I do love an Evie Woods novel. This one is magical and paints a beautiful story of love, life, ghosts in a French Bakery. Very atmospheric, easy to read, and satisfying. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the complementary digital ARC. This review is my own words and opinion.

3.75/5

Although not my favourite book by this author, it was still an entertaining read. The bakery descriptions had me salivating and I had to Google all the beautiful places they referenced in France.

I found the mysterious/supernatural elements a bit unnecessary and it took me some time to warm to both th MFC & MMC.

The detail about the war packed an emotional punch.

All in all an enjoyable read.

Fantastic! I loved this new novel by Evie Woods! Beautifully written (similar to her other novel The Lost Bookshop), with the perfect ingredients to take the reader on a magical journey. I love this author’s writing style and ability to weave the story to keep the reader engaged.

5-⭐️

I will recommend this book to anybody who asks me for recs!

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for the advanced reader copy of this beautiful novel in exchange for my honest review and opinion.

Absolutely adored this latest from Evie Woods. I love her style of writing , attention to detail, and such great characters. The historical element surrounding Compiegne during WWII was sensitively written about and I simply loved it all. The storyline & the storytelling were wonderful & I have no hesitation in highly recommending this wonderful book.

I absolutely love Evie Wood's novels, they are written so well and have a magical element to them that you just get swept away with them. The Mysterious Bakery on Rue de Paris is no exception, I loved getting swept away in this beautiful written novel. I loved Edith, she took a rest and was courageous, I loved how she developed and how she shone as a person. Her ability to forge friendships in unexpected places was a marvel.
I loved how this novel played out, I don't know what I was expecting but I loved it. I loved the mixture of the past being relevant in the present and how it all entwined.
There was moments of sadness, of shock and of joy. This novel like Evie Wood's other novels took me on a rollercoaster of emotions and gave me an ending that was fulfilling and satisfying.
I really look forward to reading more from Evie Woods. Definitely an automatic buy author!

This was a quick read! You get a little bit of romance, history, and magical realism!

Thank you for NetGalley and HarperCollins OMC for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Thank you NetGalley and Harper Collins UK/ One More Chapter for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I have truly loved Evie Woods’ first two books so was immensely excited to be able to read the Mysterious Bakery. While this one feels just a touch lighter and more magical/less magical realism than the first two, I still adore her ability to weave multiple timelines into something cozy and comforting. I love Edith’s journey and while it’s a bit superficial and trope-y (more so than her other books), I understood and felt connected and enjoyed seeing her journey through. While I think it’s safe to say it wasn’t my favorite of Woods’ books so far, it was still a beautiful story I couldn’t put down and felt so comforted reading. I recommend it to anyone with a love of France, pastries, and watching a character find their voice.

I've read previous books by this author and I enjoyed this just as much. Such a great escape read. I'm looking forward to reading more from this author

This was a quick, easy, predictable sort of read which was sort of enjoyable but nothing sparkling. I suppose ‘just OK’ covers it for me. Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the early copy and sorry I can’t be more positive!

Following the passing of her mother after a long-term illness, Edie Lane is ready to find her own adventures and start living her fullest life. She makes the big decision to move from Ireland to France after answering an ad for a bakery manager. But when she gets there she starts to doubt herself as she struggles with the language, her boss, and unmet expectations.

With the help of friendly locals and a resolve to succeed, Edie starts to find her place in Compiegne. She meets a nice man and improves her French speaking. What mystifies her is the source of the bakery’s goods – who is the baker and why is she not allowed in the basement where the ovens are? What she learns will connect her to her employer, her new community, and help her reconcile with the pains of her past.

This was a lovely story of love, loss, and the difference that reaching out and helping someone can make. The characters were well written, and their personalities really blossomed throughout the book.

A wonderful recipe for a good book – plenty of heart, a dash of disaster, and a pinch of magic.

From the opening pages, I instinctively knew that this would be a rather special story. When reviewing, I always aim to remain within the confines of the synopsis to avoid revealing any spoilers and ruining the book for future readers. Of course, that’s assuming people actually read my posts, but the synopsis above is rather restrictive.

The story begins with Edie packing her bags and heading to France to assume her new role at a bakery in Paris. Leaving her father behind in their home in Ireland, Edie flies from Dublin, landing in France to meet her first shock, discovering that she won’t be living in the centre of Paris but in a village on the far outskirts of the French Capital.

Deciding to brave these slightly changed circumstances, she takes a train from Gare du Nord and locates the bakery on Compiègne’s Rue de Paris. She meets Madame Moreau and her assistant, Manu, who offer her a lukewarm reception and show her to her modest accommodation. Aware that her father did not fully support or understand her decision to move to France, Edie chooses to gloss over her misgivings about the move and wax lyrical about her new situation.

Of course, there is a handsome stranger for Evie to be drawn to, but as I already said, there will be no spoilers from me.

The mystery comes in the form of the baker and the strange draw that their baked goods have over so many people who flock to the bakery on a daily basis. Evie even joins in and creates her own range of delicate confections with sublime fillings that soon become a hit.

As the story builds, there is a definite jeopardy of how the tiny bakery will survive the hostility of a bank takeover. Perhaps it’s time for the bakery to prove that there is magic in mixes.

I wholeheartedly recommend that you take a leap of faith and read this gorgeous book.

I was entranced by this histfic tale set in a magical French village with delicious pastries, intriguing history, romance, and a lovely community. A delightful way to get lost for hours!

