"To all those with a taste for magic." This dedication perfectly sets the tone for The Mysterious Bakery on Rue de Paris, a delightful tale blending romance, history, and a touch of magical realism.
The story centers on Edith, a 30-year-old Irishwoman who moves to France for what she believes is a bakery job in Paris, only to end up in a quaint village instead. Working for the grouchy yet intriguing Madame Moreau, Edith discovers that the bakery holds more than just recipes—it’s steeped in secrets connected to its founder, Pierre Moreau, and his extraordinary past.
As Edith adjusts to life in the village, she uncovers a hidden notebook from 1945 beneath her apartment floorboards. The notebook holds Pierre’s recipes and offers a glimpse into his life during the war. Edith befriends Manu, who is later revealed to be Madame Moreau’s teenage grandson. He shares that Pierre, now an apparition, appears to guide Manu in perfecting his baking skills. The bakery’s legacy unfolds further through Madame Moreau’s wartime history, including her Roma family’s struggles during the Holocaust and the betrayal that led to her parents’ capture.
Meanwhile, Edith forms a bond with Hugo, a British photographer grappling with his brother’s death and the weight of inheriting his family’s business—the same business threatening to close Madame Moreau’s bakery. However you learn early on that Hugo’s true passion lies in creating something meaningful, and he ultimately brings an unexpected partnership to the story’s resolution.
From humorous moments (“I should’ve dog-eared the pages; that would’ve served him right!”) to deeply emotional ones, the narrative balances lightheartedness with poignant themes. The book artfully weaves together loss, resilience, and community. Madame Moreau’s Roma heritage and her family’s wartime struggles add historical depth, while Hugo’s passion for photography and humanitarian goals highlight modern-day challenges. Edith’s idea to expand the bakery, using Pierre’s last known bottle of vanilla, becomes a clever and heartfelt way to save the bakery, symbolizing the enduring power of community and creativity.
The book concludes with a satisfying and hopeful ending: the bakery is saved, Hugo’s restaurant thrives, and both Edith and Madame Moreau find peace with their pasts.
While I wasn’t initially impressed with the author’s previous work, The Mysterious Bakery on Rue de Paris was a pleasant surprise that I thoroughly enjoyed. With its rich historical layers, endearing characters, and a sprinkle of magic, this is a captivating read. It has all the ingredients for a perfect escape—romance, mystery, and history wrapped into one. Highly recommended for those who enjoy heartfelt tales with a touch of enchantment.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

With it's charming characters and impeccable sense of place, readers will surely fall hard for Woods most recent offering.

We follow the grieving Edith Lane as she is called to move from her Irish home, impulsively taking a job in the bustling and romantic patisseries of Paris. Fate has other plans, and much to her dismay, our lost heroine finds herself in a town and bakery immensely different than her brain had conjured. As Edith navigates her unlikely new life, she is met with heartwarming characters and unsettling mysteries!

I truly adored this story. It's sweet and light with just enough depth to make it meaningful. It's got some heart-wrenching historical elements that drive the mystery but the characters and ultimate outcome balance the hard human truths nicely.

This will be a sweet little treat for those looking for a heartwarming tale with some depth.

This is the second book I’ve read by Evie Woods and the second one that has made me feel so many things. The way she sets scenes and makes you feel like you’re on a cobbled sidewalk right alongside her characters is an immersive experience I miss as soon as I finish the book.

After moving from Ireland to France in the mistaken idea that she was going to be working in a bakery in Paris, Edie Lane discovers that things are not quite as she thought they would be...

A mystery that dates back to World War 2, finding contentment in unexpected places, and the joy of found family are among the key elements that emerge from this story, which is an enjoyable and easy read. It gets 3.5 stars.

This is my first Evie Woods novel. I’ve heard good things about The Lost Bookshop but haven’t yet managed to get round to reading it.

I enjoyed this book overall. It felt like a warm comforting hug about found family and finding oneself. It was an easy read, loved the writing style, and I generally enjoyed the character of Edith.

