The Lost Bookshop is the first novel by Irish author, Evie Woods (who also writes as Evie Gaughan). In 1921, twenty-one-year-old Opaline Carlisle runs away to Paris to avoid the financially advantageous marriage her older brother Lyndon has arranged. With a love of literature instilled in her by her late father, Alfred, and a keen eye for a literary bargain, she funds her escape with the sale of a rare book, and ends up working at Shakespeare and Company.

Sylvia Beach introduces her to literary ephemera, and sets her on the path to becoming a literary sleuth with a particular interest in a possible second novel by her favourite author, Emily Bronte. Turns out that Lyndon Carlisle is persistent, though, she has to make another quick exit, and she ends up running the late Mr Fitzpatrick’s Nostalgia Shop at 11 Ha’penny Lane, Dublin, adding her books to his eclectic mix. The shop has a curious history and, Opaline begins to realise, a mind of its own.

In the present day, Martha Winter flees to Dublin from her small hometown in Sligo to escape her abusive husband. Soon enough, she’s living in the basement flat of Madame Bowden’s home at 12 Ha’penny Lane, cooking and keeping house. She tries to stay under the radar: no one in Sligo knows where she’s gone, and she’d like to keep it that way.

Londoner Henry Field is in Dublin following up a lead: a letter from rare book collector Abe Rosenbach to Opaline Gray mentions a lost Emily Bronte manuscript, and finding that would make his name in the world of rare books. Henry took a chance when he first arrived, going to the address despite his inebriation, and into the bookshop, but was then perplexed to find himself outside in the dark.

He’s gone back to 11 Ha’penny Lane several times, but there’s just a vacant block. And that’s where Martha spots him, just outside her basement window, no doubt a perv. He says he’s looking for a bookshop, maybe he’s a weirdo too. An attractive one, but still.

Woods delivers her story through three alternating narratives in two timelines, and readers will pick up on parallels between the stories. She drops plenty of clues for the reader to discover in how many ways the stories connect: some are fairly obvious, but there are also some splendid surprises. Minor roles are played by James Joyce, Ernest Hemingway, and one or two other famous literary names, and there’s a cameo by Alice Liddell.

While there are some truly awful ones, many of her characters have depth and appeal. Their dialogue is quick and clever and entertaining, and she gives some of them wise words insightful observations. There’s sweet romance and passion and heartbreak; there are quirky, magical things like a tree that offers books, tattoos that write themselves, and a sewing box with a secret. A truly marvellous read.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Harper Collins UK/One More Chapter.

'In a place called lost
Strange things are found'

What a truly magical read. I loved every minute of this charming dual timeline story set in the 1920's and present day. It has a little bit of everything- intrigue, mystery, books, love and romance. An all round heart warming story to be read anywhere. Highly recommend you enter 'The Lost Bookshop'. Thanks to the author, publisher and netgalley for an arc.

I loved this book and the characters of Opaline and Martha. Their stories are set in different times but have many similarities - particularly the abuse they receive, Opaline from her brother and Martha from her husband. The stories run in parallel linked by the bookshop. Definitely a book worth reading. Thanks to NetGalley, the author and publisher for the advanced ebook.

