The perfect book for a reader who loves fantasy, adventure, romance, and of course, books. Told from three points of view, Opaline, Martha and Henry the reader travels from the 1920's to the 1950"s in a story based around a magical bookshop. The characters are eccentric yet very likeable. You have to admire their determination and inner personal strength as they strive to reach their goals. Whether it is the search for independence, a special book or a magical bookshop the reader is urging them on toward their goals. And the special friendships and love they find along the way is a bonus.

Thank you to Negalley, the publisher and the author for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book.

I absolutely adored this story! The Lost Bookshop is a delightful mix of fiction and fantasy and told from three differing perspectives.

1921: Opaline leaves her home behind and a marriage proposal she is being pressured to take by her domineering brother to forge her own path. Her love of books takes to Paris and Dublin where she finds employment and begins her search for rare manuscripts. But her brother pursues her relentlessly and sends her whole life into a spiral....

Present day we have Martha and Henry...Martha leaves her abusive husband and begins a job as a housekeeper for a very eclectic and mysterious employer. Martha is trying to get her life on the right track. Henry comes to Dublin in search of a mysterious book shop that appears and disappears randomly. He meets Martha, who happens to live next door, and they forge a relationship.

This is the type of story that makes me so happy I am a reader - it's just pure delight and makes reading fun! I thought the story was clever and the characters became more like dear friends.

"The Lost Bookshop" by Evie Woods is an outstanding 5-star read! This beautifully crafted story weaves themes of perseverance, self-discovery, and becoming the person you truly aspire to be. Told through three distinct perspectives, the narrative takes us on a compelling journey across time.

In 1921, we meet Opaline, a young woman desperate to escape her controlling mother, willing to make great sacrifices to carve out a life of her own. In the present day, we are introduced to Martha, who, seeking refuge from her own struggles, begins working for the candid and endearing Madame Bowden—an elderly woman whose honesty and straightforwardness many will admire. Finally, there’s Henry, a man with a passion for seeking out rare, old books, who befriends Martha as their paths cross.

The pacing of this novel is just right, allowing us to deeply understand each character and the personal challenges they face as they navigate life. If you're a fan of historical fiction, stories sprinkled with a touch of magic, or simply love books about books, this story is for you. I highly recommend The Lost Bookshop, as it has quickly become one of my favorite reads of 2024!

Thanks to Harper 360, Evie Woods, and NetGalley for providing me with the opportunity to read this ARC and share my honest review.

THE LOST BOOKSHOP by Evie Woods was actually published in Nov. 2023 and I asked for a copy because of all of the positive "buzz" around it and around Woods' more recent title, The Story Collector.

I did love the wonderful comments about books:
"... books were more than words on paper; they were portals to other places, other lives." AND
"I couldn't explain it, not even to myself, but books gave me an unflinching sense of stability and groundedness."
The story, however, took place in multiple time periods – beginning in London and Paris in 1921 with interwoven events set in Dublin in the present day. Then there were three narrators: Opaline (a young woman defying social conventions and trying to make her way in the world), Henry (a "researcher" striving to find a lost bookshop), and Martha (a housekeeper who lives near where Henry believes the shop existed). Several reviewers refer to "magical realism" which added yet another confusing layer. I agree with those who feel this story tried to do too much. Others sincerely loved this book and if you like time travel-type stories, you may, too. 3 stars

How can you go wrong with a story full of romance, magic, and a lost, disappearing bookstore? Such a magical, captivating story told in alternating storylines. Love love love Evie Woods!

I really don't read "magical realism", but loved the synopsis of this book, so I requested it, and was approved! oh what a treat this was! There are better reviews available that can explain the synopsis better than I can. The story is a combination of different genres and timelines. The story is told from the POV's of Opaline in 1922, and Martha and Henry in present time.

Opaline is running away from a marriage that she did not want. Her father introduces her to the world of books, and thus she becomes an apprentice at a bookstore in Paris. However, her brother discovers where she is, and she flees to Dublin. Here she finds a strange building and opens her own bookstore.

