What do you think?
Rate this book
Midnights On the Square #1
The Midnight Book Club
If you could rewrite the story of your own life, would you be brave enough to take a chance at true love?
When writer Aurelia Lyndham inherits a London bookshop from her beloved aunt, she assumes the whispers she hears late at night are nothing more than her imagination—or a talkative burglar. She never expected that the shop was home to characters who could step straight out of the pages of classic novels and into her life.
Spending every night with the cast of Sense and Sensibility, Little Women, and Anna Karenina may not ignite her personal life, but it certainly unlocks her long-standing writer’s block. As she sets out to rewrite a character’s tragic ending, Aurelia discovers that she just might be on the path to crafting her own happy ending, too.
Brimming with bookish charm, friendship, magic, and a heartwarming friends-to-lovers romance, this first book in the Midnights on the Square series is a love letter to the literary characters who shape our lives. Perfect for fans of Sarah Beth Durst, Ashley Poston, and Jackie Fraser.
When writer Aurelia Lyndham inherits a London bookshop from her beloved aunt, she assumes the whispers she hears late at night are nothing more than her imagination—or a talkative burglar. She never expected that the shop was home to characters who could step straight out of the pages of classic novels and into her life.
Spending every night with the cast of Sense and Sensibility, Little Women, and Anna Karenina may not ignite her personal life, but it certainly unlocks her long-standing writer’s block. As she sets out to rewrite a character’s tragic ending, Aurelia discovers that she just might be on the path to crafting her own happy ending, too.
Brimming with bookish charm, friendship, magic, and a heartwarming friends-to-lovers romance, this first book in the Midnights on the Square series is a love letter to the literary characters who shape our lives. Perfect for fans of Sarah Beth Durst, Ashley Poston, and Jackie Fraser.
373 pages, ebook
First published November 3, 2025
About the author
Emily W. Andersen
3 books212 followersEmily lives in Maine, her recently adopted homeland, with her three cats. She owns too many books, likes tea and coffee (don’t ask her to choose), and is currently knitting more projects than she can count. When she isn’t writing, reading, or knitting, she’s talking to the wildlife in her backyard. They haven’t answered back—yet.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 140 reviews
August 29, 2025
A very clever and unusual book set in a bookshop. As the shop closes the characters in books gather together like ghosts. I loved this one. My thanks to netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.
August 27, 2025
4.25/5 ⭐️
This book honestly felt like a dream. A bookstore where characters from classics just show up at night? Yes please. The first time Aurelia hears voices in the shop I was like, ok that's creepy (but also… I’d totally investigate). And then when actual characters step out of the books I was sold (imagine casually having tea with Jo March).
Aurelia herself was super relatable. She’s stuck in her writing and weighed down by grief, but the whole magical book club thing slowly pulls her back. It made her growth feel really real (like healing but with fictional friends cheering you on).
The romance with Oliver was quite adorable. It built slowly (thank you for not rushing it) and gave me the same cozy feeling as the bookshop itself.
The only downside for me was the pacing in the middle. Some parts felt like “ok we’ve been here before” (but also, I didn't mind it that much because I wanted to keep hanging out with these characters).
Overall, it’s such a comforting read. If you’ve ever wished your favorite characters could step out of the page and talk to you, this book is basically that wish come true.
Thank you to the Author and the Publisher for providing me with the ARC.
This book honestly felt like a dream. A bookstore where characters from classics just show up at night? Yes please. The first time Aurelia hears voices in the shop I was like, ok that's creepy (but also… I’d totally investigate). And then when actual characters step out of the books I was sold (imagine casually having tea with Jo March).
Aurelia herself was super relatable. She’s stuck in her writing and weighed down by grief, but the whole magical book club thing slowly pulls her back. It made her growth feel really real (like healing but with fictional friends cheering you on).
The romance with Oliver was quite adorable. It built slowly (thank you for not rushing it) and gave me the same cozy feeling as the bookshop itself.
The only downside for me was the pacing in the middle. Some parts felt like “ok we’ve been here before” (but also, I didn't mind it that much because I wanted to keep hanging out with these characters).
Overall, it’s such a comforting read. If you’ve ever wished your favorite characters could step out of the page and talk to you, this book is basically that wish come true.
Thank you to the Author and the Publisher for providing me with the ARC.
October 16, 2025
it was swéet. thank you to netgalley for letting me read this e arc in exchange for an honest opinion
January 17, 2026
The premise of this book sounded genuinely intriguing: owning a bookshop that brings fictional characters to life and getting to interact with them. There was so much potential in a concept like this, which unfortunately made the letdown feel more noticeable.
The writing itself was lovely, elegant and well executed, however the actual content of the story felt quite bland. The pacing was extremely slow, to the point where I kept reading and events were technically happening, yet it didn’t feel like the story was moving forward at all. Everything felt oddly stagnant.
