Great story with fantastic characters, loved the slightly supernatural feel.
Evie woods is a fantastic writer who can really draw you in the the book
Loved it, the perfect spring read.

I really enjoyed this lovely, heartwarming read about the strength of connections in family and community. The plot was engaging , part mystery, part romance and I loved the setting. A cast of great characters and some nostalgia thrown in made for a fabulous read.

One of my favourite books of the year so far. This is a delightful read - part cosy mystery and part rom com, I could definitely see this being set as a film with a handsome French lead set across from the quirky Irish girl who comes to France to escape her troubles and her fear of, well really of having fun. I wasn't sure initially about the 'ghost baker' but actually found that whilst this wasn't a particularly believable element of the story it didn't matter - this is after all a book which is great for escapism. I liked the moral tale that underpinned the story too - baddies really felt like baddies in this book. Huge thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to read this ARC

A charming, heartwarming story about a little French café that smells of fresh pastries and just-brewed coffee.

I’m already familiar with Evie Woods, so I had a feeling this book would be right up my alley. And I wasn’t wrong! It’s the perfect spring read—light and cozy, but with a deeper layer where we uncover family secrets and complicated relationships that trace back to World War II.

For me, it’s also a book about identity. About searching for who we are, figuring out what we truly want, and finding our place in the world. But it also shows that identity isn’t just about our thoughts—our own or those of others—but also about the places we belong to and the people we surround ourselves with.

I was so excited to see another Evie Woods book available to request on Netgalley, as I’d already read and loved both The Last Bookshop and The Story Collector. While the premise of the novel was certainly in line with her other works, for me, its potential was, unfortunately, not realized in the same way.

While I could certainly empathize with Edie’s grief and her struggles to find the courage to step out of her usual safe bubble to make a life of her own, somehow her voice never felt authentic enough to me. Sure, she’s a little bit awkward and naive, but it seemed like these characteristics were paradoxically over-exaggerated and underdeveloped. Edie’s life experiences should make her a complex character, but it felt like we were being given the simplified version of her rather than the more nuanced one. Add to the character issues a plot that suffers from one too many coincidences, and it all seems a little too much like a trope than a unique story.

The saving grace for me was the setting of Compiègne. I appreciated learning about the town’s impressive and influential history, and I was equally charmed by its quaint architecture and usual small town characters. As a pastry devotee, the never-ending mentions of decadent desserts didn’t hurt either.

After reading, I discovered that The Mysterious Bakery is actually a re-release of Woods’s earlier self-published novel, which likely explains why her other stories seem so much more polished.

Thanks to Harper Collins and Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

What a lovely read. Really liked all the characters and how the story unfolded. Would recommend reading this book.

This is a story about starting over and stepping outside your comfort zone. Edie moves to France to work in a bakery. She gets caught up in the bakery’s plight and a romance at the same time.
I enjoyed the story. It was easy to read and flows nicely.
It made me want some French pastries too

This story captivated me!!!

I loved how there was a touch of magic on everything, the cozy cafés, the fragrances of fleshly baked goodies and the picturesque alleys of Paris.
I liked Edie's stubbornness and strength and how her decision to work at the bakery changed her life. I found it very interesting how the author beautifully combined history, romance and friendship creating a story full of delicious smells, laughter and love leaving a sweet feeling at the end.

I would really read it again and again!!

Totally enchanting!

Yet another enjoyable read from the author as she adds a little bit of magic to the everyday world.

I adored The Lost Bookshop so was excited to read this, and yes, it totally that's the mark again. The perfect cosy up read that will have you reaching for the blanket ro just immerse yourself into the book.

I love how the story unfolds. What starts off in an everyday world, soon adds in a time jump twist, magical elements and a slow burn cute romance. Again there are darker secrets entwined in the story, this time it's WWII history.

The community, friendships and character backstories create a read that I just found myself engulfed in throughout.

Cute, cosy read that cleverly takes you on a magical journey as you read.

The Mysterious Bakery on Rue de Paris is a delightful, heartwarming novel that whisks readers away to a hidden gem in the heart of Compiegne—a magical bakery where every pastry holds a touch of enchantment. With a mix of whimsy, romance, and mouthwatering descriptions of French delicacies, this book is a feast for the senses.

We follow Edie as she moves for a job opportunity at a small bakery as she finds the courage to find herself and save the bakery—she also uncover the power of love, self-discovery, and second chances. I enjoyed following Edie's friendships with hairdresser Nicole and her English musician husband Johnny, Geoff who gives historical tours and the dreamy Hugo Chadwick.

Evie Woods masterfully blends rich storytelling with Parisian charm, making the city come alive through its cobbled streets, cozy cafés, jazz, and the irresistible aroma of fresh-baked bread. This book is perfect for fans of Chocolat by Joanne Harris and The Little Paris Bookshop by Nina George. It’s a sweet escape into a world where anything is possible with a little bit of flour, sugar, and just the right amount of magic. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a cozy, feel-good read with a touch of enchantment! I just wish I could try the hot chocolate!

Thank you, NetGalley, the author, and the publisher, for an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Edie has moved to France for a job opportunity at a small bakery and to hopefully find herself and a place in life. This was an enjoyable story of friendship, community, neighbor helping neighbor, and even some romance. Thanks to author Evie Woods, One More Chapter, and NetGalley. I received a complimentary copy of this ebook. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

hanks to One More Chapter, Harper Collins and Evie for having me on this read-along.

I have enjoyed following Edie on her journey in France and exploring herself.

I liked the friendship Edie made with Nicole as well. It made me smile

Hugo and Edie are fun for me. They started in such a fun and sweet way, which made me laugh.

