The Lost Bookshop: a charming read

The Lost Bookshop by Evie Woods is a captivating and charming read with a premise that instantly pulls you in. Set against the enchanting backdrop of a mysterious bookshop, it combines intriguing characters, timelines, and bookish themes that will appeal to any book lover.

What I loved most was the setting and the central idea of a hidden bookshop that connects people and stories across different times. The atmosphere is magical and immersive, and the narrative moves between timelines and perspectives, keeping you invested in the characters' stories. There’s a lot of heart in the book, and the amount of literary references is a treat for bibliophiles.

However, where it fell just short of five stars for me was the magic element. While I typically enjoy magical realism, I felt that the book was trying to juggle too many things at once—different timelines, multiple POVs, loads of bookish content, and then the added layer of magic. At times, it felt like too much, and the story could’ve benefited from simplifying or dialing back a little to let the core elements shine.

That said, I still thoroughly enjoyed the read and think it had great potential. It’s a book with more to offer than it ultimately delivered, but it's still a wonderful escape into a world where books have the power to change lives.