Twice Upon a Midnight

by Anna Harrington

WHEN ONCE UPON A TIME… BECOMES TWICE UPON A MIDNIGHT

When Lady Elenora Darby returns to London, what better way for her parents to introduce her—and attract suitors—than to throw a masked ball? But Ella prefers poets to peers, and in the dark gardens, she encounters a man she knows nothing about…except that he loves poetry. Before she can learn his name, midnight strikes, and he vanishes, leaving behind only one clue to his identity—a glove embroidered with his initials.

As the Duke of Pensworth’s unwanted stepson, Spenser Rhodes has nothing to do with society…until he meets Ella. He knows they have no future. After all, the daughter of a duke deserves a peer, not a printer. Yet Ella is determined to find her masked man. As her search brings them closer, more than society is keeping them apart—so is Spenser’s half brother Simon, who wants Ella for himself.

With a masked ball, evil stepfather, jealous half brother, and unlikely fairy godmother, TWICE UPON A MIDNIGHT is a Cinderella story that readers of Regency romance will love!

Genres: Romance, Novella, Historical Romance, Regency, Historical

193 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 26, 2023

About the author

I fell in love with historical romances and all things Regency—and especially all those dashing Regency heroes—while living in England, where I spent most of my time studying the Romantic poets, reading Jane Austen, and getting lost all over the English countryside.

When I read my first Regency romance in 2012, I was hooked and longed to create my own independent and spirited heroines and dashing heroes. The best part of writing historical romances is falling into history—to live in the world of Regency England through my characters, with dazzling balls, beautiful dresses, and gorgeous houses that I would otherwise never be able to experience. I love the period’s rich history and find that all those rules of etiquette and propriety can be worked to the heroine’s advantage…if she’s daring enough to seize her dreams.

In addition to earning my degrees in the U.S., I have studied theatre in London, Mexican history in Guadalajara, and Spanish in Ecuador. I am an avid traveler and have enjoyed visiting schools and volunteering with children's organizations in Peru, Ecuador, Thailand, and Mexico, and I have amassed thousands of photos I unleash on unsuspecting friends who dare to ask about my travels.

I love to be outdoors! I've been hiking in Alaska, the Andes, and the Alps, including one week spent dangling off the via ferrata in the Italian Dolomites, and I love whitewater rafting (when I don't fall in!). I earned my pilot’s license at Chicago Midway (To all the controllers in Chicago Center—I greatly apologize for every problem I caused for you and Southwest Airlines), and it is my dream to one-day fly in a hot-air balloon over Africa.

I adore all things chocolate, shamelessly dive into ice cream of any flavor, and guzzle Kona coffee by the gallon. A Doctor Who fanatic (everyone says my house is bigger on the inside), I am a terrible cook who hopes to one day use my oven for something other than shoe storage. When I'm not writing, I like to spend my time trying not to kill the innocent rose bushes in my garden.

Reviews

[Whitney · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a cute little read. It was an insta-love story with fairytale elements. I loved the reverse Cinderella twist, where the main male character is the one running away at midnight and only leaving behind his glove.
There were enough twists through to story to keep the reader engaged, but not so many that things were left unresolved at the end. (Pet peeve of mine is when a novella leaves too many open ended questions and no way to resolve them.)
Again, I loved the entire premise of the book. Plus the side character, Martin, may be my new favorite fairy godmother figure.
I received this book from the publisher/author at no cost to me and volunteered to read it; my review is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher.

[Susan (susayq ~) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful novella with a twist on Cinderella. Spenser and Ella were swoony together. This was super romantic, with just a touch of angst. I really liked it :)

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this reverse Cinderella retelling!!
Story was perfect for a novella with enough character development to make their connection feel real.
Great MCs. A Dukes daughter and a hero with a profession as a printer. A great cast of secondary heros and a fairy godfather to help our Cinderella.
Absolutely adored this one!!

[Suzette · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely fairytale novella. Ella is having a late and unwanted debut. Spenser is an uninvited guest to the party. A chance meeting leads to a spark. The plot becomes exciting as Ella searches for her mystery man. It becomes a race to identify him and fall in love.

