Fairly predictable. Lots more telling instead of showing - I never felt like any of the characters were truly developed enough for me to know them Their instant best friend status didn't feel realistic at all. I received an ARC of this book in exchange for a honest review.

The Midnight Bookshop follows 3 characters, Jo, Kye and Addy, three of which have different circumstances and backgrounds. One day, there was a flyer for the midnight bookshop and all three were drawn to come to the bookshop, Jo being the first to arrive. They are met with Fay Revil who is one with the midnight bookshop, the owner per se. She tells them that the book picks the reader and one by one the books were selected for them. Each book selected for them inevitably will teach them a lesson for which they are currently facing and will help shape their future.

Tropes/Trigger warnings: Magical realism, friends to family, friends to lovers, age gap, he falls first, marital abuse/trauma, drug use/abuse, violence.

Oh, to escape to a midnight bookshop every night sounds like a dream! Jo, Kye, and Addy’s friendship grew over their collective love for books was amazing to read and the magical realism aspect of the book really took my imagination to new heights when the books became their reality even for a short time. I really enjoyed this read and will re-read again.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me this advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review!

Jo, Addy, and Kye meet unexpectedly while searching for an enigmatic bookshop, which seems to appear only at night, and only to people who need to gain the perspective for their lives, only the books can provide. Fay, the all knowing librarian, advises them that the books they need will find reveal themselves to each of them. As each troubled person discovers which life lessons they can glean from their book, they also realize how much they need each other’s friendship. This is a lovely read that reminds us how books and friendships can shape our lives.

The Midnight Bookshop

A tale of unlikely friends bound by sorrow and a shared desire to escape their harsh realities.

Told through the perspectives of three main characters:
Jo, a klepto bibliophile, stumbles upon a mysterious flier for The Midnight Bookshop on her 21st birthday while at the library.

Adelaide, trapped in a toxic marriage and struggling to stay afloat, finds the same flier while at a food bank.

Kye, the youngest in his family, is shouldering the responsibility of caring for his sick mother while facing the chaos caused by his drug-dealing older brother, also spots the flier.

But there’s a catch—even with the address, the bookstore is nowhere in sight, almost like it’s waiting for the right moment to appear… or the right person.

What follows is a story about the magic of books, the power of friendship, and the hidden doors we all long to step through.

I loved this book! A great and unique fantasy theory. I absolutely devoured this book and couldn't put it down. I highly recommend.

The Midnight Bookshop by Amanda James is a love letter to the power of books and storytelling and a reminder that we all have agency in our own lives and are in charge of our own stories.
Jo, Adelaide and Kye are an unlikely trio but each of them are facing challenges in their lives. Jo is struggling to find direction, On the surface she seems to have everything, a nice family home,a good education and anything that money can buy, but the one thing she needs has no price.She craves the love and approval of her parents who are emotionally distant and unfailingly critical. Adelaide is trapped in a marriage to an abusive alcoholic and lives in a daily state of fear. Kye is struggling to care for his widowed mother who has a chronic illness and has resorted to dealing drugs to help make ends meet. The three people each find a flyer advertising a mysterious Midnight Bookshop and little do they know that it holds the power to help them transform their lives. With the help of the owner of the bookshop they learn that the book choses the reader and each of them finds a story that resonates with their personal circumstances. This is where an element of magic enters the story and allows each of the trio to "edit" their own stories and change their futures for the better.
As a lover of books about bookstores, books and reading I was really excited to pick up this beautiul book. It is always incredibly satisfying when the writing and storytelling are just as beautiful as the gorgeous cover. Despite tackling some difficult themes and topics the book is filled with optimism and will tug at your heartstrings and have you rooting for each of the trio, especially since the author has done an incredible job of making them come to life on the page. If you are looking for a cosy book that will make you love reading even more than you already do this is a must read.
I read and reviewed an ARC courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher, all opinions are my own.

This is a magical realism book that holds all the fantasy and wonder of the power of books. Three completely unrelated people are invited to a bookshop for a midnight book club of sorts. The book? Whichever one chooses each of them. When they finish, they will never be the same again. More importantly, they become friends, they grow, and they learn. I particularly love the bookshop owner. She’s fantastic.

The Midnight Bookshop by new to me author Amanda James, published by Harper Collins UK/ One More Chapter, is a beautifully told story of three strangers whThe Midnight Bookshop by new to me author Amanda James, published by Harper Collins UK/ One More Chapter, is a beautifully told story of three strangers who are drawn to a special bookshop and his keeper, Fay.
Jo Adelaine and Kye struggle every one in his own way. Fay finds just the right book for the three.
A quiet story, warm, magical, just beautiful.o are drawn to a special bookshop and his keeper, Fay.
Jo Adelaine and Kye struggle every one in his own way. Fay finds just the right book for the three.
A quiet story, warm, magical, just beautiful.

I really enjoyed this read which shows the power of books. Jo, Adeline and Kye have found themselves to be stuck in a rut when they stumble across Fay and the midnight bookshop. They come together from different backgrounds but as Fay and the bookshop weave their magic they find friendship and together they re write their own story. Imaginative, inspiring and thoughtful. It will stay with me for a long time and every time I pick a new read I will ask myself if I chose the book or did the book choose me.

