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The Midnight Bookshop
You don't choose the book. The book chooses you…Long ago, a bookshop was born – the beating heart of all those who find hope within the pages of a book. With the words penned upon the echo of old forests, new worlds are created.
It’s ready and waiting to welcome all those who know where to find it…
Strangers Jo, Adelaide and Kye are the least likely people to find themselves across the threshold of a bookshop.
But as their midnight book club shows them that a single book can change everything, all three realise that their own stories can be rewritten.
It’s ready and waiting to welcome all those who know where to find it…
Strangers Jo, Adelaide and Kye are the least likely people to find themselves across the threshold of a bookshop.
But as their midnight book club shows them that a single book can change everything, all three realise that their own stories can be rewritten.
384 pages, Paperback
First published May 16, 2025
8109 people are currently reading
11791 people want to read
About the author
Amanda James
24 books207 followersAmanda James (aka Mandy) was born in Sheffield and now lives in Cornwall with her husband and a cat. In her spare time, she enjoys gardening, singing, and spending lots of time with her grandchildren. She also admits to spending far too much time chatting on Twitter and Facebook! Amanda feels most at home walking on the beach and making plots up in her head. A fair amount of these have made it onto paper, and been turned into books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 884 reviews
November 28, 2025
“You don’t choose the book, the book chooses you.”
Glistening stars set against an indigo sky is the perfect setting to be swept through the doors into the magical world of, The Midnight Bookshop.
Grounded characters, juxtaposed by disappearing doors, silver dragons, and an eccentric bookshop owner, wield a fantastical tale that is wildly inventive and touching.
Like a woven basket, contemporary themes of self-esteem, abuse, and personal growth are braided together with a dash of pixie dust✨
I would recommend this atmospheric journey for your next cozy night in.
Glistening stars set against an indigo sky is the perfect setting to be swept through the doors into the magical world of, The Midnight Bookshop.
Grounded characters, juxtaposed by disappearing doors, silver dragons, and an eccentric bookshop owner, wield a fantastical tale that is wildly inventive and touching.
Like a woven basket, contemporary themes of self-esteem, abuse, and personal growth are braided together with a dash of pixie dust✨
I would recommend this atmospheric journey for your next cozy night in.
April 4, 2025
This book started for me as just another easy fluffy read to devour whilst on a sunbed with a cocktail in hand. However it soon became much much more.
To appreciate the book fully you have to leave any preconceived ideas at the first page and open up you mind to a magical world.
Jo, Adelaine and Kye are all struggling for one reason or another in their fairly mundane lives without being able to see a future. From a brief meeting at a food bank and a mysterious leaflet about the Midnight Bookshop, little do they know that their lives are about to change.
There is much talk in the book about escaping into a book and becoming part of it. As a deaf person I have said for years that I am no deaf when I read as I become the narrator or a character or just intrinsically woven into the story.
The magical part of this book does require you to suspend belief for a while but I suggest you do to have the full experience of a fabulous story!
I will be recommending this to my Bookclub
To appreciate the book fully you have to leave any preconceived ideas at the first page and open up you mind to a magical world.
Jo, Adelaine and Kye are all struggling for one reason or another in their fairly mundane lives without being able to see a future. From a brief meeting at a food bank and a mysterious leaflet about the Midnight Bookshop, little do they know that their lives are about to change.
There is much talk in the book about escaping into a book and becoming part of it. As a deaf person I have said for years that I am no deaf when I read as I become the narrator or a character or just intrinsically woven into the story.
The magical part of this book does require you to suspend belief for a while but I suggest you do to have the full experience of a fabulous story!
I will be recommending this to my Bookclub
April 14, 2025
The Midnight Bookshop by Amanda James is not to be confused with The Midnight Library by Matt Haig—though the title may lead some readers to expect a similar story. Instead, this novel offers a gentle, uncomplicated tale about the quiet power of books and how they might just change a life.
This is the kind of story you’d reach for on a rainy afternoon or to enjoy while lounging at the beach. It's not complex, nor does it try to be. The plot moves along easily, though it felt to me like it reached its natural conclusion a bit early—only to continue afterward in a way that didn’t quite land as powerfully.
I struggled to fully connect with the characters. Their personal situations, especially those involving abuse or criminal behavior, didn’t always feel authentic or believable. For instance, the portrayal of an abused woman didn’t align with what I’ve witnessed or experienced, and the character involved in drug dealing seemed overly simplified. The third character didn’t resonate with me at all—I found her hard to connect with or even like.
