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

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 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.

Yes, that is true. A novel that uses different characters, different places, different years and different happenings IS NOT the book that I choose to spend my time with. So actually, when I realized that this was how the entire book was going to be written? I was disappointed. But since I had already met the three main characters, what could I do except to read on. This author truly uses her gift in the telling of the story and keeping it all together so that soon I hardly noticed that we had changed years as I was so interested in finding out what was to happen next! I now must say that this book has everything that I want from my reading. I laughed out loud, I chuckled to myself and shed some quiet tears. How could you ask for more? Just don't get lost!

The back and forth between timelines and the roles the characters play will keep you on the edge of your seat saying, 'One more chapter' not wanting to put the book down. To follow the characters on their journey feels as if you are riding beside them the entire way. I was captivated from the first chapter, all the way until the end and sad the story is over. It was one of the best reads I've had in a long time. Thank you Evie Woods for being an amazing storyteller.

The storyline is good, & there's a great twist near the end, but I think it could've been done better. The multiple time periods confused me. I wasn't expecting the fantasy aspect at all. It was a good story but in my opinion, it could've been much better. Oh yes! One more thing. There are a lot of words of other languages & local dialectal words & phrases. I like to understand what I'm reading & my Kindle wouldn't translate for me, so a lot of conversation was lost to me. I would ask that any author using foreign language &/or local phrasing to please add a glossary.

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.

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.