Beyond Midnight

by Antoinette Stockenberg

Salem. Will history repeat itself? In 1692, Salem, Massachusetts was the setting for the infamous persecution of innocents accused of witchcraft. Three centuries later, little has changed. Helen Evett, widowed mother of two and owner of a prestigious preschool in town, finds her family, her fortunes, and her life's work threatened -- all because she feels driven to protect the sweet three-year-old daughter of a man who knows everything about finance but not so much about fathering. Helen's feelings toward little Katie's handsome father are decidedly mixed, and it will take more than knocks in the night, perfumed air, and bone-chilling cold to convince her otherwise. Nathaniel Byrne is willing to consider Helen's advice and help. But he does it grudgingly, because the woman is by far the most determined, pushy force he's ever encountered. Recently widowed, tormented by the circumstances, and at sea about being a single parent, Nat is not inclined to hand over his daughter to just any preschool -- not when he has an accomplished, London-trained nanny who's more than willing to make those decisions for him. And the nanny herself? Peaches Bartholemew is as clever as she is beautiful, as efficient as she is soothing. Peaches can do anything. The trick, for Nat's dead wife, will be to keep her from doing it. Reviews "BEYOND MIDNIGHT has a terrific plot, a wicked villain, and a sexy hero. But the novel ventures beyond sheer entertainment, and it is easy to see why Stockenberg's work has won such acclaim. The theme and setting create a terrifying scenario, even without the supernatural a chilling correspondence between the events of Salem's witch-hunting hysteria and contemporary allegations of ritualistic abuse in preschools. A good read that makes you think. Comes awfully close to—dare I say it?—literature." —Katherine Hennessey Wikoff, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel "Entertaining and fun. BEYOND MIDNIGHT'S shining strengths are its insights into parenting and relationship issues, its brazen humor, its writing style, its to-die-for hero, its cunning villain, and its intriguing supernatural overtones." —Kristi Lyn Glass, editor, Gothic Journal “When it comes to unique, eerie and engrossing tales of supernatural suspense, author Antoinette Stockenberg is in a league of her own. BEYOND MIDNIGHT is a gripping and chilling page-turner outlining two families’ courageous battle against an insidious evil with a charming face. Outstanding reading!” —Romantic Times "Antoinette Stockenberg creates another winner with this fast-paced and lively contemporary romance with a touch of the supernatural thrown in to make an interesting storyline even more exciting. Contemporary romance at its best. Five stars." —Harriet Klausner, Affaire de Coeur "Ms. Stockenberg is a marvelous story teller who writes with humor, wit, and real experiences that we can relate to. Totally absorbing ... a superior tale with just the right combination of greed, hysteria, obsession and romantic passion. Spectacular! A terrific story that had me anxiously turning the well-written pages." —Literary Times "BEYOND MIDNIGHT is typical of Stockenberg's excellent paranormal romances, with extremely strong characters, and an intriguing and original plot." —Melinda Hughes, Gothic Journal "Helen Evett, owner of a thriving pre-school in Salem, becomes the object of a modern witch hunt that endangers her family, her business, and her enchanting newfound love.

Genres: Romance, Paranormal, Mystery, Contemporary, Fiction, Amazon, Romantic Suspense

413 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 1, 1996

Reviews

[Alesha · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not so good.

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars.

[Nanci de Suffren · Rating 5 out of 5]

This weekend I was on an Antoinette Stockenberg kick. I really liked this story of Helen Evett. Here was a woman who had to deal with the loss of a husband by horrific means. With two teenage children, this is no mean feat. She handled it like a normal mom would - she made a mess of it BUT she kept trying and she didn't turn her back on challenges. That led to a very interesting and exciting adventure.

For Antoinette, another home run!

[Christi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the story but there were a few inaccuracies that made me drop my rating. I am guessing that the author is british and that this was one of her first books set in the USA. There were things said in dialogue and some facts that are just not american in nature but british. Such as an "inquest" for someone's death.

Overall the story was strong enough for me to still enjoy this book.

[Robin Cox · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not sure why I like these books, but I couldn't put it down and read the book in one day. It was suspenseful, paranormal and even though I knew who was the villian, I had to find out if she won or lost.

[Chelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. While it took place in Salem, it was not full of witchcraft. There were mentions of the trials, but it was not part of the main story. I enjoyed the premise behind the book, and was not expecting the ending when I got there.

[D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A favorite book. My 1st by Antoinette Stockenberg, and it led me to read ALL her novels. She is a fantastic storyteller from New England. I love getting lost in her books. You may have to ask your book seller for her books, but it is well-worth the effort. I love this one!

