The weirder the world gets…the less desirable reality gets!…the more I escape into books. And the more novels I read, the more frequently I can put together these “what I’m reading” type of blog posts. I always try to include some sort of theme, and today I wanted to share some books about bakeries and sweet treats. I mean, who doesn’t love a cute little story about baking and such?
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
As I’ve mentioned in the past, my to-be-read shelf is usually filled with contemporary women’s fiction, magical realism, and romance titles. And let me tell you, there are a LOT of bakery-themed books that fall into one of those three categories. I had no shortage of books to choose from, but for the most part, I let the books choose me.
Four of the six titles in this collection were found at used bookstores in the Charlotte area. So, it absolutely felt like a reading list collection of sweet treat books was in the cards for me.
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
If you’ve like to indulge with some sweet and tasty reads, then please allow me to take you through this bakery-themed reading list. This post contains affiliate links for your used book-buying convenience.
The Coincidence of Coconut Cake
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
I always seem to enjoy Amy Reichert’s books (I read another of hers in this Fall-themed list). They’re not wild rides or sizzling love stories, but there’s a comfort to them that I can’t quite articulate. As a native Midwesterner myself, I can’t help but relate to her storytelling, and how mundane things like really good food, solid friendships, and Great Lakes level-headedness feel like home.
The storytelling through food in “The Coincidence of Coconut Cake” was definitely appealing, and the entire book felt like an old familiar flannel shirt. Unflashy, comfortable, and safe- Honestly, who wouldn’t love living in a timeline like that right now?
The Magic of Lemon Drop Pie
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I loved this little story- from the Seattle setting to the Nordic cafe, and the main female character’s penchant for all things vintage (fashion, decor, music). And with a little magic woven throughout, it was a fun story to get lost in for a couple of days.
Not a 5-star read…it didn’t leave me panting for more…but it was thoroughly enjoyable and emotional enough to keep me turning page after page. I’ll definitely check out some of this author’s other books now.
Ironically, most of her titles have something to do with a bakery or baked goods.
The Mysterious Bakery on Rue de Paris
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I’d heard of this author before and had filed her name away long before I’d spotted this title of hers at a used bookshop. The covers of her books are always curiously moody, which has a tendency to catch my eye.
And even though I’m neither a Francophile nor someone who reads much historical fiction, I thoroughly enjoyed “The Mysterious Bakery on Rue de Paris”. It’s not a page turner, but the touches of magic and history kept me coming back over the course of a week. And I’ll definitely read any of her other titles that cross my path in the future.
Books About Bakeries: The Cornish Cream Tea Bus
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As cute as the cover was, as cute as the premise was, I found this book to be a chore to read. I should have found it charming- sweet treats on a vintage bus! Cornwall setting! I even learned about a new sweet treat, the Cornish Cream Tea (I assumed it was a drink at first!).
But, alas, I just struggled to be excited to pick it every time I had a chance to read. However, this is probably a very subjective view of it- I suspect others will enjoy it for the cream puff story that it is. But for whatever reason, this one just never revved my book-loving engine.
The Irresistible Blueberry Bakeshop & Café
Ironically, this one has very little to do with an irresistible blueberry bakeshop and café. But it does make sense as the story goes along. And sweets- particularly apple cider donuts- help the (not very likable) main character let her hair down and become far more likable.
Overall, “The Irresistible Blueberry Bakeshop & Cafe” was a puzzlingly interesting read for me. Puzzling because I didn’t *love* it as I trudged along, but yet I wanted to see the story through and finish it. It’s got the kind of ending you can see from a mile away, but it was ultimately a decent read that I plowed through pretty quickly.
The Midnight Bakery
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This is one that I WANTED to love- because I really do love the idea of strangers coming together, in unusual ways, and then being bound by some invisible string that benefits them all. But I just found this book to be a tedious, flat read.
I enjoyed how the characters fell into each other’s lives and how they were each suffering from loneliness in their own unique way. But- for me, at least- the story dragged and dragged. If you’ve read it before and enjoyed it, though, I’d love to hear your take.
Books About Bakeries
In the end, there are positively dozens of additional titles I could have included in this reading list. Bakeries and sweet treats are definitely a favorite setting and angle when it comes to women’s fiction and romances. But since I focus on finding most of my titles at used bookstores and libraries, these are the novels I ended up with.
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Reading them was, of course, the best part. But second best to that was taking my stack of books to several bakeries for fun photo shoots! I took them to a few Charlotte-area favorites: The Batch House (the best bakery in Charlotte, if you ask me); Amelie’s (known for its quirky Alice In Wonderland-style decor); and The Everyday Market (my favorite in Belmont, a suburb just outside of Charlotte).
Like I always say, books take us on all sorts of adventures. So, why shouldn’t I return the favor and take them on a few adventures, as well?
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Of course, I’m already dreaming up a new reading list to publish in a couple of months. AND scheming up where I’ll take those titles for photos like these. So, come back in early Fall for a new stack of books to discuss…
Craft on!
S
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Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Sarah Ramberg is the owner of Sadie Seasongoods, a website that celebrates all things secondhand. From upcycling ideas and thrifted decor to vintage-centric travel itineraries, Sadie Seasongoods is a one-stop shop for anyone who loves thrifting and approachable repurposing ideas. Sarah is also the author of “Crafting with Flannel” and has been featured in numerous media outlets and magazines.
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