After falling in love with Meg Shaffer’s debut, The Wishing Game, I eagerly dove into her latest release, The Lost Story. Shaffer’s writing is known for its ability to bring whimsy and magic to adult fiction in a way that feels fresh and imaginative. While The Lost Story is a beautifully written, heartfelt book, I must admit that The Wishing Game still holds the top spot for me. That being said, The Lost Story is a gem in its own right, I give it a solid 4-star rating.

The Lost Story is a beautifully crafted novel that blends magic, mystery, and heartwarming relationships. Meg Shaffer once again demonstrates her ability to create a world that feels both fantastical and deeply human. While I personally preferred The Wishing Game, this book is a delightful read that will resonate with fans of whimsical, character-driven stories.

If you love magical realms, closed-door romance, portals, and fairytales, The Lost Story should absolutely be on your reading list. It’s a reminder of how powerful stories can be and why we continue to turn to them for hope, escape, and connection.

Synopsis (spoiler free)

The Lost Story follows Emilie, a determined young woman searching for her older sister, who is presumed dead. Her journey leads her to Jeremey, a man who was once a lost boy—quite literally. As a child, Jeremey was lost in the woods alongside his best friend, Rafe, in a mysterious, otherworldly experience that shaped their lives forever. Together, Emilie, Jeremey, and Rafe set out to uncover the truth behind Emilie’s sister’s disappearance.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

Should You Read It?

If you’re a fan of whimsical fantasy, heartfelt characters, and stories about the magic of books, The Lost Story is a must-read. However, if you’re new to Meg Shaffer’s work, I recommend starting with The Wishing Game to experience her writing at its best.

Some links on our site are affiliate links; we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase. These earnings support our website’s operation.

If you like:

  • found family
  • magic
  • hidden magical realm
  • closed door LGBTQ romance

…then this book is definitely for you.

While I enjoyed The Lost Story, I found the pacing of the first half to be slower than I would have liked. The heavy focus on introductions and world-building delayed the magical elements I was eagerly anticipating. However, the second half of the book more than made up for it, as the story came together beautifully.

Additionally, while the characters were well-developed and endearing, I found myself longing for the same emotional punch that The Wishing Game delivered. That book had a spark of magic and depth that The Lost Story didn’t quite hit for me.

I still really enjoyed The Lost Story but I think I connected more with The Wishing Game!

Have you read The Lost Story or The Wishing Game? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below! Let me know which of Meg Shaffer’s books is your favorite and what magical reads you’re diving into next.