The Midnight Bakery is a heartwarming, tender story about healing and unexpected friendships. In a cozy, quiet bakery, Frankie pours her heart into her craft while others—each carrying their own burdens—find solace in the warmth of her creations. But when a mysterious letter threatens everything they've built, Frankie and her new friends must fight to preserve the haven that has brought them all hope. A beautifully written tale about finding light in the darkest of times.

I think you can sometimes tell, right from the opening pages, when a book is going to be everything you want it to be. From our first meeting with Frankie – not Frances, that name belongs in the former life that she was glad to leave behind – contentedly baking through the night at Duggan’s bakery in readiness for the next day’s customers, singing along to the radio, I knew I was going to really enjoy getting to know her rather better. The nights are her happy time – a world of her own, with no-one to disturb her, an opportunity to visit her happier memories, to think about her past and how her life has changed, and to cherish hopes about what the future might hold. We slowly learn more about her history, the events that knocked her confidence and made her fearful of the daytime world – but she’s not the only character in this lovely book that won my heart.

Beth is a nurse on the edge of exhaustion, working night shifts as they’re the only way she can manage the care of her husband Jack – living on a farm they’re unable to care for since the accident that left him in a wheelchair. One night, she slips on the wet cobbles outside the bakery while rushing to her car, and Frankie dashes to help her – and that proves to be the start of the friendship they need when life begins to throw its slings and arrows at them both. William works as a bouncer in a nearby nightclub, where he worries that the management might be caught up in illegal activities. He’s nearby when Frankie is disturbed by some nighttime revellers, intimidating them with his size and successfully seeing them off – and she comes to see that, despite his rather frightening appearance, he has a heart of gold, and he too becomes a regular visitor as their friendship grows. And then there’s Tam – working in a nursing home, living in his car since his life went pear-shaped – who I think perhaps might, by just a whisker, have been my favourite of them all. He used to own a horticultural business – and when his life begins yet another downward spiral, he’s perfectly placed to help out Beth and Jack with their neglected farm.

Their stories – past and present, with many emerging secrets – are so beautifully told, in third person but from their own perspectives, with extraordinary emotional depth. I grew to feel so deeply for all four, damaged in different ways by their experiences – and when it becomes clear that their individual problems are far from over, I really loved the way they were all there for each other, with support and practical help, making the relationships between them even stronger. The author’s emotional touch is perfect – they each become become a person you feel you know and really care about, each with a sad and compelling story they’ve chosen to hide from the world. And, as a reader, you become entirely part of their friendship group – hurting when they hurt, laughing with them during their lighter moments, really hoping for a change in their fortunes and a happier ending for them all, the connection that develops between them really warming the heart. And the storytelling is quite wonderful – the surprises, the disappointments, the worries, the sadnesses, the moments of drama, and the strength and joy they were able to find in each other.

The whole book felt like a warmest of hugs, through all the individuals’ many trials and tribulations up to its simply perfect ending. It’s a few weeks since I read it – in one sitting, I was so caught up in their lives – and I’m still thinking about the individuals at its heart, often with a smile, always with love. This is one that really needs to be on everyone’s reading list – I enjoyed it so much, and honestly couldn’t recommend it more highly.

Frankie Nightingale spends her nights baking loaves and pastries in a small bakery, hiding away from the world and those who have hurt her the most. She feels safe at night on her own, surrounded by delicious tarts and warm bread. Beth's life has become hectic and stressful since the accident left her husband Jack in a wheelchair. His dreams of running a farm have gone up in smoke since then and left them both sad and frustrated. All seems hopeless until a chance meeting between Beth and Frankie sparks a friendship at a time they both need it. Soon, Tam and William, 2 other lost souls both in need of a friend, join them. All the characters in this story have had their share of pain and disappointment and their lives are in turmoil and at a crossroad. With the support of their newly found friends, can they find the courage to take a leap of faith and try again?

