Evie Woods is a masterful storyteller.

This historical fiction tale features the folklore of fairies in Ireland. Told through the past and present, we learn how the events from long ago come alive when a long-lost diary is found in the hollow of a tree.

I was transported to the lush landscape of Ireland and its history of superstitions for a historical mystery with a bit romance.

Can't wait for what Woods writes next!

Thank you, Harper 360 | Harper360

The Story Collector by Evie Woods is a charming tale woven with an undeniable magic. This story crosses the boundaries of time to bring together the lives of Anna Butler and Sarah Harper, two women separated by a century, but connected by their grief, hope, and a shared fascination of The Good People.

Following a tragic loss, Sarah is at her breaking point. Guided by a ceramic sheep and a mysterious newspaper article telling of the magical Thornwood Tree, she boards a plane headed for the Western coast of Ireland. Fleeing her grief and an estranged husband, she finds peace in the simple walls and warmth of Butler's cottage. It is there that she discovers the diary of Anna Butler, nestled in the roots of an ancient tree.

Anna lives in a simple cottage with her parents and brothers. In her diary, she tells of her adventures as assistant to the handsome American visitor, Harold Griffin-Kraus. Harold has made magic his mission as he translates fairy tales from their original Irish to English. Serving as interpreter between Harold and the villagers, Anna listens as her friends and neighbors tell of encounters with The Good People and the magic of the Underworld. Anna's own encounters with the fairies and the dark magic that dwells within Thornwood Hall change her life, and force her to question what she believes.

Through Anna's words and encounters with the locals, Sarah feels her grief begin to heal. With renewed hope and the promise of love, she finds a home in her new surroundings. Lead by the stories around her and a growing fascination with the mythical tales of Ireland, Sarah seeks the end of Anna's story. As the echoes of the past guide her, her life is forever changed by the magic of Ireland and the mystical people within its hills.

4-stars to The Story Collector; a wonderous adventure steeped in the ancient magic of Irish folklore. Beautifully told through the words of Evie Woods, this is a story that I will enjoy for years to come.

The word that best comes to mind with this story is charming. Bouncing back and forth between pre-war Ireland and contemporary times as well as the mystical and practical, the story weaves together a cast of interesting and realistic characters. The author manages to convey the time period of each narrative section through her prose alone, which is gorgeous and descriptive, without being unnecessarily effusive.

I sometimes struggle with cozier fantasy if it’s too slow or low-stakes, but this story had such rich characterization it felt as much like I was reading about their lives as I was the faerie stories. I did prefer the past story-line to the present (I felt the romance was a little unnecessary and forced), but this didn’t take away from the overall pacing of the book.

Would recommend!

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC of this book.

This was absolutely different than what I’ve read in such a long time. It was whimsical, it was cultural, and it was heart breaking. How Evie Woods took folklore and weaved it into modern day was beautiful. It all connected and all made so much sense. It was amazing learning so much about Ireland and some of the beliefs they have. This makes me want to visit and check out small towns that have this rich history to learn more.

Not only was this a tale of a folklore, but a tale of loss and new found love. I can’t wait to read more of her books!

A beautifully written dual timeline with sprinkling of magic! I loved the characters in both stories and never wanted it to end!

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!

This duel timeline book is beautiful and lovely. The historical timeline relates the story of a farm girl in Ireland that meets an American doing a dissertation on the folklore of fairies and other mythical creatures alongside the role they play in the cultures in which they're told. He enlists her to help him find the stories around town and in local towns as they finally take in the lore of the castle and ruling family of the area. In the modern timeline, an artist leaves her husband on Christmas, claiming to go spend time with her family but too much alcohol and an article read as she waited had her waking in Ireland as well. She finds herself exploring the same small town. the same stories, and the journal containing the story of American and the farm girl.
The way the stories weave together, the tragedies among the healing, the concrete among the ethereal create a magical story with a lovely backdrop. It was fascinating to learn culture through the characters and watch the modern and historical come together.

#arc
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"The Story Collector" by Evie Gaughan weaves an enchanting tale of mystery, folklore, and dual timelines that transport readers between a quiet Irish village in the past and present-day New York. The novel beautifully blends elements of historical fiction with magical realism, creating a rich, atmospheric narrative.

The historical storyline follows Anna, a young Irish farm girl, as she assists an American visitor in translating Irish fairy tales. What starts as an innocent project soon spirals into a compelling mystery, one that could alter Anna’s life forever. Meanwhile, in the present, Sarah Harper travels to Ireland, where she uncovers long-buried secrets that blur the line between reality and the mystical.

Evie Gaughan’s writing brings both timelines to life with vivid descriptions of the Irish landscape and a captivating sense of wonder. The folklore woven throughout the story adds depth and intrigue, while the characters, though ordinary on the surface, possess extraordinary stories of their own.

