A New Chapter at Midnight

Midnights On the Square #3

by Emily W. Andersen

It's the end of something good and the beginning of something even better in the third installment of the Midnights On the Square series.

London bookshop owner Aurelia has guarded an extraordinary secret for the past three years. Each night at midnight, her store comes alive with characters from novels by Austen, Brontë, Dickens, and more. Even with her fiancé, Oliver, now living upstairs, she's managed to avoid raising suspicion.

But when her 14-year-old niece comes to visit, Aurelia underestimates the teenager's knack for unraveling her secret and stumbling into a quandary of her own. And when Oliver discovers what she's been hiding, Aurelia must fight to save her wedding and protect the legacy of the family bookshop.

Filled with all the wit and charm readers have come to expect, A New Chapter at Midnight blends classic literature, sweet romance, and a touch of magic into an enchanting read.

348 pages, Paperback

Expected publication July 13, 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

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨ARC Review ✨

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

There is something about Emily’s writing that completely captivates me. I can fall into the story for hours and not want to stop, and the cozy bookstore setting makes it even better.

Even though this book felt different from the previous one, it was just as hard to put down. Watching the trials that come with more people discovering the magic in the shop added so much tension and curiosity. Julia’s ability to see everything made me especially interested in her perspective and how she interpreted what was happening around her.

I really loved the life lessons woven into Julia’s journey and how the characters helped guide her as she found her way. The family aspect in this book was so heartwarming, whether it was blood family or found family. Those relationships truly made the story shine.

As always, the side characters were memorable, and I loved seeing more assertive personalities come into the shop while exploring new types of magic within it.

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

A New Chapter at Midnight by Emily W. Andersen
I have loved every single one of Emily’s books, and honestly I will keep picking up anything she writes because they hook me instantly. Like… I don’t casually read these books—I devour them. I stay up way too late telling myself “just one more chapter” and then suddenly it’s 3am.
Also, Emily is genuinely one of the sweetest authors I’ve ever had the chance to connect with, which just makes me love supporting her work even more.
We’re back in the magical bookstore setting with Aurelia, where characters literally step out of books at midnight, and I still think that concept is pure magic. Like… who wouldn’t want their books coming to life?? It gives the whole story this warm, whimsical comfort that immediately pulls me in every time.
This time around, the stakes feel a little different. More people are discovering the shop’s magic, which adds a new layer of tension and curiosity to everything. It still keeps that cozy feel, but there’s definitely more going on beneath the surface now.
I really loved how the perspective expanded in this book. Julia, Aurelia’s teenage niece, especially stood out to me—seeing everything through her eyes added something really fresh. I loved watching her try to figure out what’s real, what’s possible, and how she fits into this strange, magical world she’s suddenly part of.
The family aspect in this book also really shines. Both biological family and found family play a big role here, and I loved how that contrast was explored. It really highlights how family isn’t just who you’re born with, but also who you choose and who chooses you. That added so much heart to the story.
And the side characters?? Still incredible. Every new personality that steps into the bookstore feels distinct and alive. Emily does such a great job giving everyone their own voice, even the characters who are technically “side” characters but absolutely feel like they could run the whole story themselves.
It’s easy to read in one sitting, and I absolutely flew through it without even realizing how much time had passed. Overall, I just adore this series. It’s whimsical, comforting, magical, and completely addictive. I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of this bookshop, and I will happily keep coming back for every new story Emily gives us.
Now I’m just patiently (not patiently) waiting for whatever she writes next because I will absolutely be reading it immediately.

Thank you, Emily, for allowing me to keep reading your books—yours are some of the easiest 5 stars I ever give.

