Overall, what did you think of The Mysterious Bakery on Rue de Paris? (no spoilers, please!)
I thought it could fit the description of a “cozy” book. I liked it, but didn’t think it was a great book by any means. I would give it 3.5 stars. Just in case it is a spoiler, I had a bit of difficulty with the whole “what was going on in the basement thing.” I wondered afterwards whether it was really necessary to the story. I thought the storyline was predictable. I also had difficulties with Edie. She describes herself as “middle-aged” and she is 29! I guess that means I have a foot in the grave. Also, I found her quite immature—two dates and suddenly she has met her soulmate. Really?
It would have been nice to have some recipes included in the book. However, the book did make me hungry for a croissant.
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Roberta, this is great. I could have written your review. It was fine, but forgettable.
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Definitely not my normal type of book, but I was surprised how much I enjoyed it nevertheless. It left me smiling, and that’s a rare thing these days.
Though the reviews aren’t stellar for this book, I liked it. My favorite genre is historical fiction and this fit right in.
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As stated before, it’s a cozy read. Although the plot is predictable and sometimes a little Hallmark-ish, the book has heart and left me craving fresh-baked croissants and a quick trip to Paris. I, too, wish it had included some recipes.
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I wouldn’t be surprised if when the paperback is released it includes additional content like discussion questions, recipes, author Q&A, etc.
My understanding is that this is a ten year old book that has been republished so I doubt there will be changes to it or recipes included.
@Roberta_Winchester ohhh, I do see that she published a book by that name under “Evie Gaughan” back in 2014. It looks like it was about 150 pp shorter. I’m wondering if she reworked it later?
Edit: Here’s what I found: The Mysterious Bakery on Rue de Paris by Evie Woods is a reworking of one of her earlier books, originally self-published and then republished by an indie press before its current release by a major publisher.
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I agree with those who say it is a cozy read. It had ongoing mysterious secrets that kept me engaged. I enjoy a lighter book like this in between more serious reads. And it seemed to fit the character of the book, for it to have a happy ending. It left me smiling too!
Do you think that means they might do some more editing? I think it really could benefit from some grammar and punctuation editing.
My Advanced Reader’s Copy says it’s “uncorrected and unproofed,” so…maybe?
I agree with your assessment. I was expecting more but since we are having dreadful weather it was a cozy book.
I felt someone missed the boat on this one. It struck me as more appropriate for a YA audience rather than a book suited for adults. I felt the plot was obvious from the beginning and overall the book offered me nothing new.
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I agree with the other ladies, the book is a cozy and since I’m sick of snow and ice in
April in Vermont and was feeling a bit down and mentally lazy, it hit the spot. I went to bed on a cold snowy day at 230 in the afternoon and just read the whole thing by dinner time. I felt much better and happy. Sometimes, letting your mind and body relax without too much challenge is the perfect way to get back in sync. I loved it.
I liked the book, an easy feel good book, which is much needed in these uncertain times.
I thought this was a wonderful read. It wasn’t the best book I’ve read, but it brought me happiness and no stress, which is much needed during this time.
@Roberta_Winchester yeah I’d assume it will be edited further if it’s an ARC.
I found it to be a sweet delicious love story.
This is a great story. One feels like one is really along for the ride, feeling at one with the character Edie, telling her story. This is a movie of a book - in other words, you keep reading because you care about all the characters and the story unfolding before you - “just one more chapter before I sleep”.
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