I loved this book as I did with the lost bookshop! Magical, historical and a beautiful storyline. Plus it's a book about books!

I just adored Evie Woods’ The Lost Bookshop so was really excited to read this one too. Like The Lost Bookshop, The Story Collector is a dual timeline story set in Ireland and following the parallel stories of two young women, each facing challenges, that combines romance, intrigue and legend.

Although a little predictable at times and a tad unrealistic (who get’s on a plane drunk and wakes up in Ireland?!), Evie Woods has a wonderful knack for telling warm, enchanting tales that weave together multiple characters across time and history, with a little sprinkling of magic and fairytale on top.

Overall it’s a charming and cosy easy read, that would be perfect for curling up with on cold winter’s evening,

Just one word of caution though, I didn’t initially realise that this is a re-release of an older work by the same author but originally published under a different name.

I just loved this! It is told from two time lines, 100
Years ago and present day. This story is told in both the US and Ireland, I loved the imagery of Ireland! Those were my favorite parts. I seriously enjoyed feeling like I was there!

Firstly I would like to thank the author, publisher and Netgalley for my free ARC.

We meet Sarah first. A kind of broken girl, propped up by booze and wrong decisions. Clearly not a horrible person, but her world is spinning in more ways than one. And Sarah introduces us to Anna after she finds Anna’s diary written 100 years ago, which she’s found by pure serendipity on one of her ill-advised (by herself) night walks. From this point on, Sarah’s life starts to change as she delves deeper into Anna’s life – one in which she helps a charming young scholar to collect stories of The Good People, or faerie folk. Sarah finds something unexpected in Ireland, that she can finally face her emotions, something she eventually realises is because of the story she finds in the diary.

If you’re the kind of person that enjoys piecing together a story from old documents and books, then this is for you. I absolutely loved this book.

This is going to be another big hit for Evie Woods.

I highly recommend The Story Collector by Evie Woods. See my review of The Lost Bookshop here.

As usual in my reviews, I will not rehash the plot or the publisher's blurb.

This is the first novel by Evie Woods (aka Evie Gaughan apparently!) that I've read. I was drawn to it by the "dual timeline" premise, which I always enjoy in a novel.

The book started a little strangely - I was a little thrown as I can't imagine how anyone could "mistakenly" get on a plane to Ireland whilst drunk - but I decided to persevere and carry on.

Overall it was an enjoyable read, as although I had some sympathy for the main present-day characer (Sarah), I couldn't really take to her. I found the earlier timeline far more interesting and mystical - though was rather sad at how that particular story ended.

The novel is a mixture of history, magic and romance - however it also deals with grittier topics such as bereavement. miscarriage, and alcoholism, so had rather more to it than I originally expected.

I will definitely read more by this author, as I liked the writing style and characterisations.

My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for an ARC. All opinions my own.

I loved this book! So fun hearing fairy stories! Just read it! Read it right now! Books about storytelling or books or bookstores or authors or libraries are always a good idea

The Story Collector by Evie Woods was an unexpexted delight. This is my second book by Ms. Woods and I can tell you it won’t be my last. The tale behind the story is the Irish Peoples belief in Fairies.

The story has two time frames. One set in 1911 and 2011. 100 years apart. The twist in this story is that the Protagonisht Sara boards the wrong airplane and winds up in Ireland for the Holidays. She ends up finding a cabin that she can rent. While out walking one day she finds something in an old tree.

There is definitely some historical fiction and some magic in this book, The actual magic happens with Ms. Woods writing skills. She seamlessly brings you back and forth during these two time frames Her descriptions of Ireland are magical! I could easily picture my self looking at the land, the countryside and all the other things one conjures up in one’s mind when thinking of Ireland. Her characters are delightful and well rounded. It is easy to fall for each one of them.

This story takes you on an adventure. I highly recommend this book. I can’t wait to see what Evie Woods comes up with next!

I would like to thank Harper Collins UK and One More Chapter along with the author and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I read this book in preparation for moderating an online discussion, so I didn't read it for review (which I do with different eyes).

