The Midnight Bookshop by Amanda James had a lot of potiential! The cover is beautiful and really draws in the eyes! I feel James has many wonderfully unique concepts and an intriguing storyline. However, the writing style is not for me. I found the pacing of the story slow at times and I felt as the reader we were being "told" instead of "shown" too often throughout the story.

I didn't connect or become invested in the main characters. I found Kye, Adelaide, and Jo an off-fit for each other. I feel that James did a good job with writing triple narration so that each character could tell their individual story.

Overall, The Midnight Bookshop is a light read especially for some of the real difficult struggles many of the characters faced. To me, the bookshop was the best part of the book. I enjoyed the magic and mystery surrounding the shop. I would have liked to explore more aspects of the bookshop and how it worked. I really like the idea of the book choosing its reader and how the books pertained to helping its reader figure out their own lives.

Thank you to One Chapter and Netgalley for giving me an opportunity to read an advanced copy. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

The Midnight Bookshop surprised me in the best possible way. I went into it expecting a light, easy read—the kind of book you can dip into with a coffee in hand—but what I got was so much more. It’s a story that quietly grows in depth and meaning, and before I knew it, I was completely immersed.

At the heart of it are three people—Jo, Adelaide, and Kye—each stuck in their own struggles, unsure of how to move forward. When a mysterious flyer draws them to a hidden bookshop that only appears under moonlight, their lives begin to shift. The shop is run by the enigmatic Fay, a woman who seems to know exactly what each visitor needs—even if they don’t know it themselves. It’s not a place you find by chance. It finds you when you need it most.

There’s a lovely blend of fantasy and realism in this story, and while the magical elements ask you to suspend disbelief, it’s absolutely worth it. The themes of friendship, healing, and rediscovery run deep, and I loved watching the characters grow—not just individually, but together. Their connection becomes a lifeline, and their shared experiences at the bookshop begin to rewrite their lives.

One of the things that really resonated with me was the idea that books choose their readers—and that reading the right story at the right time can truly change the way we see ourselves and our circumstances. As someone who’s always found comfort in stories, I related to that deeply. There are some beautifully reflective moments, especially about how we bring our own experiences into every book we read. A quote I loved was: “You’re not the same person when you read a book again”— and how true that is.

There were a few small things that didn’t quite work for me—the pacing dipped in a couple of places, and I found some parts a bit repetitive. Also, while I adored the bookshop itself, I was left wanting to know just a bit more about how it all worked.

Still, that didn’t take away from the magic of the story. Amanda James has created a comforting, heartfelt read with a message that lingers: that change is possible, even when we feel stuck, and sometimes, all it takes is the right book at the right time—and the right people by your side.

If you’re someone who loves books about books, with a touch of mystery, magic, and emotional growth, I’d absolutely recommend this one. It’s one of those reads that gently stirs something in you, and reminds you why stories matter so much.

The cover definitely caught my attention! And, of course, I was intrigued by the bookstore/booklover angle. However, there was a bit too much telling vs. showing, and that kept pulling me out of the story. I never really clicked with the writing style, which was a bit awkward at times. Some of the characters weren't as distinct as I'd expected. While this was a quick read, it is, sadly, not one that will stick with me.

A truly wonderful read with great characters who found the bookshop and following their journey was fascinating. The bookshop owner was a great and colourful character. I loved the idea that a book chooses you and not the other way round. I found the ending a little sad but understood why it just had to be. A real page turner which was compelling from beginning to the end.

Jo, Adelaine, and Kye and are an impasse of sorts in their lives, having a hard time figuring out where their futures are going. They see an advertisement for The Midnight Bookshop, and decide to head to this shop. There they meet Fay, its keeper, and each receives a book tailored to their respective journeys, incorporating things like growth and understanding purpose.

I enjoyed this book for its magical elements; it has a cozy vibe to it, and gets the message across. I would have personally liked more explanation behind the bookshop itself, but perhaps the mystery was the whole purpose. I did enjoy the character of Fay the most, and I loved how Jo, Adelaine, and Kye were twined together through the bookshop.

Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK/One More Chapter for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Adelaide, Jo, and Kye's lives collide as they meet in bookstore.

This emotional and heartwarming story tell their stories and Oh my how I loved it.

It is a mystery with a magical theme and how books change lives and minds for the better. These unlikely friends have their stories told in such a gorgeous and creative prose that the reader cannot help but love this book..

