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Summer at the French Bakery
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Expected 9 Jun 26Win a free print copy of this book!
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10 copies available
U.S. only
After a challenging year and a profound turning point, Juliet Townley seizes a second chance, leaving her past behind for a charming old water mill in France. But her dreams of a tranquil new beginning are 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 village starved of its soul and a formidable rival - in the form of the local bread vending machine owner - determined to crush her, Juliet must overcome her own lack of baking skills, disgruntled villagers, and hidden secrets within the mill itself.
With the help of the outspoken Madame Bertou and the charming local tabac owner Laurent, Juliet battles to bring back the aroma of freshly baked bread – and with it, the heart of the community. Can Juliet prove that life truly gets sweeter when you dare to live without fear?
With a village starved of its soul and a formidable rival - in the form of the local bread vending machine owner - determined to crush her, Juliet must overcome her own lack of baking skills, disgruntled villagers, and hidden secrets within the mill itself.
With the help of the outspoken Madame Bertou and the charming local tabac owner Laurent, Juliet battles to bring back the aroma of freshly baked bread – and with it, the heart of the community. Can Juliet prove that life truly gets sweeter when you dare to live without fear?
- GenresFrance
400 pages, Paperback
Expected publication June 9, 2026
About the author
Jo Thomas
64 books565 followershttps://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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
April 17, 2026
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!
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!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
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.
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.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
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
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
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
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.
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.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I would like to thank Netgalley, PanMacmillan and Jo Thomas for the E ARC of this book.
Juliet is supposed to be celebrating not only her cancer remission but 25years of marriage but why does it seem like life is just heading in a backwards direction? She, her husband and children realise that a change is needed and Juilet packs up her things and heads to a small French village to buy a disused watermill and turn it into a tea salon.
However, the towns mayor has other plans and when he offers her a deal she can’t refuse Juilet has to learn new skills. Juilet can bake but as for making fresh French bread she needs help and lots of it. With the help if Laurent, the owner of the local Tabac, the villagers and her Boulangerie upstairs neighbour, maybe she can turn things around.
The more Juilet learn about the village and the Mill the more she wants to do all she can to save both.
I really enjoyed this book. Great characters, setting and baking. It made me want to visit such a village and enjoy all it has to offer.
Juliet is supposed to be celebrating not only her cancer remission but 25years of marriage but why does it seem like life is just heading in a backwards direction? She, her husband and children realise that a change is needed and Juilet packs up her things and heads to a small French village to buy a disused watermill and turn it into a tea salon.
However, the towns mayor has other plans and when he offers her a deal she can’t refuse Juilet has to learn new skills. Juilet can bake but as for making fresh French bread she needs help and lots of it. With the help if Laurent, the owner of the local Tabac, the villagers and her Boulangerie upstairs neighbour, maybe she can turn things around.
The more Juilet learn about the village and the Mill the more she wants to do all she can to save both.
I really enjoyed this book. Great characters, setting and baking. It made me want to visit such a village and enjoy all it has to offer.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was genuinely a lovely, fluffy read. My first book by this author, it was a pretty quick read and an easy and pleasant way to pass the time. Summer at the French Bakery has a genuinely sweet story of new beginnings at its heart. As someone who lives in France and firmly believes food is a love language, I especially appreciated the bakery setting — although I’ll admit I was hoping for even more food content along the way.
That said, there were several details about life in France that required a slight suspension of disbelief, mostly those relating to French red tape (visas, market stall holder permits or lack of...). The smatterings of French were mostly up to scratch but sadly not all of them. Thankfully the author refrained from writing the dialogue in exaggerated French accents which is one of my pet hates!
Overall, this was an enjoyable comfort read: light, warm, and sweet, even if it didn’t quite rise as perfectly as its baguettes.
My thanks to the author, the publisher and Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
That said, there were several details about life in France that required a slight suspension of disbelief, mostly those relating to French red tape (visas, market stall holder permits or lack of...). The smatterings of French were mostly up to scratch but sadly not all of them. Thankfully the author refrained from writing the dialogue in exaggerated French accents which is one of my pet hates!