Overall I thought it was a pleasant mystery/historical fiction novel, and that the author did a great job of setting the stage. The opening was quite entertaining and had me hooked, and the action moved along well enough that it maintained my interest. The earlier time period was well portrayed, although it didn't come off as the series of diary entries the narrative indicated these chapters were. I felt that it was a bit predictable, however, particularly the current-day romance aspect of it, and I would have liked a little more inclusion of the supernatural.

I do have the option to review this for our site, but I don't think the plot rises to the quality we typically we look for. I'd rate it a 3.0 for plot, 4.0 for writing, so overall about a 3.5 (rounding to 4.0 for this feedback).

Enchanting story set in the area where my ancestors are from, County Clare, Ireland. I can see myself moving there just like Sarah did. Loved the combination of a bit of history, bit of romance and bit of magical realism sprinkled in.

Lydia is a well-crafted protagonist, and I found her passion for books and the world of storytelling relatable and endearing. Her journey of self-discovery is both heartfelt and inspiring. I appreciated how Woods delves into Lydia’s personal growth and the relationships she forms along the way.

Woods' writing style is descriptive and vivid, bringing the settings and characters to life. The small-town atmosphere, with its quaint charm and colorful residents, adds a layer of warmth to the story. The narrative flows smoothly, and the pacing keeps the reader engaged without feeling rushed.

The plot intertwines elements of mystery, romance, and personal growth. While some twists were predictable, they didn’t detract from my enjoyment. The themes of uncovering hidden stories and the power of human connection are thoughtfully explored throughout the book.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you so much!

In a quiet and peaceful Irish village, there is a local myth, which is about to change lives.
A 100 years ago, Anna - who is a spirited farm girl, helps an American visitor. They translate Irish fairy tales together, unaware that her involvement will uncover a mystery…. Which will threaten her very existence.

Fast-forward to the current year, in New York, there is a girl - Sarah Harper. She boards a plane to go on a trip to Ireland and unearths dark secrets that blur the line between the mundane and the supernatural.

Evie Woods weaves an enchanting narrative featuring two remarkable women from different eras: Anna, the lively Irish girl of 1910, and Sarah, who impulsively travels to Ireland a hundred years later. As they explore local myths and legends, romance and historical intrigue intertwine. Evie Wood’s storytelling prowess shines through, creating characters and settings that linger in readers’ minds long after the final page.

Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter

I love the author's elegant lyrical writing in this book. She captures the readers imagination and takes us on atmospheric journey to Ireland through different times periods that are each in their own exciting and emotional. This book is engaging and beautiful. Thank you to the publisher and to Net Galley and for the opportunity. My review opinion is my own.

I loved the main charachter Sarah who on a whim at a airport boards a plane for Ireland . She has suffered the loss of her marriage , her home and was dreading the holidays with her family. She lands into a unknown city and so begins her grand adventure and life of independence. She finds kindness through a inn keeper who takes her to the perfect cottage rental where she can heal and explore the countryside. In a early morning panic attack she walks in the dark to a wooded area and finds a diary hidden in a tree trunk. The diary is the story of a young girl from another time and her journey into fairy lore with a scholar researcher. Anna explores with him the history and local lore of fairies and in doing so she expands her world and her independence.

A wonderful read that I read in one day. It is a book that engages you from beginning to ending. Give yourself the gift of Ireland in different time periods and embrace this wonderful book for all that it offers the reader. I look forward to further works by the author.
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Thank you NetGalley and HarperCollins for the advanced copy

Similarly to "The Lost Bookshop", in "The Story Collector" the story is set in two different timelines and explores how their lives end up intertwined as the result of "fate" or "magic".

A mix of history, romance and magic, I would say this is best suited as a winter read, as the main events occur at Christmas. It deals with feelings of belonging, grief, love, and meaningful human connection.

I admit I did not find it as enthralling as "The Lost Bookshop", probably because I could not sympathise with the main character. However, it seems to have been quite successful, so it might just be me!

Cozy and quint, The Story Collector is a tale weaving magic into the mundane.

When Sarah Harper, on a whim, hops a plane to Ireland she sets in motion a tale that explores time,myth, and the importance of story.

I found this story both compelling and cozy. I have personally spent time in the the location it takes place and I found the depiction of small town Irish life to be just right from an outsiders perspective. I found the characters to be engaging and easy to empathize with. I did find the diary entries to be a tad more engaging than the Sarah chapters, making the book as a whole feel a bit off kilter pacing wise.

