Evelyn Seaton’s life as she knows it is over. Her father, a baron, has lost her family’s fortune and run off to London; Evelyn and her mother are forced to give up their large house and staff and turn to the only family they have left. This leads them to York and Aunt Clara, who is used to living alone and doesn’t particularly want company. But in 1899, options for women were limited; you were either supposed to get married…or go to work, something Evelyn’s status-obsessed mother couldn’t bear to admit. Evelyn doesn’t agree though—so when she spots an advertisement for an assistant at a local bookshop, she sees it as her ticket to freedom. 

Morton’s Emporium—known locally by its previous name, The Lamplighter’s Bookshop—is old and dusty, run by a kind gentleman named Mr Morton. He’s not particularly concerned with bringing in new customers and thus isn’t impressed by Evelyn’s ideas of increasing sales, at least at first. But when his nephew returns from London to reclaim his job at the shop, Mr Morton offers them a deal: He only needs one assistant, so whoever can sell the most books by Christmas can stay.

Mr Morton’s nephew in question is William, an aspiring author who’s handsome and charming but often prickly when it comes to Evelyn. He has a fervent need to prove his place in the world, which often means spinning stories of his own to keep up appearances. So it stands to reason that Evelyn, a determined young woman who’s always honest, would ruffle some feathers. The question is, are the sparks flying between them merely competitive anger or perhaps something more?

The Lamplighter’s Bookshop is an enchanting tale of desire: for romance, for a better life, for finding one’s place in the world. The descriptions are vivid and inviting, whisking you away to 19th-century England—an exciting time for a nation on the cusp of change—and you can feel the fresh breeze of possibility blowing through the narrative. The novel deftly uses the era’s societal structures to create tension and a catalyst for the characters’ emotional journeys. Their motivations feel real and grounded, even when they make the wrong decisions. When torn between what is expected and what they want most, the internal conflicts are as delicious as they are devastating.

Pages and chapters fly by as you settle into the streets of York alongside Evelyn; it’s impressive how she tackles her struggles head-on instead of waiting for someone to save her. You’ll even grow to be proud of her as she navigates the often treacherous path between her old life and her new reality. And watching Evelyn fall in love with her newfound independence is almost as thrilling as watching her fall for William. 

Evelyn and Will’s romance is sweet and warm with a little kick to it; their entertaining back-and-forth banter contrasts well with their wonderfully kind friends Naomi and Jack, who are simply head over heels for one another. It’s set in the Victorian era so the romance is rather innocent but it matches the tone of the novel (plus, there are still a few swoon-worthy moments). Both Will and Evelyn hold themselves back at times, afraid of what others might say, but their character arcs are multi-faceted so they don’t just grow in matters of the heart. Through the other older adults in their lives, they learn the price of love and how not choosing is still a choice in itself. The emotional depth is touching and hits when you least expect it. 

The writing is sharp and fluid, keeping the pacing smooth, while the dialogue suits the timeframe. One aspect I wish was explored more is the magic of the bookshop; it’s hinted that this place has a mind of its own but then it’s never fully realized. However, that is a small wish as the magic of the story really lies in the characters’ emotional transformations, while the bookshop provides a cozy backdrop that intertwines their lives. 

The Lamplighter’s Bookshop is a lovely historical romance that will capture both your heart and your imagination; whether you’ve walked the streets of York or you’re merely visiting through the page, its old-timey charm will call your name.