Interestingly, I learned that the story was written based on a title chosen by the editor, which may explain why the book feels a bit concept-first rather than character-driven. I suspect the title was selected in part to ride the wave of popularity following Haig’s novel—though I could be wrong. Regardless, the title did catch my attention, and I’m sure it will do the same for others.
If you’re looking for a light, easy read with a gentle message about the influence of books, The Midnight Bookshop might be worth your time. Just don’t go in expecting emotional depth or realism—this one’s more about comfort than complexity.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you to HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter, and NetGalley for the ARC.
This is the kind of story you’d reach for on a rainy afternoon or to enjoy while lounging at the beach. It's not complex, nor does it try to be. The plot moves along easily, though it felt to me like it reached its natural conclusion a bit early—only to continue afterward in a way that didn’t quite land as powerfully.
I struggled to fully connect with the characters. Their personal situations, especially those involving abuse or criminal behavior, didn’t always feel authentic or believable. For instance, the portrayal of an abused woman didn’t align with what I’ve witnessed or experienced, and the character involved in drug dealing seemed overly simplified. The third character didn’t resonate with me at all—I found her hard to connect with or even like.
Interestingly, I learned that the story was written based on a title chosen by the editor, which may explain why the book feels a bit concept-first rather than character-driven. I suspect the title was selected in part to ride the wave of popularity following Haig’s novel—though I could be wrong. Regardless, the title did catch my attention, and I’m sure it will do the same for others.
If you’re looking for a light, easy read with a gentle message about the influence of books, The Midnight Bookshop might be worth your time. Just don’t go in expecting emotional depth or realism—this one’s more about comfort than complexity.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you to HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter, and NetGalley for the ARC.
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April 13, 2025A quietly enchanting tale where the right book might just rewrite your life 💫
The idea of a mysterious bookshop choosing the perfect book for each struggling soul is undeniably compelling, and The Midnight Bookshop explores this premise with heart. Jo, Adelaide, and Kye—three strangers at life’s crossroads—find themselves drawn to an enigmatic shop and its whimsical keeper, Fay. As they each receive a book tailored to their journey, they’re nudged toward growth, reflection, and healing.
It’s warm, wistful, and full of gentle magic—with heartfelt reflections on grief, growth, and the stories that shape us.
That said, it didn’t quite cast a full spell on me. The structure echoed books like The Midnight Library and Before the Coffee Gets Cold, and the writing felt dense at times. I was also left wanting more explanation about the magical mechanics behind the shop itself. Fay’s vague answers like “you don’t need to know that” felt like missed opportunities for deeper world-building.
Still, if introspective magical realism is your thing, you’ll likely find comfort and quiet wisdom in these pages.
Recommended for fans of Before the Coffee Gets Cold and The Midnight Library.
The idea of a mysterious bookshop choosing the perfect book for each struggling soul is undeniably compelling, and The Midnight Bookshop explores this premise with heart. Jo, Adelaide, and Kye—three strangers at life’s crossroads—find themselves drawn to an enigmatic shop and its whimsical keeper, Fay. As they each receive a book tailored to their journey, they’re nudged toward growth, reflection, and healing.
It’s warm, wistful, and full of gentle magic—with heartfelt reflections on grief, growth, and the stories that shape us.
That said, it didn’t quite cast a full spell on me. The structure echoed books like The Midnight Library and Before the Coffee Gets Cold, and the writing felt dense at times. I was also left wanting more explanation about the magical mechanics behind the shop itself. Fay’s vague answers like “you don’t need to know that” felt like missed opportunities for deeper world-building.
Still, if introspective magical realism is your thing, you’ll likely find comfort and quiet wisdom in these pages.
Recommended for fans of Before the Coffee Gets Cold and The Midnight Library.
April 12, 2025
This is quite an intriguing and magical story of fantasy and realism. The Midnight Bookshop, not easily visible by day and bathed in moonlight at night, appears to those who need it. And when its chosen readers, in this case Jo, Kye and Adelaide, seek this portal into the imagination, amazing things begin to happen as they re-imagine their lives for the better.
This fascinating bookshop is engineered by a timeless lady named Fay. She is full of mystery and magic and only good comes from her hand. She helps three wounded and desperately lost souls, get back on track through the wonderful world of books. She adds a dash of magic, care and happiness to sweeten their lives. Jo, Kye and Adelaide are three strangers who come together from very different backgrounds, yet in time evolve into close friends. They support each other through many trials and transitions. The positive energy they create together is exciting and the revelations they receive from Fay and each other are essential. Morsels of wisdom are released in the dialogue and we see the effects. Theirs is not a selfish journey as they attempt to improve each others lives.
