Next, Mortimer starred in the drama "The Sense of an Ending" (2017), based on the novel of the same title by Julian Barnes. Playing the mother Sarah Ford, Mortimer garnered praise for her lively performance, while one critic thought she was miscast. In that same year, she portrayed the pregnant Jinny in "The Party"; the film premiered at the 67th Berlin International Film Festival, and was favourably received. Mortimer co-starred with Patricia Clarkson and Bill Nighy in the drama "The Bookshop." Adapted from the 1978 novel of the same title by Penelope Fitzgerald, Mortimer played Florence Green, who opens a bookshop despite local opposition. Writing for "Chicago Reader", Andrea Gronvall noted, "The ever-winsome Emily Mortimer glows as a struggling widow", and "Variety" magazine opined that it was "A fine, sensitive leading turn" for the actor. "The Bookshop" grossed $12 million worldwide.