In The Lost Bookshop, we have two timelines, and three main characters - Opaline, Martha and Henry. We move between 1921 and present day as each character tells their story. Some stories really are love letters to the power of books, and this gorgeous story is certainly one of those.

There's intrigue, there's an ethereal quality to the plot and there's certainly passion - for books, and for people.

Opaline was a formidable and courageous woman, forging her way ahead at a time when to do so was almost impossible.

Martha is escaping an abusive relationship.

Henry is searching for a lost manuscript and a lost bookshop.

As this story reveals more about each character, we begin to see how all their stories interweave and this was very clever. As was adding little snippets of real people and real places such as the famous Shakespeare and Company bookshop in Paris, to the story.

A really warm and wonderful story for book lovers, romantics and anyone who wants to feel uplifted.

Opaline is a young girl who escapes her tyrannical brother, Lyndon and tries to set up her dream business in the book dealer trade. She has to keep on her toes to avoid Lyndon and ends up in Paris in 1921 working in a little book store that she eventually comes to own.

A few decades later, Martha is the owner of Opalines Bookstore, and when a young boy ventures into the store, she tells him the tale of Opaline's life.

Interspersed with Opalines story, we learn Marthas history - how as a young woman was also running from an abusive husband and ends up in Paris, working as a housemaid for a strange elderly woman.

When Henry arrives on her doorstep to find a lost bookstore, they are both drawn into the magical fantasy that seems to link with Opalines story.

The more Martha and Henry try to uncover Opalines history, the more entwined they become in it,

As a self-proclaimed bookworm, I have come across many stories that have captured my heart and imagination, but none have ever quite touched me the way The Lost Bookshop by Evie Woods did. This book is a beautiful ode to the power of books, the magic of lost things, and the stories that define our lives.

The Lost Bookshop is set in Dublin and centers around three seemingly ordinary people: Opaline, Martha, and Henry. Each of them feels as though they are the side characters in their own lives, yearning for something more, something magical, something extraordinary. And that's where the lost bookshop comes in. It's a place that seems to exist outside of time and space, where books that have been long forgotten wait patiently to be rediscovered. And when Opaline, Martha, and Henry stumble upon it, they find themselves on an unforgettable journey that will change their lives forever.

What makes this book so special is the way it weaves together multiple storylines and themes to create a rich tapestry of human experience. At its core, The Lost Bookshop is about the transformative power of stories, both the ones we read and the ones we live. It's about the magic of lost things, the way they can transport us to another time and place and help us to discover ourselves in new and unexpected ways. And it's about the universal longing we all have for something more, something that will make our lives feel complete and meaningful.

The characters in this book are wonderfully complex and nuanced, and their journeys are deeply emotional and impactful. Opaline is a lonely widow who has given up on life, but her rediscovery of the lost bookshop and the stories it holds allows her to connect with the world in a way she never thought possible. Martha is a struggling artist who is weighed down by the expectations of others, but her time at the bookshop allows her to explore her own creativity and find her true voice. And Henry is a lost soul who has been running from his past for years, but his encounters at the bookshop help him to confront his demons and find a way to move forward.

Throughout all of this, Evie Woods' writing is simply breathtaking. Her prose is lyrical and evocative, capturing the magic and wonder of the lost bookshop perfectly. Her descriptions of the books themselves are particularly enchanting, making you feel as though you too are holding a forgotten treasure in your hands.

Overall, I cannot recommend The Lost Bookshop enough. It's a beautifully crafted novel that will speak to anyone who has ever lost themselves in the pages of a good book or yearned for something more in life. It's a story that will transport you to another world and make you feel like anything is possible. And it's a testament to the enduring power of stories, the way they can shape our lives and transform our hearts.

A magical story , partly mythical told from different viewpoints and in different time periods. The main characters are Opalene and Martha (and Henry) . The connection between them all is books and the book is mostly set in Dublin.
I am not usually drawn to fantasy type booksand was not sure about this one when I started reading it , but it was easy to get into and the story drew me in . It is not all sweetness and light . The unexpected happenings do make sense and although the story has something of a fairytale about it, it is not too twee. There are serious issues such as the treatment of women and ww1 cowardice add a gritty aspect .
Thanks to Net Galley for the opprtunity to read this book. I enjoyed it very much.