For readers who enjoy books with a touch of magic and a dash of mystery, "The Story Collector" is a delightful escape that explores the power of stories to connect people across time and space.

The Story Collector is an interesting premise. Sarah, a woman newly separated from her husband, drunkenly derails her planned flight from NY to Boston and somehow finds herself in small town Ireland at Christmas. She is lucky to find hospitality that folds her in like family.

In her exploration, she finds a diary hidden in the trunk of a tree. The 100 year old diary belonged to a girl named Anna who documented her time working with an American who collected stories about fairies from the locals.

Their stories intertwine and Sarah finds herself.

I felt the story was cute, and I enjoyed the fairy stories a lot. The actual story collector is more of a supporting character, though, and doesn’t get much “page time”. The diary entries are written more like a novel, far too formal for that modality to be believable. For two female main characters, they both could’ve been stronger characters. Maybe a juxtaposition of a weaker FMC from 100 years ago to our protagonist in current day would’ve been a nice way to see that feminist growth.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper360 for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was a light read with a bit of historical fiction flair and back-and-forth timelines. I'm not sure I ever really felt all in on the characters, so perhaps the writing didn't quite work for me, but the story moved along well enough. I do wish there'd been a bit more fairy magical bits, but I think it was more about the folklore as culture and history of this place in Ireland than it was about actual fairies.

Another beautiful adventure from Evie woods. Her books are always an enjoyable escape from the real world with beautifully written characters.

I should have finished "The Lost Bookshop" before getting the ARC for "The Story Collector." I would have been more prepared for the disappointment in character these books have. The back cover promises mystery and intrigue in Ireland--a favorite setting of mine--across multiple timelines--a favorite trope of mine.

There was so much promise I kind of just dove off the cliff and got both books at once. Then immediately landed flat on my face. "The Lost Bookshop" had horrible role models and a mountain of trauma. Then this book opens with a woman walking out on her husband, which most likely stems from a mountain of trauma. I'm done. DNF. Have a nice day.

The Story Collector by Evie Woods is a beautifully atmospheric novel that blends Irish folklore, mystery, and a touch of the supernatural, creating a compelling dual-timeline story that will captivate fans of both historical fiction and magical realism.

Set in a quiet Irish village, the novel intertwines the lives of two women—Anna, a young farm girl in 1920s Ireland, and Sarah Harper, a modern-day woman seeking escape and answers. The connection between them unravels slowly, tied together by myths, fairy stories, and the secrets of a community steeped in tradition and superstition.

Anna’s story is steeped in Irish folklore, giving the novel a deep, enchanting sense of place. When she begins working with an American visitor to translate local fairy stories, what seems like a harmless task turns into something far more complex. The mystery she finds herself caught up in threatens her simple, rural life, pulling her deeper into a world where the boundaries between reality and myth blur. Woods’s portrayal of 1920s Ireland is rich and immersive, filled with the kinds of old-world superstitions that give the story its eerie, magical undertones.

In the present day, Sarah Harper travels to Ireland hoping to escape her own life and find a sense of peace. But instead, she uncovers long-buried secrets that echo Anna’s mysterious past. Sarah’s narrative is grounded in the real world but tinged with the same sense of otherworldliness that haunts Anna’s story. As she delves into the village’s history and the myths that surround it, Sarah becomes an unwitting participant in a mystery that bridges generations.

Woods excels at creating vivid, relatable characters, with both Anna and Sarah being strong, determined women whose lives are shaped by the secrets they uncover. While Anna’s journey is more tied to survival and the unraveling of a personal and cultural mystery, Sarah’s arc focuses on self-discovery, healing, and the allure of the unknown. Both characters are easy to root for, and their stories are woven together with a sense of inevitability that keeps the reader engaged.

The novel’s pacing is gentle yet gripping, building layers of intrigue as it alternates between past and present. Woods balances the magical with the everyday in a way that makes the story feel grounded but still enchanting. The fairy stories, while central to the plot, also serve as metaphors for the characters’ journeys—both Anna and Sarah are navigating their own personal folklore, full of unseen forces and untold truths.

One of the novel’s standout features is its exploration of how stories—whether folklore, family secrets, or personal histories—shape who we are. As Anna and Sarah dig deeper into the myth and mystery of the village, they also come to understand the power of storytelling itself. This theme adds an emotional resonance to the plot, making The Story Collector more than just a tale of mystery and magic; it’s a meditation on the stories we tell ourselves and others.