Evie Woods has proven herself a talent within the magic realism space. I look forward to her next offering!

Thank You to NetGalley, publisher HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter for the advanced reading opportunity!

I had loved Evie Woods The Lost Library and was very pleased to get a copy of The Story Collector. It is a dual timeline, changing between 1910 and 2010. Sarah, an American, whose marriage was over, booked a flight to Ireland on Christmas Day on impulse. She found a cottage where she could stay. Under the floorboards she found a diary written by Anna Butler in 1910. Anna had taken Harold, an American author, round the village to ask people about their belief in fairies. We hear some of the stories, ending up with Harold having to flee back to America. Sarah becomes engrossed with the story and is helped to accept a tragedy in her life, before returning to America.
I had loved Evie’s first book, but found the first half of The Story Collector a bit slow and didn’t hold my interest. However the second half had me engrossed and unable to put it down. I’m so glad I stuck with it. My thanks go to NetGalley and Harper Collins, One More Chapter Books for an arc of this book.

A beautifully written dual timeline from Eve Gaughan. Anna’s story really captured my heart and imagination from the very beginning. Tales of fairies and folklore central to this story were beautifully described. Thornwood House had had its troubles over the years and I thought the links with the past and present woven together were really interesting.
Harold and Anna together, made a great team and I loved how he was able to learn from the old tales and share his enthusiasm and knowledge with Anna.

With in my mind the extraordinary story of The Lost Bookshop, I eagerly began this book. Sarah decides on a whim after breaking off her relationship to catch a plane to Ireland. The reason for this is an advertisement she sees at the airport about the country.

She ends up in a small village and stays in an adorable cottage owned by xxx but who moved in with his father along with his daughter after the death of his wife. After finding Anna's diary from 1911, in an old hawthorn, in addition to Sarah, you read about the life of Anna, a simple farmer's daughter, who gets to help Harold Griffin-Krauss search and find and translate stories about 'The Good People'. These "Good People" are fairies and elves found in Irish folklore.

Anna's story does by no means go over roses and she went through quite a bit together, but also without, Harold Griffin-Krauss. The farm of Anna's family is near the estate of a wealthy English landowner and Harold and Anna are invited to a party at the estate. The preparations of making Anna's dress were nicely described as Anna and her friend made something out of nothing so that she was shining at the party. The pale and somewhat naive Anna was described very well.

I found Sarah's story a bit less exposed at times and sometimes I caught myself thinking Anna's story was more interesting and Sarah was less interesting. I also found Sarah's experiences a bit unbelievable and far-fetched at times.

The book did not enchant me as much as The Lost Bookshop but it was still an enjoyable read.

I was sent a copy of The Story Collector by Evie Woods to read and review by NetGalley. This is a wonderful story written with two timelines, one of which is through a diary written 100 years before protagonist Sarah discovers it in 2010. The novel is full of Irish/Celtic folklore, relayed in the diary by Anna, who became assistant and translator to a visiting American academic researching Fairies and The Good People. This Book is an absolute delight to read in all aspects with a fantastic sense of time and place in both timelines with very believable characters. Be prepared to get swept away and so engrossed that you don’t want to stop reading but you equally don’t want the story to end!

If you’ve already read The Lost Bookshop, then you automatically know the vibes of this book just by looking at it. If you haven’t read The Lost Bookshop, have no fear, because each of the books are standalone and are not interconnected. With that being said if you haven’t read The Last Bookshop, absolutely add it to your must reads.

This book was absolutely wonderful. Cozy, whimsical, and a tale about grief and forgiveness.

You never know just where fairies will lead you, in this book about learning to forgive yourself.

In modern day New York City, Sarah's marriage has broken down. Waiting for a flight to her sister in Boston, she impulsively flies to Ireland. With nowhere to stay, and knowing no one, what has she done?

1910 Ireland, Anna is the daughter of a farmer, who finds herself helping American scholar Harold to research local folklore.

The story is told through two interconnecting timelines. I really enjoyed the 1910 story, Anna was a modern female for her time, and I liked how Harold was based on a real person. I did however sometimes feel like the modern story was a bit predictable and forced. Beautiful descriptions, some fascinating folklore, and a wonderful cover. I look forward to reading more by this author.