Summer at the French Bakery

by Jo Thomas

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 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?

______

Praise for Jo Thomas

‘Jo sweeps you away to a better place with every book’ Veronica Henry

‘Joyful and life-affirming’ Milly Johnson

‘Filled with fun and summer sunshine in the south of France!’ Jill Mansell

‘A delicious escape to the sun’ Phillipa Ashley

Genres: Romance, France, Contemporary, Fiction

284 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 4, 2026

About the author

https://www.facebook.com/pg/JoThomasA...

Hello, I’m Jo Thomas. I write romances about food, love, family and fun and believe every story should have a happy ending. Welcome to my world.

Reviews

[Jennifer (Jaye) (trying to catch up, so behind) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Juliet, a woman who’s recently recovered from cancer, embarks on a journey of self-discovery. To celebrate her recovery Juliet and her husband take a trip to France, she’s captivated by an old, rundown watermill during their travels. This unexpected encounter ignites a spark within her, setting her on a path of change. Her husband, however, is resigned to their familiar routine and sees no reason to break free. As they prepare to share this news with their family, Juliet’s determination grows stronger.

With a dream in her heart, Juliet sets off a B for France. But her journey is anything but straightforward. She faces opposition, particularly when she sets her sights on making bread. A local breadmaker, selling his bread from a vending machine, is a formidable obstacle. Juliet must overcome numerous challenges and obstacles to succeed. Her goal is to make a go of it, or else return home.

Will Juliet be able to win over the people she needs? Her success hinges on their support.

[Mrs Natalie Gibbins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. What a beautiful story of someone wanting to find herself and pushing when times were tough. A wonderful escape.

[Catherine Wellstead · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very enjoyable story ⭐️ keep paddling 💫 baguettes 🥖 🌟Victoria sponge cakes 🍰 beetroot brownies ✨ feeling hungry 😋

[bookloversclub2023 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I do love a Jo Thomas book. As always the descriptions are perfect to whisk you away to another country. I could imagine myself in France with a baguette from the Bakery.

This is a heartwarming read of rediscovering yourself, community, friendship and living life to the full.

Juliet was a wonderful character I could relate to and the other characters were written perfectly. It was well paced and transported me to a different country which is always needed with the hustle and bustle of every day life.

If you are a fan of Jo Thomas you will love this book and if you haven’t read any of her books yet and love this genre then I highly recommend this book. You will fall in love with France but also Jo Thomas!

[Lisa (Two Bookish Brits) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Juliet knows her life needs to change. After beating cancer she knows her normal life with her husband isn’t enough anymore, she’s not living life, she’s just passing time. So after a conversation and a mutual agreement Juliet is off to France for a new adventure, to find herself and her happiness again.

On a past trip Juliet became obsessed with a dream of owning the old watermill and now that she’s back her dream is becoming her reality.

Along the way she’s faced with obstacles that try stop her achieving her goal and watching her break them down has been brilliant.

Juliet is fierce and determined, she’s an absolute warrior and I’ve loved every second of getting to know this woman. There’s been a few people who have tried to stand in her way but she doesn’t back down, she stands firm and strong.

I loved following Juliet’s path to finding herself. The author did an incredible job of making this woman even stronger than she was.

This story is such a beautiful heartwarming read. It’s a book on rediscovering yourself, finding new friendships along the way and becoming one with the community even if it takes a while. It’s such a lovely read.

[Georgina Abbotts · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a beautiful book Juliet was one determined lady I'm so glad she continued to fight I'm glad she got her visa as for Claude he needed bopping on the head with an inedible baguette I really didn't like Claude I'm glad he got what he deserved.i loved how Mrs B and Laurent and juliet all worked together to keep the mill and bakery going.i love how the mayor and customers all chipped in after Claude was blackmailing juliet my mouth was watering with all this talk of food the fresh bread. This had such a great ending it was so sad that Juilet lost her friend but I loved the bakery got named after her friend Jo certainly does wire fantastic books with brilliant characters. This was so enjoyable I loved buddy reading this book with my friend ❤️ its the most perfect summer read

[Laura Le Gall · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one really disappointed me, especially because I usually love Jo Thomas's books. I was so excited to travel to France, and even more so when I discovered it took place in Brittany with this story, but unfortunately, several mistakes in the French really took me out of the experience, especially when those mistakes were repeated throughout the book.

