The Lamplighter's Bookshop by Sophie Austin

Book Review Mar 02, 2025

My review

4/5 stars

Evelyn suffers some hardship and ends up searching for a job in a rundown bookstore. She finds herself in direct competition with the owner's nephew, who is also struggling against a challenging backdrop. Their competition drives them apart, but their secrets end up bringing them together in unexpected ways.

I had no idea what to expect from this book when I started, but by the end I was glad I'd picked it up; I was pleasantly surprised in so many ways.

Evelyn was not who I thought she was going to be from the book blurb, that became evident very early on, but it's because of that fact that I found myself invested in her character development from start to finish. I rooted for her throughout and enjoyed watching her find her strength.

I felt a similar pull to William, but in the sense that I found him intriguing rather than relatable. I found it took longer to warm to him, but once I was there I found him endearing. Their chemistry bought levity to some more serious plot points and was believable from the off.

I found the story very easy to read and remain engaged with, with charming characters, tension at the right level and pacing, and wonderful friendships. I'd not heard of the author before, but I'd be happy to read more of her works.

Book blurb

In the shadowy aisles of the Lamplighter's Bookshop, secrets lie as thick as the dust…

When Evelyn Seaton answers an advertisement for an assistant at a forgotten bookshop in York, she is not the only one with something to hide.

There she meets the enigmatic and prickly William Morton, an aspiring writer keeping secrets of his own. But when the walls that Evelyn has built around herself start to crumble, there is only one person she can turn to.

As the layers are brushed away, can Evelyn and William find the courage to write the next chapter of their story?