Martha is a victim of spousal abuse, and runs away from this to start a new life in Dublin, where she hopes she will be able to stay hidden. She finds a job as a housekeeper for Madame Bowden at #12 Ha'Penny..

Henry has left London, and come to Dublin. He is looking for a hidden bookstore at #11 Ha'Penny. He claims that he has seen this bookstore.

Their stories come together in a way that is hopeful, yet bittersweet. The situations that Opaline and Martha faced were heartbreaking. However, I liked the strength and determination each of these characters displayed, and their perseverance to dream and have hope.

I am not an avid magical realism reader, but I really enjoyed this story! I am still thinking about how all the pieces and the magical element fit together. Please read other reviews by readers more familiar with this genre! Although the end felt a little rushed, I still really enjoyed this story, and plan on looking at the author's other books!

Thank you NetGalley and One More Chapter/Harper Collins UK for the ARC. This is my honest and voluntary review.
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I received this DRC from NetGalley.

The past story was much better than the one set in the present. The tacked on device of telling a story in a story was unnecessary in the way it was done, and also didn't make sense to tell a child all of that. What annoyed me the most was how unbelievable the interactions were between Martha and Henry, even putting the rushed love aside. Unless I was intended to think that Henry is a total idiot, it was ridiculous how bad he was at his job. He's a "researcher," but doesn't think to use the internet?? Or follow up on the one convenient Google lead he has because there were too many women involved? I have other qualms, including: talking in platitudes, reveals being obvious (except 1), people keep getting intensely attracted to everyone, and just things being really convenient in nonsense ways. I only cared about Opaline.

t took a little longer than I had hoped to get into this book, and having three separate POVs in two different time periods was a little confusing at first, however; once I got the hang of it, it was quite enjoyable.
Opaline’s story line was heartbreaking, Martha’s was surprising, and Henry’s was all too familiar with a prior engagement before falling for Martha. I did love the ending! I would not have thought it would go that way!

I loved this!! Perfect fall vibes. The characters and the plot all together were amazing! I would recommend reading this!

While I enjoyed the story this book felt a bit long and drawn out.

3/5

Martha (present day) escapes her abusive husband and ends up working for an interesting old woman, Madame Bowden. She lives in an old home and Martha stays in the basement. Henry comes looking for a bookshop next door to the house but the bookshop is no longer there.
Opaline (early to mid 1900’s) is escaping her controlling brother and sets off on an adventure where she becomes a renowned book dealer.

Lotsssss happen in this book! And while all of it was interesting I think some could have been left out. The magical realism aspect was a fun spin but honestly the historical fiction bit was more interesting to me. I loved the history of what happened to Opaline and her daring choices for her time. I wish there had been less romance for her. Martha and Henry were written really well and I enjoyed their friendship.

Definitely a book for library purchase. Thanks to #netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an ARC.

This book captures being a bibliophile in remarkable ways. If you like historical fiction, modern love stories, and self-discovery with touches of magic, add this book to your reading list.
Things I loved about this book:
The story follows three unconnected primary characters in 2 different time periods. The stories entwine uniquely and well. I never felt like I was disappointed to shift perspectives, though there were several cliffhanger moments that I was excited to get back to.
The characters are dynamic and likable. The character growth was poignant and beautiful. It was impressive that the author included 3 uniquely struggling individuals and how they managed their lives and overcame various obstacles.
There are many references to classic works throughout the book. I wasn’t familiar with all of them, so I felt inclined to look them up as I read. It felt like getting book recommendations, which was very fun. It made the book feel like it was written by a reader, for readers.
This book does contain abuse and domestic violence. It captured the feelings, thoughts and responses of someone trapped in an abusive environment from a variety of angles. I empathized with the pain and loss described. Other family disfunctions are also described: alcoholism, abandonment, emotional abuse, mental illness, etc. without the book feeling too heavy or dark. It was shining a light on tragedy while retaining hope.
The love stories are sweet and touching. The story is more about connection and abiding feelings than sensuality and lust. I felt like it was romantic without being explicit or “spicy.” There were a few fade out love scenes, but the curtains were always drawn quickly.
I could go on and on, but your time would be better spent reading the book!
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