I have enjoyed going to the past with Pierre and seeing the business and connection between him and Madame Moreau. This book had some sad parts, which I didn't expect; however, it was still a cosy read with a magical reality aspect, which added ambience to the book. Although it was predictable, I enjoyed the experience of getting to know how everything developed.

It is a lovely little read for having a cup of hot chocolate and a pastry with.

Happy Publication Day #hotchocolateandbooks
#TheMysteriousBakery #EvieWoods #BookReview #ReadAlong #MagicalRealism #CozyRead #LiteraryJourney #FriendshipGoals #Bookish #HotChocolateAndBooks

Not what I expected but a fun read. Great to read about someone working hard to achieve their dreams and learning to be happy right where they land.

This was a heart warming story where Edith relocates from her home in Ireland to France, after responding to an advertisement for an assistant manager at a bakery in Paris. Or so she thought.

Having lost her mother in recent years, Edith spots an advert and decides to apply having cultivated a lovely for all things Parisian from jazz to patisserie. On arriving in Paris though, she finds that the role isn't actually in the city but about an hour's travel away in the commune of Compiegne.

She soon settles into her role, despite the misgivings she has about her boss, and quickly finds a new friend in the local hairdresser. I loved how easily Edith's relationships developed and she is quite a loveable character.

When she meets Hugo there is definitely something there and seeing how events play out is interesting.

The setting of Compiegne is not to be overlooked with its history being integral to both world wars and the legend that is Joan of Arc.

There are spooky goings on to keep you interested and a big redemption arc too. This story packs so much in and is a thoroughly enjoyable read from start to finish.

Thanks to the author and publisher for the copy 💕

I adored this from start to finish!! It was such a cozy and cute read with added mystery and suspense that had me wanting only to read on and on. The romance in the book worked really well too the point where I was constantly questioning if they'd work out, especially with everything that happened the last 100 pages (trying to not give spoilers 😂)

This is a lovely novel of an Irish woman finding herself through the grief of losing her mother by moving to France to work in a bakery she thought was in Paris, but is actually in a different location altogether. Throughout her journey, she finds new friends, family, and a bit of love. I enjoyed the mystery behind the bakery, and wanted to know a bit more about the magic that is hinted at. But it's overall a lovely, cozy read!

Many thanks to NetGalley, Harper 360, Harper UK, One More Chapter for gifting me a digital ARC of the latest book by Evie Woods. All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars!

Edie Lane is grieving the loss of her mother, and has left everything behind in Ireland for a once-in-a-lifetime job at a bakery in Paris. Except, thanks to a mistranslation, the bakery is not in Paris, and neither is Edie. The tiny town of Compiègne, complete with its local bakery on the Rue de Paris, holds many secrets. This might not be where Edie intended to be but it's not long before she realizes it's exactly where she needs to be

Evie Woods has done it again, and created a magical world that you won't want to leave. This time it's a bakery in France, and the food descriptions will leave you hungry and needing pastries - and hot chocolate! Just who is baking all these delicious treats? Is there magic in the hot chocolate? This book is sweet and heartwarming, as Evie makes new friends and works to keep the magic alive. I appreciated how there were French words and phrases but enough information was given to decipher without constantly looking up the translation.

The Mysterious Bakery on Rue de Paris.... isn't actually a mystery at all.

When Edith relocates for a job she believes is in Paris, it comes as a big surprise that it's actually in a town an hour away. When she gets there, she discovers a lot about life, herself, healing from grief, love and so much more.

It wasn't that I didn't like this book, but I felt mislead in a couple of ways before even reading it. First, I accepted this read as an ARC only to later discover that it's been out for more than a decade and is just being re-released. I'm not mad about that, I just wish it hadn't been presented as a new release.

Second, this book is listed as magical realism, fantasy and mystery, which I feel it had none of. It did have a very small bit about paranormal, but nothing fantasy or magical realism. It did, however, have historical fiction and romance. I was pretty disappointed in the lack of mystery, especially given the title of the book.

I did enjoy the writing style and thought it was descriptive and I liked how the author wove all the different aspects of Edith's life together.

Overall, the story and plot line were good, but it was just okay for me, nothing to write home about. I definitely recommend to those that like historical fiction and general women's fiction.

Thank you NetGalley and One More Chapter/Harper Collins UK for allowing me to read & review. **All opinions are my own.**

In an effort to pull herself out of the depths of grief after the loss of her mother Edith takes a job at a bakery in Paris, except that it isn’t in Paris. Instead she finds herself in a small town, working for a grumpy elderly woman. As she struggles to find her place the mystery of the bakery, the tragic history of WWII betrayals, a group of new friends and a possible romance help Edith become who she was always meant to be.

The Mysterious Bakery on Rue de Paris is a whimsical heartwarming tale.

Edie Lane is an Irish waitress who has spent her life taking care of her mother who suffered from cystic fibrosis. After her mother’s death, Edie impulsively takes a job at a bakery in Paris, only it is not in Paris, it is located an hour outside of Paris, and the owner Madame Moreau is curmudgeonly to say the least. Madame Moreau and her grandsom Manu run the bakery and Edie is confused as to why they wanted an English speaking assistant. Edie is forbidden from entering the basement where the mouthwatering breads and pastries are made. There are weird noises in the bakery and secretive behavior by Madame Moreau and Manu, and a mysterious baker that is never seen. Edie starts to make a life for herself, she meets the lovely hairdresser Nicole and her English musician husband Johnny, Geoff who gives historical tours and the dreamy Hugo Chadwick.Then Edie finds out that the bakery is in danger of being foreclosed and the building turned into a high class boutique hotel. Does Edie have the courage to believe in herself and save the bakery and the people she has come to love? With a bit of magic and the help of friends Edie is determined to try.

Thanks to Netgalley, the publisher Harper Collins UK, One More Chapter and the author for the chance to read and review this ARC