The Lost Bookshop by Evie Woods is an interesting story. It is told from three points of view (Opaline, Martha, and Henry) and from two time periods (1921 and the present day). The story does contain good writing. I found the pacing to be slow especially in the middle (it dragged). The book is too long (407 pages). I can tell that the author loves books based on her beautiful descriptions of the bookstore and books. I can certainly relate to that special feeling you get each time you enter a bookstore. The wonderful smell of the paper and ink. You never know who you will meet or where you will go when you pick up a book. Opaline created a special bookstore with creative displays. It is a tragedy what happened to her (I am not going to tell you). The laws in early twentieth century were archaic and gave men too much leeway over the women in their “care”. There are a number of characters, and it can be difficult to keep them all straight. The bookshop with its magic is intriguing. I especially liked the stained-glass windows with their changing scenes. I felt for Opaline, but I had trouble relating to Martha and Henry (I was not a fan of Henry). The story had, of course, romance (I would have preferred two woman who came into their own and carved their own path). I was not a fan of the intimate scenes. The story does contain foul language (quite a bit). Those who have suffered physical or mental abuse will find triggers in the story. There are various things that happen without explanation. I can understand letting a couple of things be mysterious, but all of them. It becomes frustrating. The last twenty percent is the best (if you make it that far). I like how everything came together. The ending was expected because the storylines are similar to those I have read in other novels. The Lost Bookshop has mystery, love, magic, and books. Three strangers who discover their stories by unlocking the secrets of a special bookstore. I wanted to like The Lost Bookshop, but I found it tedious to wade through it (long and slow). The Lost Bookshop is a book for bibliophiles with beloved books, a Parisian paramour, a brutal brother, a helpful position, an absent bookshop, phantastic happenings, and a magical culmination.

Thank you NetGalley and HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter for granting me access to this book in exchange for an honest review.

PHENOMENAL!! This book is utter perfection!! A definite masterpiece!! I absolutely loved this book so much!! It surpassed all my expectations! I was hooked from the very beginning and could not put it down. I can easily say it is one of my favorite reads EVER! Who doesn't like a story about books and a mysterious missing bookstore?!

Welcome to the charming and magical world of wonder and mystery! The story is set during two time periods in history and by three narrators. Sometimes I struggle with dual timelines because I normally tend to be more interested in one over the other. However, that is not the case with "The Lost Bookshop." I was so engrossed and found myself flipping through the pages as fast as I could to know how these two timelines would be woven together.

One timeline is told from the point of view of Opaline starting in the 1921 in which she flees London when her abusive brother tries to force her to marry a man she has not even met because the family needs money. She uses her love and knowledge for books to get a job at the "Shakespeare and Company" bookshop. Again Opaline is forced to run! Unfortunately, she lived during the horrific times when women were considered the property of family or husband.

The second timeline is told from the point of views of Martha and Henry in the present. Martha flees from her abusive husband and finds herself in Dublin and begins working for Ms. Bowden as a live in housekeeper. Henry is a Ph.D. candidate researching a missing manuscript and he believes a bookshop used to be next door to Martha's residence. Strangely, no physical evidence or maps show that a bookshop ever existed on Ha'penny Lane. When he meets Martha, he is instantly attracted to her.

Overall, this is a unique and mesmerizing love story filled with heartbreak, romance, mystery, magic, hope and courage. I loved all the literary references and all the books within the book were just perfection. This kind of story reminds me why I love reading!💜💜💜💜💜

"In a place called lost, strange things are found."

The thing about books, she said, "is that they help you to imagine a life bigger and better than you could ever imagine."

TW: Domestic violence

Thanks to the Publisher and Netgalley for an early review copy.

I loved this beautiful book. It’s set in two time periods, and is about the lives of two women, Martha and Opaline, all their happiness and sadness that happened.

The two stories to come together, eventually. Throughout the story, there is a hunt to find a book that’s written by Emily Brontë, as well as some magic.

I recommend this book.

Thank you to NetGalley and publisher for the ARC.
Loved this book. Really creative and enjoyable to read. I put in a request for the audio version as well. Sometimes books like this are even better in audio!

While I appreciated the bits of magic thrown into part of the story, I really couldn't get into this book. I felt such a disconnect with the characters and the story itself, when I put it down I didn't mind not picking it up again.

I received a temporary digital copy of The Lost Bookshop by Evie Woods from NetGalley, One More Chapter and the author in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

There are many bookshop stories, but I found The Lost Bookshop to be incredibly enchanting. The three stories - Opaline, Martha and Henry - were engaging and I found I truly enjoyed all three, rooting for their successes. I loved the theme of female empowerment and finding one's voice in a sea of men trying to silence the women. The magical elements of The Lost Bookshop worked. Five stars for Evie Woods and a strong recommendation for one to read The Lost Bookshop.

