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Midnights On the Square #2
Booked at Midnight
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.
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.
354 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 23, 2026
14 people are currently reading
15522 people want to read
About the author
Emily W. Andersen
2 books157 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
Did not finish
March 17, 2026Unmarried couple moving in together.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
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
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
February 22, 2026
Review of advanced copy received from NetGalley
3.5⭐️’s - This is one cosy, cute, small town, magical story. The premise of book characters coming to life at midnight adds a fun whimsy to this unique setting.
The relationship at the heart of the story really ties the book together. They are paired perfectly! This may be the dark romance / romantasy reader in me but I always crave a little bit of angst when to comes to book love 😬 The couple is never really tested at any point & any issues they have are resolved really quickly. This clearly matches the vibe that the author was going for so full marks there!
The midnight book character are a lovely addition that wraps the story in a big warm hug! Again nothing overly deep happens with them however the interactions with them are fun & I craved more of them!
Overall, this is a sweet warm hug of a story that leans into the cosy vibes rather than emotional exploration. Good as a nice raining day
3.5⭐️’s - This is one cosy, cute, small town, magical story. The premise of book characters coming to life at midnight adds a fun whimsy to this unique setting.
The relationship at the heart of the story really ties the book together. They are paired perfectly! This may be the dark romance / romantasy reader in me but I always crave a little bit of angst when to comes to book love 😬 The couple is never really tested at any point & any issues they have are resolved really quickly. This clearly matches the vibe that the author was going for so full marks there!
The midnight book character are a lovely addition that wraps the story in a big warm hug! Again nothing overly deep happens with them however the interactions with them are fun & I craved more of them!
Overall, this is a sweet warm hug of a story that leans into the cosy vibes rather than emotional exploration. Good as a nice raining day
January 14, 2026
✨ 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.
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.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
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.
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.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Booked at Midnight by Emily W. Andersen
I thought I loved the first book? Cute. Harmless. But THIS one! Ohhhh, this one tore my cozy little heart apart… in the best possible way.
Aurelia is back, running her magical bookshop where characters literally come to life at midnight. And yes, she’s dating Oliver—editor, swoon, all the heart-eyes—but somehow she has to sneak out to see her new literary friends without him finding out. The tension- Impeccable. I was screaming at the pages: “JUST TELL HIM, AURELIA!”
And the magic. Oh, the magic. Aurelia doesn’t just write books—she re-writes destinies. Harriet from Little Dorrit? Was doomed in her original story, now she’s living a life she never could have imagined. Watching characters like this come alive, grow, and form a found family had me absolutely teary-eyed… and reaching for a snack, because emotional chaos + reading = need food.
The new characters are a delight. Quirky, whimsical, fully realized—they make this world feel alive. Harriet’s transformation from sulky, brooding teen to someone shining with potential - Perfection. The banter, the awkward moments, the tiny victories—they all feel earned, real, and heart-melting.
The romance - Sweet, soft, and utterly swoon-worthy. Oliver is patient, kind, and genuinely adores Aurelia, while she’s figuring out the magic and herself. Low spice, high heart, and I adored every moment of tension where I wanted to just hug them both and scream.
The pacing is gentle, like walking through the perfect little bookshop on a rainy evening—but don’t let that fool you. The charm and warmth of this story sneaks up, and suddenly you’re deeply emotionally invested in every friendship, every magical mishap, every tiny triumph.
I can’t overstate this: Booked at Midnight is cozy, whimsical, heart-melting, chaotic, and utterly charming all at once. It’s the kind of book that makes you want to curl up with a blanket, a cup of tea, and just live in this magical world forever.
Final verdict: if you love magical bookstores, literary characters coming to life, found family, and swoon-worthy slow-burn romance, you are going to lose yourself in this book. I am now officially obsessed and cannot wait for Book 3—my heart isn’t ready, but my soul is screaming “YESSSSS.”
I thought I loved the first book? Cute. Harmless. But THIS one! Ohhhh, this one tore my cozy little heart apart… in the best possible way.
