have no words to describe this book. It will probably be one of the best books of 2025. It’s simply magical. It hooks you from the start and you can’t put it down until you’re forced because you’ve reached the last page.

Edith is quite funny, smart, and determined. Hugo is smart and a bear. They’re both dreamers in their own way. I just love the way their relationship develops and how intertwined it becomes with Madame Moreau’s bakery and the story behind it. The supporting characters are the best. I loved Manu, he’s such a sweetheart and Nicole, is a friend any girl should have. Last but not least, is the touch of magic in the story. My heart felt for Pierre and what he did taking care of Genevieve and her mom and how he kept to his promise even in spirit. That was amazing.

Seriously, add this book to your auto buy. You won’t want to miss it!

Thank you NetGalley for the eARC!

The Mysterious Bakery on Rue de Paris is a charming and cozy read. While the plot may be somewhat predictable, the setting and bit of mystery make it a nice little escape. Also, some of the supporting characters could have been more developed. 3.75⭐ rounded up

I really enjoyed reading this book, it had that element that I was looking for and enjoyed from this type of book. The characters were everything that I was looking for and enjoyed the overall feel of this world. Evie Woods wrote this strongly and was glad I got to read this.

Enjoyable story centered around saving a bakery in a quaint French town. Some history, found family, and a little bit of mystery. Without this being set in France, I would not have enjoyed as much. A quick, easy read to escape to France!

While the book started off very well and it did caught my attention. There were some moments where I felt as if it was a language and grammar barrier so it made it kind of hard to stay reading the book. I did unfortunately soft DNF this book. I didn’t get the feeling of wanting to return to the book and continue on reading. I honestly think I just read it at a bad time so I’m willing to give this book another chance at a different time because I enjoyed how the FMC was on a journey of finding herself and being on her own.

This was a beautifully written heartwarming story. I felt like I could totally escape in this. The only thing I did not enjoy was just that there was so much French language. As someone who does not understand French, I found it distracting. I will read more by this author.

I definitely didn't want this lovely gem to end! One of the best stories I've read for this year!
Lots of twists and turns and yes even a bit of romance. Most enjoyable was the bit of magic that was added.
I really enjoyed the Paris setting for this novel. The way the author described this beautiful book, I felt like I was there!
I couldn't put the book down it was so good!
Told from the protagonists point of view is what I enjoyed even more. I felt that I could connect to her so much better.
I hated to see this story end. This is one of those stories that will stay with you for a long time to come.
5 stars for the excellent writing and the entertainment and for keeping me engaged all the way through.
I highly recommend.
May I say that the cover makes me want to pop right into the picture Mary Poppins style? It's that inviting.
My thanks for a copy of this book I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.

I first discovered Evie Woods in late July of 2024 and she has immediately become an auto-buy author for me. This book was EXACTLY what I needed to soothe my soul coming off the busyness of the holidays. It’s that perfect blend of magical realism, historical fiction, and sweet romance. I was so moved by the plucky determination of the FMC, Edith, and the back story of Madame Moreau was heartbreakingly beautiful. Even our MMC Hugo was on a journey of self-discovery. Thank you to NetGalley and to Harper 360 for the opportunity to review this advanced copy.

See my full review at http://michelleardillo.com/2025/01/11/book-review-the-mysterious-bakery-on-rue-de-paris-by-evie-woods-a-k-a-evie-gaughan/

Edie travels from Ireland to Paris after she accepts a job at a bakery. All doesn’t go according to plan, and Edie isn’t quite sure what she’s getting herself into. Follow her adventure as she uncovers a mystery and people who just might change her life.

Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced copy. All opinions are my own.

If you're looking for a book that will sweep you off your feet, make you feel all the feels, and leave you with a sense of wonder, 'The Mysterious Bakery on Rue de Paris' by Evie Woods is an absolute must-read. This enchanting novel has everything you could possibly want: romance, mystery, history, a touch of magic, and even a ghost. In fact, it is hands down the best book I have read this year—so much so that it felt as if it was written just for me.

For fans of feel-good romance (think Abby Jimenez's heartwarming style), this book delivers a sweet and tender love story that will melt your heart without ever crossing into anything inappropriate. It's the perfect blend of light and love, full of moments that will make you smile, sigh, and possibly even get a little teary-eyed.