There is a lost bookshop waiting to be found in Dublin.
Opaline, Martha and Henry all have their own stories to tell but are intertwined through the ages.
Will the bookshop be found? and what tales will it reveal about itself and also about themselves?

What a fascinating read this was. I loved how the author wove the two timelines together with the three main characters' points of view, it flowed well and brought the story to life. A mixture of fantasy, mystery, romance and history this story has it all and to top it all it has books; the theme running through it all is words and books.

I became very engrossed in the lives of Opaline, Martha and Henry and their unfolding story. I loved the magic in the house, the mystery slowly unfolding. The characters are well-developed and I became very invested in their lives and the outcome of their stories; which is always a sign of a well-written book. The villains were truly unlikeable too, just to add to the story.

This is a magical read with so much going on but still so easy to read. This book is a must for lovers of stories about books, stories with some magic to them and a great storyline.

‘In a place called lost, strange things are found.’

Story Books. Emily Bronte. Irish Magic! All topics I dearly love. Along with bookshops— mysterious and everlasting. This story shines with originality and creative vision. The author has an amazing imagination and has delivered one of the most unique novels I have ever read.

Opaline, Martha and Henry are intriguing characters and they each share in the storytelling. With three viewpoints, including one from the past, we are immersed in a world of wonder and magnificent prose. I enjoyed following their journeys, some of which are quite heart-breaking and others inspiring and thought-provoking, too. This novel covers so many topics I could not possibly mention them all as I would end up writing a book discussing them. I will say, this is a novel to be lovingly read by book lovers and literature seekers. It cannot be pigeonholed into one genre for it embraces many: mystery, crime, romance, fantasy, fairy-tale, women’s fiction, historical fiction with its dual timelines. In some ways it is like reading a number of books at once! But the past and present stories come together in poetic justice for a satisfying end. And the three perspectives fold into one triumphant song. And all the topics weave together into a fascinating tapestry (with the inclusion of the Book of Kells!). One mystery gives way to another, and the flow of eternal memories keep on in an endless story. There’s lots of symbolism drawn from a vast reservoir of literature in this novel and it will take you into rooms and tunnels you might not have imagined.

‘The thing about books,’ she said, ‘is that they help you to imagine a life bigger and better than you could ever imagine.’ They definitely do and this book shows you the larger than life side of reading. We get to indulge, imagine and transcend the ordinary while passing into extraordinary realms for ‘books are like portals.’

This is a story about lost things waiting to be found. People trying to find themselves, too, and each other. Relationships that phase in and out. Some remain, some disappear. Organic learning at its best.

Being set mostly in Ireland, the Book of Kells is explored to my delight. Other topics less attractive are marital abuse, women being property of men and how they could just put a woman away for no legitimate reason. Women lacked freedom in business, too. Opaline was a rare book dealer but there were men who did not take her seriously or tried to undercut her. But she is wise, driven and daring. I admired her strength, intelligence and problem-solving skills.

Martha is special, too. In a different way. She has a gift of reading people’s emotions, finding out their secrets. But nobody liked her trespassing their private moments. So she ‘learned to hide these thoughts’ and ‘hid them so well’ she forgot where she put them. She is in an abusive broken marriage. Her self-esteem is shot. Repercussions arise from such emotional and physical battering. Initially she feels she is undeserving of good things and this self-depreciation follows her like a shadow. But she continues to hope for better until she realises this makes her miserable. She must choose between hope and happiness. But love is on her doorstep. Can she embrace it?