I also found the story quite rushed and struggled to understand some of the Juliet's choices from the very beginning. I kept feeling like I was missing something that would have helped me understand her motivations, which made it difficult to fully connect with the rest of the story.

There was definitely potential here, but sadly, this one just wasn't for me. 😢

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

4🌟

[Zoe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quaint, cosy, and heartwarming!

Summer at the French Bakery is an uplifting, absorbing tale that sweeps you away to a beautiful village in France and immerses you in the lives of the residents, including the latest addition, Juliet Townley, as they grow, discourage, support, heal, communicate, remember the past, take chances, and start anew.

The writing is seamless and light. The characters are multilayered, kind, and endearing. And the plot, including all the subplots, intertwine and unravel into a charming tale of life, love, friendship, self-reflection, history, happiness, romance, community, second chances, and fresh bread.

Overall, Summer at the French Bakery is a sweet, atmospheric, delightful novel by Thomas that is hopeful, immersive, and thoroughly satisfying from beginning to end.

[Sarah Festa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't have the words to describe the absolute French Summer Magic this weaved over me!

This was such a lovely short read about a woman who woke up and realised her life was passing her by and she needed adventure.

And what better way then to jet off to a small struggling French village and attempt to start your own business!

Laurent was just *chefs kiss* and the homely feel this all brought with the small village characters and a rundown mill with a view of the beautiful lake.

I am off to France in a couple of months and this has me so excited! Maybe I won't come back now 🤣

I can't wait to read more of this author as I definitely need to read more of this new to me author!

[Niamh Mortell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very enjoyable 😊

[Melissa Harward · Rating 2 out of 5]

Lovedddd book clubbing this with Enya, Emily and Kate in France but it was laughably awful

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I now feel the need to jump on a plane, find a village boulangerie in France and eat a baguette!

[Sarah T · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not my usual but very cosy

[Michaela Hopkinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first Jo Thomas novel and it definitely won’t be my last. I absolutely loved it and read it in two days – and I’m not a quick reader!

Juliet’s story was incredibly inspiring and set in the most idyllic French countryside. Left me dreaming of moving to France and learning how to bake baguettes!

I also loved the author’s introduction at the beginning of the book, explaining what inspires her to write, which really made me want to dive right into reading and read all her other books too! I wonder which one I should read next?

Highly recommended ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you to Pan Macmillan for my advanced copy via NetGalley in return for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Sarah Gosling · Rating 5 out of 5]

** Grab a coffee and a croissant and escape to a bakery in France **

Jo Thomas encourages us to do just that in the prologue to this delight of a novel. And I did, though the croissant from a local UK supermarket was not equal to the delicious tales of baking which thread through this joyous story.

Life has thrown Juliet a few sour notes recently so when an old mill in France inspires something in her she decides to buy it. Her dreams of a new start quickly become something far more ambitious when the local mayor offers her a deal she can’t refuse: to reopen the village’s derelict boulangerie.

Not everyone is delighted, indeed it seems no-one really wants a British baker in this corner of France, especially one who can’t seem to bake a basic French baguette. First, she has a rival in the local bread vending machine - or its owner at least; the villagers seem unwelcoming and unwilling to change, and then there are the hidden secrets within the mill itself. Even the Tabac owner oscillates between help and resistance.

How can she learn to bake good French bread or transform the mill to be a thriving community hub when no-one will give her a chance?

As Juliet battles to bring back the aroma of freshly baked bread – and with it, the heart of the community – she pushes herself to prove that even the biggest dreams start with just a little pinch of courage.


Last year on our first trip to France, we stayed in a tiny village and loved our morning walk to the boulangerie for bread and croissants. There is something about the atmosphere, the standing in line hearing Bonjour ring out and being included in a small nod of greeting - something magical which we were drawn to each day. We will shortly be heading to France again, so I chose this book to get me in the right spirit for our second French adventure, and it did not disappoint.

I loved the authentic sense of bread at the heart of a French community and the truth in how difficult it can be to be an outsider moving in. Even when intentions are good and Juliet explains that she wants to support the local economy and community, she is viewed with suspicion and persuading them to even taste her baking let alone embrace change is hard. My mind found it easy to conjure up the mill, the bakery, the tiny Tabac across the road where its attractive owner seems to be another opponent.

This will make a wonderful summer read wherever you are so pop the coffee on or make a fresh pot of tea and dive in to the deliciousness of the French Bakery.


