Review of 'The Midnight Bookshop' by Amanda James

Review of 'The Midnight Bookshop' by Amanda James

Release date: May 16th, 2025

Publisher: One More Chapter

REVIEW

 

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.