Overall, this was an enjoyable comfort read: light, warm, and sweet, even if it didn’t quite rise as perfectly as its baguettes.
My thanks to the author, the publisher and Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
As always you can trust Jo Thomas to deliver a fabulous read. I loved this read, it was perfect in every way. I have always loved Jo Thomas and will always add her books to my tbr.
After a challenging year Juliet seizes a second chance, leaving her past behind for an old water mill in France.
Things don’t get off the a great start when she’s told she can’t open with her idea but she’s given the ultimatum of opening the villages derelict boulangerie.
Then she had to deal with a rival who doesn’t take kindly to having her trying to steal his customers. And the locals won’t be budged on trying something new.
But with the help of Madame Bertou and the local tabac owner Laurent, Juliet group together to bring back the aroma of freshly baked bread and the hopefully win over the community.
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan UK for letting me read this arc in exchange for a honest review
After a challenging year Juliet seizes a second chance, leaving her past behind for an old water mill in France.
Things don’t get off the a great start when she’s told she can’t open with her idea but she’s given the ultimatum of opening the villages derelict boulangerie.
Then she had to deal with a rival who doesn’t take kindly to having her trying to steal his customers. And the locals won’t be budged on trying something new.
But with the help of Madame Bertou and the local tabac owner Laurent, Juliet group together to bring back the aroma of freshly baked bread and the hopefully win over the community.
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan UK for letting me read this arc in exchange for a honest review
April 3, 2026
Juliet is recovering from cancer and after separating from her husband decides to make a fresh start in France.
Her plans to open a tea room are blocked by the local mayor but being the determined and strong woman she is she soon settles into the community and begins to thrive.
The setting was stunning and as with all of Jo Thomas’s books I was totally immersed. I could just imagine myself having a glass of wine and freshly baked baguette with local cheese.
Juliet was a relatable character who I just wanted to prove everyone wrong. The other characters were well written and just wonderfully French.
An excellent heartwarming read which had the perfect amount of romance, escapism, friendship and true community spirit.
Thanks to NetGalley, Jo Thomas and the publisher for an advance copy in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
Her plans to open a tea room are blocked by the local mayor but being the determined and strong woman she is she soon settles into the community and begins to thrive.
The setting was stunning and as with all of Jo Thomas’s books I was totally immersed. I could just imagine myself having a glass of wine and freshly baked baguette with local cheese.
Juliet was a relatable character who I just wanted to prove everyone wrong. The other characters were well written and just wonderfully French.
An excellent heartwarming read which had the perfect amount of romance, escapism, friendship and true community spirit.
Thanks to NetGalley, Jo Thomas and the publisher for an advance copy in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
April 6, 2026
I really enjoy Jo's books, you cant help but be transported to the setting of the book, and in this case, to the village in rural France where Juiie, sorry JULIET, buys her mill.
Once again, you cannot helped but be absorbed in this story and want to try one of the baguettes that she makes, once she makes her deal with the mayor. You can almost taste her wares!
This book is one of strong memories, and new starts... and people whose traditions and culture is being challenged! It is also a story of finding who you are, and new starts! I loved the ladies who are Juliet's waterside neighbours and how her friendship grows and develops with all of them.
This is definitely one to read in the sun, so you can dream! Of new friends and new starts.... and not being afraid to fail and try again! You never know what will happen!
Once again, you cannot helped but be absorbed in this story and want to try one of the baguettes that she makes, once she makes her deal with the mayor. You can almost taste her wares!
This book is one of strong memories, and new starts... and people whose traditions and culture is being challenged! It is also a story of finding who you are, and new starts! I loved the ladies who are Juliet's waterside neighbours and how her friendship grows and develops with all of them.
This is definitely one to read in the sun, so you can dream! Of new friends and new starts.... and not being afraid to fail and try again! You never know what will happen!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A very enjoyable feel good gentle read. Juliet has survived cancer and wants to seize this second chance at life.
She leaves her husband and family in England and travels to Brittany to buy a derelict mill - first seen on a visit with her husband - and open a cafe. However the local mayor has different ideas and she is persuaded to reopen the village boulangerie instead.
