The Lost Bookshop: The most charming and uplifting novel for 2025 and the perfect gift for book lovers!

I will admit to getting this book because the cover got me real good. Then the synopsis hooked me and then I started reading! I loved this book! I loved the characters and I loved reading their stories. Even though I hated what was done to Opaline, but her story was a dark truth for a lot of women in the world. Which is probably why it sadden me so darn much! I loved Martha, I loved her because she reminded me of me, I tend to underestimate and underplay my talents and understanding. My school teachers always told me I needed to stop second guessing myself and let go of the fear. It’s because of my eighth grade teacher that I write now. Henry was an adorable foot in mouth man, I loved he’s quirkiness and I adored how he simply fell in love with Martha and saw in her what she didn’t. That’s the type of men we should have in our lives lol. Opaline, being the face of the dark side of women’s history yet still fighting and believing she get her happy ending. I loved her fierceness and her headstrong personality, I think if she had been written in 2025 she would be a great advocate for women♥️ I came because of the book cover, I stayed for the story and now I’m a huge fan of Evie Woods and will be reading the next few books of hers I have. 10/10 📚 I recommend!

This is a delightful book to read, written in two distinct timelines. It features Opaline, who flees her brother's attempt to arrange her marriage, and Martha, who escapes an abusive husband. Meanwhile, Henry searches for rare books and a bookshop in Ireland that has seemingly vanished. Given Opaline's passion for books and her quest for special volumes, this narrative resonates deeply as her story ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.

I loved the different timelines and how they flowed. It was such a great story and kept me glued to each page. It was a heartwarming tail and I did not want it to end. I kind of feel like there could be a part 2 somewhere in the future. I like the Authors writing style and look forward to reading more of her work.

This book is magical, heart breaking, heart warming, inspirational, and thought provoking all in one! I loved every well written chapter! I could not find this book anywhere so I first went onto a different music app where you can listen to audiobooks and started listening there. I noticed after I listened to about 8 chapters that I was completely lost. I gave up on the audio and found the book on Kindle Unlimited. Then I started all over from the start of the book. Note: Though the audio version is VERY good, and the narrators are superb, this is the kind of book where you really need to pay attention to who's chapter you're on, or you will get confused. This story is told from the perspective of three main characters in two different time periods (one based in 1920+ and the other in more present time). Once you have your characters down and the cadence of the storytelling down, you won't get as confused. I did on occasion have to flip back to see who's character I was on to keep the story straight. The story...Wow, so much information is squeezed into each chapter! This author really knows how to immerse her audience into the story so you feel like you're right there with the characters. There's romance, intrigue, mystery, sadness, hatred, fantasy, war history, and so much more in this book. I don't want to say too much and give anything away. Suffice to say it was an incredible read and one I'll be talking about for a long time! I finished the book in two days then came back here to buy the hard copy. This is one of those books you need to have in your home library. Trigger Warnings: Domestic abuse, forced institutionalism, physical abuse, alcoholism, pregnancy, suicide, war

The cover of this book drew me in, which I later realized was paramount to one of the characters. I felt the switching back and forth between characters to be disturbing, and struggled to hold my interest in the first half of the story. Just as I felt comfortable, it became rushed, quickly unveiling what should have evolved earlier. I questioned the addition of some obscure characters who lasted only briefly, and the daring escape seemed quite impossible. However, the literary references were charming, and the final chapters brought the story together.

This story was very creative, with great characters. The only reason I took one star away was because the ending was entirely too rushed. The book had this amazing, well paced build up and then a lot was thrown at us in the last couple chapters. We earned the beautiful ending and then didn’t even get a chance to enjoy it. We were also introduced to a very important character in the last 1/4 of the book and then she’s barely mentioned again. Even 10 more pages would have satisfied me.

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.

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

really nice plot that gives you expectations till the end.

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

This book is simply scrumptious. An incredibly cozy read that I wish I could read for the first time again! Each chapter is from the perspective of one of three main characters and time hops do happen occasionally within a chapter so you need to make sure you’re paying attention but it is not difficult to follow, nor did I find any part confusing. The plot line is unique and it deals with some heavy subjects, particularly domestic violence and violence against women in general. The female characters are strong, intelligent, resilient, and brave. You will enjoy this book if you like fantasy and even if you don’t, I suggest you still give this book a try and keep and open mind. It’s beautifully written and will make you feel all sorts of things.

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.