I enjoyed this magical cozy romance. I am always a sucker for food or restaurant themed reads. This was a quick read and perfect for summer.

Beautiful! I absolutely adored Whisked Away! If you’re a fan of small-town romances, this one is a must-read. There’s a touch of magic woven into every page - whether it’s true magical realism or just the charm of the town, I’m not sure, but everything felt so alive and enchanting. The story is beautifully written, short, and easy to get lost in. The romance was sweet and wholesome - exactly what I needed. I couldn’t put it down, and I’m already looking forward to the next books in the series. Highly recommend!

⭐️⭐️⭐️.75/5

Thank you to Netgalley and the Author for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Whisked Away follows Alex Sinclair a jaded food journalist who has sworn off love in favour of stability and financial security. She is the older sister and guardian to Missy, a talented cellist who recieved a place at Julliard and has recently been invited to spend a year as an exchange student in Paris. Alex has spent her adulthood ensuring her younger sister is provided for and wont drown in student debt for the rest of her life, so when she is asked to complete an expose on a small town bakery by her superior Vivienne in exchange for a promotion that would provide permanent financial security; she sets aside her morals and makes her way to Magnolia Cove. Her target, Ethan Hart - a man FAR too attractive not to be a model for a gimmicky facade of a trendy small town bakery.

However when Alex Sinclair arrives in Magolia Cove, she soon learns that her previous assumptions were false and perhaps this man is not "too good to be true" and is actually a genuinely GOOD man and talented baker. He makes sweet treats that are not just delicious but are good for the soul and seemingly magical. Soon Alex finds herself falling in love with the cinnamon roll of a man, and the beautiful albeit eccentric town.

But not all is as it seems, all small towns are hiding something and Magnolia Cove is no exception. Alex finds herself at a crossroads, and Ethan battles against his budding feelings for her and his duty to the town and its inhabitants. For Ethan too is hiding a secret - one that has already changed the course of his life for at least the next decade...

Whisked Away is a cosy romance, with magical elements and an ongoing mystery element. The characters, both the fmc and mmc, as well as the side characters are unique and well developed. The fmc was initially rather difficult to relate to and understand, however this was no longer the case by the half-way point. Zoe, Ethan's bakery partner is a delightful comedic character who like many of the characters in this book, shows be more than meets the eye in regards to first impressions and soon becomes a vital and integral part of Alex and Ethan's love story.

In terms of the magical component, it is an excellent introduction to the series - but is definitely secondary to the storyline - with the romance being the focus. While I had some assumptions as to the big reveal in the second to last chapter, I was wrong about the actual reveal - that being said the gist of it is rather obvious throughout the story.

Overall, a very cute read and I would definitely recommend for someone looking for a sweet, cosy rom-com.

This story has a sweet and cozy feel, and transports us to a little perfect and magical small town making us feel like we just steped into an hallamark movie with a feel good kind of vibe.

Ethan is the perfect main male character. He is sweet, loving, kind, attentive, gentlemanlike... so swoony! He is a baker in a small town. He has magic and uses it to help bring goog feelings. He needs to keep his ability a secret and is bound by the town to never relay the magic they all have. He wants the world to know his baking and be recognised even if in a small little town.
Alex is a strong and driven woman, who has had to be responsible for taking care of her sister. She applies herself in her job and puts some dreams aside to be the best at what she does.
She is a food critique, and when some news arrive about a perky little bakery in a small town that is described as magical, her boss sends her there to destroy that mith and relay the truth.
But what if all that what was said was true? What if the bakery, the town, the people and even Ethan were the real thing? They look and sound so perfect in her eyes! But some secrets are being held, and how will she react to them and how will the town react when they know she discovered their most precious secret?

Both main characters were so easy to relate to and to grow fond of. We could understand their anguish and both their dreams and couldn't hope more for them to succed and to find all they were looking for.
Also, the side characters were sweet, conforting and even meddling but in the best way possible.
I really enjoyed this story and hopefjlly I'll return to this small magical town soon.

Right off the bat, it’s cheeky and humorous.
The writing is so smooth that it pulls you in continuously to read more and more whilst not noticing you already read a hundred pages.