Opaline, 1921. An English woman in Paris with broken French and no major skills seeking employment. She is lost in a crowd but at home among books. They calm her: give her an ‘unflinching sense of stability and groundedness’. Because words have survived, she somehow believes she will, too. I could relate to Opaline frequently for she gets a certain feeling when peering into bookshops. She battles the urge to buy more books, something all book lovers deal with every day. It is a craving to enter other worlds between the pages where realities may be different from our own. Thankfully she gets a job in a bookshop where she must learn the business from the ground up. She discovers that books, manuscripts, prints, etchings and letters only become rare when they are hard to find and in demand. When asked who her favourite author is, her answer is Emily Bronte. (This revelation warms my heart.) Then she is prodded. What questions would she ask the creator of Wuthering Heights? Opaline ponders: was she happy or sad, did she ever fall in love? Did she begin writing a second novel and if so, what happened to it? Her boss says she has the question, now she must begin searching for the answer. That means becoming a Literary sleuth: a skill vital in this business. So, this is the sacred quest she tackles and everything in the story revolves around it. The author provides us with wonderful moments as Opaline visits the Bronte home which echo my own written words. And she discovers an unexpected treasure. Eventually the Bronte question leads us from the past to the present and to Henry who is searching for this manuscript that Emily may have written or started before her death.

Who is Henry? We ask this from the start when we see him outside on the street where Martha lives staring at the numbers hoping to locate a certain bookshop that seems to have disappeared. He embarks on a journey that changes his life, once meeting Martha. I will say no more about him for discovery is part of the fun in this story.

As with fairy-tales and mysteries, there are villains of varying shades. Not just black and white. Nor is anything in this novel. It is filled with colour, mystery, magic and even mayhem.

This is a novel for lovers of books. So many great ones, along with their authors, are mentioned throughout. Its premise proves that books can take us anywhere our imaginations conjure. Yes, even to a lost bookshop that appears to a special few. Chosen ones or believers?

This is a powerful and enriching imaginative story that had me glued to its pages, wrapped in the arms of its glorious prose. A must-read for the heart that likes to step beyond boundaries. Below, I have quoted a few shining lines of wisdom from this magnificent novel by Evie Woods that I positively and passionately recommend.

5 Magical Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

‘Lost is not a hopeless place to be. It is a place of patience, of waiting. Lost does not mean gone forever. Lost is a bridge between worlds, where the pain of our past can be transformed into power…A story handed down through memory, lives that reveal themselves to you without words, books that breathe knowledge softly in your ear…nostalgia rescued and reborn into a new life…’

Many thanks to One More Chapter and Netgalley for my review copy

I am always drawn to a book that takes place in a bookshop. I also love books with a little bit of magic thrown in for good measure. So, The Lost Bookshop was a home-run for me and literally covered all the bases. It jumps back and forth between present time and the 1920's-1940's in Dublin Ireland. This story has heart, mystery, misery, and love. I did not want it to end. I definitely am looking forward to reading more from Evie Woods.
Thank you for an ARC of The Lost Bookshop in exchange for my honest review.

Booklovers like me are unable to resist reading something with “bookshop” in the title. This one is absolutely with the read! Told from 3 perspectives is the story of love, family, strength courage and a mysterious charming bookshop.
Thank you NetGalley and HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.

I’d like to thank NetGalley and One More Chapter for approving me for an ARC of this book. I buddy read this with my lovely friend Bex and thoroughly enjoyed our chat as we listened.

🎧 If you are a fan of audiobooks then I strongly suggest you give this one a go. The narration is perfection! Our three main characters are three different narrators, all of which give a fantastic performance and really bring the story to life.

🧔🏻‍♂️Of our three characters I loved Henry the most. His gentle nature and sense of humour often had me giggling away. He was an old soul in a young body, complete with all the gentleman mannerisms. Martha and Opaline were fantastic too but I had a sweet spot for Henry.

📚A book about books will always be a winner for me but the added magical element was refreshing. When you team that with a search for a lost bookshop, you know you are in for a real treat. Fans of the Bronte family history will love this one.

⌛The dual timeline helps keep the pace going throughout. The constant flipping back and forth gave the book more tension and certainly allowed my mind to create many different theories along the way.