I have to admit—I fell for the cover first 😄 But the synopsis drew me in too. It reminded me of the fantasy books I read as a child, the kind that transported me to magical worlds I could build in my imagination. I guess I’ve missed that feeling, especially amidst all the “adulting” lately 😅

The story follows three characters, each going through their own struggles. They are brought together by a mysterious flyer and find themselves in a peculiar bookshop run by Fay, its enigmatic "owner." As the book cover says, “they don't choose the books; the books choose them.”

It was a warm and magical story with the healing power of books and friendship. I really enjoyed how the characters’ lives began to shift little by little. There’s something comforting in the idea that the right story can guide you to where you need to be and it reminded me how powerful stories can be. What more could a book lover ask for? 😊

That said, I did have a few small issues. The pacing felt a bit slow at times, and some parts were repetitive. Also, the book reveals the endings of the three books the characters read. Even though they’re well-known books, not everyone wants to be spoiled like that! 😅 Lastly, I wish we had learned a bit more about the magical bookshop itself. I was left with some unanswered questions.

Still, The Midnight Bookshop was a charming and cozy read. If you love reading books about books, with a touch of magic and friendship, you might enjoy this one too!

3.5/5

Amanda James just gets better and better. I thought her previous book, The Garden of Memories, was wonderful but this one is superb.
Great characters in Jo, Kye and Adelaide, all with stories that weave together well, and a truly wonderful bookshop with Fay in charge. I read past lights out to finish it as I had to know how it all ended. With thanks for the e-ARC to read and review.

<b><i> You don't choose the book. The book chooses you.</b><i>

As is often the case with a three-star rating, I'm split in my opinions. This is a novel that will work for some readers and not for others. There's the sense that it is following a trend as of late where characters read recommended novels and gain perspective however, in the case of <i>The Midnight Bookshop</i> we see this done with magical realism thrown into the mix. I don't want to spoil anything so no details.

There are three main characters Jo, Adelaide, and Kye who meet at a local food bank and feel drawn to a flyer for The Midnight Bookshop. All three experience an urge to visit its location. It is virtually impossible to find during daylight hours, making its appearance noticeable at midnight. Our three protagonists have serious problems, and they sure could use a hand. Faye works in the whimsical bookshop and provides a gentle guidance, uplifting words, and hot chocolate as needed. The beautiful cover did justice to the mysterious magical bookshop.

The tone of the novel is lighter than the struggles these characters carried. The mismatch of energy felt like a glaring lack of authenticity. I'm a reader who can just go with a lot, but this had me giving side eye a few times. The worldbuilding and the magical system are both woefully underdeveloped. There were exciting and adventurous moments within these pages don't get me wrong, but I needed more connection. I appreciated the found family vibes, the fibromyalgia rep, and healing growth.

If you're looking for a bit of escapism this will likely be a solid choice. However, if you find niggles worrisome you may want to pass.

I'm including a list of novels below which are explored to varying degrees in the narrative. Be forewarned if you consider that a spoiler. The list may be helpful to those who haven't read these and would like to at some point without any prior knowledge going in or if you're a superfan of one of these popular reads and want to check out how the author incorporated a favorite.

⚠️Book List to Follow⚠️
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As is often the case with this kind of book there is discussion surrounding other novels. So be aware that this discusses some classic novels including: <i>The Great Gatsby</i>, <i>Oliver Twist</i>, <i>One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest</i>, and <i> Lord of the Rings</i>.

Thank you to One More Chapter|HarperCollins UK for providing an Advance Reading Copy via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Oh my goodness! If you love books you will love this story! Three very different people who are experiencing a crossroads in their lives stumble upon a mysterious bookstore. They meet the very mysterious and beautiful owner (who should be played by Eva Green in the movie). They each have a book “choose” them and basically have very late night book club meetings.

An enjoyable fantasy read with plenty of magic within. Three people, each with seemingly desperate lives come together and discover a bookshop which is hidden from most people's eyes. Set in Truro, Cornwall, Jo, Adelaide and Kye come together and not only find solutions to their problems through books, under the guidance of Fay the bookshop owner, and form a strong friendship group. Feelgood and heartwarming with some hope in dark times.

It had a lot of promise… magical bookshop.. journeys through books. This book didn’t quite work for me, it felt under done in the narrative , superficial characters. Thank you to the author. Thank you to #netgalley and the publisher for an ARC.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins UK, One More Chapter for providing this book, with my honest review below.

The Midnight Bookshop is lovely, painting a picture of a bookshop any reader will fall in love with but its heart lives in the stories behind the three lost souls drawn to meet there at midnight.