Aurelia is back, running her magical bookshop where characters literally come to life at midnight. And yes, she’s dating Oliver—editor, swoon, all the heart-eyes—but somehow she has to sneak out to see her new literary friends without him finding out. The tension- Impeccable. I was screaming at the pages: “JUST TELL HIM, AURELIA!”
And the magic. Oh, the magic. Aurelia doesn’t just write books—she re-writes destinies. Harriet from Little Dorrit? Was doomed in her original story, now she’s living a life she never could have imagined. Watching characters like this come alive, grow, and form a found family had me absolutely teary-eyed… and reaching for a snack, because emotional chaos + reading = need food.
The new characters are a delight. Quirky, whimsical, fully realized—they make this world feel alive. Harriet’s transformation from sulky, brooding teen to someone shining with potential - Perfection. The banter, the awkward moments, the tiny victories—they all feel earned, real, and heart-melting.
The romance - Sweet, soft, and utterly swoon-worthy. Oliver is patient, kind, and genuinely adores Aurelia, while she’s figuring out the magic and herself. Low spice, high heart, and I adored every moment of tension where I wanted to just hug them both and scream.
The pacing is gentle, like walking through the perfect little bookshop on a rainy evening—but don’t let that fool you. The charm and warmth of this story sneaks up, and suddenly you’re deeply emotionally invested in every friendship, every magical mishap, every tiny triumph.
I can’t overstate this: Booked at Midnight is cozy, whimsical, heart-melting, chaotic, and utterly charming all at once. It’s the kind of book that makes you want to curl up with a blanket, a cup of tea, and just live in this magical world forever.
Final verdict: if you love magical bookstores, literary characters coming to life, found family, and swoon-worthy slow-burn romance, you are going to lose yourself in this book. I am now officially obsessed and cannot wait for Book 3—my heart isn’t ready, but my soul is screaming “YESSSSS.”
March 12, 2026
I went into this book not realizing it was the second book in the series. I’m not sure if that made it harder for me or not.
The summary of the book is as follows: “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.”
The book started pretty slowly for me. I had a little bit of a difficult time getting into it for about a third of the story. Once things started coming together, the pace picked up some and I was able to get into it. I loved the idea of the main character writing an alternate ending for characters who weren’t happy with theirs. I didn’t really care for the indecisiveness of Harriet. I kept wanting her to make a decision and she finally did. I do understand the reason it took her so long to do it.
Overall, I enjoyed the story and would like to go back and read the first one. I wish that I had known it was available so I could have read it first. Even though this pretty much a stand alone book, I think getting the background on the characters would have helped me understand the decisions made by them better. If you like feel good stories with happy endings and magical possibilities, you will enjoy this one.
Thank you to E. W. Anderson and NetGalley for gifting me a copy of the ebook in exchange for an honest review.
The summary of the book is as follows: “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.”
The book started pretty slowly for me. I had a little bit of a difficult time getting into it for about a third of the story. Once things started coming together, the pace picked up some and I was able to get into it. I loved the idea of the main character writing an alternate ending for characters who weren’t happy with theirs. I didn’t really care for the indecisiveness of Harriet. I kept wanting her to make a decision and she finally did. I do understand the reason it took her so long to do it.
Overall, I enjoyed the story and would like to go back and read the first one. I wish that I had known it was available so I could have read it first. Even though this pretty much a stand alone book, I think getting the background on the characters would have helped me understand the decisions made by them better. If you like feel good stories with happy endings and magical possibilities, you will enjoy this one.
Thank you to E. W. Anderson and NetGalley for gifting me a copy of the ebook in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This has been my favorite series, the story is such a cozy, sweet, endearing and enjoyable read. It definitely was one of my most anticipated book series for the year and it was such a delightful experience to return to this whimsical world. The book flows so naturally, it doesn’t feel rushed, so you get to appreciate and really take in each scene, so you feel like you’re actually there within the story. There’s Aurelia’s relationship with Oliver which is so sweet and you can see throughout the book how deeply they both care and love each other. It was interesting to see the new dynamic within their relationship in this new book, without giving any spoilers, you can definitely see how Aurelia battles not being able to share the fact that she can see the characters with Oliver. I cannot wait, I’m at the edge of my seat waiting to see if and when she tells him about and what his reaction will be.
