The Boulangerie on the Corner

by Susan Buchanan

No home. No job. No boyfriend.

When Lia loses her job straight after a break-up, she escapes to the Molins’ family-run boulangerie in Toulouse – the place she was last happy, far away from her cheating ex.

Sworn off men, she isn’t prepared for the spark she feels for charming cheesemaker Jean-Luc, nor for things heating up at the family’s country home in Gascony when handsome, self-assured vineyard-owner Théo asks her out.

Torn between the two and her connections to the Molins family, Lia has some tough decisions to make.

Lia loves being back in France with the people she cares about, helping in the boulangerie. On discovering it is under threat of closure, she is devastated and resolves to do everything in her power to help it stay open.

Will she succeed? And will she be able to choose between the two handsome Frenchmen and live her happily ever after?

For fans of Gillian Harvey, Rebecca Raisin, Jo Thomas and Veronica Henry.

309 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication January 20, 2026

About the author

Susan Buchanan lives in Central Scotland with her husband and their two children. She is the author of 12 novels: A Taste of Christmas Spirit, You Can't Hurry Love, The Leap Year Proposal, A Little Christmas Spirit, Just One Day - Winter, Just One Day - Spring, Just One Day - Summer, Just One Day - Autumn, Return of the Christmas Spirit, The Christmas Spirit, The Dating Game and Sign of the Times.
5.

Susan is also a proofreader and editor and when not working, writing or caring for her two delightful cherubs, loves reading, the theatre, quiz shows and eating out - not necessarily in that order!

Reviews

[Book Escapes Babs · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adored everything about this gorgeous book. Susan has a real talent for creating characters that are completely adorable yet sassy! Lia is a perfect example as she takes the loss of her job, her boyfriend and then her home in her stride. Despite her devastation, she takes a pause to reevaluate her life choices, but she remains remarkably upbeat, which is quite the skill.

It was easy to be drawn to Lia who was a veritable dose of sunshine. Her outlook on life is incredibly positive, and her story arc was beautifully executed.

The premise of Lia returning to the family-run boulangerie where she had spent a few months helping some fifteen years earlier. The welcome she received was the kind usually reserved for family, and it soon became clear that she was viewed as one of their own. Susan Buchanan created a real sense of place with her descriptions of the local village, the residents and the charming bakery. I could almost smell the baking bread and taste the buttery croissants.

As the synopsis explains, Lia finds herself on the receiving end of the attentions of two rather different men. Firstly, she meets cheesemaker Jean-Luc. He struck me as being the reliable, boy-next-door type. His ethics and honour were obvious from the early chapters. We then met Théo, who owned a local vineyard and was definitely more flash! From his clothing to his car, he exuded a sense of style.

The whole story really takes shape when Lia becomes involved in supporting the family as they deal with issues, including the potential loss of the boulangerie and a mysterious offer from an interested party. I must admit, I was gripped and couldn’t put the book down as I desperately needed to know what would happen next.

This is the first in a new series, and having read a couple of her previous series, I just know that we are in for a real treat. I definitely can’t wait for the next instalment.

[Wendy Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. This is my first from this Author and it won't be my last. Such a beautiful read.
Lia's life in Scotland has decided to implode, first the boyfriend, then her job. At her wits end, when Jules her best friend suggests she go to a happy memory place to regroup she decides to up and go.
Many years earlier Lia had stayed in France with the Mollins family who treated her like one of their own, so she takes a leap of faith and hops on a plane, hoping they will remember her.
Not only do they remember her, they welcome her with open arms. It isn't long before Lia finds herself being drawn into family life but also to the guy next door. When illness strikes both sides of the family Lia steps up and helps in the Boulangerie owned by her found family. As the situation becomes more dire Lia, helped by Jean-Luc the now more than a friend next door, finds a way to help save the family business, only to have it snatched from her by the thoughtless actions of others. Add to the mix a jealous ex and a man who doesn't like to be told no, all appears to be lost. Can these amazing people find a way to prevent their lives being destroyed. Lia faces having to return to Scotland leaving all she has grown to love, but she isn't going to go down without a fight.
A beautiful story of chosen family, love in unexpected places and that maybe if you want something badly enough you could make it work. Susan has brought each character to life so well it is impossible not to fall in love with them. Well with one or two exceptions! A story of hope and finding yourself again I didn't want to put the book down once I started. I am looking forward to exploring more from Susan.

