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

I absolutely love this book. The story is told from three viewpoints, two in the present and one from the past. It deals with a great deal of hard stuff but at the same time shows the beauty that the hard stuff hid. A bit intricate into to history of old valuable books which can make it a bit confusing but at the same time that history and the search for proof links all three, both their pasts and presents together. History of female book sellers both in the past and present play a part as well as showing that Irelands history of dealing with women whose fathers or brothers believe they are damaging the family name is very similar to the United States during that same time period and even later.This is a great book for any reader, especially those who feel the search for answers. Lost bookstores or libraries and lost manuscripts play a huge part. I found it interesting that the focus was on Emily Brontë and her possible missing last manuscript instead of focusing on the more famous or more known writings sisters. I now really want to know if there was a question of a lost manuscript or if it was poetic license. I would recommend this book to any avid reader who sometimes feels lost.

I was captivated by the audio book but the ending left me feeling that I had missed something significant. To hopefully find what I missed, I bought the paperback and couldn’t put it down. It was well written. I love bookstores and old books, so I could relate to the author’s obvious love for them. The different timelines meant I had to pay attention throughout the book. I appreciated that the struggles women have been going through for centuries were addressed. Martha stated near the end of the book that she didn’t think Madame Bowden was a ghost even though only she and Henry could see her. There wasn’t a hint as to what she was, nor her whereabouts after she disappeared from her home. The house at #12 magically turned into the old bookshop at the end of the story. However, when asked by the little boy, Martha said that the house at #12 was still there and someone else was living in it. So, if the bookshop was real enough for a little boy to come wandering into, where was it? The mysteries of Madame Bowman and of the bookshop were not addressed at the end, which left me feeling that the book was unfinished.

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.

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.

First time reading 3 points of views and I am not disappointed. The story was good and an easy listen to.I rated 4 stars, though, because I bought the audio as well, and I couldn't listen to it through my Kindle app. I could only listen to it through Audible. I did ask for a refund and got it once I discovered the audio is also on Spotify. So I'm glad I could listen to it and read along at the same time. That's my only complaint.But story wise, it is well written, and the author did not repeat things often. Thank you for that since it is a pet peeve when other authors do it.