"The thing about books is that they help you imagine a life bigger and better than you could ever dream of."

I adored The Lost Bookshop! It's a captivating story that has it all: historical fiction, mystery, heroism, love, and magic. The characters are so relatable, and their stories are heartwarming, heartbreaking, and magical. I especially love the interweaving storylines that come together so beautifully at the end. Evie Woods has such a talent for creating a world that feels both realistic and dreamlike. I was transported to the story and didn't want to leave!

This is a good story that flips back and forth in time. In the 1920's, Opaline was a bit of a rebel. She was not going to marry the man her brother picked for her. So, she sets out to make a new life for herself. Her brother keeps finding her and she has to run again. She ends up in Ireland at a bookshop. Her brother finds her again and ends up putting her in a mental hospital for years. She bides her time and plots her escape. In the present time, Martha escapes from her abusive husband and finds a job working as a housekeeper. She meets Henry, who is trying find out the story of Opaline. It seems that Fate takes a hand in all their lives, whether in the past or the present. A story full of magic and eventually, love.

The author skillfully crafts a narrative that celebrates the transformative power of books, using the vanishing bookshop as a metaphor for self-discovery and personal growth. The central theme, encapsulated in the quote about books helping to imagine a bigger and better life, resonates throughout the story, inviting readers to reflect on their own relationships with literature.

One of the novel's strengths lies in its character development. Opaline, Martha, and Henry are initially presented as side characters in their own lives, a clever narrative device that many readers will find relatable. As the story unfolds, we witness their evolution from passive observers to active participants in their own extraordinary tales, mirroring the journey of self-discovery often found in great literature.

The setting of Dublin adds a layer of charm and mystique to the story. The author's depiction of the quiet street where the bookshop resides creates a vivid backdrop that transports readers into the heart of the narrative.

The element of magic realism, introduced through the vanishing bookshop, adds an air of wonder and possibility to the story. This supernatural touch serves as a catalyst for the characters' transformations and allows the author to explore deeper themes of personal growth, destiny, and the power of imagination.

This was a wonderful read! The way the story was woven across time and place and the characters were a pleasure to get to know! I can't wait to read her next book...

Thank you Netgalley and Evie Woods, for the e-arc.

I'm sorry, but I was literally so bored reading this 😩 I may end up coming back to this just to see if I can finish, but I am 50% in and just not enjoying it...

Told in alternating chapters featuring different characters and time periods, "The Lost Bookshop" tells the tale of the search for the manuscript for a rumored second Emily Bronte novel. Opaline is an unusually independent woman for her time who is constantly tracked down by her overbearing and dangerous brother who is demanding that she marry his friend or face the ruin of the family through scandal. Martha is a young woman on her own who has escaped an abusive marriage and found refuge as a housekeeper and carer for Madame B. As Martha begins to feel safe, her attachment grows to the old lady and her new home. When mysterious/magical things begin to happen at the old lady's home and Martha meets a young gentleman scholar, her life takes a drastic change of direction.

The interweaving of the two story lines is seamless with just enough hints of the magic to come sprinkled throughout the novel. The parallel stories of Opaline and Martha and their ability to prevail despite the circumstances in which they find themselves feels true to their time periods. The ending was a bit rushed with a lot more magical elements thrown in to tie up the loose ends of the tales. Better pacing of the introduction of the magical elements at the end of the tale would have earned a five star rating.

A big thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me this ARC!


This isn't a book that I typically read but, I was hooked on this story from the beginning. I find it very well written and a definite page turner. I have personally been going through some tough times right now and this book gave me a lot of hope and inspired me to keep moving forward. I absolutely loved the characters and all the twists. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone that wants a good heartwarming story.

Thank you to NetGalley for allowing me to read and review this book.
Evie Woods started out really strong with this story, I was instantly drawn in with her writing style and characters…
However I feel like once Opaline found the manuscript it really went downhill, every bad thing that could have happened to her happened, the story then veered off into such a predictable place that even the big twist at the end didn’t feel like a twist it just felt like another “well this is happening now” moment. Also the fact that Opaline loves books and Martha hates them and we didn’t really ever get an explanation as to why was a little disappointing. Overall my reading experience was positive and I’m looking forward to reading Evie Woods other book I received as an ARC from NetGalley as well “The Story Collector”

This was a 3.75 / 5 for me.

“I didn’t doooo anything, I simply arranged to have the matter taken care of..”

“It’s only in something’s absence that you realize how much space it takes up.”

The prose was beautiful. It flowed well. So many beautiful quotes.