This book is about finding courage, personal growth, kicking bad habits, understanding responsibilities and achieving viable dreams. It is also about learning how to break free from psychological and physical control and bullies. Sometimes no matter what we try in repairing a relationship will actually work. Yet it is vital to remember that the one who extends the olive branch is not responsible for the outcome. Learning to let go and releasing oneself from the guilt, is necessary, if efforts do not yield the desired result. The fact is, nobody can change another person.
The guidance offered by Fay gives the three seekers a fresh start. Allowing them to put a new spin on their lives. Fay helps them realise how the real world must be balanced with the power of the imagination. For in reading good books, knowledge is gained and boundaries are extended. Fear is attacked when knowledge is imparted. Jo, Kye and Adelaide learn how to deal with their problems—in visiting the pages of a book. In many ways, the meetings in the Midnight Bookshop are addictive once they open the doors of hope and dreams become reality. But will this magical realm remain when lessons have been learned and new paths are started? These readers learn that the Midnight Bookshop is like a lighthouse that leads endangered souls to safety; then gives them fresh starts and new tools to continue succeeding. The Bookshop becomes their saviour for it saves each of them and releases hope into their lives. For here in this mystical place where you don’t choose the books and the books choose you, tailored guidance is offered for those who need it.
This, in many ways, is a complex novel about relationships and Amanda James successfully weaves magic with realism to create a potent tale in an unforgettable way. The Midnight Bookshop clearly has an imaginative and inspiring plot. Plus the author is resourceful in how she draws upon the classics of literature to help the three troubled, lost and defeated souls to overcome their trials. I loved the community spirit these three developed, along with the closeness, honesty and love they shared as a result. And the resounding eternal theme of the power and magic of books is refreshing! There are so many book truths in this story such as how we each can get something different from reading the same book because: ‘What you bring to a book, meaning your particular experience of life, well, it can change everything. Two people reading the same book will have different perceptions…” Even the same person reading the same book at different times in their lives, can develop a different view. As over time we change and learn new things and take those experiences with us into the reading experience. As Fay says: ‘You’re not the same person when you first read it.’ This is a truth I have shared many times with readers of my poetry but it applies to all literature. There is so much in this novel that resonated with me!
I encourage lovers of books to read this novel! Beware, though, it will unsettle your mind with its twists, turns and imaginative plot and stir up lots of emotion and ideas. But healing, happiness and harmony will be the end result. And what better experience can you ask of a book! I highly recommend this beautiful uplifting story that will stay with you a long time. 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thanks to One More Chapter and Netgalley for the ARC.
This fascinating bookshop is engineered by a timeless lady named Fay. She is full of mystery and magic and only good comes from her hand. She helps three wounded and desperately lost souls, get back on track through the wonderful world of books. She adds a dash of magic, care and happiness to sweeten their lives. Jo, Kye and Adelaide are three strangers who come together from very different backgrounds, yet in time evolve into close friends. They support each other through many trials and transitions. The positive energy they create together is exciting and the revelations they receive from Fay and each other are essential. Morsels of wisdom are released in the dialogue and we see the effects. Theirs is not a selfish journey as they attempt to improve each others lives.
This book is about finding courage, personal growth, kicking bad habits, understanding responsibilities and achieving viable dreams. It is also about learning how to break free from psychological and physical control and bullies. Sometimes no matter what we try in repairing a relationship will actually work. Yet it is vital to remember that the one who extends the olive branch is not responsible for the outcome. Learning to let go and releasing oneself from the guilt, is necessary, if efforts do not yield the desired result. The fact is, nobody can change another person.
The guidance offered by Fay gives the three seekers a fresh start. Allowing them to put a new spin on their lives. Fay helps them realise how the real world must be balanced with the power of the imagination. For in reading good books, knowledge is gained and boundaries are extended. Fear is attacked when knowledge is imparted. Jo, Kye and Adelaide learn how to deal with their problems—in visiting the pages of a book. In many ways, the meetings in the Midnight Bookshop are addictive once they open the doors of hope and dreams become reality. But will this magical realm remain when lessons have been learned and new paths are started? These readers learn that the Midnight Bookshop is like a lighthouse that leads endangered souls to safety; then gives them fresh starts and new tools to continue succeeding. The Bookshop becomes their saviour for it saves each of them and releases hope into their lives. For here in this mystical place where you don’t choose the books and the books choose you, tailored guidance is offered for those who need it.
