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

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!

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.