What Shines at Midnight

by Nela Winter, Over Mendoza (editor)

Florence and Darren are classmates. She is the invisible girl, he is her stepbrother’s best friend. He wants to stop being popular, she dreams of everyone knowing her name. They see each other every day. They have never spoken. An unexpected conversation changed everything one night. The broken girl and the golden boy can be friends. They can share secrets, dreams, fears.What Shines at Midnight is a story about an unforgettable first love. It’s a story about growing up, trying to be happy, but it is also about facing sadness because the most beautiful things need darkness to shine.

291 pages, Paperback

Published January 30, 2024

About the author

Nela Winter is a writer in her late twenties who enjoys love stories between complex and relatable characters.

When she's not reading or writing, she's probably consuming stories in other forms like movies, TV shows, or Taylor Swift songs.

Reviews

[Roslyn Leon · Rating 4 out of 5]

wow wow wow. umm hello the ending?? we need a second book!! this book was amazing. it made me feel so many feelings, happy, sad, in love. Florence is such a bada**. she always spoke her mind and didn’t care that others wouldn’t like to hear it, because miss girl was honest when no one else would be. darren, my sweet Darren 😭, he was so good to Florence, and man he deserved sm better than what his dad. This took me back to high school and I love it for that. Also taylor swift and high school musical references.🫣

[Stine Helen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I gave this book a 3.25 star rating ⭐️
At first I struggled to find the right chemistry with the story and the characters. The main character Florence seemed immature, but she slightly grew on me. Quickly reminding me of Anne from Green Gables which made her more lovable in my eyes. Darren was every girl’s dream first-boyfriend, portrayed so loving and kind towards Florence.

The book was fastpaced, going through a family’s mourning after loosing a son and a brother, while Darren and Florence found company in eachother, developing a friendship that bloomed into something more. I found myself quite enjoying the story as it progressed.

I think my favorite must have been the ending. It was easy to see that Florence grew from the point where we first met her to the endscene of the book. From a slightly immature girl (as teenagers are allowed to be) to a daring, young woman. It definitely ended bittersweetly, but at the same time the ending felt quite fitting.

While the last part of the ending slightly confused me, it also made the authors writing choice clearer as it seemed like ‘future-Florance’ was telling her and Darren’s story in detail through some kind of diary-like set up.

I recommend this book to anyone looking for a cute, small-town, first-romance story that is easy to get into and quick to read. Nela Winters’ debut novel deserves to be read by romance-lovers.

[Samantha Blocher · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5!
I really enjoyed this story and how refreshing it was in its uniqueness from other stories I have read recently! The structure, characters, and storyline were very intentionally crafted by Nela, and I think she approached some very heavy topics in a beautiful way.
As a romance, it held much more depth than just a sweet first love story, but was a coming of age story with representations of grief, self-doubt, and learning how to make the hard decisions because they are what’s right.
The structure created a fast pace to this read, and it contained all the small town energy! Another element I really liked was that I felt like it carried a sense of mystery throughout, as we see Florence questioning who people truly are, their motives, and what secrets they may have. The ending was so shocking to me, and I liked that it didn’t feel so typical of a romance story, but it felt realistic, which is all the better in my eyes!
I’m excited to read more from Nela in the future!

[Anca A · Rating 5 out of 5]

#Review: *What Shines at Midnight* - Nela Winter - ARC [16+]
4.8/5✨
0/5🌶️
[Contains mental health problems]

I really don't remember how I found this book and author, but I'm really glad I got the chance to read this one. Thank you so much Nela for this opportunity!🫶🏼

Florence is a teenager who is still figuring out her life. Especially after she loses her step brother, Joshua, who decided his life couldn't continue anymore. His whole family was affected by this and left a big whole within their hearts.

Joshua's best friend was Darren, for whom Florence had a crush for a while. But nothing happened between them until one night, after a party, when they started to spend more time together.

I hated Darren's dad, who was pretty soulless and demanded too much from his kids (Darren and Grace). He was the only one who didn't agree with him being in a relationship with Florence and that might interfere with their plans. All the characters were so easy to love, except him. I really hated him for everything he has done and the way he was as a person.

This story had some sensitive parts, where suicide was mentioned, bulling, mental health and parents issues. This book grew slower on me, not being totally won over from the beginning, but it was amazing after just a couple chapters, becoming addicting. The end had a surprise to it, which I definitely didn't expect and I'm curious what the next book will be like.

