Thanks to Netgalley and @onemorechapterhc for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading The Lost Bookshop and The Story of Collector now enthralled reading The Mysterious Bakery on Rue de Paris.
The characters were brought to life, Edie, leaving Ireland behind to start a new life in Paris, only to find not actually Paris after all, receiving a frosty welcome didn’t help her either.
Then she becomes more familiar and becomes intertwined with a mystery needing to be solved, along with meeting the handsome Hugo, maybe she’ll stick around.
Loved the old fashioned feel of the bakery, especially set in a caring and helpful community eager to pull together in times of need and the historical aspect was emotionally educating and upsetting, with a satisfying ending making this a magical tale not to be missed!

Due to a mistake, Edith did not read the advertisement properly, she ends up not in Paris, but in Rue de Paris in Compiègne a city about 80km north of Paris. In a little old fashioned bakery run by Madame Moreau with the help of her grandson.
With her basic knowledge of French, the book has some French words and sentences, sometimes the translation can be distracted from the sentence following, but sometimes I had to use Deepl to double check the meaning, Edith is doing quite well considered she is on her own in a foreign country.

She decides on a whim to cut her hair and becomes friends with Nicole who is a hairdresser. Via Nicole, who invites her to a performance of her husband band who plays in a venue called Nostalgie she meets Hugo.

Hugo has a few chapters in the book for himself too and those, alternated with the few chapters about Pierre Moreau makes the story complete.
Of course it’s not all roses, there are hidden secrets, there is a bit of magic, there is the history of the city of Compiègne and there is the music of Django Reinhardt the king of gypsy jazz.

That all combined makes this book a lovely read. Being a romance novel there is a positive ending as it should be!

Characters = 8 | Atmosphere = 8 | Writing Style = 8 | Plot = 8 | Intrigue = 8 | Logic = 7 | Enjoyment = 9 | Score 8,00 = 4 stars

Reading the book together with the rest of the community added up to the enjoyment of the read! Talking about the book and posting our challenge photo’s was a lot of fun!

Evie Woods is a new author to me so I wasn't sure what to expect when we started reading. At first I didn't connect with the main character, Edie and found her a little frustrating but I soon warmed to her as more is revealed about her past. I did love the character of Madame Moreau and would have liked to here more about her past.

I found this to be an engaging read, with a good blend of romance, history and a dash of the mystical. However the best part about this book are the descriptions of the food, so delicious. I am looking forward to trying the recipe for hot chocolate.

*I took part in a read-along organised by One More Chapter*

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book as part of the reading organised by One More Chapter. I had to go out and buy croissants as I suddenly developed a craving for them whilst reading!

Edith is stuck in a rut when she stumbles upon a job opportunity in Paris and goes for it! How brave and how exciting. A quaint bakery in Paris certainly sounds like somewhere a person could escape to find themselves.

When she arrives she has second thoughts especially after meeting Madame Moreau , the brusque owner. Once she settles in and meets the handsome Hugo things start looking up.

This is quite the rollercoaster of a story with good things happening, then the bakery’s owner reveals something which takes Edith down to rock bottom before she decides to pull herself together and do something about it.

And there is a ghost! How wonderful!

I loved the back stories of the characters and the Bakery’s previous owner. The connection to a well known musician had me researching him in the internet and listening to some of his music as I read.

This is the first book I have read by this author and, left with a happy fuzzy feeling, I’m eager to read more!

This is a magical story of love, found family and trying to move on. The whole idea of the bakery on Rue de Paris was so romantic- the descriptions of the shop fascades, the history of Madame Moreau and the bakery itself beautiful.
I found the historical element fascinating and hearing Madame Moreau’s story and that of the bakery was a wonderful part of the story.
Edith frustrated me at first but as we learnt of her loss and sacrifices, I could understand that her journey to the bakery was needed for her to be able to find the courage to move on.

Edie in on a mission to escape her life in Ireland, what better way to do this than apply and accept a job at a bakery in Paris. Except the bakery isn’t in Paris, but in a charming French town called Compiègne on a street called Rue de Paris. Oops!

This is a beautiful story of found family, haunting pasts, and fate. It is a slow paced, sometimes quite melancholic read and you may want to keep google translate open. I will definitely be giving the hot chocolate recipe a go, I just wish there were more of the recipes from the hidden journal included in the story.

I had an amazing experience with this book. It was warm, cosy and made me want to visit Paris. It also made me hungry.

It was full of magic yet the lessons were profound urging readers to step out, be fearless and take hold of their dreams.

It follows the story of Edith who arrives at a French bakery and was immersed in the mystery of the bakery, the goods and the people.

Though a cosy book, there were some heavy themes which were mentioned in the book. These may be triggering for some.

I enjoyed the mystery aspect of the book and the way the past was interspersed with the present. I enjoyed the instalove between Edith and Hugo. I loved all of the characters.

