“You don’t choose the book, the book chooses you.”

A cute and cozy fantasy story of a secret midnight bookshop that finds those who are truly in need. This book has such a cozy magical vibe, full of whimsical moments and experiences. Each character has a deep need to find this bookshop, for one reason or another. Each of them struggles with something heavy in their life and this special place helps turn that around.

The books they read help them overcome their struggles and become who they are meant to be; and the bookshop owner is quite magical herself 👀✨ Theres a big emphasis on imagination and the way everyone views a book differently, which is what makes reading so special! Cute read!

The cover and description drew me in. But I had a hard time staying focused on this book. I didn’t feel very connected to the characters and wanted more personality. I like multi POV stories, but this one had a lot of repetition. We’d see something happen and then have to listen to it be re-told which slowed things down. I also wish there was more of the bookshop in it! I was super interested in that part. Lastly, the pop culture references were a bit too much for me as well.

I must say, if it was possible for a mystical midnight bookshop to show up, just when a person is at the end of their rope and stuck and showed them the way out, I would totally love it! I know that books are magic and they can take you away from the troubles of daily life for a bit, though Fay Revile and the bookshop have a bit more punch to their books! Jo. Adelaide and Kye are in three very different situations and all received a mysterious flyer directing them to the Midnight Bookshop, hidden down the street in a corner that is not always there. I like that through the books that they chose, they were able to learn much about their issues and how, with hard work, a mayhap a little magic, they can get their lives back on track. And how important it is to form strong bonds, friendships and rely on each other (and not just the bookshop). The other important message that I liked is that while you can improve yourself, it does not mean you can change others who are set in their ways, unless they too want to change.

This was a sweet novel and yes, I a bias about loving stories that show how magical books are and how they can pass down messages that can mean different things to different people, depending on when they are in life. I would love to visit that Midnight Bookshop one evening and sip a hot chocolate with Fay!

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me the chance to read this magical book!

This is a magical book, full of hope. Jo, Kye and Adelaide meet at the Truro Larder, Kye and Amanda are both collecting food and Jo has just dropped off a donation. Whilst sharing a coffee they discover they each have a flyer for The Midnight Library, which according to Adelaide doesn’t exist, but Jo shares that it does and she went at midnight.
Each is struggling with life, Adelaide has an abusive husband, Kye is forced to deliver drugs for his brother and Jo feels unloved by her parents.
They agree to meet and visit the library that night and from there their lives are changed.
A wonderful read that I really loved, my thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for for the arc.

There is nothing better than a magical bookshop that only appears to those that need it most. In The Midnight Bookshop by Amanda James, the bookshop appears to three, down on their luck, patrons. Jo, Adelaide and Kye are strangers who stumble into the bookshop and into each other's lives. All three were needing a change in their lives and the magic of the bookshop was only the start of what they need.
This book brings the magic alive and makes you wish the bookshop actually existed. I could see myself spending hours in this bookshop. The story also shows how stories and books can bring you to life by the effects the story has on your life.
This is a great whimsical fun book to read. If you like fairytales or fantasies this is a book for you.
Thanks to NetGalley, HarperCollins UK and One More Chapter for the advanced copy.

I see that this book has a four-star average rating so far, with lots of 4- and 5-star reviews. I'm glad that many people are enjoying it, and it's obvious that it will have its audience, so kudos to the author and publisher for that.

Unfortunately, it just didn't work for me, for two main, interrelated reasons:

1. The solutions to characters' problems came extremely quickly and easily, with very little agency on their part. They didn't have to make any trade-offs or suffer any lasting consequences for their decisions. And things people would normally need to think about in real life (e.g. a "bad guy" coming back to cause problems) were swept away by an all-knowing entity saying, "Don't worry about that. I promise it won't be a problem in the future." [LIGHT SPOILERS: Bad guys just magically... went away, and someone who'd been ill for a long time just... started feeling better.]

2. Everything was so very cut-and-dry for the characters. Their course of action was clear, and, aside from the romance taking time to evolve (which I appreciated), there was no ambiguity. I feel like the power of books and stories is that they help people know they're not alone and understand how to keep making their way through this world even though life is full of change and uncertainty. Removing uncertainty and making things mostly perfect for characters had, for me, the opposite effect to what was intended: instead of sending the message that books and literature can change lives, the message seemed to be that books can help you see your problems more clearly -- and then you need a magical friend to fix them for you.

I do appreciate the opportunity to read a digital ARC in advance of publication, and I'm glad this book exists for those who want and need this story right now.

Unfortunately this wasn’t for me. I absolutely loved the concept but it didn’t feel like it was executed to its fullest potential. I did however love that it was set in Cornwall which is one of my favourite places.

My biggest issue was how twee it all ended up being, everything just worked itself out. And I get that a magic bookshop is involved but it didn’t feel like any of the characters had to really *do* anything to sort their life out.

