The Mysterious Bakery on Rue de Paris is a heartwarming and magical tale about Edie Lane, who moves to France in search of a fresh start, only to stumble upon something far more extraordinary than she ever imagined.

Expecting to work as an assistant manager in a charming Parisian bakery, Edie is in for a surprise when the bakery is actually in Compiegne, not Paris. Instead of the picturesque experience she envisioned, she finds herself in a rundown apartment, working under a grumpy boss, and feeling more lost than ever.

As the story unfolds, we meet a cast of endearing characters, each with their own struggles and dreams. Through a touch of magic and unexpected friendships, The Mysterious Bakery on Rue de Paris beautifully illustrates how sometimes, with a little help, we can all find our way and how within each of us lies a seed of potential, just waiting for the right moment to bloom.

This is a lovely gentle romance with a little bit of supernatural thrown in. Edith is a little stuck after the death of her mother and at the grand old age of 29 decides to restart her life and answers an advert for an assistant manager at a bakery in Paris. When she gets there she realises that she should be at a little bakery which is about an hour away from Paris. Edith continues on her journey and is confronted with a very grumpy French woman who appears to distrust people, including Edith.

Edith settles into life at the bakery and soon realises there is something strange about it and she has never met the actual baker. She also meets Nicole who invites her on a night out where she meets Hugo. From here on in the story is fairly predictable in that Edith and Hugo form a bond which is quickly shattered after misunderstandings from both parties. Throw in the little supernatural and you end up with a really lovely read

This is easy to read, kept me interested and was wonderful for escapism

Enjoyed this book. I mean, it's set in France and about a bakery, so that's a great start for a book! Edith moves to France after her mother passes away and although she doesn't end up quite where she thought - it's Rue de Paris, not actual Paris. However, once she gets over that, she starts to settle into her new job and life. There are some mysteries she has to solve and then of course, there is Hugo, who she meets in a jazz club. This book had a bit of everything - mystery, friendships made, new job & country and a potential love story. Oh and of course, french pastries and bread!
Recommended.

Thank you to Net Galley and the publishers for allowing me to read this in exchange for an honest review, which is what I have given.

Edies dream of a bakery in Paris, Mysterious pastry shop. All of theis will hook you in and you will have to read this to the end. A really wonders tale of life and love and family.. You must read this!!

Loved loved loved this book - my favourite one by Evie so far. Great characters, French bread and cakes, history and a ghost - all baked into an uplifting story.

It took me a while to get into this book completely, I must say. Although it has a distinct charm, it's one of those tales that gradually captivates you. The Mysterious Bakery on Rue de Paris, which is situated in the charming town of Compiègne, creates a mystical ambiance surrounding a bakery that promises more than simply mouthwatering pastries—it provides a little touch of magic with each bite. I found the thought of baked products having such power fascinating, regardless of whether it's due to luck, forgotten memories, or unspoken desires.

Edie Lane's story is full of surprising turns and relatable. She initially has great expectations for her ideal career in Paris, but she ends herself in a very different place. Even if Compiègne wasn't her original destination, it turns out that she might be right where she needs to be. Although Edie's early difficulties adjusting felt a little slow, they ultimately set up a very fulfilling character arc in this tale of serendipity and finding your path.

I couldn't put the book down once I got into the rhythm of it, and the writing is stunning. Every confection seems to be laced with enchantment, and Evie Woods' choice of words puts you right in the middle of the bakery. I was captivated by the relationships among the individuals, the bakery, and the secrets surrounding it.

This is a lovely and cozy story. One where you should grab your favorite blanket, make a cup of tea, and sit down to savor this story.
Love, a bit of mystery, and a host of characters. Added bonus - France!
Than you NetGalley and the publisher for access to this eARC.

Thank you NetGalley and HarperCollins UK / One More Chapter for the ARC.

“…my heart was holding out for something amazing to happen. And who was I to stand in the way of that?”

The thing about this author is her books are amazing but don’t read them in areas you aren’t okay with crying in, like I did at work while reading this during lunch. I really should know better but the problem with a good book is you can’t put it down and you have to read it at every opportunity. Watching Edie find herself and strike out on her own for the first time was so amazing to watch, she is someone that you can easily relate to and at the same time wish you could be as brave as her.

A cute read with a little bit of mystery mixed in. I enjoyed the story of life at the bakery but found everything just a bit superficial; I never really felt like I knew the characters. I enjoyed learning about the region of France and all of the history.

Thank you NetGalley. A simple story follows Edith as she leaves Ireland for Paris after her mother’s death. At 29 years old she starts her new life after accepting a job as assistant manager at a bakery but it is not in the glamorous Paris but in the quaint town of Compiegne. She finds her way and makes friends and even a romantic partner but then the shop’s secrets are realized, she has to take sides. Family vows take center stage in this charming tale.