Overall, The Story Collector is a wonderfully evocative novel that draws readers into its magical world with charm and grace. Evie Woods has created a tale that’s full of heart, mystery, and just the right touch of enchantment. Fans of historical fiction with a dash of the mystical will find much to love here, as will anyone who enjoys stories where the past and present collide in unexpected ways.

What a delight! This book was like a warm Irish hug; I loved every part. Magical realism is possibly my favorite genre, and when mixed with historical fiction in Ireland's countryside, I am hooked. I enjoyed how the author developed and concluded both the story in the present day and a century in the past and how she tied the two timelines together. While this book touched upon grief and loss, it did so with acknowledgment and sensitivity.

Quick recap without spoilers:
It is Christmas day in New York, and Sarah Harper is traveling home to Boston after finalizing her divorce. After drunken spontaneity results in a plane ticket to Shannon, Ireland, the location of a fairy tree featured in a magazine, the locals pity Sarah and give her a place to stay. While exploring, Sarah finds the hidden journal of Anna, a farm girl from a hundred years ago. Anna is excited about her new job as an assistant for an American who is researching fairy folklore. The past and the present have themes of love, loss, and a little magic.

I gave this one 4.5 stars. Thank you to Harper 360 and NetGalley for the advanced copy; I will post the review on my page.

Cute book! I like the magical realism feel to it and the character back and forth. I think I have to say I really enjoyed the first book more.

The first one was a lot better. This one wasn’t that bad.
*The Story Collector* by Evie Woods is an enchanting tale about the transformative power of books and storytelling. It follows Ana, who stumbles upon an old bookshop in a quaint town while her life is at a crossroads. The bookshop holds secrets, and as Ana unravels them, she finds connections to the past that change her own future. Evie Woods beautifully captures the charm of small towns, the magic of forgotten stories, and the joy of self-discovery. It's a heartwarming, uplifting read for book lovers who believe in the magic hidden within the pages of a good story.

I found The Story Collector by Evie Woods to be enjoyable. I liked the characters and the plot, as well as the writing.I found myself enthralled and wondering what was going to happen next. I really did like this book, all up until the ending. Not that it was a bad ending, but not the kind of ending I like in my books. If you enjoy a mystery with fantastical stories and a little bit of romance, I think you'll like this story.

4.5 stars

Irish folklore and superstitions - about fairies, witches, and the like - form the core of this charming novel.

****

In 1882, Anglo-Irish Lord Hawley decided to build a manor house for his new wife in a woodland in western Ireland. A gnarled old hawthorn tree, a fairy tree, grew in the middle of the woodland, and a seeress warned that "misfortune would befall any man who so much as scarred the twisted bark." Lord Hawley pooh-poohed these 'superstitions', cleared the land, and constructed a mansion called Thornwood House. A few years later Lord Hawley's wife had a difficult pregnancy and gave birth to twins - George and Olivia - whom Lady Hawley insisted weren't her children. The seeress knew this meant the Good People [fairies] "had exacted their revenge by taking the human children and replacing them with evil, sickly souls." Keep this in mind, because we'll meet George and Olivia again, when they're grown.

From here, the story proceeds in two alternating timelines, 2010 and 1910.

Towards the end of 2010, after a difficult period in their three-year marriage, New York residents Sarah and Jack Harper decide to divorce. Sarah sends her possessions ahead, and makes plans to fly to Boston, where her family lives.

Before Sarah boards her plane to Boston, she's browsing through an airport shop called 'The Emerald Isle Gift Store', where she buys a bottle of whiskey and an Irish newspaper. The Irish tabloid's headline reads: THE FAIRY TREE THAT MOVED A MOTORWAY. The accompanying story is about a motorway in a town called Thornwood, in Clare County, whose route was changed to protect a very beautiful hawthorn tree. (The Emerald Islanders apparently learned from Lord Hawley's mistake.) In any case, Sarah impulsively changes her plans and boards a plane for Ireland.

Sarah is embraced by the people of Clare County and soon finds herself ensconced in a cozy domicile, called Butler's Cottage, for her visit. During a brisk nighttime walk Sarah finds a diary in the hollow of a tree, whose cover reads 'The Diary of Anna Butler.' Anna's entries begins on Saint Stephen's Day (December 26), 1910, and reveal that she was an 18-year-old farm girl who lived in Butler's Cottage with her parents and three brothers. Sarah is VERY drawn to Anna's diary, and immerses herself in the entries. Sarah reads a few pages of the journal at a time, between her day to day activities.

Anna begins her 1910 journal with descriptions of Christmas festivities, then mentions meeting a young American scholar called Harold Griffin-Krauss. Harold's bicycle gets two flat tires near Butler's Cottage, and he comes to the door to request assistance. Anna's father helps fix the bicycle, then tea is served, and Harold explains that his mother is Irish, and he's an anthropology student at Oxford, studying Celtic folklore - particularly fairies. Harold has traveled around Scotland, Wales, Cornwall in the south of England, the Isle of Man, and Brittany in northern France, and Ireland is his last stop before returning to Oxford.

Harold goes on to explain, "Some people are happy to discuss their experiences, but many are wary of a foreigner asking questions. So, in each area I visit, I try to hire a local person to help me with my interviews." The upshot is that Anna is hired to accompany Harold on his interviews, and to translate Gaelic into English when necessary. As Anna and Harold work together, a strong friendship develops.

During Harold's interviews he records numerous fascinating tales about the fairy folk and other magical creatures, who are real to many people in County Clare, including Anna herself. Some of these tales are frightening, such as one about a man who thought his wife had been turned into a witch, so he burned her to death. The husband thought the witch would fly up the chimney, and his real wife would return. (She didn't.) Anna is appalled by tales like this.

On their perambulations, Anna and Harold come across Lord Hawley's (now grown) 'evil twins', George and Olivia, who live in luxurious Thornwood House, ride fine horses, wear elegant clothes, have handsome carriages, throw lavish parties, and so on. Anna is enthralled by handsome George, and though she knows it's impossible, Anna fantasizes about George being her beau. This leads to big trouble.

Interspersed with Anna's 1910 diary entries are chapters about modern Sarah's life in Thornwood. Sarah's activities include a lot of lone drinking, and grieving over a sad incident that haunts her. Though Sarah thinks about her Boston family and her estranged husband, she allows herself to be drawn out by some of the locals, including a hotel manager and his lady love; a kindly grandfather; and especially County Clare's conservation officer, Oran Sweeney and his teenage daughter Hazel, who also have a tragedy in their past. During one afternoon outing, Sarah and Oran even climb over a fence and break into Thornwood House, which is now a derelict structure where no one lives.

As things turn out, the fairy folk may have drawn Sarah to Clare Country, because Sarah, Oran, and Hazel help each other heal their wounds and move on.

For me, the 1910 timeline is more compelling, with tales of life in rural Ireland; Irish lads striving for Irish independence; and the Irish folklore recorded by Harold Griffin-Krauss. We learn that Harold later publishes his collection of Irish tales in a book called 'The Fairy Compendium', which is read by Sarah and Hazel.

In her acknowledgments, author Evie Woods notes that 'The Story Collector' was inspired by the 'real Harold', Walter Evans-Wentz, "who came to [Ireland] in search of the mystic and captured all of Ireland's beauty and mystery."

I enjoyed the novel, especially the Irish legends and fables, and highly recommend the book to readers interested in the subject.

Thanks to Netgalley, Evie Woods, and Harper 360 for a copy of the book.

The lost bookshop is on my TBR, so i was not familiar with Evies work. I think i was expecting more fae than fairy when i started reading it. I loved the first third of the book. I read it in a blink of an eye, the second third was neat, but kept freaking me out a little bit. The last third kinda fell off the rails, it felt very rushed. I also HATED Anna's ending, that was heart wrenching to read, I was really rooting for her.

We traveled to Ireland a year ago, and the descriptions were absolutely spot on. In reading about Ireland makes me desparately want to go back and look at everything with a new lense. I wonder what would happen if i asked them about the good people? The book was about two women with very similar parallels in their own lives. Sarah is set in the modern day present reading about Anna's life in the past through a diary. Anna helps an american fellow, Harold, write down stories about Irish folklore which includes the fairies or the good people. Sarah and Anna are both working through some guilt and grief that makes its appearance known in many ways. This book was about finding yourself through lifes trials and tribulations with the extreme of not wanting to be found out for talking to fairies incase you were tried for witchcraft.

Anyways I enjoyed the concept of making true to the unexpected, and working/sitting through your grief, i was just left with a few questions
-was the creepy lady who acosted sarah in the street a fairy, maggie, or olivia?
-why didn't Anna follow Harold? (This part felt unfinished and very rushed)
-did Sarah leave Oran and get back with Jack?... wasnt that the main reason she left for ireland in the first place because she wasnt feeling seen in the relationship

Any read that starts out with Robert Frost and a fairy tree is a hook in my book. Wholesome and warm hearted with a wee bit of mystery, this dual timeline takes you from America to Ireland chasing Celtic fairy stories and matters of the heart. A quick, engaging read! Love the sacred places and otherworldly tales. 🌲✨♥️🧚‍♂️

While other authors are writing of high fae, Woods writes of a different type of fairy! I love that the author incorporates magic into her stories, having read The Lost Bookshop immediately before this.

Ireland was a perfect setting. I loved that we were immediately immersed into the story. The characters were easy to love.

TW: child loss.