The Story Collector: A new magical dual timeline romance novel from the author of the smash hit bestseller 'The Lost Bookshop'

The Story Collector is a delightful, gentle story about the joy of folklore and magic.We have two timelines: the present (set in 2011) when our protoganist Sarah Harper finds herself making a rather impulsive decision to escape the stresses in her life and hide out in Ireland over the Christmas holidays. Arriving without any plans or accommodation, she finds herself in a fictional village near Shannon, and with the assistance of the locals, is soon staying in a traditional cottage called Butlers.While meandering around the locale, Sarah comes across a diary belong to a young girl called Anna, written 100 years earlier. The diary details the visit of an American scholar called Harold Krauss. Krauss has arrived in Ireland to study the mythology/beliefs surrounding fairies or Good People.As Sarah reads about the events from a century earlier and the tragic outcome, she learns to cope with her own past.The Story Collector is a particulary unusual novel, with much of our story spent on learning about the mythology of the Good People and should prove fascinating to anyone with an interest in this topic. The author, Evie Woods has mentioned that her storyline was inspired by an American anthropologist, WY Evans Wentz, who came to Ireland in the early 1900s to complete his thesis on the Celtic Fairy Faith. And indeed, her love of mythology and research shines through. This is a gentle tale that acts as both as a lovestory to Ireland's past and also integrates the mythology into the contemporary storyline. There is a bittersweet ending and some questions are left unanswered, such as how the diary come to be left in the box, but this adds to the overall sense of mystery of the novel, rather than taking from the tale.

Absolutely beautiful story full of Irish Fairy folklore and beautifully cozy winter vibes.I loved Anna's narrative, especially the way Woods bridges the chapters reminding us that it is Sarah reading the journal, this really resonated with me as an avid reader, getting cozy with a book, and reminded how easy it is to escape into the words of someone else. Very cleverly done.Evie Woods has a beautiful writing style and does really well bringing historical fiction and modern day together seamlessly, throw in some magic realism, community and a sunny/grumpy romance and you've got the perfect book to curl up with on a cold autumn/winter day.After reading The Lost Bookshop as well I'm really excited to see what's next from Evie Woods!

Loved this book! So well written. Wonderful characters. Such an interesting and engaging story. Loved the two time lines. Truly magical.

Another fantastic,wonderful and captivating story by Evie Woods. I 1st read her book The Lost Bookshop and was completely hooked. The Story Collector drew me in just the same and I couldn't put it down. IAn absolute must read.

Not as good as The Lost Bookshop, but still an enjoyable read

I've hesitated in writing a review of this book, because I was unsure. I did enjoy the book, and it made me think about things, but it didn't hold me enthralled like other books, which is entirely personal.I have not read The Lost Bookshop, and I'm not sure that reading this book would encourage me to read that one.

I absolutely loved this book! Beautifully written, I immediately felt immersed into the lives of these characters. I also felt deeply touched and connected with the motives described by Harold's character in his chosen path of exploration, being myself of half Irish descent but lacking in cultural enrichment having lost my own mother at an early age. I can't wait to read more from this author

Really enjoyed reading this story. Magical and sad but the way Sarah grieves and heals with the help of a hidden diary. Hidden for decades found by an American who lands in Ireland unsure of why she has made her way there. The good people at work to help someone who needed their magical help.

This book, The Story Collector, is a wonderfully woven tale of two stories that took place 100 years apart. Instead of summarizing the story as many do in reviews, I'll simply say it is a very captivating read, and I'd highly recommend it to anyone with an imagination. This would also be an excellent choice for a book club read, in my opinion. This novel is one you'll want to keep and read more than once. It's just that good.

I really enjoyed this book. The story was so different form other novels I've read. Great first book from a new to me author . I'll pass this on to my cousin who also enjoys reading. I highly recommend

My 12 year old read the first book in the series, but wasn’t very keen for the sequel. But after reading this one, he said this book/story is much better than the first one .

I could not put this book down. I couldn’t wait to see how the two worlds collided. Unexpected and touching.

A sweet little read that held my attention right to the end. Nothing what I expected but I thoroughly enjoyed it.