A warm, touching story filled with the hope that comes with the possibility of new beginnings. A lovable cast of characters who are all searching for something that they have lost, often through no fault of their own. A lovely read that gives you the feels. I enjoyed this gem of a book and hope you do too.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read and review this book.

The Midnight Bakery is the long awaited new book from Emma Davies who has been a firm favourite author of mine ever since I read her novella Merry Mistletoe. All these years later the character of Amos still has me in his spell. But now it’s time to meet a new set of characters whose story has a glorious and eye caching cover that doesn’t allow any hesitation, you just have to dive straight in. A varied cast of characters is introduced, each with their own story to tell with the midnight bakery becoming the focus. As the tagline on the cover asks will Frankie discover her second chance of happiness? The reader wonders who is Frankie and what necessitated another opportunity for happiness?

Frances Nightingale, now known as Frankie, works the night shift at Duggan’s bakery preparing and baking everything for the next day. The bakery has become her sanctuary and the job is her lifeline, one which she clings strongly to. She lives above the bakery sleeping during the day and generally keeping herself cosseted from the world pushing people away. She loves the night time here when she can observe people unnoticed but yet beneath the protective shield she has erected around her for reasons which become evident further on in the book is a woman who longs to be more carefree, less rigid and constrained and instead some wilder. The dark hours of the night as she kneads and bakes provide calm and strands of who she wants to be emerge whereas the day means pressure and anxiety and trying to conform to expectation to be someone she is not.

Frankie and the bakery were the anchors in the story around which the other characters navigated and then were ultimately drawn to. I could sense she had a history that had really knocked her confidence in every way and that when we meet her although her life is not perfect I came to realise it had taken a huge amount for her to reach the point at which she was at. But still she was afraid of life and hid away from it and if she hadn’t met Beth, William and Tam then she would have continued in the same manner for perhaps forever. The title suggests that Frankie is the main character and focus of the book but I was delighted to see that although she was the glue that helped the characters stick together that also the trio were given their time and all of their individual stories carried equal weighting.

Frankie meets Beth when Beth is rushing home from her night shift as a nurse and fall and hurts herself on wet cobbles. She takes her into the bakery and tends to her and a conversation is started. Little does Frankie realise the seeds of change and transformation have been sown and what she has longed for may very well come to fruition. I loved Beth, she was juggling so much and under immense pressure and the cracks and strain were showing but she was determined to endure. The love she had for her husband Jack was felt in her every thought, action, word and deed. His life changing accident on their farm several years ago left him disabled and she was the one who had to pick up the pieces and keep the show running. But now she is tired, bone weary tired both mentally and physically and although she would hate to admit defeat and say that things need to change that is what needs to happen and with the threat of being made redundant the pressure just mounts on a daily basis. I loved the connection that was established between Beth and Frankie. The development of their friendship felt natural and not in any manner contrived. That chance meeting one night was meant to occur for a reason and observing their journey and how Tam and William fit into the overall picture also was a pure joy to read.

William works in a nightclub as a bouncer. He is tall, dark and brooding but I felt there was a heaviness and sadness surrounding him for whatever reason and I couldn’t pinpoint what this was. He too meets Frankie at the bakery when he rescues her from a group of men who are unsettling her. He is like her knight in shining armour and when help is needed at the bakery he provides it and the pair grow closer in their friendship. William was perhaps the most secretive of all as to his background and story and when it was revealed I was surprised but glad that I hadn’t figured out what was going on with him. Tam was my favourite out of the two male characters. He was a man who had reached the very bottom and wasn’t afraid to expose his vulnerable side although asking for help is always very difficult. He had been a successful businessman with his horticulture business but he had been taken for granted and burned by his business partner leaving him with nothing but crippling debts. Despite enduring a very tough life, he is slowly trying to pick up the pieces and is on probation working in a care home although his living situation is heart-breaking I loved how Tam always put others before himself and I felt he was like Amos as mentioned up above. He is trying to recover from pain and loss but as he does so he always wants to help, inspire and offer comfort, advice and solace to others and I loved how he did this especially with Beth and Jack. All four main characters form a bond that is unique, heart-warming and very special and what they do for each other is remarkable and memorable.

