Midnight Sherbet

by Emma Smith

Emma Smith's second young adult novel, perfect for fans of Alice Oseman and Lisa Williamson.

Young love never lasts... but friendship means forever.

Carmel Reeves is the definition of understated. As the carer of her ill mother, she doesn't have time for friends or a social life. At nineteen, she's never had a boyfriend, never had a crush. But that's normal for someone like her, right?

Remy is her opposite in every way... He's friendly, positive, and obsessed with Carmel. Both their lives are falling apart, and Remy is sure that falling in love with Carmel will fix everything for both of them.

After all, it's what they both want... isn't it?

A young adult contemporary novel about finding yourself and your path in life, tackling first love, sexuality, and the ability to accept who you really are. Suitable for ages 13 and above.

Genres: Young Adult, Romance, LGBT, Coming Of Age, Queer

374 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 1, 2023

About the author

Emma Smith is a young adult and children's author from Yorkshire. She wrote and illustrated her first “book” when she was seven years old and hasn’t stopped writing since. When she’s not walking on the beach or drinking an iced coffee with a crumpet and some chocolate, you’ll probably find her reading something dark and mysterious… and most certainly YA.

Reviews

[sana · Rating 5 out of 5]

i vividly reading this book for the first time. everything about it spoke to my soul on a deeper level. the colour scheme, the aesthetics, the characters, the plot. it’s the ultimate comfort story of friendship and love and soulmates. emma made me want to go to yorkshire and buy sherbet and watch the midnight sky, go see an aquarium in the middle of the night with a friend and go on a ferris wheel. it’s so perfectly done and also the cover. look at that gorgeous cover and try not to fall in love. it’s impossible <3

[sally · Rating 3 out of 5]

wanted to like this much more than i ended up liking it... my first issue is the pacing, bc i felt like the beginning was dragging on a loooot. ironically, i still felt like the relationship between the main characters was rushed bc they only meet like. twice before things started going down and that made it so hard for me to understand the conflict/their friendship.

my biggest issue however is just plain the fact that i deeply dislike remy, one of the two protagonists. his insta love and the way he acted on it was just so annoying and bordering on creepy. also feel a little meh about his friend group (liked nima tho, wouldve loved to see more of her). however, i really enjoyed reading about carmel, she was by far the most intersting character to me and i was always just waiting for her chapters. probably wouldve rated this higher if it was just her pov

[Martha-May · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ahhhh! This book has my whole heart. It'll make you laugh, cry and leave you feeling happy all around, a must read right now! (or this year if that's not possible)

[bridget c · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm so far behind on my reviews, so prepare for a sudden influx of reviews of books I read months ago (I might use this as an excuse to reread some of my favourites)

Now, I might be slightly biased as I am friends with the author, but this is such a beautiful story and one that the author clearly cares so much about. Emma Smith is incredible at painting a picture that sticks with you. Her descriptions are one of her greatest strengths- you can almost feel, smell and touch her settings as if you're walking through the streets of Hull, sitting on the cold aquarium floor or sitting in the hallway of the hospital.

This book subverts expectations in the most organic and beautiful way. Carmel and Remy start off so clunky and awkward, the possibility of meet-cute shattered by the circumstances of which they are introduced, only to make up for it later with an iconic line about lightbulbs. Remy is so awkward and Carmel is so... confused and disinterested BUT THAT'S WHAT MAKES IT SO INTERESTING.

This book may have completely invented a new trope: he falls first and she doesn't. (which is just a fascinating concept and totally more realistic than half the other romance novels out there- I relate so much to Remy in just being totally and utterly rejected and just moving along and staying friends) (in case you can't tell I'm not like other girls, I don't read romance)

Carmel and Remy's character growth is so evident throughout the novel, which is so beautifully demonstrated and shown through the dual POV in which the book was written.

All in all, a beautiful novel and a solid second book from one of my favourite YA authors. Emma has talent and she is the one to watch. I would recommend this book to fans of YA, especially those who enjoy the works of Alice Oseman.