The romantic subplot involving the FMC also fell flat for me. It felt as though, at the start, the author had no intention of giving her a romantic interest, only to realise around 60% in that one was needed and do a complete 180. I could see what the author was trying to do by mirroring Aurelia’s love life with the book she was writing for Count Vrosky, both going from no love interest and no desire for one, to suddenly changing that decision. That parallel was clear and not a bad idea in itself, but the execution didn’t land. The romance between Aurelia and Oliver lacked spark and emotional depth, relying far too heavily on repeated mentions of him not smiling or her offering a small smile.
The ending also felt very rushed. For roughly 70% of the book, especially the middle, very little seemed to happen due to the slow pacing, and then suddenly the final 10% tried to cram in a lot of action just to wrap everything up.
Overall, it was an okay read, but the story felt stagnant when the plot had the potential to offer so much more.
The writing itself was lovely, elegant and well executed, however the actual content of the story felt quite bland. The pacing was extremely slow, to the point where I kept reading and events were technically happening, yet it didn’t feel like the story was moving forward at all. Everything felt oddly stagnant.
The romantic subplot involving the FMC also fell flat for me. It felt as though, at the start, the author had no intention of giving her a romantic interest, only to realise around 60% in that one was needed and do a complete 180. I could see what the author was trying to do by mirroring Aurelia’s love life with the book she was writing for Count Vrosky, both going from no love interest and no desire for one, to suddenly changing that decision. That parallel was clear and not a bad idea in itself, but the execution didn’t land. The romance between Aurelia and Oliver lacked spark and emotional depth, relying far too heavily on repeated mentions of him not smiling or her offering a small smile.
The ending also felt very rushed. For roughly 70% of the book, especially the middle, very little seemed to happen due to the slow pacing, and then suddenly the final 10% tried to cram in a lot of action just to wrap everything up.
Overall, it was an okay read, but the story felt stagnant when the plot had the potential to offer so much more.
October 14, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and the author Emily W. Andersen for this ARC!
🤍 Tropes 🤍
🩷 Romance
📖 Famous Literary Characters
✨Magic
⚠️Warning⚠️
╰➤Death of a Family Member
╰➤Grief
This one unfortunately did not grab my attention.
I felt like there was a pacing issue in this book. I just wasn’t able to get into the story.
The romance also didn’t really do anything for me. It was not exciting in my opinion.
The story just lacked depth overall and I just feel like it was a whole bit of nothing.
I did not connect with the FMC. I feel we were told about her grief. Told about this and that but we were not able to feel it with the character.
There was just not enough character development for me.
Thanks for reading!
🤍 Tropes 🤍
🩷 Romance
📖 Famous Literary Characters
✨Magic
⚠️Warning⚠️
╰➤Death of a Family Member
╰➤Grief
This one unfortunately did not grab my attention.
I felt like there was a pacing issue in this book. I just wasn’t able to get into the story.
The romance also didn’t really do anything for me. It was not exciting in my opinion.
The story just lacked depth overall and I just feel like it was a whole bit of nothing.
I did not connect with the FMC. I feel we were told about her grief. Told about this and that but we were not able to feel it with the character.
There was just not enough character development for me.
Thanks for reading!
September 30, 2025
~ARC review~
Firstly, thank you @netgalley and author @e.wandersen for giving me this ARC!🤍
The Midnight Book Club is a charming blend of contemporary fiction and cozy fantasy. It follows a writer named Aurelia, who inherited her aunt's bookshop upon her passing. But it wasn't an ordinary bookshop. Everyday at the peak of midnight, several of her favourite characters from classical literature take the stage in her bookshop, mingling and having wonderful interactions.
The book centers around growth of Aurelia as a writer, and how these characters shape her path of healing from the loss of her mother and aunt. I loved how the author brought in characters from different classical fiction, and how they conversed with each other, keeping true to the essence from the book they originated.
I think Count Vrosky's story truly mirrors with hers, as they both have lost someone important in their lives and feel stuck in their grief. Upon trying to write a happy ending for her beloved character, she realizes that nothing is stopping her from writing her own story either.
The plot focused more on the beauty of writing and literature; an ode to the great minds of English language. I got into reading because of a lot of the authors mentioned in the book, like Charles Dickens, Jane Austen etc, and I had forgotten my love for them until recently when I picked up Pride and Prejudice again. And truly after reading this book, it makes me want to dive to all of them again.
The story is whimsical, comforting as well as thought provoking- a perfect combo for readers who love a modern fairy tale as well as someone who appreciates good writing.