[After note: I have only read one Jo Thomas before so I am excited to discover a vast back catalogue too!]


Thank you to Pan MacMillan for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

[Joanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always look forward to a new Jo Thomas book and know I will be treated to a summer getaway or a cosy Christmas read to curl up with. And of course, there is always some delicious food of some sort playing an important role in the story. No prizes for guessing what country we’re off to this summer or what food might be involved in Summer at the French Bakery!

Juliet has come to a bit of a crossroads in her life. Recovery from illness and a significant wedding anniversary has made her re-think what she wants from life and she decides to make a new start in France. She sinks her savings into an old watermill with dreams of opening a salon du thé. However, the local mayor has other ideas and in order to stay, she agrees to take on the village’s boulangerie. Given she knows nothing about bread making and is facing hostility from locals who wonder at the cheek of this British woman thinking she can make French baguettes to their exacting standards, this is a risky endeavour.

I thoroughly enjoyed my virtual trip to rural France which brought back many memories of holidays spent there and definitely has me longing to go back again. I could almost smell the glorious scent of freshly baked bread, see the shine and hear the crack of the crust and taste the baguettes. It’s certainly a book that appeals to all the senses. Then of course there’s the lovely village setting and I enjoyed getting to know the various villagers and seeing them warm to Juliet as the book went on.

The character development was wonderful to read about. Juliet faces many challenges as she tries to make her new life and there are times when she thinks she’s going to have to give up. But with help in sometimes unexpected places, she doesn’t give in and gradually begins to understand what to do to create the perfect loaf. Her quest to make the boulangerie a success changes not just Juliet’s life but also that of many of the villagers too.

Of course, there is the loveliest of romances at the heart of the story too but I’ll leave you to discover that for yourself. With themes of new beginnings, being true to yourself and perseverance, this is a great story of how it’s never too late to follow your dreams. Summer at the French Bakery is a real summer treat, warm as freshly baked bread and just as satisfying.

[Rachel Gilbey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Will definitely make you crave a proper French baguette. It's literally all I could think of while I was reading this, well that and the story being told I was thinking about that, but mainly about how nice it would have been to have a fresh baguette (or more than one) to munch on while reading this. So consider yourself warned.

As you may have guessed there is definitely French bread in this book. Julie dreams of opening up a tea shop in an old watermill in a small village in Brittany, but she is having issues with her visa (personally I blame Brexit!) and the pretty much told she will only get a more permanent one, if she can get the old village boulangerie up and running and turning a profit within three months.

Julie has left her husband amicably in order to follow her dreams, and to discover who she really is when not being a wife, mother or survivor. But it soon becomes apparent that she stands out in this village, and is making errors of judgement.

There is a rival baker in a nearby village that supplies all local villages without a boulangerie of it's own, baguettes each day in vending machines. He is arrogant, sleazy, and downright horrible, and a bully but it's hard to see how to stop him.

After a very shaky start Juliet manages to make friends with Laurent the local Tabac owner, and the woman who lives above the bakery who is adamant she doesn't want the bakery to re-open.

This is a lovely story of French bread, of French food in general, plenty of descriptions that had my mouth watering, and above all of community. It's a chance to revitalise an area that is close to becoming wiped out, and it's a story of how you should never under-estimate a middle aged woman!

This is Jo Thomas at her foodie best, introducing us to a lovely area of France, to how to make flour, to some kingfishers, and to a few secrets too. It's just totally absorbing reading, even if I am now famished. I can't wait to see where this author will transport us next.

Thank you to MacMillan and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

[Heather Copping · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pete and his 48 year old wife Juliet are contemplating, well she is anyhow, moving and possibly living in France and she thinks she has realised her dream when she purchases an old mill in France. Pete then stays behind in England, they decide to amicably go their own separate ways and she sets out on a mission to open a "salon de the" a French style of tea room serving drinks and cakes to the locals and visitors in the area. Also there is a big task to repair and mend the mill, this has been neglected for some time. But first she must persuade the town mayor that it's what the town needs, one big problem though, is that he wants her to take over the local "boulangerie" making French bread for the locals, who at the moment get their bread from a vending machine. She certainly didn't want to do this, she only wants to make cakes. But first she has to sort out her visa allowing her to stay, that seems to be more difficult as time goes on. Someone has got it in for her and first she has to work out who ii is and why they are being so awkward with her. When storms nearly wash all her dreams away she is seriously thinking that maybe this is too big a task to take on. But when her neighbours are divided some thinking that she should not be baking French bread and some who are all for her baking. It all comes to a head and she is once again worried about taking on the Mill on her own. As you find out if Juliet makes her ambition come true, its a truly unputdownable book.