I like how it had themes of women’s rights and addressed the mistreatment of women throughout history.

Opaline’s brother was the absolute worst. He and her father made me so upset. I’m assuming it was Opaline…I had a hard time keeping her and Martha straight. My attention span was lacking for this one.

I really enjoyed it though. I could see this being turned into a movie and if that’s the case I’ll definitely look forward to watching it.

I guess I somehow misunderstood the blurb and thought this might be more of a fantasy. No. It's a story of women frequently leaping full-force to false conclusions and the consequences of those leaps. I get the feeling the author fancies herself to be writing literature on a level equal to the authors her pro(an?)tagonists follow.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper 360 for providing me with an ARC copy of The Lost Bookshop.

The Lost Bookshop is a beautiful story that follows the characters of Opaline, Martha and Henry. Opaline's timeline is set in the early 1920s and Martha and Henry's stories are told in present day. I thought Woods did a beautiful job of weaving the characters together in the book.

Each of the characters face their own tragedies and/or hardships. Opaline and Martha are victims of abuse, and I have to say that I was definitely enraged at what both of the women went through. I thought Woods did a great job of showing how the characters worked through their abuse, and let their healing shape who they became later on in their stories. Henry brought some awkward, comic relief to the story, and I loved that he also had some growth along the way. And, of course, I fell in love with Madame Bowden's character. Her eccentricities and no non-sense personality, were just so fun.

The magical realism and historical fiction themes of the book were a big draw for me. I loved that Opaline's bookshop had it's own personality, and the changes that took place in Martha's rooms, as the story went on. I also loved seeing Opaline's love for book collecting and how her journey took her from Paris to Dublin, and the other book lovers that she interacted with.

I did find that I was annoyed by Opaline's different love interests. She seemed to fall in love with each one the second that they met. I felt like she could have been a little more independent in that area, but I could see where Woods may have written it that way, because she was looking for love because of the loss of her father and the disdainful treatment by her brother.

Overall, I really enjoyed The Lost Bookshop and found it to be a delightful story that shares my love of the magic of books.

A story written in two timelines the past and the present. Opaline and Martha have their own difficulties and journeys, but the one thing they have in common is where they feel safe ... a disappearing bookshop. Magical realism is seeping through the books as readers are immersed in a world where a bookshop decides its own destiny.

I’m struggling how I feel with this book. So will take you through the timeline of the emotional roller coaster. That is The Lost Bookshop. 

It started out GREAT. Every book lovers dream. On the other side of that coin, I immediately picked up on feeling of being manipulated that somebody who loves to read would have a book written for readers. The next few pages or chapters, I realized the maturity of the writing wasn’t there. It didn’t feel well put together. There were some one-liners that could be grabbed/pointed out (another reviewers mentioned pulled out for marketing), but the overall flow of the book and the writing and the storyline was not cohesive. And I’m not even sure the lack of connection was the problem. I felt manipulated into gushing over this perfectly curated booktopia.

I feel the author took a list of all the things people who love to read obsess over. What is a book-girlie cliche?

Paris

Shakespeare and Company

classic authors

old books

knickknacks

old Victorian houses

romance

modern books, like Normal People

Trinity college

antique dealers

chasing down a lost manuscript

magic

poems

letters

sewing

WWII

[insert other typical things a book-nerd would swoon over]

The author took that list and made a story outline with each of these items listed as a point in the story. After creating a basic outline, she added filler in between. That is my theory of how this book was written. (Spoiler alert, she did miss coffee culture ha) Even as I say that (here comes a rollercoaster hill) - I was loving it!

Yet, the proof is in the pudding, as they say. The overall feeling I was left with was manipulated confusion. There are parts in the book, and I won’t give away any spoilers, that felt forcefully put into the plot with no real thought added to it. Scenarios felt as if they were just copy and pasted into an overall good storyline.

Overall, like I said, it’s a great book, a really great idea for a book, with great things that people who love to read, would love to read about. It was just too much, too forced, and the writing wasn’t mature enough (is that the right word?) to be able to put all of that together and make something that people love to read, would love to actually read.

All that saying, (again, rollercoaster) the author isn’t wrong in thinking that people who love to read, love to read about these things. I still loved some of the descriptions of the places the author was putting us in. There are such great moments and it’s all such a great idea that I couldn’t help myself being sucked into all of these places. The execution was just lacking. Or maybe it was just too much at once. I'm really not sure. I am sure that if you want to read an 'okay written book' about a bunch of things you'd love to read about ... read this book. You'll love it.

