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Upon a Midnight Clear
Dylan Fisher is an EMT and part-time Santa Claus at a mall in Denver, Colorado. He has logged plenty of time with children sitting on his lap asking for anything from the latest electronic gadget to a week’s worth of homework passes, but he never heard anyone ask for what little Delaney Kelly asked for on one snowy night in December. A dad! When Dylan’s eyes search the crowd for Delaney’s mother and land on Keira Kelly, the paramedic almost finds himself in need of a little CPR. She is stunning!
Keira Kelly is still grieving over the loss of her husband, but a reckless driver has her thinking about nothing but survival as she’s headed home from the mall. When Keira wakes in the hospital to find a hunky EMT at her bedside, she begins having a few thoughts that would put her on Santa’s Naughty List for sure! But when she finds out the EMT is only hanging around because the police believe someone is out to get her, she’s not sure what to think about his kindness. Is he helping her because he wants to, or because he feels he needs to? And what about the man who rammed her car, could he have had something to do with her husband’s death?
REAL ROMANCE COLLECTION
"The Heart Teaches Best"
"Damage Done"
"Blackout"
"Hometown Heartache"
"Take a Chance on Me"
--
Keira Kelly is still grieving over the loss of her husband, but a reckless driver has her thinking about nothing but survival as she’s headed home from the mall. When Keira wakes in the hospital to find a hunky EMT at her bedside, she begins having a few thoughts that would put her on Santa’s Naughty List for sure! But when she finds out the EMT is only hanging around because the police believe someone is out to get her, she’s not sure what to think about his kindness. Is he helping her because he wants to, or because he feels he needs to? And what about the man who rammed her car, could he have had something to do with her husband’s death?
REAL ROMANCE COLLECTION
"The Heart Teaches Best"
"Damage Done"
"Blackout"
"Hometown Heartache"
"Take a Chance on Me"
--
130 pages, ebook
First published October 28, 2013
1 person is currently reading
62 people want to read
About the author
M.J. Schiller
45 books183 followersI was born in Overland Park, KS, in the heart of Tornado Alley, and my life has been a bit twisted since. Actually, it’s not all that twisted, but I’ve always wanted to use that line. I grew up in St. Louis, MO, went to school at the University of Missouri-Columbia, and moved to Bloomington, IL, fresh out of college, after my husband got a job at State Farm’s corporate headquarters. I’ve worked as a high school/junior college teacher, personnel recruiter, office manager of a jewelry store, and, for the past ten years, as a lunch lady. I like to karaoke and attend rock concerts. I am actively involved at church and spend too much time on Facebook. I am the mother of a eighteen-year-old, and sixteen-year-old triplets, and have been married to my husband, Don, for over twenty-four years.
I have been a writer all my life. My first book, which was co-written with Mary Ellen Murphey in second grade, was titled The Black Cat, and was written on blue hotel stationary, hole-punched, and bound by white yarn. I believe it is currently out of circulation.
When I turned forty, I had an epiphany of sorts. I realized those bigwig publishing houses in New York were now probably run by people younger than me, so I shouldn’t be intimidated by them. At about the same time I was watching one of those award shows, and Jaclyn Smith got up to give a post-humorous award to Aaron Spelling. She credited him for encouraging her to go into acting, saying something brilliant like, “Reach for your dreams.” Nothing new. Almost even seems a little Jiminy Cricketish. But, for some reason, it struck me that night. When Aaron Spelling was thirteen, he was probably just like any other acned thirteen-year-old. But he worked to achieve his dreams, and became a household name. So, I began to write. Once I finished my first book, I wasn’t able to stop. I would rather write than do just about anything else. After all, you get to make people (characters) do what you want and design your own happy endings. What power! What a privilege.
I have been a writer all my life. My first book, which was co-written with Mary Ellen Murphey in second grade, was titled The Black Cat, and was written on blue hotel stationary, hole-punched, and bound by white yarn. I believe it is currently out of circulation.
When I turned forty, I had an epiphany of sorts. I realized those bigwig publishing houses in New York were now probably run by people younger than me, so I shouldn’t be intimidated by them. At about the same time I was watching one of those award shows, and Jaclyn Smith got up to give a post-humorous award to Aaron Spelling. She credited him for encouraging her to go into acting, saying something brilliant like, “Reach for your dreams.” Nothing new. Almost even seems a little Jiminy Cricketish. But, for some reason, it struck me that night. When Aaron Spelling was thirteen, he was probably just like any other acned thirteen-year-old. But he worked to achieve his dreams, and became a household name. So, I began to write. Once I finished my first book, I wasn’t able to stop. I would rather write than do just about anything else. After all, you get to make people (characters) do what you want and design your own happy endings. What power! What a privilege.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
December 11, 2014
Keira's husband was killed in a supposed accident 11 months ago. She and her daughter, Delaney, are healing and the chance encounter with Dylan, a paramedic moonlighting as a mall Santa, changes their lives.