I really enjoyed reading this book, as with all her books they are centered around food of some sort that makes you feel hungry just reading it. I loved that Juliet was a strong character although she didn't realise it at first.
Such a lovely story set in a lovely location too and I have given it five stars and I look forward to reading more books from Jo Thomas.

I received an advanced reader copy (ARC) in exchange for a honest review, thanks to Netgalley and Pan Books for the opportunity to read and review this lovely book.

#Netgalley
#SummerAtTheFrenchBakery
#PanBooks
#PanMacmillan
#JoThomas

[Nicola Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Juliet has enjoyed her life as a wife and mother, but after recovering from serious illness she realises that she doesn’t want to carry on living the same kind of life. Having been captivated by a rundown watermill whilst on holiday in France, she makes a break from her old life and decides to try and run it as a tearoom. To get through the bureaucracy, she finds herself talked into breathing new life into the village by reopening the boulangerie. But Juliet doesn’t know anything about bread-making. Will she succeed?

Having read so many Jo Thomas books before, I knew that Juliet most likely would succeed because this is an author who writes the most uplifting stories. Although Juliet comes up against many obstacles, she makes some good friends and slowly but surely she begins to find her way in France.

Thomas has a winning formula, a tantalising combination of food and place which never fails to draw me in and make me feel kind of wistful for the enticing way of life she sells in the pages of her books, not to mention extremely hungry. I loved the descriptions of the baguettes that Juliet learns to make, the rural beauty of the mill, the villagers who slowly begin to warm to Juliet, and of course Laurent, the handsome, strong French hero who runs the tabac opposite the boulangerie. The less said about Claude, the rival baker, the better (pantomime boos galore!). Apart from him, I really liked all the characters and I think there could be mileage in a sequel someday. I’d love to see how things progress for Juliet and Laurent, and find out what happens with the mill.

Summer at the French Bakery is an absolute joy to read, an atmospheric and beguiling romance novel. I now want to visit France and eat baguettes! One thing is for sure: Jo Thomas never lets me down.

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Summer at the French Bakery is a sun‑drenched delight, the kind of story that invites you to exhale and settle into its rhythm of fresh starts, warm bread, and second chances. Juliet’s decision to buy an old watermill in rural France feels like the beginning of a quiet new chapter—until the local mayor nudges her into reopening the village’s long‑abandoned boulangerie. Suddenly, her peaceful escape becomes something far more ambitious, and far more heartwarming.

Juliet is instantly endearing: hopeful, determined, and wonderfully out of her depth. Watching her navigate a rival with a bread vending machine, a village full of sceptical locals, and her own lack of baking experience gives the novel a lovely blend of humour and heart. The mill itself holds secrets that add just the right touch of intrigue, while the community around her—especially her outspoken neighbour and the charming owner of the Tabac—brings warmth to every page.

What makes the story so enjoyable is its gentle reminder that courage often begins with the smallest steps. Juliet’s journey isn’t just about reviving a bakery; it’s about finding her place, rebuilding her confidence, and discovering that dreams rise slowly, like dough left in a warm kitchen.

Sweet, uplifting, and full of French summer charm, Summer at the French Bakery is a perfect escape for anyone craving a story with heart, humour, and the irresistible aroma of fresh bread.

With thanks to Jo Thomas, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC

[Yvonne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another mouth-watering treat from Jo Thomas. Set in France in a small hamlet, village location, with no shops as such, just a small café that sells cigarettes, coffee, and has three husbands who seem to be in permanent residence, or trying to escape their wives!

It is a place Juliet visited with her husband, while on holiday, she noticed a mill for sale, but never dreamed that she would return alone to own and try to make a living there. She has the support of her husband, and they have amicably separated. Both want different things now that their children are grown and have their own lives.

Juliet manages to buy and gather most of the paperwork; she plans to live and work there. She really wants to make a go of this venture, but there are a couple of obstacles in her way. One is a local baker, the other is a grumpy old lady; then there are the locals who are reticent about this newcomer arriving.

