Bakery on Main Street

by June Woods

59-year-old Julia Knight is officially divorced, lost and the talk of the town.

Everything changed when her husband decided he’d rather be married to her sister instead. So when her best friend Chloe suggests they move to Rosemary Beach and start their childhood dream business of running a bakery, the timing felt right.

But Rosemary Beach, the Floridian beach town where Julia grew up, has plenty waiting for her, including something that will change her entire existence. Among cobblestone walkways, and white sand beaches, Julia faces her fears, rediscovers love, and faces her fears head on.

Maybe this second chance will give her the sense of purpose that’s been missing for so long.

Visit the beautiful beach town of Rosemary Beach, where friendship, hope, love, and wine are plentiful.
This is Book 1 of 6 in a small-town women’s fiction series, perfect for readers who like easy beach reads and a little bit of mystery!

Genres: Fiction, Romance

84 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 21, 2024

About the author

June Woods is a coffee-loving beach bum who has spent the last decade traveling the states and meeting interesting people.

She was born and raised in Florida but has called everywhere home for a little while.

She’s been obsessed with reading ever since she learned how to, and has been writing short stories for as long as she can remember.

Her first love will always be mysteries, but she also dabbles in romantic suspense and comedy.

You can expect her books to be light, fluffy, and full of emotion. June loves making her readers feel something, even if it's just laughter.

Follow her on Amazon to be notified when new books are released:
https://www.amazon.com/June-Woods/e/B...

Reviews

[Cathy · Rating 1 out of 5]

I don’t call this a “book”. It’s more like a couple of chapters in a book, and not a stand alone book at all. I’m not buying “books” 2 through whatever just to find out what happens. I fell for that with another of this author’s series. “Return to Sanibel” was also split up into several “books” that were not really a series as far as I’m concerned. It was one story divided into 6 very short parts, which the author passed off as single books in order to charge readers for each one.

[Jill Dilday · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wouldn’t necessarily call The Bakery on Main Street (Rosemary Beach series) a single “book.” It reads more like six short stories (each under 80 pages) that together would make up a full novel. The author cleverly ends each installment on a cliffhanger, clearly encouraging readers to purchase the next volume—unless you happen to be reading through a subscription.
The elements of baking and small-town friendship are what initially drew me in. That said, the friendship dynamic often baffled me. I didn’t expect mature sixty-year-olds to act the way these characters did, especially considering how one repeatedly took advantage of the other.
What I did appreciate was the pacing. The author doesn’t drag out storylines, which makes each volume a quick, light, and easy read. I also enjoyed the hopeful tone woven throughout the series, which adds warmth and keeps the overall experience pleasant despite my reservations.
As always, this review reflects the opinion of just one reader. If you enjoy short, cozy reads with baking, small-town charm, and a touch of optimism, this series may be worth checking out.

[Janis · Rating 2 out of 5]

No no no! There should be warnings of terrible cliffhanger endings like this. I wouldn't have even started the book if I'd known.....what a cheap trick to try to force people to keep reading the rest of the series.

[Loretta TheMoodyRedhead · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great beginning to this short-books series

I read another 6-book set by June Woods that I enjoyed, so when I saw this one I got it into my To Read Next list.

I like this a lot, so far. I always love when girlfriends are close and begin a business together on the beach in a book (think Dune House by Cindy Bell). And since I like to bake, I’m even closer to the characters in this one.

I’m not close to the 2 main characters yet, but I am rooting for their new business venture to take off with plenty of wing power to fly. I am also rooting for some romance for each lady.

I’m not certain I’m correct on this, but so far June Woods books are all 6-book series where each book is released once a month (like Stephanie Bond’s series). I particularly like that each book is less than 100 pages - this one was 80-something - and in every book something gets you hooked, especially right at the end. I have to get to work right now so I won’t be starting book 2 yet, but I’ll be wondering what is going to happen next until I’m done with my job for the evening.

Good stuff, June!

Be humble. Be kind. Be free.
Deuces to your cabooses!

[Carrie Nellis Crisp · Rating 4 out of 5]

Life Changes

Julia's life had already taken a nosedive when her little sister swooped in, torpedoed her marriage, and then snagged her ex-husband as a prize. Seeking solace and a fresh start, Julia and her ride-or-die bestie Chloe boomeranged back to Rosemary Beach, armed with dreams of bakery domination. One fateful night out, Julia's ex materializes like a bad penny, and Chloe, sensing the awkward vibes, vanishes faster than a soufflé in a draft. After a spicy confrontation, Julia storms off, only to be blindsided by an arrest that would make a reality TV plot seem tame. Thankfully, Chloe—part bail bondsman, part guardian angel—springs her from the slammer. Now, these two are on a mission to unmask the mystery saboteur who's clearly got it out for Julia, armed with nothing but sass, solidarity, and a killer buttercream recipe.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

this is 1 book written in 6 parts/6 books......kinda strange

while reading book #2 I stopped reading intending to "read no more". The overall personality of one of the main characters, Julia , had me riled up! Julia was/is obnoxious and overbearing and thoughtless in regard to long-time friend Chloe.
something seemed to shift in the story, and I discovered the author brought a "sinister element" into the mix. I flew through the rest of the books afraid of the outcome and each book contained a bizarre twist with it.

