Booked at Midnight

by Emily W. Andersen

Return to Aurelia’s magical bookshop in the second book in the Midnights On the Square series, featuring a brand new cast of beloved characters from the pages of classic novels.

Now that writer and bookshop owner Aurelia has found love with her editor-turned-boyfriend Oliver, she has everything she’s ever wanted—love, a published novel, and of course, friendship with the literary characters who visit her shop every night at midnight. But when Oliver moves in, sneaking off for late-night bookish meetups becomes a lot more complicated.

As Aurelia works to keep her midnight gatherings secret, she can’t shake the urge to help the downtrodden Harriet from Little Dorrit rewrite her story, but this time, crafting a new ending for a classic character proves to be a bigger challenge than before. Aurelia and Harriet will have to find their own voices so they both can claim the lives they deserve.

Packed with all the warmth and bookish charm of the series debut, Booked at Midnight weaves together literary magic, enchanting romance, and the adventures of two women taking charge of their destinies … no matter the century.

Genres: Cozy, Romance

354 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication March 23, 2026

About the author

Emily 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.

Reviews

[Millicent Moon · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐

Booked at Midnight was such a cozy and enjoyable read. It was really easy to get into, and I liked how the story slowly progressed without feeling rushed. Nothing felt confusing or unnecessary, which made it super comforting to read.

I'm obsessed with the FMC, Aurelia. She's so easy to like, and I enjoyed following her thoughts and decisions throughout the book. Her relationship with Oliver was one of my favorite parts; it was sweet, natural, and didn’t feel forced at all. Their dynamic added a lot to the story and made it more fun to read.

I love love love the concept of how the book characters come to life after midnight, it’s soo creative and magical! I’m totally waiting for the moment when Aurelia tells Oliver about the whole characters-coming-to-life thingy, I can't wait to see his reaction lol.

I also liked how Harriet’s character developed as the story went on. She felt more fleshed out by the end, and I appreciated seeing that growth. Overall, this was a really nice, cozy read, and I’m definitely looking forward to book 3!

Big Thanks to Netgalley and the Publisher for letting me read this ARC!<3

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨ ARC Review ✨

Thank you to E.W. Andersen and NetGalley for the ARC.

What to expect:
📚 Magical Bookstore
🪄 Cozy Fantasy
✍️ Stories Within Stories
🫶 Found Family
✨ Character Growth
📖 Series Continuation

I fell in love with Aurelia and her magic bookstore in the first book, and that love only grew as I continued the series with this installment. I went into this expecting to fall for the characters Aurelia was meeting and writing about, but I was pleasantly surprised by how different this story felt. Watching Harriet step into her own and become a hero in her own right was such a highlight, especially as she and Aurelia worked on her book together.

It truly warmed my heart to see Harriet find a sense of family among the characters in the shop as they collaborated, shared ideas, and supported one another. Aurelia did feel a bit more stubborn in this book, which added a new layer to her character. I also did not expect the twist in how Harriet’s story ultimately unfolded, but it only made me more excited to see where the series goes next.

I am really looking forward to continuing this series, seeing how things develop between Aurelia and Oliver, and eventually discovering where the next generation ends up as the story progresses.

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Booked at Midnight is exactly the kind of comforting, whimsical read that feels like stepping into a warm bookshop on a rainy evening. Returning to Aurelia’s magical little corner of the world is such a joy, and this second instalment captures all the charm, heart, and literary sparkle that made the first book so special.

Aurelia is in a lovely new chapter of her life—her novel is out in the world, she’s happily in love with Oliver, and her midnight visits from classic literary characters continue to be the highlight of her days. But with Oliver now living under the same roof, sneaking off to meet fictional friends becomes a lot trickier, and that tension adds a sweet, relatable layer to the story. It’s a gentle reminder that even the most magical lives need balance.

Harriet from Little Dorrit is a wonderful addition to the cast. Watching Aurelia try to help her rewrite her fate—while realising she may need to rewrite parts of her own—gives the novel a thoughtful emotional core. Their parallel journeys feel tender and empowering, and the theme of finding your voice, no matter the century, is handled with warmth and grace.

The bookshop setting remains enchanting, filled with that soft glow of possibility that makes this series so comforting. There’s romance, literary mischief, and a sense of community that wraps around you like a favourite blanket.