This brings her into competition with another local baker who has been providing the bread in village vending machines. Juliet although a competent cake maker is no baker. Her plans seem to be destined to fail until she finds herself working with the local tabac owner whose grandfather was the last mill owner to produce local flour and her neighbour, a formidable lady, who teaches her to make bread.
She then has to win over the local inhabitants and persuade them to patronise her bakery.
A delightful tale - beautiful setting and eccentric local characters.
She leaves her husband and family in England and travels to Brittany to buy a derelict mill - first seen on a visit with her husband - and open a cafe. However the local mayor has different ideas and she is persuaded to reopen the village boulangerie instead.
This brings her into competition with another local baker who has been providing the bread in village vending machines. Juliet although a competent cake maker is no baker. Her plans seem to be destined to fail until she finds herself working with the local tabac owner whose grandfather was the last mill owner to produce local flour and her neighbour, a formidable lady, who teaches her to make bread.
She then has to win over the local inhabitants and persuade them to patronise her bakery.
A delightful tale - beautiful setting and eccentric local characters.
April 11, 2026
Another lovely read from the great Jo Thomas. The story of Juliet who has beaten cancer and on a trip to France with her husband they see an old mill for sale and Juliet cannot get it out of her mind. They discuss the possibility of buying and renovating but Juliet’s husband doesn’t think it’s a good idea. Back in the UK and Juliet realises her marriage is not as it was and mutually her and her husband decide to go their separate ways. Juliet’s way is back to France and her old mill house. Great story of chance, and determination and let’s just give it a go. Can just imagine what the Mill and the lake look like in the minds eye.
Great read, lovely characters and of course a bit of romance.
My thanks to NetGalley and Publisher Pan MacMillan for the chance of the early read.
Great read, lovely characters and of course a bit of romance.
My thanks to NetGalley and Publisher Pan MacMillan for the chance of the early read.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Book Review / Arc Review Adpr
🥖 Summer at the French Bakery 🥖 by @jothomasauthor
Thanks you for the proof read @panmacmillan
This was such a joy to read, filled with warmth of summer sunshine and community spirit. Definitely made me hungry for pastry and sweet treats 😋
But main lesson I learned was it's never too late to take a leap of faith and go after the dreams that you've always wanted to achieve, especially as life is far too short and you never know when it ends. It was bittersweet moments that have made me emotional but overall it's such an escape and replenishes your mood
Every one deserves to be happy and find out who they are. Home where find you and the people around you will support and cherish you for what you do
Releases 4th June 2026
🥖 Summer at the French Bakery 🥖 by @jothomasauthor
Thanks you for the proof read @panmacmillan
This was such a joy to read, filled with warmth of summer sunshine and community spirit. Definitely made me hungry for pastry and sweet treats 😋
But main lesson I learned was it's never too late to take a leap of faith and go after the dreams that you've always wanted to achieve, especially as life is far too short and you never know when it ends. It was bittersweet moments that have made me emotional but overall it's such an escape and replenishes your mood
Every one deserves to be happy and find out who they are. Home where find you and the people around you will support and cherish you for what you do
Releases 4th June 2026
May 27, 2026
This book is a holiday in France that you do not want to end.
It is the perfect Romance book. I love the main female character so much. After surviving cancer and all I really root for her. She is such a good person and never gives up.
I also love the small town vibes it gives. It jzst creates the perfect image of a little French village in my head where the world is still a quiet and perfect place. I really enjoy this setting and that the female main character is already a bit older(48) and not some 19 year old youngster.
I really hate Claude though. Oh my Gosh he is the worst. He is the perfect villain made to hate 🤣
The MMC is such a nice, sweet and loving person who simply grows on you. He is a perfect gentleman and does what he can for the woman of his dreams.
It is the perfect Romance book. I love the main female character so much. After surviving cancer and all I really root for her. She is such a good person and never gives up.
I also love the small town vibes it gives. It jzst creates the perfect image of a little French village in my head where the world is still a quiet and perfect place. I really enjoy this setting and that the female main character is already a bit older(48) and not some 19 year old youngster.
