As a lifelong reader and book lover, I’m always drawn to stories that celebrate the magic of reading, so a novel about a mysterious bookshop with a touch of magical realism? Absolutely up my alley!

This is a charming story where three strangers find themselves drawn to a unique bookshop that only appears at midnight. Each of them is at a crossroads in life, and the books they’re drawn to don’t just entertain, they reflect something deep within, helping them uncover truths, face fears, and help them begin to heal.

I appreciated the central message: “you don’t choose the book, the book chooses you.” It rings so true for many of us who’ve stumbled upon a story just when we needed it most.

While this novel leans more into the cozy and gentle than I typically read, I found it enjoyable. This isn’t a heavy or particularly deep novel, but it doesn’t need to be. It’s a story of second chances, and the transformations that happen when we see ourselves reflected on the page. Fans of books about books, magical realism, and character-driven narratives will find much to enjoy here.

Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter for this ARC. All thoughts shared are my own.

This was a cosy, easy-going read - simple to follow, with a lot of whimsy. A little too twee for me, but a refreshing change of pace.
The multiple POVs worked for me, keeping things focused on the small cast of characters on their otherworldly journey rediscovering the magic of reading and imagination.

I unfortunately had to DNF this book at about 30% in. I wanted to like it so much, but its vibes were not really for me. I think this is a book my grandmother probably would have liked a lot!

I always love a bookshop setting, and James delivers a fantastic story with magical realism. I think you do need to suspend belief before starting this book, but if you can do that, it's such an enjoyable experience. Thanks to NetGalley and One More Chapter for an advanced copy.

What a wonderful place the Midnight Bookshop is - how I want to visit and see that magical place, meet and chat with Fay and sit around that oval table drinking hot chocolate and eating cake at 2am! Then follow that by a wander around, trailing your fingers over the many bookshelves until the next book to read chooses you! A wonderful story of how an unexpected, hidden place changes the lives of three strangers, who met by accident but ended up the best of friends. The journeys all their lives took was quite extraordinary but completely right for them and you just know their futures look good.

I really am not into fantasy, magic etc but in the context of this book, it almost didn’t seem like that - it just felt right! A real feel good story which I couldn’t put down!

Thank you to Net Galley and the publishers for allowing me to read this in exchange for an honest review, which is what I have given.

I found this book on here in the middle of the night and oh my gosh, I’m so glad that I did!! It barely took me a day to read!! Books like this that have a magical element to them make me feel so good! I’m easily caught up in these stories! I mean a beautiful bookshop that’s there one minute, then disappears the next! I’m in, with my whole heart! “You don’t choose the book, the book chooses you!” Love love love it!!

This was such a warm, comforting read. The Midnight Bookshop is one of those stories that quietly wraps around you and reminds you just how powerful books can be. It follows Jo, Adelaide and Kye. Three strangers, each going through something heavy, who are drawn to a mysterious bookshop that seems to appear just when they need it most.

I really enjoyed the mix of emotional depth and just a touch of magic. The idea that a book can find you at the right moment might sound whimsical, but here it felt meaningful and true. Each character brought something different to the story, and watching their lives slowly begin to shift gave the book so much heart.

The pacing wasn’t always perfect, and I saw a few things coming, but it didn’t take away from how much I connected with the message. It’s about healing, second chances, and the quiet strength stories can offer when life feels overwhelming.

I want to thank HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this lovely ARC.

The Midnight Bookshop reads as a love letter to books and the individual reading experience, allowing people from all walks of life to pick up a book and be transported to a safe space in which they can find themselves and their inner strengths. This book is a cozy pick with minimal fantasy elements, perfect for a casual read.

The three main characters of this story are all relatable but somewhat flawed. They all seem quite naïve and lack confidence in themselves and their ability to choose how their stories will play out, seemingly taking a back seat in their own lives and just hoping they can ride it out. Jo took a while to grow on me as she came off quite immature and generally unwilling, yet is somehow able to impart wisdom for those around her. Adelaide, although I have much sympathy for and am very aware of how different each individual experiences their own abusive domestic situations, was not portrayed how I would have thought, though this seems to be as a choice to protect the coziness of the book without treading too deeply into this. Kye, although compelling, did not have as much depth on page as I would have liked to see. Yet all three had very relatable situations (quick shout out to the fibromyalgia crew too) that I could not help but empathise with. Fay was a great character, and I can’t help but wish for a book in her perspective. In all, though I struggled to get into the book at first, I found I quickly grew into it.

