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.

Genres: Fantasy, Found Family, Magical Realism, Romance, Fiction

348 pages, Paperback

Published 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

[Namo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for the e-ARC. All opinions are my own.

Aurelia is the owner of a bookshop in London. She has been keeping magic of her own store for the past three years. Every night at midnight, characters from novels come to life. This secret is only for her to keep. Until her niece comes to visit and stays with her, and that’s when the secret is not the secret anymore.

I really like the writing. It’s easy to read and also makes the story more enjoyable. Very captivating. I love how the author beautifully blends the classic stories with the modern storyline. (And that makes me want to go and pick up the classic books!!) The story is very nostalgic to my beloved movie ‘Night at the Museum’. The family and relationship aspects are so sweet. Also, I love the life lessons that are brought up in this book. The overall story is very whimsical and cozy. And this book is just right her the book lovers. By the end, I found myself want to go back and read the previous books in the series.

[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.

[Brayleigh Galloway · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it! I didn’t realize how much I missed this series until I started reading this book.

I want more, but I don’t know if it needs more. I will for sure be looking at other books she wrote though. Definitely in my favorites! <3

[Rachel Hood · Rating 3 out of 5]

*Arc Alert*
Every night in her London bookshop, characters from classic novels visit Aurelia. But only she can see them, so she is forced to keep their visits secret from her fiancé, Oliver. However, when her niece Julia arrives to stay for the summer, the secret becomes impossible to keep. This charming book is both original and intriguing and the setting is perfect. It is a book for people who want the comfort of genuine family and romantic relationships, magical realism and a book about books. Whilst some of the dialogue was a bit unrealistic at times and the conflict was slightly forced, I really enjoyed seeing this idea play out, seeing the characters from the classic novels interact with Andersen’s original characters! It is a perfect blend of contemporary with classical! ⭐️⭐️⭐️

[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

[Tracy Emro · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aurelia Lyndham is the owner of a very special bookshop that she inherited from her Aunt Marigold. The shop is magical and each night at midnight characters from the book appear to Aurelia and she is able to interact with them, but she is the only one who can see them, so she has kept this information to herself, not wanting anyone to think she is insane. Keeping the secret from her friends and family has been hard but keeping it from her fiancé Oliver has been the hardest of all. With her wedding day drawing closer, she is determined to tell him the truth, but the time never seems right.

But all that changes when her teenage niece Julia comes to visit and is able to see the characters, presumably because she will one day own the shop. Aurelia tries to explain to Julia why it is important to keep the magic of the shop secret, but Julia can’t keep this to herself, first telling her mother, Aurelia’s sister Antonia, which leads to her coming to the shop, which leads to Oliver learning about it. It takes some doing to get Antonia and Oliver to believe them, since they are not able to see the characters, and while they do eventually accept it, Oliver is very hurt that Aurelia kept this from him and it puts their relationship in jeopardy.

I requested this title without realizing it was the third book in a series, but the author did an amazing job of giving enough backstory to let new readers jump right into the story with no problems. This story was a gentle read; there was not a lot of drama, not a lot of magic, and not a lot of romance – but somehow, it works and ends up being a very satisfying read. If you are looking for story with a bit of magic, close family ties, a little romance, and a happy ending – Read this book! I am happy to recommend this title, and I will definitely be reading this author’s previous books as well as her future work!

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher/author. All opinions in this review are my own. *

[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

[Gulendam · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review

Thank you to Emily W. Andersen and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

A New Chapter at Midnight was everything I hoped it would be and more. Returning to the magical bookstore felt like coming home, and once again Emily W. Andersen created a story that completely pulled me into its world.

One of my favorite aspects of this installment was seeing the story through Julia’s perspective. As she tries to understand the mysteries surrounding the bookstore and its magic, her curiosity and growth made her incredibly easy to connect with. Watching her navigate this strange new world added a fresh and engaging layer to the story.

The bookstore itself remains as magical as ever. The idea of characters stepping out of books at midnight continues to be one of the most charming concepts I’ve read, creating a cozy and whimsical atmosphere that makes it difficult to put the book down.

I also loved the emphasis on family throughout the novel. Both found family and biological family play important roles, and the relationships between the characters brought so much warmth and heart to the story. The lessons about trust, belonging, and finding your place in the world felt especially meaningful.

As always, the supporting cast was wonderful, and every new character added something unique to the story. The stakes felt a little higher this time, with more people becoming aware of the bookstore’s magic, which added tension while still maintaining the series’ comforting charm.

If you enjoy magical bookstores, heartwarming family relationships, and stories filled with wonder, this series continues to be a must-read. I already can’t wait to return to Midnight Square again.

[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!

[Bella Heartwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐ 5/5 stars
Spoiler-free review

A New Chapter at Midnight is the third and final book in the Midnights On the Square series, and what a perfect way to wrap up Aurelia’s story :)

The book’s main female character is Aurelia, who owns a small bookstore in London, previously owned by her aunt and other female relatives. Her bookstore is no ordinary one. At midnight, certain characters from classic novels come to life (sort of). Aurelia has kept this secret for years, even after Oliver, her now fiancée, moved in with her.

I loved the addition of Aurelia’s niece, Julia, who takes a big role in the story after visiting her aunt and spending time at the bookstore during the summer. She is young, fun, and spontaneous. All the interactions between aunt and niece are beautifully written and felt relatable and enjoyable to me. The main twist involving Julia and the bookstore’s secret fits the story perfectly and makes it just different enough from the other two books while still highly connected to them.

I also think author E. W. Andersen did a wonderful job sharing enough details from the previous books as a refresher or to introduce them to new readers without oversharing or feeling repetitive to those who have read the prior books.

The difficulties in Aurelia and Oliver’s relationship were navigated wonderfully. I also appreciated the life lessons shared with Julia, which can be valuable to anyone.

A New Chapter at Midnight by E. W. Andersen is the perfect book for those who enjoy magical realism intertwined with romance, contemporary and cozy settings, and even more so for those who appreciate classic books.

Thank you to NetGalley and author E. W. Andersen for the opportunity to read this wonderful story. I received an advance copy, and all opinions are my own.

Author: E. W. Andersen
Release date: July 13, 2026
Genres: Romance | Sci-Fi & Fantasy | Women’s Fiction

[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.

[Angie Barragan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again we’re back at Aurelia’s magical bookstore and this time with some very exciting celebrations. Aurelia is planning her wedding to Oliver and if that wasn’t enough she’s also getting ready to finalize her new novel. We also get to meet Aurelia’s niece, Julia who is coming to stay a month with them before their wedding.
So it’s an understatement that Aurelia has her hands full, she’s also battling with finding the right time to tell Oliver about her magical bookstore. How is Aurelia going to juggle all this and plan her happily ever after?
I have to say that this 3rd installment has been my favorite from the series. This story has a strong family element, and all the side characters are absolutely charming. The relationship between Julia and Aurelia was my favorite part of this story, it was nice to see how much both characters grew within the story. There’s a surprise twist in the story and it was just perfect.
I absolutely loved this entire series and hope we get another book. The world building, the relationships with the fictional characters and Aurelia’s found family is just so heartwarming. It’s also such a pleasure to come back to this cozy magical world.
Definitely pick this up if you enjoy:
- [ ] Magical bookstore
- [ ] Cozy magical realism
- [ ] Fictional characters come to life
- [ ] Found family element
- [ ] Sweet romance
Thank you NetGalley, the publisher and author EW Anderson for this advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

[SleeplessBookExplorer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a breath of fresh air that I didn't know I needed.

What I loved most about A New Chapter at Midnight was that it wasn't centered around romantic love. Instead, it explored the different ways we love the people in our lives—especially our families—and what it means to reconnect with the people who matter most.

As a book lover, this story felt especially personal to me. I loved Aurelia's relationship with books and the way she wanted to share that love with her niece. There were several books mentioned throughout the story that I had never read and honestly had never been interested in reading before. But seeing how much they meant to Aurelia made me curious about them. In a strange way, her love for those books made me want to love them too.

I also really enjoyed the way books became more than just something to read. They were a way for the characters to connect, understand one another, and share pieces of themselves. As someone who loves books, I appreciated how much heart was put into that part of the story.

This was such a warm and refreshing read. It reminded me that love stories don't always have to be romantic to be meaningful. Sometimes the most important stories are about family, friendship, the people who know us best, and finding a new chapter when we didn't realize we needed one.

This is definitely a book I would recommend to fellow book lovers, especially anyone who enjoys stories about family, relationships, books, and starting over.

[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.

[Aoife]

I have truly loved each of the books in the Midnight in the Square series and Book 3: A New Chapter at Midnight was no exception.

I loved the introduction of Julia as a character as Aurelia’s niece staying at and working in the bookshop for a few weeks, while Aurelia was completing edits and writing her new book and planning for her impending wedding with Oliver.

This book felt a bit different in style to the other two, but in a good way. It was a good change of pace and I still felt just as gripped as I did with the previous books. The charm of the fictional characters and the bookshop still felt as magical as ever. Having the twist for Julia to have the same experiences as Aurelia being able to see and talk to the fictional characters at midnight in the bookshop was brilliant, especially as she saw it through a teenage perspective, trying to see how the characters relate to her life, as Aurelia does.

Overall a very lovely, gripping and enchanting cozy read. Would highly recommend! Thank you to Emily W. Anderson, the publisher and NetGalley for this e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

[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.

[Millicent Moon · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25⭐!

WOOOWWW
This one was amazingg!!

A New Chapter at Midnight follows Aurelia, a London bookshop owner whose store comes alive with literary characters every night at midnight. But when her niece starts uncovering secrets and Oliver finally learns the truth, Aurelia has some difficult choices to make.

I love how this one does not focus a lot on the fictional characters (I mean the ones appearing in the bookshop) but focuses more on Aurelia's actual life. I really enjoyed everything to do with Julia (I especially loved the part where she first meets Jane) and Aurelia's character growth was fantastic. And yes, her telling Oliver about the whole characters-coming-to-life thing was exactly how I thought it would go.

I also loved seeing how everything came together by the end.
Overall a cozy, enjoyable read. Must recommend =D

Big thanks to NetGalley, The Publisher, and Emily Anderson for the e-arc!

[Elizabeth Wagner · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this! The bookshop needed some shaking up, and Julia was perfect for that. Her interactions with Aurelia were sweet and did feel very aunt/niece. I also appreciated that Julia felt like a teenage girl overwhelmed by everything going on. It was nice to see how the secrets came to light and the aftermath of that. I do think everyone’s reactions were well done in that no one just outright accepted the chaos of it all. Well, maybe Jack did, but that was also fitting for his character. The wedding dress moments with Joanna were sweetly done and added a good layer of emotion to the whole thing. It will be interesting to see how Andersen approaches the story going forward with so many new parties aware of the magic of the shop. Speaking of the shop - I loved how not excited and unwelcoming Julia’s first batch of characters were. It was a fun switch-up from everyone we’ve met so far.
Thank you to the publisher for providing this ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Rebecca Rosser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Net Galley and Emily Andersen for this arc.

Wow, I absolutely loved this one, my favourite for sure. Emily's writing really pulls me in, and I can't stop reading.

This third installment continues in the magical bookshop with Aurelia and looks at her relationships with her family and fiancé, Oliver and how she manages their feelings and her own in their discovery of the magic of the shop. I felt this was so heartwarming, the relationship, especially that build with Aurelia and her niece Julia, was just so lovely to read. Even though there were some brief moments where it didn't quite go to plan for Aurelia, Emily does not dwell on the negatives, and we are swept back up into this cosy magical feel good story which just feels so right.

This will definitely be a go-to series for me when I need something cosy but happy -feel good story. I absolutely love the characters and enjoyed that we explored more of Aurelia's life than just the bookshop characters in this one.

[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.

[Hijabi_booklover · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ 4/5

A New Chapter at Midnight was a heartfelt and satisfying addition to the Midnights on the Square series. I really enjoyed returning to the familiar setting and spending more time with these characters, who continue to grow in meaningful ways. The story blends warmth, romance, and a touch of magic, making it an easy book to get lost in.

While I was invested in the characters and appreciated the themes of hope, fresh starts, and finding where you belong, the pacing felt uneven at times, and a few moments wrapped up a little too neatly for my taste. Even so, the emotional connections and cozy atmosphere kept me turning the pages.

Overall, this was an enjoyable read and a strong installment in the series. Fans of cozy fantasy and uplifting stories will likely find plenty to love here.

[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.

[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

[Chloe · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this- I felt like it was a little slow to start but quickly picked up. I feel like the author wrote teenagers well. This entire premise feels like a dream come true for anyone who considers themselves bookish. It was a lovely depiction of relationships in general- familial, romantic, platonic. Some dialogue seemed a little unnatural but scenic descriptions were fantastic- I pictured everything.
The end with Recommended Reads section was super cute- I loved the tie in to all the books and characters mentioned throughout.

[Paula · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just when Aurelia, the owner of a London bookshop, thinks she has everything in hand concerning the nocturnal activities in the bookshop, her 14-year-old niece, Julia arrives for summer holiday. Often adults can be fooled but teenagers are way more difficult. A New Chapter at Midnight by Emily W. Andersen takes original up a notch but still has the charm, the lovely characters, both present and book classic interacting with wisdom and magic. Read from the beginning or jump in with Julia’s arrival today.

[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