I really hate Claude though. Oh my Gosh he is the worst. He is the perfect villain made to hate 🤣
The MMC is such a nice, sweet and loving person who simply grows on you. He is a perfect gentleman and does what he can for the woman of his dreams.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Jules - recently rang the bell from Breast cancer treatment. At a crossroads in her life. Doesn’t want to waste her second chance.
Pete - her husband plays everything safe.
Having just been on holiday together to France. Juliet decides it’s time for a change. She wants to find herself in France.
Nestled in a picturesque village, we discover a cast of extended characters, led by Laurent Claude and Madame B. The plot revolves around a Old mill and a boulangerie.
This heartwarming story brings together enough drama, friendship, love and hope to create a truly delightful read. Juliet at the centre of it all.
A lovely read would recommend.
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC
Pete - her husband plays everything safe.
Having just been on holiday together to France. Juliet decides it’s time for a change. She wants to find herself in France.
Nestled in a picturesque village, we discover a cast of extended characters, led by Laurent Claude and Madame B. The plot revolves around a Old mill and a boulangerie.
This heartwarming story brings together enough drama, friendship, love and hope to create a truly delightful read. Juliet at the centre of it all.
A lovely read would recommend.
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Juliet has beend passed as in remission from cancer but finds that her current life of boring predictability is no longer enough so she takes of for Brittany leaving her husband and adult children for a new life running a French tea room in an old mill.When she gets there she finds villagers are not for the idea and this is the story of her struggles to convince them and her falling for local man Laurent.
It started a bit slow for me but did get better as I got into the story.
This is the first story I have read by Jo Thomas but I will be definitely looking for more
Thanks to Netgalley and Pan Macmillan for my arc copy
It started a bit slow for me but did get better as I got into the story.
This is the first story I have read by Jo Thomas but I will be definitely looking for more
Thanks to Netgalley and Pan Macmillan for my arc copy
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 13, 2026
Gorgeous book. Juliet is married to her long standing husband of 25 years. She’s rang the bell after completing chemo and at the party to celebrate her 25th wedding she realises that this isn’t the life she wants any more.
She wants to be in France and run a tea salon. Her husband doesn’t. He wants to stay home, eating dinner in front of all creatures reruns and spend time at the golf club. They part amicably and Juliet moves to France to but the water mill she has fallen in love with.
Juliet learns hard lessons very quickly and friendships are formed.
This is a wonderful book and story.
Well recommended.
Thank you NetGalley for this arc in exchange for an honest review.
She wants to be in France and run a tea salon. Her husband doesn’t. He wants to stay home, eating dinner in front of all creatures reruns and spend time at the golf club. They part amicably and Juliet moves to France to but the water mill she has fallen in love with.
Juliet learns hard lessons very quickly and friendships are formed.
This is a wonderful book and story.
Well recommended.
Thank you NetGalley for this arc in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I was asked by the publishers via NetGalley to review this book as I have reviewed this author's work before so it was a pleasure to review this lovely story.
Reading in the garden it is hot today but if I close my eyes I can imagine a glass of van rouge and some local fromage.
Juliet has had cancer and and has separated from her husband and makes the decision to start again in France and open a cafe. This does not start well sd the local Mayor says no to this!
Beautiful french characters and a warm community with romance and friendship thrown into the mix.
Due for publication next week will make a great sunbed read this long summer holidays.
Reading in the garden it is hot today but if I close my eyes I can imagine a glass of van rouge and some local fromage.
Juliet has had cancer and and has separated from her husband and makes the decision to start again in France and open a cafe. This does not start well sd the local Mayor says no to this!
Beautiful french characters and a warm community with romance and friendship thrown into the mix.
Due for publication next week will make a great sunbed read this long summer holidays.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
After a challenging time, Juliet yearns for a fresh start in France. She dreams of turning an old Mill into a Salon du The, but when the local mayor is less than forthcoming and the town seems to not support her...will Juliet find what she needs to make it work?
