Evie Woods has such a way with words, her writing is so lyrical! This was a little bit historical fiction, a little bit magical realism, and a little bit of a love story all wrapped into one really pretty book. Thank you to NetGalley, and One More Chapter for the opportunity to read this book. I had to go a buy a first edition copy with the amazing edges.

The Story Collector is a beautifully atmospheric novel that blends mystery, magic, and the power of stories. Evie Woods weaves a lyrical tale full of charm and emotion, set in a place that feels both timeless and enchanted. With vivid prose and a deeply engaging narrative, this book is perfect for readers who love a touch of whimsy with their fiction. A lovely, heartwarming read.

3.5 rounded to 4
I read The lost Bookshop last year and absolutely loved it, so I was so excited to read this one. Evie Woods writes beautiful stories with amazing backstories, in the most magical places. This book took place in Ireland, and the way she describes everything, makes you want to go there immediately. While the characters were still very interesting, I didn’t connect to any of them as much as I did with her first book. The Irish folklore, dual timelines and dual POV’s were great though. I will still continue to pick up Evie Wood’s books!

I have enjoyed all of Evie Woods books. This one was a little less gripping for me and though I was curious about how the stories would unfold, I wasn't hooked (staying up late, reading it every free moment) as I had her previous books. It was a nice, solid read but not something I will revisit.

The Story Collector by Evie Woods is a captivating, whimsical novel that weaves together past and present in a truly enchanting way. Set against the lush backdrop of rural Ireland, the story follows the curious and resilient young girl, Hazel, who discovers an old manuscript that unlocks a deeply hidden family mystery.

Woods's writing is lyrical and atmospheric, evoking the magic of folklore and the quiet beauty of the Irish countryside. The dual timelines are seamlessly interwoven, and the characters—particularly Hazel and her reclusive aunt—are richly developed and emotionally resonant. There’s a timeless, fairy tale quality to the narrative, yet it also grapples with real themes like grief, belonging, and the healing nature of storytelling.

A gem of a novel—both cozy and profound. Recommended for readers who believe in a little bit of magic. Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for an advance e-reader copy of this book!

There is a lot I love about this book; the fairies, Ireland and the characters. It just drug in places. The pacing was just a bit odd. It is enjoyable and fun. Grab a copy for a road trip!

Thank you for the opportunity to read this book! At this time I will not be reading or reviewing. I will update if I do read in the future!

Here from the lost bookshop and this one did not disappoint. I love the dual timelines, the magic, the history and the mystery of it all which is what made me come back to this author in the first place and this delivered. Highly recommend.

As a history major, I’m a sucker for a good historical fiction book and this one just gave all the goodies! Irish lore woven so beautifully between 2011 and early 1900s Ireland through journal entry flashbacks. The drama and events of both timelines are so beautifully woven together that I just couldn’t put this down.

The Story Collector is a whimsical and atmospheric read that blends magical realism with a coming-of-age journey rooted in Irish folklore and family secrets. Evie Woods crafts a beautifully written tale filled with lyrical prose and a strong sense of place, particularly in the enchanted setting of Thistlecrook House.

The novel shines in its themes of self-discovery and the healing power of stories, and the dual timeline adds depth and intrigue as past and present slowly intertwine. The characters—especially the reclusive yet endearing protagonist—are engaging, though some felt underdeveloped or inconsistent at times.

While the pacing lagged in the middle and some plot threads wrapped up a bit too conveniently, the novel still offers a satisfying and heartwarming conclusion. It’s a perfect read for fans of light magical realism and character-driven stories with a touch of mystery.

Overall, a charming and imaginative escape, even if it doesn’t fully live up to its ambitious premise.

This dual timeline novel connects present day Sarah to past events in Ireland through a diary. The chapters alternate between past and present, as readers learn about Harold the “story collector.” He plans to write about the Good People of Ireland, gathering his insights through interviews with local folks. In present day Ireland, Sarah becomes fascinated with reading his book and learns more about herself and her art in the process.

It took me awhile to engage with the dual narrative but the story itself was intriguing. Readers who enjoy reading about Ireland and her heritage will enjoy reading the book.

I received this novel from the publisher and from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own.

I liked this author's 2023 novel, 'The Lost Bookshop' and was drawn to the cover of this one. Books! 😍 but the Story Collector read more like women's fiction, fantasy-lite, or even romance (although that element felt misplaced), with its fairly unremarkable storyline. That said, I liked the protagonist and her struggles, and the darker fairy tale element. I always enjoy dual timeline stories, although, as usual, I felt one was stronger than the other and I didn't care for the diary as a plot device linking the two. Ireland as a setting is always magical. So overall, a mix for me--a like but not a love!

This book brought to me the excitement of the Irish heritage. Getting to know the people in the villagers. As the main character collected stories from different people, it made me realize we should ask people, especially family, of their stories to share with us. A delightful read.

A heartwarming story told in multiple timelines and of multiple main characters. Wonderful characters and a plot line that has enough mystery to keep you coming back to finish.

Thank you to the author, publisher, and Net Galley for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The Story Collector was a sweet story with a a sprinkling of fairies and magical realism. It is a dual time line story. It moved a little slow for me, but I enjoyed the story.

I wanted to like this one more than I did. The plot sounded intriguing but the execution fell flat for me. I was bored for most of the story.

Synopsis: Sarah is dealing with some difficult life events. She is set to leave Boston and head home to spend the holidays with her family. Instead, after one too many cocktails, Sarah boards a plane and ends up on the west coast of Ireland. She ends up finding accommodations in a small cottage on the property of a local family. In the cottage she finds the journal of Anna from 100 years ago. Anna is assisting a young American scholar in translating Irish fairy folklore into English.

Honestly, the book was just ok. I was intrigued by the Irish Folklore but I didn’t get out of it what I expected. The whole storyline felt vague. The storylines of Anna and Sarah felt like they just ran parallel to each other. It was hard to find the connection in the stories which just made it feel out of sync to me. I didn’t feel any real connection to the characters. It just wasn’t for me.

A delightful (albeit sometimes slow) tale through Irish fairy folktale, sprinkled with love, loss, family loyalty, and small town life.

The Story Collector was a wonderful love letter to Irish folklore that reminded me of The Stolen Book of Evelyn Aubrey. Complete with complex characters and beautiful scenery, this was a splendid read about love and heartbreak. Thank you, NetGalley and Publisher, for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was a fun book! Sarah finds herself spontaneously in Ireland. There is a parallel story in the book about a young girl from long ago. There’s a touch of magic in the story. I loved the characters in this book!

I was transported to Ireland with this story. The premise of the story was entertaining and interesting, and I enjoyed the mystery within. So many dark secrets within, which kept me guessing. I always love a dual-timeline and the historical aspect was great. I also enjoyed the love story within. Overall, a great read!