Firstly, thank you @netgalley and author @e.wandersen for giving me this ARC!🤍
The Midnight Book Club is a charming blend of contemporary fiction and cozy fantasy. It follows a writer named Aurelia, who inherited her aunt's bookshop upon her passing. But it wasn't an ordinary bookshop. Everyday at the peak of midnight, several of her favourite characters from classical literature take the stage in her bookshop, mingling and having wonderful interactions.
The book centers around growth of Aurelia as a writer, and how these characters shape her path of healing from the loss of her mother and aunt. I loved how the author brought in characters from different classical fiction, and how they conversed with each other, keeping true to the essence from the book they originated.
I think Count Vrosky's story truly mirrors with hers, as they both have lost someone important in their lives and feel stuck in their grief. Upon trying to write a happy ending for her beloved character, she realizes that nothing is stopping her from writing her own story either.
The plot focused more on the beauty of writing and literature; an ode to the great minds of English language. I got into reading because of a lot of the authors mentioned in the book, like Charles Dickens, Jane Austen etc, and I had forgotten my love for them until recently when I picked up Pride and Prejudice again. And truly after reading this book, it makes me want to dive to all of them again.
The story is whimsical, comforting as well as thought provoking- a perfect combo for readers who love a modern fairy tale as well as someone who appreciates good writing.
October 13, 2025
This is a brilliant debut read by this author and was a beautiful and magical read. I was drawn to this book by the fact that the title showed it was about a book club what’s not to love other than books set in bookshops or book clubs. This had an interesting and engaging storyline intertwining ghosts of the past with the present and bringing the bookshop alive with charming characters.
If you love the classics and a touch of romance then this is for you. It’s really hard to review without giving spoilers as the storyline is so unique.
Look forward to seeing what this author writes next
If you love the classics and a touch of romance then this is for you. It’s really hard to review without giving spoilers as the storyline is so unique.
Look forward to seeing what this author writes next
April 5, 2026
Growing up as a very nerdy homeschooled kid, my favorite authors were Alcott and LM Montgomery. Later I switched to Austen and the Bronte sisters, even veering into Sylvia Plath and Fitzgerald in college. This book gave me the trip down memory lane I didn't even know I was missing! If any of those authors mean anything to you, you will want to read this book!
✨✨✨
From the very beginning, topics like loss and grief and loneliness were gently interwoven with mystery and wonder and love in such a delightful way. I found the pace to be very steady and comforting, while the multigenerational and multicultural elements added a touch of intrigue and whimsy. The ebb and flow between the past and the present and nods to classic literature made this like being in a candy store for my bookish heart. I was able to easily picture myself right there in her bookshop, which left me longing to actually find it in real life. I promise you, if you're looking for a whimsically spooky autumn read with a touch of romance and a dash of humor, this book will delight you as much as it did me. I'm already planning a reread when I can light the wood stove and sip on hot tea while I read it next time. It's the type of book that just begs to be read under a cozy blanket while curled up with the cat.
✨✨✨
From the very beginning, topics like loss and grief and loneliness were gently interwoven with mystery and wonder and love in such a delightful way. I found the pace to be very steady and comforting, while the multigenerational and multicultural elements added a touch of intrigue and whimsy. The ebb and flow between the past and the present and nods to classic literature made this like being in a candy store for my bookish heart. I was able to easily picture myself right there in her bookshop, which left me longing to actually find it in real life. I promise you, if you're looking for a whimsically spooky autumn read with a touch of romance and a dash of humor, this book will delight you as much as it did me. I'm already planning a reread when I can light the wood stove and sip on hot tea while I read it next time. It's the type of book that just begs to be read under a cozy blanket while curled up with the cat.
October 7, 2025
First, a huge thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The Midnight Book Club was a quick and cozy read in which the main character, Aurelia, inherits a bookshop from her aunt and discovers that characters from the books on the recommended reads table appear in the shop at night. While working through her own grief for her aunt, Aurelia decides she will write a sequel to Tolstoy's Anna Karenina to try to give Count Vronsky a happier ending.
This book really made me wish I worked in a bookstore. The way the writing process was frequently romanticized with long walks, late nights, and endless cups of tea made me want to jump back into writing. Aurelia's initial struggle with writing and conflict over identifying as a writer was incredibly relatable as was her difficulty maintaining friendships and staying in contact with her loved ones. It was inspiring to join her as she worked hard to finish a novel. The pacing starts out slow but picks up quickly with lots of time skips / condensing.
While the plot was enjoyable, character was somewhat lacking. The story deals heavily with themes of grief and yet I never felt exposed to Aurelia's grief — we are told her feelings rather than made to feel and empathize with her. The love interest and the cast of characters who appear from classic literature felt flat, primarily I think because we just don't get to spend enough time directly in-scene with them and any disagreements are a little too easily resolved as if by magic. Additionally, Aurelia's internal struggle with feeling like she is "too much" is not developed consistently throughout the book. As a result, the romantic tension feels a bit pointless and the resolution feels like it comes out of left field.