[The Lit]

​🚨 SPOILER ALERT: READ AT YOUR OWN RISK!
​I am giving A New Chapter at Midnight by E.W. Andersen a 4-star review. ⭐⭐⭐⭐
​I thoroughly enjoyed diving back into this enchanting world! It is a beautiful, atmospheric, and cozy continuation that perfectly balances secrets, magic, and heartwarming emotional growth.
​ARC Disclosure: A massive thank you to NetGalley and the author for providing this eARC. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
​The Review
​The narrative returns readers to the mysterious and comforting walls of the midnight library, continuing the overarching story of Aurelia and Oliver. As the deep-seated secrets surrounding the library's mystical legacy begin to reach a boiling point, the characters are forced to confront the truth of their reality, bringing long-hidden mysteries right into the open. It weaves together a wonderful blend of slice-of-life charm and low-stakes magical mystery that keeps you turning pages late into the night.
​The Good
​Finally! Finally we see Oliver discovering the truth about the library and Aurelia! I was honestly kinda hoping for this in the previous book (Booked at Midnight), but I am so incredibly glad it happened now and the way it came about was absolutely great. The execution of that revelation was handled beautifully and felt completely earned.
​Aurelia’s niece, Julia, was an incredible addition to the story too. It was great having her point of view on how things are there, adding a refreshing new layer to the dynamics and providing a fantastic lens for us to view the library's magic and community. The multiple perspective shifts really enhanced the storytelling and kept the world-building feeling rich and vibrant.
​The Not So Good
​Because the story takes its time setting up the internal viewpoints and building up to the long-awaited truths, the pacing in the first half can feel quite slow and deliberate. While the payoff for Oliver's discovery is fantastic, readers who were hoping for immediate, fast-paced magical action right from chapter one might feel the buildup lingers just a bit too long before the plot truly kicks into high gear

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

A New Chapter at Midnight is an utterly charming, gently magical delight — the kind of story that feels like stepping into a warm bookshop just as the world outside goes quiet. Aurelia’s life has always been threaded with enchantment, but the way this instalment leans into the joy and the cost of keeping secrets gives it a lovely emotional depth.

For three years, she’s guarded the midnight magic of her London bookshop — the moment the clock strikes twelve and characters from Austen, Brontë, and Dickens wander the aisles as if they’ve simply stepped off the page. It’s whimsical and enchanting, but also something she’s kept hidden even from Oliver, the fiancé living just upstairs. That tension — the sweetness of love, the weight of secrecy — gives the novel its heartbeat.

When her fourteen‑year‑old niece arrives for the summer, everything shifts. There’s something wonderfully believable about a teenager seeing straight through the cracks adults try so hard to plaster over. And as Aurelia’s carefully balanced world begins to wobble, the story becomes a tender exploration of family, trust, and the fear of losing the things we love most.

The moment Oliver discovers the truth adds a lovely emotional ache, and watching Aurelia fight to protect both her relationship and the legacy of her family’s bookshop is deeply satisfying. The magic here isn’t loud — it’s warm, bookish, and threaded with nostalgia, the kind that feels like a quiet blessing.

Witty, romantic, and dusted with literary enchantment, A New Chapter at Midnight is a cozy, heart‑lifting read that celebrates stories, love, and the courage it takes to let others into our most magical places.

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

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked this up because the premise sounded like the kind of story made for book lovers: midnight atmospheres, books, mysterious magic, and that’s exactly the vibe this book delivers.

This feels like a warm cup of tea in story form. The writing leans cozy and reflective, with a strong focus on emotional healing, second chances, and the comfort that stories can bring into people’s lives. I especially loved the atmosphere. The late-night bookstore setting had that dreamy, slightly magical feeling that makes you want to curl up under a blanket and keep reading long past bedtime.

The characters were easy to root for, even if the pacing occasionally felt a little slow for me personally. This isn’t a high-drama, edge-of-your-seat kind of read. It’s softer. More about connection, quiet growth, and the small moments that slowly change people’s lives.

I also appreciated how much love for books and reading was woven into the story without feeling overly pretentious. It genuinely felt written for readers who see bookstores as safe places.

That said, I do think some parts could have gone deeper emotionally. There were moments where I wanted a bit more tension or sharper character conflict to fully pull me in. But if you go into this expecting a gentle, comforting, healing kind of read rather than an intense emotional rollercoaster, it works beautifully.