This, in many ways, is a complex novel about relationships and Amanda James successfully weaves magic with realism to create a potent tale in an unforgettable way. The Midnight Bookshop clearly has an imaginative and inspiring plot. Plus the author is resourceful in how she draws upon the classics of literature to help the three troubled, lost and defeated souls to overcome their trials. I loved the community spirit these three developed, along with the closeness, honesty and love they shared as a result. And the resounding eternal theme of the power and magic of books is refreshing! There are so many book truths in this story such as how we each can get something different from reading the same book because: ‘What you bring to a book, meaning your particular experience of life, well, it can change everything. Two people reading the same book will have different perceptions…” Even the same person reading the same book at different times in their lives, can develop a different view. As over time we change and learn new things and take those experiences with us into the reading experience. As Fay says: ‘You’re not the same person when you first read it.’ This is a truth I have shared many times with readers of my poetry but it applies to all literature. There is so much in this novel that resonated with me!
I encourage lovers of books to read this novel! Beware, though, it will unsettle your mind with its twists, turns and imaginative plot and stir up lots of emotion and ideas. But healing, happiness and harmony will be the end result. And what better experience can you ask of a book! I highly recommend this beautiful uplifting story that will stay with you a long time. 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thanks to One More Chapter and Netgalley for the ARC.
September 14, 2025
This book had a really interesting premise and beautiful cover but it was a letdown. For me, the writing was clunky, the characters were too weird, and it’s not the book lovers’ book that I thought it was.
August 26, 2025
I'll just rip the band-aid off...this book is bad. Very, very bad.
It has all of the elements I was looking for, but wow does it disappoint. I thought, since it was ranked #4 on Amazon for the magical realism genre, that it would be something special. I'd read the first three and enjoyed them all (The Lost Apothecary, The Lost Book, Ten Thousand Doors of January), and truly enjoyed them. But wow was I misled.
First, the "magical" part doesn't come through, other than being used to explain the unexplainable. Such as, Why was a closed-off, abused wife suddenly approaching a strange 18-year-old kid to ask him if he wanted to go to a bookstore with her? Well, it must be magic. Or why did the rich 21-year-old girl suddenly decide she wasn't going to shoplift anymore after setting foot in the bookstore? It was magic.
That's it. That's the only explanation ever given, and as in-depth as the magical stuff gets.
The characters themselves are not relatable, or likeable, because you're never given any depth to them. So you just don't care about them. They seem so disjointed and it's completely unbelievable that any of them would be friends, let alone members of a book club. But again...magic.
The 21-year-old is unlikeable throughout the entire story. She's rich, but resents her parents for it. So much so that she dropped out of university a year before finishing so her mom wouldn't be able to brag about her daughter finishing school. Keep in mind, she still lives at home, gets a monthly allowance, doesn't work, and accepted the new car for her 21st birthday. But still, she hates them and insists on referring to them as "Dummy and Maddy" rather than "Mummy and Daddy."
Lastly, the writing and editing are equally bad. The dialogue is so robotic and has no realistic flow to it so I couldn't even believe these were actual people having a discussion. As for the editing, I normally don't point out errors, but there were SO many that it was distracting. Easily three or four every chapter. Things like duplicate words ("we met at the at bookshop at midnight" or "I ordered a everyone a drink") and missing quotation marks. This was especially annoying because often the quotation mark at the start of dialogue was missing. So I would get to the end of a paragraph and realize it was supposed to be spoken dialogue, because there was an ending quotation mark without a beginning. I'd end up having to go back to figure out where they started talking to make sense of it all.
Ugh! I know this one is cheap (or free) for the digital version, which I assume is why it's ranked so high. But unless you like bad writing with no depth of character, skip this one and go for one of the books I previously mentioned.
It has all of the elements I was looking for, but wow does it disappoint. I thought, since it was ranked #4 on Amazon for the magical realism genre, that it would be something special. I'd read the first three and enjoyed them all (The Lost Apothecary, The Lost Book, Ten Thousand Doors of January), and truly enjoyed them. But wow was I misled.
First, the "magical" part doesn't come through, other than being used to explain the unexplainable. Such as, Why was a closed-off, abused wife suddenly approaching a strange 18-year-old kid to ask him if he wanted to go to a bookstore with her? Well, it must be magic. Or why did the rich 21-year-old girl suddenly decide she wasn't going to shoplift anymore after setting foot in the bookstore? It was magic.
That's it. That's the only explanation ever given, and as in-depth as the magical stuff gets.
The characters themselves are not relatable, or likeable, because you're never given any depth to them. So you just don't care about them. They seem so disjointed and it's completely unbelievable that any of them would be friends, let alone members of a book club. But again...magic.