✨Tropes
#BrothersBestFriend
#FriendsToLovers
#FirstLove
#ComingOfAge
#HighSchool
#Bully
#ForbiddenLove

[chellyreadsbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m conflicted on my rating for this book but have landed on a 4 because the book had a certain feeling that it gave me that made me happy reading the book. It felt very nostalgic and gave me the early 2000s vibes for sure (and not just because it’s set during that time). It also felt like a wattpad story which isn’t a bad thing to me - I think that’s also why it felt nostalgic reading this. I do think the story could’ve been expanded on especially the ending. The ending has me confused and I feel like we’re missing something between point A and B. Either way I still smiled a lot and enjoyed the concept of the story. Thank you to the author for the eARC in exchange for an honest review and congrats on your debut!!

[chey 🦦 · Rating 5 out of 5]

if we do not get a second book i am SCREAMING🥹

florence is like the biggest bada** to mankind and i freaking loved it!
and darren🥹🥹🥹🥹
idk what i can say about him bc words are not enough to describe my baby 😫
and all the taylor swift reviews???? stop i loved that
so nela…. write another book or sleep with one eye open 👀 (jk ofc hahaah🫶🏼)



Another add i wanna say: Nela this book is an amazing debut novel and i am so excited what is there to come in the future!!!🤍

[Rita · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

Thank you so much @nelawinterauthor for the ARC!

Guys, let me tell you, if you have been looking for a small-town romance set on the 90’s, you are at the right place!

This book is so cute and at the same time we have mistery. It follows Florence and Darren… Initially they are strangers but their relationship turns into love 🥹
Do you remember your first love?
I love Florence. She’s strong, and she will always speak what’s on her mind.
Darren it’s a cute boy. He deserved so much better for his life! I hope we have another book about them years later to see their story after the last chapters!

We have some heavy subjects here but it had a nice aproach.

The plot twists at the end left me speechless! The way things start to shift and the way characters grow, make choices for their future.. we have lots of potencial!

This book will make you laugh, cry and feel nostalgic… it was so emocional!

[Jan Camille · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW
✨I received an ARCin exchange for my honest review.✨

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
✨Closed door✨

Reading this book took me back in time. It gives you the feeling being in a 90s or early 2000’s teen romance movie. I loved our girl, Florence. She’s smart, lovable and quite funny. Meanwhile Darren is the classic dream boyfriend. He’s handsome, a gentleman and very sweet. I love how their relationship grew from talking to each other. From the time they spend together, little by little their feelings grew. We also get to read about a family who’s going through mourning, and some family drama.

I was on the edge of my seat towards the end. There were plot twist that really twisted my mind😂. The ending itself gave me a shock, and also left me wanting MORE. The thing that led to me to giving 4 ⭐️ is that I wished for more chapters after the last chapter. I needed to know what happened. It just felt that it ended on a cliffhanger.

If you’re looking for a small town, first love romance, in a mood for a quick read, or a fellow romance lover, I do recommend this book🙌🏻.

[Isabela Wilder · Rating 3 out of 5]

Big big thank you, Nela, for the eARC!!

This book was a very easy read. I did really like the story and the plot line. The characters were likeable and easy to get to know!

Florence is wise beyond her years. She remembers experiences and conversations like no other and uses her memories to her advantage to better prepare and educate herself for her current and future situations.

Darren is the town’s golden boy. Ah! Everyone knows and loves him, and really who can blame them?!! He’s so sweet and genuine and he really does wear his heart on his sleeve (whether he or his father likes it or not).

Joshua’s story is also very important. I loved finding out more and more about him, but I wish we would’ve gotten more memories with him and more background on him, but I also understand why we didn’t/couldn’t have.

The ending honestly just has me so confused. I genuinely probably could’ve gone without the last couple chapters, so I guess Nela did her job in making the people want more!

[Marylou Menjivar · Rating 4 out of 5]

We need a second book!?
We get to see how young love blossoms and evolves from a high schoolers POV.
The FMC, Florence is so fierce and Darren was there for her and he was so sweet.

Thank for Nela Winter for giving me the opportunity to read this book in advance!

[Valeria Boada · Rating 4 out of 5]

Me parece increible lo que me gustó este libro. Es lindo, sencillo, facil de leer, me trajo una especie de paz a mi momento de lectura que necesitaba. Florence es una chica ordinaria, tierna, una simple adolescente que busca su lugar en el mundo, y Darren es como una greenflag andante y no puedo estar mas encantada con el.

El final del libro me dejo llorando, no porque sea enteramente desgarrador, si no porque me parecio muy real, me encariñe tanto con los personajes que terminar el libro me dejo una sensasion de nostalgia grande. Y es que el libro esta descrito de una forma tan natural que me sorprende la manera que tuvo la autora de lograr eso, me senti adolescente otra vez a traves de los pensamientos de nuestra prota. El como se desarrollo la relacion entre los protagonistas, me parecio extremadamente real, natural, linda, tierna esa fue mi mayor sensacion durante todo el libro.