Overall, this was a cozy and heartfelt escape with strong “book lover fantasy” energy, and I think readers who enjoy uplifting stories with comforting atmospheres will have a lovely time with it.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC!

[Madeleine Rees · Rating 5 out of 5]

The premise of this book really piqued my interest, but when I requested it from Netgalley, I knew it was Book 3. So, I started on books 1 and 2 in the hopes I would be approved for this one. I was thrilled to get the email approving my request.

Books 1 and 2 set the scene for the book shop and its secrets. If you like stories with a little fantasy/magical twist, then you should pick up this series. Book 3 is based around Aurelia, the shop owner, and her niece Julia, who it turns out can also see the book characters come to life. The storyline progresses to them sharing their secret and trying to get others to believe what they can see and hear and explain to them the in depth discussions they have with the fictional characters. It is a well written story and finishes off the storylines created in the first two books. I had thought the book may end differently for Liver, but maybe, just maybe there is a fourth book coming in the series.


I would highly recommend this book. It started off a little slower than the other two books in the series, but then it picked up and I wanted to keep reading it and found it hard to put down.

As with any series, I would start with Book 1, The Midnight Book Club and then read Book 2, Booked at Midnight. Book 3 will make more sense as the author builds on the characters in each book and if you start off with this one, you will miss a lot of the back story.

[Linda Rowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not wait to read the latest instalment in the Midnights on the Square series and I was not disappointed.
Aurelia and Oliver are getting ready for their upcoming wedding. Aurelia's niece, Julia has come for a visit from France before the wedding. Meeting the next generation of shop owner and her discovery of the magic leads to a whole new dimension in the dynamics of the bookstore. Julia's movement of the books on the recommended reading table affects which characters materialize. It was heartwarming to see how she was determined to find out what she was to learn from these characters.
The secret that Aurelia had been keeping from Oliver is revealed and the tension that it created in the few weeks before the wedding was hard to read.
Overall, this is a heartwarming story full of mystery and magic, love and endearing relationships. I found myself reading well into the night not wanting to stop just as Aurelia and Julia want to talk with the characters after midnight.
I really hope that there will be more chapters to follow at my favourite bookshop.

Thank you to NetGalley and Emily W. Andersen for this ARC in return for my honest opinion.

[Nikki Jordyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

The concept behind this book immediately grabbed my attention. I love stories with magical elements woven into everyday life, and the idea of fictional storybook characters visiting a bookshop at midnight was too intriguing to pass up.

The story started off a little slow for me, but around the 60–70 page mark, it became much more interesting and I found myself increasingly invested in what was happening. Once the mystery and magical elements began unfolding, I was eager to keep reading and uncover the secrets at the heart of the story.

I especially appreciated the whimsical atmosphere and the unique magical premise. The mystery kept me curious, and I enjoyed seeing how the different pieces of the story connected together as the book progressed.

While this may not be a book I would recommend to every reader, I would absolutely recommend it to readers who enjoy magical realism, whimsical mysteries, bookish settings, and stories with a touch of wonder.

Overall, this was an imaginative and enjoyable read, and I'm glad I stuck with it.

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A New Chapter at Midnight is the third book in Ms. Andersen's Midnights on the Square series. This delightful series features a main character, Aurelia, who owns a family bookstore with a special feature: characters from books appear to her from midnight until dawn whenever their books are placed on a specific table. This third book wraps up Aurelia's romance with a wedding, but also adds a visit from her teenaged niece who has also inherited the ability to see the book friends. This is the book where secrets are revealed and everything comes to a tidy conclusion. I had not read the previous two books, but had no problem jumping in at the end. It is a squeaky clean, cozy book with a charming nod to classic literature. For anyone who loves books, this is a fun read.

I received a free advance reader copy. All opinions are my own.

[Cyndi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Genres: Romance, Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Women’s Fiction

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This was such a heartwarming ending to the series. I absolutely loved seeing Aurelia finally open up and share her magical secret about the beloved book characters coming to life. Watching that moment unfold, especially with her niece first, made the story feel even more emotional and meaningful.

