After experiencing a heart-wrenching defeat, Sarah impulsively decides to embark on a journey across the vast expanse of the skies, ultimately landing in the picturesque village known as Thornwood. It is within this enchanting locale that she finds herself transported to a realm brimming with ancient customs, captivating folklore, and an unwavering belief in the existence of Good People, more commonly referred to as fairies. As if fate had intervened, hidden amidst the hollowed depths of a towering tree, Sarah is fortunate enough to stumble upon an aged diary dating back to 1910. Penned by a woman named Anna, the diary chronicles her adventurous encounters alongside the young and esteemed American anthropologist named Harold, as they diligently collect and record timeless tales of fairies.

Unbeknownst to Sarah, Thornwood Village, and its endearing inhabitants would swiftly transform into a sanctuary of solace and restoration. As the chapters of time converge, the lines between past and present blur, creating an intricate tapestry woven with the threads of sorcery and enchantment. It is within this realm, where the ordinary is transformed into extraordinary, that Sarah must confront the profound implications of meddling with the forces of magic.to invest in the narrative wholeheartedly

At its core, this story beautifully unfolds within a rich tapestry of character development where authenticity reigns supreme, prompting readers to wholeheartedly invest in the narrative. As the story flows gracefully from one page to the next, the elements of magical realism, a genre of great personal fondness, breathe life into every paragraph. The pacing of the plot is expertly crafted, captivating readers with its restless momentum that compels them to keep turning the pages.

Engaging both heart and mind, this tale skillfully interweaves romance and mysticism, while also exploring the themes of redemption, rebirth, and the serendipity afforded by second chances. Such a compelling combination creates an experience that genuinely resonates with readers, leaving them captivated from beginning to end. In truth, this book stands as a testament to the power of storytelling, capable of whisking readers away to otherworldly realms, all while igniting a sense of hope and a renewed appreciation for life's untold possibilities.

As the final chapter draws near and the last word is read, a profound sense of satisfaction ensues. Within the confines of this masterfully written tale lies a narrative that both honors and celebrates the incredible journey of the human spirit.

Whether it be through the threads of friendship, the bonds of love, or the allure of the unknown, this book invites readers to embrace every page with an open heart and an eager mind. In essence, it is a literary masterpiece that promises to leave an indelible mark on those fortunate enough to lose themselves within its magical pages.

This was such a lovely story! I loved the dual timelines; it gave a wonderful depth to the story and the characters. Get your tissues ready, as this one has all the feels!

This was a sweet book. Switching between the past with Anna (via her journal found by Sarah hidden in a tree hollow) and the present with Sarah when she makes a spur of the moment decision to fly to Ireland instead of home to where her heart was broken by the loss of her child. Ireland for her is a place of magic and healing as she reads the journal Anna left. This book will have you believing in the Good Folk who can be friendly like Milly or awful like those who may or may not have lived in the manor that was built in the place of a hawthorn tree (super bad luck to chop down one of those).

This book teaches that sometimes things don't turn out and there will be heartbreak but you can still forge a new path to a happy ending which is what happens with both Anna and Sarah. And sometimes you will be changed with a little magic and maybe see the truth about the hidden mysteries of Ireland.

Thanks Netgalley for allowing me to read this book. Sarah is looking to go home after her recent marriage has ended. At the airport she boards the wrong plane. She arrives in Ireland instead of Boston. This book was well written.

Sarah’s marriage to Jack has broken down. Bizarrely, as the inevitable has been on the cards for a while, she decides to leave on Christmas Day. Not able to stand the thought of living with her parents, her decision for her new life is to go to live with sister Meghan and her family in Boston. All belongings are already in storage, Sarah has just her last suitcase to take with her to the airport to catch her flight from Newark to her home city. At the airport a chance encounter with an Irish newspaper, a ceramic sheep and a bottle of Irish Whiskey sets Sarah’s thoughts off on a different track. Some hours later she wakes to find herself at Shannon airport, without a clue as to how she got there. Deciding to stay awhile, Sarah rents a cottage in mysterious Thornwood village, discovers an old diary and gets lost in its story.