[Barbara Rogers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Barbara’s rating: 4 out of 5 Stars
Publication Date: 9/26/23
Period: Regency London
Number of Pages: 193

Sometimes reimagined fairytales are just downright fun to read and this is one of those times. The story features Lady Elenora (Ella) Darby, the much-loved daughter of the Duke and Duchess of Durham, and Spencer Rhodes, business owner and unwanted stepson of the Duke of Pensworth. Oh! My! A working-class commoner and a duke’s daughter – how will that ever work? Well, hang on to your hats, read the book, and you’ll find out. Besides, with the sweetest Fairy Godfather around, how could it not work?

Ella and her parents have been living in France since the end of the war. Not because they wanted to, but because her father is a gifted negotiator and was asked by the Prince Regent to take on certain tasks related to the ending of hostilities and getting the continent back on an even footing. Now, back in London, it is time to launch Ella into English society with the most lavish ball London has ever seen. When Ella just has to escape into the gardens for a breath of air, she runs into the most fascinating man she’s ever met. They talk of wonderful things – especially poetry – and she is truly smitten. But, at midnight – just as everyone is unmasking – he disappears. She has no idea who he is or how to find him.

Just once Spencer would like to see the inside of a ballroom, to waltz, to see how the upper crust of society lives. Even with his wonderful friend and father figure, Martin, begging him not to do it, Spencer forges an invitation to the Duke of Durham’s ball. He just has to make it out in his half-brother’s name. Since the two both look like their mother, he can pass for his brother. What a crush! Out in the garden, he runs, literally, into the most fascinating woman. She doesn’t run away and they spend delightful time talking about books, philosophy, and poetry. He doesn’t know who she is, but she is wonderful – everything he’d ever want in a woman. Except – he knows she is a Lady and can therefore have nothing to do with a common man like him. So, when the opportunity presents itself, he disappears without ever giving her his name.

Ella’s journey to finding Spencer is so romantic – as is his reason for hiding from her. With unexpected foes and loving allies can the two find each other again? The story is lovely and well-written with good pacing and a very satisfying ending. It also had plenty of drama and suspense involving Spencer’s half-brother, but it wasn’t dark. Ella was the kind of heroine you’d always want to read – sweet, smart, loving, kind, and generous – and Spencer was the kind of hero you’d want for your own – smart, giving, intelligent, handsome, caring, considerate, and loving. Just sigh-worthy.

I recommend this lovely novella and hope you’ll love it as much as I did. While it is a novella, I felt I got the full story and everyone was fully fleshed out and relatable. If you love historical romance and/or fairy tale reimagining, then this story is for you.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Teresa Hudnall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ella just wanted to meet someone, anyone who shared her literary interests. However, as the Duke of Durham's only daughter, she would be required to marry well not necessarily for love. Love is what she wished for but never suspected she'd find love at her father's masquerade ball. When Spenser Rhodes impersonated his half-brother Simon in order to attend the ball, he never expected to find the one girl who would captivate his heart and soul. He knew he'd never meet such a beautiful girl in his print shop and have her fall in love with him. After all, he may be the stepson of a Duke, but sadly not a cherished one. He and Ella meet quite by accident when he catches her trying to scale the wall in order to get away from the ball. They talk and find they have much in common. She, of course, thinks he's a peer of the ton. As he is soon to be found out, he rushes away after the most exquisite waltz in the garden he'd ever had. As he rushes to leave, he drops a glove and Ella finds it and holds onto it. She enlists her mother to help her find her gentleman and in turn, her love. They do not have any success but Spenser does find a way to contact her through books he gifts her with and they meet behind her home in a small garden. They eventually succumb to their desires and he tries to confess his identity but is afraid it will stop her feelings cold. He doesn't have enough faith in her though because his true identity doesn't matter to her. What matters most are their feelings. It is a short but very beautifully written story of two people who find love in the most unexpected place, her backyard. Love will always find us when and where we least expect it. Thus they find in each other their true soul mate. Love wins again. Anna Harrington has done it again with another captivating and at times, humorous reverse Cinderella story.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anna Harrington strips Twice Upon a Midnight down to raw romance, draping it in poetry and resplendent ballrooms for a magical experience that will capture readers' hearts!

Spenser Rhodes knew what the life and requirements of the aristocracy entailed as he had lived on the fringes of it for a good portion of his life. Handsome, kind and industrious he was making his own fortune with honest hard work and determination. Lady Elenora "Ella" Darby was nearly on the shelf at twenty three, caving to her indulgent parents' wish to see her happily settled Ella agreed to test the waters of the marriage mart. When fate brought Spenser and Ella together sparks flew and an instantaneous connection bound their hearts. As a secret and non-traditional courtship ensued the thrill of true love took over this story.