Our three main characters are not in the best place in their lives and the bookshop seems to be the only light in their lives. Kye is a young man caught up in drug dealing trying to figure out where his life went wrong after his father died. Adelaide is long married to an abusive man and has repressed herself in order to protect herself. Jo is extremely intelligent and the only active reader leading to her run in with the bookshop but her relationship with her parents is stifling and the foil to her arrested development. The three are unlikely friends but the bookshop, and the owner of the bookshops ability to help them realize that their imaginations and the lessons they take from the books that find them there can save them, add magic to their lives and bond them.

This is a supreme comfort read and tugs at your heartstrings while weaving optimism and hope throughout. It really is a shame if we no longer have the independent bookshops and the libraries that help us find the books and those passionate about the stories together, because even if they don’t have magic they impart the same lessons we need.

Any story which focuses on books is one I will quickly seek to read. I found this a heartwarming story of self discovery, understanding, and seizing control over one’s life. All of this occurring around books just made the entire story even more wonderful.

Beautiful novel with engaging characters. I really enjoyed the magical and enchanting story about the power of books to help, perfect for book lovers!

Dreamy in a good way perfect for young adults in its style and theme. A magical experience that should be had by many while the subject of bookshops seems to be such a current trend.

Thank you to Netgalley and One More Chapter for sending me this magical book to read.
Jo, Adelaide and Kye were three strangers from different backgrounds, all very unhappy and feeling trapped, all wanting something better in life but not sure what. They did have one thing in common however, a love of reading and books.
Their paths crossed after they all received a leaflet about The Midnight Bookshop which was hidden away in an alley, you couldn't see it in the daytime. Jo had been along there one night on her own and 'broken in' and had convinced the other two, to return with her the next evening. She told them, you can only enter at midnight.
When they were all inside, they found that "certain books' found them, a reading therapy if you like.
This was a beautiful read as normal. This was probably Amanda James best book yet! A 5* read!

I was very excited to read this book as I loved her previous novel, The Midnight Bookshop didn't disapoint. It was one of those books that you can't put down but at the same time you don't want to finish it!
As readers we pick up a book & escape into it, this is what our three characters, who are strangers, do when they visit the bookshop.
They have different backgrounds & struggles from one another, & would not normally become friends, the bookshop bonds them magically together.
Each chosen book takes them on a very personal journey of discovery.
The author has written it using three POV's, which I feel works well, we get invested in the characters, eager to travel with them on their journey of discovery.
A beautifully written novel to curl up with, so looking forward to Amanda's next novel.

Thankyou to Netgalley for my ARC in exchange for an honest review

A heartwarming story of self-discovery and reclaiming control of your own life.

Three people, with very different lives, meet at the community foodbank and are drawn to each other, and the leaflet they have, advertising the midnight bookshop - if they can find it.

The bookshop and the books they delved into, in more than one way, was very sweet. I liked the concept that the book chooses the reader and the escapism and learning each character took from their book.

The characters themselves weren't entirely believable and I wasn't drawn to them.. Adelaide and Kye were likeable enough, Jo was highly irritating though and her mother was vile! There are similarities to other books I have read and enjoyed more, this didn't flow well in places and was repetitive. I feel that this will appeal to a young adult audience more than mature adults.

3 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, Amanda James and Harper Collins for an ARC in return for an honest review.

As a lover of books and the genre of magical realism, I thoroughly enjoyed entering the magical world of The Midnight Bookshop. Each character was developed with a loving touch by the author and the descriptions of the bookshop and the imaginative journeys are highly evocative and beautifully crafted.

The lives of three strangers converge as they find their way to a bookshop that they are unable to locate until they venture there at midnight. Adeleine, Kye and Joanna are all struggling with unhappiness and feeling helpless in their respective relationships. Upon meeting Fay, the owner of the shop, she advises them that books choose the reader, not the other way around. Fay, of indeterminate age (wink) and flamboyant wardrobe, appears to possess the mysterious ability to know far more about their lives than would seem logical. Her charming and supportive presence, coupled with the magical qualities of the shop, enables the trio to put their lives in perspective through their respective books and imagination. The transformation each achieves sets a new trajectory for self-fulfillment and empowerment.

This is my first exposure to this author, and I am deeply impressed by her sensitivity and compassion as each character’s circumstance was explored, resulting in a hope-filled, uplifting storyline. At a time when world events feel chaotic and defeating, this book sheds light on the resilience of the human spirit.

My deep appreciation to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for the privilege of reviewing this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This review is being posted immediately to my GoodReads account and will be posted on Amazon upon publication.