I think readers looking for a lower stakes book could find this lack of tension comforting though — this was a great low-stress read to wind down with at the end of the day or when feeling overwhelmed. Overall, it was difficult to stay invested in the characters and the "conflicts" that arose, but I stayed for the coziness and magic.
The Midnight Book Club was a quick and cozy read in which the main character, Aurelia, inherits a bookshop from her aunt and discovers that characters from the books on the recommended reads table appear in the shop at night. While working through her own grief for her aunt, Aurelia decides she will write a sequel to Tolstoy's Anna Karenina to try to give Count Vronsky a happier ending.
This book really made me wish I worked in a bookstore. The way the writing process was frequently romanticized with long walks, late nights, and endless cups of tea made me want to jump back into writing. Aurelia's initial struggle with writing and conflict over identifying as a writer was incredibly relatable as was her difficulty maintaining friendships and staying in contact with her loved ones. It was inspiring to join her as she worked hard to finish a novel. The pacing starts out slow but picks up quickly with lots of time skips / condensing.
While the plot was enjoyable, character was somewhat lacking. The story deals heavily with themes of grief and yet I never felt exposed to Aurelia's grief — we are told her feelings rather than made to feel and empathize with her. The love interest and the cast of characters who appear from classic literature felt flat, primarily I think because we just don't get to spend enough time directly in-scene with them and any disagreements are a little too easily resolved as if by magic. Additionally, Aurelia's internal struggle with feeling like she is "too much" is not developed consistently throughout the book. As a result, the romantic tension feels a bit pointless and the resolution feels like it comes out of left field.
I think readers looking for a lower stakes book could find this lack of tension comforting though — this was a great low-stress read to wind down with at the end of the day or when feeling overwhelmed. Overall, it was difficult to stay invested in the characters and the "conflicts" that arose, but I stayed for the coziness and magic.
October 9, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced copy of this title in return for an honest review.
This reminded me of an adult version of Anna James' Tilly and the Bookwanderers... series, which I love. And it's a book about books and bookshops, which makes it an instant win for me.
It's got 60 chapters which makes each one roughly 5-6 pages long, which is a good length for me.
It really shows the magic of a bookshop. Literal magic, in this sense, but also how books can soothe the soul and can help in grief. That the world is a much richer place with stories in it.
Aurelia was a good main character. I thought she might be a bit...I don't know, a bit of a doormat, but she won me over. She's struggling but doesn't want to admit it. She's trying, trying to keep her loved ones' legacy alive. But she's grieving and in over her head. She felt very real and I cared for her. I would have liked her grief explored a little bit more but that's a personal view rather than a criticism of the book itself.
I do have a complaint about the pacing though. It's not a huge complaint, but it bothered me enough to mention it. It started quite quickly and ended well, but in the middle it sagged slightly and felt a bit stuck, like the characters and the plot weren't moving much.
For all its difficult topics, it is a very cosy, comforting, warming read. It's easy to read, not too taxing, it's not full of surprises and won't thrill everyone. But it's the perfect read for a cold Winter's evening. I do think it's got something for everyone. It's a contemporary piece yes, with historical elements, fantasy, and romance - although in my opinion I didn't think the romance was needed and felt forced.
I think this his her debut; it's not perfect, but it's an enjoyable book, and a promising debut and I am interested to see what comes next.
This reminded me of an adult version of Anna James' Tilly and the Bookwanderers... series, which I love. And it's a book about books and bookshops, which makes it an instant win for me.
It's got 60 chapters which makes each one roughly 5-6 pages long, which is a good length for me.
It really shows the magic of a bookshop. Literal magic, in this sense, but also how books can soothe the soul and can help in grief. That the world is a much richer place with stories in it.
Aurelia was a good main character. I thought she might be a bit...I don't know, a bit of a doormat, but she won me over. She's struggling but doesn't want to admit it. She's trying, trying to keep her loved ones' legacy alive. But she's grieving and in over her head. She felt very real and I cared for her. I would have liked her grief explored a little bit more but that's a personal view rather than a criticism of the book itself.
I do have a complaint about the pacing though. It's not a huge complaint, but it bothered me enough to mention it. It started quite quickly and ended well, but in the middle it sagged slightly and felt a bit stuck, like the characters and the plot weren't moving much.
For all its difficult topics, it is a very cosy, comforting, warming read. It's easy to read, not too taxing, it's not full of surprises and won't thrill everyone. But it's the perfect read for a cold Winter's evening. I do think it's got something for everyone. It's a contemporary piece yes, with historical elements, fantasy, and romance - although in my opinion I didn't think the romance was needed and felt forced.
I think this his her debut; it's not perfect, but it's an enjoyable book, and a promising debut and I am interested to see what comes next.