And now the new characters in this story are so different then the ones from the first book, but you still fall in love with them because of all their unique personalities and how they all build such a strong relationship with each other and Aurelia. I really enjoyed Harriet’s character development, she really starts to come out of her shell throughout the story. I really enjoyed how all the characters learn and grow, it really brings them to life.
With all that being said, I really loved this book it was such a comfort read for me, cozy, whimsical and I can’t wait for book 3 to be able to return to this delightful world. Definitely pick this book up if you enjoy:
- [ ] Cozy read
- [ ] Sweet romance
- [ ] Character growth
- [ ] Magically bookstore
- [ ] Whimsical
- [ ] Charles Dickens’s characters
Thank you NetGalley,the publisher and author Emily W. Anderson for this advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
And now the new characters in this story are so different then the ones from the first book, but you still fall in love with them because of all their unique personalities and how they all build such a strong relationship with each other and Aurelia. I really enjoyed Harriet’s character development, she really starts to come out of her shell throughout the story. I really enjoyed how all the characters learn and grow, it really brings them to life.
With all that being said, I really loved this book it was such a comfort read for me, cozy, whimsical and I can’t wait for book 3 to be able to return to this delightful world. Definitely pick this book up if you enjoy:
- [ ] Cozy read
- [ ] Sweet romance
- [ ] Character growth
- [ ] Magically bookstore
- [ ] Whimsical
- [ ] Charles Dickens’s characters
Thank you NetGalley,the publisher and author Emily W. Anderson for this advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
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
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
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
'Booked at midnight ' by E.W. Andersen is the second book in the midnights on the Square series. It is a cozy feel good book with a magical touch.The character of Aurelia is very well written and it's just amazing to read how she balances her role as a writer, bookshop owner, partner to Oliver and then all her sneaking midnight activities with different characters of Charles Dickens's books.
The Focus of this book was the character 'Harriet' from Little Dorrit by Charles Dickens. The build up of the character Harriet was just amazing and I was totally satisfied with the ending of it. The growth of Aurelia as a writer was wonderful towards the end and I enjoyed the POV of each and every character from Charles Dickens's book especially of David Copperfield and Esther.
The relationship dynamics between Aurelia and Oliver was beautifully portrayed. They were secure and had a healthy relationship. The professional dynamics between them as a writer and publisher was realistic and I did like how they resolved their conflict regarding the story. Oliver was just an amazing Male lead and was always there to support and take care of Aurelia. I enjoyed the scenes where Aurelia almost got caught sneaking for her midnight adventures by Oliver they were just hilarious 😂
Fezz and biscuit, the cat and the dog do have my heart they were adorable 😍 . Antonia was just an amazing sister to Aurelia. The relationship progress between Oliver and Jack was emotional to read.
This book can be read as a standalone though I would highly recommend to read part 1 to understand the depth of the story. Overall I did enjoy reading this amazing story and I did gain a lot of knowledge about Charles Dickens characters and classics😊
The Focus of this book was the character 'Harriet' from Little Dorrit by Charles Dickens. The build up of the character Harriet was just amazing and I was totally satisfied with the ending of it. The growth of Aurelia as a writer was wonderful towards the end and I enjoyed the POV of each and every character from Charles Dickens's book especially of David Copperfield and Esther.
The relationship dynamics between Aurelia and Oliver was beautifully portrayed. They were secure and had a healthy relationship. The professional dynamics between them as a writer and publisher was realistic and I did like how they resolved their conflict regarding the story. Oliver was just an amazing Male lead and was always there to support and take care of Aurelia. I enjoyed the scenes where Aurelia almost got caught sneaking for her midnight adventures by Oliver they were just hilarious 😂
Fezz and biscuit, the cat and the dog do have my heart they were adorable 😍 . Antonia was just an amazing sister to Aurelia. The relationship progress between Oliver and Jack was emotional to read.
This book can be read as a standalone though I would highly recommend to read part 1 to understand the depth of the story. Overall I did enjoy reading this amazing story and I did gain a lot of knowledge about Charles Dickens characters and classics😊
March 8, 2026
Book 2 in the Midnights On the Square series. After reading book 1 and loving it, I knew I had to read book 2!