A magical story that unfolds from the perspective of three primary characters--Opaline, Martha, and Henry--one of whom is separated by a century.

Following the death of her beloved father and to escape a marriage arranged by her brother, Opaline hastily utilizes her quick-wittedness to narrowly escape and pursue her own interests and dreams.

A century later, Martha--fleeing a dangerous husband--finds a job as housekeeper in a grand home to an enigmatic lady. Her path soon crosses with Henry, a PhD candidate pursuing a lost manuscript and other information related to one of the greatest book dealers of the 20th century.

Soon, their lives' are quickly entwined. Twists and turns abound from cover to cover as truth is revealed bit by bit. The writing is quite lovely, and the story kept drawing me in each time I had to put it down. Literary lovers will especially enjoy this clever story.

Thanks to #NetGalley and #HarperCollinsUK #OneMoreChapter for the ARC ebook.

Publication date: 22 June 2023

A book focused on a lost bookshop waiting to be found.

The Lost Bookshop is told from multiple timelines, and three people's points of view. One set just after the first war and the other present day, All the characters are obsessed with books, and the present day timeline is searching for the shop mentioned in the historical setting.

The two timelines seamlessly intersect giving the reader a story about love, magic and piece of history that would transform the literary world. Opaline, Martha and Henry are incredibly well written as they travel to Paris, London and Dublin.

Thank you HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter, for the complimentary copy.

Thank you to Netgalley and One More Chapter for an advanced copy in return for an honest review.
I really wanted to love this book to give it a 5 star, the title and the proposed cover pulled me in. The magic of books! The story was of a dual timeline, Martha in the present and Opaline in the past (1921). There was alot going on that became somewhat distracting for me but that's not necessarily going to be the same for someone else.
If you love a bit of historical fiction with some magic thrown in you will love it.
Evies (the author) writing is mesmerising. Give this a go!

Are you a bibliophile who's always on the lookout for a captivating read that can transport you to different worlds? Look no further than "The Lost Bookshop" by Evie Woods. This delightful book follows the journey of three strangers - Opaline, Martha, and Henry - and their experiences as they unlock the secrets of a vanishing bookshop. The book is a beautiful ode to the power of books and reading. In this blog post, we'll delve into the intricacies of this fascinating read, exploring its themes, characters, and overall impact.

The Lost Bookshop is a unique and thought-provoking read that offers its readers a journey through time. The book takes its readers on a whimsical journey through different timelines without much confusion, as the author seamlessly blends the different storylines into one narrative.

One of the standout elements of this book is the remarkable character development, with Opaline, Martha and Henry each being multidimensional, likeable and relatable in their own way. The interplay between these characters and their relationships with one another spring to life off the page, making for an engaging read.

The importance of living life on your own terms is a major theme throughout the book, as each main character struggles to take control of their life and not be controlled by the men in their life. The author highlights the importance of personal agency through these characters, showcasing that the key to happiness and fulfilment rests in one's own hands.

The central plot of The Lost Bookshop centres on the search for a lost bookshop, but what makes this book so fascinating is how the author approaches this concept. The book is not just about a physical bookshop but about bookshops as objects of meaning, memory, and history. The interplay between the characters and books, as well as the discussion of classic literature such as the Brontë sisters' work, adds a fascinating layer of depth to the narrative.

One of the key takeaways from this book is the power that books hold over us, as they can transport us to different worlds, ideas, and perspectives. The story of The Lost Bookshop is itself a beautiful homage to the transformative power of reading.


The Lost Bookshop is an enchanting read that captivates its readers from beginning to end. The vivid characters, intricate plot, and gripping themes create a memorable and impactful reading experience. Evie Woods has created a beautiful tribute to the art of reading and books. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a good, thought-provoking read. The Lost Bookshop is a must-read for book lovers everywhere!

You had me at the title, but the story didn’t disappoint. I love books about books, bookshops, book merchants, researchers, and libraries. I love them even more when they are set in England and Ireland. Books are at the heart of this story, but it is so much more.

The story is told from three perspectives, in different timelines. Opaline, Martha, and Henry are all searching for something, but what they find is independence, safety, and courage.