We have Alexandra Sinclair, a writer for a famous food magazine who is tasked to write a scathing article about this supposedly “magical” but really actually magical bakery owned by Ethan Hart in a small “painfully/adorable” town called Magnolia Cove. I got so excited after reading just three chapters because both of these characters are lovable and their inner dialogue is entertaining.

It skipped my mind to listen to the playlist while reading and remembered only by the 5th chapter and I really love it when the playlist adds to the feeling of reading and it certainly did. The Way I Am by Ingrid Michaelson and Banana Pancakes by Jack Johnson were probably my favorites and matched the quirkiness of the book so well.

It’s the perfect small town romance - small town guy meets big city girl. To be honest, the magic was a welcome nice touch though not necessary because the characters and the setting was already good enough to carry the book.

And can I also say, the cover of this book and the other books by Noel Bailey is so adorable and I am actually thinking about getting physical copies.

I absolutely adored Whisked Away! It’s the perfect cozy romance with a touch of magic, irresistible baked goods, and a slow-burn love story that’s as warm and sweet as fresh cinnamon rolls. What starts as a professional mission quickly turns into something much deeper as the charming and slightly enchanted world of Magnolia Cove (and its golden-boy baker, Ethan) works its way into the main character’s heart—and mine, too.

Noel Bailey balances humor, heart, and just the right sprinkle of whimsy. If you love small-town settings, bakery romance, and stories where a bit of magic quietly transforms everything, this book is a treat you won’t want to miss.

Alexandra (Alex) Sinclair is a well-respected food reviewer for an established magazine “Gastronomy Eats.” Her editor thinks they need to branch out and review more whimsical places. For instance, a recent review of a bakery in Magnolia Cove has received great ratings. Alex is skeptical as she feels it is a fluff review. However, her editor insists that she travel to Magnolia Cove and stay for a couple of weeks and find out what the hype is all about regarding this bakery.

The Whimsical Whisk is owned and operated by Ethan Hart. He is a handsome man and well liked in the community. The baked goods are said to be so good that they are magical. When Alex tastes some items, she too is amazed at how delicious everything is. Getting to know Ethan, his friends, and co-workers is fun for Alex and she finds herself relaxing and enjoying herself.

Ethan is attracted to Alex but is concerned about getting too close to her as he has recently been hurt by another woman. He is hiding a secret about himself and the people of Magnolia Cove. They have magical powers but must keep this secret. As Alex becomes more ingrained into the community, she wants to stay. Could she be falling in love with Ethan?

I absolutely adored this book. It’s clean and fun and the food sounds so yummy. As I don’t usually read sci-fi or fantasy genres, I was wondering how I would react to this story. However, I hugged it to me with both arms. What fun it would be to visit Magnolia Cove and stop for a pastry at The Whimsical Whisk. Enjoy!

Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Alex meets Ethan when she travels to Magnolia Cove. She is supposed to write an article uncovering the truth behind his bakery, but as she falls for him will that be possible. Some unexpected twists too. Looking forward to the rest of this series.

4 Stars!

What a great cozy read. It was as sweet as the treats being made in the bakery! It felt more like a Hallmark movie than a book, in the best way.

Alex was dedicated, caring, and hardworking. Ethan was trapped by past mistakes, ones he accidentally repeats, but I delighted in their interactions and sweet moments together.

I loved Alex and Ethan as a couple, just a treat! ;) (Sorry, that was terrible!)

I’ll absolutely be reading the next book when I need a sweet escape. I'm loving this community and would love to see Alex and Ethan again.

Thank you to NetGalley for the book in exchange for my honest review.

Quick Summary: A magical moments romance

My Review: Whisked Away by Noel Bailey is book #1 in the Magnolia Cove Magic series. It was released on 5/21/25.

About the Book: "Writing a scathing exposé on a small-town bakery was the only thing on my agenda...

Why? Because this bakery is more than just a quaint little shop...

This was supposed to be about the bakery, but as sparks fly in the kitchen, I can’t seem to keep my heart—and headline—intact."

In My Own Words: Desperate to make a mark and to solve an existing issue, a food writer commits to doing a hit piece on magical bakery and its "Chief" baker. Before she knows what is happening, she experiences a beautiful kind of magic that is both freeing and filling.

My Final Say: What an enchanting story! I absolutely loved it. It was a delicious beginning to what promises to be an amazing series. I found this first installment to be entirely original and wholly entertaining. Magnolia Cove and its residents have certainly gained my attention. I cannot wait to see what comes next.