I instantly fell in love with this book. From the very first chapter, I knew I was going to enjoy the read. Edith, the main character, is someone I really connected with—her desire to make a change in her life and her decision to move to Paris resonated deeply with me. While this is an easy read, I recognize it may not be for everyone. However, it's the type of story that will leave you smiling, which, for me, is something truly important. As a French person, I also thoroughly enjoyed the charming Parisian clichés woven throughout the book—it added a special touch that made the setting feel even more authentic.

One thing I would have loved is if the mystery behind the bakery had been revealed a bit later in the story. I think a little more suspense and anticipation would have made the reveal even more impactful. Overall, it’s a book I would definitely recommend for anyone looking for a cozy mystery.

This was sadly not for me. I found the characters rather boring and the story not that exciting. I had a hard time wanting to pick up the story. I found the writing a bit juvenile and a bit YA.

I appreciate receiving this ARC copy, but sadly it just wasn't for me.

Edith Lane had spent her teenage years and beyond looking after her mother. After her mother's passing Edith came to the conclusion that her life had been uneventful and going nowhere. Escaping her grief and leaving everything behind she grabbed a once-ij-a-lifetime opportunity, a job at a bakery in Paris. A chance to start over.

It's not Paris.. she finds her job is actually in Compiegne a small town outside Paris. The Boulangerie et Patisserie de Compiegne is a magical place. Hidden amongst the cobblestone streets it has a storied past and secrets. However, her French adventure was turning out to be a huge mistake but then what? She wanted the drifting to stop, fulfill a dream. Wake up one morning and finding out who she was and what she really wanted to do.
"Her heart was holding out for something amazing to happen."

This is an absolutely delicious and very endearing. A beautiful story of self-discovery. I loved the bakery atmosphere it was very quaint. Edith as a character was spot on as was the setting of this book. What I really loved was the historical content about Compiegne I had no idea so that was fabulous. For me it was a believable scenario. How many of us have packed up and left something behind to look for a better place a better mind set and hope for something amazing to happen. I get it !!!! I hope you read this book and enjoy it. It is hopeful and uplifting.

"Abandon your dreams is like abandoning a part of yourself"

Thank you @ netgalley for this e-arc for an honest review.

@sunflowerbooknook

Evie Woods has once again written a heart warming story that immerses you in small town life in France. I feel like I just had one of Edith’s famous hot chocolates and am at peace. There’s something so comforting about a book that makes you feel inspired and genuinely happy.

I fell in love with Edith and her tenacity and willingness to try something new. The supporting cast of characters left nothing to be desired. Manu is a genuinely good kid, who’s had a tough few years. Mme Moreau, with her cantankerous exterior, reminds you that everyone has dealt with struggles, and sometimes you just need to be patient, but ultimately, winning their friendship will be worth it.

The setting was also inspired. I had no about about the town or its history and its impact on Europe, but I’m definitely doing more research now.

Thank you Evie Woods for another spectacular book, reading your work feels like coming home. Thank you to Evie Woods, NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC.

As a pastry chef, I really enjoyed The Mysterious Bakery on Rue de Paris. The mystery wasn’t exactly mind-blowing, but that didn’t bother me. The real magic is in the cozy French village atmosphere, mouthwatering pastries, and the sense of community.

I loved how it blended love, history, and baking into a story that felt like sinking into a warm, buttery croissant. The characters are endearing, and it’s more about soaking up the vibe than chasing plot twists.

If you’re looking for something heartwarming and sweet, this one’s a treat!

A story about following your dreams to move to France by taking a cashier job at a bakery? Sign me up! While Edie thought she took a job that was bringing her to Paris... turns out it was a job that was bringing her to a smaller town, just on the Rue de Paris. When Edie arrives, the shop owner Madame Moreau is not super friendly. She's starting to doubt her choices when she meets Nicole at the hair salon and then meets the mysterious and handsome Hugo. Multiple storylines unweave from here including the history of the bakery, of Madame Moreau, Hugo, and a variety of customers.

Honestly, this was... fine. I didn't feel really connected to any of the characters and I have to say that making friends so quickly as an adult is almost as unbelievable as what's happening in the basement of the bakery. I feel like there was a desire to make this place magical and it just fell a little short. The historical elements were probably one of the more interesting parts of the book. This was a quick read so I don't have regrets about finishing it, but I can't think of a specific person I'd recommend this to - maybe if you're a huge Francophile?

Thanks to NetGalley and One More Chapter for providing this copy to me in exchange for my honest review!

Among the cobblestone streets of Compiègne, there is a bakery like no other. Everyone loves the cakes and pastries but it seems there is more to them than just being eaten.
However, the war is on the horizon and who knows what will happen.
Many years later, Edie applies for a job in the bakery. She is at a crossroads in her life in Ireland and wants a challenge and a challenge is what she gets.
Soon she is part of the bakery family and the shop is fighting closure which is not part of her plan.

This is clearly the day I set aside time to review the books I DNF. The concept of this book sounded so good, but it was falling so flat for me.
Girl, you set out on an adventure and proceeded to have the worst attitude in the world! She’s grumbling under her breath about her brand new boss within seconds of meeting her. She really needed to claim her own choices here: she got a job over the phone, sight unseen. That’s a recipe for disaster. The mystery and the magic were intriguing to me and I wanted to know Edie’s backstory, but I could not force myself to keep reading.
Maybe this is a sweet book and I’ve missed an opportunity, but I wanted to like Edie and I just did not.