The characters are complex and courageous, and the story is compelling and engaging. The Lost Bookshop contains heart, hope, and a sense of magic.

**3.5 Stars**

The Lost Bookshop by Evie Woods is a heartwarming historical fiction novel with just the right amount of magical realism to cast a spell over readers.

ABOUT THE BOOK
“The thing about books,’ she said ‘is that they help you to imagine a life bigger and better than you could ever dream of.’
On a quiet street in Dublin, a lost bookshop is waiting to be found…
For too long, Opaline, Martha and Henry have been the side characters in their own lives.
But when a vanishing bookshop casts its spell, these three unsuspecting strangers will discover that their own stories are every bit as extraordinary as the ones found in the pages of their beloved books. And by unlocking the secrets of the shelves, they find themselves transported to a world of wonder… where nothing is as it seems.”

REVIEW
As a reader, I thoroughly enjoyed the premise of The Lost Bookshop, which explores the transformative power of books. The historical storyline featuring Opaline from 1921 was particularly captivating, shedding light on the treatment of women during that time. These chapters were my favourite, as they offered a fascinating glimpse into the past. I also relished the numerous literary references and the charming setting of an old bookshop filled with hidden secrets. The incorporation of magical elements added an extra layer of mystery that I personally found enjoyable.

But I must admit that the plot became a bit convoluted for me. The inclusion of dual timelines, three first-person narrators with alternating chapters, a missing manuscript, and a mysterious bookshop created an overwhelming number of details and events that, at times, felt unnecessary and hindered the overall pacing of the story.

Despite this, The Lost Bookshop remains a delightful and enchanting read, highlighting the ways in which we uncover hidden parts of ourselves through books. Many readers, including myself, will find it relatable and appealing.

I would like to express my gratitude to NetGalley, Harper Collins UK, and One More Chapter for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions shared here are entirely my own.

This story feels like a love letter to books. It is a magical, redemptive, and feel good story.

In the 1920s, we follow Opaline who is trying to make a name for herself in the rare books business. In the present day, Martha finds refuge after fleeing an abusive husband and encounters Henry, a Ph.D. candidate searching for a lost bookshop and an elusive manuscript. Reiterating between the past and present, paths collide in unexpected ways.

I’ve been really liking books about overcoming our past and the journey to what we are destined for. This book gave me all the vibes I was looking for. My only issue was I wanted more. The story ended too suddenly and felt really abrupt. In any case, if you like books about books and want a feel good story, consider picking this one up!

Thanks so much to Netgalley, One More Chapter, and HarperCollins for my digital review copy in exchange for an honest review.

This was a super cute book. It was told from three different perspectives, with one in the past and two intermingled in the present. I loved how they all came together and ended up being intertwined. For Henry and Martha, it was obvious, but Opaline was the past point of view and I was curious if and how she played into the present. When they did end up coming together, it was almost at the very of the book, but it was worth the wait. I loved the elements of historical fiction that were mixed in, it was done in a subtle way but still interesting. I loved the undertones of magic that the book had interwoven within the pages.

Thank you so much to HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter, and Netgalley @netgalley, for an e-arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to #Netgalley and #OneMoreChapter for the copy of #TheLostBookshop by #EvieWoods
This is a magical book spanning different time zones and switching between the real and the magical.
A story of love, hopes and dreams and the journey to reach the place you belong.
Magic !

Opaline Carlisle (1920s) - comes from a wealthy family but escaped from them due to her elder brother's domineering attitude and the arranged marriage that he insists upon. She escapes England and travels to Paris, where she finds employment at the infamous Shakespeare and Company book store. Later, she is forced to flee again, this time from Paris to Ireland, where she becomes the owner of a bookshop in Dublin. Opaline is an ardent fan of the Brontë sisters and she is searching for the rumoured second novel of Emily Brontë. Her story takes a tragic turn when her loathesome brother finds out where she is...

Martha Winter (present day) - an abused wife who has left her husband and is terrified he will find her. She has found work as a cleaner/house-servant for an elderly, wealthy and mysterious woman named Mrs. Bowden. Martha has very little self esteem, and inexplicably, an aversion to books. However, it seems that a story is gradually revealing itself to her. As it does, she gets the words tattooed on her back. Eventually her relationship with books improves.

