The Midnight Bookshop is a charming, mysterious escape filled with heart and a touch of magic. The setting is cozy and enchanting, and the story blends intrigue with emotional depth. Some plot points felt a bit rushed, but overall, it’s a comforting and captivating read that stays with you.

This was a nice book, with a pleasant theme and characters. I generally really enjoy fantasy novels but this didn’t quite hit the mark for me.

Unfortunately it lacked enough conflict and everything fell into place far too easily with too little contest. The characters were a bit two dimensional and too good to be true.

Fay, the bookshop owner was a bit like ‘Nanny McPhee’ - when you need me and do not want me I’ll be here and when you want me but do not need me I’ll disappear.

I also found the general themes a little preachy and patronising. Everyone has flaws and quirks and these characters would have benefited from a little more balance.

ARC from NetGalley
Thank you to the author and publisher.
Publish Date: May 16, 2025

Rating: 3.5 / 5

Initial thoughts:
Would love to see this as a series from the Fay and bookshop angle.

Plot: Jo, Adelaide and Kye meet while all are investigating a mysterious bookshop. They become fast friends when they start a small book club, after finding the amazing shop and it's owner, Fay. As they read their books, they see similarities to their lives and, with help from Fay and the shop, begin to make changes.

Praise:
- Story line
- Use of Fybromyalgia as an illness helps spread education
- Writing style/flow
- Imagery (especially of the bookshop itself)
- Able to connect with characters (Adelaide and Fay were especially great characters.)
- Hopeful
- Difficult subjects

Critiques:
- Slightly demeaning to those with lower education, perhaps even a focus on peoples' looks (ie: "Cathy's the child and she's the mum, that her education and understanding of the world enables her to see beyond the next hour...") This was Jo speaking about her mother.
- Slightly idealistic view of treatments for fybromyalgia, each person is different
- Wording errors (ie tails instead of trails, etc...)

Fav Quote:
"A book is nothing without a good edit, and neither is a life."

Would I recommend it to a friend?
I would. I found this an enjoyable read.

Such a charming book. All three main characters were likable and relatable. A magical midnight bookshop is something we could all hope for. This is magical realism with everyday heroes and a sweet romantic aspect. Happy endings are what I need right now.

I hate to give this book such a low rating because I feel like it didn't have a fair shot due to the way its being marketed. the cover is stunning, the description is vague, and the story is being compared to certain books that set expectations for something it's simply not. unfortunately, I was not the audience for this book. I think readers of carolyn brown or fern michaels may appreciate this more.

this seemed like it would be a story for book lovers, but the mentions of popular novels just felt like a shot in the dark to connect with those fan bases. it would have been nice if this book focused more on the stories of the characters since that is what the story was supposed to be about.

the characters themselves were not particularly interesting or compelling. I couldn't connect with any of them, and the pacing also probably had a lot to do with it. this story felt rushed and disorganized. perhaps focusing on one main character that just so happened to briefly come across other side characters could have gave more time to thoroughly build the main character. I personally felt like I was constantly being pulled out of the story.

even though I gave this a one star rating, I'm not necessarily saying it is a bad book. I hope it can find its audience and I'm disappointed that it isn't me.

thank you, net galley, for allowing me to read an arc of the midnight bookshop by amanda james in exchange for my honest review.

A must read for book lovers. Very atmospheric and easy read. I look forward to reading more from this author

This book felt like a cozy hug. The magical bookshop, the midnight book club, and the unlikely friendships made it such a comforting read. I loved how each character found healing through stories.

A bit slow in parts, but full of heart and perfect for anyone who believes in the power of books.

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read this eARC

This was such an enchanting, magical book. The combined stories of Addy, Kyle and Jo and how they came together and rewrote their stories kept me turning page after page to devour more and more of this book.

THANK YOU to Netgalley for the ARC! 💚📚

This was such a wonderful, magic-filled cozy read. I loved the variety in the three characters struggles, and how they all found ways to confront their issues and change through the books they read. I wish we learned more about Fay! She was such a fun, whimsical character. This book truly reminded me of the magic books hold, the connections they can help form, as well as how their impact can motivate others in their own lives. I've always felt it in my bones after every read, that a part of me was changed for the better. This book felt like a beautifully written love-letter to reading and the magic that books hold. I can truly say that this book chose me (if you know, you know!) I can't wait to get a physical copy to add to my bookshelf!

💚 Magic Bookshop
💚 Found Friendship/Family
💚 Family & Relationship Struggles
💚 Cozy Mystery Vibes

📚 Overall: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
📚 Characters: ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
📚 Plot: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
📚 World Building: ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
📚 Spice (If Any): None
📚 Ending: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5

🩹 TW/CW: Mentions of Domestic Abuse, Mentions of Parental Neglect/Conflict, Smoking & Drinking

Thank you NetGalley and HarperCollins UK for this eCopy to review

There’s something undeniably comforting about a book that celebrates the magic of stories—and The Midnight Bookshop does just that. I picked it up expecting a cosy, whimsical read, and it delivered in the best way possible.

The novel follows three strangers—Jo, Adelaide, and Kye—each carrying their own emotional baggage, who find themselves drawn to a mysterious bookshop that only seems to appear when it’s most needed. Through the midnight book club they form, they begin to heal, grow, and rewrite the narratives of their own lives.

What I loved most was the atmosphere. Amanda James creates a world that feels both grounded and enchanted, where books don’t just tell stories—they change lives. The magical realism is subtle but effective, and the bookshop itself feels like a character: warm, wise, and full of secrets.