February 6, 2026
This was cute if you enjoy magical realism. The fmc gets to know a handful of Classic characters and in the process writes a novel of her own.
July 24, 2026
The writing is decent, but the MC is wishy-washy and irritating...a few of her observations caused my eyes to roll...like how unaware of your situation can you be?! The Oliver/Aurelia storyline was nothing short of frustrating...I felt no connection between them at all. I won't read the other books in the series.
September 30, 2025
I received this book from NetGalley and here’s my review:
I loved this sweet, cozy story about books, grief, and trying to make a new normal after loss.
Characters from Sense and Sensibility, Little Women, Anna Karenina, and a book I haven’t heard of (but now must read) called The Moonstone populate this story in an unusual way: they pop out of their books that are on the Recommended Reads table and interact in the bookshop of Aurelia, the shop owner who has recently lost her mother and beloved aunt (the shop’s previous owner). Interacting with these characters eventually brings Aurelia to understand that while books and their characters may be fascinating company, life ultimately needs to be lived out in the world.
I loved this sweet, cozy story about books, grief, and trying to make a new normal after loss.
Characters from Sense and Sensibility, Little Women, Anna Karenina, and a book I haven’t heard of (but now must read) called The Moonstone populate this story in an unusual way: they pop out of their books that are on the Recommended Reads table and interact in the bookshop of Aurelia, the shop owner who has recently lost her mother and beloved aunt (the shop’s previous owner). Interacting with these characters eventually brings Aurelia to understand that while books and their characters may be fascinating company, life ultimately needs to be lived out in the world.
November 3, 2025
The Midnight Book Club is a cosy, magical story that feels like a love letter to readers and the connections we build with books. The premise is comforting: Aurelia inherits her aunt’s bookshop, and at midnight characters from classic novels step out of their pages and into the shop. It’s whimsical but also deeply emotional, and the magic has a soft, nostalgic quality rather than anything dramatic.
Aurelia is a character I connected with straight away. She’s grieving, a little lost, and unsure of what comes next, and the book handles that emotional heaviness in a thoughtful way. Her growth is subtle and very human, shaped by friendship, creativity and learning how to let herself hope again. I especially loved how the characters who come to life at night aren’t just charming additions, but part of her healing journey. They challenge her, comfort her and help her reconnect with her love for writing.
I liked that the romance with Oliver is subtle and slow, grounded in shared vulnerability rather than instant intensity, and that it doesn’t try to overshadow her grief or her personal journey. Their connection grows through shared experiences, hesitant trust and the kind of emotional understanding that comes with time. I also loved how Aurelia’s friendships (both real and fictional) felt steady and meaningful. They form a quiet support system around her, showing how community can anchor us even when we feel untethered by grief. The story also reminds us that while retreating into books can feel safe, allowing ourselves to reconnect with others is equally important.
The pacing is slow, especially in the beginning, but I think it works here. Grief is slow. Healing takes time. I really enjoyed the way the themes of rewriting your story, choosing your own ending and allowing yourself joy were woven throughout, especially through Aurelia’s decision to give Vronsky the chance at a different ending. It mirrors her own emotional journey in a way that felt honest rather than sentimental.
Overall, this is a cosy, bookish and emotionally gentle read, not dramatic or with high stakes, but something that sits with you quietly. A story about grief, community, the stories that stay with us, and the slow opening of our hearts after loss. Perfect to sit around the fireplace with a warm drink and a blanket. I’m giving this book 4.5 stars (rounded to 5).
Thank you to NetGalley and Emily W. Andersen for the opportunity to read this book. All opinions are my own.
Aurelia is a character I connected with straight away. She’s grieving, a little lost, and unsure of what comes next, and the book handles that emotional heaviness in a thoughtful way. Her growth is subtle and very human, shaped by friendship, creativity and learning how to let herself hope again. I especially loved how the characters who come to life at night aren’t just charming additions, but part of her healing journey. They challenge her, comfort her and help her reconnect with her love for writing.
I liked that the romance with Oliver is subtle and slow, grounded in shared vulnerability rather than instant intensity, and that it doesn’t try to overshadow her grief or her personal journey. Their connection grows through shared experiences, hesitant trust and the kind of emotional understanding that comes with time. I also loved how Aurelia’s friendships (both real and fictional) felt steady and meaningful. They form a quiet support system around her, showing how community can anchor us even when we feel untethered by grief. The story also reminds us that while retreating into books can feel safe, allowing ourselves to reconnect with others is equally important.
The pacing is slow, especially in the beginning, but I think it works here. Grief is slow. Healing takes time. I really enjoyed the way the themes of rewriting your story, choosing your own ending and allowing yourself joy were woven throughout, especially through Aurelia’s decision to give Vronsky the chance at a different ending. It mirrors her own emotional journey in a way that felt honest rather than sentimental.
