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The Lamplighter’s Bookshop

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The Lamplighter’s Bookshop

By: Sophie Austin
Narrated by: Catrin Walker-Booth
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About this listen

 The Netgalley Historical Fiction Book of the Year 2025!! Every book tells a story. Every heart hides a secret.

'What's not to love?! Nineteenth century York, bookshops and brilliant characters!' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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…

'Spellbinding and romantic’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'A beautifully told historical novel’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

___________________________________

*READERS LOVE THE LAMPLIGHTER'S BOOKSHOP*

'So beautifully written … I was completely lost in the pages' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'I loved this book … [it] transports you to that time and place' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'Will captivate fans of historical fiction and romantic tales' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'I adored the romance of this tale … an absolute delight' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'A beautifully written, heartwarming novel' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'Loved the characters and their story … a wonderful plot!' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'An excellent read’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

©2025 Sophie Austin (P)2025 HarperCollins Publishers Fantasy Friendship Genre Fiction Historical Historical Fiction Small Town & Rural Victorian Heartfelt

Critic reviews

‘We got completely lost in this beautifully written book’ Bella

‘[An] engaging romantic novel’ Choice

‘A charming enemies-to-lovers romance’ That’s Life

'An impressive debut, full of intrigue and heart' Hazel Gaynor

‘Best New Reads’ My Weekly

‘Beautifully atmospheric, romantic, and magical. Perfect reading for all book lovers. I adored it.’ Alex Brown
All stars
Most relevant
I loved this story. Unlike the heavier historical novels of writers such as Maggie O'Farrell, this Victorian tale is lighter but no less absorbing.

Its basic plotline is the traditional will they /won't they sort of romance where two people meet, are at odds, then things change... however it is also intricately woven into a story of many events involving characters the reader genuinely cares about. I listened on audio whilst walking and always felt sad when I arrived home and had to stop. The narrator's voice is perfect for a young Victorarian lady's tale.

There's much to take from the book. One character makes a memorable speech about 'not living your life in fear' - the sort of wisdom that does stay with you, along with the ideas of letting someone you care about see the whole of you, not just the good bits, and giving people second chances.

The book also highlights the stifling restrictions of the British class system and it's hypocrises too.

Definitely a good read!

Absorbing story beautifully read

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it is a period piece, easy to imagine the scenarios, Narration was good. Enjoyable

Good narration

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