<i>"Books no longer troubled me in the same way and the stories they held within had become invitations rather than warning signs. It was like I'd been given the key to a locked door."</i>

Henry Field (present day) - an academic from London who is searching for Emily Brontë's missing manuscript AND the lost bookshop. Henry has been in the bookshop on Ha'penny Lane in Dublin, but only the once. Now he finds it has vanished... Did he imagine the bookshop, or did he really enter its doors? Henry meets Martha who lives on Ha'penny Lane right next door to where the bookshop SHOULD be. He is immediately attracted to Martha, yet he is already in a relationship. Also, Martha is still married to her abusive husband.

<i>"A Place Called Lost"</i>

With many references to works of literature, this novel is sure to be appreciated by bibliophiles. It has elements of a love story, historical fiction, a touch of mystery, and some magical realism. The historical timeline was very interesting to read, yet it was distressing. The early 1920s was a time when women were mere chattel of the male members of their family. Their gender ensured they had no social standing or power.

This book will be treasured by literary sleuths, book collectors, and bibliophiles alike. Yes, it strains credibility, but what is magic... but imagination set free.

"The Lost Bookshop" was an enchanting and memorable read. Recommended!

4.5 charming stars

Another wonderful story with books, hidden bookshops, magical realism, and engaging characters.

We have two sets of characters in this one on different timelines. We have Opaline in the older storyline in the 1920s, she’s on the run from an arranged marriage that she wants no part of. She lands in Paris and eventually finds work at a bookstore, the perfect place as she loves books, especially the Bronte sisters. Forced to flee again, she lands in Dublin and finds happiness for a time running her own bookshop.

Martha and Henry are in the more contemporary storyline. Martha has left her town and escaped an abusive husband when she finds a job as a housekeeper for Madame Bowden. She crosses paths with Henry as he tries to find an elusive magical bookshop.

Speaking of Madame Bowden, I loved her character, she’s a retired actress and provides an amazing refuge for Martha when she needs it most with a dash of magic thrown in.

I was curious how these timelines and characters would intersect, and I did guess correctly. I grew to root for these characters to find happiness despite what fate had in store for them.

"In a place called lost, strange things are found."
The Lost Bookshop was a book I picked and up and didn't put down until done. It grabs you from the beginning and carries you along as Henry searches for the lost bookshop and the possibility of a lost manuscript. Such a mystery with two storylines of Martha White in the present and Opaline Carlisle in the past, all woven in and around a bookshop of used and antiquated books. Who wouldn't want to read a book about books? While the story is filled with magic and mystery, there is also romance and the hope for second chances and the trope of good vs. evil. I loved the description that this book could be called an effervescent fiction. What a lovely term. As the story weaves in and out, you begin to see connections between Martha and Opaline as it takes root. While both experienced childhood trauma, they were courageous and hopeful for a better future. "'The thing about books,' she said 'is that they help you to imagine a life bigger and better than you could ever dream of.'" I loved that books spoke to Opaline and that she believed that they transported you into other worlds, as well as all the references to great literary works. This is a book for booklovers and for those who are not, it will encourage you to become one.
Many thanks to #netgalley #thelostbookshop #eviewoods #harpercollinsuk for the opportunity to read and review this book.

I had a hard time classifying this book. It has elements of fantasy, mystery, romance, magic and suspense.

It navigates between the past, the present and the future. With themes such as abuse, freedom, love and history, the book is the journey of three people across history who come full circle to find out they are connected in some way.

It did not start with a bang for me. In fact, it took me more than half of the book before I started becoming vested in it.

I’m glad I stuck with it. I love how the author incorporated so much about literary giants and missing manuscripts into the plot. You will learn something new from this (trust me).

The characters were spot on. It took me a while to figure out who was who (but that is just me). They came, delivered and bowed out at the precise time.

Opaline’s incarceration highlighted the plight of women who were at the mercy of men and the despicable way they were treated in Ireland.

I loved how all of the characters came full circle. I loved how the mystery kept going on but I was able to figure out their connection just before the end. But the author kept me guessing for so long.