Amazon Link - The Lost Bookshop By: Evie Woods

Stats: 448 pages - First published June 22, 2023

***Thank you to Harper, NetGalley and of course, the author Evie Woods, for a  copy of the ARC in exchange for an honest review. Published Nov 2023.

I really enjoyed this book! It’s hard to describe what kind of book it is but it’s worth the read! It’s historical fiction, a little romance, self discovery turning into self confidence, and all about the love of books. I was struggling to keep up with the 3 narrator points of view that rotate each chapter. After awhile, it became easier and I could see how the one in the past was starting to fit in. I have been on a romance kick lately so I like how it was tied in but not the predominant storyline. It was also a very closed door romance - 1/5 for spice…a welcome reprieve.

Well developed characters and plot make this a charming and whimsical ode to books and bookshops.. This is a lovely story and fun to read.

Thank you, One More Chapter and NetGalley, for my free e-book for review.

The Lost Bookshop by Evie Woods is a true delight for any book lover. This captivating novel seamlessly blends historical fiction and magical realism, drawing readers into a world brimming with complex characters and intriguing mysteries.

At the heart of the story is Opaline, a strong-willed woman navigating the restrictions of a patriarchal society in her pursuit of independence and her passion for rare books. The author has crafted Opaline's journey with such poignancy that it's impossible not to feel deeply invested in her struggles and triumphs. She is the ultimate bibliophile's best friend, and her unwavering determination is both inspiring and heartbreaking.

Alongside Opaline's narrative, we are introduced to the equally compelling stories of Martha and Henry. Their individual tales carry a similar sense of sadness and depth, but it is their interactions and developing friendship that truly captivates. The moments of humor and awkwardness that punctuate their relationship add a delightful layer of authenticity.

While the central mystery surrounding the lost bookshop and the potential discovery of a lost Brontë manuscript keeps the pages turning, it is the interconnected lives of Opaline, Martha, and Henry that truly elevate this novel. The way their stories converge and intersect adds a wonderful twist that will satisfy readers deeply.

I had the pleasure of experiencing this book through both the written word and the audiobook format, and the narration by Avena Mansergh-Wallace, Olivia Mace, and Nick Biadon is simply outstanding, bringing the protagonists to life with remarkable skill.

If you're a fan of stories about strong women, complex family dynamics, and the magic of books, then "The Lost Bookshop" is an absolute must-read. Evie Woods has crafted a truly captivating and immersive tale that will linger in your mind long after the final page.

So not my favorite book. I liked the elements of it, it kept my attention, but I have quite a few plot points I felt went unanswered or incomplete. I enjoyed the multiple POVs and timelines, but overall, just an ok read.

Evie Woods, author of The Lost Bookshop, is a new find for me recently. I previously read her latest novel, The Story Collector, and decided to return to some of her earlier works. Part fantasy (light, in that something magical seems to happen but perhaps it's just in your imagination), part historical fiction, the characters and setting shine in the story. Set apart by nearly a century, two women suffer terrible losses and try to find a path forward. In some respects, they succeed. In others, they are haunted for the remainder of the life, most likely. I enjoyed the plot but felt one woman's story was incomplete and I prefer tighter connections between the past and the present. It also ended rather abruptly for my taste, but still enjoyable overall.

This book is the quintessential escape that readers hope to find in books. There is magic to the world around us that can be touched if you just have faith when you reach out. There is grounding in nature as the trees and earth provide what one needs just when it is needed. Hints of secrets that are just waiting to be discovered if you know where to look. The amount of research that went into this tale is evident in the historical information woven into the fiction. The parallel timelines hint to the connectedness of the people and events, foreshadowing of the future. Although there was so much sadness in the tale, it speaks of the conditions of the past and how powerless women were in that time. I found the tale to be one of hopes and dreams and survival despite the odds. The characters were so multifaceted, especially Madame Bowden, each with their own story that adds to the mosaic of the the Lost Bookshop (the place). I absolutely loved this book and recommend it to anyone who enjoys getting lost in the pages when reading!

I received a free e-arc of this book through Netgalley for my honest review and to read before I read the author's next book [book:The Story Collector|205899692] which will be published in September. I liked most of the characters actually and the theme behind them. It was fun to imagine a tree growing in the house.

I started off enjoying this book about a somewhat magical bookshop and the two interesting women who ran it separated by almost 100 years. Unfortunately, the plot devolved rapidly into a repetition of evil men chasing each of them and obvious misunderstandings (my least favorite plot device) separating each from love. I had to give up around 50% because it was getting tiresome. Sorry! I really wanted to like it but I can't.