The Lost Bookshop: The most charming and uplifting novel for 2025 and the perfect gift for book lovers!
M**S
A warm story that speaks to the soul
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!
T**I
Good read!
This is a very interestingly written book. Chapters are each written from the perspective of one of the three main characters. Very good story line and easy to read. It kept my intention and I was eager to get back to it whenever I had to put it down. I could have done without the cuss words. And I would like to have had an identity for Madam. My imagination gave her one; perhaps that was the point? I would recommend this book.
R**E
Enchanting
Enchanting, magical, beautifully written—"The Lost Bookshop" by Evie Woods is an absolute treasure. This book is a love letter to literature, to book lovers, and to the idea that stories have the power to heal, transform, and connect us in ways we never expect. It seamlessly blends historical fiction, contemporary drama, and a touch of magical realism, pulling the reader into a world where books aren’t just objects but lifelines. From the very first page, I was captivated by the way Woods wove together mystery, love, and resilience, making this a novel I’ll return to again and again.The story unfolds across two timelines, adding richness and depth to the narrative. In the 1920s, we meet Opaline, a woman ahead of her time, fighting for independence and freedom in a world that wants to confine her. Her journey is filled with betrayal, heartbreak, and an unwavering love for knowledge, becoming centered around the lost bookshop. In the present day, Martha, a woman trying to rebuild her life after escaping an abusive past, and Henry, a lonely academic, find themselves unraveling the mysteries hidden within the bookshop’s forgotten walls. The dual timeline structure makes for an engaging, layered read, slowly revealing how the past and present intertwine in ways both surprising and deeply moving.The characters are beautifully developed and incredibly relatable. Opaline is bold, passionate, and determined, a character you can’t help but root for as she fights against the limitations placed upon her. Martha’s journey of healing and rediscovering her strength is inspiring, while Henry’s transformation from a man stuck in his own mind to someone willing to embrace love and possibility is equally compelling. Each character, though living in different times, carries a quiet longing—for love, for purpose, for belonging. Their stories remind us that no matter when or where we live, we all search for the same things.One of the most powerful aspects of "The Lost Bookshop" is its exploration of women’s struggles for autonomy, both in history and today. Woods doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities women face when they dare to seek independence, whether it’s societal constraints in the 1920s or the lingering trauma of domestic violence in the present. But despite the darkness woven into the story, it never feels hopeless. At its heart, this book is about second chances, about finding light even in the darkest places, and about the incredible strength of women who refuse to be silenced.And then there’s the bookshop itself—more than just a setting, it feels alive, filled with stories and secrets waiting to be discovered. Woods describes it so vividly that I could almost smell the old pages, feel the weight of forgotten books in my hands. It’s the kind of bookshop every reader dreams of stumbling upon, a place where magic lingers in the air. Throughout the novel, there are countless references to books and authors, making it a delight for anyone who finds comfort in literature. If you’ve ever felt the magic of getting lost in a bookstore or library, this novel will speak to your soul.Beyond its literary magic, the novel explores love in its many forms—romantic love, the love of books, the love between friends, and the love that binds found families together. Love appears in the most unexpected places, reminding us that even when life feels shattered, connection and renewal are still within reach. The relationships in this book aren’t simple, but they’re real, showing that love, in any form, is transformative.I truly adored "The Lost Bookshop". By the time I reached the final pages, I found myself wishing I could read "A Place Called Lost", longing for more of this story, these characters, and the beauty of the bookshop itself. "The Lost Bookshop" is a novel filled with hope, heartbreak, and the kind of magic that stays with you long after you turn the final page. For anyone who believes in the power of stories, who understands the enchantment of books and the safe haven they provide, this is an absolute must-read. I already know I’ll be reading it again—and loving it just as much the second time.
B**S
I stayed up all night....
It's the first time I've done that in a LONG time for a book. I loved every second of this book and I can't recommend it enough. It's warm, magic, heartbreaking, uplifting, funny, mysterious, infuriating, and everything in between. I feel like I'm closing the door to a chapter in life I felt I lived. The writing is beautiful, the story is incredible, and the feeling I'm left with after is a fullness that radiates warmth inside out.
M**I
This book feels like a quiet, late-night conversation with an old friend!
The Lost Bookshop is such a beautiful, enchanting story—like stepping into a hidden corner of the world where magic lingers just beneath the surface.Instead of cozy in the usual sense, this book feels like a quiet, late-night conversation with an old friend—thoughtful, warm, and filled with little sparks of wonder. The dual timelines and layered characters are woven together with care, and I loved how the story celebrates resilience, forgotten histories, and the power of books to guide us home.
O**T
A Delightful Story Well Told
I admire authors who can weave stories through different time lines and keep the details moving forward seamlessly. The Lost Bookshop is one such work. Evie Woods has crafted a delightful story that spans 8o years or more. Her characters and storylines are like the warp and woof of a fine tapestry that when finished tells a complete story. I think you will enjoy the telling and reading of this wonderful work of fiction (or is it fiction at all?)
G**L
love this, quirky, sad but beautifully written
This book is a wonderful read. Magical qualities and kept me intrigued, I was sad to get to the last page
K**R
It's a masterpiece!
I love bookshops! I love the atmosphere, the smell of the ink and the paper just everything! I'm also a cover reader. If the cover grabs my attention, I automatically pick up the book, caressing the cover, turning it over carefully, reverently, reading the description on the back. It always leads me to the register purchasing my treasures then rushing home to read my stories. I can honestly say this ha served me well for decades! And so it was with the cover of The Lost Bookshop. The cover art is magnificent. It captured me at first sight, and I was hooked! I knew it had a magic story to tell me. If you only read one book this year, this is it. You will remember this story long after you're finished.
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