Publication Date: 15th April 2025
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
4.2 Stars
One Liner: Heartwarming and hopeful
Frankie Nightingale prefers nighttime when she finds peace in silence. She works for a tiny bakery and spends her nights kneading loaves and making buns, croissants, etc. After escaping her previous life and marriage filled with restrictions, she finds freedom in simple things and alone time.
Frankie soon meets Beth, an overworked nurse, William, a shy and handsome man, and Tam, a caregiver with no home. As the four strangers become friends, Frankie finds her life flourishing with new relationships and hope. However, Frankie’s ex-husband arrives at the place, bringing turmoil into her new life. Can Frankie, with help from her friends, choose herself over the rest?
The story comes in the third-person POVs of Frankie, Beth, William, and Tam.
My Thoughts:
No idea why I initially thought this was historical fiction. It’s very much contemporary, though the setting has a timeless quality (despite the use of mobile phones and computers). It has the 1990s or early 2000s vibes.
The main characters are in their late 40s or early 50s and act their age. This is a dignified book (for the lack of a better word) with a slow-moving narration. Despite the gravity of the themes, the book feels mellow and cozy.
Every character is facing an issue, be it something from their past or present. Yet, they are kind, sympathetic, and helpful. I liked all of them equally, which shows the care the author took in developing their arcs and presenting their stories.
Though the FMC is the center of the plot, not everything happens because of her. This retains the balance in the narratives and gives each one their space to grow and build new friendships.
Everyone has flaws, but is doing their best to become better. That’s where others come into the picture. This is a proper found family without OTT drama or excitement.
I love the scenes in the bakery and the ones around food. Yeah, it’s all baked goodies (yum!) like croissants, brownies, cupcakes, crumble cakes, etc. A couple of recipes at the end would have been even better.
Though the ending had a convenient solution to their problems, I was ready for it. Also, it doesn’t feel too easy since there’s enough foreshadowing to make it feel realistic and genuine.
While there’s a tiny romance track, it develops very slowly (as it should) and doesn’t overpower the plot. The focus remains on the respective priorities of each character. The epilogue also does the same.
To summarize, The Midnight Bakery is a heartwarming and hopeful story about how friendship, kindness, and second chances can make our lives better.
Thank you, NetGalley and Bookouture, for eARC.
#NetGalley #FrankieNightingaleBeginsAgain
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