The story begins with a chilling scene, setting up an expectation for a a level of suspense that never materialized. The beginning was really strong but the romance between Keira and Dylan developed too quickly. And, the climax was disappointing.
It is a cute story and while I enjoyed it, I wish it had been a little longer, allowing for a more compelling romance and time to evolve the suspense.
The story begins with a chilling scene, setting up an expectation for a a level of suspense that never materialized. The beginning was really strong but the romance between Keira and Dylan developed too quickly. And, the climax was disappointing.
It is a cute story and while I enjoyed it, I wish it had been a little longer, allowing for a more compelling romance and time to evolve the suspense.
November 27, 2014
UPON A MIDNIGHT CLEAR is the third book I have read by M.J. Schiller and I have to say that with each book, I am a bigger fan. Each of her stories is unique and entertaining, bringing together lost souls and making them whole.
Dylan Fisher is an EMT and part-time Santa at the local mall. He has heard all kinds of requests from kids who sit on his lap with innocent eyes asking Santa to bring them the latest toy. He never expected what a bright-eyed beauty named Delaney would ask Santa for--a new dad. He is stunned and saddened by her request. Dylan observes Delaney's mom in the crowd, and he stopped in his tracks as he shamelessly admires her gorgeousness.
Keira lost her husband in a tragic car accident, leaving her alone to raise their young daughter. She is trying her best to make Delaney's life as normal and happy as possible, while she dies inside, missing her husband badly. Kevin was her high school sweetheart; she has never known or wanted another man.
A chance meeting puts Dylan and Keira in each other's sights. A reckless driver runs Keira and Delaney off the road one night. Dylan recognizes them from the mall and steps in as an EMT to help. Keira wonders if he is just doing his job or if his kindness is something more, something she never thought she would feel again. Dylan is tired of the dating games. He sees in Keira and Delaney a future he wants desperately, a family to come home to. Can he convince Keira that he is the one she can move on with and win over her heart? Can he protect her from a possible threat?
In this book from the Real Romance Collection, Dylan is a single guy looking for a love of a lifetime. Keira is a newly widowed mother wondering if she lost her only true love. An unexpected meeting puts these two lost souls together and the sparks fly. In the face of possible danger, Keira wonders if Dylan is safe being around her. Dylan does not care about himself; he only cares whether that he can convince Keira that he can make her and Delaney happy.
This is a short story so the events move pretty fast, everyone expressing their feelings right away. I thought that the relationship between mother and daughter was heartwarming. There is a scene when Dylan is playing dolls with Delaney that just had me smiling the whole time I read it.
MJ Schiller really knows how to write a sweet romance. The suspense element intrigued me as well. However, it is the love story that made me not want to put it down. In the market for a quick sweet romance book grab? UPON A MIDNIGHT CLEAR will not disappoint.
This is a collection and not a series so you do not need to read the other books. But trust me, you will want to read them as well.
http://www.theromancereviews.com/view...
Dylan Fisher is an EMT and part-time Santa at the local mall. He has heard all kinds of requests from kids who sit on his lap with innocent eyes asking Santa to bring them the latest toy. He never expected what a bright-eyed beauty named Delaney would ask Santa for--a new dad. He is stunned and saddened by her request. Dylan observes Delaney's mom in the crowd, and he stopped in his tracks as he shamelessly admires her gorgeousness.
Keira lost her husband in a tragic car accident, leaving her alone to raise their young daughter. She is trying her best to make Delaney's life as normal and happy as possible, while she dies inside, missing her husband badly. Kevin was her high school sweetheart; she has never known or wanted another man.
A chance meeting puts Dylan and Keira in each other's sights. A reckless driver runs Keira and Delaney off the road one night. Dylan recognizes them from the mall and steps in as an EMT to help. Keira wonders if he is just doing his job or if his kindness is something more, something she never thought she would feel again. Dylan is tired of the dating games. He sees in Keira and Delaney a future he wants desperately, a family to come home to. Can he convince Keira that he is the one she can move on with and win over her heart? Can he protect her from a possible threat?
In this book from the Real Romance Collection, Dylan is a single guy looking for a love of a lifetime. Keira is a newly widowed mother wondering if she lost her only true love. An unexpected meeting puts these two lost souls together and the sparks fly. In the face of possible danger, Keira wonders if Dylan is safe being around her. Dylan does not care about himself; he only cares whether that he can convince Keira that he can make her and Delaney happy.