There were a few glaring flaws though. It was very cliche and only pardoned because it was mostly well-written though some scenes were too cringe for me. I also felt everything was a bit rushed and too instant: insta-love, insta-friendship. Edith found herself a little too quickly as it was all an instant revelation.

I enjoyed the backstory of Pierre Moureau which was probably my favourite part and it was a nice piece of history to learn about a group of people that is largely overlooked.

The ghost story element was a little weird for me. It took this book from a gentle cosy romance to magical realism but it felt a little out of place. I wasn’t keen and didn’t think it worked that well.

I liked it a lot. I wouldn’t re-read it again and I’m in two minds about whether to read another Evie Woods novel. I wasn’t wowed and there was a lack of depth to the characters of having them well fleshed out over time.

I give this 4 stars.

I love this author, she has such a great writing style which is very accessible and her characters are always so relatable. I also enjoy the little bits of magic in every story. High quality escapism with a storyline full of love and tragedy that will make you smile and pull at your heart-strings. I also enjoy the way that history is woven into the narrative - things I wasn't aware of before. Bravo, another winner and now I'm yearning for French pastries and fresh baguettes!

Past and present collide in this beautifully told tale..

A story about the history of a bakery in France and the kindness of a stranger during WW2 and how that kind act threatens the future of the business.

I loved how this story unfolded and I never wanted it to end. It is one of those books that must be spoken about and read more than once.
I loved it ..

The Mysterious Bakery on Rue de Paris is a magically delicious place with secrets long buried. Evie Woods tells the story of the Moreaus and the Chadwicks, two families whose historical ties date back to the dark days of WWII. This conflict now threatens the future of a small family owned bakery. It’s the story of discovering and finally overcoming the fear and challenges that often hold people hostage, preventing them from recognizing their true potential. It’s a story of love on many levels, a history lesson and a reminder that change can bring big rewards. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book from NetGalley. Most highly recommend.

A lovely historical fiction. Mostly set in modern day France, in a small village bakery, we flash back to the bakery's history and the baker who protected a Romani woman and child during the Nazi occupation. I enjoyed the story which had a little mystery and a little fantasy thrown in with some romance. Beautiful food and relatable characters made this one a quick read.

After having read The Lost Bookshop which I loved, I so looked forward to this book which definitely did not disappoint. A very beautifully written story filled with friendship, romance, and a touch of fantasy and gothic. So enjoyable and a book not to miss. Evie Woods has been added to my must read author’s list. I thank NetGalley (https://www.netgallery.com) for an advanced copy.

Mmmm... I can still smell the scrumptious pastries and warm cocoa .

What a charming little classic mystery filled with picturesque cobble stone lanes set in Paris and romance is definitely in the air !

If you are looking for a cozy little story where the narrator is looking for a new start but isn't sure exactly what is until she finds it , then I recommend this whimsical read.

Evie Woods finds herself on the streets of Compiegne a quaint little town just outside of Paris , where she has come to start a new life and her french is still a work in progress , but it is not mandatory for this Irish girl who has just landed a job at a little bakery where english was a requirement.

Despite butting heads with the Madame of bakery , she is enjoying this new life, but quickly she notices odd little things . Like why is she not allowed to go down to the basement where the head baker works ? Why does she never see the baker coming and going with his baked goods? Why is there no deliveries of supplies ?

Evie can't help herself and the curiosity cat in her needs to keep sneaking around to find out what is going on , meanwhile she is making friends with the dashing Mr. Chadwick .

This was cute and a light enjoyable clean read with a delicious and delightful ending !

Thank you Netgalley , HapperCollins UK and Evie Woods for this charming ARC.

A huge thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and Evie Woods for providing me with an ARC of The Mysterious Bakery on Rue De Paris in exchange for my honest review.

The Mysterious Bakery on Rue De Paris by Evie Woods tells the story of Edith Lane, who leaves Ireland to begin a new chapter of her life in France, working at a mysterious bakery.