This is a relatively easy read; despite needing trigger warnings for cancer and death, it's a pretty straight forward story about a community coming together. It scratched the Francophile in me and is a nice escapist story.
It isn't super engaging and the characters feel a little underdeveloped but it was enjoyable nonetheless.
This is a relatively easy read; despite needing trigger warnings for cancer and death, it's a pretty straight forward story about a community coming together. It scratched the Francophile in me and is a nice escapist story.
It isn't super engaging and the characters feel a little underdeveloped but it was enjoyable nonetheless.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I enjoyed being transported to rural France for this delightful story. The storyline is very good and has a few twists along the way. Juliet moves to France when she and her husband go their separate ways, looking to start a new life and open a Salon de thé, a tea room in an old mill house. However, things don't go as expected, and she ends up having to open a bakery to stay there. This causes an interesting adventure for her.
The characters are lovely, well, all but one that is. I really liked Juliet; she was so brave to go off on her own and stand up to some very prejudiced locals. She is so kind and determined that it makes you want her to succeed. I warmed to her upstairs neighbour, and the Tabac owner, as well as the other characters, and I'm sure you will too.
This is a real feel-good romance and makes for a pleasant read.
#Netgalley
The characters are lovely, well, all but one that is. I really liked Juliet; she was so brave to go off on her own and stand up to some very prejudiced locals. She is so kind and determined that it makes you want her to succeed. I warmed to her upstairs neighbour, and the Tabac owner, as well as the other characters, and I'm sure you will too.
This is a real feel-good romance and makes for a pleasant read.
#Netgalley
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I really loved Juliet's story. She took a chance walking out on a marriage of 25 years and following her dreams to France.
The water mill she bought and the lovely little village in France where she moved to are both places that came alive and made me want to visit.
Anyone who loves bread will be enchanted with this tale, while I had a real soft spot for a certain Tabac owner who supported Juliet as much as she needed and made a very fitting male lead.
It was a beautiful story of second chances, and there were some emotional moments too. It's a story I would like to revisit one day.
The water mill she bought and the lovely little village in France where she moved to are both places that came alive and made me want to visit.
Anyone who loves bread will be enchanted with this tale, while I had a real soft spot for a certain Tabac owner who supported Juliet as much as she needed and made a very fitting male lead.
It was a beautiful story of second chances, and there were some emotional moments too. It's a story I would like to revisit one day.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you netgalley for the opportunity to review this book
A great read with such a descriptive story, transporting you to rural France and a new beginning
Our main character a cancer survivor navigating a second chance and changes to her life so that she feels it is not wasted
As she begins this journey on her own it is a reminder that we all have to be brave and show courage in what we want to achieve
As she begins this new journey making new friendships and working on her dream you are transported right there with her!
Beautifully written
A great story
A great read with such a descriptive story, transporting you to rural France and a new beginning
Our main character a cancer survivor navigating a second chance and changes to her life so that she feels it is not wasted
As she begins this journey on her own it is a reminder that we all have to be brave and show courage in what we want to achieve
As she begins this new journey making new friendships and working on her dream you are transported right there with her!
Beautifully written
A great story
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
FULL REVIEW WILL BE ON JUNE 4.
We are whisked away with Juliet to a village in France where we follow her dreams of opening a small business.
SUMMER AT THE FRENCH BAKERY is a lovely, heartwarming read that addresses living the way you want to, creating friendships, not giving up, believing in second chances, and finding what makes you happy.
This was my first book by this author, and it was a very enjoyable read.
If you enjoy determined female characters and uplifting reads you will enjoy this book too. 5/5
Thank you to the publisher for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
We are whisked away with Juliet to a village in France where we follow her dreams of opening a small business.
SUMMER AT THE FRENCH BAKERY is a lovely, heartwarming read that addresses living the way you want to, creating friendships, not giving up, believing in second chances, and finding what makes you happy.
This was my first book by this author, and it was a very enjoyable read.