Overall, Booked at Midnight is a charming, heartwarming follow‑up that blends magic, storytelling, and personal growth in a way that feels both cozy and uplifting. Perfect for readers who adore bookish fantasies with gentle humour, a touch of romance, and characters who step right off the page.

My thanks to Emily W Andersen, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC

[Tracy Myburgh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fantasy/Sci-fi
Pursuit of happiness
Emotional Healing
Romance
Woman’s Fiction
Magical Book Recommendation Table
Book 2 in the Midnights on the Square series.

Aurelia meets a brand-new cast of characters in this darling new instalment of the Midnight on the Square series. Harriet, from Little Dorrit, was considered a dear friend of Aunt Marigold. In Dickens’ original tale, Harriet was destined to live out her life as a servant, however, Aurelia feels a desperate need to rewrite that ending. She wants Harriet to live a full, happy life rather than one of meagre servitude to a family that treats her with disregard.
The new book puts a strain on Aurelia’s relationship with Oliver who is both the love of her life and her publisher. It also causes friction with Harriet herself; Aurelia overwhelms her by writing an ending that suits Aurelia’s desires rather than Harriet’s. David Copperfield’s eagerness to reinforce Aurelia’s notions only adds to the challenges for everyone involved.

I absolutely love this book series. It has opened the door to a whole new world of classics. I haven’t read a Dickens novel since my school days and this really unlocked great memories. If you enjoy cosy feel-good vibes then this is definitely the book for you.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.
A huge thank you to Netgalley, Emily Anderson and the publisher for this e-arc.

[books.withluv · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing read! It just keeps getting better, and I’m truly hooked.

I’m trying not to spoil anything for those who haven’t read Book 1 yet, but Aurelia’s midnight “shenanigans” 🤪 become even more intriguing with someone else now sharing her space. The story is thrilling and funny, yet it also tugs at the heart—I couldn’t help but feel for her. Aurelia is simply too kind and deeply cares for her  “friends,” going above and beyond to help them find the happy endings they deserve.

I love how the story keeps its core concept of introducing characters from classic books, giving readers little glimpses of who they are. We can probably all agree that picking up a classic can feel a bit intimidating, but this series makes those stories far more approachable—and even gives that gentle nudge to finally read the classic you’ve been putting off for ages.

I know yapped about The Midnight Book Club when I read it, and here I am doing it again with Booked at Midnight. So, once more—if you love cozy fantasy set in a bookshop and enjoy meeting characters from classic books, I’m telling you now: this series is perfect for you.

I’m so grateful to you, @ewandersen, for bringing Aurelia and all these wonderful characters to life. Congratulations on the release of Booked at Midnight! I’m very much looking forward to meeting even more fascinating characters in the upcoming books ✍️

[QueenReads13 · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3.7)

Thank you to NetGalley and the author for allowing me this ARC in exchange for an honest review.


Booked at Midnight is one of those cozy, bookish reads that feels best enjoyed slowly, preferably late at night when everything is quiet. The atmosphere is really where this story shines. The midnight setting, the love of books, and the overall tone made it easy to settle into and enjoy the experience.

I liked the premise a lot and appreciated how intimate and warm the setting felt. It has that comforting, low-stakes energy that makes you want to curl up and keep turning pages, even when not much is technically happening. The writing leans heavily into mood, which worked for me most of the time.

That said, the pacing did drag a bit in places, and some character choices felt predictable. I also wished there was a little more emotional depth in certain moments, because the story sometimes relied more on vibes than development. It was enjoyable, just not quite as impactful as it could have been.

Overall, this was a solid, cozy read that I’m glad I picked up. It didn’t completely wow me, but it did exactly what I wanted in the moment: provide a calm, bookish escape. I’d recommend it to readers who love atmospheric stories, gentle pacing, and novels that feel like a quiet night in rather than a rollercoaster ride.

[Chelsea Walsh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Booked at Midnight is a charming and cozy "bookish fantasy" that is a perfect tribute to the classics. The premise—literary characters like the March sisters from Little Women and the cast of Sense and Sensibility stepping off the pages after midnight—is every reader's dream come true.

What I loved most was the evolution of Aurelia Lyndham. Watching her navigate the sudden inheritance of her aunt's London bookshop while dealing with a severe case of writer's block felt very relatable. The magical realism is handled with a light touch, making the shop feel like a warm, living character in its own right. The relationship between Aurelia and Oliver adds a sweet, slow-burn romantic layer that kept me rooting for them throughout.

