent up heart. This is one of the messages that comes through loud and clear from the past character but this beautiful truth flows into the present timeline when necessary. There is also a WW2 theme and that part of the past thread is quite moving and adds another texture to the story’s canvas.

This is a story about second chances, love in its many forms, the magic of food, the power of community, the bonds of friendship, hidden secrets, unlikely romances, finding bravery, learning a new culture and more. The Mysterious Bakery on Rue de Paris by Evie Woods is a beautiful heart-soaked tale with depth, sparkle and charm that I loved immensely. I highly recommend! 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thanks to One More Chapter and Netgalley for the review copy.

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for this book!

This was a good one! I really enjoyed this book. I had a hard time putting this one down. I really enjoyed the writing style and the characters chemistry was great. This was a first for me by this author but will not be my last!

After years of caring for her mother, Edie wants to widen her horizons and moves to a small town just outside Paris.. There is something distinctly odd about the bakery which she works in, who and where is the baker? Why is her employer so secretive? A totally different, enthralling story with romance thrown in . Excellent reading for a cold winters day .

This book was exactly what I'd hoped it would be, having read a previous book by the author.
Charming, with a little bit of magic thrown in.
Each storyline was predictable, but that's OK.The warmth of the main character and the storytelling in general made it feel very cosy.
Lovely.

A magical delightful read which I thoroughly enjoyed. I thought it inspirational, interesting and entertaining.

I really enjoyed "The Lost Bookshop" by Evie Woods and she is able to carry on the magical storytelling in her latest book "The Mysterious Bakery on Rue de Paris". Part love story, part mystery, this is an homage to French bakeries and the families that run them. Ok there is one strand of the story that I had to just go with but the author has a real way with characters and capturing how it is to go and live in France without knowing anyone. Definitely a feel good novel.

I'm so grateful to Netgalley for this copy of "The Mysterious Bakery on Rue de Paris" by Evie Woods. I first read "The Lost Bookshop" by Woods on 2022, and to put it simply, I fell in love with Martha, Opaline and Henry, and the charming, warm tale that Woods wove around their lives. I've lost count of the number of times that I've recommended that book, or bought it for friends.
I've also loved "The Story Collector", and the short story "Betwixt", (especially The Story Collector), but "The Lost Bookshop" has really stolen my heart. So, you can understand, that this new publication of "The Mysterious Bakery on Rue de Paris", has a lot to live upto.
I read the original story back in 2022, shortly after reading TLB, and I thought that it was an enjoyable story but not hugely memorable. However, this updated and expanded version is avery different tale. The original story was around 180 pages, and this newer edition is closer to 400, with changes to characters, and an extended background to Monsieur Moreau, Hugo and Edith. The experience and growth of the author also shows here and the newer story is simply beautiful.
I think I have a contender for a book that is as beautiful as "The Lost Bookshop"; this time round the book is not set in Ireland or a version of Ireland it is set in a small town in France; about an hour north of Paris, called Compiègne. Our protagonist is a 29 year old Irish woman called Edith, and there are numerous poignant scenes, (I could empathize with quite easily) as Edie spoke of her grief at loosing her mother and her struggles to cope with this loss. I found those scenes were beautifully written, and while I definitely did cry, this is, a book that has also made me cheer as I support Genevieve, laugh at the antics of Nicole & Johnny. Not forgetting, shouting at Hugo!
In short, I loved this book. It has a magical heart - and is a warming, funny and poignant tale. I can't recommend it highly enough. A full five stars, and if I could give it another five I absolutely would.
Oh, and that hot chocolate receipe? Oh, my. That is incredible!

I loved this book. It is pure escapism and beautifully written. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for the advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review. Evie woods is now a must buy author for me.

The Mysterious Bakery on Rue De Paris by E. Woods, published by Harper Collins UK /One More Chapter is a gem that you don't want to miss.
Beautifully written, warmhearted gives the story all the feels.
I recommend the book, 5 stars.
Blurb: Nestled among the cobblestone streets of Compiègne, there existed a bakery unlike any other.
Rumours were whispered through the town that its pastries offered a taste of magic, chasing away the darkest of sorrows. Just one bite of a croissant might bring luck, unlock a precious memory or reveal hidden longings.
But dark clouds were looming on the horizon…
For Edie Lane, a recipe for disaster doesn’t require that many ingredients. Take an unhealthy amount of wishful thinking and a sprinkle of desperation and that’s how Edie left everything behind in Ireland for her dream job at a bakery in Paris. Except the bakery isn’t in Paris – and neither is Edie.
This might not be where Edie intended to be but she soon realizes it's exactly where she needs to be.