[Emm · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book holds such a special place in my heart because it perfectly portrays the beauty of asexuality and the power of friendships. Representation matters, and the diversity and inclusivity in this book are everything. The characters are very flawed, but they capture the complexity of discovering who you are. Both Remy and Carmel effortlessly wove their way into my heart, and I think everyone can relate to some aspect of these characters.

As always, I'm in love with Emma's descriptions- they bring her characters to life in the most vivid, breathtaking ways. I've never been to Yorkshire before, but I fell in love with it solely through this book. In every sense of the word, Midnight Sherbet feels like home.

[Scarlett°~☆ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book, it is perfect in so many ways that I'm struggling to find the right words to write this review and how I feel. I've read 3 of Emma's other books and they always impress me, the writing is so perfect and makes her books some of the best books I've ever read, filling me rith emotion and a connection with the characters and all their worlds and life's they live in. This book expresses the different types, ways, meanings of love, reaching heartbreak, growth, acceptance. I love the links to guided and the Emma Smith universe. This book feels so warm and comforting. The character development in books are always important to me, but the ones in middy sherb really do stand out, filling my heart with hope and love.
A brilliant 5 ☆ read, 100% reccomend!!!

[Keelin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can’t really put into words how much I love this book <33 I absolutely love how this book doesn’t just focus on characters relationships, it actually develops each character, giving them a unique personality and story.

This book mad me feel so seen, it made me feel like my experiences as an asexual and someway aromantic person are valid 🫶

I am now emotionally attached to all the characters now, and am a massive Emma Smith fan

[kds · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so unique in so many ways. The author was so creative with the plot and the characters, I've never read anything quite like it. I loved that it focused on platonic love instead of romantic. I read it in one day, I just couldn't get enough.
I really cared about the characters and found them very intriguing. They were so fleshed out and felt so real, so human. Carmel was such an interesting person, I loved getting to know the different aspects of her and her getting to know herself and her sexuality. I thought she was a great representation of asexuality and aromanticity. Remy, not so much. At first I found him quite lovable and sweet, but as the book went on, I felt less connected to him. I think there should have been more moments to show his selfless side. I think his insecurities were pointed out too often in too similar ways, but I understand that's a big part of him and it consumes him. I really liked that he owned up to his mistakes, it's unfortunately rare in modern novels. I didn't like, however, how quickly he fell for Carmel, but the author pulled it off very well, including the explanation of the reason why he caught feelings so quickly.
The friendgroup reminds me so much of Casey McQuiston, one of my favourite authors. Emma Smith, just like McQuiston, writes this beautiful friendgroups with dynamic and authentic bonds that I absolutely adore. I'm a big fan of wholesome friendships in books, I prefer them to romance, so this aspect made me love this book so much more. I loved how the characters were so individual, but also connected, like real people are. My favourite was Lily, which isn't surprising, my favourites are often side characters, though I felt a little setback during the plot twist, if I could call it that.
During the second half of the book, I began thinking it was a little underwhelming, but then the action picked up. It just wasn't the right moment that I thought the story was building up to. It felt really good how everything wrapped up, the whole story made so much sense.
I'll definitely be picking up more of Emma Smith's books, this one was great and I'm sure I'll enjoy the murder mysteries even more!

[Francesca · Rating 5 out of 5]

After loving Guided, I had high hopes for Midnight Sherbet - and they were completely exceeded! My biggest regret is how long it took me to get around to reading this book; having bought it on the day it came out it's been waiting on my bookshelf for weeks and weeks now, and when I finally read it in just a few days, I was hardly able to put it down.

Emma Smith's writing style is amazing - I absolutely adore the world she's created within the two books of hers I've read, the links between Midnight Sherbet and Guided were my favourite things ever - I loved seeing more of Nima, who I felt could've been explored more in Guided, and seeing where her and other characters were after Guided's ending. Aside from their links to Guided, the other thing I loved about this book's characters were how real they felt. Their personalities will stick with me for a long time, I almost feel like they're my friends I know them so well. Additionally, the way the characters speak, act, and their relationships with each other just feel so believable and relatable, it's amazing to read something so clearly written by an author who obviously understands life as a British teenager, and manages to capture everyday life in such a beautiful way.