With a unique take on Cinderella Anna Harrington stepped away from her signature espionage filled historical romance for an endearing love story. Showcasing her love of classic literature this author seamlessly included some of the period's favorite authors for a splendid tribute of their work. Wonderful characters graced this story with charming moments of well meaning intervention and kept the romance on high.

Anna Harrington continues to show new sides to her writing well into her significant body of works. Her attention to historical detail without sacrificing the intimacy of her portrayals is commendable and what keeps her audience coming back for more of her wonderful storytelling. A fairytale come true Twice Upon A Midnight was an enchanting story sure to cast its delightful spell on everyone!

*I was given an advanced copy. All opinions expressed are my own. *

[Glittergirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a twisted fairy tale type historical that I found creative and delightful to read. It starts at a masquerade ball for Lady Elenora Darby, a delayed debutante's coming out, and an unwanted stepson of a duke, Spencer Rhodes. He finds himself so drawn to Lady Elenora Darby that he finds himself figuring all sorts of ways he can meet her and not explain who he is.

Lady Elenora Darby is 23 and is just now having her come out. Her father the Duke of Durham has been working for the Prince to help bring peace during the turmoil caused by Napoleon. She spent time in Italy and France making friends with all classes of women during her father's time of service. But Ella is not viewed well by her peers or society in general in England. She meets a masked man at her coming out masquerade who sweeps her off her feet. She moves heaven and earth afterwards trying to discover who he is to further their acquaintance.

Spencer Rhodes father was a war hero, a Major who died in the war while saving his men. His mother remarried the Duke of Pensworth and they had a son Simon, who looked much like his half brother Spencer, and were not very far apart in age. They did not get along, so when Spencer was ten he was sent to his mother's cousin who owned a printshop away from London. Spencer was determined to be successful while being rejected by his step dad and brother. He became the second most successful printing house in London. But his "family" would have nothing to do with him he was shunned by society. Time passed and he went to Ella's masquerade ball to feel like a lord just for once. Since he printed the masquerade invitations, he made a second one for himself and went since Simon was out of town. No one questioned who he was given the resemblance to his half brother. There he meets Ella and they have a moment in the garden. This started a chain of events that are a delight to read. We even have a fairy godmother event.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Jenna Da Sie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lady Elenora Darby and her parents the Duke and Duchess or Durham have been living in Paris but they have returned and it is now time to introduce Ella into English Society. She finds the party outrageous and doesn't enjoy meeting all the eligible gentlemen. They are all boring and have no imagination. Once outside she encounters a very interesting man that captures her attention with poetry in the moonlight. However, at midnight he disappears leaving behind a white glove. Along with her mama, she spends her time searching for him.

Spencer Rhodes is a hard worker. As a stepson to a Duke, nothing is handed to him and he is not a part of Society. His hands are constantly dirty from working as a printer. He worked from nothing to owning his own shop and wanting to open another one. Spenser forges his name on an invitation to the Ball and meets Ella. He knows she is special from the moment he meets her, different from all the other society misses. However, he knows he can't have her due to his status.

Spenser is a wonderful hero, caring smart and loving. The heroine Ella is generous, kind and intelligent. They are just a special couple. It's refreshing when Ella's parents support her desire to marry for love and not just because she is a Lady in English Society. Spenser's friend Martin makes for a perfect fairy godfather. With unexpected friends and foes, will the two find each other and get their happily ever after?

I fell in love with this spicy retelling of Cinderella from Anna Harrington. Twice Upon a Midnight was a delightful read. As usual, Anna always does a fantastic job writing well rounded stories, fully fleshed out characters and of course ROMANCE!

I received an ARC from the author and this is my honest review. All opinions are my own.