But this book isn't just about romance. It masterfully weaves in elements of historical fiction, with a fascinating glimpse into World War II that adds depth and richness to the story without overshadowing the main plot. The historical timeline, though brief, helps to unravel the mystery of a magical bakery, its ghostly inhabitant, and the misunderstood owner who is struggling to hold it all together. Trust me, don't let the mention of WWII scare you off—this subplot enhances the story and makes the magical elements feel all the more meaningful.

The ghost and mystery add an intriguing layer to the narrative, keeping you hooked and wanting to know more as the secrets of the bakery slowly unfold. There's just enough magic to spark your imagination, but it’s never too fantastical. It’s the kind of magic that fits seamlessly into the story, pushing the plot forward without ever feeling out of place.

What makes this book even more special is Evie Woods' ability to balance all these elements in a way that feels effortless. You’ll find yourself completely immersed in the world she creates, with every page offering new layers of wonder and excitement.

I can already tell that this is a book I’ll return to again and again. If you love a story that’s heartwarming, mysterious, and just a little bit magical, "The Mysterious Bakery on Rue de Paris" is the perfect choice. I truly believe everyone should read this book at least once—and, like me, you’ll likely find yourself revisiting it time and time again. Trust me, you won’t regret it.

I really loved this story with its magic, historical elements, and familial drama. It was a very heart warming read that transported me to Paris alongside the characters!

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.

Loved the story... connects a bit of magic, family drama, delicious baked goods and beautiful scenery. I've come to expect this in a Gaughan / Woods novel, and she doesn't disappoint here. Would have loved to learn more about why the vanilla worked (won't reveal the secrets here!) but I am totally good just going with it. Solid characters. Lovely setting. I'm all caught up on the author's books now.

Having put her own plans on hold to care for her dying mother, Edith (Edie) is seeking a fresh start in Paris by accepting a management position in a bakery. Much to her dismay, she discovers she misunderstood the location. In fact, the bakery is located on the Rue de Paris in Compiegne, a village about one hour north of her dream destination. Edie is determined to stay despite the aloof owner, the shabby apartment, and the mysterious activity in the basement that produces abundant, delicious breads and pastries. As the story unfolds, Edie begins to heal her grief over the loss of her mother, gaining some clarity about what she genuinely wants in life.

Some of the most interesting aspects of the novel involve the history of Compiegne. especially its role in World Wars I and II. This thread was unexpected and provided richness and depth to the storyline.

Overall, this is a heart-warming book that embraces the magical realism genre that the author is known for. I found it enjoyable, entertaining, and informative.

My thanks to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for the privilege of reviewing this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This review is being posted immediately to my GoodReads account and will be posted on Amazon upon publication.

Edith is ready for a change at 29. Her mom died and she was her carer during that time period. She put her life on hold and feels a bit lost. She's accepted a job as an assistant manager at a bakery in Paris. So she's going to move from Ireland and leave her father behind.

She gets to Paris and realizes she's made a mistake. The bakery is actually on the Rue de Paris in a town about an hour north of Paris. She starts work and things look bleak, as her provided apartment is a small cold attic, her boss is cold, and it feels like the whole place is haunted. However, she meets a man named Hugo, makes a friend named Nicole, and finds a mysterious recipe book in the floorboards of her apartment.

A light heart-warming read!

A sweet cozy mystery. Edith goes out on her own at 29 to start a new life working in a Paris bakery. Madame Moreau says she's not to go to the ovens even though she works there as a clerk. Magic at work at the bakery. I did find the French phrases a bit daunting, and took me out of the story as I struggled to know what was said.

Fairly predictable but an enjoyable read.. Well written, great characters and well told. hanks for the opportunity to read this and much luck on publication.

My favorite parts of "The Mysterious Bakery On Rue De Paris" are those that involve the history of Compiègne, France during World War II. Descriptions of the people targeted by the Nazis and what life was like in a small village not too far from Paris, these are strengths of Evie Woods. She is an Irish author and though her main character was from Ireland, I was surprised at how "American" she felt to me. I was a little disappointed by the need to throw a love story into the more complicated themes tackled by this novel, especially since the descriptions (in the first person) felt more like they were told by a 19-year-old instead of a 29-year-old. The amazing talents of most of the characters in this book didn't ring true for me, either. Being successful at not one but two possible occupations stretched my imagination. In spite of this reader's criticisms, a part of me did enjoy young love mixed with a bit of a ghost story.

3.75⭐️. This started off feeling like a book solely based on grief and making decisions based on grief; but what I soon realized, it was about living your life in spite of your grief and coming to terms with how life can change immediately. This felt like a really beautiful history lesson, on top of a magical romance, and clandestine journey of self discovery.