The actual plot of the book is, in one word, heart-warming, although heart-breaking at times. Very different from the mystery style of Guided, it's a story of friendship and first love, grief and hope, with a group of such unforgettable and well-written main characters. I loved every chapter, and I can't wait to read everything else Emma releases!!

[Ashlea Stannard · Rating 5 out of 5]

emma smith is one of those authors whose writing feels like coming home. midnight sherbet is a coming of age story about friendship, identity and loss and hope, all set against the bleak but evocative backdrop of a grimy, vivid Hull.

midnight sherbet is one of those rare books that makes you cry, laugh, cringe, cry some more, and then wonder why you didn't read it sooner. i seem to rate every book i read five stars, but i would give this one six if i could. it's one of the few i've ever read that has successfully made me ugly cry, but on that last page, i felt like i was standing on the beach with those characters. i felt like i was holding remy's hand, watching carmel in the water, and feeling every emotion and hearing every piece of dialogue as if i was right there with them the whole time.

i read this book in just under twelve hours, and it set me into a kind of nauseous and lurid daze i used to get when i was younger and i became so enamored with a book that i could not sleep until i had read every last word. emma's books are like that: they just keep you hanging off of every single word. when i read guided, i mentioned in my review that her pacing was masterful, and even though midnight sherbet is not the crime-driven suspense that guided was, there is still tension and anticipation bleeding from every page.

lots of people have said "dead fine" is emma's best book, but i honestly don't know how it gets any better than this. midnight sherbet has got to be my favourite book of the year.

i'm telling you, emma smith is going places.

[Gabi Howe · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is INCREDIBLE

It's definitely something different to what I've read

POTENTIAL SPOILERS AHEAD


1) I've never ever related to high school books because they're all set in America, but here I can relate. I know what Y13 and A-levels and UCAS is. I know where the places in the books are.

2) Because of this, I can somehow relate to the characters. Not literally with their lives, but some school experiences, friendship troubles, misunderstandings. I've experienced this in almost the same way. Especially as well their emotions and being in love with the idea of someone or the idea of love

3) I think this may be one of the first books where I don't actually like one of the main characters. And it's not because he was written badly it was because he was written so well that I didn't like him (if that makes sense) I knew a person like that who completely misunderstood and focused on the wrong things and was in a way, not really a great guy.


There were so many times I silently screamed at my phone or had to put it down to process it. It was a war of emotions.

A lot happening in like the last quarter of the book and I was just gobsmacked for the most of it but it really was something special

In the end most of it worked out but I think that goes to show that you can't have everything good together, but if you've got people then it's okay

This book is incredible because it's so real. It's like I'm there, because I can relate to it so much. It's got the characters flaws and how it's not all what it seems to be.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having read and totally enjoyed Emma’s Guided, I was so excited to pick this one up! This has a completely different vibe to Guided’s mystery but is every bit as enjoyable. It’s a lot more slice of life, but done in a way that doesn’t feel stale or dry. Very much a sensitive and touching coming-of-age story.

I really liked the dual perspective of Carmel and Remy. At first, I wasn’t too sure what to think of Remy. I was a bit worried he’d be a ‘nice guy’ character, torn between self-pity and expecting girls to like him. I was so glad when he didn’t turn out that way, and instead the insecurity issues he had were framed and handled very well. But Carmel was my real favourite. As someone who is ace/aro, seeing that representation in her was fabulous. It really emphasised how everyone has a different experience of sexuality and romantic attraction, and I felt the way it was presented was nicely done. And she had a lot more going for her than just that, of course. The plotline concerning her ill mother was really gut-wrenching and touching.

Mostly, I just really love Emma’s prose. It matched the characters perfectly (always difficult to do in multi POV) and was the right blend of atmospheric and getting the job done. I like how smooth and easy it was to read and digest. The story moved along well and even the ‘downtime’ scenes were engaging.

Overall, another great story! Can’t wait to read more of Emma’s :)

[Chloe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where do I start with this book? Perfect for fans of Paper Towns, Nick and Norah’s infinite playlist, Our chemical hearts and Angus Thongs and Perfect Snogging, as I definitely felt similar vibes to each of those. This book follows the lives of two teenagers, Remy and Carmel, who are each dealing with difficult home lives and come together in an unexpected way.

