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

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!

This is a very intriguing story. It definitely held my attention though I almost quit on it several times. There is a four letter word in the English language that physically nauseates me. I am truly not sure why it was even used in such a well written book. There are far better choices. It will not appeal to readers who prefer to follow a single timeline and or character view point. As long as the reader is careful to note the character and time of each chapter, it reads beautifully. It is fascinating to follow the path of how the stories intersect into one story. The end is beautifully filled with hope. This book also looks at how women have been marginalized and have had to fight to be seen and much more. It is a very complex story.

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.

This book captivates you from the first pages. I could not put it down. An incredible balance of pain, adversity, light, and hope with mystery intertwined all the way through. This book is worth the read and will leave you smiling at the end.

I agree with several others that the multiple POV’s and dueling timelines became very confusing at times and I had to remind myself what was going on plot wise with each character. It ruined the flow of the book for me. I had to take multiple breaks from reading so I could rest my brain. The romance between Henry and Martha and the will they, won’t they? plot became tiring after a while and part of me hoped they would of just stayed friends. It felt too forced. Opaline’s story was the most interesting and I would have enjoyed the entire story revolving around her and the evolution of the bookshop. It would have been nice to have a more thorough conclusion to her story too. There were also many side characters that came and go or had no significance at all. What became of Madame B?? All in all, a fair story but not worth the hype in my opinion.

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.

Written in different timelines, I found the characters in each timeline interesting and the story magical, with a touch of whimsical expression, that kept me engaged to the end.