Magical and almost fable-like, five strangers intertwine through quirks of fate centered around a bakery where baked goodness and friendship are created during the late hours. Starts a little slow and sad, but keep going ...

This book was an absolute joy to read. Firstly I was drawn into this book by the fabulous cover, I thought it was gorgeous. Everything about this book was so good , the characters and the story all came together to make this book one which I found difficult to put down at times . There are strong friendships made from people who only got to know each other through various circumstances. We can’t forget the bakery where Frankie works at night and the baking of the fresh bread and cakes was so well described
I could almost smell the baking coming out of my kindle. This is the perfect read curled up in a chair with a cuppa and a slice of cake

Who knew baking by night would be the start to a new life for
more than one person…

Frankie is a nighttime baker working at Denny’s, a small bakery down a side alley preparing all the freshly made bakes for the daytime rush.

Tam is a lovely gentleman who has fallen on hard times but working at a care home looking after the residents but has grown fond of a lovely lady called Eleanor- a shining star of promise later in life.

Beth is a nurse working nights at a hospital while her and her husband
struggle to make ends meet on the farm they own - her husband is paralysed after a freak accident on the farm.

William is a gentle giant who lives just down from the bakery but works as a ‘bouncer’ in a club, which he gets suspicious over its activities after being
offered an extra job ‘‘off the books’ to help the boss.

4 separate life stories which over time hold their hearts together
in an unlikely place.

Frankie has had her share of heartbreak in her life. She pours every emotion she has left, into her bakery. Keeping long hours throughout the night in preparing her most loved treats for those that arrive in the morning. As she focuses on healing her heart, she meets many locals that also need healing in their own lives. As they find comfort and happiness through food, Frankie and her wonderful bakery give them hope.

Frankie loves the connections she has made with new friends that have become family to her. As they help each other through grief and heartache, they slowly begin to come out on the other side of their losses.

The Midnight Bakery, authored by Emma Davies, is a wonderful and delightful story that stole my heart at that very first page. This story is a treasure chest full of amazing characters. I loved each person’s story in a personal way, and that made each person feel like a new friend.

This phenomenal story had my attention from cover to cover. I couldn’t put it down…nor did I want to. Davies is a wonderful storyteller that never disappoints. I highly recommend this fantastic and unforgettable story.

My thoughts:
What a lovely cast of characters! It was so much fun getting to know each one. I can’t even pick a favorite.
The story revolves around Frankie, William, Beth and Tam. All strangers that meet unexpectedly.
Each one has their own personal issues they are trying to overcome.
Each one is damaged by life, trying to go forward as best they can.
As their friendships grow, the story gets better and better.
The Midnight Bakery is a heartwarming, heartfelt book about second chances, found family, friendships and healing.
Highly recommended!
Thanks much NetGalley, Bookouture and the author for the opportunity to read and review this book for my honest opinion.

Mixed opinions on this book. It wasn't what I was expecting, however, I did enjoy it for the most part.

Thanks to the Publisher and Netgalley for an early review copy.

I thoroughly enjoyed this fabulous read. It had me hooked from the beginning.

It was lovely to read the various point of view of the characters. Every character was dealing with their own problems.

But when they united it was a support for each of them and each one helped the other.

These characters felt as though they were on their own with their issues, with the weight of the world on their shoulders. But, when someone reached out to them with kindness, they didn’t feel alone.

I also liked that the characters were all older and had a life before it changed to how they are now. But the story showed that even when you’re over 50, you still have a lot to live for.

I highly recommend this book.

My thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read ‘The Midnight Bakery’ written by Emma Davies in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.

Frankie works the night shift at Duggan’s bakery and helps Beth when she sees her trip on slippery cobbles on her return home from working nights at the hospital. Beth’s car gets a flat tyre and Tam, who’s homeless and sleeps in his car after working at a residential care home, drives her home to her husband Jack who’s in a wheelchair following an accident on their smallholding. Then there’s William who works as a doorman at a nightclub and comes to Frankie’s aid when hooligans make a nuisance of themselves. Five people who meet under different circumstances and whose lives are about to change.

‘The Midnight Bakery’ (previously called ‘Frankie Nightingale Begins Again’) is an enjoyable story that tells of five people who have all suffered misfortune but are able to pick themselves up and with each other’s help make a life full of love and happiness. It’s a wonderful story that’s been beautifully written with engaging characters whose experiences I couldn’t help but get involved in. This is a novel that proves that even those over a certain age can move on to make fulfilling lives for themselves thanks to friendship and hope for their future. It’s had me gripped from the first page to the last ending with a heartwarming conclusion.

