What a gem of a story!! A heartfelt tale of persistence, love and hope, mixed with tasty bread and pastries. I enjoyed reading it so much.

Evie Woods writes feel-good stories with a touch of mystery and that can also be found in her latest novel The mysterious bakery on Rue de Paris.

Irish Edith Lane is at a loss after the death of her mother and decides to leave for Paris to work in a bakery. Due to a misunderstanding, it turns out that she should not be in Paris, but in Compiègne on Rue de Paris. She doesn't feel really welcome there with a grumpy boss. Her French isn't great and her living space is small, but she decides to make the best of it. Still, there is something strange about the bakery and she decides to investigate at night.

What a wonderful book this is. The setting of a bakery with a mysterious edge is great. You smell the baking smells and see the delicious sandwiches and pastries in front of you. Woods knows how to sketch the environment so well that you are in the bakery with Edith. But the environment and the history of Compiègne are also discussed and well developed.
Woods does the same with her characters who immediately come to life while reading. The mystery surrounding the bakery is depicted very realistically and you feel the love it radiates.

Most chapters are seen from Edith's perspective, but occasionally this changes and a different character speaks, telling and explaining the story from a different side. The history surrounding the baker of the bakery is a special story and in the end you will love all the characters.

The mysterious bakery on Rue de Paris is a wonderful novel, full of sweet and special characters and delicacies surrounding a mysterious history that makes the bakery so special.

Book Review: The Mysterious Bakery on Rue de Paris by Evie Woods

I was instantly captivated by The Mysterious Bakery on Rue de Paris by Evie Woods—this book was everything I didn’t know I was looking for. From the very first page, I was transported to the charming streets of Compiègne, where magic and mystery are nestled in the cobblestone lanes and a quaint bakery that holds more than just delicious pastries. This is the kind of book that wraps you up in its atmosphere and doesn’t let go.

The story follows Edie Lane, who’s come to Paris hoping to turn her life around. But instead of landing in the city of lights, she finds herself in the town of Compiègne, working at a bakery that’s far from ordinary. The bakery’s pastries are rumored to have magical qualities—they can change lives, chase away sorrow, or even reveal hidden memories. When I first read this, I was hooked. A bakery with that kind of power? I couldn’t wait to find out more.

Edie, though, is far from enchanted at first. She’s running away from her own set of problems, and instead of the glamorous Paris life she imagined, she ends up in a quaint town where the bakery’s enchantments offer more than just tasty treats. What follows is a beautifully written exploration of magic, second chances, and discovering where you truly belong.

I loved Edie’s journey. She’s flawed, relatable, and just trying to make sense of the twists and turns her life has taken. The magical elements of the bakery felt like the perfect backdrop to her personal growth, and I found myself rooting for her every step of the way. The interactions between Edie and the people in the town, particularly the bakery’s mysterious owner, brought an added depth to the story, making it not just magical, but rich in character development as well.

What really stood out to me was the book’s heart. It’s not just about magic in pastries; it’s about the magic that happens when you open yourself up to new experiences, new relationships, and the possibility of change. The town of Compiègne itself feels like a character, with its quiet streets, cozy atmosphere, and the comforting sense that anything is possible when you believe in the right things.

I also have to mention the stunning prose. Evie Woods has a way of describing the world that feels so vivid and lush, almost like I could taste the pastries and feel the warmth of the bakery myself. The story pulled me in deeper with every turn of the page.

In conclusion, The Mysterious Bakery on Rue de Paris is a spellbinding read that I couldn’t put down. It’s an enchanting, heartfelt story about magic, love, and discovering where you’re meant to be. If you’re a fan of charming, magical stories with deep emotional resonance, this book is a must-read.

Rating: 5/5
A beautifully enchanting tale that will stay with me long after I’ve finished reading.

I think I'd have enjoyed this one more, if the historical part was played up and fleshed out a bit more. That part was really interesting, but took so long into the story before it really came to life.

Evie leaves Dublin for a job in a bakery she expected was in Paris - but she didn't read the advertisement correctly, and it's not actually in Paris but a small, quaint town. When she arrives, she finds it's not what she expected and it takes her a while to adjust. There is a bit of magic sprinkled throughout the story - that brings in the historical part. It's an entertaining book.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for a temporary, digital ARC in return for my review.

