The Story Collector: A Magical Dual Timeline Novel from Internationally Bests...

Story Collector was a delightful read. I wish I could’ve read it cover to cover in one sitting, but other duties called. Having visited Ireland several times, I was drawn to the title of the book and admittedly once I started reading it, I too was captured at once by the history, beauty, by the fairies, and the folklore that is so much a part of Ireland. While there for the first time, I felt the spirit of the good people as in my heart I knew that some of my ancestors were around me I have German, Dutch, Scotch and Irish blood in my veins. Yes, story telling is magical and is definitely a way to learn not only of our own past, but of those. who came before us and how now though of the spirt world, they still lookout for us and do there best to insure we don’t stray far from the paths of goodness, humility, truth, and love for one another.

The Story Collector by Evie Woods is her second book and is a really interestingly interwoven story of two timelines brought together by a singular location. It’s a really fun, mysterious, slightly frightening story that would be interesting to see on screen. I really love that it starts with a mini horror story to get things revved up while also introducing the idea of fairies, changlings, and death. But then flipping to present time and expressing the chaotic world of a woman in New York. I enjoyed the familial themes within as well as the dichotomy of the relationships between the characters. Plus only giving just enough information at a time to keep us wondering what the heck is going on while also keeping us intrigued to keep going. I love the randomness, thoughtless, and spontaneousness of Sarah and how it’s on a whole other level. I’m all for it! I don’t want to go into too much detail and give anything away, but I can definitely say this one kept me engaged and trying to answer questions that popped up. Some of which I may or may not have gotten totally wrong! Haha Anywho, it’s really interesting to see how the two timelines flow together and you should check it out too. Once again, I’d highly recommend this for anyone who enjoys parallel storylines, mysteries, dark secrets, magical realism, and lost, forgotten, or unheard folk stories. Other books to check out: The Garden of Memories, Misplaced Magic, Found in a Bookshop, The Bookbinder’s Daughter, The Lost Bookshop, and Evie’s next book!

Loved this book. It was a sweet story which is just what I need at this challenging time of my life. It was a great distraction and a soothing story.

The Story Collector took me to a far away place that I’ve only dreamt about. I was easily drawn in to this mystic realm. I felt there was a deeper connection between the characters in the story than what was revealed, which leaves much to the imagination. I was surprised by the ending because it didn’t answer all of my questions. I want to know so much more, but that’s also the beauty of it all - getting swept away by the unknown. Life is like that. The Story Collector is unlike anything I’ve read before and I’d enjoy getting to know more about those who inspired this interesting and captivating work!

Great story. Holds readers interest!

I don’t know what I was expecting when I chose this book but it certainly was not what I thought. I found the first half the book extremely tedious, trying to figure out the author’s two timelines and the relevance. Towards the letter half of the book, storyline finally became interesting and kept my attention. I almost didn’t finish but I guess I’m glad I did. Be sure to read other people’s reviews to make sure this is a book that you want to invest your time with.

I picked this up for vacation and did not expect to fall in love with it. I had read The Lost Bookshop and enjoyed it so when I recognized the author I thought why not. Absolutely love this story, love that it is set in Ireland and thoroughly enjoyed all the characters. I am normally a slow reader but could not put this down. The author is truly a storyteller.

This is a beautifully written story that transcends across time. Love, loss, and betrayal are all present. A little bit of folklore and a little bit of magic to tie a heartwarming story together. It takes place across two timelines. Not at all confusing. I'm a fan of Anne of Green Gables and the BBC show, From Larkrise to Candleford, and that's what I imagined the older timeline to be. This is not a fast-based book by any means. If you're looking for action or heavy romance, this is not the book for you. However, if you have a cozy evening, please give this book a chance.

Perfect… wonderful story.

I absolutely adored this story that alternates between Ireland in 1911 with Anna in the form of diary entries and present day with Sarah who seems to be at odds with her emotions and the end of her marriage. There is just something about an Irish setting that automatically transports me in my mind. Its almost magical and of course with fairy stories being a big part of the folklore in the area, it just added to the whole atmosphere of the book. In some ways it was lovely to think that fairies could be real but with some of the stories that Harold and Anna uncover, I started to have my doubts at whether it would be a good thing or not for them to really exist. With stories that alternate between two time periods, I usually find that I am drawn more to one than the other and looking forward to certain chapters more than others. This didn’t happen with this book as I loved both just as much. If anything, as it was so highly enjoyable, I seemed to finish it in no time and i wasn’t ready to say goodbye to the characters. The Story Collector is such a beautiful story. I read a lot of books but certain stories have a way of capturing your soul and heart and this book did just that. Evie Woods storytelling had me spellbound at the simplicity of it which held me captive. Honestly, I loved every minute of this book and didn’t want it to end. A tale of grief, loss, love and fairies. If I could give it more than five stars I absolutely would, one of my top reads of 2024!

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 .

Amazing book. A delight. You're gonna love it!

Again a wonderful book to forget the world outside and dive in to a beautiful story