The 21-year-old is unlikeable throughout the entire story. She's rich, but resents her parents for it. So much so that she dropped out of university a year before finishing so her mom wouldn't be able to brag about her daughter finishing school. Keep in mind, she still lives at home, gets a monthly allowance, doesn't work, and accepted the new car for her 21st birthday. But still, she hates them and insists on referring to them as "Dummy and Maddy" rather than "Mummy and Daddy."
Lastly, the writing and editing are equally bad. The dialogue is so robotic and has no realistic flow to it so I couldn't even believe these were actual people having a discussion. As for the editing, I normally don't point out errors, but there were SO many that it was distracting. Easily three or four every chapter. Things like duplicate words ("we met at the at bookshop at midnight" or "I ordered a everyone a drink") and missing quotation marks. This was especially annoying because often the quotation mark at the start of dialogue was missing. So I would get to the end of a paragraph and realize it was supposed to be spoken dialogue, because there was an ending quotation mark without a beginning. I'd end up having to go back to figure out where they started talking to make sense of it all.
Ugh! I know this one is cheap (or free) for the digital version, which I assume is why it's ranked so high. But unless you like bad writing with no depth of character, skip this one and go for one of the books I previously mentioned.
April 28, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. I wanted to love it based on the synopsis and cover but it just fell short for me.
The characters were a hodgepodge of random misfits that become a close knit group of friends. However, they didn’t really work together. We get a slight background on each character. Jo is a spoiled brat, Kye lives in poverty with his family, and Adelaide is in an abusive marriage. They’re all different ages too which makes this less believable. The characters lacked personality. The three main characters practically foamed at the mouth for Fay, the bookshop owner, it was a little weird.
The writing is very choppy, some parts didn’t really come together. It seemed like a mix of ideas that didn’t quite make it out fully. The premise was interesting but the writing fell short. It was very repetitive with many recycled quotes. I thought the book was good up until the 50% mark. In my opinion it should have completed there when the characters realized the purpose of the book or the message they needed to hear. The last 50% was boring. The dialogue between the characters was weak and poorly delivered.
There are multiple books and their endings mentioned in this book. So there could be some spoilers if you’re not familiar with these books. I think this book had a lot of potential but just didn’t quite capture my attention like I thought it would. I skimmed the last few chapters because I needed to finish it. I don’t feel like there was much to be missed there. It was all just fluff and filler at that point. This is also a UK book so phrases and words are different than America.
The cover is beautiful though!
The characters were a hodgepodge of random misfits that become a close knit group of friends. However, they didn’t really work together. We get a slight background on each character. Jo is a spoiled brat, Kye lives in poverty with his family, and Adelaide is in an abusive marriage. They’re all different ages too which makes this less believable. The characters lacked personality. The three main characters practically foamed at the mouth for Fay, the bookshop owner, it was a little weird.
The writing is very choppy, some parts didn’t really come together. It seemed like a mix of ideas that didn’t quite make it out fully. The premise was interesting but the writing fell short. It was very repetitive with many recycled quotes. I thought the book was good up until the 50% mark. In my opinion it should have completed there when the characters realized the purpose of the book or the message they needed to hear. The last 50% was boring. The dialogue between the characters was weak and poorly delivered.
There are multiple books and their endings mentioned in this book. So there could be some spoilers if you’re not familiar with these books. I think this book had a lot of potential but just didn’t quite capture my attention like I thought it would. I skimmed the last few chapters because I needed to finish it. I don’t feel like there was much to be missed there. It was all just fluff and filler at that point. This is also a UK book so phrases and words are different than America.
The cover is beautiful though!
September 12, 2025
DNF @ about 50% - characters become best buds immediately and no one was weirded out by a magic bookshop (set in real world with no prior knowledge or experience of magic) also it feels like it’s written as a self help book. We’re being told rather than shown everything and it was very grating unfortunately!
April 19, 2025
The title and the cover for this book are fabulous. For a book lover, it is a title that immediately appeals to me. And what can I say about the cover but...WOW!
The author has taken the love of books that readers have and transformed it into a magical journey for three people who come together randomly at a food bank. From this incongruous first meeting, the author transforms not only her characters' lives but also manages to capture the magic that many readers have when they disappear into the pages of a book.
Adelaide is a shop worker who is married to Mark, and she is not willing to admit what her life is actually like. Jo is 21 and lives at home with her parents. While she has a generous allowance, she does not feel that she belongs. Kye also lives at home, but his home life is the opposite of Jo; he is caught in a lifestyle that he does not like or agree with.
The arrival of a book shop is interesting and one that I will not go into much detail about, but along with the shop comes Fay. I have to say I did adore her, she is a little quirky, says odd things and has an aura about her that blends with the shop, the books and the magic of reading.
The three start as strangers, but over the course of the story, the author teases out what their lives are all about. From tentative beginnings, they gradually learn to trust with the books that they are paired with. The author brings several ideas about how books and people choose each other, and I love this concept. I just wish I had a library like the one in the story.
There are various reasons why people read, what they experience when they read and how they interact with the story that envelops the reader. The author has taken some of these ideas and used them to great effect in this story, and in doing so, manages to capture how books make me feel. Over the many years of reading, I have disappeared into the pages of books that have taken me to far distant lands and given me the chance to meet different people. Some of the stories you can identify with, and there have been several books that have helped to highlight certain things that have happened and allowed me to see things from a different perspective. This is how the author uses the books with her characters and allows them to hope for change, and in doing so, form a bond.
This is a wonderful read and one that really hits home, capturing the way books can transform lives, bring people together over a shared love and open them up to new ideas and give confidence to try something different. I think what I am trying to get over here is that the author uses the book that each of her three characters read as a friend or a confidante. They each find something they can identify with and, in doing so, admitting that something needs to change. This is done under the guidance of the wonderful Fay.
I absolutely loved this book, the characters, the plot, the cover and everything. This is a fantasy, but one that brings to life why people read and how it connects us. A story of friendship, trust, courage and of course books. It is one I would definitely recommend.
The author has taken the love of books that readers have and transformed it into a magical journey for three people who come together randomly at a food bank. From this incongruous first meeting, the author transforms not only her characters' lives but also manages to capture the magic that many readers have when they disappear into the pages of a book.
Adelaide is a shop worker who is married to Mark, and she is not willing to admit what her life is actually like. Jo is 21 and lives at home with her parents. While she has a generous allowance, she does not feel that she belongs. Kye also lives at home, but his home life is the opposite of Jo; he is caught in a lifestyle that he does not like or agree with.
The arrival of a book shop is interesting and one that I will not go into much detail about, but along with the shop comes Fay. I have to say I did adore her, she is a little quirky, says odd things and has an aura about her that blends with the shop, the books and the magic of reading.
The three start as strangers, but over the course of the story, the author teases out what their lives are all about. From tentative beginnings, they gradually learn to trust with the books that they are paired with. The author brings several ideas about how books and people choose each other, and I love this concept. I just wish I had a library like the one in the story.
There are various reasons why people read, what they experience when they read and how they interact with the story that envelops the reader. The author has taken some of these ideas and used them to great effect in this story, and in doing so, manages to capture how books make me feel. Over the many years of reading, I have disappeared into the pages of books that have taken me to far distant lands and given me the chance to meet different people. Some of the stories you can identify with, and there have been several books that have helped to highlight certain things that have happened and allowed me to see things from a different perspective. This is how the author uses the books with her characters and allows them to hope for change, and in doing so, form a bond.
This is a wonderful read and one that really hits home, capturing the way books can transform lives, bring people together over a shared love and open them up to new ideas and give confidence to try something different. I think what I am trying to get over here is that the author uses the book that each of her three characters read as a friend or a confidante. They each find something they can identify with and, in doing so, admitting that something needs to change. This is done under the guidance of the wonderful Fay.
I absolutely loved this book, the characters, the plot, the cover and everything. This is a fantasy, but one that brings to life why people read and how it connects us. A story of friendship, trust, courage and of course books. It is one I would definitely recommend.
May 6, 2025
★★★★☆
“A heartwarming and magical journey for book lovers everywhere.”
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.
“A heartwarming and magical journey for book lovers everywhere.”
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.
August 12, 2025
Eeeeekk. I will start this by saying that magical realism is not my ish. Give me fantasy or give me contemporary, I hate the mashup.
The concept was cute, but I believed none of this. Hear me out, obv the magical elements weren’t real life blah blah blah, but I didn’t believe our characters.
I didn’t KNOW them, I didn’t feel their emotions. Everything was so surface level, and ‘tell not show.’ SORRY BUT YOURE NOT BEST FRIENDS AFTER SEEING EACHOTHER ONCE, you’re just making me cringe, bro.
Also, I understand the idea of picking more classic books as the ones that ‘pick you’ - likely because of copyright BS, but also… who’s really picking The Great Gatsby? Yeah… not me lol
I want to feel things when I read, and the only thing I felt when I read this was cringe.