Booked at Midnight follows on from The Midnight Book Club where Aurelia, a writer who inherits a bookshop where characters come to life at midnight is dating Oliver, her book editor.
After the success of writing a new life for Count Vronsky from Anna Karenina, Aurelia is looking for ideas for her next book.
After changing the books on the recommendations table to Charles Dickens books, Aurelia meets a new group of friends and one of the characters who appears is Harriet from the book Little Dorrit. Realising that Harriet had an unhappy life ahead of her at the end of Little Dorrit, Aurelia decides to write a new book giving Harriet a life she could only dream of.
Meanwhile, Oliver has moved in with Aurelia and not being able to tell him the secret of her magical bookshop, she has to figure out how to slip out at midnight to see her new friends without Oliver finding out.
As with book 1, I loved this sweet, easy to read book of magic, romance and friendship. I enjoyed being introduced to the ‘new’ characters - it’s made me want to read some classics! I struggled a bit with Harriet as she comes across as a sullen teenager but she definitely improves by the end! I loved seeing Aurelia and Oliver’s relationship advance and learning more about them.
I think this is such a lovely series of books and a clever idea using characters from classic books in a modern setting. I look forward to seeing how the series advance and finding out if anyone else will be let in on the secret of the magical bookshop?
Booked at Midnight follows on from The Midnight Book Club where Aurelia, a writer who inherits a bookshop where characters come to life at midnight is dating Oliver, her book editor.
After the success of writing a new life for Count Vronsky from Anna Karenina, Aurelia is looking for ideas for her next book.
After changing the books on the recommendations table to Charles Dickens books, Aurelia meets a new group of friends and one of the characters who appears is Harriet from the book Little Dorrit. Realising that Harriet had an unhappy life ahead of her at the end of Little Dorrit, Aurelia decides to write a new book giving Harriet a life she could only dream of.
Meanwhile, Oliver has moved in with Aurelia and not being able to tell him the secret of her magical bookshop, she has to figure out how to slip out at midnight to see her new friends without Oliver finding out.
As with book 1, I loved this sweet, easy to read book of magic, romance and friendship. I enjoyed being introduced to the ‘new’ characters - it’s made me want to read some classics! I struggled a bit with Harriet as she comes across as a sullen teenager but she definitely improves by the end! I loved seeing Aurelia and Oliver’s relationship advance and learning more about them.
I think this is such a lovely series of books and a clever idea using characters from classic books in a modern setting. I look forward to seeing how the series advance and finding out if anyone else will be let in on the secret of the magical bookshop?
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to NetGalley and Andersen for the ARC of this book.
I definitely loved this continuation of The Midnight Book Club. And the bonus was finding out there will be a 3rd! Will I be signing up for the ARC for that too? Absolutely.
I loved how easy it was to fall back into this world. The FMC, Aurelia, is legit all of my internal thoughts and feelings personified. Her overthinking, her finding such solace in the lives of fictional characters, and her making decisions but then second guessing them.
The relationship with Oliver and how natural it seemed to be. They were just on the same page most of the time, but when they weren't, they could "rewrite" and get back on the same page.
I was honestly so enamored with the first book, that I was scared that this would be more of the same, or trying too hard to get that magic back, or that things would be rushed or forced. But it wasn't. I loved how the concept may have been the same, but what happened wasn't. She didn't rewrite another same story just with a different character, she wrote a new story, or rather, let the character tell her own story. As I mentioned in my review of the first book, this is another thing I imagine in my head when authors discuss their characters speaking to them or their characters telling the story, that the author is just a conduit.
I am so excited for the 3rd book and I hope that not only will Aurelia be able to tell Oliver about this midnight gathering, but that maybe, just maybe, his love for her and for literature, will allow him to see and participate. Either way, Andersen is just so amazing that I know I will love it.
I definitely loved this continuation of The Midnight Book Club. And the bonus was finding out there will be a 3rd! Will I be signing up for the ARC for that too? Absolutely.
I loved how easy it was to fall back into this world. The FMC, Aurelia, is legit all of my internal thoughts and feelings personified. Her overthinking, her finding such solace in the lives of fictional characters, and her making decisions but then second guessing them.