Frankie Nightingale Begins Again is a heartfelt and touching story of friendship, and fresh starts. Emma Davies masterfully weaves a narrative filled with emotional depth and warmth, as we follow Frankie on her journey to rebuild her life after years of heartache.

4’3/5 ⭐️ First of all, thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for and ARC of “Frankie nightingale begins again”. This book has a very heartwarming story. Five people who don’t know each other found themselves struggling in different aspects of their lives. I really loved knowing all their personal experiences and stories, and how the friendship that blossoms between them proves to be their life saver. Also, i really liked that all of them are grown adults, it makes you feel hopeful that life is long and we all have time to find out our own paths. A very enjoyable and hopeful read!

Frankie, Tam, Beth and William tell this story about the family we make. Centered around the bakery where Frankie works at night, it's a recognition that we all struggle withs something and that sharing with others can help. Then ending might feel a bit simplistic but it's also satisfying if you like me have become invested in these characters. Thanks to netgalley for the ARC. A feel good read.

i know all our characters were all going through something in the book but this book still managed to make me feel in love with it and all at the same time held me in a cozy embrace. the writing and the spirit of the characters managed to over ride all the troubles they each faced. which werent small b any means. and the support and kindness that found itself at the bakery and for our emerging friends was just a warm and unput-downable read.
we meet Frankie who has tried her best to be free from an old and terrible life. she wasnt treated right and that hurt still lingers in her heart, in her trust, and in her ability to show herself. so she hides herself in the bakery she works at. preferring the stillness of the night to work and knead and feel peace amongst prepping for the next days products. then along come some others. knocking on her window or door comes three others. William the shy but very handsome man, Beth who is overworked as nurse and Tam who is a carer with know where to go. there meetups bring them all what they need. and their friendship soon blossoms into something so wonderful to read. i couldnt put this book down. i want to read more about them as individuals in their own Pov parts and also as a whole growing,loving friendship group.
when Frankies ex comes back into her life she will need all her friends and new found strengths to guide and help her through. it will take more than others around her to once again fight back.

4.2 Stars
One Liner: Heartwarming and hopeful

Frankie Nightingale prefers nighttime when she finds peace in silence. She works for a tiny bakery and spends her nights kneading loaves and making buns, croissants, etc. After escaping her previous life and marriage filled with restrictions, she finds freedom in simple things and alone time.
Frankie soon meets Beth, an overworked nurse, William, a shy and handsome man, and Tam, a caregiver with no home. As the four strangers become friends, Frankie finds her life flourishing with new relationships and hope. However, Frankie’s ex-husband arrives at the place, bringing turmoil into her new life. Can Frankie, with help from her friends, choose herself over the rest?
The story comes in the third-person POVs of Frankie, Beth, William, and Tam.

My Thoughts:
No idea why I initially thought this was historical fiction. It’s very much contemporary, though the setting has a timeless quality (despite the use of mobile phones and computers). It has the 1990s or early 2000s vibes.
The main characters are in their late 40s or early 50s and act their age. This is a dignified book (for the lack of a better word) with a slow-moving narration. Despite the gravity of the themes, the book feels mellow and cozy.
Every character is facing an issue, be it something from their past or present. Yet, they are kind, sympathetic, and helpful. I liked all of them equally, which shows the care the author took in developing their arcs and presenting their stories.
Though the FMC is the center of the plot, not everything happens because of her. This retains the balance in the narratives and gives each one their space to grow and build new friendships.
Everyone has flaws, but is doing their best to become better. That’s where others come into the picture. This is a proper found family without OTT drama or excitement.
I love the scenes in the bakery and the ones around food. Yeah, it’s all baked goodies (yum!) like croissants, brownies, cupcakes, crumble cakes, etc. A couple of recipes at the end would have been even better.
Though the ending had a convenient solution to their problems, I was ready for it. Also, it doesn’t feel too easy since there’s enough foreshadowing to make it feel realistic and genuine.
While there’s a tiny romance track, it develops very slowly (as it should) and doesn’t overpower the plot. The focus remains on the respective priorities of each character. The epilogue also does the same.

To summarize, Frankie Nightingale Begins Again is a heartwarming and hopeful story about how friendship, kindness, and second chances can make our lives better.
Thank you, NetGalley and Bookouture, for eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.

"Frankie Nightingulatu" by Emma Davies.

