This book was incredibly interesting and had a unique premise unlike any other book I've read before. The story follows Sara in 2011, but when she find's Anna's diary in 1911, the timelines seem intertwine. I went into this book blindly without reading the blurb, and I think that was the best way to get into it! I would highly recommend this to any fans of Bridgerton or Outlander!

Phenomenal and perfect for this Fall weather! This was cozy and made me so happy! I loved the writing style as it wasn’t difficult to read. It was very well written and I really enjoyed it.

I really enjoyed The Story Collector. I went in with basically no knowledge of what it was about, just picked it because of the lovely cover. Very pleased I did! The dual timeline was well done, the mystery engaging, and the magic and timelines wove together seamlessly. And the writing itself was so lovely. I will definitely be picking up more of Evie Woods works!

I loved the story, It takes place in two time lines one a hundred yours ago 1910 and one present day 2010 both taking place in the same town in Ireland, the village of Thornwood, Co Clare

In present day, Sarah Harper has separated from her husband and lost an unborn baby. She decides to got see her family in Boston, but instread books a flight to Ireland after having read a story in the paper about a beautiful hawthorn tree in County Clare, Ireland. (a fairy tree) Which the people had saved from being chopped down to make another highway.
This book has wonderful stories about myths, about fairies and the supernatural.
Once in Ireland Sarah rents a little cottage outside of town and tries to come to term with what has happened to her life.

In 1910 we meet a teenage girl Named Anne Butler whos diary was found by Sarah a hundred years later, and as Sarah reads the diary, this is how we find out about the going ons in the same area in 1910.
A young anthropologist from the United state, went to Ireland to record stories, thus the title of the book. Anne, Helps Harold visit the local people to see if anyone would open up about the folklore mainly that of fairies.
This was a fascinating story with so many interesting people in both storylines.
I can't wait to read another of her books.
I would like to thank NetGalley and Harper360 for a copy of this book.

This book has everything I dream of in a novel - fairies, Ireland, scholarship, storytelling, modernity mixed with history, even a woman finding her way after divorce! After I finished this book, I immediately placed a library hold for the author's previous novel. Glad to discover a new author of lovely, charming stories!

In this fascinating Irish historical fiction novel, readers flash between two very different timelines as the secrets of a small Irish village are slowly revealed. From Anna, a farm girl from this tiny village a century ago, to Sarah, a modern-day New Yorker on an accidental trip to west Ireland, readers discover the secrets and mysteries of an abandoned home and the family who once owned it in this thrilling dual-timeline novel. Wary of outsiders, Sarah’s interest in the local history and in the abandoned estate are met with suspicion, especially once she learns that the veil between the mortal and otherworldly realism are much closer than she thinks in this particular town and around this particular mystery. The readers discover a version of the truth simultaneously with Anna and Sarah, and Evie Woods has really nailed the otherworldly, mystic aura present in both timelines in this book. The atmosphere is really the star of the novel, and the mystery and the characters really flesh out the eerie tone of this book. With some fascinating twists and turns and a beautiful historical setting populated with complex and interesting characters, this is an exciting, emotional, and slightly spooky dual-timeline historical fiction novel that fans of the genre will love.

I was so excited to get my hands on a copy of the story collector. Evie Woods last book "The Last Bookshop" was so captivating and wonderful that I just knew that "The Story Collector" would be equally amazing and I was not disappointed.

I love the dual timeline of this book. The mystery, history and magic all play into such a way that captivate and bring you into the quaint Irish charm of the lore and make you feel connected to the place in the story. The story telling is just so vivid and imaginative.

I can not wait to see what else Evie has in store.

The Story Collectory, loved the time travel the relationships we so wonderful. Dairy entries were nice but should have been more in a diary format instead of just writing them out. The magical realism of the castle and land was a nice touch after just visiting Ireland.

Originally published in 2018, this new edition uses Gaughan's new pseudonym (Evie Woods). The Story Collector is set in Ireland, where the setting is as important as the characters in moving the plot.

In this case, Gaughan, a native of Galway, gives a clear and loving description of a small community located not too far from Shannon. Even in the deep winter, a time of year that matches Sarah's mood, she is drawn to the stillness and beauty of the countryside. Anna is running. Running from a failed marriage, from a judgmental family, and from an abandoned career as an artist. By chance, she discovers a hidden diary from 1910. From this turning point, dual timelines occur.

In 1910, Anna, an Irish farm girl, becomes an assistant to Harold Griffin-Krauss. Griffin-Krauss is modeled on other literary anthropologists who were studying culture via myth and legend. Together, they move from researcher/assistant to comrades and finally to star-crossed lovers. In the present, Anna is also finding her way back to her true self. She is helped by Owen. Both are grieving, Anna who has lost her way, and Owen who is a recent widower.