I absolutely loved the premise of this book. Unfortunately, I found myself completely confused for the first quarter of the book, because I could not figure out who was who, and what city or what time period I was supposed to be in. Finally, I got into the flow of the storyline and the characters and was able to sit back and enjoy the unfolding of this enchanting tale. My advice would be to read the physical book, so you can more easily turn back the pages to figure out where and when you are. The e-book was just really difficult for me this time. It might have helped to have all the chapters headed with more than just the name of the POV, but the date and city as well (not just the ones set in Dublin).

THE LOST BOOKSHOP by Evie Woods

I was expecting to love this, but I did not. The premise of this story had so much potential, but the plot, characters and their actions just didn’t add up.

Henry, a PHD student, did not know how to do a simple online search for Opaline - what?! Martha didn’t know how libraries worked?! Martha doesn’t love books/reading, but enrolls in college to be a literary critic?! Continuity of the time period was not there. Cellphones were mentioned at one point, but never used. They sent mail or left notes instead. Additionally, the love interests felt forced and awkward at best.

I guess, if you ignore all of the above, this is a lightweight, cozy story for book lovers and readers. Good, but not great. YMMV.


Rating: 3/5 ⭐️

**ARC courtesy of Netgalley & HarperCollins360.

The Lost Bookshop is the story of Opaline, Henry, and Martha. Set in the early 1900’s, Opaline is looking to escape her brother and the arranged marriage he has set up for her. She leaves England and ends up in Paris working in a bookshop. Her brother finds her and with the help of friends, she ends up in Dublin. When she gets to Dublin, she becomes the new caretaker of a bookshop.

Martha and Henry find themselves in present day Dublin. Martha is escaping an abusive husband and Henry is looking for the Lost Bookshop of Opaline’s. As it turns out, the house where Martha has become the housekeeper, is around the same area Henry has gone in search of the bookshop. They team up to find out what happened to Opaline and the bookshop.

The was a great cozy story to kick off the fall season! Can’t wait to read Evie Woods next book The Story Collector!

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC of The Lost Bookshop!

Magical adventure that will sweep you off your feet! Set on a quiet street in Dublin, this enchanting tale follows Opaline, Martha, and Henry—three characters who have always felt like side characters in their own lives. But when they stumble upon a mysterious, vanishing bookshop, their lives take a turn for the extraordinary.

Woods’ writing is whimsical and captivating, drawing you into a world where books hold secrets and magic is just around the corner. The characters are wonderfully quirky and relatable, each with their own unique story that unfolds beautifully as they explore the hidden wonders of the bookshop.

The blend of mystery, historical fiction, and a sprinkle of romance makes this book a delightful read. It’s perfect for anyone who believes in the magic of books and the power of a good story. If you’re looking for a feel-good escape that will leave you with a smile, “The Lost Bookshop” is a must-read!

Thank you for the ARC @NetGalley. The Lost Bookshop is a very enjoyable read, going back and forth from present day to 1921-1950. I had a bit of a struggle keeping characters straight at the beginning, but soon got into the story. The book is a testament to the wonders of reading and books, and the magical realism added validation to the fact that books can literally transport you!
#TheLostBookshop #NetGalley

I give this book a 3/5 rating but it’s more like a 2.5 for me. Although I found some parts of the story entertaining and the overall concept one I was interested in, the writing style and pace of events had me procrastinating to finish this book. I also found this book to have a few plot holes that irked me. Overall, I was not thrilled by this book and feel it could’ve been done better.

"The Lost Bookshop" was an enjoyable read full of powerful characters. This book would make a great book club read and I highly recommend it!

How easy would it be to be lost the words of a book? This novel is a dual timeline with multi-point of views that explores the power of stories and the oppression of women. The Lost Bookshop is not the typical fast fiction that is regularly mass consumed. It is a work of art with lyrical prose and thought provoking discussions wrapped into a world with a hint of magical realism. It is artistry.