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Just Before Midnight: A Christmas Eve Novella
Christmas Eve is the time to be at home enjoying the warmth and laughter of family, isn't it?
A couple in their late 60s faces the prospects of a first ever Christmas with no kids or grandkids in the house ...
An emergency room nurse handles every crisis at work with calm, but inside her emotions are roiling because she can't get hold of her husband or her youngest son ...
Over the past two years he has lost his job, his house, his wife, and it feels like his kids are slipping away ...
Her first baby is scheduled to arrive in a few weeks, but with her husband still on duty in Afghanistan, she's never felt so alone in all her life ...
Four individuals and families are trying so hard to grab hold of the spirit of Christmas that they can't see they are about to run headlong into each other ... just before midnight.
A couple in their late 60s faces the prospects of a first ever Christmas with no kids or grandkids in the house ...
An emergency room nurse handles every crisis at work with calm, but inside her emotions are roiling because she can't get hold of her husband or her youngest son ...
Over the past two years he has lost his job, his house, his wife, and it feels like his kids are slipping away ...
Her first baby is scheduled to arrive in a few weeks, but with her husband still on duty in Afghanistan, she's never felt so alone in all her life ...
Four individuals and families are trying so hard to grab hold of the spirit of Christmas that they can't see they are about to run headlong into each other ... just before midnight.
108 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 19, 2013
15 people are currently reading
88 people want to read
About the author
M.K. Gilroy
6 books128 followersMark "M.K." Gilroy is a veteran publishing executive who has acquired, developed, authored, and ghostwritten numerous books that have landed on various bestseller lists.
His newest novel, Cold As Ice, marks the return of Detective Kristen Conner, a character USA TODAY calls "Miss Congeniality meets Castle's Kate Beckett; a lethal, smart, and fun combo."
His first two novels in the Kristen Conner Mystery Series met with critical acclaim from national reviewers and readers. Both Cuts Like a Knife and Every Breath You Take were #1 bestsellers.
When not writing Kristen Conner novels, Mark creates and publishes book products for retailers, ministries, and businesses. He recently launched a new publishing company, Sydney Lane Press.
Gilroy holds undergraduate degrees in Speech Communications/Journalism and Biblical Literature, and two graduate degrees, the M.Div. and MBA.
The father of six adult children, he resides with his wife, Amy, in Brentwood, Tennessee.
His newest novel, Cold As Ice, marks the return of Detective Kristen Conner, a character USA TODAY calls "Miss Congeniality meets Castle's Kate Beckett; a lethal, smart, and fun combo."
His first two novels in the Kristen Conner Mystery Series met with critical acclaim from national reviewers and readers. Both Cuts Like a Knife and Every Breath You Take were #1 bestsellers.
When not writing Kristen Conner novels, Mark creates and publishes book products for retailers, ministries, and businesses. He recently launched a new publishing company, Sydney Lane Press.
Gilroy holds undergraduate degrees in Speech Communications/Journalism and Biblical Literature, and two graduate degrees, the M.Div. and MBA.
The father of six adult children, he resides with his wife, Amy, in Brentwood, Tennessee.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
November 21, 2017
This novella was a perfect little read for a cold windy evening at home. It is set entirely during Christmas Eve and encompasses slices of life from a retired couple in their 60s, an ER nurse with family troubles, a lonely woman about to give birth with her husband in Afghanistan, and an angry, frustrated cab driver who just wants to be with his young children. It is snowing, and the roads have become treacherous as the lives of these people serendipitously merge. As the events of the evening play out, the characters all stumble upon the spirit of the season and the realization of what is truly important in life.
I love these types of stories where circumstances pull several families and/or individuals together in a crisis or otherwise dramatic situation. For a novella with a lot of characters, I thought the author did a great job in giving enough attention to each so that the reader could connect sufficiently with them all. I very much enjoyed this novella and recommend it for all looking for a warm tale to read on a lonely evening.
I love these types of stories where circumstances pull several families and/or individuals together in a crisis or otherwise dramatic situation. For a novella with a lot of characters, I thought the author did a great job in giving enough attention to each so that the reader could connect sufficiently with them all. I very much enjoyed this novella and recommend it for all looking for a warm tale to read on a lonely evening.
November 22, 2017
Life doesn’t stop for the holidays, even though we may wish it did. An emergency room nurse, a pregnant woman whose husband is deployed in Afghanistan, a divorced taxicab driver, a couple of empty-nesters on their way to catch a plane to London...All of these folks are coping with holiday stress, winter weather, and their own problems on Christmas Eve in M.K. Gilroy’s novella, Just Before Midnight.
Without being preachy, this story shows how the lives of strangers can affect us in ways we cannot imagine. It makes one think, how will I treat someone today? Does the holiday spirit live in my heart at Christmas and throughout the year?
In just 108 pages, Mr. Gilroy introduces us to rich characters with real problems and emotions. The chapters are short, and the action is fast. At times, it is difficult to keep everyone straight, and that is my only criticism of this story. It’s too much, too fast. Otherwise, I found it to be a very well written piece.
