Not my favorite I found the main character and the plot far fetched and the fairy angle was a no go for me
Thanks to Netgalley for letting me review the book and the publisher

I really enjoyed this magical read, after reading The Lost BookShop I just knew that I had to read this next book by Evie Woods. This is a historical fiction novel and it mainly revolves around two women in different timeframes but also about the Irish belief in fairies and other magical superstitions. There is some romance in this book but it is not the main focus of this book and the stories that you will learn about as you read it. I think that I just love how Evie Woods writes her books and how she beautifully writes her characters that really make you fall in love with them as you go through the chapters. There are some triggers with this book that those who wish to read it should check out before deciding to pick this one up, but overall a great book! Thank you NetGalley, Harper360 and Evie Woods for the ARC of this book!

This one did not wow me. I didn't much care for the main character and didn't have much empathy for her; however, I did enjoy the contrasting story of Harold and Anna and felt their story was more compelling. All in all, a middle of the road book for me.
Thanks to NetGalley for providing me a copy.

So good! Love the two different timelines and the women in both. The struggles, the trials, the wisdom they find. Interesting for this Irish girl (me) to read some of the folklore and also the creative descriptions of the landscape. I really enjoyed this lovely book!

This beautiful story of growing through grief, belief in the mystical, and healing is a lovely homage to the fairy culture of Ireland and the people who live there. It is set in dual timelines 100 years apart, with dual POV's from our female main characters who are both finding their way through grief, connected by fairy lore and a thatched-roof cottage. TW: infant loss

The Story Collector looked interesting, and Evie Woods has a good reputation as a writer, so I thought why not? I really enjoyed reading this story and am so glad that I took a chance
Fairies, Ireland, collecting stories. The story bounces back and forth from 1911 to 2011, but is easy to follow. Anna and Sarah are likeable characters, whose stories follow along with each other. A bit of drama, heartache, loss, but followed by heartwarming moments. The story ends well, tying up neatly, which is always enjoyable! I would definitely recommend and look forward to reading more by Ms Woods.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Harper360 & Ms Woods for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Wow! This book really put me in my feels! The author told a great tale about the preservation of Irish Folklore. We get to experience Fairies through her book in a more culturally appropriate way by the stories Harold, The Story Collector, collected. A new understanding of The Good People that as an American I didn’t have. We also get to see how several characters are faced with grief and then how the magic of Ireland helps them heal. I highly recommend picking this book up and reading it!

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is an engaging read – split between 2011 and 1911, we learn about the lives of Sarah, an American, who on a whim (and possibly after a few too many drinks at the airport) ends up flying to Ireland rather than returning to her parents for Christmas, and Anna, whose diary is found by Sarah.

A clever way of telling us many stories, which of course fits the title really well too – from the present day sadness, redemption, and chemistry to the simpler, but just as confusing events of 1911. And in amongst it all are the 'Good People' and their mischief-making.

I did wonder at one point whether it was all going to be tied up in a very neat bow, but the author did a fabulous job of changing things up a bit and giving us a few twists and turns. Very satisfying read, thank you.

After two years of living in a house filled with unspoken needs and muffled emotions, Sarah and Jack finally decide to part ways. Sarah, now at Newark Airport, is waiting to board a flight to Boston to spend Christmas with her sister. While wandering through gift shops, she stumbles upon an Irish store where she buys an Irish newspaper and a bottle of Irish whiskey. In a drunken haze, inspired by an article about a "fairy tree," she impulsively books a flight to Ireland.
When she lands in a small Irish town, she finds a charming, quaint cottage for rent and, despite the town not being what she expected, she begins to find solace in the peaceful Irish countryside and its people.
In the middle of one night, during a panic attack-induced walk, Sarah discovers a century-old diary buried in a tree trunk. The diary belonged to an 18-year-old named Anna Butler, and Sarah becomes irresistibly drawn to Anna's story, wanting to learn everything about her life.

The book starts with a middle aged woman running away from her life, but it quickly becomes much more than that. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Irish countryside, the book immerses readers in the lives of both women, skillfully weaving in Irish folklore and elements of magical realism. The writing vividly captures the setting and the connection between the two time periods. However, the prose in Anna’s sections can feel somewhat forced, as though the author is trying too hard to evoke the historical period.