The relationship with Oliver and how natural it seemed to be. They were just on the same page most of the time, but when they weren't, they could "rewrite" and get back on the same page.
I was honestly so enamored with the first book, that I was scared that this would be more of the same, or trying too hard to get that magic back, or that things would be rushed or forced. But it wasn't. I loved how the concept may have been the same, but what happened wasn't. She didn't rewrite another same story just with a different character, she wrote a new story, or rather, let the character tell her own story. As I mentioned in my review of the first book, this is another thing I imagine in my head when authors discuss their characters speaking to them or their characters telling the story, that the author is just a conduit.
I am so excited for the 3rd book and I hope that not only will Aurelia be able to tell Oliver about this midnight gathering, but that maybe, just maybe, his love for her and for literature, will allow him to see and participate. Either way, Andersen is just so amazing that I know I will love it.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
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.
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.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is my first book by Emily Andersen and although it is part of a series, I had no problem getting into or enjoying the story. was such a cozy read. With a magical bookshop where fictional characters come alive at night and a beautiful (and absolutely relatable) slow-burn romance between the bookshop owner Aurelia and her editor boyfriend Oliver, this book has a lot to satisfy readers who enjoy cozy fiction with subtle elements of magical realism.
Aurelia, the lead character, is a lovely person with an easy and enviable relationship with everyone in her life. She also loves her "night life" as she gets to hear stories about her aunts from the time when they previously visited the shop. And that's how she meets Harriet, a character from "Little Dorrit" who never got a happy ending in her fictional life and who is now devastated to hear about the passing of Aurelia's aunt Marigold.
Aurelia and Harriet's dilemma as they try to figure out what they want and decide if choosing themselves might dishonor their beloved Marigold's wishes were so relatable. We are reminded that happiness is very personal—what might seem as limitless possibility to one person could easily feel like a meaningless trap to another.
The writing was easy and the pace did drag a little in the middle, but the charm and coziness of the story will keep you turning the pages.
I thank Netgalley and the publishers for providing an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Aurelia, the lead character, is a lovely person with an easy and enviable relationship with everyone in her life. She also loves her "night life" as she gets to hear stories about her aunts from the time when they previously visited the shop. And that's how she meets Harriet, a character from "Little Dorrit" who never got a happy ending in her fictional life and who is now devastated to hear about the passing of Aurelia's aunt Marigold.
Aurelia and Harriet's dilemma as they try to figure out what they want and decide if choosing themselves might dishonor their beloved Marigold's wishes were so relatable. We are reminded that happiness is very personal—what might seem as limitless possibility to one person could easily feel like a meaningless trap to another.
The writing was easy and the pace did drag a little in the middle, but the charm and coziness of the story will keep you turning the pages.
I thank Netgalley and the publishers for providing an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The second installment of Andersen's contemporary fantasy book series is even richer and more fun than its predecessor. Like the first, it still takes place mostly in Aurelia's inherited bookshop, but now with significant developments in her personal life on top of the magical secret life she's been living.
With one character having had his happy ending, it's now the turn of a much beloved character from Little Dorritt to create her own alternate future with the help of our protagonist.
As she gets to know Harriet better, she realises that she has her work cut out for her- and to the surprise of Aurelia as well as the readers, she reveals a much sturdier sense of self than even Count Vronsky. It's refreshing to read a Dickensian woman show some real spine, and it also helps our beloved bookstore owner revamp her own writing priorities.
This time too, we have several supporting characters, both retold and original creations. On top of that, we now have an endearing couple that I’ve grown to ship wholeheartedly.
My favourite has to be the rich dialogues and banter between the characters that make you chuckle and cry as the characters go through their emotions.
The book is a fun-paced, emotionally rich journey that'll leave you impatient for future works by the very talented author.
Recommended if you like:
Contemporary/Cozy Fantasy
Realistic Romance
Retellings
Dickensian Characters
Strong Women
Women discovering themselves
Writers’ Lives
With one character having had his happy ending, it's now the turn of a much beloved character from Little Dorritt to create her own alternate future with the help of our protagonist.
