I received this book for free from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Summer at the French Bakery by Jo Thomas Published by Pan Macmillan Genres: Fiction, Chick-lit, Romance
Pages: 400
Format: E-Arc
Source: Netgalley
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A new adventure is on the menu . . .
Juliet has learnt that life is too short not to chase your dreams. But when she buys an old watermill in France, her tranquil new start is quickly kneaded into something far more ambitious when the local mayor offers her a deal she can’t refuse: reopen the village’s derelict boulangerie.
With a formidable rival – the owner of the local bread vending machine – determined to crush her, Juliet faces disgruntled villagers, her own lack of baking skills, and hidden secrets within the mill itself.
But with help from her outspoken neighbour and the charming Tabac owner, Juliet battles to bring back the aroma of freshly baked bread – and with it, the heart of the community.
Can she prove that even the biggest dreams start with just a little pinch of courage?
There’s something about picking up one of Jo Thomas’s book that just screams comfort, and Summer at the French Bakery is no exception. From the very first pages, you’re dropped into the heart of a small French village and the kind of setting that feels tailor-made for a fresh start. You instantly know that you are in for a treat.
The bakery itself is, unsurprisingly, one of the highlights. The descriptions are mouth-watering, and you will definitely need a snack at hand, because by the end you will be hungry. The Bakery and the Mill are central to the story.
At the centre is Juliet who is trying to piece things back together and in a way find out who she now is. There’s a quiet satisfaction in watching her settle into something new, even if you can see where things are heading early on.
The romance, while limited, is gently woven in rather than dominating the story, which works in its favour. It builds gradually and feels like a natural extension of the setting and characters, rather than something overly dramatic or forced. However it is not the central part of the story.
That said, the pacing does dip slightly in places. There are moments where the story lingers a little too long, and it loses some of its momentum. It doesn’t take away from the overall enjoyment, but it does make the middle feel a touch stretched. Overall, Summer at the French Bakery is an enjoyable and comforting read. It delivers exactly what it promises: a charming escape filled with good food, gentle romance, and a satisfying sense of renewal.
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