I am first going to thank NetGalley, Harper360, and Evie Woods for this ARC in return for an
unbiased review.
I am giving The Lost Bookshop 3 ’s for being unclear in its purpose
The cover description reads:
“On a quiet street in Dublin, a lost bookshop is waiting to be found
…For too long, Opaline, Martha and Henry have been the side characters in their own lives.
But when a vanishing bookshop casts its spell, these three unsuspecting strangers will discover that their own stories are every bit as extraordinary as the ones found in the pages of their beloved books. And by unlocking the secrets of the shelves, they find themselves transported to a world of wonder…
where nothing is as it seems.”

The genre tags are romance, fantacy/sci-fi, fiction, magical realism

The prologue introduces with a young boy meeting a mysterious woman in a whimsical bookstore along the lines of Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium.

I turned to the first chapter, thinking this will
commence a journey into wonder and stories, vanishing bookshops and interwoven lives. A heartwarming tale with a bookstore at the center.

THIS IS NOT THAT BOOK!

This is a book about three people finding themselves. Kinda.
One of them already knows who they are, she isn’t so much finding herself, but finding freedom. All of their lives are twined in some manner with a love of books and literature.
Great.
There are elements of magical realism sprinkled throughout the story, but never fully explained or explored.
The book is broken up chapter by chapter into 1st person POV of each of the 3 main characters.
Due to this, it becomes a tug-of-war of attention between the characters and whose story you are holding.

Even more, with two of the characters' stories happening in the same time period, it was almost a redundancy to switch viewpoints just to get a his and hers perspective in scenes where they were together.

The societal issues Ms. Woods addressed in both time periods visited gave a depth to the story. At the same time, the main characters never do anything to really heal from the traumas they experienced. Thus they all three experienced these huge pains that shaped the people they are. It is even mentioned to one of the characters to explore
counseling, but nothing comes of it.

Instead, we jump to another point of view and proceed as though secondary character’s emotional healing or deaths equals healing the for the principal characters. With so much reality being the focus of the book, this hole was glaring.

The romance charges forward with no real communication as to what the hold back was earlier in the story. It got to a point that it felt as though the story needed to wrap up, but there were too many bows to tie without enough ribbon.

There are other such holes in the story that leave a lot of supposition to the reader, for example, Martha’s gift, to name one. 👀

Overall, this was not a bad book, but it was definitely not what I thought I was going to be reading.
The bait and switch of:
“…they find themselves transported to a world of wonder…”
to battered women, forced confinement, alcoholism, manslaughter on the page, attempted suicide, off page suicide, etc. is why I cannot give this a higher rating.
This is a book I picked up to rate thinking it was going to be a whimsical summer read. when in turn it was
much more than I was looking for.

A tale woven from the past to the future, with three strangers linked throughout. Really enjoyed this one as the connects kept getting stronger as the story continued. First I've read by this author but will not be my last. Good story and one I highly recommend.

It was a good book, I expected a little more. It did make me believe like if I was part of the book I'm just not a big fan of historical books.

It has been some time since I have read such a magical story as this. Following everyone's stories as they weave in and out, creating this lovely knot of a story. Highly recommend!

"The Last Bookshop" by Evie Woods is nothing short of a literary enchantment. From the very first page, Woods weaves a magical tale that transports readers into a world where books are more than mere objects—they are living, breathing entities filled with wonder and mystery.

The novel centers around a charming bookshop that holds secrets and surprises at every turn. Woods's lyrical prose and vivid descriptions create a spellbinding atmosphere that captivates and enthralls. The characters are richly developed, each adding depth and nuance to the story, making it both heartwarming and engaging.

The plot is a delightful blend of whimsy and depth, with intricate twists that keep readers eagerly turning pages. The bookshop itself feels like a character, imbued with its own magic that adds to the novel’s irresistible charm.

"The Last Bookshop" is a truly magical read that celebrates the transformative power of books and the joy of storytelling. It is a five-star gem that will leave readers spellbound and longing for more

I was not expecting to love this as much as I did. Evie Woods has made a an incredible story with three fully flushed out, and interesting characters. You've got Opaline back in 1921 who is trying to get out of an arranged marriage set up by her family, then in the present day you have Martha, who is fleeing an abusive husband, and Henry, a PhD student who is tracking down a mysterious bookshop he can't seem to locate. Martha and Henry have to work together to find the secret of the Lost Bookshop and protect it at all costs.

This book is described as contemporary fiction meets mystery meets magical realism and I couldn't agree more. I wish there was slightly more magical realism in this, but I can absolutely move past that. I loved the little details about Dublin and seeing how the city changed between Opaline's time and the present day.