The story starts with a feeling of the two potentially being star crossed lovers in a fates-align sort of way but then it deepens, revelations are made, a road to self discovery is embedded on and we come to realise they are so much more than that.

I really liked the duel narrative used, and the fact that we are able to see both teenagers experiences of the same situations, I thought that was very clever and well down. I also thought that this book is well-written as it definitely provoked a lot of emotions in me (specifically annoyance towards Remy at certain points!).

Overall, this book was an interesting, engaging YA read full of adventure, excitement and friendship. I would highly recommend this book!

[echo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book so much and it made me feel so seen as an asexual person.
this book has my whole heart ahhh literally can’t put into words how much I loved this and omg im emotionally attached to al of the characters!! And they all mean so much to me !
This book was beautifully written i love Emma’s writing so much as this is her second novel I have read,her writing is amazing and so passionate it really had me almost crying and then made me so happy and definitely recommend this book.
I literally love everything Emma writes and can’t wait for when more books comes out!!

[Marisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read from Emma Smith!

Midnight Sherbet is a book about love, grief, heartbreak and identity. I don't normally opt for romance type of books but when I read Guided and Dead Fine, I knew I'd love this regardless.

I enjoyed the switch between POV's and how it gave a proper insight to the characters thoughts and feelings. As always, I love the references to characters in Emma's other books.

Cannot wait for Emma's next book and genuinely have no idea what to read whilst I wait.

[Immi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ahh! I loved this book sm, Carmel finding herself, and eventually Remy accepts it right at the end, it shows how platonic relationships can still be a great read! I definitely recommend this book to anyone :D Well done Emma!

[Aaminah Jangda · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG.
LIKE I AHVE NO WORDS JAJAJSJSNSN ITS SO GOOD
I WANNA WRITE LIKE THIS WHEN I GROW UP.
this book is super underrated, and omg, you’ll regret not reading it 🤭🤭

[Kiera · Rating 5 out of 5]

Midnight Sherbet follows Carmel and Remy, two opposites, who become friends after a chance encounter. After a while, it becomes increasingly clear that there’s a thin line between friendship and love. But who wants what kind of relationship, and will their friendship last?

Midnight Sherbet might be my favourite book of Emma Smith’s now. I really loved getting to know Carmel and Remy’s characters separately and their awkward first attempts at friendship. Remy’s unsettledness within his own skin throughout the book really stuck with me as it perfectly captured the feeling of being a teenager, especially a nerdy teenage boy who doesn’t feel good enough for a relationship. Carmel’s story stood out to me the most, with her putting her life on hold to care for her ill mother. She was truly brought to life in this story. I loved the representation that Carmel gave as well, with her realising she’s asexual and aromantic by the end of the novel. This was treated with such reality, and it never stood as something which defined her character. Both of them together were really lovely to read; their friendship really brought one another to life.

I love Emma Smith’s writing. It’s so grounded in the truth and reality of being a young person growing up in underrepresented places in the UK. Every time I read one of her books, I feel like I'm looking at the world around me instead of some distant land, which I'm so used to with other books. This is my fifth book by Emma that I've read, and I'm continuously wowed by her writing and the way she brings these much needed stories to life.

Before reading Emma’s books, the last time I read YA was when I was a teenager, so it was so exciting to jump back into this genre. This kind of YA is what I think is needed in the genre. It’s grounded in truth and has representation for different individuals, but doesn’t treat this representation as a gimmick; it’s just a part of who a person is. Having this and the setting being so local and beautifully detailed, showing the great and gritty parts is incredibly important, especially now when so many books are set in a glamorised world, making young people feel like theirs isn’t good enough. I also found the inclusion of this friendship so important, as so many girls have been in the situation where they have a boy friend who misreads the relationship. This book really highlights that communication is key within all kinds of relationships, and if more young people were to read stories like these, they’d realise this and that boys and girls can be friends.

Midnight Sherbet is out now, and you can buy it on your Kindle, read through Kindle Unlimited or purchase it in paperback from Amazon! All of her other books are included on these platforms as well, which I highly recommend you check out. You should also check out her Etsy, which has so many cool designs of bookmarks, stickers, etc. (which she designs herself!)