[Sharon Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so much to @rachelsrandomresources for having me on this book tour.

I adored this book and read it in just over a day it was such an enjoyable and easy read. I would love another book to follow and catch up and see what is going on with Lia jean -luc and the molins and how france is now treating Lia.

lia has broken up with her boyfriend and has just been put on gardening leave and isn't sure where her life is going at 36. she decides to go and stay in france with a family she lived with while on an educational trip years before. For lia it feels like she has never been away and with Jean-luc working next door in the cheese shop she has plenty to look forward to everyday. She also has the lovely theo trying for her attention but her heart seems to want Jean-luc. After some bad news for the family lia decides to do all she can to help them. in turn is this helping to decide her future once the sale of her former flat comes through could a new life in france await her.

I loved lia and jean-luc and all the molins they seem like a very close knit family and with the gorgeous Jean-luc in such close proximity that would brighten anyone's day. can they all pull together to make things work? I was rooting for them all and for Jean -luc I did worry she would end up with theo.

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Boulangerie on the Corner is focused on Lia. Recently losing her job and breaking up with her live-in boyfriend, Lia decides to take a break from everything and visit a family she spent time with years ago, after her university studies were complete - in rural France. Shortly after arriving and feeling totally welcomed back, health issues with older Mollins' family members put Lia in the perfect place to help - by working in the Boulangerie -bakery. As the story unfolds, repercussions from the family issues cause financial strains on the Mollins, forcing decisions to be made about the business; in addition, Lia's romantic interest - that she totally did not expect, has her thinking about a permanent move to France. Between romance, the business, and the family difficulties, I was continually turning pages to see what was going to happen next.

I fully enjoyed the characters in this story. Lia was confused about her life's direction but was able to work through it and find purpose. Her boyfriend - Jean Luc, was a first-rate guy that had me cheering for him and Lia to get together. The other characters all contributed to the overall story plot, adding to the intrigue. It was a lighthearted read, that definitely had me wanting to eat pastries every time I started reading!!

[Claire Rowlands · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Susan Buchanan for an early e copy of this amazing book in exchange for an honest review which is as follows

🥖🇫🇷 This book had me mentally relocating to France. No notice given. 🇫🇷🥐

I picked this up wanting a cozy escape and ended up emotionally invested in a French bakery, a found family, and two very swoon-worthy men.

Lia hits rock bottom (no job, fresh breakup — been there), and watching her press reset in a family-run boulangerie in Toulouse felt comforting in the best way. The baking, the warmth, the community… I could smell the bread through the pages.

And then the romance 👀
One moment I was convinced I knew who she should choose, and the next I was questioning everything. A charming cheesemaker or a confident vineyard owner? WHY must France be like this??

What really got me though was how much heart this story has — fighting for the places that feel like home, choosing yourself after heartbreak, and finding joy again when you least expect it. It’s soft, escapist, and exactly the kind of book I reach for when I need a hug in story form.

✨ Cozy
✨ Swoony
✨ Made me want to book a flight

If you love romance with strong “start over” energy, add this to your TBR.

Tell me — are you reading this for the bakery, the travel vibes, or the French men? 💬🥖🇫🇷

[Meena Kumari · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book.

Lia has recently been told that her job may be no more, as well as that her relationship has ended. Now she’s not sure what or where to go next.

Talking to her best friend, she remembers a place she visited years ago as a young person. She goes to that place, in France, back with the family she lived with when she was last there. They still welcome and treat her as if she was a member of the family.

