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.

Evie Woods has done it again!

She sweeps readers into the magical surrealism that marries the past and present into a thought-provoking tale.

An easygoing read that provides warmth and heart reminding us all that the past is an integral part of ourselves. Edie searches for a new life, unknowing that the seeds of it are already inside her, waiting for her to nurture them.

Set in a small providential Persian village, the characters come to life while welcoming you into their hearts

3.5 🥐 🥐🥐 Edith’s journey of self-discovery after losing her mother leads her to a charming bakery ran by Madame Moreau. There, she uncovers a touch of magic as a spirit guides them in the art of baking. The added romance with Hugo brings an extra layer of warmth to her story. With its mix of history, magic, and fate, tale is a heartwarming treat!

Edith's lack of fluency in French leads to a different adventure than she had planned. When Edith Lane answers and ad for a "Native English Speaker" to work in bakery in France, she is really trying to find herself. But during the phone interview she misunderstands a finer point of the address and heads for what she thinks will be a new life in Paris. Instead she ends up in a quaint little town called Compiègne. But, at least she has a job and a place to stay, if she can just manage to get along with the employer.
In a short time, as Edith discovers that there are mysterious goings on in the bakery; she also finds friendship with some of the locals. As she unravels the mystery of the bakery, she begins to unravel her own mystery.

My only "complaint" with the story is the French phrases which are not always translated for the reader. The book did challenge me to remember bits of my woefully inadequate high school French.

The characters were certainly believable. The story progressed at a nice rate without dragging at any point. If I could give half stars for the rating, I would give this one 4 1/2 stars.

The Mysterious Bakery on Rue de Paris by Evie Woods is an enchanting story set in the cobblestoned streets of Compiegne. It follows Edie Lane, who leaves behind her life in Ireland while chasing a dream that doesn’t go as planned. Edie finds herself in a charming town with a bakery rumored to serve more than just baked goods. This book is full of heartfelt emotion, while finding magic in unexpected places. I absolutely adored this cozy read!