The pace of the book is pitch perfect as the chapters effortlessly move back and forth between the different characters viewpoints. At no point at all did it feel as if the reader was being bamboozled with information on the characters. If so it would have felt over powering and disjointed. Instead the reader is allowed the space and time to absorb details and put little clues together at their own leisure. A sense of comfort and familiarity soon begins to develop and you are transported to the heart of the story where a range of themes, emotions and difficulties become apparent and it’s the delicate, sensitive and informative manner in which these struggles are delivered and solved that make this a little gem of a book.

There wasn’t one character that I didn’t like or form some sort of connection or affiliation to which is very rare for me. Usually, there is the character that you love to hate or that you skim through their viewpoint but here I felt each member of the newly founded friendship group had an interesting story to tell and it soon became clear that they had all been brought together for a reason. Each had qualities that could help the other and make a difference in their lives. I could see the path they needed to take and what things needed to fall into place in order for that journey to begin and initially I was like hurry up, come on, what needs to be done is clear cut, let’s just get on with it. But my initial frenzy of feeling this way soon dissipated as I become more immersed in the relaxed ambience pervading throughout each chapter. Yet, still there was just the perfect amount of tension and angst also.

Emma Davies has written a story that readers will readily lose themselves capturing both their heart and imagination. The characters all have their flaws but are never dull and all are enduring challenging times but at it’s heart is a story of friendship, human connection, endurance, kindness and generosity. It will steal a little bit of your heart and as you reach the final page you will be reluctant to leave the bakery for the lost, lonely, needy and invisible and anyone who needs a little light in the dark. But you will have been glad to have spent time in their company as you watch the nightingale and her newfound friends soar to heights they initially would never have dreamed possible. This was an utter triumph for Emma Davies and I would love a return visit if at all possible as the characters are memorable whom you root for all the way and although even now that I have finished the book they still remain in my head. If another book based on the same characters is not possible I am still desperately hoping that there will be another book in what I presumed was to be a series set around Clearwater Castle. I felt it was left on some cliff-hangers which I would love some resolution to. But in the meantime you won’t go far wrong if you pick up The Midnight Bakery, a wonderful, engaging and heart-warming story awaits you.

I've found a new contender to add to my top reads of the year! It was such a wonderful read and I loved every minute of my time spent at the Midnight Bakery.

I don't tend to mention covers in my reviews, but there was something about this one, so I'm buying a copy for the shelf too!

It's heartwarming, emotive and everything good. I loved the characters, all of them were so easy to become emotionally invested into. By the end of the book they were more like friends.

Whether it be friendship, romance or just something tasty you're looking for, The Midnight Bakery has them all!

An absolute delight to read and one I won't hesitate in recommending.

This book centres on the lives of 4 people, strangers to each other, but each dealing with loneliness and trying to move forward after a crisis in their past. As they begin to connect with each other, they also begin to realize that perhaps a future as part of community is a better option than facing it alone.

BLOG TOUR REVIEW

Review for 'The Midnight Bakery' by Emma Davies

OMG!!! I ABSOLUTELY LOVE, LOVE ,LOVED THIS BOOK, AN ABSOLUTELY AMAZING,STUNNING, EMOTIVE AND PAGE TURNING MUST READ!! BE STILL MY BEATING HEART!!!!