This was a lovely gem of a book. French pastry and Paris drew me in but the story line was whimsical and endearing. I enjoyed the history woven through the book as well as the magical element. The cast of characters was fun to interact with and Madame Moreau’s sad life story was gradually revealed throughout the book. Loved it! Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.

Evie Gaughan’s The Mysterious Bakery on Rue de Paris is a charming, light-hearted story that’s perfect for a quick escape. While I enjoyed the whimsical vibe and the journey of Edie finding herself in a picturesque French village, I found myself wishing for more depth and focus in several areas.

The title led me to believe there would be more emphasis on the bakery itself—baking, working, and the magic of the craft—but that wasn’t really the case. Instead, the story centered more on Edie’s self-discovery, which, while enjoyable, felt a bit misleading. Adding to the disconnect, it wasn’t even Edie who ultimately saved the bakery but rather the romantic lead swooping in with a financial rescue.

The ghost story, which had so much potential, felt underdeveloped, leaving me wanting more haunting charm. Similarly, the incorporation of WWII history felt like it skimmed the surface when it could have added emotional weight and historical richness to the story.

The stakes throughout the book felt fairly low, so while it was a pleasant read, it lacked the tension or intrigue that might have made it truly memorable. Overall, The Mysterious Bakery on Rue de Paris is a fun, cozy read, but it didn’t quite deliver on its full potential.

Evie Woods, also known as Evie Gaughan, is an Irish author celebrated for her enchanting novels that blend magical realism with historical fiction[43dcd9a7-70db-4a1f-b0ae-981daa162054](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Lost_Bookshop?citationMarker=43dcd9a7-70db-4a1f-b0ae-981daa162054 "1"). Her works, including "The Lost Bookshop" and "The Story Collector," have captivated readers worldwide[43dcd9a7-70db-4a1f-b0ae-981daa162054](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Lost_Bookshop?citationMarker=43dcd9a7-70db-4a1f-b0ae-981daa162054 "1"). Living in Ireland, she draws inspiration from her surroundings, crafting stories that reveal the magic in everyday life[43dcd9a7-70db-4a1f-b0ae-981daa162054](https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/37272748.Evie_Woods?citationMarker=43dcd9a7-70db-4a1f-b0ae-981daa162054 "2"). Her books often explore themes of love, loss, and self-discovery, resonating deeply with her audience[43dcd9a7-70db-4a1f-b0ae-981daa162054](https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/37272748.Evie_Woods?citationMarker=43dcd9a7-70db-4a1f-b0ae-981daa162054 "2"). Evie's unique storytelling has earned her a dedicated readership and critical acclaim[43dcd9a7-70db-4a1f-b0ae-981daa162054](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Lost_Bookshop?citationMarker=43dcd9a7-70db-4a1f-b0ae-981daa162054 "1").

It was as a sweet enjoyable read . I enjoyed the setting .
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher Angie letting me review the book

Okay, so I loved Evie Woods’ last book, The Secret Bookshop, and I was looking forward to her next, The Mysterious Bakery on Rue de Paris. The thing is, it turns out this isn’t her next book but a previous one, a good decade old. And I hate to say it, it shows. When I first read it I couldn’t understand how the author had produced a book that fell so far short of her best and now I understand: it was because to was written way back on Woods’ learning curve as an author.

I think that’s a pity, because I was expecting more of what I knew her to be capable of. All the elements that made The Lost Bookshop so good were there — in particular the magical realism and the setting — but they didn’t work as well. In the book, Edith Lane (who is thirty, though at different points feels anywhere between fifteen and fifty) leaves Dublin to take up a new job in a bakery in Paris but ends up in the town of Compiègne instead. Here everything proceeds exactly as you would expect. After a rocky start she makes friends, meets a handsome man with whom she has a misunderstanding, wins over her grumpy old employer, uncovers the bakery’s family mystery, solves the owners financial problems, and there you have it.

It’s a slender plot, but slender plots done well are immensely readable. in this case, the longer the book went on the more predictable it became. Corporate bad guys, feisty incomer winning over the crusty old local, local support campaign for a much-loved but struggling institution goes viral, villain’s epiphany… It had nothing new or even fresh to offer, except perhaps a nod to Marcel Proust. And I was slightly surprised about that, since Edith (the heroine) makes such a bit fuss of not knowing anything about anything, so finding her reading classical French literature didn’t really stick.