[Lugene VerPloeg]

Beyond Midnight

Preview sounded good, buy it turned out to be another predictable romance novel. Too many typo & other errors. Doesn't anyone have their manuscript edited before publishing anymore?

[Toni L. · Rating 4 out of 5]

this was a really good book.

[Kerryn Forsyth · Rating 5 out of 5]

My new favourite author. A well written, captivating story that flows beautifully. I didn't want to put it down and even shed a tear or two near the end.

[Lynda Kelly · Rating 2 out of 5]

I persevered with this although I was struggling to retain interest and finally gave up 57% in. If I've made it this far as a rule I'll persist till the bitter end but I'd had enough. It seems someone possibly copy typed it without paying much attention because of the way the mistakes appeared. The main character's surname was inputted as Evert a couple of times when it's supposed to be Evett and hail was repeatedly used instead of hall then srnells as opposed to smells. The other good one was "five-clay-old stubble". How could anyone not spot these errors in any sort of editing process ??
There were also dropped speechmarks and misplaced apostrophes.
The people in the story were repeatedly blushing or "coloring" and that got tiresome as well for me.
The story itself sounded intriguing to me and had a touch of murder mystery and supernatural tale but found myself not wanting to pick it up again and that never bodes well. it took me 4 days to get as far as I did !! Definitely not an unputdownable one.

[Dianna Stratmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the first book that I have read from this author. I found the writing excellent, her pace was good the touch of supernatural great. The storyline was guess able, but she carried it off. I recommend that you read this book.

[Pattianne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beyond Midnight - New England Shore Stories - (Nathanel and Helen) - No one believes in ghosts anymore, not even in Salem, Massachusetts--especially not Helen Evett, a widow who lives for her two teenaged kids and who runs the best preschool in town. When Katie Byrne enters her school, strange things begin to happen, and Helen is convinced Katie's dead mother, Linda, is trying to send her a message. Did Linda die under mysterious circumstances?

[AF · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, though there were a few typos and some "cheesy" moments. Definitely predictable in that you immediately know who "the bad guy" is, you just don't know how far the "guy" will go, or what level of insanity will be reached until the end. Kudos to the author for creating a character who is just evil and horrible. I do love to hate a villain, and it's so easy to hate this one.

[Adrienne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Helen is the mother of two teenagers, who gets involved with a man whose wife has newly died. No one suspects the nanny is up to something, until the ghost of the man's wife makes an appearance. She is intent on saving her child and husband from the nanny through Helen. As the relationship develops between Helen and Nat, the nanny becomes hell bent on destroying both of them.

[Sherrill · Rating 2 out of 5]

Well this was a pretty ordinary book. It was OK but I guess I am just not into romance. I was also somewhat offended by some of the descriptions of their affair. It had a fairly elaborate story line including the ghost of her boyfriend's former wife. I can't say I learned anything new or was particularly entertained.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Be very careful of who you trust as not everyone is trustworthy despite the facade they create. This book tells the tale of a 'perfect' nanny and her plan to steal her employer's money. People close to her employer were affected by her actions too, some more severely than others. This romance was saved from schmaltz by the murder, theft and death

[Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read. The name Peaches drove me crazy! I felt like the main characters should've figured out she was behind a lot of the distractions sooner but over all I really enjoyed this book. I loved the Salem witch trial references and am looking for another book from the same setting.

[Mckinley Royce · Rating 5 out of 5]

this novel was quite engaging. Even though I knew what would naturally happen next in a story and who the villian was I had to keep reading to know just what happened next. It was a riveting story that as a mother was relatable even though there were some paranormal aspects.

[Crystal w · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book but I knew peaches was the troublemaker from the beginning. I liked how the story was laid out. it reminded me of the movie hand that rocks the cradle. the book had a lot of detail which was great. I was very interested throughout the whole book.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

another good one.

[Terry · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was amazing! I didnt want to put it down! i highly recomend this book to everyone! its was an easy & quick read! I'm def going to check out other books by her.

[Vicky · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book. It's an enjoyable melodrama with a strong female lead to root for, a sexy hero and a really evil villain.

[Linda Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this great read. Feel like I know the characters personally now. Peaches is a one of a kind. Well written, A must read!

[Jennifer · Rating 1 out of 5]

only read it because it was a free download and the only thing to read on my phone while waiting in the school's pick up line. If her other books are as obnoxious as this one, then I'll pass.

[Fran · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good. Kept me interested. Would recommend.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love her books and this is one of my favorites so far! There's some drama, mystery, a good love story and a ghost who has quite an important message to get across. I couldn't put it down!

[Dana · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good book. I little predictable but good.

[Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a fast and easy read. It was my first by this author. I liked that it was mysterious and had suspense.