Yet again another absolute stunner from the extremely talented Emma Davies!!! Emma is one of those extremely talented authors who has wrote many books in several different genres and does absolutely amazing at each one. Most authors stick to one genre and it is very rare that they write multiple and of those who do not many can pull it off but by God Emma can!! I have read many of her books including her 'Adam And Eve Mystery' series which is cosy crime, 'The Little Island Secret' which is a romantic heart breaker and 'After The Crash' which is a thriller, to name a few. Each of those books, along with every one I have read by Emma, have been absolutely addictive and filled with everything that those who enjoy those genres could want. This absolute stunning contemporary romance is just as stunning!! So regardless of what genre you love Emma is guaranteed to have the book for you!!! This beautiful book has definitely just hit my favourite book this year!!!! You seriously have to grab your copy of this absolutely gorgeous page turner today!! Just OMG!!! The descriptions, the characters, the absolutely brilliant and unique storyline!!! I mean seriously I cannot describe just how AMAZING this book is!!! There are just no words. I mean I'll try but my advice is stop reading this review and GET YOUR COPY NOW!!! If you love heart warming books, books filled with delicious treats, romance, emotive books… Do you know what...whatever you like to read just give this a go and you will NOT regret it!!! As you can tell I absolutely LOVED this addictive and emotive page turner!!! I honestly loved absolutely everything about it from the start to the end. This book is an absolutely gorgeous read filled with friendship, drama, pastry, romance and everything you could ever ask for in a brilliant book and more!! This book is just truly amazing in every single way. The storyline is just something I have never ever come across before and I very much doubt I will see anything like it again!! Emma has an absolutely beautiful imagination to come up with this and I am just so pleased that she has decided to share it into the world. This is just one of those books that absolutely everybody NEEDS to read. Yes, you included, stop wasting your time reading the rubbish I am writing and go and grab your copy of this book now!! This book is definitely going to live rent free in my mind for a very, very long time. It truly has one of those completely unforgettable storylines that will stay with you for an extremely long time after you have finished. I really cannot tell you much about the storyline as I will not risk any spoilers as you really do need to read this for yourself for the full impact. The synopsis says everything you need to know so just grab your copy now. Emma has done an absolutely amazing job of weaving multiple perspective protagonists throughout the storyline ensuring she brings each of our main characters to life and we can see what they are going through and feeling. It captured my attention from the very first page and kept me glued to the pages until the very last word and definitely left me wanting more!! Emma's fantastic and stunning writing skills and vivid descriptions will put the reader in the storyline along with the following characters. Frankie Nightingale works in Duggan's bakery where she is enjoying her new life but still hiding from her past. Beth works as a senior nurse at St John's Hospital while also caring for her husband Jack who is in a wheelchair. Beth is overworked, stressed about her job, her husband and money. William works the doors at a club, he is shy and handsome but with a history and a promise he made he is stuck in a job where he doesn't like what is going on. Tam works as a carer, he has a great friendship with one of the ladies he cares for but is also homeless and living out of his car. When these four people from different walks of life all meet up thanks to Frankie and the bakery can they help each other out of the dark and into the light? Grab your copy of this absolute stunner to find out for yourself and I PROMISE you will not regret it! This is one of those fantastically stunning books that is perfect to read anywhere and everywhere from curled up next to a roaring fire to sunning yourself on a beach as regardless of where you are Emma will whisk you away to the bakery and into the lives of Tam, Frankie, Beth and William!! I absolutely devoured this book in one sitting as there was no way I could put it down!! Each and every time I even thought about it to get some actual house work done the characters called me back to demand their attention!! The chapters are quite short which is ideal to pick up and read a few here and there whether on a break or on a bus, the problem is trying to put it down!! One of the things I really enjoyed about this storyline is that it is unique to me as I had never read a storyline like it which always makes a lovely change after reading so many books as it is getting harder and harder to find something new. An absolutely brilliant, touching, inspirational, beautiful read which will stay with you for a long time!!

Clear your schedules and get lost in this beautifully addictive page turner!!

