THE LOST BOOKSHOP by Evie Woods

I was expecting to love this, but I did not. The premise of this story had so much potential, but the plot, characters and their actions just didn’t add up.

Henry, a PHD student, did not know how to do a simple online search for Opaline - what?! Martha didn’t know how libraries worked?! Martha doesn’t love books/reading, but enrolls in college to be a literary critic?! Continuity of the time period was not there. Cellphones were mentioned at one point, but never used. They sent mail or left notes instead. Additionally, the love interests felt forced and awkward at best.

I guess, if you ignore all of the above, this is a lightweight, cozy story for book lovers and readers. Good, but not great. YMMV.


Rating: 3/5 ⭐️

**ARC courtesy of Netgalley & HarperCollins360.

The Lost Bookshop is the story of Opaline, Henry, and Martha. Set in the early 1900’s, Opaline is looking to escape her brother and the arranged marriage he has set up for her. She leaves England and ends up in Paris working in a bookshop. Her brother finds her and with the help of friends, she ends up in Dublin. When she gets to Dublin, she becomes the new caretaker of a bookshop.

Martha and Henry find themselves in present day Dublin. Martha is escaping an abusive husband and Henry is looking for the Lost Bookshop of Opaline’s. As it turns out, the house where Martha has become the housekeeper, is around the same area Henry has gone in search of the bookshop. They team up to find out what happened to Opaline and the bookshop.

The was a great cozy story to kick off the fall season! Can’t wait to read Evie Woods next book The Story Collector!

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC of The Lost Bookshop!

Magical adventure that will sweep you off your feet! Set on a quiet street in Dublin, this enchanting tale follows Opaline, Martha, and Henry—three characters who have always felt like side characters in their own lives. But when they stumble upon a mysterious, vanishing bookshop, their lives take a turn for the extraordinary.

Woods’ writing is whimsical and captivating, drawing you into a world where books hold secrets and magic is just around the corner. The characters are wonderfully quirky and relatable, each with their own unique story that unfolds beautifully as they explore the hidden wonders of the bookshop.

The blend of mystery, historical fiction, and a sprinkle of romance makes this book a delightful read. It’s perfect for anyone who believes in the magic of books and the power of a good story. If you’re looking for a feel-good escape that will leave you with a smile, “The Lost Bookshop” is a must-read!

Thank you for the ARC @NetGalley. The Lost Bookshop is a very enjoyable read, going back and forth from present day to 1921-1950. I had a bit of a struggle keeping characters straight at the beginning, but soon got into the story. The book is a testament to the wonders of reading and books, and the magical realism added validation to the fact that books can literally transport you!
#TheLostBookshop #NetGalley

I give this book a 3/5 rating but it’s more like a 2.5 for me. Although I found some parts of the story entertaining and the overall concept one I was interested in, the writing style and pace of events had me procrastinating to finish this book. I also found this book to have a few plot holes that irked me. Overall, I was not thrilled by this book and feel it could’ve been done better.

"The Lost Bookshop" was an enjoyable read full of powerful characters. This book would make a great book club read and I highly recommend it!

How easy would it be to be lost the words of a book? This novel is a dual timeline with multi-point of views that explores the power of stories and the oppression of women. The Lost Bookshop is not the typical fast fiction that is regularly mass consumed. It is a work of art with lyrical prose and thought provoking discussions wrapped into a world with a hint of magical realism. It is artistry.

I read The Lost Bookshop with a book club & I’’m glad I did. While it was hard to read at times due to mistreatment of two of the main characters (which was handled respectfully by the author) it still managed to be a heartwarming and tender story. The magical realism added to the telling & I would be happy to read another by Evie Woods.

Opaline, Martha, and Henry are on paths to discover themselves and along the way, their paths collide. Opaline struggles as a female in a male dominated world, Martha is desperate to escape an abusive relationship, and Henry conforms to the world around him. A mystery of finding the lost bookshop on Ha’penny Lane takes the characters on a magical journey of self discovery.

The Lost Bookshop alternates between Opaline, Martha, and Henry in two different timelines. Opaline’s story spans across 1921 to 1952 and focused heavily on historical fiction, while Martha and Henry are in present day with elements of magical realism and contemporary romance. I enjoyed each of the three characters points of view, but I struggled with the disconnect between them and the odd pacing of the book.

Based on the description of this book and how it is marketed, I assumed this story’s main focus would be on the mystery of the lost bookshop itself, interlaced with magical realism. Quickly, I found that this story focuses on the main characters lives and the struggles they face, with little hints of mystery and magical realism. I was left disappointed at the end of the book with how little magic and mystery was involved as that is what drew me into the story to begin with. This story touches upon heavy topics, like abuse, alcoholism, war, and more. It is clear that these topics are a device to generate compelling backstories for the characters.

