The Lamplighter’s Bookshop

De: Sophie Austin

Narrado por: Catrin Walker-Booth

Every book tells a story. Every heart hides a secret.

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?

The Lost Bookshop meets The Lost Apothecary in a beguiling novel full of secrets…

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©2025 Sophie Austin (P)2025 HarperCollins Publishers

Sweet story of overcoming class differences in England

I liked how it explained the challenges of the elite pampered girls who wanted more from their lives than to sit inside and go to parties. I liked the young men who were afraid to ruffle feathers and challenge their own limitations.

The narrator was excellent and the emotional plot was clever

This is a romance that is very cleverly plotted and well written. It reads more like historical fiction than romance, mostly because it hits the intellectual aspects as opposed to eliciting an emotional response. Definitely worth reading for the Victorian fans.

A lovely story, set in the most beautiful city

This is a very sweet story. Yes, it’s a little predictable, yes, the ending is a little saccharin. But it’s a good, cozy escape for those wanting to have an oasis from the crazy world for a while. Also, a big bonus for me was that it’s set in York, which I believe is the most beautiful city. A nice read all around.

Perfect Cozy novel

"The Lamplighters Bookshop" is a compelling journey of self-discovery centered around several intriguing characters, with the story primarily following the evolution of its protagonist. As she steps into the world of the quaint bookstore, readers witness her transition from uncertainty to empowerment.

The narrative unfolds through the eyes of a woman seeking her place in a world that often feels overwhelming. From the very first page, we are drawn into her struggles and aspirations, making her journey both relatable and inspiring. The bookshop becomes a backdrop for her transformation, filled with whispers of wisdom and connections that help her uncover her own voice.

Along her path, she encounters a diverse cast of characters, each with their own stories and challenges. A wise elderly bookseller shares tales of resilience, a fellow bookshop employee battles personal demons, and a loyal customer becomes an unexpected mentor. Their interactions not only enrich the protagonist’s experience but also highlight the theme of community and support in personal growth.

As the plot unfolds, the protagonist learns to embrace her passions, confront her fears, and redefine her identity. The author beautifully captures the nuances of this journey, blending moments of humor with poignant reflections that resonate on a deeper level.

"The Lamplighters Bookshop" is more than just a story about books; it's a celebration of finding one's place and the courage to explore new paths. This heartwarming tale reminds us that every chapter of life can lead to unexpected discoveries. Curl up with this book and enjoy yourself! 💕

Pleasant

I enjoyed this book. A few love stories twisted around betrayal. A happy ending for most.

Engaging

This is a charming story that engaged my interest from start to finish. The characters were fun and the conflicts were very much true to life and accessible. The narrator did a great job.

Full of Selfish Cowards, Liars, and Hypocrits

i struggled through nine hours of this book, but cannot force myself to finish the last two. To Be Fair, part of the problem is that this simply isn't my kind of story, however, since the synopsis was intentionally written to make it seem like my kind of book, i'm not giving it a pass. Just like the characters in this book, if the blurb had been truthful things might have ended differently.

I assumed this would be a cute story about a young Lady and her mother overcoming their fallen status, finding work in a cute - perhaps magical - bookshop; and maybe falling for a broody commoner. i expected light-hearted with a little angst. What i got was full-on-teenager-levels-of-drama about relatively mundane problems, exacerbated by a cast of characters who can't see past their own noses to bother to show any understanding or compassion to those - presumably loved ones - around them. Maybe this is "realistic" but thats not what i wanted, or thought it bought. its just frustrating.

Fine, the heroine has theoretically built her lying house of cards on the idea of sparing her mother's feelings. but even that was pretty shaky. She never made an effort to try to help her mother see the reality of their situation, just let her wallow in her delusions; while carrying on an ever more elaborate lie to avoid having a hard conversation with a woman she presumably loves.

Regardless, unless you're interested in a book about non-stop misunderstandings, intentional deceptions, more misunderstanding, lots of classist stereotyping (going both ways) and a male lead that is about as dependable as a wet newspaper -- then you may enjoy this story more than i did.

the Narrator has a lovely voice, does decent with both male and female voices. she reads slow, but apparently people like that. Good Job.