Thank you to Netgalley for the l this ARC in exchange for my personal review.

This book was absolutely delightful! There are so many passages that I had to highlight! Let's start off with the characters:

O: a brilliant woman who suffered so much trauma and yet ended peacefully with love. I would have liked to have seen her find her daughter, but that is eventually done. Her own storyline was well developed, well split up in terms of people in her life, and well concluded. I loved the justice of L's death. Even though it was ultimately the style of the crimes he committed, cowardly. I would have liked to have seen the Fallout of him reading the journal articles. I think that really would have been icing on the cake. I loved A bit also thought he was a flight risk, that eventually penned out as so. How about the man who ends up carrying or helping her heart, is really the hero in this story and how ironic that he was also a pow just like her. And I say just like her because she was in her own way, as her brother/father continued to trap her, fight her, kidnap her, do all of the vicious things that really gave him the perfect villain Persona in the story.

M: the long descendant of O, who has her own gifts and is our initial narrator. Her story was also born of tragedy but ended in love. I DESPISED her husband and fell like he got his just desserts. I do wonder why her mother was sort for all this time and then suddenly started speaking. Her relationship with her mother was estranged but then fine? That was a confusing part for me, or how I read it but it was such a small part that it is what it was. I didn't have a picture of her until more midway through the book when ul she's described with blonde hair and blue eyes. I had her in my head as a brunette and H as a blonde. When it's actually reversed. I love that she finally got back to University. I can only imagine the PTSD from her husband and What that did to her. This eventually turns into a book adversity which she slowly gets over in this story. I thought the tattoo was a unique way to bring in the manuscript. I liked her gift but it was still confusing because it was lightly touched on yet almost fully revealed by the end of the chapter.


H: I'm still trying to determine his place but essentially in researching he helps put all the pieces together of both sorts and her is where it ends up connecting (in my mind). He did pull some typical male characteristics in being attracted to her and yet he ended up leaving his fiance for her? I mean is it really going to happen that soon in a story? Like you just met somebody and all of a sudden leaving the person that you've been with for however long. I mean it is what it is and I thought it was still a good storyline. I'm still trying to figure out why his sister was in the mix but I think that was just part of character development and his dad never pops back up after the talk that they have. So he could have been developed a little bit better, but at the same time I still enjoyed the little bit of story that he did have because he wasn't really the main character to me both of the other two were main characters and main story tellers, he was just putting things together.

I loved this story. It was evenly placed and almost each chapter ended in a cliffhanger or a A-HA! moment. There are so many beautiful and historical book references in this book, some of which I've read, that melted my little Grinch heart 💚. Interesting parts I highlighted:

"I learned something in that moment; you’re on your own in this world. No one is coming to save you. People don’t suddenly change, say they’re sorry and begin to treat you with respect. They are a jumble of hurt and pain and they will take it out on whomever they can. I had to save myself." ( this is so true! A deep realization!)

"That’s what was making me miserable: the hoping. I realised then that I would have to give up one or the other, happiness or hope." (This part was very touching. So many people go through the same routings but don't put it into words such as this)

" I recalled a book I had found at the bottom of a bargain bin in a charity shop near Camden. Something about the memories of buildings and how the walls are infused with them. They never forget, what we, as mere mortals, misplace. I hadn’t thought of it since, until now." (What a deep thought! )

"I looked around almost feeling guilty. It was the middle of the day and here I was acting like… what? A free woman, I supposed. Just then, I felt something I hadn’t experienced in a long time. It was like my heart was smiling. So I moved on to the shoe department and picked out some black slip-ons. Then I spotted some black capri pants and I hooked them over my arm to bring to the changing rooms. I found a white blouse that looked sort of professional and I even bought a red hairband with white polka dots! I was so impressed with myself and my good eye that I threw caution to the wind and picked up a new backpack, so I could get rid of the duffle bag I’d had since secondary school. I tried everything on and put my old clothes in the duffle bag. I took the tags up to the till, just like you’d see in the movies, and felt the thrill of starting my life right there." (I thought this was beautifully written and I could really FEEL this moment!)