Thank you to the author Emma Smith for this review copy of Midnight Sherbet in exchange for an honest review ⭐️

[Kenzie Leckie ✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh my, I did not think I would be crying at the end of this but how wrong was I!

The thing I love about Emma’s books is that there isn’t always a typical happy ending where people find happiness in other people but they discover it within themselves or there isn’t a happy ending at all. That’s what makes Emma different from other authors in my opinion, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows but real life.

This was a great but heartbreaking read and was so sad to read about Carmel’s mum. I would have loved to hear more about Remys mums story and how she dealt with her PTSD to really feel that strain in the family.

[Alicia Lloyd · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good book with a heart wrenching plot and a well written storyline!

[Will Chatterton · Rating 5 out of 5]

From page one, Midnight Sherbet is a genuinely gripping tale of love, strife, betrayal and grief, so expertly written in a way that makes the book incredibly difficult to put down. One example of how the book is written in such a way is that most of the chapters alternate between being told from the perspectives of each of the two protagonists, Remy and Carmel, whose feelings towards each other at times could not be more contrasting. When particular chapters told by Remy conclude, for example, you sense that perhaps not all of Remy’s feelings are quite as reciprocated as he would like; you then inadvertently glance across to the next page to be struck immediately with the complete juxtaposition of Carmel's feelings in that moment, and you can't help but satiate the curiosity that forms and continue reading. Particularly towards the end of the book it's even more challenging to convince yourself that you’re better off pausing and resuming the book later on; the rollercoaster that is the final third of the book drew me in to the extent that I finished the last 120 pages in one sitting and, the onset of sleep deprivation notwithstanding, finished the book at 2:30am one night. That sort of thing simply doesn’t happen, simply would not have happened, if the book weren’t as enthralling as it is. Moreover, adroit tie-ins to Emma's first book, Guided, evoke an epiphanous sense of resolution, a sense of "so *that's* how things have panned out since." Never mind simply that satisfying sense of continuity, though; if you found yourself captivated by the storytelling (and the story) of Guided, I'm sure you'll enjoy Midnight Sherbet just as much, and if not, more.

[alyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Midnight sherbet is a story of young love, self discovery and heartbreak. There are limited words to describe the way I was feeling whilst reading it. Emotional, distraught, embarrassed.

Carmel has never had time for relationships or friendships, but when the chance to get a boyfriend arises, why doesn’t she take it? The books explores the path of finding yourself and the challenges which come with it- sacrifice, disappointment and loss. She’s someone you learn to like, you sympathise with her. She is a powerful main character that grows between the pages.

Remy meets this girl, they barely share a word- but why can’t he stop thinking about her? He is an insecure, self conscious boy who just wants to be loved. I thought his dates were very sweet and he was an overall very lovely character. The way he spoke to Carmel during her coming out scene was so disgusting, you loose a chunk of your love for him. However, I think the overall experience was very crucial for their relationship and for Remy, to help him get over whatever they had.

I would say the last 20% is the most heartbreak heavy. It was hard to read and I think it was done on purpose. This isn’t something you read in your average books but it talks about a situation which isn’t shared in the media enough.

You should definitely give Midnight Sherbet a read, it’s different to Guided whilst keeping the same atmosphere and writing style.

[Jessica Morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I may have messed up and read this one first but I’m actually glad I did, this is a really good example of how the author can take complicated emotions and explain them in a way that is enjoyable and understandable for the readers, the characters are imperfect and it is so easy to relate to them in another level.

I did think Remys home life was a bit useless to the story line and was mentioned a couple times but then completely forgotten about which is weird saying that Carmel’s was very important to it but it didn’t bother me that much.

I love remys friends and they show the struggles of growing up and the emotional struggles you have with that. This is a story I think anyone should read before they are twenty just because it shows how friendship is far better than love- in some cases- and that you can have your happy ending no matter who you are.

[Randomisreading · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has got to be one of the most beautiful books l've ever read. Carmel is so relatable but in a way that she feels like a genuinely average teenager which is a breath of fresh air after nearly always reading about characters who perfectly fit beauty standards.
Carmel's struggles with her family and her journey with her sexuality are incredibly important stories to tell and I'm glad they were told from the perspective of such a down to earth character, someone who could easily be someone you see in school or in the street.
Overall, I loved this book and it has become one of them books that holds a very special place in my heart and will do for a very long time.