If you enjoy determined female characters and uplifting reads you will enjoy this book too. 5/5
Thank you to the publisher for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Another great read from Jo Thomas who has the wonderful gift of being able to transport the reader instantly to wherever the book is based, you feel totally immersed in the French countryside, the scenic village with the smell of coffee from the local Tabac and the tantalising smell of baguettes from the boulangerie it’s as if you are there in person!
Juliet a totally relatable middle aged woman who has had an awakening after battling cancer, her children leaving home and her husband being more interested in golf than anything else, against all the odds she decides to buy a disused old water mill in France with a dream to renovate it and open up a tea room. However her plans do not run smoothly due to the French way of doing things via the local mayor and lots of politics! But with tenacity and help from the local community and a little bit of love, Juliet’s new life starts to take off and she becomes a valued member of the local community.
A really heartwarming read that I would highly recommend
Juliet a totally relatable middle aged woman who has had an awakening after battling cancer, her children leaving home and her husband being more interested in golf than anything else, against all the odds she decides to buy a disused old water mill in France with a dream to renovate it and open up a tea room. However her plans do not run smoothly due to the French way of doing things via the local mayor and lots of politics! But with tenacity and help from the local community and a little bit of love, Juliet’s new life starts to take off and she becomes a valued member of the local community.
A really heartwarming read that I would highly recommend
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A lovely easy read that transports you to France and has you dreaming of freshly baked baguettes. Although there are some serious themes in the book, the writing style and way that they are approached does not detract from the light hearted joy that this book gives you. This is Jo Thomas at her best.
May 23, 2026
The perfect summer read. I was absolutely enchanted by Juliet and her quest to find herself again. This book had me laughing, angry, emotional, hopefully.. literally ALL the feels.
I'm usually a thriller reader but you honestly cannot beat a a wonderfully light hearted book on a sunny day.
Thank you to NetGalley & Pan MacMillan for my ARC in return for my honest review.
I'm usually a thriller reader but you honestly cannot beat a a wonderfully light hearted book on a sunny day.
Thank you to NetGalley & Pan MacMillan for my ARC in return for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A comforting read that feels like a little escape to the French countryside. The setting is absolutely lovely, and the bakery element adds such a cozy, indulgent touch.
I really enjoyed the gentle pace of the story and the focus on fresh starts, food, and finding your place again. It’s the kind of book that’s easy to sink into and just enjoy.
A feel-good, summery read that’s perfect when you want something light, uplifting, and full of charm.
I really enjoyed the gentle pace of the story and the focus on fresh starts, food, and finding your place again. It’s the kind of book that’s easy to sink into and just enjoy.
A feel-good, summery read that’s perfect when you want something light, uplifting, and full of charm.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thanks to the publishers and Netgalley for an advance copy of this book in exchange for a review.
Love a Jo Thomas book and this is no exception. Fabulous summer read. Just wish it was the summer to read it in!
Love a Jo Thomas book and this is no exception. Fabulous summer read. Just wish it was the summer to read it in!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.75
A great summer read, light, engaging and a lovely ending. Perfect for holidays, and when you need something light and satisfying. It will make you want a fresh baguette though...
Thank you NetGalley for my ARC
A great summer read, light, engaging and a lovely ending. Perfect for holidays, and when you need something light and satisfying. It will make you want a fresh baguette though...
Thank you NetGalley for my ARC
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I always love a Jo Thomas book, this was definitely a good book.
Juliet has survived cancer, which has made her realise shes not happy with the life she currently living. She risks it all to move to France to buy a mill she fell in love with.
Little did she know the journey she goes on.
Juliet has survived cancer, which has made her realise shes not happy with the life she currently living. She risks it all to move to France to buy a mill she fell in love with.
Little did she know the journey she goes on.
May 18, 2026
A sweet and easy palette cleanser! I loved reading about an older woman not being afraid to make a change and start a new life elsewhere for herself. The whole premise of opening up a bakery in a French village was so fun and cosy.
The whole bread war got a bit much towards the end and took me out of the otherwise cosy read.
Thank you to the publishers & NetGalley for the ARC!
The whole bread war got a bit much towards the end and took me out of the otherwise cosy read.
Thank you to the publishers & NetGalley for the ARC!
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