"‘Here we are, sir. The Meisterstück Le Petit Prince edition.’ It was beautiful. A burgundy-coloured case with a tiny gold star on the clip. ‘As you can see, it’s engraved with a quote from the book.’ I read it aloud. ‘“ On ne voit bien qu’avec le cœur.”’" (BEAUTIFUL BOOK REFERENCE!!!!)

"‘Hello?’I whispered, feeling slightly ridiculous. Perhaps a cat had come in through an open window. I walked to the rear of the shop where the noise had come from. There was a modest glass cabinet of books, its doors open and a tome lying on the floor. The temperature was so cold and I was in my bare feet, so I bent to pick it up and replace it quickly. A cursory glance at the cover almost made my heart stop –Dracula, by Bram Stoker. A terrifying image of a vampire was on the cover. I looked around the shop. All was quiet now. I replaced the book and turned to go back downstairs when another thud made me jump. Looking back, I saw the book on the floor once more. ‘That’s very strange,’I said out loud, trying to sound calm. The very fact that I thought someone (or something) was listening confirmed my state of mind. I picked up the book and once again spoke out loud. ‘Yes, I think I shall take a book to bed,’I said with a little uncertainty, before bringing it back downstairs with me. I read until the candle extinguished, terrified, exhilarated and unsure whether the book was a warning or an invitation."(The anticipation of what it could be!!!)

This is just a small sample of the things that I highlighted in this book because every single thing that I highlighted either had a reference or it was a beautiful setting that I could absolutely feel. The atmospherics in this book were delightful. I felt like I was in the story the whole time and there was no part of it where I was an outsider looking in. I felt like I was sitting there and I was with these people through everything, including the good and the bad.

To give you an idea of how much I loved this book, I'll tell you more, it got me out of one of the worst book slumps I have ever been in.

Posted to Goodreads also.

I just can't go past a book with 'Bookshop' in the title! And I am certainly glad I didn't go past this one as it was such a delight to read in so many ways. And I'm just not sure where to start with this review as I loved it all.

London 1921 and present day stories bring this book to life and brings magic and joy to reading. Opaline, Martha and Henry are wonderful characters who bring so much to this story and are wonderfully well thought out characters. Love the historical aspects and even though it is dual-timeline it certainly isn't confusing at all. It is easy to read and flows well between the two times.

Magical, charming, captivating and fun. Loved it.


Thank you NetGalley and HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.

An intriguing and captivating story that was beautiful to read. On a quiet street in Dublin, a lost bookshop is waiting to be found. When a vanishing bookshop casts its spell, three unsuspecting strangers: Opaline, Martha and Henry discover their own stories are every bit as extraordinary as the ones they find in the books they love. And by unlocking these secrets, they are transported to a world of wonder where nothing is as it seems. A book that will capture your heart. Thank you to NetGalley, Harper Collins UK One More Chapter and the author for the chance to review.

Well I don't know where to start as an avid bookworm I couldn't wait to start this and wow it didn't disappoint
What a beautiful read, lovely charecters and a wonderful story, enjoyed every page

Thank you to NetGalley and Publishers for this ecopy of The Lost Bookshop.

I'm a regular reader of fantasy, so every now and then I like to change my genres and read something different. The lost Bookshop was perfect! I loved it so much.
Evie Woods is a fantastic writer and she manages to capture your attention from the beginning of the novel with the mystery. I really liked our characters they were created with a realistic dimension to them. This novel was written really well, It not only told the story, but it also pulled you in bringing the story to life. I loved the twists and turns throughout and was pleasantly surprised by some revelations.
The different point a views were an excellent way to dive deeper into the story and I loved Opaline, Martha and Henry.
Madame Bowden was so intriguing, I just loved her character.

I really enjoyed this read and recommend it to everyone.