This is a short story so the events move pretty fast, everyone expressing their feelings right away. I thought that the relationship between mother and daughter was heartwarming. There is a scene when Dylan is playing dolls with Delaney that just had me smiling the whole time I read it.
MJ Schiller really knows how to write a sweet romance. The suspense element intrigued me as well. However, it is the love story that made me not want to put it down. In the market for a quick sweet romance book grab? UPON A MIDNIGHT CLEAR will not disappoint.
This is a collection and not a series so you do not need to read the other books. But trust me, you will want to read them as well.
http://www.theromancereviews.com/view...
November 18, 2014
This exciting story literally began with a bang!
I was captivated from beginning to end with this enchanting tale of how love always seems to find its way back to you. The characters were darling, the suspense was nail-biting, and there was just enough spice to make me blush!
Dylan and Keira are kindred spirits brought together by a precious little girl with a special wish for Christmas, and an unfortunate turn of events. My heart ached for Keira as she fought to move on, and for Dylan as he worked so hard to convince her of his good intentions. The more I read, the more I loved it!
There’s a dark figure that haunts this beautiful love and jeopardizes their future. This twist completes the novel, making it a well-rounded story, worthy of praise!
I highly recommend this novel to anyone that loves a good romance, a tender touch of reality, and a suspenseful tale all wrapped in one!
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
I was captivated from beginning to end with this enchanting tale of how love always seems to find its way back to you. The characters were darling, the suspense was nail-biting, and there was just enough spice to make me blush!
Dylan and Keira are kindred spirits brought together by a precious little girl with a special wish for Christmas, and an unfortunate turn of events. My heart ached for Keira as she fought to move on, and for Dylan as he worked so hard to convince her of his good intentions. The more I read, the more I loved it!
There’s a dark figure that haunts this beautiful love and jeopardizes their future. This twist completes the novel, making it a well-rounded story, worthy of praise!
I highly recommend this novel to anyone that loves a good romance, a tender touch of reality, and a suspenseful tale all wrapped in one!
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
March 18, 2014
A really enjoyable read, not what I expected for the story line, its so well written that the writer makes the dialogue and the story easy to understand and follow, that you cant not like it!! There are a couple of scenes where i got a bit chocked and wanted to shed a tear! its part of the book isnt it! whats a good read with out the ups and downs! There is some suspense, thats not predictable! The characters really make this story, its a read thats worth reading with a cup of tea during a quiet moment!
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July 27, 2014
3.5 Cocktails
I honestly don’t know where to start with this review. The synopsis does a great job of setting up the plot. There is a lot of emotion in this story; a lot of pain and heartache. I was not expecting the first pages of the book to start out like they did. I was horrified yet determined to find out what happened.
I thought characters were very entertaining and lively. There’s a lot of action and excitement in this story and I’m finding it hard not to give spoilers because everything is so intertwined. This is a great read for anyone who enjoys excitement, intrigue and a little EMT lovin’!
There was one thing that bothered me and it’s not a HUGE thing but there are a lot of exclamation points used in the story. I understand because the content is emotion-driven, but an overabundance of exclamation points is a turn off for me. It makes me feel like the characters are shouting their dialogue the whole time; and it also feels like, to me, that it negates the statements that really need the emphasis of an exclamation. Again, it’s really not a big deal, just a personal preference of mine.
Reviewed by Elizabeth for Cocktails and Books
I honestly don’t know where to start with this review. The synopsis does a great job of setting up the plot. There is a lot of emotion in this story; a lot of pain and heartache. I was not expecting the first pages of the book to start out like they did. I was horrified yet determined to find out what happened.
I thought characters were very entertaining and lively. There’s a lot of action and excitement in this story and I’m finding it hard not to give spoilers because everything is so intertwined. This is a great read for anyone who enjoys excitement, intrigue and a little EMT lovin’!
There was one thing that bothered me and it’s not a HUGE thing but there are a lot of exclamation points used in the story. I understand because the content is emotion-driven, but an overabundance of exclamation points is a turn off for me. It makes me feel like the characters are shouting their dialogue the whole time; and it also feels like, to me, that it negates the statements that really need the emphasis of an exclamation. Again, it’s really not a big deal, just a personal preference of mine.
Reviewed by Elizabeth for Cocktails and Books
December 8, 2013
Upon a Midnight Clear is a very enjoyable story. I loved how it began, pulling you right into the underlying suspense. The aftermath is what drives this story, but it's the characters who make it so moving and memorable. A wonderful holiday escape.
July 12, 2016
M.J. Schiller has a knack at creating scenes and dialogue a reader can get into. I found myself teary twice in this story. I'm never disappointed by her books and look forward to more.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews