⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4./5 Stars)

"Some stories are hidden in the pages, waiting to be found."

Evie Woods’ The Lost Bookshop is a beautifully atmospheric novel that blends historical fiction, mystery, and magical realism—an absolute treat for book lovers who adore stories about hidden bookshops and literary secrets. The novel follows three characters: Martha, a woman escaping her past; Opaline, a bookshop owner in the 1920s with secrets of her own; and Henry, a professor fascinated by rare books. Their narratives intertwine across timelines, creating a rich tapestry of books, identity, and second chances.

One of the novel's highlights is its magical realism, which adds a beautifully whimsical touch to the story. However, at times, it felt like reading two distinct books—the historical fiction and the magical realism didn’t always merge seamlessly, making it feel somewhat disjointed. I found myself deeply invested in both elements individually, but I struggled with how they ultimately came together.

Additionally, while I appreciated the inclusion of social themes, some felt a little forced rather than naturally woven into the story. I also wished the ending had been given more room to breathe—after such an immersive journey, the resolution felt a bit rushed.

That said, the book’s enchanting prose and love for literature make it a wonderful read for those who enjoy novels about books and their power to transform lives. Even with its structural challenges, The Lost Bookshop is an engaging and magical read that leaves a lasting impression.

If you love books about books, historical intrigue, and a touch of magical realism, this novel will sweep you away.

A truly spellbinding read that reminds us why books—and the stories within them—matter.

My thanks to HarperCollins and NetGalley for the eARC of "The Lost Bookshop". This review was voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.

I loved the writing and the co-mingling of genres—historical fiction, fantasy, romance…it was a beautifully told (and important) story.

i felt so many different emotions reading this book. It straddles a couple different "types" of books. In my opinion, it does this very well. It seamlessly blends the different themes into one flawless title. I loved the history elements, the dual timelines. This book made me feel so much I immediately looked up to see what other titles the author had written. 5 stars.

I enjoyed this book! The story has alternating parallel stories from two different times. There’s also a bookshop and books in the story. There’s a magic atmosphere in the story. The characters were great and I missed them when the book was over.

Evie Woods’ The Lost Bookshop is a heartwarming tale of self-discovery, connection, and the transformative magic of books. When Opaline, Martha, and Henry encounter a mysterious vanishing bookshop, their seemingly ordinary lives are forever changed.

Woods masterfully blends magical realism with poignant storytelling, crafting relatable characters whose personal struggles unfold with emotional depth. The enchanting bookshop, with its dusty shelves and hidden secrets, serves as both a setting and a catalyst for their journeys of growth and empowerment.

Lyrical prose, vivid imagery, and universal themes of courage and self-worth make this novel a delight for book lovers. Fans of The Midnight Library will treasure this whimsical and uplifting story about reclaiming life’s narrative and finding magic within.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and author for an advanced copy to honestly review.

‘You think it’s strange that a woman has been silenced? Forgotten about? Written out of history? Henry, what have they been teaching you?’ - @eviewoods.author

This dual timeline story weaves the past with the present through England, Paris, Dublin, bookshops, and asylums with a strong women’s rights theme throughout.

In the 1920s, Opaline loves books- a passion passed down to her from her father. To avoid a forced marriage secured by her older brother, Opaline runs off to Paris and her career as a Book Lover/Buyer/Locater is born. She quickly has to flee to Dublin to escape her brother’s wrath. She finds herself running the old bookshop of Mr. Fitzpatrick which becomes her home and her livlihood.

In present day Ireland, Martha is running away too- from her abusive husband and unsupportive family. She finds herself in Dublin as a maid to Madame Bowman. She’s trying to find her joy again, rebuild her life, and stand strong on her own two feet.

Henry is also running away from an abusive past, hyperfocused on finding a lost manuscript to solidify his place in academia. Henry finds himself right outside Martha’s window, sure, that at one time, this same home was once a Bookshop- this begins Martha and Henry’s story.

These time lines collide in the search for this book shop and a lost manuscript while each of these characters find their way and fight for their happiness with a little magic along the way.

⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Thanks @netgalley and @harper360uk for the #postpubcopy

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This was such a charming and enchanting read. The story follows two women, navigating their lives across two timelines, both grappling with finding their way. I absolutely loved how the book seamlessly weaves together elements of history, the literary world, and a touch of magic. Opaline's story captivated me, drawing me in completely, and by the end, I was left wanting more. This book would be perfect for a fireside afternoon or on a flight to Ireland.

I think I wanted this to be something that it wasn't. It was harder to pick up than I thought it would be and I just couldn't stick with it. I'm hoping to be able to pick it back up again at a future date. Maybe I will be able to get back into this and I would happliy edit my review if so!

Thanks to netgalley for the free book for an honest review.. I couldn’t put this book down once I picked it up. Amazing from cover to cover

Didn't hate it but didn't Love it. Not doing a big review just because I did enjoy her other book and would definitely suggest this book to others. Just wasn't a huge fan.

The Lost Bookshop feels like a love letter to readers, literature, and the power of stories. With its dual timelines and the enchanting bookshop setting, this novel promises a nostalgic and heartwarming experience.

I loved how the book highlighted themes of second chances and self-discovery, all while celebrating the magic of books and the connections they create. The dual timelines—blending the present-day struggles of the protagonist with a past filled with intrigue—added layers to the story, making it feel rich and immersive.

However, while the premise was captivating, I felt that some parts leaned on familiar tropes and lacked the unpredictability I was hoping for. The pacing is a slow burn, which worked well for the cozy, reflective tone of the story but might not suit readers who prefer faster-moving plots. Some characters felt a bit underdeveloped, leaving me wishing for a deeper exploration of their emotions and decisions.

That said, if you’re in the mood for a light, feel-good read that celebrates the charm of bookshops and the joy of reading, The Lost Bookshop is worth a visit. It’s a story that reminds us of the comfort books provide, even in our most uncertain moments.

The Lost Bookshop is a heartwarming blend of mystery, historical fiction, and contemporary storytelling, woven together through a magical bookshop brimming with secrets.

The novel follows three storylines: In 1921, Opaline defies societal norms by escaping a forced marriage and finding refuge at a bookstore in Paris. In the present, Martha rebuilds her life after fleeing an abusive marriage, and Henry searches for a missing manuscript tied to the enigmatic bookshop.

At its heart, the story centers on a hidden bookshop that transcends time and space, offering solace and second chances. Woods' vivid descriptions bring the settings to life, from Dublin to Paris, and the bookshop itself, with its dusty shelves and lost stories, is a dream for any bibliophile. Beyond the magic, the novel explores themes of grief, resilience, and identity, which add depth and heart.

The three narratives come together seamlessly, revealing surprising connections, though the shifts between timelines—especially in audiobook format—can be tricky to follow. The characters feel real, flawed yet hopeful. Opaline's journey from heartbreak to rediscovery stood out as especially poignant and uplifting.

Ultimately, The Lost Bookshop is a delightful read with strong, relatable characters and a deeply satisfying conclusion. A solid 4-star story.

** Thanks to the publisher for a complimentary review copy. The opinions are my own.

The Lost Bookshop by Evie Woods is an unexpected story of magic, books, and 3 people's journeys.

I really like that overall this is rooted in self discovery and self acceptance. With the blend of using stories and various types of books to help guide it, there’s an added essence to it. It kind of reminds me of The Pagemaster (film), which was a little unexpected.

I love that there is a constant theme of stories being one of the things that can open you up to a whole new world as well. Many people who read, read as an escape, as a way to connect to themselves or a version of themselves that they may not have realized was there in their everyday life. Reading in itself is magic and this book brings that out a lot more.

I highly recommend this book. It is such a perfect combination of magic, self discovery, historical fiction, romance, and all things books.

If you love this type of novel, then you’ll also love these: The Story Collector, The Book of Beginnings, The Keeper of Stories, The Book of Doors

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

This was such a lovely read! The characters and the story pulled me in immediately. I love a story with a “magical” feel to it, one that can transport you out of your real life. This one will live in my mind for a long time!

I greatly enjoyed this book and it did really keep me on my toes. Even if I had an inkling of something **SPOILER** such as Opaline's baby being alive and Martha potentially being a part of that bloodline, I did not expect Opaline's father being who he was or that Madame was a 'ghost'. The supernatural/magic aspect brings a unique twist to the book. It's a wonderful story about how people find not only who they are supposed to be, but who they are to be with in the end.

This book contained elements of things I normally like (historical fiction, magical realism, characters who love books), but the writing style really didn’t work for me. It felt like the author was doing a lot of telling rather than showing, with plot events popping out of thin air left and right without any build-up.

This book was extremely long. Could it perhaps have been shorter? I think so.

I still enjoyed it, there were just times that I felt it dragged on a bit. I also guessed the ending. Which is fine. All in all, decent book.

You follow two girl in two separate timelines. One, a rare book dealer. The other, a house assistant.

Both girls have a hard life they are just trying to survive.

I absolutely loved reading "The Lost Bookshop", by Evie Woods. The story, and the characters drew me in immediately and kept me there until the last page. I read the entire book in one sitting, because I couldn't put it down. This would be a marvelous book club choice.

I was interested in this book by the title and it didn’t disappoint. I loved reading this book it was so good. I would read another by this author and recommend it to everyone.

This book was super interesting with a unique premise and a creative storyline! It is a dual timeline story about Opaline and Martha, and I would highly recommend going into it blind without reading the blurb beforehand. It includes fantastical realism and highlights the overwhelming mutual love of books that readers share. I really enjoy this author's work, and I look forward to seeing what is to come!