The characters in general were a tad one dimensional and their fawning over Fay became a bit annoying especially as I’m not sure she necessarily did much to warrant such admiration.

One last thing I wanted desperately was some more luscious descriptions of the bookshop especially in the beginning. I understand that it’s to let your imagination build the image but I was just craving something more, something that evoked the gorgeousness of the cover art.

If you’re looking for cosy magical realism that does explore some heavier stuff but you’re mainly just after the magical bookshop vibes then this could be a great read for you!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers, HarperCollins UK and One More Chapter for the ARC.

Unfortunately I DNF’d this at around 30%. I was really drawn in by the cover and the premise; the idea of a magical bookshop that only appears at midnight to people who are invited. Disappointingly the execution just didn’t work for me.

The setup suggested like this exclusive, hidden bookshop you could only access when you'd been invited, but then the characters visit during the day and it was full of regular customers? It killed the magic of it for me and didn’t make much sense given how hard it had been for them to find it in the first place.

Mostly though, it was the dialogue that made me stop reading. It felt really stilted and awkward, and the characters didn’t feel real or layered. They just didn’t come alive for me, and their conversations didn’t flow naturally. It made it hard to connect or stay interested in where the story was going.

The concept was cool, but overall it just wasn’t for me.

The Midnight Bookshop by Amanda James had a lovely premise that immediately drew me in—set in a charming bookshop with a magical realism twist, it started off strong and full of promise. As someone who loves stories about books and a touch of magic, I was excited to dive in.

Unfortunately, around the halfway mark, the story began to lose me. The plot became increasingly far-fetched, and I found it hard to stay engaged. While magical realism often requires a suspension of disbelief, in this case it felt more disjointed than enchanting.

That said, I can see how this novel might really appeal to readers who enjoy whimsical, bookish tales full of heart and imagination. Even though it wasn’t the right fit for me, I’m sure it will find its audience among lovers of magical stories and bookstore settings.

Thank you to One More Chapter for the gifted ARC of this book.

Rating: 🤗/4
Review: I just wanted to hug this book! It’s a book about the love of books and all the joy and openness they bring those who read. Plus I loved the Chewbacca boot references one thousand percent. Always remember - you don’t choose the book, the book chooses you.
Format: 👩🏻‍💻
Source: #netgalley
Published on Goodreads 5/10/2025

The Midnight Bookshop is the kind of book that feels like a soft exhale. It’s not a high-stakes, plot-driven thriller, but rather a quiet, comforting story about three strangers—Jo, Adelaide, and Kye—who each stumble upon a mysterious bookshop and discover that their stories are far from over.

I really appreciated the emotional threads running through each character’s arc. These aren’t people at their best when we meet them—they’re hurting, lost, and stuck in situations that feel impossible. But through the midnight book club (and some very well-timed books), they begin to see themselves in a new light. It’s about friendship, hope, and the idea that your story isn’t set in stone. You can rewrite it. That’s a message I think a lot of readers will connect with, especially if they’ve ever turned to books during hard times.

There’s definitely a touch of magic here—not in the flashy fantasy sense, but in that quiet, whimsical way where a place seems to appear exactly when you need it, and books choose you rather than the other way around. The atmosphere is soft and soothing, and the bookshop itself feels like a character—one that exists just outside of time, waiting for the right people to find it.

If I had one critique, it would be that the ending felt a little too tidy. The conflicts wrap up very neatly, and while that fits the cozy, hopeful tone of the book, I personally would’ve liked just a bit more complexity in how things resolved. The dialogue, too, occasionally felt a little simplistic or on-the-nose—but never enough to pull me out of the story completely.

That said, this book doesn’t pretend to be something it’s not. It’s a love letter to reading, to connection, and to the quiet courage it takes to begin again. If you’re looking for a feel-good, bookish escape with a dash of magic, this is exactly the kind of story to curl up with.

Goodness me, this was such a good book. Highly entertaining. Would definitely recommend to others, that's for sure!

The Midnight Bookshop is a charming, feel-good read with a magical premise that will appeal to book lovers. The idea of a hidden bookshop that changes lives is lovely, and the three main characters—Jo, Adelaide, and Kye—each have touching personal journeys. The story gently explores how books can help us heal and rewrite our own stories, which is a message I really appreciated.

That said, the book didn’t quite hit the mark for me overall. The pacing was slow in places, and I found myself wanting more depth from the characters and the magical elements. It’s a cozy and comforting read, just not one that left a strong impression. A solid three stars for its heart and imagination.

Sadly this was a DNF for me. I was intrigued by the premise, but found it hard to battle through the difficulties of the main characters - that's not what I was really here for, and it was a bit too bleak in places. Apologies.