This is a gorgeous story, and I did not expect to read it in one sitting, but I did. The story revolves around a few characters, their roles in the village, some old family history, and taking the chance on trying something new. Trying something new is not just reserved for Juliet, either.

The author weaves this gorgeous story with an idyllic setting, mouth-watering treats and a good amount of intrigue. If you are a fan of this author, then, like me, you will probably devour this. It is one for fans of contemporary fiction, new beginnings, romance, and I would definitely recommend it.

[Anjana · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve read a few of the author’s works and I’ve noticed two things which are almost always present. The central protagonist going through a huge change of life scenario is slightly older than average for books like this. The second point is that she brings reality into the tale. The usually dull reality of visas and loans and related mundane issues play up the existing life our lead protagonist hopes to have.

This was no different ( as the buildup obviously hinted). Juliet is cancer free and the year of dealing with the diagnosis and the aftermath have changed how she wants to lead the rest of her life. A sudden burst of inspiration has her buying an old mill in a small french town.

The town is languishing with the absence of people and Juliet is perplexed at the number of hurdles being set in her plan when it would ultimately change things for the town ( or so she hopes). As the details are worked out, Juliet works hard and tries her best to figure things out. As mentioned earlier the mundane tasks of how bread is made, ingredients sourced are focused on and I find the inclusion of real life quite enjoyable.

The romance is understandable and makes sense, the rallying of the town happens in drips and bursts and in no miracle wave. It was a good addition to the author’s books and I am glad I picked it up. I would recommend this to fans of the genre and definitely for fans of the author.

I received an ARC thanks to Netgalley and the publishers but the review is entirely based on my own reading experience of this and other books by the author.

[Marian Sherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Summer at the French Bakery is a gorgeous escapist romance that whisks you away to a small village in the French countryside. This is my first book by Jo Thomas and I am obsessed and can’t wait to read more of the authors books.

Juliet is recovering from cancer and after separating from her husband is determined to make a fresh start and rediscover herself after purchasing an old water mill in France with the dream of opening a tea room. But the local mayor makes Juliet an offer she can’t refuse and a local rival is determined to put a stop to Juliet’s dreams. But with the help of local tabac owner Laurent and Madame Bertou she is determined to win over the community.

This is a story of fresh starts, courage and finding who you really are. The setting was just gorgeous and I was immediately immersed in the community. Juliet was very relatable and I adored the side characters as well and watching the relationships grow. I can imagine having a glass of wine in the village and breathing in the aromas coming from the Boulangerie. An uplifting, escapist romance with the perfect amount of romance, friendships and community. I highly recommend adding this escapist romance to your summer TBR! 🇫🇷🥖☕️

Thank you Netgalley and Pan Macmillan for the eARC I received. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Jennifer S · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky to be given this e-book by Pan Macmillan in exchange for a review, and honestly, it’s a real pleasure to do so! I’ll start by saying that I love Jo Thomas; her books always make me feel like I’m on holiday. They are pure escapism, whisking me off on adventures in travel and food from my armchair. This one is absolutely in the same vein. It’s set in a quiet village in France, and I could almost smell the aroma of freshly baked baguettes as I greedily devoured this story! Juliet has recently recovered from treatment for breast cancer, and so have I, so this story really resonated with me in how she’s determined to seek out joy in her life. She redirects her energy into an exciting new project at the run-down flour mill on the banks of the river, with kingfishers darting across the water. Her relationships with the local residents develop beautifully, from Claude and Laurent to the ladies who fish nearby, Madame B, and the gentlemen who sit at the tabac. I love how well these personalities developed and give you a real sense that you are immersed in the community. It’s a gorgeous summer read. As always, I felt that Jo had whisked me away on a wonderful holiday where I was well fed, surrounded by great company, and pretty scenery. I loved it and highly recommend it to anyone who wants romantic escapism!

[Kristi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I accepted an ARC of this book based on two things: the cover and the title. I didn't read what the story was about because I was so caught up in the cute cover of this book, and who doesn't love a book about summer and a bakery? My instincts were right because this was a cute, yet uplifting, read.

I liked the main character immediately. I wanted Juliet to succeed at her new venture and found myself cheering her on throughout the pages of the book. She was such a relatable character that she felt like a friend. The other characters were well-written, too. Even the one who gave me an icky feeling. I'm always amazed when an author can make me love characters and also loathe characters. To me, this is a sign of great writing and character development. It made the book more fun to read and also more authentic.

