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.

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.

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.