The characters are well-developed and distinct. Sarah, dealing with a mid-life crisis and recovering from alcoholism, contrasts sharply with the naive, sheltered Anna, whose youthful innocence is vividly portrayed.

Despite its many strengths, the book’s pacing is uneven. The first 75% of the story builds almost too slowly, while the final quarter feels rushed, leading to a climax that lacks impact. Also, I personally felt that the romantic elements in both timelines, especially Anna’s, lacked chemistry and felt contrived.

Overall, this is a decent read for those interested in a light-hearted exploration of Irish folklore and magical realism. Thanks to NetGalley, Harper 360 and Evie Woods for this ARC!

I… could not get past the writing of this book and I can’t say why. I don’t think it was “bad” necessarily but it didn’t people me forward or reel me in. I was skimming within the first few chapters and pushed through because the premise sounds so fantastical and fun and magical - which are all things/themes that really work for me.

I’m going to blame myself for this one, because as an English major I do find myself having a much higher standard for the writing of books and it is something that can really take me out of a read and make me not enjoy an otherwise well developed story/plot. SO if the description and the themes of this book sound like they’re up your alley, I wouldn’t let MY review deter you. But if you care a lot about the writing itself and struggle if it’s not up to a certain standard this mayyyy not work for you.

I love books set in Ireland so this was a great choice for me. And it did not disappoint. Lots of info about Ireland and Irish lore and a good storyline to boot. I would definitely recommend this book.

This was a fun read that focused on the lives of two different women from present and past timelines. I enjoyed the Irish folklore but was also very surprised with the heartfelt content in this story . I loved how the author used a journal to connect the two storylines and kept you engaged in both women's stories.

I did think the dialogue between the present day characters sounded a little immature at times and could have been more in depth. But I absolutely loved Harold and Anna's story! I would recommend this to anyone who wants a little bit of a different take on fantasy and is interested in Irish customs.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this digital review copy in exchange for an honest review.

What a magical story! This book is actually 2 stories. The present day story of Sarah who suddenly ends up on Ireland on a whim. When she gets there, she finds the diary of Anna. As you read the book, you will hear the diary entries of Anna and her life long ago. This is a book about fairies, love and learning to live with the loss of a loved one. I enjoyed this book and I would love to read other books by this author. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me an advanced copy to read in exchange for my honest opinion.

Evie Woods is so talented at writing imaginative stories, and this book truly delivered an enjoyable experience. I always love her settings, and the dual timelines worked well together. Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC!

Sweet story. The present day love story was a tad bit clunky but traveling in the past with Anna was an enjoyable ride. I received an ARC of this book, which has me confused since it is listed as having been published in 2018. In any case, my honest review is in exchange for having received a free copy to read.

I really liked this story. It involved Irish folklore stories and a little bit of magic, which I liked. 100 years ago, a young woman named Anna volunteers to help an American visitor translate fairy stories, As their relationship develops, Anna finds herself caught in a mystery. In present day New York, Sarah is running away from a divorce and ends up in Ireland. She begins to make friends and connect to Anna and the story collector. She also begins to heal from pain that goes even deeper than the divorce. This is a good story about hope and inspiration, with a little magic thrown in. I recommend this book to all readers!
Thank you to Net Galley and Harper 360! All opinions are my own!

Thank you netgalley

I truly liked Sarah and Anna's story. Separated by time but connected by books and library... I liked the unfolding of this story

This book was very out of my comfort zone but I liked it. Any book about a library or stories that has a magical vibe/ aspect I am always down for. If you are looking for a story that is a little different and entertaining I would def suggest this one.

I do love a dual timeline story and the author combines past and present Ireland in a seamless manner. I was able to read this thru NetGalley and glad for the opportunity. It was intriguing and entertaining. Will look for more of this author’s work!

I loved the journey this book took me on. The personal struggle that Sarah was experiencing was the perfect open door for the adventure that Anna’s diary presented. While I was definitely invested in Sarah, I was always anxious to get back to Anna’s world. After all, it was filled with fairies and tales that excited and shook me in equal parts.

This story switches back and forth between two time periods and women, but it was not difficult to keep up with where the story was with each jump. The characters were all engaging and kept me intrigued with each turn of the page. I loved the touch of romance as well as the angst I felt regarding a potential villain.

This was a fast paced read that had both lighthearted and darker moments. I loved everything about this story and found myself completely satisfied with its ending.