But, soon the family face a difficult time with their parents and the children’s grandparents.

Lia attracts the attention of two locals that are known to the family, Theo and Jean-Luc. They help her to forget about her ex, but who out of them both is right for her?

Then, after some thinking and brainstorming, Lia comes up with a way to help the family, the family who she’s never forgotten and have meant a lot to her.

Will Lia be able to help make the families worries and stress fade somewhat?

I loved the setting, the descriptions of the different places and the food, cakes and bread that made your mouth water.

Do have something sweet to hand when you read this book.

I highly recommend this book.

[Kathy]

This story shows family is not always about blood.
After losing everything at home Lia decides to go to France to visit the Molins family who she spent time with years ago.
While she was there the family had some hardships and trauma to deal with. Lia worked with the family to come up with a way to help everyone deal with the situations and to try to come up with a way to save the family's Boulangerie.
As her time there was running out she had to make the decision to stay and start over or going back home.
This story shows that family can overcome a lot as long as they stay and work together. Life is not always easy or fun but family can make a difference in how it is lived.
I loved this story and all the characters in it. It shows you can consider people family and be part of a family without being blood relations.
I was honored to read an early copy and this is my honest opinion.

[Dana Garland · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I have read by Susan Buchanan and I can honestly say, I can’t wait to read another! This book is captivating. I felt like I was part of the family.
After a bad breakup, losing her job, and ultimately losing her home, Lia decides to take a vacation to visit the family she lived for three months with 15 years prior…in France! She fits right in as part of the family! While she is there, tragedy occurred within the family, not once, but twice. Lia steps up to help the family in their time of need. With her limited French, she takes on working at the boulangerie (bakery). Without any spoilers, the story continues through multiple twists and turn. Love. Hatred. Heartbreak. Healing. So many emotions. The story feels real…as if this was happening to my own family. I could not put it down (even though I had to translate a few French words, lol). I highly recommend this book and this amazing author!

[Ritu Bhathal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this beautiful story of hope, compassion and love.
Lia is in a funk and ends up retracing her steps to where she felt happiest, only to find that her job is no more and her idiot of a boyfriend ups and leaves her.
She finds herself in rural France, living with a family she spent time with as a youngster, and finally feels she belongs, especially when the family faces a huge personal hiccup.
There is plenty of sizzle as Lia finds herself with a couple of rather hot locals to take her mind off the idiot she has left behind. And could there be a little love..?
The hope and compassion come as she realises it may be in her hands to support the family; a family who mean more to her than she can explain.
All I know is that I want to end up in a boulangerie, with the sweet smells of fresh-baked bread and other 'chocolatines' every day and beautiful people all around me!

[Bernadette Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the Heart-warming story of Lia, losing her job, home and boyfriend. She find everything she needs with her French Family. who aren't related by blood but treat her like a daughter.

I loved this book as it reminded me of the summers I spent in Europe as teenager and when I first started work. The hot French men and the beautiful villages/towns. I remember going to the Boulangerie for my Aunty, I could smell and taste the food, as I read the book.

It is a story about returning to somewhere you loved and finding the same love still there for you and more. It is a tale of never giving up and of how bullies don't always win.

I loved the setting, of the book and the detailed descriptions of the places and the food.

It is a story I wanted to continue forever, I fell in love with the book and the main characters.

[Lynne Easy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lia is down on her luck, her boyfriend has dumped her then she discovers she is to be made redundant. Life is not going her way, she contacts the Mollins, a family she spent 3 months living with 15 years ago straight after University. Lia is welcomed back into their household and feels like she's never been away. Health problems with older family members causes the Mollins to need to make serious changes and the need to sell their beloved Boulangerie. Lia meanwhile has first dated Theo and then discovers Jean Luc is the man for her, Theo is not as nice as first impressions! Lots going on in this lovely story set in The Boulangerie. Recommend to all chic lit lovers

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book!

