
Member Reviews

3.5 stars
A charming concept with a cozy vibe and a sprinkle of midnight magic, The Midnight Bookshop offers readers a gentle reminder of the power books have to shift our thinking, soften our pain, and maybe (just maybe) rewrite the narrative of our lives.
Jo, Adelaide, and Kye each arrive at the mysterious bookshop carrying some seriously heavy emotional baggage, and through the guidance of enigmatic Fay and a perfectly timed book or two, they begin to unravel their pasts and reimagine their futures. It's an easy-to-read story about transformation, friendship, and finding hope between the pages—and honestly, who doesn’t want a little magical realism with their self-discovery?
Now, the good stuff: the message is uplifting, the setting is whimsical, and Fay radiates that kind of calm wisdom you’d expect from someone who runs a bookshop that may or may not exist in a pocket of enchanted time. There are some truly quotable moments too, especially about how we connect with stories based on where we’re at in life. I dog-eared a few lines for future dramatic readings (in my head, of course).
That said, the plot does lean more toward “light and lovely” than “deep and gripping.” At times, I found myself wanting more—more emotional layering, more explanation of the shop's magic, more complexity in the characters’ journeys. There’s a lot of telling rather than showing, and a few of the more serious themes (abuse, addiction, grief) felt a bit smoothed over or oversimplified. Think less gritty realism, more pastel-hued parable.
If you're in the mood for something that feels like a warm mug of tea and a gentle pat on the back, this will do nicely. Just don’t go in expecting The Midnight Library levels of existential angst. This one’s more about gentle healing than soul-deep reckoning—and that’s okay!
A sweet, magical tale for book lovers, especially those who believe that the right story really can find you at the right time.

this book was a really enjoyable read. not what i was expecting, which is always a good thing.
would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a positive read with a twist.

An intriquing magicial realism story. The writer did a great job with descriptions, atmosphere and depth.

First - no reader should pick this book up expecting a similar read to The Midnight Library by Matt Haig. And, confession, that is what I did. This is a very different read with a very different journey but it is equally enjoyable. I think this is a cup of hot tea on a cool autumn day type of read...one you sort of fall into and read simply to enjoy it.
I did feel that the characters were at times hard to relate to, however, over all it worked. The book explores the power of books in the lives of individuals. I don't know many avid readers that would not agree with the idea that reading offers and escape but also a chance to live differently, even if for just a tiny bit of time. BUT....what if a book could actually rewrite your life?
A very uncomplicated, low stakes, easy read to just enjoy.

I requested to read the advanced readers copy of this title because it sounded like a better version of "The midnight library" by Matt Haig... and I was right.
This book has a more empowering message (You can choose to have a better life) than the Haig book (you're already living the best version of your life).
The only reason this book is not a 5-star read is because of the obligatory romantic plot. Otherwise, I recommend this to all book lovers.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher.

This was a cute story, though it read a little young in tone despite some heavy situations the characters had to deal with. I liked the characters and the magic of the bookshop, but I did wish some of the difficulties were solved with more depth instead of almost magically. A good read if you're looking for something light and whimsical.

Reading the description of this book I was instantly intrigued but sadly it fell flat for me. Although it is a heartwarming story I couldn't really get completely invested in the story or he characters and it felt a little bit slow. This might just be a personal problem as the writing wasn't bad and the idea was unique it just wasn't for me.

I found the idea of a magical bookshop very intriguing, but the book itself was a bit disappointing for me. I had a hard time sticking with this story. I could not get interested in the characters. Thanks to the author, One More Chapter, and NetGalley. I received a complimentary copy of this ebook. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

A magical read! I loved the descriptions of the characters and the bookshop itself. Fay completely caught my imagination!
A really, really lovely book that left me smiling.
Highly recommended.

This book had me at the cover alone - stunning! A book about books - nice! Also the fact that it revolved around the power of books and how they might change lives - I was fully onboard. Sadly that is where it ended a bit for me. It’s a ‘nice’ book but unfortunately did not live up to my high expectations. If you are after a light, easy read - not too complex - then this book can do that. A novel about three strangers who find each other at the right time to learn some life lessons together. The essence of the book’s message we can all agree on, but for me, it was lacking real depth. A heartwarming and magical story about the healing power of books and friendship.
"You don't choose the book. The book chooses you."

Thank you to netgally for this opportunity to read this book.I would also like to thank the publisher for this opportunity as well.
I was captivated by the book's title and cover; the idea of a magical bookshop was enchanting. The story centers on three main characters Jo, Adelaide and Kye, who meet at this magical bookstore. The narrative focuses on how the bookstore provides each character with a book addressing their personal struggles. Through the wisdom gained from these books, they learn, grow, and reflect on past mistakes to shape a better future, guided by Fay and the magical bookstore. This is a heartwarming tale of friendship among three people, where books and a magical bookstore work together to bring about positive change.

