Two times, two women, one place full of secrets and mystery.

The Story Collector by Evie Woods is her second book and is a really interestingly interwoven story of two timelines brought together by a singular location. It’s a really fun, mysterious, slightly frightening story that would be interesting to see on screen.

I really love that it starts with a mini horror story to get things revved up while also introducing the idea of fairies, changlings, and death. But then flipping to present time and expressing the chaotic world of a woman in New York.

I enjoyed the familial themes within as well as the dichotomy of the relationships between the characters. Plus only giving just enough information at a time to keep us wondering what the heck is going on while also keeping us intrigued to keep going.

I love the randomness, thoughtless, and spontaneousness of Sarah and how it’s on a whole other level. I’m all for it! I don’t want to go into too much detail and give anything away, but I can definitely say this one kept me engaged and trying to answer questions that popped up. Some of which I may or may not have gotten totally wrong! Haha Anywho, it’s really interesting to see how the two timelines flow together and you should check it out too.

Once again, I’d highly recommend this for anyone who enjoys parallel storylines, mysteries, dark secrets, magical realism, and lost, forgotten, or unheard folk stories.

Other books to check out: The Garden of Memories, Misplaced Magic, Found in a Bookshop, The Bookbinder’s Daughter, The Lost Bookshop, and Evie’s next book!

*This was an honest review for a complimentary copy of The Story Collector from Evie Woods via NetGalley

Thank you to the author and publisher for providing me with a digital ARC of this title via Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

I read this book last Fall, but somehow forgot to submit my review. I was mild on this book, neither loving or hating it. I did like the dual time narrative and the little touch of magic but also had difficulty connecting with the characters and the story.

3.75 ⭐️⭐️⭐️
This novel would be a great study in an English course or deep dive book club. The parallels between the two characters from different timelines and how they intertwined yet never touched.

If I were to create a checklist of things I am unlikely to ever turn down in books, there is a high chance that it would be
•books about books
•drastically different timelines that parallel each other
•a story that reads like a Zelda side quest
This book has all of that and it is absolutely delightful. We have two women finding themselves through the stories of others in a small Irish town and the folklore that has weaved its way through the people who live there.

Evie Woods is an amazing author. I was totally drawn in and taken away while reading this story. This was a total comfort read for me, which was needed with the dreary winter happening right now. Just pure magic! Loved it!

This book combines Irish folklore and historical fiction. Anna lives one hundred years ago in a small village. There is someone going around collecting folk tales and Irish folklore. Anna, very familiar with her neighborhood, accompanies him on his rounds, guiding him to the next great storyteller. Along the way, they meet the wealthy family and Anna falls in love with the young man. As many readers know, this will not end well.

Fast forward one hundred years. Sarah gets on a plane, bound for her sister's home, but instead, because she had too much to drink, ends of on a plane bound for Ireland. She decides to sort herself out and rents a cottage (Anna's former home) and starts exploring the area. She discovers Anna's journal, hidden in the base of a tree older than the community. Reading the journal, exploring, meeting new people, and finding answers to questions that have not been answered for many years, and also finding some answers for herself.

I loved that this one was dual time and I love that the main point of the story was the fairy stories

A story that intertwines history, mystery, and magic into dual timelines. The pace is not rushed and the author has an elegant way with words that brings emotional depth. Overall an enchanting story for those who love historical fiction sprinkled with a little magic!

This is the book that I've read by this author, but I will be searching for more.one of the strongest points is the character development. The characters are well rounded and believable. After finishing the book, I find myself wondering about them and and what is happening in their lives. The story nes shifts from present day to many years ago. I enjoyed both, and the way they melded together

A beautiful story about finding stories from the past while also finding yourself with the help of folklore set in the landscape of Ireland. This story touches on grief and loss but is beautifully written.

Stunningly beautiful. Loved every moment .My heart won't be the same. Read this book asap!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My 2nd Evie Woods book and I loved it like I did The Lost Bookshop!

I love the past and present concept. Sarah in present times and Anna in the past. Sarah's connection to Anna through her diary helping her to heal her own issues brings the books together. The complexity of the characters is beautiful!

Sarah took a risk by getting on the plane to Ireland to see the Hawthorne Tree. It lead her on an unexpected journey! Finding wonderful people in the village and finding Anna's diary. This adventure was able to heal Sarah in ways that she did not know was possible.

Wonderful read! Highly suggest and highly suggest this author!

3.5 Evie Woods’ The Story Collectory is a charming, dual-timeline novel that redefines the concept of "happily ever after." Seamlessly blending elements of reality with the whimsy of fairy tales, this story is a heartwarming exploration of healing, belief in magic, and finding the courage to move forward.

The narrative allows readers to indulge in the possibility of the fairy folk while staying grounded in a world that feels genuine and relatable. It’s a delicate balance that Woods manages beautifully, creating a tale that feels magical without straying into fantasy. This makes it an ideal read (or listen) for those who love cozy novels that mix a bit of everything—romance, self-discovery, and a sprinkle of enchantment.

