In the beginning I found Moorman’s descriptions magical in the vein of Alice Hoffman and Sara Addison Allen but the book quickly became another romance novel with the dialogue feeling like it was written by another author. Although there were beautifully written magical descriptions here and there in the book, most of the writing, especially the dialogue, was just so-so which was very disappointing.
I didn’t care for Tessa, found her to be very selfish, and couldn’t understand how forgiving Anna always was, and I have no patience for boys who are supposed to be men, who still worry about appeasing their mama, or girls who are supposed to be women but are still afraid to speak their minds and need to please everyone. And I know this is the crux of the book but it was tiring.
The plot is very clever which further redeemed the book in my eyes and the cover is beautiful. I’m interested in trying another book by the author to see which style of writing is hers.

This is a sweet story with magical realism. Emphasis on the sweet.
Anna runs a bakery in the town of Mystic Water and she bakes up her dream man using her family's magical secret. Eli might be made just for her but that does not mean things will go smoothly for them. Anna is also struggling with making her Mother happy or following her own dreams.
This book is full of mouthwatering descriptions of baked goods and a town that reminds me of Stars Hollow. It started off a little slow for me but by the middle I was completely invested in what happens next. I would definitely recommend this cozy, sweet book.
Thanks to NetGalley and the Publisher for a copy of this book for review.

This sounded like just my cup of tea but I was disappointed in Anna. I wish the author had developed her character more - too much of the young minded inner monologue going. Cute story though.

Can you really bake yourself the perfect man? Read along as we find a little magic can go along way. A really fun book!

The Baker's Man by Jennifer Moorman a book in the Mystic Water Series.
(Can be read out of order)

I enjoyed being in the Southern town of Mystic Water.
The book was a quick read. I read in one sitting.
The whimsical and magical setting alone draws you in to the enchanting story of Anna O’Brien.
A unique story, with great characters and a warm setting. The magical realism and the flow of story was thought-provoking. This story is just fun to read and enjoyable... a worthy read.
A wonderfully well-written book I enjoyed reading.
I will definitely check out this author's other books!

"I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own."

Harper Muse,
Thank You for your generosity and gifting me a copy of this amazing eARC!
I will post my review to my blog, platforms, BookBub, B&N, Kobo and Waterstone closer to pub date.

Anna O'Brien is a baker who inherited her grandmother's skills as well as her bakery. One evening when she's a bit tipsy, she uses special magic sugar and bakes a man. A little bit silly but fun.
When I requested this title, I wasn't aware it was the second in a series from several years ago.

A fun, fresh and frothy tale! I read Jennifer Moorman’s The Baker’s Man in one sitting, in which I was at once well entertained and left craving hot chocolate and all of my favorite pastries. Reading it was truly a delightful experience. Yet, for my taste, the story stopped well short of the depth of some of the best of contemporary magical realism, including novels by Sarah Addison Allen and Amy E. Reichert. This book is part of a series set in fictional Southern town Mystic Water, but The Baker’s Man stood on its own. Many thanks to NetGalley and Harper’s Muse for a complimentary ARC. Opinions are my own.

I was expecting a sweet and fluffy read with a bit of magic mixed in (I was expecting something akin to a Sarah Addison Allen novel). It started out that way but then I felt like the author tried to throw in some drama with one of her friends, which I think (without giving any spoilers) could have been worked in sooner or handled differently. I also didn't like that Anna and Eli really didn't spend that much time together and I wanted more of them getting to know one another and developing their relationship. It felt like a lot of Anna talking about what she really wanted but not acting until 90% of the book was over.

Kindly received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Such a unique storyline. This book has a little bit of it all romance, mystery, magic, and even a small dash of horror. The characters banter is hilarious and engaging. The plot also doesn't progress like you would expect it to, which kept me hooked until i finished the book in one sitting.

Magical realism, one of my favorite genres, requires the ability to suspend everyday definitions of reality and embrace magical, even miraculous, possibilities. This author took the imaginative beyond that into the realm of fantasy and left me disappointed for several reasons.

Anna has a lot on her plate: maintaining her grandmother’s legacy of the beloved Bea’s Bakery; coping with the loss her boyfriend; dealing with an overbearing mother who believes she knows what is best for Anna; and two BFFS – one who is self-absorbed and foolishly impulsive when it comes to romance. When she discovers that her grandmother’s legacy is not only the bakery, but also a secret recipe/ingredient held in a wooden box, Anna’s life becomes even more complicated.

I started this book thinking that it was a fun, entertaining read. However, as I delved further into the story, my enthusiasm waned. The main twist felt preposterous. The characters, while believable, were not that likable. Anna seemed unable to stand up for herself in her relationships and her people-pleasing behavior threatens the realization of her dreams. Tessa is paradoxically caring for her ill mother while thoughtless when it comes to the feeling of her friends. It all became a bit tedious and then was wrapped up too quickly in a happy ending.

My thanks to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for the privilege of reviewing this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This review is being posted immediately to my GoodReads account and will be posted on Amazon upon publication.