THANKS BYE
The concept was cute, but I believed none of this. Hear me out, obv the magical elements weren’t real life blah blah blah, but I didn’t believe our characters.
I didn’t KNOW them, I didn’t feel their emotions. Everything was so surface level, and ‘tell not show.’ SORRY BUT YOURE NOT BEST FRIENDS AFTER SEEING EACHOTHER ONCE, you’re just making me cringe, bro.
Also, I understand the idea of picking more classic books as the ones that ‘pick you’ - likely because of copyright BS, but also… who’s really picking The Great Gatsby? Yeah… not me lol
I want to feel things when I read, and the only thing I felt when I read this was cringe.
THANKS BYE
April 27, 2025
A clever story and very addictive. I love stories about Bookshops and this one threw in a budding romance. I enjoyed this one. My thanks to netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.
November 16, 2025
3.5 ⭐️ I enjoyed this more than I expected to!
August 1, 2025
This is definitely a book for people who love books. I thoroughly enjoyed the magic of The Midnight Bookshop and would love to visit there sometime.
May 16, 2025
This was a magical story! I loved it!
It was a very descriptive book. I so wanted to be in the bookshop with them. I’ve always thought it would be fun to spend the night in a big bookstore.
It’s an hard to put down book!
It was a very descriptive book. I so wanted to be in the bookshop with them. I’ve always thought it would be fun to spend the night in a big bookstore.
It’s an hard to put down book!
September 1, 2025
I started this one as it was a book club read. However, by just over 20% in the book wasn't gripping me, and with others needing read, I gave it a rest for a few weeks.
When I came back to it, I read the last couple of pages and continued on, I still wasn't gripped but had the determination to see it through.
The book did get better the more I settled into it, but it didn't quite hit the mark for me.
When I came back to it, I read the last couple of pages and continued on, I still wasn't gripped but had the determination to see it through.
The book did get better the more I settled into it, but it didn't quite hit the mark for me.
April 27, 2025
The Midnight Bookshop is a heartwarming story filled with hope and new beginnings. A story about what a book gives the reader and what we as readers get from reading.
'Two people reading the same book will have different perceptions - perhaps not hugely different, but they will have them, nonetheless'
It follows the lives of Jo, Kye and Adelaide, strangers brought together because of a leaflet, advertising The Midnight Bookshop. All three are drawn to finding this mysterious Bookshop. When a chance encounter sees all three of them in the same place, they decide to meet up at the Midnight Bookshop and see what it's all about.
Jo, Kye and Adelaide seem to live completely different lives but underneath they live a life that sees them abused and controlled by the people who are meant to love them. Then they meet Fay at The Midnight Bookshop and she fills them with hope and purpose.
'You don't choose the book, the book chooses you'
Fay shows them how a book can change your life, how one can help you rewrite the direction of your story and take back control over it. This is so true there are books out there that can answer questions you've been asking, and guide you in the right direction. I know I've read a few myself.
This is a story about the magic and healing properties of stories. Our one true friend that will always be there for us. The imagery this book creates as you're reading is beautiful.
You can't help but love the characters here. They each have a heartbreaking story to tell. I just felt that the dialogue felt a little flat and one-dimensional. At times it felt like I was reading a YA book. It also felt like the end of their stories were quickly and neatly wrapped up but I think I'm looking into it too deeply and not taking it for what it is.
'Don't question things too closely as the answer isn't always available'
I did enjoy this story. It was an enchanting and magical read, Filled with hope, believing in ourselves and taking back control of our own story.
Thank you One More Chapter for my advanced copy of this book.
'Two people reading the same book will have different perceptions - perhaps not hugely different, but they will have them, nonetheless'
It follows the lives of Jo, Kye and Adelaide, strangers brought together because of a leaflet, advertising The Midnight Bookshop. All three are drawn to finding this mysterious Bookshop. When a chance encounter sees all three of them in the same place, they decide to meet up at the Midnight Bookshop and see what it's all about.
Jo, Kye and Adelaide seem to live completely different lives but underneath they live a life that sees them abused and controlled by the people who are meant to love them. Then they meet Fay at The Midnight Bookshop and she fills them with hope and purpose.
'You don't choose the book, the book chooses you'
Fay shows them how a book can change your life, how one can help you rewrite the direction of your story and take back control over it. This is so true there are books out there that can answer questions you've been asking, and guide you in the right direction. I know I've read a few myself.
This is a story about the magic and healing properties of stories. Our one true friend that will always be there for us. The imagery this book creates as you're reading is beautiful.