Evie Woods' "The Mysterious Bakery on Rue de Paris" is a delightful read that captures the essence of French charm and the thrill of unexpected adventures.
The story revolves around Edith, a young Irish woman who finds herself at a crossroads in life. Seeking a fresh start, she replies to a job application for what she thinks is a Bakery in Paris, but is really in a small town several miles outside Paris.
After her initial disappointment Edith begins working front of house, serving at the bakery alongside the bakery owner the enigmatic Madam Moreau. Notably Edith is told under no circumstances must she enter the bakery below.
One of the standout aspects of the novel is its vivid depiction of the French way of life. Woods' descriptive writing brings the picturesque streets to life. The bakery itself is a character in its own right, with its cozy ambiance and hidden secrets that gradually unfold as the story progresses.
While the plot may follow a somewhat predictable trajectory, the charm and warmth of the story more than make up for it. "The Mysterious Bakery on Rue de Paris" is a feel-good read that leaves readers with a sense of satisfaction.
As I read a kindle version I was able to translate the sprinkling of French throughout. Although this in no way would have detracted from the novel.
For its enchanting setting, well-developed characters, and delightful storyline, I give "The Mysterious Bakery on Rue de Paris" by Evie Woods a well-deserved 4-star rating. It's a perfect escape for those who love all things French, baking, and heartwarming tales of self-discovery.
Many thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley UK for the ARC.

an okay read! i was expecting something a bit less cozy and a bit more mysterious, as this was excessive even to me (a cozy mystery fan) but if you're looking for a sweet comfort read this is a fine choice. 3 stars. tysm for the arc.

I struggled for the first few chapters to gain an interest in the storyline.
I feel maybe this is a result of not being able to relate to the character and her voice.
I felt there was a bit of disparity between her naive persona, more akin to 18-20 year olds, even though she was meant to aged more 29-31 region.
Then to make it more confusing were stating that she’s having a midlife crisis…. In her 30s?
Being 31 myself I can understand realising life isn’t going the way I expected and feeling the pressures of society to finally find your feet, but a crisis? Nay!

After persisting with the story, I did find it easier and more enjoyable.
I liked the addition of a ghost and Romani aspects, even though I felt we only scratched the surface. I do feel a bit more of this culture being brought into it would’ve made this story stand out more.

I don’t have much to say about the love interest, he seems a bit too perfect and not too sure why he’s interested in quite an average character and so quickly, but it wouldn’t be a move to France without a love interest would it?

Overall I’d say it’s an easy, cosy read that would market well to the girlies who enjoy an easy read on holiday or travelling in general and those who like the book akin to ‘The Pumpkin Spice Cafe’.

Traditional format 📕 (digital). Release date: April 8, 2025 (reviewed Feb 2025)

This book is was a warm and cosy mix of historical fiction, romance with a little touch of magical realism. The story follows Edith, an Irish woman, who gives up her life to work at a bakery outside of Paris. There is a back story and secrets about the bakery and its owner (which I don’t want to share to spoil the plot).

Overall I really enjoyed this cozy read. It has little bit of something for everyone in terms of gendre. I give this book a 4/5 cupcakes.

A few comments on what would have made this a five star read:
🧁 I was expecting more magical realism in this book. It didn’t take away from my enjoyment but some of the elements intended for this in the book just fell flat
🧁 I would have loved more backstory - there was a little there but I felt it could have given more to add to the current day plot

Thank you to Net Galley and HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter | One More Chapter for a digital ARC of this book in exchange for a review.

This book was enjoyable but it was a little like reading magical realism/historical fiction/romance-light. All of the pieces were there but they just weren't fully developed. That being said, I did enjoy the story and wanted to keep reading to find out about the magic of the bakery. I also enjoyed the chapters from different character's perspectives that were sprinkled in; most of the chapters are from Edith's POV but the occasional chapters that showed backstory or the historical aspect were enjoyable, I wish there had been more of that in the book.

I also thought this was a new book but apparently it's a re-release of a book that was published in 2014.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC of this book.

Evie Wood rights superbly entertaining stories with a magical twist. She’s done it again. This one is quaint, heart breaking and heart warming too. Edie Lane is searching for something, and Paris is calling! Well, not quite - read and see what life changing adventure she falls into. I think your day will be better for it. Thank you to Harper Collins UK, One More Chapter and NetGalley for the ARC. The views expressed are all mine.

It took me a while to get into this book but once I did, I really enjoyed it.
Edit moves to Paris from her home in Ireland to work in a bakery. When she arrives in Paris she is totally lost and can't find the bakery anywhere. After a phone call to the owner she realises the bakery is not actually in Paris but outside of it.
Very disappointed Edi eventually gets to the bakery and is not made welcome at all by the owner. Her room is not what she expected either and she just wants to return home.

When strange noises occur in the bakery at night edi decides to stay even just to getting the bottom of it all and find out why the owner seems to dislike her so much.
An enjoyable read but you have to suspend some of your beliefs and just go with the flow.

A quirky fun read. Quite enjoyed it! Evie Woods never disappoints! Thanks for the advanced copy NetGalley!

I thought that this book was a bit 'young' for an adult audience. Edith was a bit of a wishy washy character despite the things she got involved with. I liked the sense of place with the old boulangerie and the history of Compiegne. But I wasn't as enthralled as I was with Evie Woods's previous books. And that title - way too clunky.

This book just confirms to me the master storyteller that is Evie Woods! With multiple POVs and jumping between WW2 and present day, there’s many characters and storylines to take into consideration but Evie manages to weave them together to create a spellbinding story that had me smiling, and crying tears of joy (and a little sadness). I don’t often get emotional with books but there’s just something about the writing that speaks to you as a reader.

At its core, this book was about Edie finding herself and finding that confidence to grow into that person that she truly wants to be. Tackling grief whilst standing up for what she believes in too.

The romance element at the beginning seemed full on and more like a cringey romance novel but it transpired into a real life story with the ups and downs that are innately tied to relationships.

The historical element highlighted the hardship of Romana gypsies, especially during WW2. It was nice to learn about forgotten history and the hardships they faced and still do. Bringing this rich culture alive was special amongst the pages.

The main storyline to save the bakery was unlike something I’ve read. I don’t want to give anything away as it’s a truly magical reading experience.

Just like, The Lost Bookshop, this book is up there with my favourites of all time!