The Story Collector: A Magical Dual Timeline Novel from Internationally Bestselling Author of The Lost Bookshop for 2025
In a quiet village in Ireland, a mysterious local myth is about to change everything… From the author of the international bestselling The Lost Bookshop comes another magical, bookish novel full of ordinary characters with extraordinary tales to tell. This charming novel full of secrets and mystery seamlessly blends historical fiction, magical realism and romance.
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Community Reviews
The Story Collector by Evie Woods is an enchanting tale that intertwines history, mystery, and romance into a captivating read. Woods' storytelling prowess shines through as she skillfully brings to life a world rich with characters and immersive settings. The dual protagonists' journeys of discovery keep readers engaged and eager to turn the pages.
Sarah embarks on an unexpected journey to a small village in western Ireland after reading a story of a magical fairy tree (and imbibing a bit too much before her flight). After finding herself in a strange town without available shelter, a kind hotel manager finds her lodging in a nearby cottage rented by a local family. She decides to embrace her circumstances and work on healing her broken heart and "finding" herself and then discovers the diary of an old cottage tenant from a century before and the mystery surrounding her.
Oran is the cottage owner, and a single father and widower who is nursing his own broken heart while fumbling to raise a teenage girl.
Woods weaves an evocative story rife with descriptive passages that beautifully paint the backdrop of the quaint town, of two people in one timeline navigating pain and grief, and two people in another time navigating life and new love. The blend of historical and contemporary elements adds depth and intrigue, making the narrative both educational and entertaining. The development of relationships, particularly the romantic subplot, is heartfelt and adds an emotional layer to the story.
However, the pacing in some parts may feel slow and test the patience of readers looking for a more briskly-paced adventure.
The Story Collector is a delightful read that captures the magic of storytelling with a blend of history, mystery, and romance. Despite some predictable elements and at times slow pace, Woods' engaging prose and well-crafted characters make this novel a worthwhile addition to any bookshelf.
Follow my reviews on Cerebral Girl in a Redneck World
Sarah embarks on an unexpected journey to a small village in western Ireland after reading a story of a magical fairy tree (and imbibing a bit too much before her flight). After finding herself in a strange town without available shelter, a kind hotel manager finds her lodging in a nearby cottage rented by a local family. She decides to embrace her circumstances and work on healing her broken heart and "finding" herself and then discovers the diary of an old cottage tenant from a century before and the mystery surrounding her.
Oran is the cottage owner, and a single father and widower who is nursing his own broken heart while fumbling to raise a teenage girl.
Woods weaves an evocative story rife with descriptive passages that beautifully paint the backdrop of the quaint town, of two people in one timeline navigating pain and grief, and two people in another time navigating life and new love. The blend of historical and contemporary elements adds depth and intrigue, making the narrative both educational and entertaining. The development of relationships, particularly the romantic subplot, is heartfelt and adds an emotional layer to the story.
However, the pacing in some parts may feel slow and test the patience of readers looking for a more briskly-paced adventure.
The Story Collector is a delightful read that captures the magic of storytelling with a blend of history, mystery, and romance. Despite some predictable elements and at times slow pace, Woods' engaging prose and well-crafted characters make this novel a worthwhile addition to any bookshelf.
Follow my reviews on Cerebral Girl in a Redneck World
dead mother trope’s final boss lol
really cool perspective work w a nice ending, love the old irish folklore & imagery.
really cool perspective work w a nice ending, love the old irish folklore & imagery.
The Story Collector kept me engaged with its dual timelines, though I found myself especially drawn to the early 1900s storyline. I knew very little about Irish mythology and folklore going in, so it was a pleasant surprise that the book was not only entertaining but also genuinely informative. While it’s probably not a book I would have picked up on my own, I’m really glad it was a book club choice—it pushed me outside my usual reading habits, and it was worth it.
I really enjoyed this book it was so good I could not put it down I left all the characters I loved how she found the diary in the tree and how at the end she went home and her and her husband didn't stay together and then Oren came to go see her artwork which I loved I loved how it ended it was really cool
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