The next book is entitled Love by the Book. (Release date: TBA) I have it on my wish list.

A Little Something Extra: I did not see the secret reveal coming. This was my first experience with that specific kind of magical ability.

Other: Readers who enjoy whimsical romances, magical secrets, and charmed communities will appreciate this story.

Rating: 4.5/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: A
Re-read: Yes
Keeper: Yes
Favorites Shelf: Yes
Status/Level: 💗
Series: Yes

Thank you to the author, to the publisher (Victory Editing), and to NetGalley for providing access to a digital ARC of this title in exchange for an honest critique. It was an absolute pleasure to review this work. I am excitedly looking forward to reading more from this writer. I cannot wait to read more about Magnolia Cove and its magical stories.

Whisked Away is a magical and engaging story that completely won me over. As I started to read, I thought I’d give it a solid four-star rating, but somewhere in the second half of the book, some sentences were so beautifully written I had to stop and say out loud, “Damn. That was really good.” By the end, giving it five stars felt like the only option.

The story follows Alex, a journalist reluctantly sent to write an exposé on a faraway small-town bakery. Desperate for money, she agrees to the assignment, but something about the town feels a little too perfect. As she begins to investigate, she unexpectedly finds herself falling for both the town and someone who lives there.

This book made me feel a full range of emotions. I laughed at the wit and sarcasm, I cried during dramatic moments, and I connected deeply with the characters. The town’s residents are introduced gradually, making all of them memorable without being overwhelming. Each of them had a purpose, but my personal favorites were Zoe, who’s both funny and wise, and Alex herself, who goes through a heartfelt transformation—from being career-focused to allowing herself to feel something, to fall in love. I found myself really rooting for her.

The romance was one of the most realistic I’ve read. There was no forced setup. Alex and Ethan meet, they talk, connect and fall in love. At first, it felt almost too simple, but then I realized how realistic it was. Sometimes people just meet and connect, so it was refreshing to see that in the book.

The writing style really caught my attention. As a non-native English speaker, I often see short and simple sentences in books. But that was not the case here. I was genuinely surprised and fascinated to see longer and so nicely written sentences. I’ll certainly read more from the author in the future.

One small issue I had was wishing for a bit more description, especially of the visual appearances of the characters and the looks exchanged by Alex and Ethan. But everything else was really good. Even the short intimate scene felt genuine and necessary to the story. I also liked the playlist—actually listening to it while I was reading, which almost never happens to me. It really matched the story’s mood perfectly.

I’d highly recommend Whisked Away to anyone, because everyone needs some magic in their lives, and I felt it while reading this book. If you’re a fan of small-town romances and low fantasy, it might be a perfect match for you.

Thank you to Victory Editing and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The story follows Alexandra Sinclair, a determined journalist aiming to expose the secrets of a mysterious local bakery, only to find herself unexpectedly drawn to its kindhearted owner, Ethan Hart. The magical elements—like kitchen spells and enchanted confections—add a whimsical touch without overpowering the story. Magnolia Cove itself is filled with quirky, lovable side characters that bring warmth and life to the narrative, and Ethan’s quiet vulnerability adds emotional depth that balances out the light, cozy tone.

While the atmosphere and Ethan’s character stood out, the plot could have used a bit more tension and complexity. Alexandra’s initial attitude made her a bit hard to connect with, though she softens over time. Some moments felt rushed or underdeveloped, and a little more depth would have elevated the story. Still, it’s a promising start to a series and an enjoyable read for anyone who loves a touch of magic with their romance. Perfect for curling up with on a cozy weekend.

Whisked Away is a charming, feel-good read with a sweet small-town vibe and a touch of magic. I really enjoyed the quirky characters and the cozy setting of Magnolia Cove. The magical elements were fun, especially the kitchen spells, but I was hoping for a bit more depth and excitement in the plot. It’s a great start to the series, though, and I’m curious to see where it goes next!

Whisked Away is a heartwarming tale that blends romance, magic, and the charm of small-town life. Set in the enchanting town of Magnolia Cove, the story follows Alexandra Sinclair, a determined journalist aiming to write an exposé on the town's mysterious bakery. However, her plans take an unexpected turn when she meets Ethan Hart, the bakery's charismatic owner, and discovers the subtle magic infused in his confections.

