There are surprises at: The Midnight Book Club by E.W. Anderson

#midnightbookclub #NetGalley

When I read the description of this title, I was eager to pick it up. I loved that it was centered on a book store (that only sold books from before 1900) and that literary ghosts were said to appear nightly.

This is the story of Aurelia who inherited a small shop from a relative. As the story opens, she has faced loss and is adrift. The reader hopes that the magic of this bookstore will lead Aurelia to a sense of peace and happiness.

While I liked this book, I did not love it. For me, it was a bit slow to get going. For instance, I watched as Aurelia observed the ghosts and felt like I was kept waiting for her to be in contact with them.

This is a nice story with a slow moving romance that those who can suspend disbelief may want to read. I just wish that I had liked it a tiny bit more.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the author for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 03 November 2025

Editorial Reviews

Review

“…[A] charming tale of a writer finding inspiration and a chance at true love via the characters in her favorite classic novels… [A]n appealing blend of fantasy and romance… A delightful love letter to great literature.” —Kirkus Reviews

“In a love letter to readers and dreamers, debut author Andersen crafts a richly layered world in which beloved characters come to life … From the warmth of Marmee from Little Women to the wisdom of Sergeant Cuff from The Moonstone, each character she meets in her literary explorations enriches Aurelia’s world … Readers will find themselves eagerly turning the page, breathless for more in this new series.” —BookLife