I would have loved to know what happened to Madame Bowden. Who was she? What was her exact role?

If you enjoy fiction (with bits of non-fiction), romance, fantasy and everything in between then you will enjoy this.

Happy Publication Day @evie.gaughan

Review:

The plot takes you through in two different dimensions. From 1920 and Presently.

Opaline, who left her house from the hold of tortures from her brother Lyndon. She then takes her ride to Paris for survival. She starts working at Shakespeare and Company. Her love for reading books has seeded by her dad. That brought her the courage to start selling rare edition. She later started her own bookshop.

Maratha, who just left her abusive husband and took her ride to Dublin. She was ready to any work that makes survival. While, she was marking things she found a job. Madame Bowden, an old lady who gave her the work without asking further personal information. She found safe at that home.

Henry, a charming guy who is in search of lost manuscript has been landed at Dublin. Together with this Maratha and Henry would go in search of lost manuscript and the lost bookshop.

The narrative of story was passionately growing strong. Such a idiosyncratic story that has kept me hooked till the end. I enjoyed the book throuoghly. An unexpected twiddle in the story makes the story with such a happy ending. Opaline’s strong character envisions you the most.
One thing that have similarities with Opaline and Maratha is the love for reading books. Many Classics books have been referred her.

Qotd: Have you read any book that has unique story?

#henry #opaline #armand #lyndson #carlsile #adopted #war #german #bookshop #lostmanuscript #emilybronte #littlewomen #persuasion #janeausten #love #happy #kid

1921, London:
Twenty-one-year-old Opaline Carlisle chooses to leave for France to escape being forced into an arranged marriage by her dominating older brother. Her love for reading, a passion she shared with her late father, and her subsequent association with Sylvia Beach of "Shakespeare and Company" fame, where she takes up a job, fuels her interest in antiquarian books and manuscripts - a journey, that after a sequence of events, eventually has her opening a bookshop in Dublin all the while searching for an elusive manuscript.

Present Day:
Martha Winter, a young woman running from an abusive marriage, finds her way to Dublin in the employ of the eccentric Madame Bowden as her live-in housekeeper. Martha is not much of a reader, and in fact, has an eversion of sorts to books. When books start appearing in the walls of the small basement of Madam Bowden’s residence where Martha now lives, will this inspire her to overcome her fears and look at life from a fresh perspective?
Henry Field, a Ph.D. scholar in search of a rare manuscript that is referenced in an old letter he found in the course of his research, is searching for an old bookshop in Dublin but when he reaches the premises the bookshop is not there, or is it?

With superb characterizations (even the unlikable ones) and an almost perfect balance of history, romance, mystery, fantasy and magical realism, Evie Woods seamlessly weaves past and present threads into an enchanting tale about self-discovery, family, courage and the magical, transformative power of books. The narrative is presented in the first person narrative perspectives of Opaline, Henry and Martha in alternating chapters. I loved the literary references ( from the classics to contemporary fiction), insight into the antiquarian book trade and auctions and the literary figures who feature in the cast of characters. Interspersed among the magic and mystery, the author touches upon several serious themes including abuse, exploitation and fraud and how historically “troublesome women with inconvenient ideas” were treated. I did feel, however, that the ending was a tad rushed and there were a few aspects of the story that could have been explored further but overall, The Lost Bookshop by Evie Woods is a beautiful story that will strike a chord in your heart.

I paired my reading with the audio narration which truly enhanced my experience with this book. Avena Mansergh-Wallace, Olivia Mace, and Nick Biadon do a brilliant job of voicing the characters, setting the atmosphere and bringing the story to life, making for a memorable immersion reading experience.

Finally, that cover is beautiful!


Many thanks to HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter, HarperCollins UK Audio and NetGalley for the eARC and AlC. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

What avid reader wouldn't pick up a book titled The Lost Bookshop?
This book was a a lovely story following Opaline in the Gilded Age and Martha in current day as they fight against societal expectations to create a life that brings them meaning and satisfaction. There is also Henry as a third narrator but he was my least favorite character....although lots of people in the readalong hosted by the publisher really liked him.

I give this 4.5 stars.
I received a dARC from the publisher for review purposes. this is my honest review.