Evie Gaughan’s The Mysterious Bakery on Rue de Paris is a charming, light-hearted story that’s perfect for a quick escape. While I enjoyed the whimsical vibe and the journey of Edie finding herself in a picturesque French village, I found myself wishing for more depth and focus in several areas.

The title led me to believe there would be more emphasis on the bakery itself—baking, working, and the magic of the craft—but that wasn’t really the case. Instead, the story centered more on Edie’s self-discovery, which, while enjoyable, felt a bit misleading. Adding to the disconnect, it wasn’t even Edie who ultimately saved the bakery but rather the romantic lead swooping in with a financial rescue.

The ghost story, which had so much potential, felt underdeveloped, leaving me wanting more haunting charm. Similarly, the incorporation of WWII history felt like it skimmed the surface when it could have added emotional weight and historical richness to the story.

The stakes throughout the book felt fairly low, so while it was a pleasant read, it lacked the tension or intrigue that might have made it truly memorable. Overall, The Mysterious Bakery on Rue de Paris is a fun, cozy read, but it didn’t quite deliver on its full potential.