As she gets to know Harriet better, she realises that she has her work cut out for her- and to the surprise of Aurelia as well as the readers, she reveals a much sturdier sense of self than even Count Vronsky. It's refreshing to read a Dickensian woman show some real spine, and it also helps our beloved bookstore owner revamp her own writing priorities.
This time too, we have several supporting characters, both retold and original creations. On top of that, we now have an endearing couple that I’ve grown to ship wholeheartedly.
My favourite has to be the rich dialogues and banter between the characters that make you chuckle and cry as the characters go through their emotions.
The book is a fun-paced, emotionally rich journey that'll leave you impatient for future works by the very talented author.
Recommended if you like:
Contemporary/Cozy Fantasy
Realistic Romance
Retellings
Dickensian Characters
Strong Women
Women discovering themselves
Writers’ Lives
March 28, 2026
📖Booked By Midnight by E.W Andersen
370 pages | 4.5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
~cozy fantasy
Pub Date: 23rd March 2026!
Booked By Midnight by E.W Andersen is a cute, charming cozy fantasy that is set in a bookshop. It is the second book in the Midnights on the Square series. Set once again inside Aurelia's magical bookshop, she is coming into her own as a bookshop owner and a writer. Interacting with the characters from books that come alive at night, she has once again embarked on a quest to give someone a happy ending but at the same time, exploring a fresh story as well. Between being a writer and navigating her new life with her partner Oliver, Aurelia has her plate full. Can she fulfil her duty as a bookshop owner, write her book, and still answer the quiet, insistent call of midnight—when stories refuse to stay bound to their pages and demand she help rewrite their endings, even if it means risking her own?
My ARC review~
Like the first book, it's a gentle fantasy with slow characters growth and mellow vibes. This book is more focused on how Aurelia grows as a writer finding her own voice and therefore a lot of introspection. I love the relationship dynamics too, how Oliver offers help at times but also backs off when she asks to. He's such a green flag. It's a little more slower than the first book, but still, I enjoyed reading it. It's such a palette cleanser. If you love emotional comfort over high tense fiction, this one's for you!🥰✨️🤍
370 pages | 4.5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
~cozy fantasy
Pub Date: 23rd March 2026!
Booked By Midnight by E.W Andersen is a cute, charming cozy fantasy that is set in a bookshop. It is the second book in the Midnights on the Square series. Set once again inside Aurelia's magical bookshop, she is coming into her own as a bookshop owner and a writer. Interacting with the characters from books that come alive at night, she has once again embarked on a quest to give someone a happy ending but at the same time, exploring a fresh story as well. Between being a writer and navigating her new life with her partner Oliver, Aurelia has her plate full. Can she fulfil her duty as a bookshop owner, write her book, and still answer the quiet, insistent call of midnight—when stories refuse to stay bound to their pages and demand she help rewrite their endings, even if it means risking her own?
My ARC review~
Like the first book, it's a gentle fantasy with slow characters growth and mellow vibes. This book is more focused on how Aurelia grows as a writer finding her own voice and therefore a lot of introspection. I love the relationship dynamics too, how Oliver offers help at times but also backs off when she asks to. He's such a green flag. It's a little more slower than the first book, but still, I enjoyed reading it. It's such a palette cleanser. If you love emotional comfort over high tense fiction, this one's for you!🥰✨️🤍
Review of advance copy received from Author
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 ✍️
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 ✍️
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (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.
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.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
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.
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.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Booked at Midnight is a great continuation in the Midnights On the Square series.
Aurelia, owner of a magical bookshop has just had her boyfriend/editor move in with her. Will this add a new complication in her life? How is she going to get around the fact that from midnight to dawn the characters in the books on the recommended reading table come alive.
I loved how this novel naturally moved along in her relationship, learning more about his family and hers.
This time the novels on the table are all written by Charles Dickens and it was great to learn about these stories as they are ones that I have never read. Although Aurelia has started another novel about art forgeries she is caught up in the life and subsequent unhappiness of one of the characters, Harriet from Little Dorrit, a favourite of her Aunt Marigold. Will she attempt a sequel to her initial book and try to create a life of happiness for Harriet?