The book was spot on with the pastries, language and the French’s attitude towards foreigners.

If you are looking for a warm book with a paranormal twist then this is your book.

Firstly thank you to One More Chapter, Evie Woods and NetGalley for an advanced copy of The Mysterious Bakery on Rue de Paris and inviting me to be part of the read-along The novels main protagonist is Edie Lane a young Irish women who answers an ad for an English speaking Assistant Manager for a bakery in France. Edie sets off from Dublin leaving her father behind. When she arrives in Paris to her huge disappointment the bakery is not in Paris but in Compiegne? The bakery is owned by Madame Moreau who appears less than welcoming.
I haven't read any of Evie Woods other books so came to this one with a completely open mind. I enjoyed the book which was very character driven. I liked the characters and found my feelings towards them changing as the book progressed. Whilst I found the story original I guessed where it was going part way through although this didn't detract from my enjoyment. . The smattering's of French throughout the book were a tad off putting given I disliked French at school!

A novel all about finding your ‘joie de vivre.’

A story of magic, family, scrumptious baked goods set in a quant French village north of Paris. An enchanted boulangerie et pâtisserie tucked away on a cobbled street, and with one bite you are sweep away to memories you cherish from the past.

Its duel timeline shares the history of the bakery during WWII, and features a young women’s journey to make a fresh within it walls now.

The village was a delight along with its residents. Let’s grab a savory Hot Chocolate then hit up its Jazz Club.

Thank you One More Chapter - HC

This is an engaging, easy to read novel with a fast moving storyline.

It really had a bit of everything, a mystery, a romance, some historical facts, a little bit of magic. It dealt with serious themes as well as being lighthearted and funny. And it just seemed to flow nicely. I didn’t get bored at any point and wanted to keep reading.

I really enjoyed all the parts about pastries and bread making, as I’m baking (or trying to bake) sourdough myself!

If you want a heart warming, hopeful and charming book to read then this is the one for you!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

3.5 ⭐️ rounded down

Thank you to Netgalley and One More Chapter for both the ebook and physical copies of this book. I took part in the One More Chapter read along.

I liked the atmosphere and how cosy this book felt, however I don’t think this book was for me. I think so many people would love and enjoy this but I struggled with it.

I really enjoyed all the food descriptions and the history in this book but for me I didn’t like FMC, for me she was a bit too juvenile as a woman in her 30s I found this quite strange.

I would definitely read more books from this author though as I enjoyed the writing style and the historical elements but sadly this wasn’t for me.

A bit of escapism, a lot of heart and tons of self discovery. The book was a great read. I have been telling everyone to grab a copy when it’s available. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read this ARC.

Thank you to One More Chapter and Netgalley for this ARC!

I really enjoyed this book and enjoyed Edith's journey to France to work in the bakery! She is relatable to many people still figuring out life in their late 20s. The hint of magical realism and romance kept the book interesting. I will say that I did not really get hooked to the story until midway through. The set up at the beginning was casual and took its time which made me fairly impatient as a reader. I would recommend this book to others if they are looking to enjoy a cozy, unproblematic read.

After reading, and loving, both The Story Collector and The Lost Bookshop I was so excited to be a part of the @onemorechapterhc readalong for The Mysterious Bakery on Rue de Paris.
This book is simply magical. Two things @eviewoods.author is an absolute master at is multiple timelines, and magical realism. The timelines and various POVs throughout this one are so well written and weave together a stunning historical story full of emotions, I especially loved the history lesson this book gave me! Such a tragic story of loss and the importance of community. And the magical realism as ever was subtle yet beautiful woven through. And the supernatural element to this one just took it to the next level.
I loved the character dynamics and the development of the relationship between Edith & Madame Moreau especially. A part of me wishes the timeline was a bit longer from Edith arriving to falling in love and forming such a strong friendship, as for only 2 weeks this felt very rushed for me, especially for someone like Edith who spent her adult life isolated. But I still loved all of the characters regardless and the book wouldn't be the same without them. Overall it was an absolute breeze of a book to read, packed with emotion, determination and dreams come true. 🥖🥐

I knew I would love this because of how much I loved the lost bookshop! This one had a very similar feeling. Beautifully created historical setting, characters and heartwarming storyline

Edie Lane 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 Compiegne, 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 realises it's exactly where she needs to be.

Edie is still grieving for her mother who had passed away the previous year. She decides to take up a positon managing a small bakery in Paris. But Edie quickly realises that she may have too quick in accepting the job, as it's not in Paris, it's in the tiny town of Compiegne.

This story has an easy feeling to it as we unravel its mystery. Edie is a relatable character. The story moves back and forth through time. I liked that the story had a happy ending.

Published 27th March 2025

I would like to thank #NetGalley #HarperCollinsUK #OneMoreChapter and the author #EvieGraham for my ARC of #TheMysteriousBakeryOnRuedeParis in excahnge for an honest review.

