The Story Collector: The brand new page-turning novel from the author of the smash hit bestseller 'The Lost Bookshop': A Magical Dual Timeline Novel ... Author of The Lost Bookshop for 2025

My 12 year old read the first book in the series, but wasn’t very keen for the sequel. But after reading this one, he said this book/story is much better than the first one .

In 'The Story Collector' by Evie Woods we follow Sarah in 2011 and Anna in 1911 and the story went by very swiftly. Sarah lives in Manhattan, New York where as Anna lives on a farm in the village near Thornwood, Ireland. Sarah comes across the hundred year old dairy of Anna and the story continues which so much literature and fun of fairies that Anna and Harold used to interview back in their time. The book is a perfect blend of magic, fairies and folklore with the everyday life. This diary helps Sarah overcome her shortfalls and also deal with grief. The descriptions given by the author makes this book very atmospheric and is unputdownable. - Historical Fiction - Fantasy, Romance - Books about Books - Magical Realism - Dual timelines - Irish Folklore - Bittersweet ending

An amazing book,. Writing style is bit different but that is what makes it more interesting

Books condition is very and i am really excited to read it but i wish i could get a bookmark with it 😕 😫 😩.

If you're looking for a cozy read with a touch of cozy, The Story Collector by Evie Woods delivers an enchanting tale set in the lush landscapes of Ireland - imbued with personal healing, magic and folkore. Through the novel’s dual timelines—Sara’s journey in 2011 and Anna’s story from 1911—Woods intertwines the lives of two women whose experiences, though separated by time, mirror one another in poignant and unexpected ways- bridging a century. The novel opens with Sara Harper, a woman struggling with personal trauma, who embarks on an impromptu trip to Ireland. Her journey is not just a geographical one but a quest for emotional recovery. Upon arriving, Sara stumbles upon a diary belonging to Anna, a young farm girl from a century earlier. Anna’s story unfolds as she assists an American visitor in translating Irish folklore, and she soon becomes entangled in a mystery. Anna’s storyline, set in 1911, is richly detailed and the incorporation of Irish folklore adds an additional layer of mystique, blending history with the supernatural. In contrast, Sara’s modern-day narrative, while thematically significant, lacks the same depth of characterization. While Sara’s emotional journey of healing has the potential to resonate, her portrayal feels somewhat one-dimensional. Furthermore, the romantic subplot in Sara’s storyline is the insta-like trope, which feels rushed and superficial. Rather than adorning the narrative, it appears as a filler and I much rather liked to know about Anna's story more. Nevertheless, the transitions between past and present are smooth, and the similarities and connections between Anna and Sara are felt through the pages— their shared sense of isolation and their search for belonging—are thoughtfully constructed. I would definitely love to read more from the author.

This book takes us to a quiet Irish village where past and present slowly entwine. The novel follows two women - Anna, a farm girl from a century ago, and Sarah, a modern-day woman seeking answers. Anna becomes involved in translating Irish fairy stories with a visiting American, only to find herself caught in a mystery that unsettles her world. Sarah, arriving in Ireland from New York, unravels secrets that feel both deeply personal and strangely mystical. Through these two timelines, the story gently reveals how folklore, memory, and loss can ripple across generations. There’s something quietly powerful about the way Evie lets the landscape speak. I found myself slowing down as I read, the pace encouraging me to really notice the mood she creates. The writing carries a soft, lyrical quality that fits the setting perfectly. There’s an authenticity to the way the folklore is handled that never feels forced. The magical realism hits hard. This is a masterful blend of plot, character, and atmosphere with a vivid landscape that draws the reader in. The book cover, gorgeous and inviting, mirrors the tone of the story itself: gentle, a little wistful, but also quietly radiant. The warmth and quiet magic in this story made it a memorable read, and I can see myself soon picking up another novel from the author.

𝐐𝐮𝐨𝐭𝐞: "If we lose our stories, ... We lose ourselves." 𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐈 𝐝𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬? Having read The Lost Bookshop by Evie Woods, I found it enjoyable and intriguing. When I heard even greater praise for The Story Collector, I knew I had to pick it up. 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: Evie Woods’s books are renowned for their stunning covers, and this one is no exception. The illustration beautifully hints at the magic and mystery within, and the title couldn’t be more fitting. 𝐍𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: The language is both rich and accessible, blending an engaging simplicity with an enchanting, dreamlike quality. The narration is smooth and well-paced, although I felt the ending could have been a bit more dramatic to match the book’s buildup. 𝐎𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐧: ✓The dedication is one of my favorite parts of the book; it features lines from my favorite Robert Frost poem, which perfectly align with the story's dreamy atmosphere. There are also delightful literary references, like quotes from Romeo and Juliet. ✓Thornwood House is another highlight – it adds to the novel’s mystique. ✓Often, in multi-layered stories, authors can lose focus, leading to chaotic storytelling. However, Evie Woods skillfully balances both timelines, maintaining a clear and engaging narrative. ✓The characters are well-crafted, something I appreciated in The Lost Bookshop as well. From main characters like Anna Butler and Sarah Harper to secondary characters like Meghan and Krauss, everyone contributes meaningfully to the plot. ✓I also enjoyed the subtle contemporary romance woven into the story, and I was satisfied with how it concluded. ✓Overall, this fresh blend of love, mystery, history, and magic is a must-read for fiction lovers.

Perfect… wonderful story.

I absolutely adored this story that alternates between Ireland in 1911 with Anna in the form of diary entries and present day with Sarah who seems to be at odds with her emotions and the end of her marriage. There is just something about an Irish setting that automatically transports me in my mind. Its almost magical and of course with fairy stories being a big part of the folklore in the area, it just added to the whole atmosphere of the book. In some ways it was lovely to think that fairies could be real but with some of the stories that Harold and Anna uncover, I started to have my doubts at whether it would be a good thing or not for them to really exist. With stories that alternate between two time periods, I usually find that I am drawn more to one than the other and looking forward to certain chapters more than others. This didn’t happen with this book as I loved both just as much. If anything, as it was so highly enjoyable, I seemed to finish it in no time and i wasn’t ready to say goodbye to the characters. The Story Collector is such a beautiful story. I read a lot of books but certain stories have a way of capturing your soul and heart and this book did just that. Evie Woods storytelling had me spellbound at the simplicity of it which held me captive. Honestly, I loved every minute of this book and didn’t want it to end. A tale of grief, loss, love and fairies. If I could give it more than five stars I absolutely would, one of my top reads of 2024!

Story Collector was a delightful read. I wish I could’ve read it cover to cover in one sitting, but other duties called. Having visited Ireland several times, I was drawn to the title of the book and admittedly once I started reading it, I too was captured at once by the history, beauty, by the fairies, and the folklore that is so much a part of Ireland. While there for the first time, I felt the spirit of the good people as in my heart I knew that some of my ancestors were around me I have German, Dutch, Scotch and Irish blood in my veins. Yes, story telling is magical and is definitely a way to learn not only of our own past, but of those. who came before us and how now though of the spirt world, they still lookout for us and do there best to insure we don’t stray far from the paths of goodness, humility, truth, and love for one another.

Amazing book. A delight. You're gonna love it!

Again a wonderful book to forget the world outside and dive in to a beautiful story