I absolutely loved the larger than life, unique and just fantastic characters that Emma has created for this book!! Thanks to her fantastic descriptions it truly feels like you are right next to Tam, Frankie, Beth and William throughout. I absolutely loved meeting every single one of the characters and one of the things that I loved the most is that each of these 4 people could not be more different to each other!!! I was rooting for each of them from the very second I met them and all the way through the book! I loved watching their personalities and confidence changes and develop from the start to the finish as well as friendships and relationships. All of the characters are unique with their own personalities, flaws and strengths and I loved meeting and getting to know them all. So many of them deserve to have their own books written about them which I would love to see come to life, hint hint Emma! The only downfall with the characters is that they are entirely fictional even though Annabelle brings them to life unfortunately, no matter how much I would love to, I am unable to meet up with them in the real world!! I was completely invested in them all throughout and I was gutted when the time came to say Goodbye! Emma truly does an absolutely amazing job of bringing the story to life and the characters leap out of the pages as your turning them thanks to her evocative writing skills and I enjoyed getting to meet them all!! It really goes to show how talented she is creating such a wonderful storyline and all these brilliant characters in this beautiful book and I cannot wait to see what her imagination creates next!!

Clear your schedules as this is one gorgeous and unputdownable stunner ❤️

Overall an absolutely gorgeous book that will stay with you for a very long time. A stunning unique must read!!!

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What a wonderful surprise of a read!
When the title of this book got changed, I actually thought it was a really good decision. The title and cover are gorgeous!
The book has an element which I love- the cast of characters are wonderful and their lives all connect to each other. They are all struggling for different reasons, and go on a journey of self discovery.
Fans of Laura Pearson will love this.
An absolute gem.

Magical and almost fable-like, five strangers intertwine through quirks of fate centered around a bakery where baked goodness and friendship are created during the late hours. Starts a little slow and sad, but keep going ...

This book was an absolute joy to read. Firstly I was drawn into this book by the fabulous cover, I thought it was gorgeous. Everything about this book was so good , the characters and the story all came together to make this book one which I found difficult to put down at times . There are strong friendships made from people who only got to know each other through various circumstances. We can’t forget the bakery where Frankie works at night and the baking of the fresh bread and cakes was so well described
I could almost smell the baking coming out of my kindle. This is the perfect read curled up in a chair with a cuppa and a slice of cake

Who knew baking by night would be the start to a new life for
more than one person…

Frankie is a nighttime baker working at Denny’s, a small bakery down a side alley preparing all the freshly made bakes for the daytime rush.

Tam is a lovely gentleman who has fallen on hard times but working at a care home looking after the residents but has grown fond of a lovely lady called Eleanor- a shining star of promise later in life.

Beth is a nurse working nights at a hospital while her and her husband
struggle to make ends meet on the farm they own - her husband is paralysed after a freak accident on the farm.

William is a gentle giant who lives just down from the bakery but works as a ‘bouncer’ in a club, which he gets suspicious over its activities after being
offered an extra job ‘‘off the books’ to help the boss.

4 separate life stories which over time hold their hearts together
in an unlikely place.

Frankie has had her share of heartbreak in her life. She pours every emotion she has left, into her bakery. Keeping long hours throughout the night in preparing her most loved treats for those that arrive in the morning. As she focuses on healing her heart, she meets many locals that also need healing in their own lives. As they find comfort and happiness through food, Frankie and her wonderful bakery give them hope.

Frankie loves the connections she has made with new friends that have become family to her. As they help each other through grief and heartache, they slowly begin to come out on the other side of their losses.

The Midnight Bakery, authored by Emma Davies, is a wonderful and delightful story that stole my heart at that very first page. This story is a treasure chest full of amazing characters. I loved each person’s story in a personal way, and that made each person feel like a new friend.

This phenomenal story had my attention from cover to cover. I couldn’t put it down…nor did I want to. Davies is a wonderful storyteller that never disappoints. I highly recommend this fantastic and unforgettable story.

My thoughts:
What a lovely cast of characters! It was so much fun getting to know each one. I can’t even pick a favorite.
The story revolves around Frankie, William, Beth and Tam. All strangers that meet unexpectedly.
Each one has their own personal issues they are trying to overcome.
Each one is damaged by life, trying to go forward as best they can.
As their friendships grow, the story gets better and better.
The Midnight Bakery is a heartwarming, heartfelt book about second chances, found family, friendships and healing.
Highly recommended!
Thanks much NetGalley, Bookouture and the author for the opportunity to read and review this book for my honest opinion.

