The Midnight Bookshop by Amanda James

Fay owns a bookshop , but not any bookshop for the books within draw you in and chose you to read them.
I liked the concept of that because we all get different things out of the books we read.
We are introduced to Kye who feels out upon by his ill mother and a little bullied by his brother .
Jo seems to have it all a great life,and,a family who gives her everything she needs and lastly, unhappily married Adelaide who's husband is very I kind to her .
All 3 are drawn into the library and we find out about their individual stories and what the bookshop and the books can do to change their situations.

You don’t choose the book. The book chooses you.

In The Midnight Bookshop by Amanda James, my latest review book from Net Galley, three strangers that are dealing with problems in their lives find a magical bookshop that will change their lives forever.

After finishing the intense amazing book that was Angel Down, I knew I needed something a bit lighter for sure. As it happened, my next book was The Midnight Bookshop. While the book does deal with some serious issues, overall, it is a very cozy, magical book.

I don’t want to give too much of the book away but I do want to say that the book deals with how books affect us. Every book will read differently for different people. The imagination can create the world of the book in our head and provide an escape but also, perhaps, let us see something in our own life that we weren’t seeing. Books can change us if we let them.

I’ve loved reading since I was really young. I picked up reading and writing quickly and they have always been my favorite things. I couldn’t tell you how many books I’ve read over the years. I don’t even know what my first book was. Some books I’ve forgotten and others will never leave mind. I think The Midnight Bookshop will be a book thats stays in my memory. It was really wonderful.

The three characters in the book are complex, interesting, flawed humans. The book itself lets us see their lives and the magic of the shop. The book is descriptive but not overly so and the dialogue feels nice and cozy. The Midnight Bookshop is a book that long time readers will love. It gets to the core of why many of us read. It was a nice break in between all of these super serious and sometimes scary books I’ve been reading. The Midnight Bookshop is a nice, cozy fantasy about three people in need of hopes and dreams.

I know I could use a little bit of hope and dreams right now. I wish I had a physical copy of this book, so that I could write a thank you note to it and put it inside. Maybe I’ll write the note anyway. If you want to know what I’m going on about, well, please check out The Midnight Bookshop. Its waiting for you.

The Midnight Bookshop releases on May 16th, 2025. Thank you to the publisher and Net Galley for providing an early digital copy of this book.

Not my usual read but so happy the cover jumped out at me
The cover is so stunning
This was such a beautiful read i literally felt all the emotions
A lovely easy read I really enjoyed
A magical world such a intriguing story
Will definitely be recommending loved it

Give me a book about books, bookshops, and book lovers; you know I'm there. Add in the fact that there may be a magical bookshop, and I'm a goner!
Amanda James' books have delighted me over the last few years, and The Midnight Bookshop's blurb hooked me immediately!
It's not a straightforward story. Three main characters, each with their troubles, and a bookshop they had never seen before, bring them together.
Adelaide is a married woman stuck in a painful marriage with a narcissistic husband who spares no opportunity to put her down.
Jo is lucky on the face of it. She has everything. A magnificent house, parents who are more than well off and leave her to want for nothing, no inclination to work... but she feels no connection to her mother, and her mother constantly belittles her.
Kye is a young man stuck in a life he hates because of circumstances. An unwell mother, and an overbearing brother who has overridden all of his dreams, and he is in trouble of getting sucked up into worse scenarios.
In a somewhat fantastical way, the bookshop helps each character to explore the power of books, and the owner, Fay, helps each of her new readers to interpret the messages the books they choose wish to convey.
There is fantasy, romance, family expectation, and much more within!
Once I was into the story, I didn't want to climb out! I want to visit that bookshop, too, and let a book choose me, so I can 'edit' my life, too!
Thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins, One More Chapter for an ARC.

This story starts with three characters who seek the Midnight Bookshop in an effort to escape their own troubled lives.

Sadly, I DNF’d this book 20% in. The premise of the story holds promise, and I think the characters had the potential to be complex with deep backstories. You’ve heard of “show don’t tell” writing, but this book seems to be written under “tell don’t show”. The characters felt mundane and shallow where they could’ve been complex. The descriptions of them and their problems felt borderline cliched, or like a forced role each one was supposed to be filling. I was struggling to read each page because it felt more like a series of statements, rather than someone telling a story. The concept of the midnight bookshop really interests me, so I am a bit disappointed.

This seems like a good plot with potentially great characters, unfortunately the execution just wasn’t there for me.

Thank you NetGalley & HarperCollins for this eARC!

So fun and incredibly whimsical, this was a great book! Finding the midnight bookshop will change their lives forever, but they can only imagine the ways.