I fell in love with Evie Woods’ storytelling when I read The Lost Bookshop, a novel that truly stayed with me. So, when I picked up The Mysterious Bakery on Rue de Paris, I couldn’t have been more excited. And I was right to be—this book has all the enchanting ingredients of Woods’ signature storytelling, now enriched with the irresistible charm of a cozy French bakery and its delectable pastries.

I loved the story, the characters and the beautifully crafted setting. The small-town community, the deep friendships, the cozy love story, the sense of home away from home and the journey of self-discovery - all made for a heartwarming read. The magical elements blended effortlessly into the narrative, complementing the story without overshadowing it. The historical elements woven into the story also added a layer of depth, offering fascinating insights into a place I knew little about before. And yes, there’s a moment at the end that gave me goosebumps—you’ll know it when you read it.

All in all, I truly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it to fans of magical realism, enchanting settings and uplifting stories..

Thank you to the publisher HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter, for the complimentary copy of this book.

Evie Woods' The Lost Bookstore is a touching exploration of self-discovery, love, and personal growth. From the opening pages, I felt a deep connection with Edith — a protagonist whose emotional journey unfolds with sincerity and warmth. Initially burdened by insecurity, she gradually finds the strength to embrace her true self, and witnessing her transformation was both uplifting and rewarding.While the story took a little time to build momentum, the pace soon quickened, drawing me in completely.

The romance between Edith and Hugo added a heartfelt dimension to the story. What stood out most was their mutual support; rather than trying to change one another, they inspired each other to grow into the best versions of themselves. Their relationship felt authentic, and their evolving bond brought a quiet sweetness to the narrative.

The novel's atmosphere is rich with historical charm, and the setting is so vividly described that it felt like stepping into another time. The supporting characters brought additional depth, each contributing their own stories to the tapestry of the plot. Genevieve, in particular, intrigued me — I would have loved to delve even deeper into her past with Pierre.


By the final pages, I felt more like a participant than a reader, experiencing the characters' joys, sorrows, and triumphs alongside them. The combination of mystery, romance, and self-reflection makes The Lost Bookstore a cozy and fulfilling read.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! The story is so unique and refreshing—it’s got romance, friendships, an adopted family, and, of course, magic.
Edith uproots her life and moves from Dublin to Paris (or at least she thinks she does) to take a job as a bakery manager. Turns out, she completely messed up the name and location. Instead of Paris, she finds herself an hour away, working at La Boulangerie on Rue de Paris in Compiègne.
From the start, things are weird. Madame Monroe, her boss, barely speaks English, the customers speak even less, and for some reason, Edith isn’t allowed in the bakery kitchen. She has no idea why she was even hired. But this move isn’t just about the job—it’s about Edith figuring out who she is after spending years as her mother’s caregiver, putting her own life on hold.
Then there’s Hugo—an artist at heart who lives for photography but is stuck working for his father at Chadwick Holdings. The company buys old buildings, strips them of their charm, and turns them into something new (which Hugo hates). After losing his brother—the golden child—Hugo is left filling his shoes, despite how much he resents it.
Moving to Compiègne turns out to be the change Edith needed. She finds an amazing friend in Nicole and her family—Geoff and Legrand. But the really strange part? She starts hearing noises at night, and Madame Monroe brushes it off as "just an old building." Then one night, Edith stumbles upon a diary hidden under the floorboards. Inside? Recipes. She makes hot chocolate from one of them, and suddenly, she unlocks a memory.
And then there's Hugo. Their first meeting? On a street outside a salon. The second? At a bar. That night, he walks her home, and they kiss. No plans, no commitments—just a "see you whenever I see you" kind of thing. But then, Hugo starts sending postcards (cue swooning), and honestly? I loved it.
Go pick up this book and take this magical journey to the most mysterious bakery. You won’t regret it!

4 French stars

I really enjoyed this one, and I realized that this is my third book by this author, she’s a winner for me! It’s fun to recall some of my French as I read these books.

After years of caring for her mother, Edie Lane has left Ireland for Paris and a job at a bakery. She discovers, though, that she’s made a mistake with the address; it’s on Rue de Paris in Compiegne, about an hour away from Paris itself.

As she settles into her attic room in the right town, she quickly gets to work selling delicious bread and pastries to the citizens of this small French town. The owner of the bakery is aloof, but perhaps that’s typical of French people. She really likes Manu, the young man who helps in the bakery.

But what are the odd noises she hears at night? And why hasn’t she met the baker or seen any deliveries coming to the basement area?

She starts to build a few friendships in town and even has the prospect of a romance, but then the bank comes to call, and everything is thrown into disarray. Edie cooks up a plan to save the bakery and realizes she’s in the right place after all. Will her efforts be enough, or will change hit the small town?