Mixed opinions on this book. It wasn't what I was expecting, however, I did enjoy it for the most part.

Thanks to the Publisher and Netgalley for an early review copy.

I thoroughly enjoyed this fabulous read. It had me hooked from the beginning.

It was lovely to read the various point of view of the characters. Every character was dealing with their own problems.

But when they united it was a support for each of them and each one helped the other.

These characters felt as though they were on their own with their issues, with the weight of the world on their shoulders. But, when someone reached out to them with kindness, they didn’t feel alone.

I also liked that the characters were all older and had a life before it changed to how they are now. But the story showed that even when you’re over 50, you still have a lot to live for.

I highly recommend this book.

My thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read ‘The Midnight Bakery’ written by Emma Davies in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.

Frankie works the night shift at Duggan’s bakery and helps Beth when she sees her trip on slippery cobbles on her return home from working nights at the hospital. Beth’s car gets a flat tyre and Tam, who’s homeless and sleeps in his car after working at a residential care home, drives her home to her husband Jack who’s in a wheelchair following an accident on their smallholding. Then there’s William who works as a doorman at a nightclub and comes to Frankie’s aid when hooligans make a nuisance of themselves. Five people who meet under different circumstances and whose lives are about to change.

‘The Midnight Bakery’ (previously called ‘Frankie Nightingale Begins Again’) is an enjoyable story that tells of five people who have all suffered misfortune but are able to pick themselves up and with each other’s help make a life full of love and happiness. It’s a wonderful story that’s been beautifully written with engaging characters whose experiences I couldn’t help but get involved in. This is a novel that proves that even those over a certain age can move on to make fulfilling lives for themselves thanks to friendship and hope for their future. It’s had me gripped from the first page to the last ending with a heartwarming conclusion.

Frankie Nightingale Begins Again is a heartfelt and touching story of friendship, and fresh starts. Emma Davies masterfully weaves a narrative filled with emotional depth and warmth, as we follow Frankie on her journey to rebuild her life after years of heartache.

4’3/5 ⭐️ First of all, thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for and ARC of “Frankie nightingale begins again”. This book has a very heartwarming story. Five people who don’t know each other found themselves struggling in different aspects of their lives. I really loved knowing all their personal experiences and stories, and how the friendship that blossoms between them proves to be their life saver. Also, i really liked that all of them are grown adults, it makes you feel hopeful that life is long and we all have time to find out our own paths. A very enjoyable and hopeful read!

Frankie, Tam, Beth and William tell this story about the family we make. Centered around the bakery where Frankie works at night, it's a recognition that we all struggle withs something and that sharing with others can help. Then ending might feel a bit simplistic but it's also satisfying if you like me have become invested in these characters. Thanks to netgalley for the ARC. A feel good read.

i know all our characters were all going through something in the book but this book still managed to make me feel in love with it and all at the same time held me in a cozy embrace. the writing and the spirit of the characters managed to over ride all the troubles they each faced. which werent small b any means. and the support and kindness that found itself at the bakery and for our emerging friends was just a warm and unput-downable read.
we meet Frankie who has tried her best to be free from an old and terrible life. she wasnt treated right and that hurt still lingers in her heart, in her trust, and in her ability to show herself. so she hides herself in the bakery she works at. preferring the stillness of the night to work and knead and feel peace amongst prepping for the next days products. then along come some others. knocking on her window or door comes three others. William the shy but very handsome man, Beth who is overworked as nurse and Tam who is a carer with know where to go. there meetups bring them all what they need. and their friendship soon blossoms into something so wonderful to read. i couldnt put this book down. i want to read more about them as individuals in their own Pov parts and also as a whole growing,loving friendship group.
when Frankies ex comes back into her life she will need all her friends and new found strengths to guide and help her through. it will take more than others around her to once again fight back.