The Midnight Bookshop is a delightful hallmark-esque story about the power of a book to inspire change and growth in the lives of its readers.

Jo, Adelaide, and Kye are three strangers who have almost nothing in common except for a vague (and in some cases under indulged) love of reading and tragic circumstances of their life leaving them feeling trapped. Their paths cross one fateful day when each of them happen on a flyer inviting them to the Midnight Bookshop. This book follows each of their stories as they grow into their autonomy and take control of their lives in a beautiful expression of “reading is my therapy.”

I would like to thank One More Chapter and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Grateful to #NetGalley and One More Chapter for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Fay Revil's magical Midnight Bookshop has a way of finding people who need it. Unlikely friends Jo, Adelaide, and Kye are stuck and unhappy with their lives, until they find what they need in the bookshop.

This is a love letter to books and a very sweet story of found family. It reads YA to me in terms of how the characters interact, but that also adds to the whimsy of the story.

I had to DNF this book at 25% sadly.

The writing style just felt a bit clunky for me and lacked that oomph and flare that made it really stand out to draw in my attention. I believe this is written in present tense? Which also really threw me off when reading, so that may be playing a part in why the writing felt a little clunky at times for me, as I'm really not used to that!

There was also no real distinction between the different characters which made it hard to connect with any of them on a deeper level. If it weren't for the names at the start of the chapters I honestly wouldn't have noticed that the POV had switched. Outside of them name dropping their respective family members/problems, there wasn't much to make each voice and personality really stand out and feel unique from one another.

The characters and their individual situations felt pretty shallow at this point as well. It all felt quite surface level and didn't really add much to their thoughts or feelings and why they act the way they are and I found it hard to really pay attention when their personal lives would come up.

I don't think this is a bad book by any means though, I think its just not for me.

A charming and mysterious escape into literary magic

The Midnight Bookshop is a delightful blend of cozy mystery and magical realism that had me hooked from the very first chapter. Amanda James crafts a warm, atmospheric tale that feels like a comforting cup of tea on a rainy evening—complete with just the right amount of intrigue to keep you turning the pages.

The setting is easily one of the book’s biggest strengths. The quaint, slightly otherworldly bookshop at the heart of the story feels like a character in its own right, and James’s writing paints it vividly. You can almost smell the old paper and hear the creak of the floorboards. The element of mystery is well-balanced, unfolding gradually with enough twists to stay engaging without becoming convoluted.

The protagonist is endearing, and her personal growth throughout the story adds emotional depth. The supporting characters are quirky and memorable, though a few could have used a bit more fleshing out. Some pacing hiccups and predictability in the final act keep it from a perfect five stars, but those are minor quibbles in an otherwise enchanting read.

If you love books about books, with a sprinkle of the supernatural and a strong sense of place, The Midnight Bookshop is well worth a visit.

The Midnight Bookshop is available May 16, 2025!

Thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK for the ARC!

I adored this book! Such a unique fantasy theory. In the midnight bookshop, we meet three characters that all come together after finding a flyer for the bookstore. Adalade, Jo, and Kye, are all unhappy with theor life for different reasons. Through this beautiful bookstore a freindship is formed. All three have their own struggles and unhappyiness, but find light in their bond and the magically bookstore.
The characters are real, and we'll constructed. And the book is wonderfully written. Also has a beautiful cover ❤️

The Midnight Bookshop by Amanda James is not to be confused with The Midnight Library by Matt Haig—though the title may lead some readers to expect a similar story. Instead, this novel offers a gentle, uncomplicated tale about the quiet power of books and how they might just change a life.
This is the kind of story you’d reach for on a rainy afternoon or to enjoy while lounging at the beach. It's not complex, nor does it try to be. The plot moves along easily, though it felt to me like it reached its natural conclusion a bit early—only to continue afterward in a way that didn’t quite land as powerfully.

I struggled to fully connect with the characters. Their personal situations, especially those involving abuse or criminal behavior, didn’t always feel authentic or believable. For instance, the portrayal of an abused woman didn’t align with what I’ve witnessed or experienced, and the character involved in drug dealing seemed overly simplified. The third character didn’t resonate with me at all—I found her hard to connect with or even like.

Interestingly, I learned that the story was written based on a title chosen by the editor, which may explain why the book feels a bit concept-first rather than character-driven. I suspect the title was selected in part to ride the wave of popularity following Haig’s novel—though I could be wrong. Regardless, the title did catch my attention, and I’m sure it will do the same for others.

If you’re looking for a light, easy read with a gentle message about the influence of books, The Midnight Bookshop might be worth your time. Just don’t go in expecting emotional depth or realism—this one’s more about comfort than complexity.

