This was SO good! I am so bummed I didn't read this first because I think it would have made me like her second book so much more. This was awesome and makes me excited to read more by this author!

The Lost Bookshop, by Evie Woods, is a dual timeline story set in the time of rare book dealers. It includes some mystery, romance, and a little bit of magic. Travel with Opaline, Martha, and Henry as they search for the lost manuscript of Emily Brontë. Their love of books makes each one contain a spark of magic to help you discover who you are and who you are meant to be. I was able to read an ARC on #NetGalley.

TW: domestic abuse, child loss

“The Lost Bookshop” by Evie Woods is a delightful and enchanting tale that celebrates the magic of books and the transformative power of stories. The novel follows Martha and Henry in the present and Opaline in the past as they learn what they want out of life and how to chase it. Martha, running from an abusive marriage, blossoms even as a branch seems to be growing out of her wall. Henry, a rare-book hunter, discovers there may be something even more special than lost manuscripts, and Opaline, in the early 1900s, forges a path to independence and freedom based on rare books.

The settings are particularly evocative-- post-WW1 France, bustling with writers and artists and a famous bookstore, a charming bookshop in historic Dublin, and the home of an eccentric actress in present-day Dublin. In the past storyline, we see Opaline grow with each step of her journey as she flees her abusive older brother and develops as a person. She goes through intensely difficult and tragic times and uses the strength she builds to later lend hope and healing to others.

Meanwhile, in the present, Martha takes on new challenges while overcoming her troubled past. I enjoyed her chapters the most, as they were relatable with a down-to-earth narrator, but also magical with a tree growing inside and a magical tattoo containing it’s mini-mystery. Henry’s perspective was well-written, but I found it the least engaging of the three.

I adored the magical realism in the book. For the most part, it takes place in our mundane world, but the books and the bookshop provide an extra sparkle, a layer of love and protection popping up unexpectedly. I also liked the somewhat ambiguous resolution for Madame Bowden, who operates almost as a fairy godmother in the story. I was utterly absorbed by this book, and I dove straight into Wood’s next novel, The Story Collector, when I finished. I can’t wait for her next story to come out!

I liked it but i did feel like it was a little bit of a lul/ like i had to drag through it a little bit but it might also be because i normally read a lot of heavy fantasy so this was much slower paced than my personal go tos. I do think the vibes and the and setting of everything carried the story and honestly im perfectly fine with that. I can thoroughly enjoy a book for its atmosphere and i feel like that what i did with this one. would still recommend for a cozy time!

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5 stars)

Review:

The Lost Bookshop by Evie Woods is a delightful read, perfect for anyone who loves the magic of books and second chances. The dual timeline narrative is well-executed, blending past and present beautifully. The characters are engaging, especially the protagonist, who embarks on a journey of self-discovery while uncovering secrets within the bookshop.

While the pacing slowed at times, the enchanting atmosphere and themes of love, loss, and the healing power of stories more than made up for it. A cozy, heartwarming read that book lovers will enjoy!

"In a place called lost, strange things are found."

Opaline, living in the 1920s, is forced by her brother, Lyndon, to marry someone she does not want to marry. Lyndon is an altogether nasty bit of work. Opaline runs away and finds a home in Paris, working at Sylvia Beach's bookstore, Shakespeare & Company, where her love of antiquarian books and manuscripts takes root. She also falls in love, and this does not end well.

Present day Martha runs away from her life and moves to Dublin, finding a job cleaning for the mysterious Mrs. Bowden. Everyone has secrets. Henry meets Martha and he swears there was/is a bookshop on the same street as Mrs. Bowden's house, in fact, in the basement of the house. Martha believes he has lost his mind until the bookshop appears to her.

Somehow, all these characters and a few more are searching for a lost manuscript written by Emily Bronte and this ties all these time frames and people together in surprising ways.

"The Lost Bookshop" by Evie Woods presents a charming narrative that intertwines the magic of literature with the complexities of human emotions. The story unfolds in a quaint, hidden bookstore that seems to possess a life of its own, offering solace and adventure to those who stumble upon it. Woods excels at creating an atmospheric setting that draws readers in, filling the pages with a sense of nostalgia and wonder reminiscent of classic tales. Her characters are well-crafted, with distinct personalities and relatable struggles that add depth to the plot. However, while the storyline offers an engaging premise, it occasionally suffers from pacing issues, with certain sections feeling either rushed or dragged out.

