Really enjoyed the balance of this story. The characters captivated me and kept me moving forward. Books about books will always be my favorite.

The Story Collector was a beautifully crafted and deeply moving read that truly captivated me. I loved how the story wove together themes of memory, loss, and the power of storytelling in such an intimate way. The characters were richly developed, making their journeys feel authentic and heartfelt. It was a poignant, unforgettable novel that stayed with me long after I finished reading.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for granting me free access to the advanced digital copy of this book.

Thank you to NetGalley for this book.

I have decided that I am out on this author. Nothing wrong with the way the author writes or the authors books themselves. Or the author for that matter. It just doesn’t work for me personally. That’s more of a me problem. You should still give this author a try. You might love these books.

The Story Collector is a beautifully written novel that intertwines past and present through the lens of Irish folklore and personal discovery. Set in the Irish countryside, the story follows Sarah, who, after a spontaneous trip from New York, uncovers a century-old diary belonging to Anna, a young woman from 1911. As Sarah delves into Anna's world, themes of grief, healing, and the magic of storytelling emerge.

Evie Woods masterfully blends dual timelines, creating a narrative rich in atmosphere and emotion. The incorporation of Irish myths and the exploration of personal transformation make this a compelling read for fans of historical fiction and magical realism.
netgalley.com

Thank you to NetGalley and One More Chapter for the ARC!

The two drastically different timelines weave together into an enchanting, bittersweet tale of grief, magic, and second chances. I enjoyed the blend of magical realism and folklore, what a unique read!

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.