Wow............!

[Julie Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I started this thinking it was a short story. The short story came to a very abrupt end. Obviously the other books need to be purchased to continue this storyline. I am fine reading books that have the same characters over a series - I love them! But this short story is like a few chapters taken from a book and printed as a short story. The only way to get the rest of this incident that is happening is to buy the next short story. It would be better to list this as a sample or a preview. Very disappointing. Overall the story was a good one.

[Tera Jewell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such a cute book. It is not normal to follow older characters in their 50s while being single and finding themselves. Which makes it super refreshing to read. That no matter what stage in life you are in, you can always have a fresh start. I did 4 stars because I wish the books weren’t so short because I finished one and immediately wanted to read the next and had to go through the trouble of downloading the 2nd one. That is my only feedback. But also lazy girl problems.

[Debi Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice Beginning

This was a nice beginning to a new series. After Julia’s divorce she falls apart. Her friend Chloe helps her to start a restaurant together. Along comes an old friend. And even worst news for Julia. With a cliffhanger like this one I can’t wait to see what happens next

[Kathy O'Neill · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is only part of a book. It ends abruptly and expects you to move on to Book 2. Even as short as it is, a lot of the dialogue is repetitive - and so is the description. I quite lost sympathy for the main character as she was indecisive and so any action took much longer than I wanted to read!

[Kandi A. Hudson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting Start

This was an interesting start to a book series. Not only is this novella like introduction an good start to the theme of this book series, but the cliffhanger ending and bridge to book 2, was a total surprise to this reader. Of course, I promptly downloaded book 2. So far, this story has more than kept my interest, so hopefully that continues.

[Karen Cino]

I enjoyed reading about fifty something women redefining themselves. I truly enjoyed reading the first ten chapters. The only reason why I gave it 4 starts is because of the cliffhanger, forcing you to read the next book in the series. I would rather have the a full-length novel than read in drips and drabs.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a fun short story. Two BFF's looking to start over in their old hometown. Chloe, the baker, and Julia, the business woman. Julia rented an apartment and a storefront, sight unseen. Both are definitely not what they were hoping for, one too small and one too expensive! Looking forward to reading the next book in this series!

[minda2galangatt.net · Rating 4 out of 5]

bakery on main st bk 1

The story broke my heart and anger filled my heart. Happy that Julia accidentally toppled the wedding cake but not enough for what her sister and ex husband did to her.

[Nanci · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not impressed

This is the first book I have read by June Woods. I thought I would like it, but it moved rather slow. Then by the end of the book, I realized it was not something that I wanted to pursue further.

[Amelia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cozy short story that ends with a cliffhanger.

Life has been...life-ing for childhood best friends Julia and Chloe. They move back to their hometown with plans to open their own bakery together. What else is going to get thrown their way?

📱
Plot: 📖📖📖

[Pat Weingartner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Read!

I really enjoyed book 1 in this series watching Julia and Chloe navigating their adventure of moving to a new place and opening new business, I'm looking forward to reading book 2 in this series and will definitely recommend this book to everyone. Leigh

[Jacklyn Vaughn · Rating 2 out of 5]

This kind of felt like it belongs alongside Grace and Frankie. I was pretty much enjoying this until dun dun duuuuuun cliffhanger. Noooooo!!!!! This was not one that I enjoyed enough to continue so it is what it is.

[Georgette Ulichney · Rating 1 out of 5]

Novella maybe…

This is not a full book, perhaps a novella …maybe. It seems that what would have been one book was broken up ans a few chapters are now each ‘book’ in the ‘series’. This is not like an old school Nora Roberts series. Short chapters. Short ‘books’.

[Carol Webster · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute story. Will probably read another one in series to see if worth continuing.

[McKenna Wardle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was very cute! The ending though…! 😳 big cliff hanger so maybe I’ll read book 2 soonish.
This was a nice pallet cleanser. If your looking for a nice short, friendship style type of book then you should read this book.

[Krys Henderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

great book

My new author to read. Love this book and can’t wait to read more. She will be my next go to author

[DONNA SWANGER · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book!

Ready to move on to the next one. Read.this in one sitting.
Anxious to see how these two friends mend their way!

[Deborah Morrison · Rating 3 out of 5]

book does not end

Love the book, but have to continue reading in another book. Book is very short, 84 pages. All should be combined into one book.

[Darlene Venus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Series of 6 books. Read the whole series.

[Sue Kopczynski Gonnering · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Read

Can’t wait to see what happens next in this series. Two friends starting a business together after so many life changes.

[Kathy McLaughlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great short read and will keep your interest. I sometimes have to step away from the 300 to 400 page reads and this was perfect. I am starting the second book. I will read all 6.

[carol florig · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is not a book. Will not read anything from this author again

[Love to Read · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute and clean… and leaves on a cliffhanger!

[Angelia Copeland-Dunham · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet happy story about two life long friends and their dreams. I read all 6 books in a week.
The plot was easy to figure out but the story was good.