[Peggy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lady Elenora Darby is a little older than most debutantes have they debut. Hers was delayed by her father’s service as a diplomat during the Napoleonic Wars. His family lived on the continent during that time. Tonight is her come out. Ella doesn’t want a husband who is just an aristocrat. She wants someone with intellect, love of poetry and theatre, and who would see her true self and love her. She meets an intriguing man in the garden at the ball, but as the clock strikes midnight, he vanishes leaving behind a glove. Spenser Rhodes, step son to a duke, has taken the skills he learned from his mother’s family and succeeded in business on his own. He came to the ball with a forged invitation to see what it was like. This is a delightful retelling of the Cinderella story with characters reversed. There is a distant stepfather, evil stepbrother, an old man who is a friend, and who makes a terrific fairy godfather. The story has some drama and some fun. The characters are entertaining. It seems Spenser has competition from his half-brother. Which will Ella choose? The story does have a happy ending with a big surprise. Martin really is a terrific fairy godfather.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

[Beverly Laude · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lady Elenora Darby's debut has been delayed for far too long due to Napoleon's war. But, now her parents are determined to throw her a masked ball that won't be forgotten. Ella prefers poets to the peers that she is supposed to wed, but she will go through with her duty for her parents' sake.

She encounters a man in the gardens and discovers that he, too, loves poetry. But, before she can learn any more about him. midnight strikes and he vanishes, leaving behind an embroidered glove.
This was a fun retelling of the Cinderella story, with the reversal of the genders and Ella's determination to find this man of her dreams before she is forced to wed another.

Anna Harrington always creates a unique Regency tale and this one is no exception. The FMC is strong and determined to marry for love, not duty. There is plenty of the usual glamorous fashion, balls, Regency society and a few missteps along the way (just as a true Regency lover needs in their books). If you are looking for a well-written Regency tale with wonderful characters or just want a Cinderella fairy tale retelling, give this book a chance. You won't be disappointed!

[Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eleanor Darby and her family returns to London after her father was away working for the war office. Her parents decide to have a masquerade ball to introduce her to society. She leaves the room for air and goes to the garden where she meets Spenser, and he tells her he dressed like a peer. They talk about poetry and share a dance and then he leaves.

Eleanor talks with her mother about the guy she met and all she has is a glove with his initials SR. They plan on meeting all the gentlemen that came to the ball with those initials. Spenser send her books of poetry and asks to meet him at midnight.

Eleanor and her mother still continue their search to locate him. They meet Simon who looks like Spencer but yet not. He finds out she was looking for Spencer. he now decides to court her.
Eleanor still doesn't give up looking but is giving Simon a chance for her mother.

This love story of Ella and Spence with all the twist and turns is heartwarming. True love always win in the end.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love when authors reimagine stories. So, this reverse Cinderella was an easy choice for me to read. Seeing the heroine being the one that was outclassing the hero was a delight. Both Ella and Spenser were likable characters and Harrington knows how to lay a story out for the reader to get involved and feel the feels needed to enjoy the journey. And this particular story was extremely romantic. Actually, I think her most romantic yet.

The length of Twice Upon a Midnight was in the novella range, but I did not feel like I needed more pages. The story arc covered all that needed to be covered and kept me interested from beginning to end. And since I was wondering how an HEA could happen for this couple, I was both surprised and satisfied with the turn of events.

I highly recommend this for historical readers craving a thoughtful literary minded couple that are perfectly matched in a swoony, yet unpredictable story.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

In "Twice upon a Midnight" Lady Elenora Darby (Ella) is having a masked introduction to society ball, where her parents hope she will meet suitors and find friends after the family's return to London. There she meets Spenser Rhodes, who is a mystery to her, but is the first gentlemen to stir her interest. However, she doesn't get his name and is left with only a glove with the initials S. and R. in indertminant order. From there the story progress as a reverse cinderella tale. I really liked how well Ella knew what she wanted, which was refreshing in a lead female character. You have to suspend your disbelief, as this story has many fairy tale like elements, but it is a light enjoyable read.

[SusieQ_Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

If anyone out there in readerville ordered a spicy, romantic, historical fairy tale, Anna Harrington definitely delivered. Her latest release, "Twice Upon a Midnight" was an absolute delight to read. I adored Spenser and Ella in this unique take on the well loved classic Cinderella. When a debutantes parents actually support her decisions, it makes for such an uplifting and refreshing read. Yes, you heard correctly, Ella's parents supported her! A rarity in historical romances. This one is definitely going into my re-read list and one of my favorite reads this year.

I received an E-Arc from the author, and this is my honest review.