I cannot wait for the next novel to see if Aurelia finds the right moment to tell Oliver about the midnight happenings in the bookshop. I am also curious as to which books will appear on the table.
I recommend this book to those who like a cozy fantasy with a bit of romance and growth of characters. A great book to curl up with a cup of tea on a chilly afternoon!
Thank you to NetGalley and Emily Anderson for the ARC in return for my honest opinion.
Aurelia, owner of a magical bookshop has just had her boyfriend/editor move in with her. Will this add a new complication in her life? How is she going to get around the fact that from midnight to dawn the characters in the books on the recommended reading table come alive.
I loved how this novel naturally moved along in her relationship, learning more about his family and hers.
This time the novels on the table are all written by Charles Dickens and it was great to learn about these stories as they are ones that I have never read. Although Aurelia has started another novel about art forgeries she is caught up in the life and subsequent unhappiness of one of the characters, Harriet from Little Dorrit, a favourite of her Aunt Marigold. Will she attempt a sequel to her initial book and try to create a life of happiness for Harriet?
I cannot wait for the next novel to see if Aurelia finds the right moment to tell Oliver about the midnight happenings in the bookshop. I am also curious as to which books will appear on the table.
I recommend this book to those who like a cozy fantasy with a bit of romance and growth of characters. A great book to curl up with a cup of tea on a chilly afternoon!
Thank you to NetGalley and Emily Anderson for the ARC in return for my honest opinion.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I’m giving this a 4 stars! ⭐⭐⭐⭐
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
In Booked at Midnight, we continue the journey with Aurelia as she navigates the blurred lines between her real life and the fictional realms she visits.
The Good:
I really enjoyed this read! The story is incredibly fast-paced and feels effortless to get through, which made for a very enjoyable experience. I’ve been a sucker for Aurelia and Oliver’s story from the very beginning, and this book only deepened my investment in them. Interestingly, I found myself much more interested in the "real life" drama—specifically the dynamics with Aurelia, Oliver, and Jack—than I was in the book characters they were interacting with this time around.
The Not-So-Good:
Maybe it’s just a personal preference, but Harriet and Little Dorrit were never favorites of mine, so the sections focusing on those specific literary worlds didn't captivate me as much as the others in the series have. However, the strength of the main trio's development definitely carried me through!
Are you Team Real World or do you prefer getting lost in the classics with Aurelia? Let me know in the comments! 📚✨
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
In Booked at Midnight, we continue the journey with Aurelia as she navigates the blurred lines between her real life and the fictional realms she visits.
The Good:
I really enjoyed this read! The story is incredibly fast-paced and feels effortless to get through, which made for a very enjoyable experience. I’ve been a sucker for Aurelia and Oliver’s story from the very beginning, and this book only deepened my investment in them. Interestingly, I found myself much more interested in the "real life" drama—specifically the dynamics with Aurelia, Oliver, and Jack—than I was in the book characters they were interacting with this time around.
The Not-So-Good:
Maybe it’s just a personal preference, but Harriet and Little Dorrit were never favorites of mine, so the sections focusing on those specific literary worlds didn't captivate me as much as the others in the series have. However, the strength of the main trio's development definitely carried me through!
Are you Team Real World or do you prefer getting lost in the classics with Aurelia? Let me know in the comments! 📚✨
Read
February 13, 2026Booked 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.
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.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Reading the first book, I felt very cozy and comfortable - with the setting being an old book shop and the premise was a woman meeting the fictional characters of classic books. And now reading the second book, I was returned back to those feelings. And I loved how it didn't feel formulaic this time. Harriet's approach was so different to Count Vronksy, and I loved the juxtaposion between those two stories.
We also see a lot of in-person conflict, aside from the conflict in writing the book, which I really liked. The new characters introduced made the story more dynamic and helped Aurelia coping with grief and moving forward.
Booked at Midnight kept its charm and whimsy from the first book, but also managed to keep us on our toes with how the story would be going.
This is honestly a perfect rainy day read.
Thank you to Netgalley and E.W. Andersen for a copy of this book.
We also see a lot of in-person conflict, aside from the conflict in writing the book, which I really liked. The new characters introduced made the story more dynamic and helped Aurelia coping with grief and moving forward.