The magical bookshop concept continued to feel enchanting and whimsical, but this installment focused even more on family, love, weddings, healing, and opening up about long-held secrets. It had such a cozy atmosphere that made me want to stay inside Aurelia’s world forever.

This series truly feels like a love letter to readers and storytellers. The warmth, magic, and heartfelt relationships left me smiling the entire time, and I loved every moment spent back inside the Midnight bookshop.

[Amber Graves · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

This was such a fun read! As a big fan of classic novels like Pride and Prejudice and Jane Eyre, I loved getting to meet these characters outside their original stories and imagine them as real people. What I wouldn’t give for a magical bookstore where I could chat with my favorite characters every night!

I really enjoyed the honesty and romance woven into Aurelia’s life, as well as the thoughtful look at how even a well-intentioned secret can affect relationships. I didn’t realize this was the third book in a series when I started, but now I definitely want to go back and read the others. I’d absolutely recommend giving this book a read!

[Shree · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another cozy book in this series. The writing and the setting were as charming as always. The story, however, was slightly more predictable as it was primarily about the emotional toll of secrets on close relationships. The visiting characters and their stories weren't given as much importance in this book as we saw in the previous books. I found some sections to be slightly repetitive, but perhaps such reiterations were included for the benefit of those who haven't read the first two books in this series.
Overall, a good read.

Many thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for sharing an arc of the book in exchange for an honest review.

[Tiffany (areyoutellingstories) · Rating 5 out of 5]

My cheeks hurt! I started smiling in the first chapter. Actually, that's a lie, I started smiling as I waited for the book to download knowing that if book three was anything like the first two I was in for a few hours of magic and joy. This book series is the most magical escape from the world and never dissapoints! I'm so happy that Aurelia has loved ones that she can trust with her whole life and doesn't have to continue keeping secrets that obviously weighed on her to have to keep to herself. My only complaint with this addition to the series is that we need more Biscuit!

[Denise · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you Netgalley and the publishers for opportunity to read and review this book. I enjoyed this read. It was very well written to ensure the reader could easily follow along if, like me, you haven't read the prequels. . What an opportunity! To be able to talk with the characters from my favorite stories. There are so many that I would like to spend some time with and get to know them better. By chance, I had been reading Jane Eyre at the same time, so I did have to put this one down for a bit until I finished. An easy, quick read with an interesting, fun, magical premise.

[LittleRead · Rating 5 out of 5]

I fell in love with this series when I happened across the second entry in the series. I was mesmerized and read the first book as soon as I finished that one. When I saw this third entry, I jumped and it was just as magical and satisfying as the first two.

The author has a way of writing that transports you to the book shop with Aurelia and it’s a real treat to see which book and characters will come to visit in each entry. I could read books from this author all day, every day and never get bored. It tru

[Rachel Stansel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another in this fun series. After a bit of disappointment with the second book, I really enjoyed the third. We get to meet niece Julia and a whole new cast of characters. I enjoyed the way the paced the story and the uncovering all felt very true. Highly recommend reading at least the first book before this one.

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

[Kayleighreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Although I haven’t read the previous books in the series, I thoroughly enjoyed this one. The beautiful cover immediately drew me in, and I loved the cozy bookshop atmosphere. The magical element of characters jumping out of books added such a fun and unique touch to the story, making it a charming and enjoyable read from start to finish.

[Candace · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed A New Chapter at Midnight. This cozy fantasy romance was a delightful read with likable, relatable characters and a charming blend of magic and romance. I quickly became invested in the story and found it to be a warm, comforting escape.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Thaïs · Rating 4 out of 5]

thank you netgalley for this arc. it was so cute! this concept was so fun and hook es me from the beggining. what a fun universe. I wish I could own this bookshop too!! I loved all the références to different classics ans stories and how it shows that books shape us, that was very sweet.

[Elle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not every twist surprised me, but the emotional storytelling and relatable struggles made the book memorable overall.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Netgalley for the arc!

This was such a fun and lovely read. It‘s a heartwarming story which I fully enjoyed.

5 ⭐️