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The Story Collector

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About this listen

 From the million-copy Sunday Times bestselling author of The Lost Bookshop!

In a quiet village in Ireland, a mysterious local myth is about to change everything…

One hundred years ago, Anna, a young farm girl, volunteers to help an intriguing American visitor translate fairy stories from Irish to English. But all is not as it seems and Anna soon finds herself at the heart of a mystery that threatens her very way of life.

In New York in the present day, Sarah Harper boards a plane bound for the West Coast of Ireland. But once there, she finds she has unearthed dark secrets – secrets that tread the line between the everyday and the otherworldly, the seen and the unseen.

With a taste for the magical in everyday life, Evie Woods's latest novel is full of ordinary characters with extraordinary tales to tell.

Readers have fallen in love with The Story Collector:

‘I highly recommend this book if you enjoy historical fiction and want to learn more about Ireland and its folklore history surrounding the faeries.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Romantic and magical, an adventure to be enjoyed.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Painted beautifully.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'A bewitching story which I will treasure.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘A mystical treasure that echoes with the fairy world power of Ireland. A mesmerising tale told in two timelines where the past unfolds and ripples like a wave into the future.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'This is the perfect book to read on a winter afternoon in front of the fire.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'A delightful tale of love and loss and magical stories.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Previously published as The Story Collector by Evie Gaughan.

©2024 Evie Woods (P)2024 HarperCollins Publishers Contemporary Editors Select Genre Fiction Historical Fiction Magical Realism Women's Fiction Heartfelt Feel-Good

Editorial Review

Get a divorce, jump on a plane, and find out if faeries are real
I’m so glad I took the recommendation of a trusted colleague (thanks, Katie O.!) and gave The Story Collector by Evie Woods a chance. Woods is a new-to-me author and Heather O’Sullivan is a new-to-me narrator—and their collaboration has become the summer listen I didn’t know I needed. Blending the past and present, the US and Ireland, the ordinary and the not-so-ordinary—it’s a tale about everyday people that’s full of magic, faeries, love, hope, and the power of stories. You will want to jump on the next Aer Lingus plane you see—you’ll know it by the shamrock on its tail—in hopes of discovering your own magical reawakening. — Tricia F., Audible Editor

Critic reviews

PRAISE FOR EVIE WOODS:

'A love letter to music, a hug for new friendship, and a literary orchestral score conducted in Woods’ spellbinding prose.’ Amanda Geard, author of The Midnight House

'A beautifully melodic tale, full of heart, hope, and mystery. The Violin Maker's Secret is a welcome reminder that there is magic to be found within our everyday lives.' Hazel Gaynor, New York Times bestselling author of Before Dorothy

'The Violin Maker’s Secret moved me to tears. I was deeply drawn into their hopes and dreams. This story will stay with readers long after the final lovely notes fade.’ Madeline Martin, New York Times bestselling author of The Secret Book Society

‘A beautiful story that begs to be read in one sitting…a magical story filled with beautiful prose and many surprises that readers will not soon forget’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘This spellbinding book hooked me from the very beginning and I couldn't put it down til the end’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘The writing has an uplifting side reflecting on the importance of love, family and friends helping relieve trauma across generations.’ Historical Novel Society

'A delicious book that I couldn’t resist devouring in one sitting. It was a delight to lose myself in the world of Edie and the mysterious baker. I would recommend to pastry lovers and book lovers alike!' Sally Page, Sunday Times bestselling author of The Keeper of Stories

‘Wowwww!! It’s been awhile since I read something so fascinating, captivating and special all in one…It takes you on a journey like most books do, but this one, I just want to inscribe on my back and hope that it becomes a part of me so that I can carry it with me always’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘The writing has an uplifting side reflecting on the importance of love, family and friends helping relieve trauma across generations.’ Historical Novel Society

All stars
Most relevant
Lovely story about the folklore in Ireland. The story made me keep reading right from the start. Not the ending I thought but that’s real life!

Good read

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The voice actors were amazing, lending real depth and believability to the story.
Such a cozy story with just enough suspense to keep you wanting more.

Loved it!

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It’s a reasonable book, nothing special and somewhat predictable but it is a fine way to while away the hours listening to.
Still better than getting a TV license.

Entertaining

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The story was too slow and failed to keep me interested for long. I kept waiting for the twists and turns that never seemed to come.

A Slow Burner

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After reading/listening to The Lost Bookshop I could not wait to read this. I was not disappointed! A brilliant story of Love, Loss, Grief, Happiness once again spanning 2 different times.

Another fantastic story

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