Booked at Midnight kept its charm and whimsy from the first book, but also managed to keep us on our toes with how the story would be going.
This is honestly a perfect rainy day read.
Thank you to Netgalley and E.W. Andersen for a copy of this book.
March 17, 2026
⭐ 5 stars
E. W. Andersen did it again! Booked at Midnight is a beautiful sequel that expands Aurelia’s story in such a fresh and meaningful way.
I loved seeing Aurelia’s journey continue—not only as a writer and bookshop owner, but also in her relationship with Oliver, which has grown and deepened in such a heartfelt way. The magical realism, new literary characters, and overall twist in this book made it feel unique while still keeping everything I loved from book one.
This story is full of love, grief, tension, and joy, and it felt both comforting and emotional to read. Aurelia continues to be one of my favorite main characters, especially in her journey as a writer.
Such a wholesome and heartfelt read—I loved it so much 💛
✨ Full review on my website: https://www.bellaheartwoodauthor.com/...
Thank you to NetGalley and E. W. Andersen for the opportunity to read this ARC. All opinions are my own.
E. W. Andersen did it again! Booked at Midnight is a beautiful sequel that expands Aurelia’s story in such a fresh and meaningful way.
I loved seeing Aurelia’s journey continue—not only as a writer and bookshop owner, but also in her relationship with Oliver, which has grown and deepened in such a heartfelt way. The magical realism, new literary characters, and overall twist in this book made it feel unique while still keeping everything I loved from book one.
This story is full of love, grief, tension, and joy, and it felt both comforting and emotional to read. Aurelia continues to be one of my favorite main characters, especially in her journey as a writer.
Such a wholesome and heartfelt read—I loved it so much 💛
✨ Full review on my website: https://www.bellaheartwoodauthor.com/...
Thank you to NetGalley and E. W. Andersen for the opportunity to read this ARC. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
#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.
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.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
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
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
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to NetGalley and E.W. Anderson for sharing this ARC with me, in exchange for my honest review.
Booked At Midnight is fun, cozy comfy and magical. I love everything about this book. The concept is chef's kiss🤌🤌. I love that fictional characters from Aurelia's favorite books come to life. The character development and world building is perfect. Aurelia connecting with the fictional characters seemed so real and believable. I devoured this book in one sitting. By the end, I was wishing this could happen to me cuz omg omg omg LOL. I can't hardly wait for the next book, because I just gotta know if Aurelia tells Oliver about what goes on in the Bookstore at midnight??
I highly recommend that y'all get y'alls hands on this book, it checks all the cozy comfy bookstore boxes.
Booked At Midnight is fun, cozy comfy and magical. I love everything about this book. The concept is chef's kiss🤌🤌. I love that fictional characters from Aurelia's favorite books come to life. The character development and world building is perfect. Aurelia connecting with the fictional characters seemed so real and believable. I devoured this book in one sitting. By the end, I was wishing this could happen to me cuz omg omg omg LOL. I can't hardly wait for the next book, because I just gotta know if Aurelia tells Oliver about what goes on in the Bookstore at midnight??
I highly recommend that y'all get y'alls hands on this book, it checks all the cozy comfy bookstore boxes.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
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
Full disclosure - I received a copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
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.
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.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to the author for an ARC
This book is such a vibe. The whole story has this super cosy, bookish energy that immediately pulls you in. It’s charming and comforting, with a lovely “I want to go here and never leave” feeling.
The characters are such a highlight. They're people I'd want to be friends with. The relationships and interactions carry so much of the book’s charm. There’s humour, sweetness, a little chaos, and some serious emotional sincerity.
The tone's light and so readable. Peak comfort reading material. Everything and everyone's just so nice. But not boring-nice.
This book is such a vibe. The whole story has this super cosy, bookish energy that immediately pulls you in. It’s charming and comforting, with a lovely “I want to go here and never leave” feeling.
The characters are such a highlight. They're people I'd want to be friends with. The relationships and interactions carry so much of the book’s charm. There’s humour, sweetness, a little chaos, and some serious emotional sincerity.
The tone's light and so readable. Peak comfort reading material. Everything and everyone's just so nice. But not boring-nice.
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