The Midnight Bookshop by Amanda James is such a good story. I loved every single second of it and I couldn't be more grateful to have read this incredible book by this author whose a genious!

The Midnight Bookshop by Amanda James is a quietly magical, heartwarming read that feels like stepping into a cozy corner of the world where stories—and second chances—come to life.

Set in a charming seaside town, the book follows Emily, a woman looking for purpose and healing, who stumbles upon a mysterious little bookshop that only opens at midnight. What unfolds is a beautiful blend of mystery, personal growth, and a touch of the otherworldly, all wrapped in the comforting embrace of books and community.

Amanda James writes with gentle wisdom and a poetic touch, reminding us how books can not only change lives—but sometimes, save them. The characters are likable and flawed in the best ways, and the slow-burn revelations keep the pages turning.

Though the pacing lags in a few spots, and some plot elements stretch believability, the emotional payoff and the sense of magic more than make up for it. It’s perfect for fans of The Midnight Library and The Lost Bookshop, with its own unique spin.

A lovely read for:
• Book lovers who believe in a bit of magic
• Readers who enjoy themes of healing, hope, and second chances
• Fans of cozy fiction with a mysterious twist

The Midnight Bookshop is a love letter to the power of stories—and the quiet strength of those who read them.

"The rest of your story is waiting to be written, and you hold the pen."
A delightful and magical journey that shows how a single book can alter your entire life. When strangers Jo, Kye, and Adelaide enter The Midnight Bookshop, they have no idea how much the magical shop will forever become a part of their lives and their everlasting friendship.

This was a bit different, in a very good way. Departing from the usual bookshop sort of trope. A heartwarming tale of friendship.

The cover and the synopsis of The Midnight Bookshop really drew me in. I’m a big fan of books about books and was very excited for a fantastical adventure through a bookshop. Unfortunately, this one didn’t really hit the mark for me.

In the first two or so chapters I could tell the writing style wasn’t for me. Not that there’s anything particularly wrong with it but it felt a bit random and choppy at times. The dialogue between the characters felt unrealistic and very teenage-like even though all of the characters were young-adults/adults.

The characters had dept and I do appreciate how different they all were from each other. It was interesting to learn of their lives and struggles. With that being said, it all felt a bit shallow and superficial in a way. Maybe it would have helped if we had a bit more background details on their lives - maybe a few flashbacks?.
On another note, the three main characters closeness felt a little too immediate. I would have appreciated more of a build-up in their friendship.

This book brought a lot of interesting ideas to light but the final product really wasn’t for me. Nevertheless, I thank NetGalley, the author and publishers for this ARC.

3.5/5 stars

Before my review, I'd like to quickly mention how, within the book, there are spoilers for multiple other book. While they are well known books, some may not have read them yet and will not appreciate this

I was drawn to The Midnight Bookshop by its enchanting premise - a mysterious bookshop that chooses its readers, promising transformative journeys. The idea of strangers finding solace and rewriting their stories through a midnight book club sounded magical.​

However, while the concept was captivating, the execution left me wanting more. The narrative strayed, and I found myself waiting for a deeper connection to the characters. Jo, Adelaide, and Kye had potential, but their development felt surface-level, making it challenging to fully invest in their journeys.​

The prose was lyrical at times, painting vivid images of the bookshop's ambiance. Yet, the pacing was uneven, with moments that dragged, causing my attention to waver. I appreciate stories that delve into the healing power of literature, but this one didn't quite resonate as I'd hoped.​

In summary, while The Midnight Bookshop offers a whimsical escape into a world where books hold transformative power, it didn't fully deliver on its promise for me. It might appeal to readers seeking a gentle, heartwarming tale, but I was left craving a deeper emotional connection and more dynamic storytelling.

Thank you to Netgalley and Amanda James for providing me with a free eARC in exchange for an honest review

Relatable, Inspiring, and Full of Heart
The Midnight Bookshop was such a comforting and inspiring read. I really connected with the characters—Jo, Adelaide, and Kye—each on their own journey, brought together by their love of books. Their personal growth felt authentic, and the idea that one book can change your life was both powerful and relatable.

The magical atmosphere of the bookshop itself was beautifully described—it truly felt like a place of healing and possibility. While the pacing was a bit slow in parts, the emotional payoff was worth it. This story reminded me how stories can bring people together and help us rewrite our own.

This book has a very pretty cover, where I just want to be in that cozy bookshop! This was a beautiful, heartwarming, cozy story. It is about a magic bookshop and the power of books, and how they can change a life. This is a story about a magical journey of 3 strangers. Fay, the quirky main character, shows them how a book can change your life and help rewrite your direction of your path/story. It is about friendship and courage.

Thank you to the publisher and to NetGalley!

Three unlikely strangers find themselves drawn to a mysterious bookshop, where a midnight book club reveals the power of a single book to change lives. As they uncover new worlds within the pages, they realize their own stories can be rewritten.

I can see someone loving this, but I am not that someone. it felt trite and full of over reaching lessons to learn. I love magic, and books, but it felt kinda flat and was somewhat preachy? meh.
thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.

A wonderful read!
This novel drew me in from the very first page and kept me hooked until the end. The characters were vibrant and relatable, the writing was engaging, and the story had just the right balance of heart and humor. Highly recommend!
Many thanks to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for my ARC. All opinions are my own.