“The Lost Bookshop meets The Lost Apothecary in a beguiling novel full of secrets…In the shadowy aisles of The Lamplighter’s Bookshop, secrets lie as thick as the dust …”
Goodreads blurb for The Lamplighter’s Bookshop
Title: The Lamplighter’s Bookshop
Author: Sophie Austin
Genres: Historical Fiction, Romance
Pages: 368 (Paperback)
Publish Date: June 10th, 2025 (U.S. Print)
My Rating: ★★★¾
Read: 5/19/2025 – 5/21/2025
Review:
It’s not often that I read books set at the turn of the 20th Century. I forget what a cozy era this can be in books. Add a bookshop and you’ve got the makings of a perfect rainy day read.
Although the book is advertised as romance, it’s more of a drama as Evelyn and her mother move to York thanks to Evelyn’s father’s gambling issues and debts. Coming to the realization that they cannot count on her father’s (and Great-Aunt Clara’s) support, Evelyn applies for work at a local bookshop. There she meets William, and the two form a complicated relationship.
The romance felt like more of a side note for me, especially given how tense and awkward a lot of William and Evelyn’s interactions were. There was a lot more surrounding Evelyn’s family, particularly the situation with Evelyn’s father and the lasting effect his actions had on the family. That wasn’t a problem for me as I tend to favor the drama over the romance, but for readers looking for a historical romance, just a heads up that it doesn’t flourish off the pages.
A huge thanks to Harper360 for sending me a free ARC of the book!
Likes & Dislikes:
What I liked:
- Cozy time and setting.
- The elements of family drama.
What I didn’t like:
- The romance felt forced and was more conflict than resolution.
- The characters could have been more fleshed out.
Afterthoughts:
It was nice to be reminded that I enjoy reading this era.
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