This was a heartfelt, uplifting read that reminded me why I love books in the first place. If you’re in the mood for something gentle, hopeful, and just a little bit magical, The Midnight Bookshop is well worth a visit.

What a lovely, beautiful book! I enjoyed it so much, and the character development was excellent, as well as the writing.
The story was captivating, the characters realistic & memorable.
I enjoyed this story tremendously. And can’t wait to read her next one.

The Midnight Bookshop invites readers into a cozy, whimsical world where books quite literally change lives. The story follows three strangers. Jo, Adelaide, and Kye, each facing difficult circumstances, who are brought together by a mysterious bookshop that only appears at midnight. Guided by the enigmatic Fay, they begin to rewrite their lives, helped by the books that seem to choose them.

I got about 20% into the book before realizing I wasn’t truly connecting with the characters. While the atmosphere is warm and the idea of a secret bookshop that changes lives is lovely, I found myself feeling emotionally distant from the cast. Their struggles are certainly valid and relatable, but something about the way their stories were introduced didn’t quite pull me in. That said, I can see why many readers have enjoyed it. The concept, that a mysterious midnight bookshop appears for those in need and that books “choose” their readers, is both magical and comforting.

If you’re looking for a comforting escape and enjoy stories about second chances, found family, and the power of books, this might be a great fit for you.

This book started off strong and ended strong but I found some parts in the middle dragged a little too much for my liking. The characters were loveable and the plot was fun. The prologue was my favorite.

Thank you to NetGalley, HarperCollinsUK, and One More Chapter publishing for providing this e-book for review. All opinions expressed are honest and my own.

I was immediately drawn to the cover and title of this book, and after reading the synopsis, was excited to request and receive this ARC. The plot, theme, and concept for this story were great, but it lacked a bit in the story telling. I didn’t feel a great connection with or between the characters, and the writing style didn’t flow smoothly. Or maybe it was the transitions between the various POVs. This is my first Amanda James book, so I’m not sure if it is the writing or editing, but I just struggled to get through the story. There were so many details about how the magic worked that we don’t get, or were vague. A bit more world building would have been appreciated. The story felt like it was focused more on the concept, rather than the characters. I would be interested to learn what the author’s inspiration for this book was. I DNF’d about 55% in, and maybe it got better after that point. If you are looking for a cozy, rainy day read that isn’t too deep, you would probably enjoy this book very much. Unfortunately, I was just hoping for more. As I said before, the concept is great and the cover art was stunning. There was a lot of potential, it just lacked execution.

I gave it 🌟🌟🌟/5.

Favorite quote from the book: ”You don’t choose the book. The book chooses you.”

The wonderfully evocative cover and premise of the book drew me in, yet the execution made me DNF at about 35%.

The characters felt rather flat and the dialogues stilted. I kept hoping it would all change once they entered the magical Midnight Bookshop, which weirdly was open during the day and full of customers too, but it didn't change.

The Midnight Bookshop has a magical atmosphere and a heartwarming premise about the power of stories to change lives.
The setting is enchanting and the idea of a hidden bookshop that brings strangers together is lovely. However, the characters felt a bit predictable and the emotional arcs were too neatly wrapped up.
A sweet, comforting read, but it lacked the depth I was hoping for.

I really enjoyed reading this book, it was very heartfelt, emotional and magical. I think for myself I would truly want to experience the magic of The Midnight Bookshop if it was a real thing. The story was very touching, it mentioned about Adelaide being in an abusive relationship with her husband, Kye living with his brother and mother where his brother does illegal drug activities while his mum is sick and Jo being an absolute spoilt and ungrateful person, taking things for granted. Each character was living unhappy lives before they discovered The Midnight Bookshop and after its discovery, it helped them view their individual lives differently and rewrite their life story with the help of the ‘bookshop staff’ Fay. I loved seeing the development of each character as they learn to tackle some of the obstacles in their lives even though it’s a hard thing to do and who knew that with a slight nudge from something, it could help change your life.

It’s quite a slow start but it’s does pick up about 30% into the book. I also liked the different POVs of the characters because as the reader, we get to know what’s been happening in their lives which I think makes a stronger connection to the characters as you read along.

This has to be one of my all time favourites. It’s such a wonderful concept and so beautifully written. We all need a bookshop where we can go and find friends and books that choose us, depending on what we are going through. I would urge everyone to pick up this book and I guarantee you won’t be able to put it down!

The Midnight Bookshop is a cozy, magical read about second chances and the quiet power of books to bring people together. Jo, Adelaide, and Kye are strangers at first, but their midnight book club helps them rewrite their own stories. A little slow at times, but full of heart and hope.

The Midnight Bookshop is a heartwarming and magical store about books, imagination, friendship, and new beginnings. Jo, Kyle, and Adelaide—three very different individuals from diverse backgrounds—cross paths at a local community centre, where they come across a mysterious brochure for the Midnight Bookshop.

Curious but unable to find the shop during the day, Jo stumbles upon it one night and sneaks inside. Enchanted by what she finds, she convinces Kyle and Adelaide to join her. Guided by Fay, the enigmatic bookshop owner who insists that “the book chooses the reader,” the trio begins an unforgettable journey.

Told through alternating perspectives of the three main characters, the story offers a rich and layered narrative. As Jo, Kyle, and Adelaide delve deeper into the magic of the shop and the books within, they uncover hidden truths about themselves, learn to support one another, and begin to reshape their lives.

Blending fantasy, magical realism, and emotional depth, The Midnight Bookshop is a feel-good story that celebrates the transformative power of stories—and the connections they help us build.