This historical fiction romance is a wonderful read full of drama, chemistry and a bookshop!
I adored seeing the characters of Evelyn and William develop and there are some other really amazing characters in Aunt Clara, Mr Morton, Jack and Naomi, all of whom deserve their own books! It was especially a delight to read about York in the Victorian era, and the writing just made me feel enveloped in that place in time. Wonderful, fun and emotional this is a fantastic read

This historical romance was quite sweet and I’ll always admit to enjoying something set somewhere I know, but the characters and plot didn’t stand up to too much scrutiny.

I tend to prefer my historical fiction a little grittier and this was a little too Bridgerton-style historical light for my personal tastes. If that’s your preference then you’ll probably love this book as there are lots of meet-cute moments for the various couples and lots of rogue locks of hair and hearts aflutter.

With thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for an arc of this novel in exchange for my honest review.

This was just an okay read for me as it wasn’t quite what I was expecting and I did struggle to finish it. I think the problem was I was expecting something more magical and more about a bookshop but that element didn’t materialise and really it felt like a straightforward romance which isn’t my thing. The writing was okay but overall sadly this just wasn’t a read that blew me away and just not not for me although others may like it more as let’s face it we can’t all like the same things!
My thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins UK, Harper Fiction for giving me the opportunity to read the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

Whilst I enjoyed this, I really did think the bookshop was going to play more of a part in the story. However it's well-written and kept my attention.

This is Sophie Austin's debut novel, set in York at the turn of the 19th century. From the blurb, it wasn't however quite what I expected. The bookshop and its so-called secrets wasn't really central to the plot, which I expected to be more bookish. Instead, I found myself in a Victorian romance (one of my least favourite genres). Evelyn and William, as the central characters left me a bit cold, possibly because of their numerous relationships with others who didn't really contribute to the plot but hindered it. Aunt Clara however, with her solid, no nonsense, down-to-earth wit and advice saved the book for me.

The Lamplighter’s Bookshop was a really enjoyable read. Set in Victorian England, the story follows Evelyn Seaton, a young woman whose life is turned upside down when her father gambles away their fortune. Determined to take control of her life, Evelyn takes a job at a neglected bookshop, where she meets the mysterious and slightly infuriating William Morton.
One of the things I loved about this book was the character development. At first, Evelyn seemed like a bit of a spoiled rich girl, but as the story progressed, she grew into a strong, determined, and relatable character. Her passion for the bookshop and her rivalry with William made for some entertaining moments. The tension between them, both in terms of competition and their slow growing attraction, felt natural despite all the miscommunications along the way.
I found the writing style quite engaging and easy to follow. The author did a great job bringing the historical setting to life, with immersive descriptions of York and the old bookshop that made me feel like I was there. I also quite appreciated how well the constraints on young women at that time were portrayed. Evelyn’s frustration at being expected to behave a certain way made her struggle between duty and ambition feel more real.
However, I was expecting the bookshop to play a bigger role in the story. The title made me think it would have a more magical or mysterious presence, but the story was much more focused on romance and personal growth. Not that it is a bad thing, but I was hoping to know more about the bookshop’s secrets.
Overall, I gave this book 4 stars. It’s well-written, engaging, and has a good mix of romance, history, and personal growth. If you enjoy historical romance with strong female leads and some dose of romance, this is worth a read. I’ll be keeping an eye out for more books from Sophie Austin.
Thank you NetGalley and HarperCollins UK for the opportunity to read this ARC. All opinions are my onw.

I always love a book where the setting is a bookshop. Having grown up as the daughter of a bookshop owner, it feels like coming home. This book didn’t disappoint. Loved it.

A bookishly good read!

Thank you NetGalley and HarperCollins UK for access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was a sweet read based in Victorian Times, 1899. Evelyn Seaton finds herself and her Mother, Cecelia, out on the street, after her Father gambled away their fortune. They head to York to stay with Cecelia’s Aunt. Once there, Evelyn’s Mother was keen to keep her daughter in Society, but everything does not go to plan and Evelyn is mocked and taunted at a ball.

When fleeing the ball, she comes across an advert asking for help to work at The Lamplighter’s Bookshop. Evelyn decides to apply, as she wants to find a way to help her Aunt with living expenses. This was without her Mother’s knowledge, as she would not approve.

She also meets William, who believes the job is his. From then on, they embark on a competition of the sale of books, to win a position at the booksellers.

Evelyn and William start as enemies, but romance slowly develops, however has William been honest?

As a debut, this was an easy to read, historical romance. The characters were on the whole likeable, although I didn’t connect with William as a male lead. As a reader I found his lack of honesty, quite frustrating and not understandable.

I also found it confusing to include an element of magical realism early in the book, which never developed or came to a noticeable conclusion. I do feel that more could have been made of this and was a wasted opportunity.

All in all, I would recommend for a quick, easy read. 3 Stars.

The blur attracted me straight away with its plot but i have to admit it wasn't what I thought. I had a really hard time getting into it and was nearly a dnf for me but I powered through. This book might be for others but it wasn't for me.

If you are a Bridgerton fan, you will love this historical romantic novel.
If I am honest, when I started this book, I wasn't feeling it. It didn't catch my interest, and I kept putting it down. However, I am so glad I didn't give up on this charming book. It's definitely a book that reminds us about hope and being strong. That life gives us curve balls, but its how we deal with them and who we have around us that matter.
As the story evolves, you grow to love the main character, Evelyn. After the family home and all their things are taken and her dad fled to London, Evelyn and her mom have no choice but to move to Yorkshire to live with her great aunt. Once there, Evelyn takes things into her own hands and gets a secret job in bookshop after persuading the owner. It is here that the story really comes alive, and you won't want to put this book down!
I hope there is a sequel planned @SophieAustin!
Thank you, @NetGalley_UK and @HarperCollinsUk, for this advanced copy.

This romance novel is well written but not what I was expecting. The title and the cover led me to believe that the bookshop would be a main character rather than just one of the various places in which the story is set. Evelyn seemed far too modern for a late Victorian miss; she came across as way ahead of the suffragist movment which was only just getting started in any significant way. Too many 'bending the rules'. And too many occassions when the weak William and the strong Evelyin misunderstood each other. The book just didn't flow well enough for me and I was ready to ditch it at 75%. But I am sure readers who weren't expecting a tale about a bookshop will enjoy the book.

With thanks to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this novel.

I loved this story so much, it made me smile and feel happy and warm and I hope that Evelyn and William, and their friends and family of course, truly live the life they deserve

Set in York in the late 1800’s. A quaint story or a family falling from grace which caused them to reinvent their lives. In doing so it was quite a journey for all the characters.

Although the end was predictable it was a lovely, easy read. Not particularly historically accurate and perhaps it needed more descriptions of the era in which it was written.

A quirky novel set at the end of the 19th century in York. A mother and daughter fall from grace due to no fault of their own. They have to relocate, and find they have become the mockery of Society. The daughter, Evelyn, does not want to sit around moping and decides to secretly find herself a job in a neglected bookshop, most unsuitable for somebody of her social standing.
The story is centred around family and newfound friends, fierce loyalty, lies, and romance. Highly enjoyable, though I found the opening chapter a little tedious. Persevere and you will have an enjoyable and evocative read.

The book is set in 1899, York. I found it very enjoyable, It was however a little bit predictable in parts, though this didn’t distract from the pure enjoyment of the story. 4 ⭐️

Set in 1899 York. The story follows Evelyn Seaton, an aristocratic young woman who, after her family's fall from grace due to her father's gambling, seeks employment at the enigmatic Lamplighter's Bookshop. There, she encounters William Morton, an aspiring writer with his own hidden past. As they work together amidst the dusty shelves, both must confront their secrets and decide if they have the courage to shape their futures.

Full of love, hate, laughter, and getting to know each other.

DNF at 14%.

When I read historical fiction, I expect some language and period accuracy which I didn't find in this one. It reminded me of an attenpt to become a book like Bridgerton but mixing different styles. What I really like is the cover, it is stunning!

A sweet story which was enjoyable, despite it being somewhat predictable in places. I really liked the main character, Evelyn and the way she conducted herself.

This book was an absolute delight to read.

Transported back to the streets of York in 1899, Evelyn takes us on her journey from fallen lady (in society’s eyes) to respected bookshop owner.

The story is full of facades – the illusion of status, of wealth, of the bookshop and its name, as well as the lies we tell not just each other, but ourselves.

Evelyn is such a likeable character – a strong female protagonist determined to ignore the norms of society and forge her own path instead. This is part love story, part self-discovery, but wholly enjoyable.

I highly recommend The Lamplighter’s Bookshop by Sophie Austin.

I had high expectations for this book, I was hoping for a bookshop of magic happenings or revelations. Set at the end of the 1800’s I have no idea whether the actions of the heroine Evelyn Seaton were possible in that era or not. She seemed a very 2020’s character to me and I wasn’t sufficiently motivated to do any historical research.
I kept waiting for the story to start – what were the secrets hidden in the “shadowy aisles”? Too many characters and interactions that were not realistic.