Magic realism completes the novel. In a country known for a rich and beloved folklore, there are really no coincidences. Things and people happen in a matter-of-fact, albeit possibly magical way.
This leaves this reader feeling a sense of wonder and a desire to sample Irish life.
Recommended for book clubs, readers of all ages.

Full disclosure: I received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an unbiased review. Thank you for this opportunity.

The Story Collector by Evie Woods is a beautiful, heartwarming tale that masterfully intertwines history, mystery, and a touch of magic. From the first page, I was captivated by the protagonist’s journey, exploring the power of stories, memories, and the importance of understanding our past. The writing is lyrical, the characters are richly drawn, and the plot unfolds with just the right balance of suspense and warmth. Woods has a gift for creating atmospheres that feel both nostalgic and otherworldly, making it easy to get lost in the pages. This book is a gem for anyone who loves books that celebrate the magic of storytelling. Highly recommend!

This is a captivating blend of historical fiction and magical realism,
It’s set in the enchanting backdrop of Ireland.
The novel intertwines the lives of two women separated by a century: Anna, a young farm girl in the early 1900s, and Sarah, a modern-day New Yorker. Anna becomes involved in translating Irish fairy tales for an American visitor, only to find herself entangled in a mystery that threatens her way of life. Meanwhile, Sarah travels to Ireland, uncovering dark secrets that blur the lines between reality and folklore.

"The Story Collector" is a dual-timeline story about grief, love and Irish folklore.

In the present day, Anna is feeling lost and alone as she seeks to overcome the death of her unborn child. And the loss is one that has served as a wedge in her marriage, since neither she nor her husband know how to talk about their grief. Upon deciding to go their separate ways, Anna escapes to Ireland on a whim, but whether that's to drink herself to death or find some answers, she's really not certain.

And in 1911, a young farm girl, Abby, is trying to navigate growing up. She has had a crush on the lord of the manor for years, but as he finally starts to notice her, she begins to wonder if he's really who she always thought he was.

As both women seek to understand the role The Good People play in their lives, they each learn to heal from losses that they've had a hard time letting go of. And as they each grow into who they were meant to be, they change the lives of those around them as well.

This is a heartwarming story of love and loss, followed by newfound love and purpose.

Thank you to Evie Woods, the publisher and NetGalley for an advance review copy.

THE STORY COLLECTOR by Evie Woods

This story follows two women, Sarah and Anna, a hundred years apart (2011 and 1911), who are connected through a long lost (now found) diary.

I really liked the Irish folklore and superstitions described throughout the book. I found it all to be fascinating. It reminded me of the tales my family would share about our Filipino culture’s superstitions and mythical creatures.

Sometimes mysteries with a romance subplot make me roll my eyes, but this one didn’t. It did make me want to jet off to Ireland and learn more about “the good people” and fae folk.

Note: I chose to listen to the audio book in tandem and Heather O’Sullivan’s Irish accent was lovely. Also enjoyed hearing the correct pronunciation of Irish/Gaelic words as I definitely would have butchered them.


Rating: 3.75/5 ⭐️

**ARC courtesy of Netgalley & HarperCollins360

I wasn’t quite sure what to expect out of this book - and honestly, I was neither impressed nor disappointed. I didn’t find myself rushing to read this or picking it up because I just couldn’t stop thinking about it.

At times it felt confusing, with all of the fairy background and information, and other times I really liked the characters! I felt the second half went much quicker than the first, but I just didn’t love it.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!

Thank you netgalley for this arc in exchange for my honest review. Sarah is fresh off a divorce and headed to her sisters house in Boston. She gets drunk at the airport and instead heads to Ireland. Sarah finds a diary written by Annie 100 years before that she begins to read and these two stories begin to weave back and forth. This was not my favorite choice three stars

I really enjoyed this book. The mystery. It’s different than any other book I have read and I really appreciated that

A heartwarming and nostalgic read about the power of stories and the importance of family. Solomon's writing is as comforting as a warm blanket, and the characters are endearing and relatable. The book celebrates the power of stories to shape lives and inspire hope. Ideal for book lovers who appreciate metafiction and the magic of narrative, this is a tribute to the art of storytelling.

This was a great, easy read. It was a great mix of fairies and folklore, some historical fiction, and a mystery and little romance.

I was intrigued when I first read about this, excited when I got the arc, thrilled to have it as an audiobook option on Everand, and then fairly bored by the whole thing. What sounded like an enchanted escape to a fairy filled Irish landscape fell flat in the dual timeline, character development, and overall lack of magic.

Sarah is in a funk and flies to Ireland where she meets some lovely people. She uncovers a diary from 100 years ago in which a local farm girl named Anna writes of her time meeting an American fellow she helps translate fairy stories for as part of his research. As the two periods come to life there just wasn’t enough detail or plot to keep me interested and her diary didn’t work as the source of intel as the characters spoke in dialogue and would have been better to just shift time periods.

Charmingly told romantic story. Enjoyed this one quite literally as the calm DURING the storm Helene!