You can't help but love the characters here. They each have a heartbreaking story to tell. I just felt that the dialogue felt a little flat and one-dimensional. At times it felt like I was reading a YA book. It also felt like the end of their stories were quickly and neatly wrapped up but I think I'm looking into it too deeply and not taking it for what it is.
'Don't question things too closely as the answer isn't always available'
I did enjoy this story. It was an enchanting and magical read, Filled with hope, believing in ourselves and taking back control of our own story.
Thank you One More Chapter for my advanced copy of this book.
October 25, 2025
My rating is 4.25 rounded for GR
When 3 strangers find themselves drawn to a bookshop at midnight, magic happens to them all.
Books carry magic and the transformational ability to heal what hurts the soul. No one better to experience that than Jo, Adelaide and Kye. With the midnight bookclub, and Faye it's owner, the trio find new strength to make changes, and explore a life they didn't imagine could exist for themselves.
This novel is about hope and the power of stories. The relationships they explore in these pages, both with each other and with those in their families, are emotional and uplifting, full of endings and new beginnings.
I listened to this on audio and the narrator Tesni Kujore just enhanced the experience for me.
When 3 strangers find themselves drawn to a bookshop at midnight, magic happens to them all.
Books carry magic and the transformational ability to heal what hurts the soul. No one better to experience that than Jo, Adelaide and Kye. With the midnight bookclub, and Faye it's owner, the trio find new strength to make changes, and explore a life they didn't imagine could exist for themselves.
This novel is about hope and the power of stories. The relationships they explore in these pages, both with each other and with those in their families, are emotional and uplifting, full of endings and new beginnings.
I listened to this on audio and the narrator Tesni Kujore just enhanced the experience for me.
June 17, 2025
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
thank you to netgalley and the author for sending me the book in exchange for an honest review
September 2, 2025
4.75, rounded up. I really enjoyed this fun story about a magical bookshop and the extraordinary power of books (and friendship) to change our lives. The plot was definitely the main focus here and the characters could have been a little more developed and deeper. This was what kept me from giving it a full 5 stars. All in all it was an enjoyable read.
September 2, 2025
Lovely, a wonderful read, just what I needed!
For me by far the best read of 2025. There's a lot to be said for the right book at the right time! Let this story find you... Enjoy!
For me by far the best read of 2025. There's a lot to be said for the right book at the right time! Let this story find you... Enjoy!
April 9, 2025
I loved this book told through three perspectives. Three very troubled people find solutions for their life problems by visiting a magical library and make life long friendships. This book had me rooting for all three of them and didn't disappoint.
September 29, 2025
I wanted to love this based off the other reviews, but I found myself only reading it quickly so I could say I finished it and be done with it while between other series. Repetitive and lame discussion points with the characters, I didn’t feel connected to anyone including the bookshop. I liked the concept which gives its the 2 stars.
May 6, 2025
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 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
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 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
September 9, 2025
A cozy magical realism with a sprinkling of darker themes. I absolutely loved these characters and their stories really pulled at my heart strings. I could feel the magic of the bookshop through the pages and could imagine myself there with them. This was such a comfy story and a great intro to fall read.
October 9, 2025
I truly thought for the first third of this book that it would be a 4 star book for me…. Which that’s great in and of itself. But nope. This book was magical. The complete immersion into the bookshop, into the stories, into the books… the hope, the optimism, learning from the books, it’s all so beautiful. I want to go to the Midnight Bookshop so badly. I wish this story hadn’t ended. I wasn’t ready to let it all go, and I truly won’t. This is the kind of book I know will stay with me. Not very often do I read a modern book where I feel like it has what it takes to become a “classic”, but this one definitely does.
I definitely recommend.
I definitely recommend.
November 30, 2025
This is a nice, mindless read. It's a cute story but lacks depth. I liked the concept, and it's cool how the author is given a title and then writes the story based on the title. I appreciate the 3 odd characters whose lives intertwine, but thought the ending was meh and the romance part was unnecessary. 2.8☆
September 2, 2025
Absolutely Magical
This book is Fabulous. It is also magical (just like The Midnight Bookshop). The characters are well-developed and the story is fantastic. So get comfy and start reading. Once you start you won't be able to stop. Enjoy
This book is Fabulous. It is also magical (just like The Midnight Bookshop). The characters are well-developed and the story is fantastic. So get comfy and start reading. Once you start you won't be able to stop. Enjoy
August 13, 2025
A special kind of bookshop that draws 3 people into a life long friendship. Interesting way to look at books and imagination.
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