Despite these minor drawbacks, "The Lost Bookshop" is a delightful read for those who appreciate literary escapism with a touch of whimsy. Woods' prose is elegant and evocative, painting vivid pictures of the bookshop's enchanting world. The novel's themes of friendship, loss, and the transformative power of books resonate with readers, leaving them with a warm, lingering feeling. While it may not be a groundbreaking masterpiece, the book delivers a satisfying experience, earning it a respectable three-star rating for its heartwarming narrative and imaginative setting.

I’m not sure what I expected with this book, but what I read was not it. This is a light fantasy, magical-realism, historical fiction. There are some beautiful moments, interesting characters, and unique plots. That said, it was slow at times and almost over-the-top with the issues various characters had to face. There were 3 POVs this book is told from, maybe it was too much? This is a love story to books and the magic, comfort, and love they bring. I loved the references to various books and the hunt for the mystery - even though it got too confusing at points. I’m glad I read this book, but it’s not going to be a favorite for me.

Finally worked my way through The Lost Bookshop by @eviewoods.author

This book was an incredible story told me three characters you both loved and resented, mostly because they’re so easy to relate to their high and to their flaws. It tells a magical story of fantasy and wonder while trying in real feelings, emotions, and situations.
Definitely one to check triggers for and be prepared for many feelings, a little bit of everything. You spend a lot of time rooting for our characters and also wishing they could just get over themselves.
It’s easy to lose the real person element in a fantastical novel, this book does a good job of mixing the two elements of fantasy and humanity.
5 ⭐️ a really wonderful read that I’m glad I got to experience.

#thelostbookshop #eviewoods #net-galley #fantasy #fantasynovel #adultfantasy #contemporaryfiction #bookreview #bookrecommendations #bookstagram

I absolutely loved The Lost Bookshop!
I read it trough the NetGalley app
The narrative drew me in from the very first page, with its enchanting descriptions and richly developed characters. The plot was both captivating and heartfelt, weaving a story of mystery, discovery, and love for books. What truly stood out was the unexpected twist in the story-it was masterfully executed, keeping me on edge and leaving me utterly satisfied by the end.
However, I found Opaline's character a bit frustrating at times, as she seemed almost incapable of learning how cruel and opportunistic people can be.
Nonetheless, A delightful and magical read, well elaborated with character development that I couldn't put down!

I loved The Lost Bookshop by Evie Woods. Maybe we all want to find a lost Bookshop or to get lost in a Bookshop. Two timelines, two very different women seeking safety and solace and a mysterious house that once was a place for lost things, books, treasures, and people seeking sanctuary from a sometimes cruel world. Opaline loved books. She created a nook for herself in Dublin, Ireland where she could live her life on her terms. Martha escaped an abusive relationship and found herself in the same house but the bookshop, the place of lost things was missing. There was a tree growing in her room, so that was magical, but where was the shop? I loved how both women in the story were lost but found help along the way, friendship in the most unlikely places and healing from a world that sometimes treats us like we don't deserve kindness. Part historical fiction, part romance, and part fantasy, this book hit in all the right spots!

I really, really loved this!
I really enjoyed the characters, who wormed their way into my heart with little struggle. The magical realism made me happy. I enjoyed the love story, as well as the dual time lines. This one was easily followed where some become incredibly difficult. There was a lot of emotions and I really loved how it all came together.

This was a good, decent, and charming read; it was hard to follow at first with all the points of view. It took me a little while to get into the book. I did love Madame B's character; at times in the beginning, I was like "hmmmm" something is going on here. Opaline was a great character as well. Her storyline was quite interesting. I think the ending was a bit rushed. Overall, I'd say 3.5 stars.

Great premise with an ambitious plot. Character development was spotty and abrupt, and the prose could use refinement. I enjoyed reading it for what it was, solely on the merit of being about bookshops and lost manuscripts

This book was beautifully written, and I was drawn in almost immediately! Text book made me laugh, and smile between my tears. I felt like the characters were very likable and I thought it was an easy read. I cannot wait to read the sequel to this book!

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!