Overall, I felt the characters were well written, interesting and gave the book a great heart. I will absolutely be reading Evie Woods' next book, and I can't wait! Thank you to Evie Woods, NetGalley and Harper 360 for this ARC.

This is book that is steeped in magical realism and if you’re not a fan of that genre this isn’t a book for you. This is also a book lovers book in the vein of The Shadow of the Wind or Book Lover. The three main characters Opaline, Martha and Henry’s stories seem so different but tie together in the end in a satisfying way. Again you must buy into the magical realism of the story-disappearing book store, magical trees that appear in houses, tattoos etc for the story to weave together. Opaline’s and Martha’s parallel stories of struggling to find independence as women in different times was very interesting. Henry felt more like a supporting character to both women. I enjoyed this book very much as it challenged me in a genre I don’t normally read. Thank you to Evie Woods and Harper 360 for the advanced copy.

"The Lost Bookshop" by Evie Woods is a captivating novel that will transport you to a world of wonder and mystery. This enchanting tale revolves around a mysterious bookshop that seems to appear only to those who need it most.
As the protagonist navigates the twists and turns of their life, the Bookshop becomes a refuge, a source of guidance, and a symbol of hope. The author's writing is evocative, making the old bookshop, with its creaky shelves and whispered secrets, become a character, exerting a gentle magic on all who enter.
The story follows two timelines, in 1921 where Opaline is shown as rebel who flees England and an arrange marriage to live life on her own terms. And the present timeline which follows the narrative of two characters Martha and Henry.
This book for sure is a single sit read. I enjoyed the world the author created and from the start got invested in the story. I especially loved reading Opaline’s timeline. But I was surprised and disappointed to see Opaline's story become so centered on romance, given her independent and free-spirited nature as a rebel. Her journey would have been more compelling if it had focused solely on her love of books and learning, rather than getting sidetracked by romantic entanglements.
On the other hand, the magic aspect of the story was nice yet there are some plot holes which are confusing. Like the tattoo, why was it there, how did it work? Who was Madame Bowden?
The conclusion feels abrupt and hurried, wrapping up a meticulously crafted narrative in a single chapter. I found the rapid tying up of loose ends to be unsatisfying, leaving me feeling like the story's thoughtful buildup was compromised by a hasty finale. Hence the 3 stars.
All in all, despite the shortcomings “The Lost Bookshop” is a mesmerizing magical fairytale that will captivate fans of the genre.

As a lifelong reader, books about books never fail to interest me, and tempt me to read them. I was thankful, therefore, to receive a DRC for this and began it eagerly.

Upon starting this, I was immediately drawn in by the gorgeous writing. And kept in thrall by the writing, the characters, the story, the messages…

I could go on and on about the utter magic of this novel, but I will simply say that I loved it, and I’m so, so glad I read this 😍.

Full recommendations from me.



Thank you to Harper 360 and NetGalley for the DRC

This book was incredible! I read this back when it was originally released and fell in love. The details and the story was so cute. I felt like I was a part of the adventure!! From start to finish, it was just beautiful!! Highly recommend!!

This book took my new and addicting flame I feel for literature and added some whimsical fuel to the fire! My embers are dancing happily shooting sparks into the air!

This was such an entertaining book! Perfect for those who believe books add a little magic to their lives! The dialogue was entertaining and the characters were so likable! I initially struggled with keeping straight all the alternating POVs and timelines. But once I got it, the plot twists and cliffhangers between characters and timelines was so good! There were storylines I didn’t see coming and I found myself pleasantly surprised many times throughout the story. Charming and fun, it is a perfect fall read.

It’s rare I read magical realism. To be honest it often feels too bizarre for me to get into the story and enjoy… but this book was the exception. I loved the magical realism, the plot, the dual timeline, the historical period, the love story and the story of resilience. It made me go through all the feelings and I utterly enjoyed everything about this book and would definitely recommend.

The Lost Bookshop by Evie Woods is a captivating and enchanting novel that intertwines the lives of three seemingly ordinary individuals with the magical allure of a mysterious bookshop in Dublin. As each character finds themselves drawn into the secrets of the vanishing bookshop, they begin to uncover the extraordinary potential within their own lives. The author blends together elements of mystery and magic. This book is a heartwarming and immersive read, celebrating the profound impact of stories and the connections they forge. Fans of whimsical, literary tales will find themselves enchanted by this delightful novel.

I absolutely loved this book especially because it was written so well! It will keep you reading and stay hopeful for the main character that you’re rooting for. The characters felt so real and the writing is just so magical. I know I keep referring back to how this book is written but it’s just incredible and one of the reasons why I loved the book so much!!