Definitivamente, recomiendo <3

[Daniela Rodriguez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Este libro es un soplo del aire fresco, es como aquel sorbete que te comes entre comidas para que todo te sepa mejor ? Así lo sentí, Florence y Darren son unos adolescentes que están apenas comenzando a vivir su vida y pronto se darán cuenta de que la vida a veces no sólo es blanco o negro, hay una variedad de tonalidades y debemos vivir con ello. Realmente una lectura muy adaptada a los 2000s con referencias a la época, un playlist encantador y una pluma que te permitirá leerla super rápido.

[Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an ARC copy of this novel, and I'd like to thank the author for this wonderful opportunity. I was genuinely excited to begin this journey, and I must say, I wasn't disappointed.

Initially, Florence struck me as quite immature. I found myself at odds with some of her choices and didn't particularly warm up to her character. However, she gradually grew on me. Her portrayal as a seventeen-year-old seemed fitting; teenagers can be complex creatures. There were moments when her reflections on growing up, grief, and family really resonated with me, and they made for some really good quotes. I also enjoyed the references to Taylor Swift and High School Musical :P

Darren, on the other hand, was a sweetheart. His attitude towards Florence was endearing; he was like the ideal first love that anyone would wish for. It was clear that he deserved far better treatment than what his father subjected him to.

The book was paced well throughout, making it a really fast read. It was extremely easy to get into, and it delved into themes of grief, the bonds formed through shared grief, mourning, and the complexities of love. It was a really enjoyable experience.

The ending, though bittersweet, left a lasting impression. Florence's evolution from the beginning was really obvious. While I found aspects of it slightly confusing, I liked the author's writing choice; it was quite clever.

I will say, however, that there were several errors scattered throughout the book. At times, the writing felt a bit odd. The sudden shifts in a character's demeanor, from saying something 'grumpily' to 'teasingly,' seemed inconsistent to me. Additionally, the repeated use of a particular word, along with misplaced pronouns, detracted from the overall flow. The tense also changed occasionally, and the punctuation, especially within quotations, appeared inconsistent. While these are minor issues, they did catch my attention a time or two. I do believe that they will be fixed by the time the book is out, and I think they're really minor issues anyway, so they didn't bother me too much.

Overall, this was an enjoyable read. If you're in the mood for a fast-paced, charming story of first love set in a small town, one that will make you feel a range of emotions—from joy to sorrow to affection, then this book is worth picking up. Nela Winters is an author with immense potential, and I can't wait to read more of her work.

[Estrellita · Rating 4 out of 5]

𝑹𝒆𝒔𝒆ñ𝒂 𝒅𝒆: 𝑳𝒐 𝑸𝒖𝒆 𝑩𝒓𝒊𝒍𝒍𝒂 𝑨 𝑴𝒆𝒅𝒊𝒂𝒏𝒐𝒄𝒉𝒆

No sé ni cómo empezar a escribir esto. Este libro fue una experiencia muy linda, le agradezco a la autora por la confianza, por darme la oportunidad de leer su libro, que fue algo muy lindo, la verdad.

La historia de Florence y Darren es una historia muy bonita, aunque hay que tener en cuenta que se tratan temas como: la depresión, ansiedad, suicidio, acoso, entre otros.

Tengo que admitir que en un principio no confiaba del todo en Darren, pero después leí el amor de persona que es y todo lo que hacía para que Florence estubiera bien y fue tan lindo 😍.

Cada vez que vea la lluvia recordaré a Florence y su fascinación por ella, la paz que ella sentía cuando veía la lluvia.

Como toda historia de amor tiene sus altos y bajos, pero lo más lindo es que cada obstáculo que se les venía encima lo superaban con el apoyo del otro.

[Spencer McKinney · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an ARC for this book, and I'm giving it a 3.5. I read this in one night and had a good time reading. I did find the dialogue to be unrealistic and confusing at times, and some of the characters behaviors were inconsistent (ie. they would blow up out of nowhere for minor issues). There were also a few grammatical and phrasing issues, but it didn't ruin the book per say.

I thought it was pretty decent, and it felt nice to turn off my brain after a long day and read this story. It dives into some pretty heavy topics, but I appreciated the mental health rep. I believe this author is headed in the right direction and I will be on the lookout for new works.

[María Jiménez · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5⭐️

wow que libro tan bonito y agridulce me pareció precioso y desgarrador (sobre todo el final) pero también conecte muchísimo con el duelo que estaban viviendo los protagonistas. Esta historia de amor fue preciosa y a la vez wow, yo solo esperaba un final de esos calentitos y que te hacen sonreír como un viejo amigo, pero me dieron algo completamente diferente y aunque soy fan de los finales felices de "vivieron felices para siempre" este final siento que fue perfecto para ellos.

Espero una segunda parte en donde se encuentren, más maduros, más sanados, donde se conozcan más así mismos, donde estén claros que siempre fueron ellos y fueron él para siempre del otro.