[Katherine Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

reading this felt like discovering my asexuality all over again. it was depressing and fuck you emma for making me cry and i hated it. and that’s why it’s perfect and you should all read it immediately

[lucie · Rating 5 out of 5]

OHMYGODS this had me full on sobbing for an hour it’s one of my favourite books ever! it’s so beautifully written and pure and i just love it so much🫶🏼 emma is insanely talented and this book is scarily good🫶🏼

[Lydia · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.75 ⭐

I think the beauty of this novel is the realness of everything. All the characters but especially Remy and Carmel, were painted so vividly. They remained in my head even when I wasn't reading the book! This did mean that I really felt their pain but also their joy. That's a key theme of this novel - finding joy in small places. I loved loved loved how Hull was described - realistically very grimy but also beautiful in its own way. I loved how Remy and Carmel connected over their love of that too.

I also loved how British this novel is 😂. I grew up in the north of England too and could see similarities between mine and the characters' experiences which is very rare!! I've only read a handful of books like that. Again, it is so realistic of how a lot of British people live that I just never see. It was all so wonderfully described and I loved falling into a world so similar yet different to my own.

Also THE PLATONIC LOVE!! I just love books that centre friendship and found family. So much of the world is focused on romance but having space for friendship is vital. It is rare to see a book that represents this well. It linked so well with the incredible Asexuality representation too and showing how there's other types of love. It is just so important and also really heartwarming.

My only issue was just that some characters' storylines were not really expanded on or felt a bit rushed. I was desperate to know more about Nima especially! Maybe that's just reason for a sequel or spinoff ???? (please)

This book made me feel a whole wave of emotions as I was fully pulled into Remy and Carmel's universe. It is really heartbreaking and difficult to read at parts because of that but there are also so many moments of light and joy and friendship!

[Fannya · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is such a good story. It touches on topic that I haven’t came across in any other books that I have read and I have to say that the author did so well in writing this book. In one sentence, I truly enjoyed reading this book!

The story is about Remy and Carmel. Carmel is a nineteen year old studying art while also being the carer of her ill mother. She doesn’t have time for friends or social life as she is the backbone of their family. She met Remy one night and Remy immediately felt attracted to her. Remy tries to find Carmel again because he is convinced that he is falling in love with her. Their story follows from there.

I love the way the author describes the town, I love the writing of this book. It was a bit slow until 20% of the book but once I got past that, I am unable to put down the book.

This is such an incredible story about friendships, love, and accepting yourself. I love their friend group <3 an honorary mention to Matt, because I love his character so much in this book❣️This is also YA which is right up my alley!

I would really recommend this book to anyone who likes stories about friendships, navigating life as 18-19 year olds, finding love for the first time. 🤍

[Adrianah · Rating 4 out of 5]

this book was so good. it’s was beautiful and terrible at the same time(hear me out). it was about the beautiful parts of life such as friendship, first love, forgiving, moving on, but it was also about the ugly parts, the more realistic parts. carmel was really struggling w money and her and her moms mental and physical health. this book showed aspects of illness, sa, and child death in a way that wasn’t glorified but was real, complicated, and confusing. it didn’t have a terribly “happy” ending. carmel’s only family member left, died in such a tragic way and remy didn’t get into his dream university or find the love of his life. but they found happiness in the smaller things they didn’t expect to.

[Tegan · Rating 4 out of 5]

May contain spoilers
This book explores the interplay of young love and enduring friendship. We can see Carmel's understated life caring for her ill mother whilst contrasts sharply with Remy's exuberance. This book explores the complexities of relationships and the transformative power of connection , showing tropes I didn't even know existed. With the protagonist being complete opposites we can see how differences in personalities and life situations can shape both love and friendship which plays a part throughout the book. I saw a review talking about how they'd like it better if it was just Carmel's perspective however I disagree , as without Remy's pov the book would lack showcasing the fine line between genuine affection and misguided intentions in which Remys perfectly portrays.