The book is easy-going laced with deeper intentions enough to feel meaningful without burning your brain out. It leaves you with the courage to narrate your own story instead of simply being a passenger. I enjoyed the acknowledgement that every reader will experience each book differently, and it is those differences that can also bring us together. The writing style itself wasn’t particularly my usual cup of tea, but I love the idea that this was written from a title prompt as I loved to see how the author interpreted this into a story and how different someone else’s (or even my own) response to this prompt would have been.

Thank you to Amanda James and the publishing/NetGalley team for allowing me the opportunity to give an advance review of this book. This was a cozy read all about the admiration of books and inner strengths, which I leave with a 3.5/5 star rating, and the hope that I can get a ride on that silver dragon one day! 🤞

Leave reality outside this book. Open your mind to the impossible and jump into the credible journey of this story!

I think book lovers will enjoy this story immensely. I certainly did! I am not one that enjoys a total fantasy theme, but I really like a touch or more of magic in a storyline. The mind is a wonderful place to explore adventures that often cannot be seen in the real world. This book touched my soul and took my imagination to flight.

The characters are wonderfully developed, each with heartbreaking issues they are dealing with. When they find each other and the Midnight Bookshop, their lives are forever changed.

I enjoyed this book so much and definitely recommend it!

A sincere thank you HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter and NetGalley for giving me the immense pleasure of reading the advance reader copy, with no obligation to write a review. My review is written freely as a hobby, and is totally my own opinion, not influenced by receiving the ARC.

The Midnight Bookshop is a heartwarming blend of magical realism and contemporary fiction that explores the transformative power of literature. The story follows three strangers—Jo, Adelaide, and Kye—each grappling with personal challenges and feelings of being stuck in their lives. Their paths converge when they discover a mysterious flyer leading them to the Midnight Bookshop, a place where books choose their readers and offer guidance tailored to their individual struggles. ​

The bookshop, managed by the enigmatic Fay, serves as a sanctuary for the trio, facilitating their journeys toward self-discovery and healing. Through the books they read, Jo confronts the aftermath of an abusive relationship, Adelaide navigates the complexities of grief, and Kye seeks direction amidst familial pressures. Their shared experiences within the bookshop foster a sense of camaraderie and underscore the novel's themes of friendship, resilience, and the redemptive power of storytelling.​

The warmth and accessibility, creating an inviting atmosphere that draws readers into the narrative are a couple of the pieces that I really enjoyed about reading this novel. The concept of a bookshop that intuitively provides the right book at the right time is both charming and thought-provoking, resonating with those who love and who believe in the serendipity of reading, it is a novel for book lovers. However, while the premise is compelling, the character development occasionally lacks depth, and certain plot resolutions feel somewhat convenient. ​

The Midnight Bookshop has an uplifting message and the cozy, magical ambiance it creates made the novel an amazing read. It's a narrative that celebrates the impact of books on personal growth and the unexpected connections that can change one's life trajectory.

This is a really wholesome book about three people who are struggling with their lives, who find new meaning and hope from a mysterious bookshop. A good read for fans of The Midnight Library. I read an eARC of this book on Net Galley so thank you to the author and the publisher.

I enjoyed reading this and I was rooting for the characters to have happy endings. The bookshop is magical and wondrous and the characters have some incredible experiences in there. I would have loved to have seen more of the bookshop and its mysterious proprietor. I’d have happily spent more time in this space and learned more about how it works.

We have three people who connect through the bookshop that were previously unknown to each other. I love a found family in books and this doesn’t disappoint. It’s one of my favourite tropes and we see the characters blossom through their growing connection with each other. These are three people going through difficult times in their lives, and one in particular has a harrowing story so it may be a good idea to check trigger warnings. One of the three characters was far less sympathetic than the other two which made it harder to engage with her story. With the other two it was very clear and easy to root for them.

We see character chosen by a book which helps them reflect on their lives and work through the challenges they are facing. This was well done and helped to hold a mirror up to the characters and get them to think differently. I would have loved even more books!

An enjoyable and wholesome read.

Very much enjoyed this boo. It was a refreshing change from the books I usually read.
Who could not like a book about a magical bookshop!
The vibes were perfect and exactly what you'd expect from looking at the cover!

Midnight Bookshop by Amanda James is a book that feels like it chose me. It’s not something I’d usually pick up, but I’m so glad I did. It’s one of those stories that shows the magic a book can bring, and in this case, that magic lies within the doors of a very special bookshop.