This book runs on two timelines, 2010/11 with Sarah, and 1910/11 with Anna, the owner of the old diary.

I really liked The Lost Bookshop, and looked forward to this from Woods, but there are a few very odd events. If Sarah was so drunk as to have no recollection of her journey, why was she allowed on a plane? Why leave on Christmas Day? Why wander off in the dark and ferret about in a tree trunk? The mystery of Millie was a let down. Sadly it’s not a patch on the previous book. Whilst the ‘ago’ part was ok, the more modern depiction of rural Irish life left a lot to be desired. Overly twee and saccharine, with many stereotypical musings it was a yawn of a read.

A struggle to finish, and, with apologies to the author, not to my taste.

Thank you NetGalley and HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter.

The Story Collector is a delightful, gentle story about the joy of folklore and magic.
We have two timelines: the present (set in 2011) when our protoganist Sarah Harper finds herself making a rather impulsive decision to escape the stresses in her life and hide out in Ireland over the Christmas holidays. Arriving without any plans or accommodation, she finds herself in a fictional village near Shannon, and with the assistance of the locals, is soon staying in a traditional cottage called Butlers.
While meandering around the locale, Sarah comes across a diary belong to a young girl called Anna, written 100 years earlier. The diary details the visit of an American scholar called Harold Krauss. Krauss has arrived in Ireland to study the mythology/beliefs surrounding fairies or Good People.
As Sarah reads about the events from a century earlier and the tragic outcome, she learns to cope with her own past.
The Story Collector is a particulary unusual novel, with much of our story spent on learning about the mythology of the Good People and should prove fascinating to anyone with an interest in this topic. The author, Evie Woods has mentioned that her storyline was inspired by an American anthropologist, WY Evans Wentz, who came to Ireland in the early 1900s to complete his thesis on the Celtic Fairy Faith. And indeed, her love of mythology and research shines through. This is a gentle tale that acts as both as a lovestory to Ireland's past and also integrates the mythology into the contemporary storyline. There is a bittersweet ending and some questions are left unanswered, such as how the diary come to be left in the box, but this adds to the overall sense of mystery of the novel, rather than taking from the tale.

A lovely story told from two women's perspectives 100 years apart in a small village in Ireland. The area has a rich fairy history which is intricately woven as are the stories of grief and love around them. Lovely.

If you like reading tales about Ireland and The Good Folk, The Story Collector by Evie Woods, author of The Lost Bookshop, may be the book for you!

I found the novel very engaging. The settings are believable and beautifully described.

To be released August 13, 2024
Published by One More Chapter

I was so excited to read another book by Evie Woods, having just finished The Lost Bookshop. First, I love the magical realism and the folklore about fairies. Having been to Ireland, it is a magical place so this story was just waiting to be told. This story is rich in character development and has such beautiful language that I paused often just to write a phrase or two down to remember later. "His face was well used like an old leather shoe that had seen many roads," Isn't that a wonderful way to describe an older person, wise in what they've experienced in the world? Told in a dual timeline with present day Sarah, an artist seeking to find herself and lost in her grief so she flees to Ireland, and that of the past with Anna, a young Irish maiden helping Harold collect stories about the fairy world, both in the small village of Thornwood at the Butler cottage. It seems as if both storylines are connected somehow. Fast paced, this story engages you and will keep you reading. A bit of romance, a bit of mysticism, along with redemption, renewal, and hope for second chances. A most enjoyable book. Another 5/5 for Evie Woods. Many thanks to #netgalley #eviewoods #thestorycollector for the opportunity to read and review this book.

Once again Evie took me into a mystical, magical world. I’m left wondering whether events in our lives are mere coincidences or if they are governed by forces beyond our realm of understanding. Embrace thus book dear reader and decide for yourself