A heartfelt thanks to NetGalley for the advanced reader's copy of this audiobook. The Story Collectory is a cozy, enchanting experience that leaves listeners with a renewed belief in the power of magic and the strength of the human spirit. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a comforting escape that also stirs the heart.

I liked this I supposed, but it put me in a book slump (the not good kind). It is a dual timeline romance with two couples. The more recent studying the history and stories of the older couple combined with an exploration of Irish fairies folklore.

I loved the Irish setting. I found I enjoyed Anna's story in 1910 and learning about the magic of fairies. Sarah's story in 2011 I felt really didn't add to the story and kept waiting for some way it would link Anna's story to hers (other than finding the diary). Sarah's romance with Orrin wasn't really needed for the story to progress. Hazel was an interesting character. 3.5 stars

I adore Evie's writing style. Her books feel like cozy fantasy, but real-world believability.

Sarah is a new favorite character. She feels like a friend. And I wish only the best for her.

Ireland is a bookish bucket-list destination for me. And Sarah's journey is part of that list now. Hazel is an absolute gem of a character, too!

There's nothing like a good diary story within a story. Anna feels like character I've met before. Beautiful.

And the idea of being a story collector? Fantasy job!

"Those who don't believe in magic will never find it."
"Wow, that's pretty profound, Hazel. When did you get so clever?"
"It's Roald Dahl, Dad! Honestly, you really should try reading a book every now and again!"

I am a huge fan of Evie Woods' The Lost Bookshop, so I was eager to read The Story Collector. I have mixed feelings about this novel. First, it isn't nearly as good as The Lost Bookshop. Second, the dual timeline feels unnecessary.

I enjoyed Anna and Harold's story much more than Sarah's. Sarah's story felt insincere and didn't really add much to the narrative. I also didn't like the way Woods glossed over Sarah's alcoholism. This is not a subject that should be depicted as normal with no consequences. Sarah's arc lives only to tell the story of Anna and Harold, which could have been done just as easily, and better, without Sarah.

I loved the Irish folklore and the descriptive vision Woods painted through her words captivated me. Unfortunately, I wish there had been more about Thornwood Hall. The house could have provided so much realism to the story, but it was almost an afterthought after being touted as a main character in the beginning.

The ending was not satisfying at all. I was so disappointed in the bittersweet events that occurred that I wanted to throw the book at the wall. Thus, I award The Story Collector 3 out of 5 stars.

3.5*
Dual timelines. One takes place in Ireland In the early 1900’s where a young farmgirl, Anna, offers to help an American college student translate Irish folklore into English. The second is a contemporary timeline in which we find Sarah Harper fleeing her stifling, depressing life in America and ending up in the same Irish countryside that the American scholar had long ago traversed as he conducted his research.

Harold is the young student writer who relies on his younger companion to introduce him and assist him in documenting the stories of the fae. Anna translates local tales of fairy encounters and Harold documents them for his book. The stories are whimsical and magical and the young scholar is transfixed by the enchanting accounts.

Meanwhile, Sarah is confused and distraught over her failed marriage and, on impulse, has flown to Ireland. She quickly becomes comfortable in the small Irish town and virtually cuts herself off from her old life. Her hasty decisions are driven by her erratic emotional state and the problems that plagued her in America. Her escape may be the change she desperately needs, but cutting off all communication with everyone seems extreme. Her plotline is less satisfying.

In the earlier storyline, the girl Anna is actually more central to the plot than Harold, although they both are endearing. One can’t help but be charmed by the earnestness of the young man who is so enamored by the tales of the fairies and with teenage Anna who’s thrilled with her new job and also becomes wrapped up in her new employer and the stories she translates. Years later, Sarah finds and reads Anna’s hundred-year-old diary, providing a connection between the two storylines.

The historical plot was warm and had a nice sense of place. In contrast, the contemporary story was lacking in real heartfelt emotion, other than depression and desperation. Still, the diary was a convenient vehicle for interweaving the plots and helped lead Sarah to a better place. Overall, Gaughn’s novel was enjoyable and interesting, a book that cast a lovely light on the Emerald Isle.

Unfortunately this book was not for me. I do think it was well written but it didn’t catch and keep my attention as I hoped it would. The dual timeline was interesting but I ended up not finishing simply because it wasn’t really for me. I’m sure that some will love it. Just not me.

This book felt like it was written just for me—it checked off everything I love! If you're a fan of dual-timeline historical fiction with a dash of magic, this one is a must-read. The story follows Sarah, who embarks on a serendipitous trip to Ireland and finds herself staying in a cottage in a quiet, picturesque town. While there, she discovers the diary of Anna and is instantly drawn into her world and story. I couldn't put it down, five stars!