The Library at Midnight: Some traditions are written in silence

by Emma Brendeke

Maya has always loved the silence of the library after dark, when the rest of the world is asleep and the shelves seem to breathe with secrets. Working the night shift through Christmas and into the new year, she discovers something unexpected, a trail of forgotten words that lead her on a quiet search for answers.

What begins as a mystery tucked between the shelves slowly unfolds into a story of connection, memory, and tradition. In the glow of winter nights, Maya learns that even in silence, there are voices waiting to be heard.

A cozy and heartfelt holiday novella about friendship, hope, and the magic of finding light where you least expect it.

150 pages, Paperback

Published June 20, 2025

Reviews

[Aishabss · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC, and I really enjoyed it. The Library at Midnight is such a cozy and heartwarming read that immediately brings you into the Christmas spirit. The atmosphere of the story feels magical, with the quiet setting of the library after dark making it perfect for a festive read.

It did take me a little while to fully get into the book, but once I settled into the story, I found myself enjoying it more and more. The characters grew on me as the pages went by, and I loved how the author captured the warmth of tradition and the comfort of silence.

If you’re looking for a short, sweet read to put you in the holiday mood, this novella is a wonderful choice. 🎄✨

[Karlijn Strik · Rating 1 out of 5]

Dit was niet echt een boek voor mij en kwam er niet in. Bijzonder dat je een heel boek kunt wijden aan een tafel in de bibliotheek. Ik miste echt iets : spanning, romantiek, mysterie..:

[Sanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's a enjoyable short story. This author is promising. I like the mystery of this story. But I am a fantasy reader so I missed a little of that personally.
It's a short story best read closer to Christmas. It will give that cozy vibe you have in the winter time.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[lisaleest04 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Erg leuk en schattig verhaal 🥰 Perfect voor tijdens de feestdagen!

[Lynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ik heb een arc ontvangen van Emma. Vond het vermakelijk en perfect voor de tijd die eraan komt met de feestdagen en winter!

[Marie-Jose Jansen · Rating 3 out of 5]

The library at midnight is a cosy holiday novella written by Dutch author Emma Brendeke, who has just released another cosy holiday novella: Bonfire nights. Both stories consist of a comfortable 150 pages, so you can easily enjoy the warm and fuzzy atmosphere and get into that magical Christmas vibe!

In The library at midnight, we meet Maya. She loves the nightshift because of the silence and magical feeling of secrets between the books after dark. When she works the night shifts at Christmas and into the new year, an unexpected discovery of forgotten words sends her along the trail as she quietly searches for answers. From mysterious findings between the bookshelves we watch as Maya slowly uncovers a story of tradition, memory and connection. Even in the quiet night there are voices that want to be heard.

Many thanks to Emma for letting me read her book as an ARC. The best thing about this story is the cosy, heartwarming holiday magic vibe that is drenched through the pages. There is something mysterious about a library at midnight and Emma has caught that feeling very well. Although the start felt somewhat slow and not a lot is happening, once you let the story settle, you will enjoy a warm festive atmosphere and the comfort of silence as Maya does. The characters are easy to love even though the story is not long enough to dive really deep, it's the feeling that counts most and there is a lesson to be learned.
I have enjoyed this sweet and cosy tale of friendship, warm tradition, hope and the magic of Christmas. A cosy holiday novella for magical Christmas vibes!

[Roelinde · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ik heb deze ARC gekregen van @emmabauthor. Dit boek is een heerlijke cozy novella. Ook leuk om bij de feestdagen te lezen aangezien het afspeeld met kerst en nieuwjaar. Het is ook niet zoon dik boek. Wat ik ook wel lekker vond. Het is namelijk in het engels en dat vind ik wat lastiger om te lezen. Als je dus in het engels wil gaan lezen, maar je vind dat lastig is dit boek een goeie beginner. Het is makkelijk engels.

In het begin moest ik er een beetje door heen komen, maar hoe verder ik las hoe leuker ik hem vond. Ik vond het leuk dat ze iets mysterious komt, dat ze gaat uitzoeken.

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

—-> ARC REVIEW <—-

I think the story was cute. I could really see the library at midnight in my head. I love the vibes of this story.

I do think the story could have been a bit shorter. I feel like some parts were just for filling and not really necessary. I also noticed that the timelines weren’t always correct, but the author has let me know this will be adjusted for the final version. So all is well 😊

Overall a nice story, could have been a bit shorter but was a nice in between read. ⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Janelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️

First off I want to thank @emma for letting me review her book!
If you are looking for a Cosy Christmas style book then this book is the way to go. Even though I needed a minute to get into the book, the cosy feel was definitely there.
I did miss something in this book. And i can't put my finger on it. It missed a story, romance or a clue.