A story written in two timelines the past and the present. Opaline and Martha have their own difficulties and journeys, but the one thing they have in common is where they feel safe ... a disappearing bookshop. Magical realism is seeping through the books as readers are immersed in a world where a bookshop decides its own destiny.

I’m struggling how I feel with this book. So will take you through the timeline of the emotional roller coaster. That is The Lost Bookshop. 

It started out GREAT. Every book lovers dream. On the other side of that coin, I immediately picked up on feeling of being manipulated that somebody who loves to read would have a book written for readers. The next few pages or chapters, I realized the maturity of the writing wasn’t there. It didn’t feel well put together. There were some one-liners that could be grabbed/pointed out (another reviewers mentioned pulled out for marketing), but the overall flow of the book and the writing and the storyline was not cohesive. And I’m not even sure the lack of connection was the problem. I felt manipulated into gushing over this perfectly curated booktopia.

I feel the author took a list of all the things people who love to read obsess over. What is a book-girlie cliche?

Paris

Shakespeare and Company

classic authors

old books

knickknacks

old Victorian houses

romance

modern books, like Normal People

Trinity college

antique dealers

chasing down a lost manuscript

magic

poems

letters

sewing

WWII

[insert other typical things a book-nerd would swoon over]

The author took that list and made a story outline with each of these items listed as a point in the story. After creating a basic outline, she added filler in between. That is my theory of how this book was written. (Spoiler alert, she did miss coffee culture ha) Even as I say that (here comes a rollercoaster hill) - I was loving it!

Yet, the proof is in the pudding, as they say. The overall feeling I was left with was manipulated confusion. There are parts in the book, and I won’t give away any spoilers, that felt forcefully put into the plot with no real thought added to it. Scenarios felt as if they were just copy and pasted into an overall good storyline.

Overall, like I said, it’s a great book, a really great idea for a book, with great things that people who love to read, would love to read about. It was just too much, too forced, and the writing wasn’t mature enough (is that the right word?) to be able to put all of that together and make something that people love to read, would love to actually read.

All that saying, (again, rollercoaster) the author isn’t wrong in thinking that people who love to read, love to read about these things. I still loved some of the descriptions of the places the author was putting us in. There are such great moments and it’s all such a great idea that I couldn’t help myself being sucked into all of these places. The execution was just lacking. Or maybe it was just too much at once. I'm really not sure. I am sure that if you want to read an 'okay written book' about a bunch of things you'd love to read about ... read this book. You'll love it.

Amazon Link - The Lost Bookshop By: Evie Woods

Stats: 448 pages - First published June 22, 2023

***Thank you to Harper, NetGalley and of course, the author Evie Woods, for a  copy of the ARC in exchange for an honest review. Published Nov 2023.

I really enjoyed this book! It’s hard to describe what kind of book it is but it’s worth the read! It’s historical fiction, a little romance, self discovery turning into self confidence, and all about the love of books. I was struggling to keep up with the 3 narrator points of view that rotate each chapter. After awhile, it became easier and I could see how the one in the past was starting to fit in. I have been on a romance kick lately so I like how it was tied in but not the predominant storyline. It was also a very closed door romance - 1/5 for spice…a welcome reprieve.

Well developed characters and plot make this a charming and whimsical ode to books and bookshops.. This is a lovely story and fun to read.

Thank you, One More Chapter and NetGalley, for my free e-book for review.

The Lost Bookshop by Evie Woods is a true delight for any book lover. This captivating novel seamlessly blends historical fiction and magical realism, drawing readers into a world brimming with complex characters and intriguing mysteries.

At the heart of the story is Opaline, a strong-willed woman navigating the restrictions of a patriarchal society in her pursuit of independence and her passion for rare books. The author has crafted Opaline's journey with such poignancy that it's impossible not to feel deeply invested in her struggles and triumphs. She is the ultimate bibliophile's best friend, and her unwavering determination is both inspiring and heartbreaking.

Alongside Opaline's narrative, we are introduced to the equally compelling stories of Martha and Henry. Their individual tales carry a similar sense of sadness and depth, but it is their interactions and developing friendship that truly captivates. The moments of humor and awkwardness that punctuate their relationship add a delightful layer of authenticity.

While the central mystery surrounding the lost bookshop and the potential discovery of a lost Brontë manuscript keeps the pages turning, it is the interconnected lives of Opaline, Martha, and Henry that truly elevate this novel. The way their stories converge and intersect adds a wonderful twist that will satisfy readers deeply.

I had the pleasure of experiencing this book through both the written word and the audiobook format, and the narration by Avena Mansergh-Wallace, Olivia Mace, and Nick Biadon is simply outstanding, bringing the protagonists to life with remarkable skill.

If you're a fan of stories about strong women, complex family dynamics, and the magic of books, then "The Lost Bookshop" is an absolute must-read. Evie Woods has crafted a truly captivating and immersive tale that will linger in your mind long after the final page.

So not my favorite book. I liked the elements of it, it kept my attention, but I have quite a few plot points I felt went unanswered or incomplete. I enjoyed the multiple POVs and timelines, but overall, just an ok read.

Evie Woods, author of The Lost Bookshop, is a new find for me recently. I previously read her latest novel, The Story Collector, and decided to return to some of her earlier works. Part fantasy (light, in that something magical seems to happen but perhaps it's just in your imagination), part historical fiction, the characters and setting shine in the story. Set apart by nearly a century, two women suffer terrible losses and try to find a path forward. In some respects, they succeed. In others, they are haunted for the remainder of the life, most likely. I enjoyed the plot but felt one woman's story was incomplete and I prefer tighter connections between the past and the present. It also ended rather abruptly for my taste, but still enjoyable overall.

This book is the quintessential escape that readers hope to find in books. There is magic to the world around us that can be touched if you just have faith when you reach out. There is grounding in nature as the trees and earth provide what one needs just when it is needed. Hints of secrets that are just waiting to be discovered if you know where to look. The amount of research that went into this tale is evident in the historical information woven into the fiction. The parallel timelines hint to the connectedness of the people and events, foreshadowing of the future. Although there was so much sadness in the tale, it speaks of the conditions of the past and how powerless women were in that time. I found the tale to be one of hopes and dreams and survival despite the odds. The characters were so multifaceted, especially Madame Bowden, each with their own story that adds to the mosaic of the the Lost Bookshop (the place). I absolutely loved this book and recommend it to anyone who enjoys getting lost in the pages when reading!

I received a free e-arc of this book through Netgalley for my honest review and to read before I read the author's next book [book:The Story Collector|205899692] which will be published in September. I liked most of the characters actually and the theme behind them. It was fun to imagine a tree growing in the house.

I started off enjoying this book about a somewhat magical bookshop and the two interesting women who ran it separated by almost 100 years. Unfortunately, the plot devolved rapidly into a repetition of evil men chasing each of them and obvious misunderstandings (my least favorite plot device) separating each from love. I had to give up around 50% because it was getting tiresome. Sorry! I really wanted to like it but I can't.

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!