This feels really mean, and I want to emphasis again how excellently Evie Woods can write, but this particular book just didn’t work for me. The whole was less than the sum of its parts and certainly less than the quality of its predecessor. It was a light easy read and I loved the setting, but the characters were flimsy and the magical realism, which should have held the book together, came and went rather than being the thread that held the book together.

It’s a light read, pleasant and unchallenging, but it’s definitely not one of the authors best, I’m afraid.

I adore this book! It has everything one could ask for; mystery, romance, magic, spirituality, tragedy and undying love. Spanning the decades from the war years and the awful anti-Semitism which led to the annihilation of the Jewish population, to the present day, we are taken on a magical journey where two worlds collide . I don't want to spoil the reader's pleasure in unlocking the secrets for themselves so I will leave to them the joy of discovery. However I will say that this is a book that will live in my memory forever. It is that rare thing , a book that captures a time , that spans eternity and evokes emotions long buried. It's also a timely reminder of the evils of antisemitism at a time when it's rearing it's ugly head once again. Hopefully, brave people and humanity will once again prevail! Bravo on writing this brilliant book!

I was kind of disappointed in this book. It started out interesting but the dialogue soon got really cheesy. It was very Hallmark-y and instead of character development, I felt like the main character Edith/Edie just got more and more immature. Her love interest also regressed. It felt almost like it was written by two people, or at two different times of the authors life. It could have just used more editing. There’s also randomly an element of magic (a weird excuse of a ghost) but that only pops up on occasion and honestly wasn’t necessary. I also didn’t care for so much French but I understand that a book set in France will certainly use French language! It was just the way it was written…instead of just slipping it in naturally, it felt forced. Much like myself trying to finish the book.

I received an advanced copy from NetGalley in exchange for a review and opinions are my own.

“The Mysterious Bakery on Rue de Paris” by Evie Woods is a rerelease of an older title, but unfortunately, it didn’t quite live up to my expectations. While the premise had potential, the plot felt predictable and lacked the excitement I was hoping for, making it difficult to stay fully engaged.

I also struggled to connect with the characters, who felt somewhat underdeveloped and unrelatable. Adding to the challenge, the book includes frequent French dialogue with little to no context or translation. As someone who doesn’t speak French, I found this frustrating—it pulled me out of the story rather than immersing me in it. I’m not inclined to use Google Translate for every phrase while reading, so this language barrier made it harder to fully enjoy the book.

Perhaps readers fluent in French or those who enjoy predictable, light reads might appreciate this more, but it wasn’t the right fit for me

Told in almost aggressively plain and unornamented prose, which may be part of the reason that it has comparatively few errors in it. Going along with that, the observations on life and the characters' self-insights are bland and obvious most of the time, and the plot is fairly predictable and low-stakes. I don't mind low stakes or a slow-moving plot if something else is going on to engage me, but, while I certainly never wanted to give up on it, this one didn't grip me very hard. It does have an appealing setting in a town in France, which is well evoked.

The love interest is an extreme wish-fulfilment fantasy. He's rich, but he doesn't care about money - easy to do when you have plenty of it - and would rather be an art photographer than a ruthless property developer like his father. (Photographing picturesque buildings, by the way, not anything controversial.) He's infeasibly handsome and also sensitive and kind, yet unaccountably single. He thinks the rather bland heroine is the best thing ever. I'm assuming this is a convention of a genre I don't often read, so it gets a pass on that basis, but it did stick out to me. There's a predictable misunderstanding between the hero and heroine that is resolved in exactly the way I thought it would be.

I have a personal preference for strong, capable heroines who make good decisions. Edie is... not quite that. Yet she's not such a klutz as to be interesting for that reason, either. She makes decisions which might put her in situations that aren't ideal, but are definitely survivable and may have their upsides, and copes in them in ways that don't really put anything she values at much risk most of the time. She is good-hearted, though, and her well-intentioned meddling always works out and doesn't get resented more than briefly by the other characters. She does persevere with things, even when frightened; she says a couple of times "there's no going back now" when, in fact, she could quite easily go back.

