The Lost Bookshop: A most charming and uplifting novel, the perfect gift for book lovers!

What a great story. The characters evoke a plethora of different emotions during this story. While not the usual genre I normally read, this book dug into me and the more I read, the more I couldn’t put it down. Just when you think you know what will happen next, the story twists and turns into something new.

Enjoyed very much. Likable characters, interesting storylines woven together, and good pacing. Sometimes a little smoother transition from one thing to the next would help with context and why something is important, but if you take it as a whole, it’s good.

The Lost Bookshop by Evie Woods is an absolute delight — a gentle, heartwarming read that swept me away from the very first page. If you’ve ever dreamed of stumbling across a magical bookshop tucked away from the world, this story will speak straight to your soul. Woods weaves a beautiful tale full of charm, mystery, and quiet hope. The characters are layered and lovable, the writing is lyrical without being heavy, and the atmosphere is just enchanting. There’s a sense of wonder throughout the book — like anything is possible if you just believe in the power of stories. What I especially loved is how the narrative feels both comforting and empowering. It’s a reminder that books can offer us second chances, that the past can whisper its truths to the present, and that sometimes the most unexpected places lead us exactly where we need to be. It’s the perfect read for a cold afternoon, a cozy weekend, when you have strong head cold, or any time you want to fall in love with the magic of books all over again. Highly recommended for anyone who adores fiction that feels like a warm hug!

Opaline, Martha, Henry. If you read this book, and you should, these are names you’ll come to love. Woods has skillfully woven three somewhat difficult and sad stories into one narrative of strength and reclamation. Evie (or her publisher) has subtitled The Lost Bookshop with the words “ a charming and uplifting tale” and honestly, it is. This is a story of challenge growing out of distress and it works in every way. I probably should confess that I read The Mysterious Bakery on Rue de Paris last summer. But if that predisposes me to love The Lost Bookshop, so be it. Evie Woods has earned my fandom. This is a mystery, but what exactly is the mystery? Is it what happened to an unknown second novel by Emily Brontë? Is it what happened to Oplaine, a rare book dealer from the early part of the twentieth century? Is it why there are tree roots appearing in the ceiling of Martha’s apartment? Or is it what makes some people loving and some cruel? This is the kind of book that makes me want to read other books by the same author. In this case, that is indeed possible since the author is releasing a new novel in 2026. But, first read The Lost Bookshop. You won’t regret it.

“Books help you to imagine a life bigger and better than you could ever dream of.” The Lost Bookshop is centered in the world of antiquarian books. The story alternates between two time periods and three points of view. Opaline’s story begins in 1920s London, she is rather unconventional and wants to be a collector of rare books but her older brother is forever putting dangerous obstacles in her way. Martha has run from an abusive marriage to present day Dublin had to “save herself” and is determined to find herself and determine what to do with her life. She is working temporarily as a live-in housekeeper for the somewhat mysterious Madam Bowden. Henry is working on his PHD, his thesis centers around a lost bookshop (and manuscript). He is certain he saw the bookshop once, but it disappeared again. An unusual story centered upon the love of books with its “roots in the golden age of rare books”. Themes of mystery and romance - as well as magic - abound. "A book is never what it seems." Books are "...portals to other places, other lives.” I read this book described as: "The most charming and uplifting novel of 2023 and the perfect book for book lovers.” While it is true that book lovers tend to love books about, well, books and other book lovers, this particular book was lacking. For starters it’s at least 50+ pages too long - there’s a lot of repetition. Even with all of those pages, the characters were likable, put poorly developed. The many asides could have been more succinct and fewer in number. Finally, the ending felt scattered and rushed. Still, I’m giving it 3 stars, it was an okay book, good enough - just not one I would go out of my way to recommend. ⭐️⭐️⭐️

I thoroughly enjoyed The Lost Bookshop by Evie Woods! A very solid and well-deserved 4 stars for this incredibly unique story. The book uses a split timeline following three different people: Opaline in the 1920s, who is trying to escape her overbearing family and build a life around her love for rare books, and Martha and Henry in the present day, who are both running from their own pasts and searching for a magical, vanishing bookstore in Dublin. The atmosphere is absolutely lovely, blending historical fiction with a gentle touch of magical realism. Opaline’s chapters completely stole the show for me, she is a fierce, unforgettable character, and I found myself racing through the pages just to see what happened to her next. The way the author slowly weaves the modern and historical mysteries together is incredibly satisfying. The only reason it isn’t a flat 5 stars is because the pacing slowed down slightly in the middle, and the present-day chapters didn't grip me quite as much as the 1920s storyline. 🖤 Tropes & Vibes: Dual Timelines (1920s x Present Day) Magical Realism & Hidden Mystery Found Family & Overcoming Trauma Multiple POVs Sweeping Irish Setting 🇮🇪

A story of perseverance, hope, love, tragedy and the wonders of life. What a beautiful story full of twists and turns. The ending floored me. 5 stars!!! A must read. Easy going down, and lots to think about.