I absolutely loved reading The Midnight Bookshop! Following the journeys of Jo, Adelaide, and Kye was such a rewarding experience. I really appreciated how each character had their own chapters and storylines — their lives were all so different, yet somehow beautifully connected. It made their individual growth feel so personal and real.
The magical realism twist added such a special touch to the story. I was completely drawn in by the mystery of the Midnight Bookclub and how the bookshop became a place of healing, friendship, and second chances. Through the power of books and the connections they form, the characters are able to support one another in ways they never expected.
One of my favourite things about this book was the way it included quotes and references to other pieces of literature. It was like little gifts hidden throughout the story, and they often made me smile.
Overall, The Midnight Bookshop is a warm, uplifting read that reminds you of the magic that stories and friendships can bring into our lives. By the end, it left me feeling hopeful, happy, and grateful for the simple but powerful moments that can change everything.
Highly recommend if you're looking for something comforting, magical, and full of heart!

#TheMidnightBookshop #BookReview #5StarRead #BookLover #BookishLife #MagicalRealism #FoundFamily #BooksAndFriendship #ReadersOfInstagram #Bookstagram #FeelGoodRead #HeartwarmingReads #FictionLovers #BookCommunity

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins for this ARC copy of The Midnight Bookshop due to be published 16th May.

**some spoilers**
The 3 very different strangers meet at a food bank in the community and strike up a conversation due to a leaflet they found all for The Midnight Bookshop. They agree to go together one night as there is just some magic pull to go. Their lives are changed for the better due to this!

I started off thinking Jo was an annoying entitled brat and her parents might not treat her that way if she made an effort! No job, shop lifting and just living off her parent’s money! But while reading it reveals she didn’t want any of that she just wanted the love of her parents.

Adelaide is in an abusive lonely marriage portrays she has a very happy marriage to work colleagues. Husband Mark had me so mad. She finally finds the courage to stand up for herself and create the life she deserves.

Kye is a young 18 year old who hasn’t had much of a childhood as since his father’s passing he is having to care for his mother who is crippled with pain and depression. Having to help support his family his older brother drags him into drug distribution to make ends meet, his brother is providing there mum with drugs to help relieve her pain which she is now dependent on. Kye wants a better life for himself and his mum.

This book took me a a chapter or two to get into but once I knew the back stories of the trio I was hooked. This story is very well written/paced. Such a lovely story of friendship and finding the life you deserve!

Trigger Warnings: Emotional Abuse, Physical Abuse, Alcohol and Drug use.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy of this book.

I don't like to give lower than 3 stars as a review and i see that a lot of people liked this book so I will go for 2.5 up to 3.

i didnt enjoy this book nearly as much as I expected. It's a great idea and I expected something more fantastical but apart from the bookshop appearing and disappearing and the long lived Fay, it is really just an essay on how we can learn things from reading. i would say it is more of a Young Adult book.

I would have liked to have found out more about Fay and her book of successes. Also, I would like to know why her Scottish accent "seemed at odds with her appearance", What exactly do people with Scottish accents look like?

I found the writing flat and curiously unmoving- for example, Mark strangles Adelaide to unconsciousness but I hardly blinked because it did not feel real. There is a lot of telling like an essay rather than showing.. I found the dialogue to be stilted and I'm afraid I was unable to sympathise with the main character Jo, a self absorbed, entitled, ungrateful brat who needs a good dose of reality more than an electric car!. I also felt that there was something twee and self consciously fey (as opposed to Fay) about the whole thing. When they started reading the Lord of the Rings, i found all the Lady G stuff to be a bit cringe and fanboy and started to skim to the end. The ending and epilogue are just too pat , like a fairytale but maybe that was the point.

I do not like the concept of a book choosing you and I did not like the spoilers for the books the group were reading. There are well known books such as One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest that I have not read or seen and I don't think I ever will but even so, I still don't want to know how these books end in case I ever do decide to read them.

Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter for the ARC. I love reading books about books especially when you throw in some magical realism. The premise of this book was very captivating and could have gone in different directions to hold my attention better, but it didn’t. As always some will like this book more than others. It just fell a little short for me.

I had high hopes for this book because it sounded absolutely wonderful but I struggled with this. We’re introduced to three different characters with different backgrounds who come together at a Midnight Bookshop, and through their friendship and mutual love of books they’re able to face their struggles head on. But…

Despite being given three characters I felt little to no connection to any of them. In all honesty, this entire book read very….juvenile. We’re supposed to just accept what is happening to this people, both at home and at the Bookshop, and the ADULT characters themselves just jump right into it all. While their personal issues were of course nothing to turn my nose up to, their personalities were an entirely different problem. Adelaide came off as very childish, Kye felt stereotyped, and Jo was “mature but immature.”

Overall I think this could be a cute, cosy read for most people but this book wasn’t for me.

This is a love letter to the power of stories to heal the lives and hearts of the people who read them. As 3 strangers - soon to become an unlikely set of friends - discover when they stumble across actually magical book shop.

This one will be loved by a wide range of readers because it touches upon themes so dear to so many booklovers. It gets an easy 3.5 stars.