It's not a good book to be a mother in. One character has a mother who is alive and in good health; everyone else's mother is either tragically dead (there are three of these, with different causes of death: Nazi concentration camp, chronic illness, and road accident) or, in one case, suffering from dementia. Fathers get a slightly more varied set of fates: dead in a road accident, dead in a Nazi concentration camp, dead of old age, alive and money-grubbingly villainous, or alive and supportive but elsewhere. The echoes of WW II do give it some emotional heft that was badly needed.

There is a supernatural element, or rather two: a ghost, and a magical substance that brings back happy memories. (There's some attempt at intertextuality with Proust with that second one; the hero, who speaks fluent French, for some reason carries what appears to be an English translation of Proust around with him, and lends it to the heroine.) Either or both of the supernatural elements could be removed and it would barely affect the plot, except that there would need to be some easily imaginable rewrites of a couple of motivations.

There are a few continuity glitches. For instance, the heroine wears kitten heels at one point, and then later says that the only heels she has with her are boots. She also says that she applied "all those months ago" for a job that was advertised for immediate start, which she has just started.

Overall, it's inoffensive, warmhearted, but bland and expected. If you like this kind of thing, this is certainly one. For me, while it was mildly enjoyable, it lacked any factor that I could really enthuse about, so even though there was nothing major wrong with it, I'm calling this one a three-star read that doesn't quite make it to my annual recommendation list. It was just OK. I'm probably not the target audience, though.

I received a pre-publication copy via Netgalley for review.

Edith Lane decides to leave Dublin behind and head to Paris to be the assistant manager of a bakery. She finds herself in Compiegne after a bit of confusion, working with Madame Moreau and teenager Manu. Can she work out the secret of the bakery, that Madame Moreau is determined to keep?

A story about grief, romance and family, with a tough of magic. I loved the characters of Nicole and Johnny, the jazz club descriptions were fun. I also loved the historical aspects, that were clearly well researched. I did however think the problem that Madame Moreau faced was cleared up very quickly, it all tied up a bit too neatly for me. 3.5 stars, rounded to 4.

Beautifully written, wonderful characters. You will be drawn in from the beginning and want to read it in one setting.

The most magical, beautifully written book I’ve read in a long time. I would love to read more! I feel so honoured to have been able to review a digital copy of this book for my honest opinion. I was taken to a different place and it made me want to go there. Thank you.

#NetGalley #TheMysteriousBakeryOnRueDeParis

Book Review: The Mysterious Bakery On Rue De Paris

I absolutely adored this enchanting tale! The Mysterious Bakery On Rue De Paris is a beautifully sweet story about family, love, and the courage it takes to chase new opportunities—even when life throws you unexpected detours.

Edith Lane’s journey from Ireland to France is full of charm and heart. What starts as a quest for fortune in the dazzling streets of Paris soon takes an unexpected turn, landing her in a quaint, mysterious bakery in the antique town of Compiègne. The story unfolds like a recipe, blending moments of heartache, hope, and healing into a rich narrative that feels both magical and deeply relatable.

The bakery itself becomes a character in the story, full of secrets and sensory delights that leap off the page. You can almost smell the fresh bread and pastries, and the vivid descriptions create an atmosphere that is cozy, comforting, and just a touch otherworldly.

What makes this book truly special is its heartwarming focus on connection—whether it’s Edith’s relationships with the quirky people she meets in Compiègne or her efforts to mend the pieces of her own life. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the greatest adventures aren’t about finding fortune but rediscovering yourself and embracing love in all its forms.

This story is perfect for anyone who loves a cozy, feel-good read with a touch of magic. It left me smiling, hungry for fresh croissants, and inspired to take more risks in life. Highly recommend!

Thank you to NetGalley for this ebook in exchange for an honest review.

Cute, but that’s it. Grammatical errors, punctuation errors, even some errors in French that could have easily been avoided. I was under the impression that this was a new book, which would have maybe forgiven all those mistakes but I just found out the book is 10 years old and being republished WITH all the mistakes.
Also felt slow and lacked some depth, something was definitely missing for me.

I found this to be an entertaining and easy to read book. Enjoyed the magical aspects and the setting in a bakery was well done, but the latter part of the book failed to grab my attention so much. Maybe that it was quite predictable and I did enjoy the author’s previous books more. Thank you NetGalley for the review copy.

Beautifully written and evoking strong memories of delicious French patisserie, this was a really enjoyable read. There is a spoonful of mystery, a pinch of romance and a large helping of feel-good factor. I defy you not to smell the freshly baked baguettes!