October 1, 2024 I absolutely loved “The Lost Bookshop.” This book reminded me why I love to read in the first place. The story is enchanting and beautifully written, capturing the magic of books and the joy of reading. Summary: “The Lost Bookshop” follows the intertwined lives of three characters: Opaline, Martha, and Henry. Each of them has felt like a side character in their own life, but their paths cross in a mysterious, vanishing bookshop that appears just when they need it most. This magical place reveals that their own stories are just as extraordinary as the ones in their favorite books. As they uncover the secrets hidden within the shelves, they are whisked away to a world of wonder where nothing is as it seems. The narrative beautifully weaves together themes of loss, hope, and the transformative power of literature, making it a compelling and thought-provoking read. What I Loved: Engaging Storyline: The plot is captivating and keeps you hooked from start to finish. Character Development: The characters are well-developed and relatable, making their journeys all the more compelling. Writing Style: Evie Woods’ prose is lyrical and evocative, perfectly capturing the atmosphere of a beloved bookshop. Critique: One downside is that there is no sequel. The story leaves you wanting more, and it would have been wonderful to see the characters’ journeys continue in another book. This might leave some readers feeling a bit unsatisfied, wishing for more closure or further exploration of the enchanting world Evie Woods has created. Conclusion: “The Lost Bookshop” is a heartwarming and inspiring read that rekindles the love for books and reading. I highly recommend it to anyone who cherishes the magic of stories and the comfort of a good book.

1⭐ is for the quality of the book Martha has escaped from an abusive home, seeking refuge in Madame Bowden's house as a housekeeper. Henry is a Ph.D. student who is in a quest for an old lost manuscript, and a lost bookshop. When, the two strangers end up in search of a lost bookshop, which should have been next door to Madame Bowden's house, but isn't! However fate intertwines their paths in the search of the lost bookshop and missing manuscript. The secret becomes more intricate and profound as they begin to unravel it. What secret does the bookshop hold? This book is a charming novel blended with magical realism, historical fiction, bibliophilia, and romance. The story follows three main protagonists which are set in Dublin, London and Paris. It has multiple POVs with a dual timeline; it is narrated back and forth at alternative chapters. Opaline, is a headstrong character who built her own dream against all odds. Martha's character was a polar opposite to Opaline, she was naive and a girl with dreams, holding up to herself. Henry's character was full of ambition and charming. Madame Bowden is my favourite side character, she is quirky and mysterious. The character development was great, and the readers will get to know them throughout the book. The plot and the world build up was impeccable, with unexpected twists and turns. The magical element was subtle and charming. The author's writing was lyrical and whimsical. She also highlights female liberation, domestic abuse, healing and loss. The author was excellent at weaving stories inside a story. I love how beautifully she involved classical literature and those authors in it, which literally gave life to the plot. It was a heartwarming and heartbreaking read. Overall, I devoured every page of this book

Starts off slow.. Then the momentum picks up as u go.

‘On a quiet street in Dublin, a lost bookshop is waiting to be found…’ - The Lost Bookshop’ by Evie Woods. I combined reading with its unabridged audiobook edition, narrated by Avena Mansergh-Wallace, Olivia Mace, and Nick Biadon. The story of the lost bookshop is told by three characters. In the Prologue we are introduced to Martha, who runs Opaline’s Bookshop in present day Dublin. We then move back in time to 1921 where Opaline Carlisle shares the story of her love of books and how following the death of her father, her brother had sought to marry her off. She runs away from home and finds her way to Paris. There she works in a bookshop and begins a fledgling career as a book dealer. We then return to Martha nine months prior to the Prologue. Escaping an abusive marriage, she takes the position of housekeeper to Mrs. Bowen, an elderly woman living in a Georgian house in Ha'penny Lane, Dublin. The third narrative voice is Henry Field, a British academic in search of a lost manuscript. His only clue to its whereabouts is a letter from one of the world’s most successful rare book dealers to Miss Opaline Gray, a bookshop owner in Ha'penny Lane, Dublin. The evening he arrives in Dublin Henry has an unusual experience when he is dropped off in Ha'penny Lane. He enters the bookshop then suddenly finds himself back outside. Too many G&Ts on the flight? In the light of day he discovers that the bookshop’s address is waste ground. It is located next door to Mrs. Bowen’s and he soon meets Martha, who at first believes him to be a Peeping Tom! I won’t say more to avoid spoilers. The chapters cycle between the three main characters and between the past and present. It becomes obvious that there is something strange about the bookshop, including other reports of people walking into it but it then disappearing. Then there are the tree roots seemingly growing from the ceiling of Martha’s room and the tattoo on her back that has begun changing on its own. I appreciated the aspects of magical realism found throughout the novel. It can be a delicate balance to integrate these elements without entering into full-on fantasy fiction. I felt that Evie Woods succeeded in creating a subtle sense of wonder. With respect to the audiobook, I was glad that there were three readers, each narrating one of the main characters. While this was my first experience of all three, I felt that they did well including with the various characters’ accents. Overall, I enjoyed ‘The Lost Bookshop’ and found it an engaging read. Throughout the story celebrates books and the love of reading and that always appeals to me. As a result, I expect that it will prove a popular choice with reading groups and I plan to suggest it to my own. 4.5 stars rounded up to 5.

Es una historia que mezcla la fantasía con la realidad, me gustó mucho, se lee muy fácil. Muy interesante cómo se entrelaza la vida de los 3 protagonistas. La historia en general es muy relajada.

What an amazing story. It is cozy, but real and magical. Very easy to read and perfect when you are in need of a good cozy book with depth. Highly recommend.