Bailey's narrative shines with witty banter and emotional depth, capturing the essence of finding love and purpose in the most unexpected places. The supporting characters, from the quirky townsfolk to the magical elements of the bakery, add layers of warmth and intrigue to the story.

Whisked Away is a delightful escape into a world where love and magic intertwine, leaving readers with a warm and satisfied feeling.

📖 Bookish Thoughts:
Okay so… this one was a bit of a mixed bag for me. Alex (our FMC) was not my favorite. She came across judgmental and critical, and while I get that she’s under pressure, it was giving Mean Girl Energy. I do love how much she cares about her sister—that was one of the few times I really connected with her—but even when she started to chill a little, I just couldn’t connect with her.

Now Ethan? Ethan cracked my heart right open. The way he doesn’t think he deserves love wrecked me. I immediately connected with him. He was honestly just trying to find a way to be happy, even with his “punishment,” and he truly loved the town and The Whisk. He didn’t deserve what he was going through and I just wanted to hug him. The ending was cute though and helped me soften up towards Alex.

The side characters were so charming! Zoe was my absolute favorite! She was so fun and brought a lot of life to the bakery. And yes, I now absolutely need to try honey candy. Immediately.
Overall, 3.5 stars.

💗 What You Can Expect:
• Softie MMC
• Hallmark vibes
• Found family
• Second chances
• Bakery + pastry descriptions that will make you hungry

Release Date: May 21, 2025
Thank you to Victory Editing and NetGalley for the ARC! All thoughts are my own.

I really wanted to enjoy this story—I love a good cozy mystery with a food theme. But unfortunately, I just couldn’t get into it. Around 20% in, I found myself struggling to stay engaged and eventually had to stop reading. My biggest issue is that the characters felt underdeveloped; they lacked depth and didn’t feel fully realized. Don’t get me wrong—I’m not expecting the next great American novel—but this felt more like a rough draft than a finished book. The story, details, and character development all needed more work. I hate to leave a review for a DNF, but since this is a NetGalley read, I’m required to provide my feedback.

This was an easy, light, and cozy read. This is for readers who love stories that consist of small-town, cute romance, and the found family trope—with a touch of magic.

This follows Alexandra Sinclair, a journalist determined to discover the secret of the charming town of Magnolia Cove. However, her plans start to unravel when she meets the town’s beloved baker, Ethan Hart.

If you love feel-good romances with a dash of magic, this might be for you. But for me, there are things I think should be developed and improved to make this book more engaging and enjoyable because, honestly, for most of the time I was reading this, I felt detached from it. Nevertheless, the author's writing style is full of humor and warmth, so I think it's still a must-try.

Thank you Net Galley for the E arc! Definitely a super cozy, quick read with no spice and not much depth. This story follows Alex a food writer who goes to magnolia cove ( small town with lots of magic) to write a story on Ethan's bakery.
She goes with the idea of writing a bad story about Ethan's bakery until she get there and falls in love with him and the town. I didn't love this story, while it was cozy it lacked depth and it felt super rushed the whole time. The characters were not all well flushed out and instead of show us a lot of things that happened between characters she would just tell us and I felt it was really lacking in that sense. If you like a quick cozy read this could be for you but I felt I need a bit more!

This was such a quick and amazing read to pull you out of a reading slump. I read this in between other books, but always found myself thinking about Ethan & Alex. Their chemistry was written so well. I found myself not only falling in love with them but the side characters as well — all of them such well-written characters!! I recently started reading more fantasy books, so I LOVED the magic element in this!
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I have posted my review on IG and Goodreads, and will post on Amazon when it allows me to on the release date!

5⭐️ 0🌶️
Thank you so much Noel Bailey and team for allowing me to ARC read this book. I LOVED it! This was the perfect cute/cozy/warm read I needed to just melt my heart and bring me some joy. I’m not going to lie, at first I was a little sceptical of Alex’s negative outlook on love. I was worried that reading about it was going to get old fast, but honestly I feel like I fell in love with the characters in real time. Alex becoming so open to love and Ethan working through his issues fo allow someone in again after being hurt was so sweet. I was so engrossed with the book I didn’t want it to end. I had to download the bonus chapter at the end and I can’t wait to try out the recipes! I loved everything about this book including the side characters and can’t wait for book two.