They say bad luck comes in threes......for Lia that means losing her boyfriend and so her flat and on top of that, being put on gardening leave.

She decides that a trip back in time to the Molins family, who owned a boulangerie in Toulouse might be the solution. She had stayed with them just after university 15 years before.

Her best friend Jules tells her to revisit her past to find her future.

I thoroughly recommend this book and hope we revisit Toulouse in the not too distant future.

[Alison Galvin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lia's world is falling apart. She's lost her boyfriend, house and job. She visits her friend Jules who suggests she revisits a happy place. Lia had fond times in France with the Moulin family where she visited 15 years ago.

Lia is soon back in France and is welcomed by the family like a daughter. She's also pleased to meet a charming cheesemonger Jean-Luc and a family friend Theo. Could either help her get over her ex? However difficult times are ahead and Lia is happy to help.

A beautiful story showing friends are the family we choose and pulling together can overcome any problems.

[Henriette · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

I love how Susan's writing is changing over the years. This was such a wonderful story that I can't stop thinking about. It was so real!

I feel like Lia's adventure in France after losing her home, her boyfriend and her job is something that happened to a friend of mine and as if I might even personally have been to the Molin's bakery and met them all and tasted some of their baked goods. That's how vivid it was all told and the characters and especially the whole Molin family who opened them arms up to Lia after 15 years were just amazing.

I would highly recommend that you grab yourself a copy of this book!

[Amanda M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. As soon as i started reading, I just wanted to keep on reading.
Lia's life is a mess. Lost her job, split from her partner and having to sell her house. Her best friend makes think of her happiest memories, and there the adventures begin. A wonderful story that makes me want to go to France and eat fresh bread and pastries!

[Elaine white]

Get your passport ready we're going to have sunshine and laughter.

What a fantastic read , fun in the sun with all the daily complications life can throw at you.

I love the storyline, the characters, and the attention to detail. So much so you could smell the breads and cheeses and flowers and rain and I so want a second book . Please xxxx

Highly recommend

[Annette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lia has not only lost her boyfriend and her flat. She’s now jobless too. Unsure of what to do next she remembers the French family she stayed with fifteen years. Maybe it’s time for another visit.
This was a quick book. It was full of some family drama and romance. The food sounded amazing too

[Jacqui · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Lia breaks up with her boyfriend and loses her job, she heads to France to stay with a family she stayed with when she was younger. While they embrace her return, she steps up when they have a family crisis. While she works with the family and tries to decide what is next for her, she attracts the attention of different men, Jean-Luc and Mateo.

I enjoyed this story. This had

- found family
- the sights and sounds of a boulangerie in Toulouse
- delicious food, pastries, and wine
- two very different French men
- romance
- dealing with family crises
- health issues
- life in Toulouse
- self-discovery and rediscovering yourself in France

Thanks to @netgalley, the publisher, and the author for this arc.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a quant little feel good story. How I wish to live the French life someday!! Or to meet a Frenchman like Jean-Luc. I received an advanced copy and willingly leave this review.

[Coco Fischer]

This is such a heartwarming story. featuring found family second chance love.
I absolutely loved it.
I hope to see a book about Jules in the future 😉

[Susanne Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adore stories where we get to travel to gorgeous settings and to witness a new start for a character.
Lia is struggling with a break up and a sudden job loss, encouraged by her friend she decides to return to her happy place, a Boulangerie in Toulouse where she spent a wonderful summer as a student.
Welcomed back into the family she previously stayed with, Lia discovers Jean - Luc who owns the next door shop and begins a new friendship.
However her stay doesn’t go smoothly, family illness and an overbearing relationship causes conflict and concerns.
It was so riveting to see Lia overcome the obstacles and to find her place in the community.
Warning - you will definitely crave bread 🥖 and cheese 🧀 whilst reading this scrupulous story!