[Gloria Pastorino · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful Cinderella retelling with reversed roles (and a fairy godfather!). I really loved this story with two bookish young people who are connected by their love for poetry and literature: most of all an attraction of the souls and the physical attraction comes second, but it’s there (as it should be, in my opinion). I loved both characters, but especially Ella, who knows what she wants and won’t settle for less. And her parents are wonderful and understanding (for a change, I’ll add, since most heroines in historical romance seem to have awful parents!)
Highly recommended!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Jimnlori · Rating 4 out of 5]

Twice Upon a Midnight by Anna Harrington is a wonderful historical romance with a twist on Cinderella that includes a masked ball, a wicked stepfather, a jealous stepbrother and a young gentleman who disappears at the stroke of midnight leaving only a glove with his initials embroidered on it as the only clue to his identity.
I really enjoyed the story and look forward to reading more by this author in the future.

I was given an ARC from the author/publisher. All conclusions are mine and mine alone.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was just a joy to read! I loved both Ella and Spenser. It was impossible not to cheer for both of them. There are all the elements of the familiar Cinderella story - meeting at a ball, separated at midnight, one character with a life of privilege searching for the other, one with a sad family life including horrible step-family members, and fairy godparent that is also a delight. Everything about this story worked for me. The characters and scenery around them literally sparkled. I loved it.

[Theresa25 · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a fun concept. A reverse Cinderella story. It’s always fun to read about a titled lord’s daughter falling for a commoner who she knows her father would never agree to her marrying because he isn’t titled. Those are some of the best matches, as they are usually true love matches and each other would do anything for the other one. Add in some drama with a wicked stepmother and a wicked half brother (heir to a Dukedom) and you have some interesting happenings. Very enjoyable and well written story. I hope the author rewrites some other fairy tales and flips the switch on the story.

[Sissy's Romance Book Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

Twice Upon a Midnight by Anna Harrington is the story of Spencer Rhodes and Elenora Darby 'Ella'.
Spencer ends up impersonating his half- brother Simon and attends an event. Ella family is back in town after her father has finished his work. Now she is to be present to the town. Ella ends up meeting Spencer and they feel a connection but can they move forward? Love this author's writing so I do recommend this book.

[Maxine Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful twist to a story of Cinderella which has you turning pages so quickly to see if there is a fairy godmother unfortunately there is not one.

Absolutely beautiful story of falling in love at first sight between Elenora a Dukes daughter and Spenzer the stepson of a Duke.

Twists and turn from the first chapter.


Love the story and would most definitely recommend this book.


Highly recommend


Stand alone

[Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anna Harrington is always a 5⭐️ read for me! This take on Cinderella was so romantic and swoony. Harrington always does a novella well. Some romance authors have a hard time fitting an entire plot into novella form, and it ends up feeling rushed, but Anna does the novella justice.

Seriously, if you need a quick, HR romance fix, I 100% recommend this one!❤️❤️❤️

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a reverse kind of rework of Cinderella. I thought it was fun and flirty. Anna always brings her best to the stories and even though this is a novella, it packs a lot in. I really liked that Eleanora’s parents were supportive of her (you don’t see that a lot in books). A nice, kind of low angst, story for a quick afternoon read.

I received a complimentary copy.

[Gladys · Rating 5 out of 5]

I simply adored this book. Ellie and Spencer's story was delightfully clever. This re-imagined take on Cinderella was fresh, fun and fantastic. The combination of emotion, drama, twists, heart, heat and humor is skillfully woven into an enticing web that you simply can't resist and quick as a wink you will find yourself firmly ensnared and absolutely loving it.

[CATHERINE BURHANS · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a wonderful “Cinderella” story! I loved every page of it, start to finish . The characters are beautifully portrayed, not only by the H/h, but also by the evil stepfather and brother, and surprising “fairy godmother “! The romance is sweet and passionate, with charming dialogue and touching poetic notes. A total delight! Well done!

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful twist on the time honored story of Cinderella. I loved the storyline and the characters. As always, Anna Harrington doesn’t disappoint. I highly recommend this book to romance lovers of every age.

[Carol Oros · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice little novella with a twist on Cinderella. A little sugar and a little spice mixed all up with lots of poetry.

[Dorel · Rating 2 out of 5]

The only thing I liked about this story 📖 are the hot 🔥 steamy scenes. The storyline & characters didn't grab my interest. This is 1st story by Ms. Harrington I didn't like.

[Roslyn Stillman · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have always enjoyed Ms. Harringtons books in spite of the sex which this reviewer skips, but this one I didn’t finish because the sexual content started a little early for me. I don’t want to give away spoilers so if you like a lot of sexual content this book is for you. I liked the plot and the characters but some things I just don’t want to read. I received this as an ARC and freely give my review.