Overall, this is a cosy, bookish and emotionally gentle read, not dramatic or with high stakes, but something that sits with you quietly. A story about grief, community, the stories that stay with us, and the slow opening of our hearts after loss. Perfect to sit around the fireplace with a warm drink and a blanket. I’m giving this book 4.5 stars (rounded to 5).
Thank you to NetGalley and Emily W. Andersen for the opportunity to read this book. All opinions are my own.
October 18, 2025
ARC Review
The premises of this book were so good: a magical bookshop, fictional characters that could step out of their novels, and a main character with a fervent passion for writing. Safe to say that this book did not disappoint.
Aurelia has just inherited her aunt’s bookshop in London. She suddenly finds herself alone, trying to take care of the bookstore while grieving her beloved aunt. As if this weren’t already enough, she starts to hear strange noises coming from the shop at night, and begins to doubt her sanity when she sees figures hanging around the store dressed in clothes from other centuries. As it turns out, these people are not ghosts, as she initially thought—they are book characters from some of Aurelia’s favourite novels.
It’s surely a shock for her to discover that she now owns a magical bookshop but also… can you imagine being able to speak with the book characters you love so much?
As Aurelia gets to know all these new guests, she decides to help one of them get his happy ending by writing him a sequel.
The author’s writing truly managed to transport me into this beautiful and cozy bookshop in London. I think running a magical bookstore is every booklover’s dream.
I really loved the fact that this book portrays the writing and editing process Aurelia goes through with so much passion and devotion. It’s so inspiring to see her navigate this world as someone who aspires to do the same.
The author did a great job at conveying all the book characters from real novels—I really recognized their spirit and defining traits. And thanks to this book, I’ll finally have the courage to read Anna Karenina.
Last but not least, I really loved Oliver. The fact that the romantic aspect of the story wasn’t the main focus made all their moments together even more cute and heartwarming.
ARC provided via NetGalley
The premises of this book were so good: a magical bookshop, fictional characters that could step out of their novels, and a main character with a fervent passion for writing. Safe to say that this book did not disappoint.
Aurelia has just inherited her aunt’s bookshop in London. She suddenly finds herself alone, trying to take care of the bookstore while grieving her beloved aunt. As if this weren’t already enough, she starts to hear strange noises coming from the shop at night, and begins to doubt her sanity when she sees figures hanging around the store dressed in clothes from other centuries. As it turns out, these people are not ghosts, as she initially thought—they are book characters from some of Aurelia’s favourite novels.
It’s surely a shock for her to discover that she now owns a magical bookshop but also… can you imagine being able to speak with the book characters you love so much?
As Aurelia gets to know all these new guests, she decides to help one of them get his happy ending by writing him a sequel.
The author’s writing truly managed to transport me into this beautiful and cozy bookshop in London. I think running a magical bookstore is every booklover’s dream.
I really loved the fact that this book portrays the writing and editing process Aurelia goes through with so much passion and devotion. It’s so inspiring to see her navigate this world as someone who aspires to do the same.
The author did a great job at conveying all the book characters from real novels—I really recognized their spirit and defining traits. And thanks to this book, I’ll finally have the courage to read Anna Karenina.
Last but not least, I really loved Oliver. The fact that the romantic aspect of the story wasn’t the main focus made all their moments together even more cute and heartwarming.
ARC provided via NetGalley
November 5, 2025
Aurelia inherits a bookstore after her aunt's death, and discovers its deep secret: characters from the books in the shop come to life every night. What she really never expects, though, is how those characters come to see her as clearly as she does them--and how they help her put her own life in "the real world" to rights, when she never thought her life was all that messy to begin with.
This book is a gentle retreat from the messy world, much like the bookstore within its pages. This isn't a novel you'll rush through, but one to cuddle up with, one to comfort yourself with on those days when you simply want a small bit of peace and some happiness at the end of a long day. It's a cozy story, so the plot is soothingly soft (though realistic enough!) and the characters are strong. Aurelia is relatable, grieving over the deaths of her mother and her aunt so close together. Her friends are fun, and the book characters...well, what reader hasn't imagined having their favorite novel characters over for tea and talks? You the reader know how the story should end; the fun is watching Aurelia figure it out.
This book is a gentle retreat from the messy world, much like the bookstore within its pages. This isn't a novel you'll rush through, but one to cuddle up with, one to comfort yourself with on those days when you simply want a small bit of peace and some happiness at the end of a long day. It's a cozy story, so the plot is soothingly soft (though realistic enough!) and the characters are strong. Aurelia is relatable, grieving over the deaths of her mother and her aunt so close together. Her friends are fun, and the book characters...well, what reader hasn't imagined having their favorite novel characters over for tea and talks? You the reader know how the story should end; the fun is watching Aurelia figure it out.
October 22, 2025
This was a bit of a generous 3 stars. This book is about Aurelia Lyndham who inherits a bookshop in which the characters of books come to life at midnight. This sounded wonderfully appealing to me and with so much promise.
While this book was a cozy romance steeped in dealing with grief with all sorts of bookish frills that made my heart so happy, that’s about all the book had going for it. The book was paced incredibly slow and had an agonizing amount of detail for some elements and went too quickly for others (especially at the end). The miscommunication trope never goes over well for me, and this is unfortunately why the romance plot was so slow. I also had a difficult time with some of the FMC’s choices and the inability to share the secrets of the bookshop with others that led to some issues with telling the truth about be co-authors. And why the huge rush to get it published? I also did not get the romantic attraction- he was so hot and cold, what was his deal?
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
While this book was a cozy romance steeped in dealing with grief with all sorts of bookish frills that made my heart so happy, that’s about all the book had going for it. The book was paced incredibly slow and had an agonizing amount of detail for some elements and went too quickly for others (especially at the end). The miscommunication trope never goes over well for me, and this is unfortunately why the romance plot was so slow. I also had a difficult time with some of the FMC’s choices and the inability to share the secrets of the bookshop with others that led to some issues with telling the truth about be co-authors. And why the huge rush to get it published? I also did not get the romantic attraction- he was so hot and cold, what was his deal?
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 23, 2026
My actual rating would be a 3.7.
The Midnight Book Club by E.W. Andersen is a cozy, charming read that feels like curling up under a blanket with a warm drink and a stack of well-loved books. The story has a sweet, inviting atmosphere and an entertaining premise that kept me turning pages, even when it didn’t quite rise to a “wow” level for me.
While I enjoyed the overall plot and its comforting tone, I occasionally found myself wishing for a bit more growth or awareness from Aurelia, as her innocence sometimes bordered on frustrating. That said, her perspective does fit the gentle, whimsical nature of the story, and I can see how it may resonate with readers who enjoy softer, more lighthearted character journeys.
Overall, this is a cute and cozy novel with an engaging concept. It may not have blown me away, but it was still an enjoyable and comforting read that delivers exactly the kind of story it sets out to tell.
The Midnight Book Club by E.W. Andersen is a cozy, charming read that feels like curling up under a blanket with a warm drink and a stack of well-loved books. The story has a sweet, inviting atmosphere and an entertaining premise that kept me turning pages, even when it didn’t quite rise to a “wow” level for me.
While I enjoyed the overall plot and its comforting tone, I occasionally found myself wishing for a bit more growth or awareness from Aurelia, as her innocence sometimes bordered on frustrating. That said, her perspective does fit the gentle, whimsical nature of the story, and I can see how it may resonate with readers who enjoy softer, more lighthearted character journeys.
Overall, this is a cute and cozy novel with an engaging concept. It may not have blown me away, but it was still an enjoyable and comforting read that delivers exactly the kind of story it sets out to tell.
February 13, 2026
Thank you to Emily. W. Andersen and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
In The Midnight Book Club, Emily W. Andersen explores every bibliophile's dream: to meet our favorite book characters in the flesh, to discuss their lives and decisions, and to tell them how much their stories mean to us.
The author poses, “It doesn’t do to live in fiction.” But I would add that it does do to read about other characters living in our favorite works of fiction and to relive the lessons our favorite characters have taught us.
When Aurelia Lyndham inherits a her aunt's London bookshop, she has no idea what's in store. What follows is a sweet, easy read about Aurelia's life and friendships both in and out of books.
Featuring characters from Sense & Sensibility, Little Women, The Moonstone (the only book referenced I have not yet read) and my personal, all-time favorite: Anna Karenina, Aurelia is swept into her own adventure through the stories she knows and loves.
In The Midnight Book Club, Emily W. Andersen explores every bibliophile's dream: to meet our favorite book characters in the flesh, to discuss their lives and decisions, and to tell them how much their stories mean to us.
The author poses, “It doesn’t do to live in fiction.” But I would add that it does do to read about other characters living in our favorite works of fiction and to relive the lessons our favorite characters have taught us.
When Aurelia Lyndham inherits a her aunt's London bookshop, she has no idea what's in store. What follows is a sweet, easy read about Aurelia's life and friendships both in and out of books.
Featuring characters from Sense & Sensibility, Little Women, The Moonstone (the only book referenced I have not yet read) and my personal, all-time favorite: Anna Karenina, Aurelia is swept into her own adventure through the stories she knows and loves.
November 2, 2025
What a fun, engaging and heart warming read!
This book was like an homage to book lovers, classics readers, book store wanderers!