“If you tilt your head,’ he told me once, ‘you can hear the older books whispering their secrets."

This book follows three characters & has two timelines. We follow Martha & Henry in what is to be assumed present-day and we follow Opaline in the past. All three characters have been through a lot of trauma. I would like to warn people about abuse being a consistent theme throughout.

The bookshop itself seems to be the main magic realism element in this book & we only get to explore it a bit. I think the bit that we get was well done but I wanted a lot more.

I did enjoy the literary references throughout. I believe it had just the right amount of references.

This book covers a lot of deep important topics such as women's rights, abuse, mental health, and more. I feel like it does so in a very realistic manner.

Thank you to NetGalley & Harper 360 for the chance to read this in exchange for an honest review.

Here is the revised version of your text:

I cannot resist reading a fabulous book about books that includes heart-wrenching yet empowering women’s fiction. It blends romance with magical realism, taking us on a journey from Paris to London and Ireland with dual timelines and three perspectives—Ophelia, Martha, and Henry. These characters, who have long been supporting figures in other people's lives, finally earn the spotlight in their own stories.

The main theme of the book is: "In a place called lost, strange things are found." If you can solve the meaning of this riddle, you may truly capture the full essence of the entire manuscript.

Let me introduce you to the characters and their timelines:

In 1922: Opaline runs away from her childhood home after her older brother, nicknamed "Reaper" for making the toughest calls to take the lives of his own soldiers, returns from the war and pushes her into a marriage with a man she doesn’t know. Only her father understands her and introduces her to the magical world of books. This becomes her salvation and the beginning of a career as a book dealer after she finds herself in Paris, working at the special bookstore "Shakespeare and Company" as an apprentice. She even finds love at first sight. But when her brother tracks her down, she is forced to disappear again, this time to a mysterious building in Dublin where she establishes her own bookstore. Here, books that relate to her emotions appear just when she needs them.

In the present time: Martha, a domestic abuse victim, runs away from her old life and alcoholic husband to start anew in Dublin, hoping not to be found. She starts working at #12 Ha’Penny as a housekeeper for Madame Bowden, an eccentric ex-actress who considers herself a competitor of Grace Kelly with several marriages and deceased husbands. Martha's path crosses with Henry, a quirky British PhD student who left London after proposing to Isabel, an extrovert who enjoyed influencing Henry's peculiarities. Henry insists there's a hidden bookstore at #11 Ha’Penny, which he claims to have seen but refuses to share this information with Martha, who still has trust issues.

Three ordinary people encounter extraordinary events that change the trajectory of their lives, connected by a touch of magic. This might be the best definition of this story. The traumas faced by both Opaline and Martha are heartbreaking and hard to absorb, but their determination and inner strength are inspiring, giving readers hope that everything is possible as long as you continue to dream and do everything in your power to make them come true.

Overall: This is a well-constructed, bittersweet, magical journey that promises hope beyond the sadness and hardships of life. This is the first time I have read Evie Woods, and it certainly won’t be the last. I look forward to getting lost in the literary universe she has created in her other books.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Harper 360 for providing me with this remarkable book's digital reviewer copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.

I received this ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed this! It gave me very The Binding vibes, but with a dash of The Lost Apothecary, both of which I loved. The journey was very realistic, with just a dash of magic and wonder. I was appalled by the treatment of Opaline, but it isn’t all that different than how things actually went down, so I have to give the author credit for realness. The characters were fun and not too dim witted when it came to the obvious feelings between them (I hate the misunderstanding but really in love trope, but this one was done well), and the romance felt very sweet and sincere. I easily read this in two sittings and only because I had to work early the next morning and forced myself to put it down.

My one and only complaint is the amount of magic and surrealism at the end. I didn’t mind it, but it was very out of character for the rest of the book. Most of the book just had a dash of whimsy here and there, but there’s one large chunk near the end. I understand why it was done that way, but it made the ending chapters feel just a bit rushed for me. I still really enjoyed this though! 4.25⭐️

Books have long been a source of inspiration, wonder and solace for so many of us. This book brings that home to three strangers who find themselves in a very extraordinary bookstore. A beautiful and moving story

Women have always lacked the freedom of men, no matter what century the story takes place in. Opaline, who does not wish to marry the man her brother has arranged for her, runs off, becoming a book dealer. After further stalking, she has to flee yet again and change her name, finding refuge in her own bookshop in Dublin. Martha, escaping the abuse of her husband finds work in a mysterious house in Dublin and meets a young man looking for a bookshop that should be right there.

The unfolding of the story and the way that the stories weave together are a compelling read. The characters are flawed and well-developed.

Thank you to Harper 360 and Net Galley for the eARC!