4 stars
Without being preachy, this story shows how the lives of strangers can affect us in ways we cannot imagine. It makes one think, how will I treat someone today? Does the holiday spirit live in my heart at Christmas and throughout the year?
In just 108 pages, Mr. Gilroy introduces us to rich characters with real problems and emotions. The chapters are short, and the action is fast. At times, it is difficult to keep everyone straight, and that is my only criticism of this story. It’s too much, too fast. Otherwise, I found it to be a very well written piece.
4 stars
December 5, 2015
In the compact pages of a novella, Just Before Midnight holds all the magic of a great Christmas story. Although my visit with these characters was brief, I felt I knew them well. In fact, I didn't want to leave them on the last page. I felt satisfied to go, though, because the author had done a good job of leaving me with hope. The ending wasn't exactly tied up with a red bow, but I could see the wrapping paper lying in a corner.
December 3, 2014
***A Christmas Eve novella that captures the spirit of Christmas in 104 short pages***
Author, editor and publisher, Mark Gilroy penned a sweet-spirited, character rich Christmas novella titled, Just Before Midnight that captures the spirit of Christmas in a 104 short pages, which makes it a perfect read for time-challenged holidays.
The story begins just before midnight, December 24th. Readers meet Roger and his wife Margaret in Roger's "BMW M6 Gran Coupe, a performance sedan he bought as a retirement gift to himself."
This night the snow covered city streets made the sleek car shudder and slide as Roger barrels along treacherous, ice-laden streets. Margaret, always cautious, now on her knees without a seat belt, leans through the seat gap into the back seat, "cooing words of reassurance" to the stranger in back. Then turns to Roger and urges him to "Hit it."
Next we meet Joe, the cab driver whose only comfort now lies in the "AA chip" he carries in his pocket after…Full Review: http://www.examiner.com/list/just-bef...
Author, editor and publisher, Mark Gilroy penned a sweet-spirited, character rich Christmas novella titled, Just Before Midnight that captures the spirit of Christmas in a 104 short pages, which makes it a perfect read for time-challenged holidays.
The story begins just before midnight, December 24th. Readers meet Roger and his wife Margaret in Roger's "BMW M6 Gran Coupe, a performance sedan he bought as a retirement gift to himself."
This night the snow covered city streets made the sleek car shudder and slide as Roger barrels along treacherous, ice-laden streets. Margaret, always cautious, now on her knees without a seat belt, leans through the seat gap into the back seat, "cooing words of reassurance" to the stranger in back. Then turns to Roger and urges him to "Hit it."
Next we meet Joe, the cab driver whose only comfort now lies in the "AA chip" he carries in his pocket after…Full Review: http://www.examiner.com/list/just-bef...
December 30, 2018
Great little book with constant action, leading to a great finish for all involved.
September 22, 2014
M.K. Gilroy has skillfully crafted an easy reading novella that captures the spirit of Christmas in "Just Before Midnight". The lives of four disparate individuals and their families intersect on Christmas Eve in a way that captures your imagination and warms your heart as they trek through the personal rigors that often overshadows the celebration of the true meaning of Christmas. It is thought-provoking, character rich, and engaging. It is now my family's new tradition to revisit Mr. Gilroy's novella as we prepare our hearts and focus our attention on what is truly most important about our annual celebration of Christ's birth. It is not simply a "must read"; it is a "must have". I cannot recommend it highly enough.
November 25, 2015
Modern day miracles
Childbirth, car wrecks, cancer scares, money worries, little white lies, teenage rebellion, unemployment, a soldier at war, a mom concerned for her health, her children, her husband, her patients, her parents. What does any of the mean to God? An opportunity for a miracle!
Very well written. There are so many characters that it'd be easy to get confused with a less talented storyteller. Thank you. I have now shed my first tears of the holiday reading season. :)
Childbirth, car wrecks, cancer scares, money worries, little white lies, teenage rebellion, unemployment, a soldier at war, a mom concerned for her health, her children, her husband, her patients, her parents. What does any of the mean to God? An opportunity for a miracle!
Very well written. There are so many characters that it'd be easy to get confused with a less talented storyteller. Thank you. I have now shed my first tears of the holiday reading season. :)
January 27, 2015
Just Before Midnight is the perfect book to enjoy this season when the snow swirls, and the cold settles. A solid addition to M.K. Gilroy's bibliography, this story shows he has the chops to write sharp at any book length. With just the right amounts of suspense, drama, and holiday cheer, Just Before Midnight will keep you up into the wee hours reading just one more page. Be careful. Don't start reading on Christmas Eve or you might be exhausted Christmas morning!
November 26, 2015
MUST READ!