This is an intriguing story of mystery and magic and one that you have to be open minded about. As always with this author there is always a hint of something different interwoven amongst a story covering difficult issues In this case the midnight bookshop told the story of three people who are each facing their own difficult situations in life and how through the power of books and friendship they can help each other when they are brought together by the midnight bookshop.

I loved the literary quotes and references within the story and also the concept that within this bookshop the books choose the reader rather than the other way around and how books can be used to help heal and deal with life’s problems.

This was an emotional and heartfelt read and had me invested from the start.

Amanda James always seems to write intriguing, sensitive books with that touch of magic and the Midnight Bookshop is no exception. Jo, Adelaide and Kye are the main characters who all appear to be unhappy with their lives in some way or other. After finding leaflets advertising it they agree to meet up at the Midnight Bookshop. After meeting the shop's enigmatic proprietor Fay and borrowing their first book, the friends fall under it's spell. Will it's magic help them find that missing something they didn't know they needed but now so desperately seek? Although the problems the friends are struggling with are common ones they can be difficult, at times insurmountable ones to get free from. I think this allows the reader to identify easily with one or all of the main characters at some time during the book. The plot takes the friends through lots of heart searching and adventures aided by the bookshop, Fay and a little magic.
A thoroughly uplifting enjoyable read that will certainly leave you feeling better with the world.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advance copy. All opinions are my own.

A quietly magical, contemplative read about the stories that shape us—even if the bookshop’s own spell didn’t fully take hold.

The Midnight Bookshop draws readers into a whimsical and reflective space where books have the power to rewrite lives. Strangers Jo, Adelaide, and Kye—each at a personal crossroads—find themselves drawn to a mysterious shop run by the enigmatic Fay. There, a specially chosen book nudges them toward healing, self-discovery, and new ways of seeing their past, present, and future.

What I appreciated most were the emotional truths embedded in the characters' journeys. Themes of connection, grief, purpose, and the quiet ache of regret are woven throughout, and certain lines—particularly about how we change with each rereading—genuinely resonated. The novel encourages introspection, and its message about the transformative power of stories is heartfelt and moving.

That said, I did struggle a bit with the pacing and tone. The prose felt dense in places, and I found it hard to pin down whether the story wanted to be heartwarming or quietly tragic. The overall concept and structure—while charming—felt familiar, echoing titles like The Midnight Library and Before the Coffee Gets Cold without offering something distinctly new to the genre. Readers who enjoy this kind of reflective magical realism may still find it a perfect fit, but those familiar with similar stories might find some elements a touch predictable.

I was also left wanting more explanation about the magical mechanics behind the shop itself. Fay’s vague responses—like “you don’t need to know that”—felt like missed opportunities for deeper world-building, and certain plot moments—like a character’s sudden disappearance—felt underdeveloped and lacking resolution.

Still, there’s a quiet wisdom to this book, and a sincere love for the way stories shape lives. The Midnight Bookshop may not have surprised me, but it left me reflective—and sometimes, that’s enough.

Recommended for fans of Before the Coffee Gets Cold and The Midnight Library.

Kye, Jo and Adelaide all have problems in their personal lives. On finding the Magical Midnight bookshop, and its owner, Faye, they discover the joy of reading and, through individual books, they find a way to ease their problems. Wonderful reading to show the magic of books.

'The Midnight Bookshop' is a fantasy, cozy book about books!

The story is a perfect match for fans of The Reading List and Before the Coffee Gets Cold, as it contains themes like healing and 'editing' your life through reading books, all taking place in a magical bookshop with a whimsical bookkeeper.

In addition, the three stories were interesting and covered a lot of difficult subjects; however, I did find the solving of them kind of quick and too convenient. Also, I would have loved for the characters to have read more than four books.

But, overall, the characters were interesting and the story magical.

This is quite an intriguing and magical story of fantasy and realism. The Midnight Bookshop, not easily visible by day and bathed in moonlight at night, appears to those who need it. And when its chosen readers, in this case Jo, Kye and Adelaide, seek this portal into the imagination, amazing things begin to happen as they re-imagine their lives for the better.

This fascinating bookshop is engineered by a timeless lady named Fay. She is full of mystery and magic and only good comes from her hand. She helps three wounded and desperately lost souls, get back on track through the wonderful world of books. She adds a dash of magic, care and happiness to sweeten their lives. Jo, Kye and Adelaide are three strangers who come together from very different backgrounds, yet in time evolve into close friends. They support each other through many trials and transitions. The positive energy they create together is exciting and the revelations they receive from Fay and each other are essential. Morsels of wisdom are released in the dialogue and we see the effects. Theirs is not a selfish journey as they attempt to improve each others lives.