This is a sweet and cozy tale that delves into themes of found friendships and love. Edith’s quest to uncover the secrets of the bakery takes her on a heartwarming journey of self-discovery and romance.

While the book is a quick and charming read, I didn’t find it particularly memorable, which is why I rated it three stars. One element that detracted from my enjoyment was the description of Edith as a middle-aged woman at an age I wouldn’t typically associate with that term. This characterisation felt inconsistent and slightly diminished my engagement with her story.

Although I didn’t love this book, I liked it. It’s a charming, lighthearted read that’s perfect for fans of cosy fiction.

Evie Woods’ "The Mysterious Bakery on Rue de Paris" offers a charming blend of whimsy and subtle enchantment, set within the picturesque confines of a small French town.

The narrative centers on Edie Lane, who relocates from Ireland, lured by the promise of a dream job at a bakery in Paris. To her surprise, she finds herself in the quieter town of Compiègne, a twist that propels her journey of self-discovery and healing following her mother's passing.

The story unfolds as Edie acclimates to her new environment, forming connections with the bakery's intriguing owner, Madame Moreau, and her grandson Manu, who is learning the art of baking with guidance from his great-grandfather’s spirit. The pastries crafted in this bakery are said to possess magical properties, providing comfort and even fleeting insights into the past for those who partake. This interplay of reality and the supernatural enriches the narrative, although some readers may feel that the paranormal aspects could be further developed.

Woods skillfully evokes a warm atmosphere filled with nostalgia. The bakery itself emerges as a vital element of the story, enveloping readers in the inviting aromas of freshly baked goods that stir memories and emotions. Edie's relationships, particularly with her hairdresser Nicole and Nicole's jazz musician husband Johnny, introduce a lively social dynamic that enhances the plot. Themes of grief, hope, and belonging resonate throughout as Edie learns to navigate her new life while reconciling with her past.

The writing is accessible and engaging, allowing readers to immerse themselves in Edie's experiences. Rather than focusing on unraveling a mystery, the narrative emphasizes personal growth, which may catch some readers off guard if they anticipate a conventional whodunit.

This enchanting tale encourages readers to savor each moment like one of its delightful pastries—sweet, comforting, and full of unexpected turns.

Although I couldn’t identify with Edith Lane, I felt for her and her predicament. I couldn’t imagine being her age, dealing with grief, and starting over in a new country, especially when roadblocks threatened to derail her journey. When she made her discovery surrounding Pierre Moreau, the story picked up and held my attention. I loved the exploration of our journey taking us where we need to be rather than where we intended.

This is a sweet story about a secret ingredient - the enduring power of love.

Don’t start this one on an empty stomach!

Congratulations on a fantastic cover.

I was gifted this copy by Harper Collins UK, One More Chapter and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.

The words Bakery and Paris attracted me to this book, and like Edith, I assumed it was about a bakery in Paris. Unlike Edith, I was excited for the story to take place in small town France.

Edith takes a job on a whim at a bakery not-in-Paris, discovers a bit of a mystery to figure out, a small business dilemma to resolve, and a handsome man to accept into her heart. Add lots of butter, sweet pastries, an eclectic supporting cast, and a touching backstory steeped in WWII.

It really was a quick and light, sweet read, but I didn't find it memorable. The writing was simplistic, sometimes overly so - parts were lyrical, others were almost childish. I honestly did not like Edith until almost halfway through the book - I found her lack of growth mindset to be childish and slightly obnoxious, making her seem younger than she is. I felt that while the premise of the story had potential, the result lacked depth.

Overall, it was a quick little snack of a story. Thank you to NetGalley and One More Chapter for the ARC.

A good read to curl up with on a dark evening, French patisseries, romance and a smattering of magic. Light and enjoyable.