Books about books, mysterious bookshops, and readers whose lives are changed by stories? I'm already sold.
But when you add in a touch of magic and a story that’s both heartwarming and reflective, The Midnight Bookshop becomes something truly special. Amanda James has delivered a gentle, enchanting tale that surprised me - in the best way.
Fantasy or magical realism isn't usually my go-to genre, but I found myself completely drawn into this world.
The premise is intriguing: three strangers: Adelaide, Jo, and Kye, each facing personal struggles, are brought together by a seemingly chance encounter at a food bank and a mysterious flyer advertising The Midnight Bookshop.
A shop none of them have seen before... and one that just might have the power to help them rewrite their stories.
I loved the idea of a magical bookshop that gives you exactly the book you need at exactly the right moment.
It’s a concept that speaks directly to the heart of any book lover.
Fay, the shop’s wise and gentle owner, guides each visitor with care, offering subtle nudges through the books she provides. It’s a quiet sort of magic - nothing flashy, but deeply comforting and meaningful.
Each character brought something different to the story. While I didn’t connect equally with all of them, I appreciated their growth and how the shop allowed them to reflect, heal, and take control of their own paths.
Adelaide’s journey, in particular, touched me with her quiet strength.
And Kye’s storyline, while sad, brought a lot of hope.
I also loved how the book spoke to the idea that escaping into a story can be powerful, even transformational. As a reader, that message really resonated with me.
Yes, some of the plot points stretch reality a bit, but I was happy to suspend disbelief.
The writing is warm and inviting, and once I settled into the rhythm of the story, I didn’t want to leave.
It’s not a high-drama book, and that’s part of its charm. It offers hope, second chances, and the reminder that we’re never too far gone to turn a new page.
If I had one small critique, it’s that the story seemed to reach its natural ending a little early, and the final chapters lost a bit of that emotional punch. But it didn’t take away from how much I enjoyed the overall experience.
This book surprised me in the loveliest way.
It’s a wonderful, comforting read with just the right hint of magic.
I’d absolutely recommend The Midnight Bookshop to anyone who loves books about books, found family, gentle transformation - and the belief that sometimes, the right story really can change everything.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The Midnight Bookshop is a charming and cozy read that beautifully captures the magic of books and small town life. The story combines warmth, nostalgia, and a touch of romance, making it a perfect escape. The characters are relatable and nicely developed, and I appreciated the gentle pace that allowed the story to unfold naturally. A few moments felt a bit predictable, but overall, it’s an uplifting and heartfelt novel that left me with a smile. Definitely worth four stars for anyone looking for a sweet and atmospheric read.

This was a nice book to read. The main characters, each with their own problems, pick up a flyer to a midnight bookshop where magical things happen. The friendship and support that they give each other whilst overcoming their problems with the help of Fay, the bookshop owner, was lovely and it had a satisfying end.

The Midnight Bookshop is a cosy, reflective tale about healing, friendship, and second chances. Ideal for fans of small-town magical realism. Its gentle magic and warm character arcs make it a comforting read that lingers long after the last page.

i love the idea of a midnight bookshop for those in need. books can change your life. i really enjoyed this books, following its characters through changes in their lives. where is my midnight bookshop?
thank you to netgalley and the author for sending me the book in exchange for an honest review

A compelling premise combing my favourites, magical realism and books about bookstores. Unfortunately the execution is just okay - neither the world building/magical system nor characters are really fully developed, so unfortunately it feel like a missed opportunity.

I wasn't sure when I started reading where this story would go.
We meet Jo, Adelaide and Kye all of whom have their own issues and problems.
Each has a leaflet for the Midnight Bookshop. All three are intrigued but not sure, they are each looking for something better.
They meet the Bookshop owner who gives each of them a book curated for them to help them on their journey of learning.
It is an unusual book about moving on learning and growing.
Maybe more explanation about the magical element would have been good but I guess there are reasons why it was not explained. Possibly to lead the reader to their own conclusions.
Still it was enjoyable.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher.

A book about a magical bookshop in Truro . Three people are at a difficult crossroads on their lives when their paths cross. Adelaide is in an abusive marriage and working at a supermarket, Kye is a carer for his mother and has been coerced into drug dealing by his brother and Jo has dropped out of university without completing her degree . As they meet up at a foodbank, they discover a shared love of books and pick up a flyer for the Midnight bookshop. The friendship between the three develops and they find the strength to overcome their problems.
This book is a delight . The magical/fantasy element is well done and makes for enjoyable reading. The plot is fairly predictable, but with a lot of advice along the way. Descriptions are well done and paint lovely and realistic images of what characters are experiencing. Perhaps some of the solutions a bit too neatly tied up, but that doesn't afefct the enjoyment of the book. A good summer read !
Thanks to Net Galley for the ARC

I liked the premise of the novel, a mystical bookshop in the backwaters of Truro. However, despite the magical lure of books, the slow narrative and relatively uninteresting central characters forced me to stop reading.