The novel follows three strangers—Jo, Adelaide, and Kye—who, for various reasons, end up crossing the threshold of the Midnight Bookshop. Here, they’re introduced to a book club that reveals how a single book can change everything. Through their shared experiences, each of them learns that their own story is still open to transformation.

What struck me about Midnight Bookshop is how different it was from my usual reading choices. It blends elements of magical realism with deeply human themes of growth, transformation, and the solace found in the written word. I wasn’t expecting to be swept into this world, but the warmth and heart of the story drew me in completely.

The Midnight Bookshop offers more than just a physical space—it offers hope, friendship, and a little bit of magic that helps the characters find their way forward. In many ways, the book serves as a reminder that we’re all capable of rewriting our own stories, no matter how challenging life may seem.

For readers who prefer strictly realistic fiction, Midnight Bookshop may not be for you. The book has an element of fantasy, and some questions about the bookstore itself remain unanswered. But for me, that was part of the charm—it leaves room for wonder and interpretation, which I found enjoyable. Sometimes, not everything needs to be explained in full for a story to feel complete.

One of the most resonant themes in the book is how the experience of reading can change depending on who you are, where you are in life, and what you bring to a book. Two people can read the same story and walk away with completely different interpretations, and even the same person reading the same book at different points in their life may discover something new. This idea really stuck with me and made me reflect on how personal our relationship with books can be.

The book has a cosy, feel-good atmosphere, and I found myself rooting for the characters throughout. That said, the ending did feel a little rushed. The resolution of the characters' storylines wrapped up neatly, perhaps a bit too quickly. However, given the gentle, magical tone of the story, I was happy to forgive this minor flaw.

All in all, Midnight Bookshop is a lovely read for anyone who loves books, magic, and a bit of escapism. It’s a good choice for readers looking to get lost in a story about transformation, friendship, and the power of literature. If you’re open to a bit of magic, I’d definitely recommend it, though it may not be for everyone.

Rating: 3.5/5 stars.

Thank you @netgalley, @harpercollinsuk and @onemorechapterhc for sending me this advanced copy of The Midnight Bookshop by Amanda James

Let's be honest, any book that has a title that includes the word Bookshop is always going to draw the bookworms in. What I wasn't expecting was what I read.

Meet Jo, Adelaide and Kye. Eack of them have situations in their lives that seem unfixable. Each of them are in need of help. One random day, each of them comes across a flyer for 'The Midnight Bookshop' and each of them are drawn to it. A chance meeting, and the three of them embark on a journey of personal growth, of joint successes and finally having the feeling that they are home.

The whole premise of 'you don't choose the book, the book choosea you' isn't unique but the way that Amanda James has packaged it is. The library, the magic, the mystery and the journeys that they each go on are things of beauty and discovery.

As a reader of 30+ years, I completely understood the concept of books talking to me, offering me subtle ways to help and allowing me to get lost when all around me seems too loud and hard. It would resonate with any book lover.

This book is a treasure

I hadn't been too sure how this story was going when I first started it but I am glad I stuck with it as it took you into a great journey thorugh the power of books as well as friendship.

Thank you to Netgalley, the author and publisher for this ARC. An engaging, mystical and unusual book which really made me think about the power of books and how some books really can change your life. Not a book like any other it really is a unique read.

This story was, at its core, an appreciation for books and stories and I related to it so much. Gorgeous, immersive, full of longing and heart. A beautiful story.

2 stars – Disappointing and hard to connect with

I really wanted to love The Midnight Bookshop—the premise had so much potential. Unfortunately, the execution just didn’t work for me. I struggled to connect with any of the characters; they felt one-dimensional and their motivations often didn’t make much sense. I kept hoping they’d grow on me, but by the end, I was more irritated than invested.

The writing itself also wasn’t my style. It felt overly simplistic at times, with dialogue that didn’t feel natural and too much telling rather than showing. I know this book has its fans, and I can see the charm it might have had, but it just didn’t land for me. A good idea let down by flat characters and clunky prose.

A book you will love to get lost in!
Three strangers brought together by their love of books go on a journey of self discovery. The characters felt authentic and super relatable. And the story itself was beautifully atmospheric. Can’t wait to check out your thus authors back list titles!

I received an ARC from NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.

Not typically a book I would normally read but wow, the journey the characters go on is amazing and very intriguing. Their stories and difficult life situations will have you rooting for them and new beginnings.

Adelaide, Jo and Kye come from all different backgrounds but their struggles bring them to Fay and her imaginary midnight bookstore which leads them through new life lessons.

Although there are some difficult topics and the journey through their circumstances is rough, this book is filled with Hope and plans for a prosperous future.