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!

I enjoyed The Lost Bookshop. It’s a blend of fantasy, fairy tale, and historical fiction with love, loss, and second chances. The story weaves between the early 1900s and the present day, creating a magical atmosphere that kept me interested. Henry and Martha were my absolute favorites, even when they frustrated me. I adored them. I wanted to give it 5 stars, but I am still left with questions, especially about Madam Bowen. Was she real? Did I miss something? The last few chapters packed in a lot of revelations. I felt it was rushed towards the end. Still, this was a lovely read with a touch of magic and melancholy.

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

3.5 ⭐️’s —Maybe I expected too much from all the hype? This book was a decent story that jumps around in time, a common way to write novels. I found myself more intrigued with Opaline’s story and literally skipped chapters on Martha and Henry towards the end of the book. Their storyline was very predictable and slow even down to Madame Bowden’s “reveal”— figured that one out very early on. Opaline’s story however was very interesting and surprising! All in all I enjoyed this book, just not as much as I thought I would. The predictable present day storyline, some character interactions that seemed added after the final draft to only make the ending make sense, aka, Martha’s mother’s short visit to Dublin. It’s just not one I will add to my bookshelf. I would not reread this title.

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.

The Lost Bookshop is a delightful read that’s both heartwarming and uplifting. The story draws you in with its charm, making it perfect for anyone who loves books or cozy, feel-good novels. I finished it in no time and already want to share it as a gift.