[mire.books10 · Rating 4 out of 5]

💜Opinión personal 💜
•Me ha encantado la historia. En ella encontré mucho amor y algunos plot twists.
•Lo que más me ha gustado ha sido los personajes y su evolución personal. Me encanta Darren.
•La historia no es muy larga y se lee rápido ya que es bastante adictiva, además de que es muy entretenida.
•Hay frases muy bonitas en la historia.
•Hay que saber que en la historia tratan temas como la ansiedad, el suicidio, depresión...
•He amado la pareja tan bonita que hacían los personajes y como afrontaban las cosas juntos.

💜 Friends to lovers
💜 Mejor amigo del hermanastro
💜Small town
💜Primer amor

4/5⭐

[Ana · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very special love story in a time of life where we are all trying to find out who we are and where we belong and then a tragedy happens and we need to hold on to what we love the most.

This story was super nice to read, Florence and Daren where such a cute couple to read about. How there lives got intertwined together in the grief of loosing someone plus trying to see what was happening between them. Loved it!

[Flor · Rating 5 out of 5]

-Este primer libro que leo de la autora y me encanto. Es hermoso. La relación entre los protagonistas es para nada toxico.

-Toca el tema del primer amor el cual tiende a ser inolvidable y algunas veces nos marca. También es una historia sobre crecimiento personal, y habla que cuando nos suceden cosas difíciles las personas a nuestro alrededor nos pueden ayudar y sobretodo tenemos que aferrarnos a lo que más amamos.

[Yaqueline · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was everything I hoped it would be! Funny, sad, and soooo cute. I read it in less than a half-day. Darren is a the kinda boyfriend I always dreamed of when I was a teenage. And Florence is so amazing!!! Love it. All those ppl who loves teen romantic books this one is for you!

[Mitzi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Me gusto bastante la historia, las últimas páginas me mantuvieron pegada para saber que iba a pasar y aunque sentí que fue un final amargo, me gusto que fuera realista 💞

Fue una historia linda y la pase bien leyéndolo!

[Olive · Rating 5 out of 5]

officially one of the cutest book i ever read

[Alison Grant · Rating 5 out of 5]

i wanna my own darren, pls. we need more perfect mmc who are actually perfect. see so much potencial in nela winter, cant wait for the next

[Vale · Rating 3 out of 5]

No me podes terminar el libro así, necesito saber que pasoo

[Maria Costa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rate: ⭐⭐⭐.75/5
Spice: 🌶️/5 (closed doors with mentions of light makeout sessions)

I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

I was not expecting the way this book ended at all! And I need the rest of the story ASAP... Throughout the all book there was something off, like how it was written was off for me, and then we have that ending and everything made sense!

Okay, I'm finding out this year that YA is not my thing anymore (which is sad, but makes a lot of sense simultaneously). BUT this is a good book and I definitely recommend it to any teenager into romance books. It deals with some heavier topics like toxic parenthood, violence and has mentions to depression and anxiety (but not explicitly and off-page). I'm not sure if there is going to be a book two and we will get to see the rest of the story (I hope so), but if we do I cannot guarantee that book 2 will not dive into heavy topics on page.
Sometimes I had to stop and take a deep breath because Florence (or another character) annoyed me, but only because she was acting out and being childish. And I had to remind myself that the character was 17y for god's sake... So it was more of a me problem than anything else. I still enjoyed and got flashbacks to my own teenage phase and I'm sure this is an amazing book for any teenage bookworm.

[Litsie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Antes de escribir mi reseña quiero darle gracias a la autora por mandarme una copia de este libro para dar mi reseña.

Lo que brilla a medianoche es un libro que aunque contiene temas fuertes, los trata de una manera no tan explícita y eso hace que la lectura no se haga pesada o difícil. Me gustó la forma en que está escrito y lo cortos que son los capítulos, lo cual hace que la lectura sea más ligera.

Es una historia que me hizo sentir como si estuviera viendo una película de romance juvenil de esas que puedes ver muchas veces en fines de semana. A pesar de que toca temas que podemos vivir en la vida real y son difíciles.

Si quieres una historia no tan larga de un romance muy bonito, real y que te hace sonreír y ponerte nerviosa o nervioso, lo recomiendo totalmente.

(Me gustó que tiene las advertencias de contenido al principio y que tuviera la playlist).

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOWWWWW WHERE DO I START WITH THIS ABSOLUTE MASTERPIECE OF A BOOK

I ABSOLUTELY FELL IN LOVE WITH DARREN AND FLORENCE AND LOVED HOW THERE WASNT ANY SPICE !!!

NELA ALL I HAVE TO SAY IS WIW AND THANK YOU SO MUCH FIR BLESSING US ALL WITH UR AMAZING BOOK !! 🫶🏻