This book is 400 pages, but it didn't seem that long at all. The story is so good that it was effortless to read. I loved spending my time in this French village with these characters so much that it made my time with them seem so short. The descriptions were wonderful. I felt like I was there.

This would be a perfect book for those who also enjoy Debbie Macomber. It gave me that same cozy, warm, happy feeling I get while reading her books. I believe this was my first Jo Thomas book, but it definitely won't be my last.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of this book.

[Catherine Tempany · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC received from Netgalley in return for honest review

I really enjoy Jo Thomas’ books; cosy, comforting and always set in a fabulous location. The author’s love of France really comes through which made it extra enjoyable. It’s not going to win the Booker prize but I loved this read; it’s an easy 5 star beach read recommendation from me. The best news is there’s a very obvious sequel!

The story starts sadly, with Juliet and Pete realising their marriage has run its course. Sad for them but good for us as this frees Juliet up to pursue her dream of running a tea shop in France. It just so happens she knows the perfect location and there is a wonderful cast of supporting characters ready to help and hinder her.

I did have to suspend my disbelief a few times about working visas, the willingness of the French villagers to speak English and generally the madness of Juliet’s plan, but I really enjoyed this and I’m willing to overlook them all.

This was fun, carried a brilliant message of never giving up and always pursuing your dream and I raced through it. My only complaint is the impact on my waist as a third of the way in I felt compelled to buy a baguette and some Brie!

[akaching · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for the ARC

I’d give this 3.6 ⭐

I really like the book cover design, the title and premise. it’s my first time reading anything from the writer so this is my honest review.

The book starts slow, which isn’t bad but then at the end, it felt like there was no need for that at all, the ending was kinda rushed as well. It had only one POV which i have nothing against but it just felt like there wasn’t much to the FMC. it was kinda annoying especially because she wanted to find herself.

also. the conversations and general attitude of the FMC did not give middle aged at all. she generally doesn’t tell us much unless it’s about bread, or the man she’s obviously falling for or the village. which isn’t bad. i just found it a bit inconsistent because other times, she’s not telling us much. i don’t know what pete looks like or if any of her kids look like her but i know that laurent has large hands and large thighs.

generally, it’s a bit unbelievable but i think stories are written so that we can dream. the book has some good tropes and good ideas generally— it just left me wanting more. feels like it was lacking something.

[Dani Urban · Rating 5 out of 5]

Summer at the French Bakery by Jo Thomas is a charming summer vibe tale that brings new beginnings and constant moments of mouth watering breads. This book might make the reader a little hungry! I enjoyed following as a woman took on many challenges while opening a French Bakery in France. The settings and locals made this a fun adventure. The main female character rises to the challenges, has help from a few locals, and ends up getting way more than she ever imagined. Beating cancer, finding trapped in her everyday nonexistent life with her husband, Juliet goes outside and is already making the choice of leaving everything. Juliet's husband knew before she told him that they have fallen apart, no more in love, and were just barely hanging onto each other. He and her both like different things. So, they part on goodbyes and Juliet goes to France to chase her dream. This novel was uplifting and inspiring. It shows that it's never too late to chase after your dreams or to find that happily ever after kind of love.

I received this copy from the publisher. This is my voluntary review.

[Sean Davies · Rating 5 out of 5]

The ultimate feel-good summer escape! Such a great read!

What an absolute joy of a book! After reading a lot of intense thrillers lately, Summer at the French Bakery by Jo Thomas was the exact slice of pure, sun-drenched heaven I needed. It is a beautifully written, heartwarming, and totally enchanting romance that completely swept me away to the French countryside.
​The story follows Fliss, who is looking for a fresh start and winds up in a gorgeous little village in France, helping out at a local bakery. Jo Thomas writes with so much warmth that you can practically smell the fresh croissants, lavender fields, and warm bread baking right off the pages. The setting is so vivid and magical, it felt like a mini-vacation just reading it!
​The characters are wonderfully charming, and the community Fliss finds is so sweet and welcoming. It’s a beautiful story about new beginnings, finding where you belong, and, of course, a lovely, slow-burn romance that will leave you with a massive smile on your face.
​It is the absolute perfect, cozy summer read to devour poolside or curled up on the couch. An easy 5-star rating for a book that is pure comfort from start to finish!