The reason I'm giving this 4 stars instead of 5 is that the pacing occasionally felt a bit slow in the middle sections, and I found myself wanting even more interactions with the historical characters. However, the growth of secondary characters like Harriet from Little Dorrit provided a wonderful emotional core to the story.

Overall, it’s a whimsical, uplifting read that reminds you why you fell in love with literature in the first place. Highly recommended for fans of "cozy fantasy" and anyone who has ever felt like their favorite fictional characters were real friends.

[Katie]

Booked at Midnight is a warm, imaginative return to Aurelia’s magical bookshop—a story that celebrates literature, love, and the quiet courage it takes to rewrite one’s own narrative.

Emily W. Andersen seamlessly blends cozy romance with literary fantasy, creating a world where classic characters step off the page and into modern emotional dilemmas. As Aurelia navigates love, domestic change, and the responsibility that comes with her midnight visitors, the novel deepens its exploration of identity, agency, and creative freedom.

The relationship between Aurelia and Harriet from Little Dorrit is especially compelling, offering a thoughtful meditation on whose stories get endings and who gets to choose them. Andersen treats this metafictional element with warmth rather than cleverness for its own sake, grounding the magic in emotional truth.

Filled with charm, humor, and bookish delight, Booked at Midnight will resonate with readers who love stories about bookstores, found family, and women daring to claim the lives they deserve. It’s a cozy yet meaningful novel that affirms the enduring power of stories both written and lived.

[Cozybooklady · Rating 5 out of 5]

#bookedatmidnight #NetGalley is the first book I've read by this author. I immediately fell in love with Aurelia and as I read the story, I found myself wishing I could speak to my favorite fictional characters.
Even though I didn't read the first book, I had no trouble grasping the concept. Aurelia wants to rewrite the ending for one of her characters, however, the endings she invents don't appeal to Harriet at all.
As the story continues we watch Aurelia try to keep her midnight friends a secret from her boyfriend, but it isn't easy.
I love the concept of the series, it is definitely one that captures the reader's attention and lets our imaginations flow.

I am planning to read the first book, and the others that hopefully follow.

[Doreen Stephens · Rating 4 out of 5]

Booked at Midnight is a comfortable, easy, delightful read.

I love the concept of the characters on the Recommend Read table coming to life at midnight.
How many of us have dreamed of having the opportunity to meet and converse with our favorite book characters.?

With Charles Dickens novels featured on the Recommend Read table, we get to experience several familiar characters interacting with one another and willing helping Aurelia as she attempts to give Harriett a different ending to her story. All awhile, Aurelia and Oliver navigating their own relationship. It's a charming idea, connecting readers with their favorite characters.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.
#bookedatmidnight #NetGalley

[Rachel Stansel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is the second in the series and I do suggest reading book one first. We are in a used bookstore full of old books only, run by a fourth generation aunt to niece transition of operating. In this store, characters from books on a special table come to life in the shop from midnight to dawn, but only for the owner. We follow a new cast of characters as well as our returning owner and partner/editor Oliver. It was slow at the start, but once it got going I enjoyed it as much as the first and enjoyed watching the characters and relationships grow.

Full disclosure - I received a copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

[Laurie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did not read the first book of this series so I didn't know what to expect.

I love any book about books or libraries so this one fit the bill. Booked at Midnight was a cozy fantasy set in a bookshop. Characters from books on a special table come to life in the shop from midnight to dawn, but only for the owner. It gets complicated because she is newly married and her husband doesn't know about this.

This was definitely a little slow to start and the perfect book for those that like a light, fun read.

Thank you to E.W. Andersen and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Marit · Rating 2 out of 5]

An interesting idea that never fully comes alive.

I received an advance copy of this book via NetGalley.

This was an okay read, but a slow one for me. Possibly because I hadn’t read the first book, I never fully connected to the story. Nothing really happened. no deep connection between the characters. Abit disappointed as the idea of the book spoke to me.

There were moments of interest, but overall I expected more depth and curiosity. Not a bad book — just not as engaging as it could have been.

[Jess Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved diving back into this series! Aurelia is such a fun character and although the challenges she faces after Oliver moves in with her are wildly different from most couples, given that fictional characters emerge from her favourite books at midnight, she's such a relatable character.

I really enjoyed this sequel and love that Aurelia surrounds herself with fun, supportive people. Her relationship with Oliver feels so realistic as they navigate challenges together.

I still can't fully decide which fictional character I'd love to meet but Aurelia is on the list!