"Frankie Nightingale Begins Again" is a heartwarming and uplifting novel that explores the complexities of navigating a new life after trauma and significant life events. Emma Davies weaves a poignant and relatable story that follows Frankie and those around her as they learn to heal, grow, and find new beginnings.

The characters in this novel are multidimensional and authentic, making it easy to become invested in their journeys. Davies tackles tough themes with sensitivity and care, creating a narrative that is both hopeful and realistic.

While the multiple narrative voices added depth to the story, there were moments where the transitions between perspectives felt a bit disjointed. Additionally, some sections felt slightly overlong, which slowed the pacing.

Despite these minor quibbles, "Frankie Nightingale Begins Again" is a lovely and engaging read. If you enjoy character-driven fiction that explores the human capacity for resilience and hope, this novel is sure to resonate with you.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read and review this ARC book.

I enjoyed this story about Frankie Nightingale who has withdrawn a little from the world, and works the night shift at a bakery. Her journey to open up her heart again and be vulnerable to both friendship and love was a nice read that I would recommend.

This was an amazing read. I was totally hooked right from the beginning. I loved the multiple view points so we got to see an in-depth perspective of all the main characters. Each character has so much going on, each totally interesting in their own right. When they come together they have a fantastic support network and friendship.

Four people who thought they were alone, invisible sometimes, felt the weight of the world on their shoulders, but a small connection, a little bit of kindness to another person soon snow balled into a deep friendship and support.

I liked that all the characters were older, had already lived a life, but showed that even over the age of 50, there is still a lot of life left to live. I laughed and cried along with Frankie and the others, and loved every minute of it.

Frances Nightingale (Frankie) works nights in a bakery, it’s her escapism.

Beth does nightshifts in a local hospital and is her husband’s carer during the day following an accident.

William works in a nightclub, he’s trying very hard to turn his life around, but some people don’t want him to.

Tam has a job in an assisted living facility, but sleeps in his car at night.

An interesting story that shows how people’s lives differ but can be there for each other and form a beautiful friendship.

The story was well written, and I came to know and like most of the characters.

My thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for my honest review.

4.5 stars!

In Emma Davie's newest book, she tells a charming tale of strangers who become friends. Frances "Frankie" Nightingale is hiding from a troubled life, working overnight at a bakery. William works as a doorman at a nightclub down the street. Beth works overnight as a nurse at the local hospital to care for her husband during the day. While working at the assisted living center, Tam sleeps overnight in his car at the local car park. Fate brings these night owls together, and they grow into a family.

What a lovely, lovely read. Fans of Clare Pooley's books will want to dive into this one immediately. The ending is like a hug for your heart.

Thank you, Netgalley and Bookouture, for the advanced reading copy. All opinions are my own.

3.5⭐️. Took me a while to get into this book but when I did what a joy. A lovely story about friendships and fresh starts. Told from multiple POV. Thank you to Netgalley and Bookoutre for ARC.

🥐A warm uplifting read!🥖

This story of four unlikely friends who crossed paths in unexpected ways is a great fit for those looking for a healthy dose of hope.

Frankie works nights in a bakery 🧁 to avoid the notice of the controlling husband she ran away from. She’s living a fearful existence, but the fire 🔥 in her spirit is undeniable. I think many will find it relatable that she’s in her 50s and essentially starting over. Tam is desperate to hide that he’s homeless while holding on to his job caring for the elderly. The author dug into his story both the with the “why” of his homelessness and the “how” of his daily schedule. The difficulties of basic necessities aren’t glossed over. Beth is a nurse whose husband is paralyzed and heartsick that he can’t farm anymore. 💔 She’s under pressure to support them financially and be his caregiver. She is exhausted because they have no family around to help and can’t afford to hire anyone. The author didn’t shy away from showing the difficulties in their marriage as a result of all the pressure. William is in his mid 50s working as a bouncer in a club. It isn’t his dream job, but he has his reasons. He’s being pressured to partake in illegal activities despite doing everything he can to make good choices. He is a compelling character and his arc was my favorite.

The POVs switched between the four characters and that was a great move because seeing each of their worlds up close was the book’s strongest attribute. The steady pacing made for a pleasant read. The ending was a little convenient, but if this group isn’t deserving of a little slice of happiness then I don’t know who is.

Characters from different walks of life finding better versions of themselves standing together made this feel like a hug in the form of a novel.💜 🤗

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for an Advance Reading Copy. All opinions are my own.