The Mysterious Bakery on Rue de Paris is a cozy, magical novel that’s sure to lead you down an enchanting road of possibility. I enjoyed the premise of this novel, and the magic included in every chapter. This was heartwarming, and the perfect curl-up during the weekend read. Definitely recommend!

Thank you to Netgalley and HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter for the ARC of this novel; all opinions are my own.

I adored this delightful novel that truly warmed my heart. It is a heavenly mix of romance, adventure, mystery and magic. A savory pinch of paranormal activity runs in the background adding mystique and awe. I love stories that showcase Parisian cooking and bakeries; along with discoveries of lost books or pieces of other memorabilia from the past. And this one, being centred around a bakery, includes recipes. Ones that have a special connection to the past owner but is utilised to rescue the current one in the present.

The Prologue provides a mysterious caption of a baker whose bakery is ‘nestled among the cobblestone streets of Compiegne… whose pastries offered a taste of magic that could chase away even the darkest of sorrows.’ I was captivated from the first page! Also, the author’s descriptions were vivid and powerful from the start and continued throughout making me feel part of the setting and drama that unfolded.

Food can be magical in the way it conjures wonderful memories. It can invoke passion, satisfaction, excitement and courage, too. It might even inspire you to do things you had not thought of before. So, yes, it can be a tool for convincing one to change their mind, attitude or mood. And this happens in The Mysterious Bakery on Rue de Paris but I am not about to give away the ‘who’.

I was swiftly transported to the bakery setting in France with Edie Lane who has left Ireland motivated by the sadness of loss in her heart. This is her chance to recover and find a new path: a job offer as an Assistant Manager in a bakery in Paris, the city of dreams. But what she encounters is very different from what she expected and things don’t go so well at first: starting with the location. It is not in Paris but in a city further north. (One with an interesting history that includes Joan of Arc.) The adjustments will challenge her in ways she never expected. It is a steep learning curve, starting with communicating in the French language. I must note here: I found reading the phrases fun as I have not spoken or read French in a long time so I was amazed how much came back to me reading this novel. Evie Woods weaves the French phrases well throughout the English text, translating or inferring so the reader never gets lost.

Edie, with her struggles and aspirations, is superbly authentic. The author presents accurately how most would react in a totally new culture and environment, learning a new language and trying to make friends. Despite the bumpy road on her path to self-discovery, her journey is an exciting one and I loved every turn, twist and victory in her personal development.

Besides our brave Edie in the present, this novel has an endearing cast of characters that work together like a symphony of scents and tastes. And even when friction rises between them, it brings about positive results—eventually.

I enjoyed the present timeline but the past is tenderly presented, too. What I loved about Monsieur Moreau is how he used food to express his love— a love he could not share with another due to circumstances. So he poured that love into his baking and many people experienced that wellspring bubbling at his core by tasting and eating his food! It is true that we put a lot of our emotions in the dishes we prepare and this story highlights that. Cooking can lift your spirits as it is a type of creativity which sets the soul free to explore. It can even release a pent up heart. This is one of the messages that comes through loud and clear from the past character but this beautiful truth flows into the present timeline when necessary. There is also a WW2 theme and that part of the past thread is quite moving and adds another texture to the story’s canvas.

This is a story about second chances, love in its many forms, the magic of food, the power of community, the bonds of friendship, hidden secrets, unlikely romances, finding bravery, learning a new culture and more. The Mysterious Bakery on Rue de Paris by Evie Woods is a beautiful heart-soaked tale with depth, sparkle and charm that I loved immensely. I highly recommend! 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thanks to One More Chapter and Netgalley for the review copy.

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for this book!

This was a good one! I really enjoyed this book. I had a hard time putting this one down. I really enjoyed the writing style and the characters chemistry was great. This was a first for me by this author but will not be my last!

After years of caring for her mother, Edie wants to widen her horizons and moves to a small town just outside Paris.. There is something distinctly odd about the bakery which she works in, who and where is the baker? Why is her employer so secretive? A totally different, enthralling story with romance thrown in . Excellent reading for a cold winters day .