This book is about finding courage, personal growth, kicking bad habits, understanding responsibilities and achieving viable dreams. It is also about learning how to break free from psychological and physical control and bullies. Sometimes no matter what we try in repairing a relationship will actually work. Yet it is vital to remember that the one who extends the olive branch is not responsible for the outcome. Learning to let go and releasing oneself from the guilt, is necessary, if efforts do not yield the desired result. The fact is, nobody can change another person.

The guidance offered by Fay gives the three seekers a fresh start. Allowing them to put a new spin on their lives. Fay helps them realise how the real world must be balanced with the power of the imagination. For in reading good books, knowledge is gained and boundaries are extended. Fear is attacked when knowledge is imparted. Jo, Kye and Adelaide learn how to deal with their problems—in visiting the pages of a book. In many ways, the meetings in the Midnight Bookshop are addictive once they open the doors of hope and dreams become reality. But will this magical realm remain when lessons have been learned and new paths are started? These readers learn that the Midnight Bookshop is like a lighthouse that leads endangered souls to safety; then gives them fresh starts and new tools to continue succeeding. The Bookshop becomes their saviour for it saves each of them and releases hope into their lives. For here in this mystical place where you don’t choose the books and the books choose you, tailored guidance is offered for those who need it.

This, in many ways, is a complex novel about relationships and Amanda James successfully weaves magic with realism to create a potent tale in an unforgettable way. The Midnight Bookshop clearly has an imaginative and inspiring plot. Plus the author is resourceful in how she draws upon the classics of literature to help the three troubled, lost and defeated souls to overcome their trials. I loved the community spirit these three developed, along with the closeness, honesty and love they shared as a result. And the resounding eternal theme of the power and magic of books is refreshing! There are so many book truths in this story such as how we each can get something different from reading the same book because: ‘What you bring to a book, meaning your particular experience of life, well, it can change everything. Two people reading the same book will have different perceptions…” Even the same person reading the same book at different times in their lives, can develop a different view. As over time we change and learn new things and take those experiences with us into the reading experience. As Fay says: ‘You’re not the same person when you first read it.’ This is a truth I have shared many times with readers of my poetry but it applies to all literature. There is so much in this novel that resonated with me!

I encourage lovers of books to read this novel! Beware, though, it will unsettle your mind with its twists, turns and imaginative plot and stir up lots of emotion and ideas. But healing, happiness and harmony will be the end result. And what better experience can you ask of a book! I highly recommend this beautiful uplifting story that will stay with you a long time. 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thanks to One More Chapter and Netgalley for the ARC>

The Midnight Bookshop, a novel by Amanda James, connects the lives of three strangers—Jo, Adelaide, and Kye—through their shared love of books.

Jo, the main character, navigates loss and self-doubt but ultimately demonstrates strength and resilience. Adelaide brings wisdom and warmth to the group, while Kye's struggles offer redemption and hope.

These characters are relatable and inspiring, and their interactions are as touching as they are uplifting. The book underscores the importance of community and self-reflection, especially in a time when many people feel isolated or overwhelmed.

Books can be about ideas, stories, and beauty, offering the chance for personal growth and inspiration if readers are willing to open themselves up to the experience. The Midnight Bookshop is a magical place where anything can happen and characters confront their truths without judgment.

James's writing is both beautiful and accessible, making the story engaging and easy to follow. However, some readers might find parts of the story predictable or wish for more complex plot twists. The magical bookshop setting feels alive and draws readers into its world, but some secondary characters could have been more developed.

The Midnight Bookshop is an emotional read that invites readers to reflect on the power of literature to shape our understanding of ourselves and others.

It’s a timeless story that emphasizes the healing and transformative power of books.

The Midnight Bookshop by Amanda James weaves the stories of three unlikely friends who find a mysterious bookshop and an intriguing bookkeeper with the best advice, Fay Revil. Jo is a twenty one year old who lives with her rich parents and doesn’t work or go to school. She is quite spoiled and treats her parents with disdain. Adelaide is married to an abusive alcoholic and dreams of doing something else with her life. Kye deals drugs for his brother to help pay bills and take care of his mother. He longs to be a writer, but struggles to find the time or money to do it. The books chose the reader and the characters bond over hot chocolate and deep conversations with Fay during the magical hour of midnight.

I recommend this book for fantasy readers. It’s a magical bookshop with characters who become immersed in the books they are reading. Each book gives the person the courage to face their problems and make changes to follow their dreams. The Great Gatsby, Oliver Twist, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest are the books that chose the characters. A word of warning if you haven’t read these books, there are major spoilers that are part of the stories each of the characters experience.

Thank you Harper Collins Uk/ One More Chapter and Netgalley for the advanced reader copy. All opinions are my own.