After reading this story, I was left with a bunch of questions that did not get addressed (or if they did I am unaware):

Martha has a tattoo on her back of the Bronte’s lost manuscript. This manuscript comes to her spontaneously and Martha is compelled to tattoo the lines on her back. In one instance, she rushes to the tattoo parlor only to find out she already has the same line tattooed on her back. How does she forget what is already written? Does she have a special power to help her see these lines? This does not seem to be addressed.

Who is Madame Bowen? When Martha’s mother visits, Martha insists she introduced her mother to her, but her mother insists otherwise. We also know that Henry has seen her too. What about the friends who were at her birthday party? Did they see her? Is Madame Bowen the soul of the bookshop? Is she a ghost? For a while I had considered that Bowen was Opaline, but I don’t think this is the case.

Who are the friends that Madame Bowen invites over? Are they even real?

How does the lost bookshop and flat interact with magical elements like the growing tree and books appearing in Martha’s room? I think this is less of a question but more of something I would like clarity on.

I think this book is perfect for someone who has struggled to find themselves. This book shows that you may feel lost but you are not, you are waiting to be seen by someone worthy to know the real you. Overall, it was a decent read but I was left wanting so much more. Thank you to NetGalley and Harper 360 for giving me the chance to read this as an ARC!

I really enjoyed this interesting story and fell in love with the unique characters. I’m always intrigued by novels told from different time periods and this one did not disappoint. While magical realism is not my go-to genre, I’m so thankful to have found this particular one. Thanks for a great story!

Wow, such a beautiful story. I also loved the magical aspects of it. Martha and Opaline were equally my favorite characters. I loved how determined and optimistic Opaline was. I loved how once Martha saw her worth, she went after what she wanted and tried hard. Leaning into her strengths and practicing to overcome her weaknesses was a beautiful thing to watch. I was amazed by this book and even gasped a few times. I truly loved how the story played out. Though I wish the ending would've been slightly different or more in-depth of Opaline or Master B. Overall, I enjoyed this book!

I received this book from Harper 360 and NetGalley to read/review. All of the statements above are my true opinions after fully reading this book.

3.5 rounded down. It was an interesting plot follow 3 separate people that found itself intertwining together. I will say I wasn't sure about the need to follow Henry's POV, could have just followed Opaline and Martha. A very magical feel to this book which is not my typical go to but I've found quite a few on the genre that I have enjoyed as of late. More of a thriller person so I need a lot of suspense to hold my attention.

Thank you to NetGallery and Harper Collins for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.

The Lost Bookshop
By: Evie Woods

5 Stars

Martha finds herself running from her marriage. While working as a housekeeper, she begins to find herself, and she finds Henry. Henry is searching for a mystical bookshop that is rumored to appear and disappear. The past and present collide when Martha and Henry cross paths and begin a journey that will change them both.

Wow. This was an awesome book. It won me over with the mysticism that surrounds the bookshop. It kept me hooked with the romance and magic that comes from life changing choices. This book is filled with mystery and romance while presenting not one story but two. The past and the present. Together, they make this story pure magic, and I was captivated from the beginning. I can't wait to get my hands on more from this author.

*I want to thank Netgalley and the author for this book in return for my honest review*

Stormi Ellis
Boundless Book Review

I thought this was a charming read and I enjoyed how the timelines weaved the story together. I really loved the characters of Opaline and Martha, as well as the way they reclaimed their agency and drive for life despite existing in different eras. This book fueled my desire to retire in some quaint village somewhere and run a bookstore!

This book is simply delightful. It alternates between two interconnected stories, both with main characters that you really want to get to know. There is a bit of everything, romance, mystery, familial relationships and mythical realism. I would highly recommend his book.

I really enjoyed this one! I loved the magic realism elements. At times it was heart wrenching and bittersweet. I loved getting to know the characters and seeing their relationships grow. A real ode to books and bookshops.

Thank you for the opportunity to provide honest feedback in exchange for this ARC.

The Lost Bookshop was an interesting story of three main characters, Opaline, Henry and Martha. Each character was very different and elicited different emotions as expected. I loved and related to Martha’s character and although I didn’t connect with Opaline at first, she grew on me as the book went on.

I enjoyed the magical realism but wish there was more explained about Martha’s ability.

Overall this was a captivating story that I look forward to rereading in the future.

This book was a great read! I enjoyed how the story went back and forth between the two eras. Very heartfelt and emotional. Thank you to NetGalley and the author for giving me access to this book!

Give me ALL the bookshop books! The characters will pull you in from the beginning as they always do with Evie Woods books. Multiple genres, timelines and themes. The magical realism cannot be beat!

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!

Evie Woods’ *The Story Collector* is a captivating blend of mystery, magic, and self-discovery, perfect for fans of *The Echo of Old Books* and *The Lost Apothecary*. Set on a quiet Dublin street, a hidden bookshop becomes the catalyst for change in the lives of Opaline, Martha, and Henry, who have long been side characters in their own stories. As they uncover the bookshop’s secrets, they embark on a journey of wonder and transformation, discovering that their own lives are just as extraordinary as the stories they cherish. This enchanting novel will charm anyone who loves the magic of books.