It has a heavy focus on classics (specifically Anna Karina) so if you love classic literature written before the 1900s, you should definitely read this book. It’s a great reflection of rewriting your story to give yourself the opportunity for a happy ending.
The notes on writing, grief, love, and friendship are done really well and intertwined throughout the story.
I loved that it had a bit of a romance as well as a subplot which was really nicely done.
Overall, the concept was very intriguing and I think it was explained very well. It was a fun, light read and I recommend to anyone that loves books and classic literature!
This book was like an homage to book lovers, classics readers, book store wanderers!
It has a heavy focus on classics (specifically Anna Karina) so if you love classic literature written before the 1900s, you should definitely read this book. It’s a great reflection of rewriting your story to give yourself the opportunity for a happy ending.
The notes on writing, grief, love, and friendship are done really well and intertwined throughout the story.
I loved that it had a bit of a romance as well as a subplot which was really nicely done.
Overall, the concept was very intriguing and I think it was explained very well. It was a fun, light read and I recommend to anyone that loves books and classic literature!
June 7, 2026
This was a cute, feel-good read. With that said, the author spent too much time giving a play-by-play of unimportant details, and not enough time developing the relationships between the main character and her literary friends and her love interest. I didn't love the writing style, and the FMC was pretty obtuse and oblivious until the 90% mark, which was too late imo
July 6, 2026
This was a really sweet read. The idea of book characters coming to life each night was fun. I enjoyed how the various characters helped Aurelia process some of the recent changes/losses in her life. I also really liked the idea of working with a character to expand on their story after their book ended. It was a fun way for Aurelia to come back to writing while also involving her new book friends. I do think it was a bit drawn out/slow at times, and I couldn’t bring myself to really care about Oliver or Aurelia’s other friends/relationships. However, Biscuit was 10/10. I’m excited to see how the world builds in the next books.
October 21, 2025
Charming and original!
December 16, 2025
That bookmark scene?? So sweet!
I love the magical bookshop and how each characters interact. I def would struggle to pick titles to put on the table and choosing whom to meet!
I love the magical bookshop and how each characters interact. I def would struggle to pick titles to put on the table and choosing whom to meet!
Read
February 21, 2026Cute, sweet & easy to read. Fun concept. A bit obvious and repetitive.
March 27, 2026
This was absolutely delightful
April 27, 2026
Loved the whole aspect of where the characters come to life at midnight and Aurelia gets to know all the characters throughout the chapters and also gives a wonderful, sweet ending
June 9, 2026
I absolutely adored this book!! Perfect from start to finish, can’t wait to read the rest of the series! 💜📚
October 15, 2025
Thank you to Net Galley and Emily Andersen for this arc.
I really enjoyed this. a cosy fantasy where a bookshop comes to life at midnight. What is not to like?! The characters were all likeable, especially the fmc, Aurelia, I found I warmed to her very quickly.
Things happen very quickly at the the start but because of this I did feel it fell a bit flat during the middle and I wanted bit more information about our characters and the shop but overall I thought it was a cosy story and one I would recommend.
I really enjoyed this. a cosy fantasy where a bookshop comes to life at midnight. What is not to like?! The characters were all likeable, especially the fmc, Aurelia, I found I warmed to her very quickly.
Things happen very quickly at the the start but because of this I did feel it fell a bit flat during the middle and I wanted bit more information about our characters and the shop but overall I thought it was a cosy story and one I would recommend.
October 7, 2025
In The Midnight Book Club, a quiet, old-fashioned bookstore becomes the setting for an extraordinary secret: each night at midnight, characters from classic literature step out of their books and into the real world.
What a great idea to write a fantasy novel centered around classic literature, where characters come to life at midnight in a bookstore! As a lifelong lover of literature, it doesn’t get much better than that. Although the book draws heavily from classic works, and I’ve read most of the ones it references, the author does a fantastic job telling the history of the characters.
One of the most magical elements was how the author described the characters’ emotions as they left the pages of their own stories and entered the bookshop. Thqf was intriguing to me because I’ve come to know these characters from reading them over the years and seen movies made about them. At times the pacing was a bit slow but that was mostly due to the careful buildup of the plot.
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for the opportunity to read this enchanting book before its publication.
What a great idea to write a fantasy novel centered around classic literature, where characters come to life at midnight in a bookstore! As a lifelong lover of literature, it doesn’t get much better than that. Although the book draws heavily from classic works, and I’ve read most of the ones it references, the author does a fantastic job telling the history of the characters.
One of the most magical elements was how the author described the characters’ emotions as they left the pages of their own stories and entered the bookshop. Thqf was intriguing to me because I’ve come to know these characters from reading them over the years and seen movies made about them. At times the pacing was a bit slow but that was mostly due to the careful buildup of the plot.
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for the opportunity to read this enchanting book before its publication.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 140 reviews