Talk about the perfect story for the holidays-just the right way to get you really in the spirit. I most highly recommend this book. You'll love it so much you want to pass it on just like I did. Thank you to M.K. Gilroy for my perfect first gift of the year..sure to become a tradition. :)
HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!! :D
Talk about the perfect story for the holidays-just the right way to get you really in the spirit. I most highly recommend this book. You'll love it so much you want to pass it on just like I did. Thank you to M.K. Gilroy for my perfect first gift of the year..sure to become a tradition. :)
HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!! :D
November 26, 2015
Excellent book
I absolutely loved this short book. I loved how the writer set it up. It held my interest and I could actually feel the way the characters could have felt. I feel this is a book I could let my children read and they would get some lessons from it.
I absolutely loved this short book. I loved how the writer set it up. It held my interest and I could actually feel the way the characters could have felt. I feel this is a book I could let my children read and they would get some lessons from it.
November 27, 2015
Enjoyable read
I enjoyed the story. The writer kept a nice flow without adding unnecessary extra descriptions, that would bog down the story. I'm interested in more of his writing's.
I enjoyed the story. The writer kept a nice flow without adding unnecessary extra descriptions, that would bog down the story. I'm interested in more of his writing's.
December 26, 2015
Heartwarming Christmas Tale
This was essentially a good story. However, it was poorly written. The transitions were poor. Even a double space between "scenes" would have made the transitions less jolting. There were also several misspelled words and / or grammatical errors.
This was essentially a good story. However, it was poorly written. The transitions were poor. Even a double space between "scenes" would have made the transitions less jolting. There were also several misspelled words and / or grammatical errors.
December 29, 2015
Loved this story. I love M. K. Gilroy books.
I loved this book. I really appreciate M. K. Gilroy's mysteries. It is refreshing to pick up a book and read without worrying about the trash that creeps into books , these days.
I loved this book. I really appreciate M. K. Gilroy's mysteries. It is refreshing to pick up a book and read without worrying about the trash that creeps into books , these days.
April 9, 2016
JUST BEFORE MIDNIGHT
It's April but this book was just what I needed tonight. What a wonderful story. Rather 4 wonderful stories and I found it by accident. Just started Mr. Gilroy's series and saw this. So happy I bought it. Wonderful book.
It's April but this book was just what I needed tonight. What a wonderful story. Rather 4 wonderful stories and I found it by accident. Just started Mr. Gilroy's series and saw this. So happy I bought it. Wonderful book.
December 13, 2018
Too many characters to learn to care about them in a novella.
January 11, 2016
An amazing confluence of characters and circumstances come together just before midnight on Christmas Eve. The story is short but powerful.
December 22, 2015
3.5 stars.
Cute story but editing was atrocious.
Cute story but editing was atrocious.
March 25, 2017
Mark Gilroy is a wonderful writer. I have enjoyed all three of his other books. This one ne was very different but just as special.
Christmas can be a harrowing time. People are stressed, depressed, euphoric and/or joyful.
This novella links four separate stories over the course of a few hours spanning Christmas Eve into Christmas Day.
There's Joe, a man who has come down in the world because of his own private demons. He is now driving a cab for a living. He is expecting to spend Christmas with his children, who are living with his ex and her new husband. He is angry at the way his life has turned out, and he is taking that anger out on anyone and everyone, including a heavily pregnant barista at the local coffee shop.
The barista, Holly, is expecting her first child. She is alone. Her mother has expressed some misgivings about Holly's choice to give up college, get married and have a baby at such a young age. Brad, Holly's husband is serving in Afghanistan but is expected home in time for the baby's birth.
Roger and Margaret are a well to do couple in their 60's about to spend their first Christmas without children or grandchildren.
Regina, a nurse in the ER at a local hospital, is the sole wage earner in her troubled home. Her husband, Douglas, has had trouble finding a job after being laid off, and her youngest son, Donny, has had some run ins with the police.
Weather and circumstances bring them all together in a touching story about love, faith, forgiveness and understanding.
A terrific story.
Christmas can be a harrowing time. People are stressed, depressed, euphoric and/or joyful.
This novella links four separate stories over the course of a few hours spanning Christmas Eve into Christmas Day.
There's Joe, a man who has come down in the world because of his own private demons. He is now driving a cab for a living. He is expecting to spend Christmas with his children, who are living with his ex and her new husband. He is angry at the way his life has turned out, and he is taking that anger out on anyone and everyone, including a heavily pregnant barista at the local coffee shop.
The barista, Holly, is expecting her first child. She is alone. Her mother has expressed some misgivings about Holly's choice to give up college, get married and have a baby at such a young age. Brad, Holly's husband is serving in Afghanistan but is expected home in time for the baby's birth.
Roger and Margaret are a well to do couple in their 60's about to spend their first Christmas without children or grandchildren.
Regina, a nurse in the ER at a local hospital, is the sole wage earner in her troubled home. Her husband, Douglas, has had trouble finding a job after being laid off, and her youngest son, Donny, has had some run ins with the police.
Weather and circumstances bring them all together in a touching story about love, faith, forgiveness and understanding.
A terrific story.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews