Estelle Cast out and alone, I lost everything weeks before my wedding—my betrothed, my family, my future. With nowhere to turn, I accept the help of a compassionate stranger, not knowing it may lead me towards a path I swore never to tread.
Percival After my wife succumbed to a psychotic break, I placed her in an asylum, a decision that haunts me as I raise our daughter alone. Hope for her recovery wanes with each passing year. I've vowed to uphold my marital duty, yet the arrival of a mysterious woman tempts me with forbidden possibilities. My father’s dishonorable legacy is a constant reminder of the man I refuse to become.
Set in the tumultuous early 1920s, "When Stars Fall at Midnight" is the first installment in Tess Thompson’s romantic family saga. Join USA Today Bestselling author in this tale of resilience, redemption, and unexpected love, where second chances arise from the ruins of tragedy, and newfound bonds forge new a family.
Tess Thompson Romance...hometowns and heartstrings.
Tess Thompson is the USA Today Bestselling and award-winning author of contemporary and historical Romantic Women’s Fiction with over 60 published titles. When asked to describe her books, she could never figure out what to say that would perfectly sum them up until she landed on, Hometowns and Heartstrings.
She’s married to her prince, Best Husband Ever, and is the mother of their blended family of four kids and five cats. Best Husband Ever is seventeen months younger, which qualifies Tess as a Cougar, a title she wears proudly. Her Bonus Sons are young adults with pretty hair and big brains like their dad. Daughters, better known as Princess One and Two, are teenagers who make their mama proud because they’re kind. They’re also smart, but a mother shouldn’t brag.
Tess loves lazy afternoons watching football, hanging out on the back patio with Best Husband Ever, reading in bed, binge-watching television series, red wine, strong coffee and walks on crisp autumn days. She laughs a little too loudly, never knows what to make for dinner, looks ridiculous kickboxing in an attempt to combat her muffin top, and always complains about the rain even though she chose to live in Seattle.
She’s proud to have grown up in a small town like the ones in her novels. After graduating from the University of Southern California Drama School, she had hopes of becoming an actress but was called instead to writing fiction. She’s grateful to spend most days in her office matchmaking her characters while her favorite cat Mittens (shhh…don’t tell the others) sleeps on the desk.
She adores hearing from readers, so don’t hesitate to say hello or sign up for her newsletter: http://tesswrites.com/. You’ll receive an ebook copy of her novella, The Santa Trial, for your efforts.
When Stars Fall At Midnight (Midnight Stars Saga-Book 1)
By: Tess Thompson
5 Stars
Tess has proven once again that she can write just about anything. In this new saga set in the glorious 1920s, Estelle and Percival set the stage. When Estelle is sent away from home, she finds herself on a hard and everchanging path. Percival has battled years to deal with his wife and her illness. One day, he comes across a woman who will forever have him questioning his very heart.
Wow. This is an amazing story. From start to finish, I was hooked. The characters were so likable while some made you spitting mad. They were real and relatable, and each brought so much to the story. Little Clara won me over, as did her very endearing grandmother.
Would it really be a Tess Thompson book if it didn't include the emotions. The roller-coaster of emotions in this story made me feel all the things. I was happy, sad, mad, and back to happy again. It grabbed and captivated in a very unputdownable way. This was one of the best books I have read to date. Tess amazes me every time. New series, new book, same great author!
This is another really well done historical fiction novel by Tess Thompson. Her attention to detail, the social climate and settings, all work together to create a vivid slice of the times. And boy, did she take me in a direction I never expected. Such wonderful characters, whether you love or hate them, you really get to know them. I thoroughly enjoyed this and am looking forward to part 2. Highly recommended to anyone who enjoys historical fiction and a very different kind of love story.
I fell in love with the characters. Set in the 1920s, it shows the harsh realities of the time , behind the illusion of ideal families. Achingly heartbreaking with a thread of hope and woven throughout the story. Enjoyed very minute of reading this one.
Wow! I couldn't put this book down! Estelle and Percival's stories tugged at my heartstrings. The moral and ethical dilemmas they faced had me questioning why God allowed bad things to happen to good people. Estelle's struggles were magnified by societies expectations/limitations of women in that period of history. As the story unfolded I was totally captivated by the unexpected twists, surprises and words of wisdom. A definite must read. I can hardly wait for the release of Part 2.
A chance meeting turns into an unlikely relationship that is ultimately dictated by society’s rules. A captivating story with likable characters, though the romance between Estelle and Constantine felt rushed and unfulfilled. There were some slight inconsistencies with Estelle’s relationship in regards to her sister, but otherwise this is a good and quick read. The story ends with a promise of more to come.
Heart-wrenching, heartbreaking, heartwarming. How can one story hold all those emotions? Talented author Tess Thompson gives all three a place in When Stars Fall at Midnight. You soar with hope, crash back down with despair, rise again, but cautiously this time.
The story starts out rather routinely: a family with a very beautiful daughter about to get married, another not-as-beautiful daughter with few prospects. A “businessman” father, distant, forbidding, judgmental. A mother who nearly always sides with her husband. And then author Thompson inserts some unusual twists and people that somehow seem unbelievably connected to other people when they shouldn’t be.
Mauve and Estelle Sullivan are twins – Mauve the pretty one, Estelle the other one. But then a mysterious man arrives and Estelle meets him by chance in the garden. Estelle is so naïve and inexperienced, but there is instant, unexpected attraction between them. Connie has secrets but they plan to marry and move away and start their own – happy – life. On the eve of sharing those secrets, however, Connie dies. Is murdered? And now Estelle must go back to being the not-so-beautiful sister with no prospects. Except – she’s with child. And life among the upper crust in early 1920s America may as well be the Regency Era in England in the 1800s, with as many rules and restrictions and harsh, unforgiving punishments for breaking them. So she leaves her family home just as she is about to be cast out. She meets a gracious, caring stranger who saves her in so many ways, and that hope starts to rise again.
But Dr. Percival Bancroft has seemingly insurmountable problems of his own. Early in their marriage his wife suffered a psychotic break and has been in an asylum ever since, leaving him to raise their daughter on his own. But he’s a faithful husband with a strong moral code and he visits Mary regularly, accepting that this will be his life.
From this point on, Thompson takes us on a tender, touching journey with Estelle and Percival and all those surrounding them. They feel drawn to each other in perhaps a way even stronger and more foundational than they were to Constantine and Mary. But they will not break their moral codes, will not do to others what was done to them or what they have observed. So it’s destined to be a deep friendship and nothing more.
These two can’t even seem to get that much happiness, though. And this is where Thompson excels as she starts weaving in those twists and shocking reveals and reprehensible people. There’s a whiff of organized crime. Past deeds that may not be forgettable or forgivable. Paths are now taken in life out of desperation, and they may regretfully be unchangeable. Friendships are seemingly shattered.
When Stars Fall at Midnight is an intense story. Estelle and Percy and his family are good people. People who want to do good, who have done nothing wrong, but who are caught up in circumstances beyond their control. I did some smiling and sighing but I also did a lot of weeping while reading. Things seem so hopeless. Will there ever be a chance for them?
Thanks to author Tess Thompson for providing an advance copy of When Stars Fall at Midnight, the first book in the Midnight Stars Saga as part of her review crew. I thoroughly enjoyed it as I do with all of Thompson’s books, recommend it without hesitation, and fervently hope I will have more smiles than tears in the next in the series. I voluntarily leave this review; all opinions are my own.
Every time I think I cannot like Tess Thompson's romances any more, she surprises me with yet another masterpiece. She is one of the only authors I can stomach when it comes to historical romance, because those tales actually feel real. The first book in this new series, When Stars Fall at Midnight, is so engrossing, I had a hard time putting it down. Her prose was so clear and descriptive, and the dialgoue so natural that I felt like I was watching the book play out in front of me on a screen, kind of like watching Bridgerton. [So shoutout to Netflix! You should make a series from this one!]
Estelle has always felt like the lesser twin with no prospects for the future. She finally finds some good and beauty in her life, only to have her whole world come crashing down. Forced to make heartwrenching decisions, she starts her life over, thanks to a chance encounter with a noble benefactor in Percival. He also has his own secrets and difficulty in life. The two of them are so good for each other, but too many obstacles stand in their way. This is not an easy path to a romance - and should they even be trying? Moral dilemmas will have you contemplating which decisions are the correct ones. I kept thinking I knew what was going to happen, but not quite!
This installment of the series does end before their story has completed. At the end, Tess calls it a cliffhanger. To me, it didn't feel so much like a cliffhanger as a logical place to pause. I'm anxious to read the next part, but am happy to see it looks like it won't be a really long wait for it! There are so many directions that this could all go.
I received a requested copy via BookFunnel. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
What a heartbreakingly realistic story. In this book you will meet Perceval and Estelle. Both have tragic backstories and find solace with the other. Unfortunately, they cannot be more than friends, even though they love each other.
Estelle has been shunned from her family, because she fell in love, got pregnant and her fiancé died before they could get married. She was forced to give up her daughter, to her twin, and told to never return. She met Percy the say she left and he helped her recover. As they spent time together, her feelings for him and his family grew. Just when she thinks things are going well, she gets thrown another curve ball.
Percy is a doctor and a genuinely nice man. He never expected to be in the situation he is, but he is doing the best he can. His wife is in an asylum, with no hope of coming home, but he can’t imagine telling his daughter he gave up on her mother. When he helped Estelle (Stella) he never expected to have feelings for her. She lights up his daughter’s life and he can’t imagine not having her with them, even as a friend.
When he finds out who she really is, it threatens to ruin everything between them. I can’t wait to see how this story ends. Both Percy and Stella deserve happiness, hopefully they can find it. I received an ARC and this is my honest, voluntary review.
I received a copy of When Stars Fall at Midnight from Tess Thompson as an advanced copy as part of her review crew. All opinions are my own and I can honestly say I absolutely loved When Stars Fall at Midnight and cannot wait for the Midnight Stars saga to continue.
When Stars Fall at Midnight is part one of the story is Estelle or Stella as she calls herself and Dr Percival Bancroft. As the story begins, Stella has a twin who is getting married and Stella meets and falls quickly in love with Constantine, but this love is not meant to be. Circumstances change rapidly and Stella is disowned and thrown out by her family and must fend on her own. Being a lady in the 1920’s she has no skills. She is rescued by Percival and his family, but with all the twists and turns the author, Tess Thompson puts into this story it’s just one page turner after another. There are family secrets that cause total chaos for both Stella and Percy.
Tess Thompson has a way of transporting you back to the 1920’s and keeps you turning page after page because you can’t wait to see what is going to happen next. This is part one and I can hardly wait for the saga to continue.
As an ARC reader, I thoroughly enjoyed: When Stars Fall at Midnight. Estelle and Percival are so completely deserving of one another, but the unexpected plot twists will have you holding your breath! Estelle has no idea that her parents have built their lives (and Estelle's) around the absolute worst kinds of lies. Her father is a mob boss and uses his family as a cover. When her parents cast Estelle aside, she meets kind-hearted Percival and though she is soley focused on disappearing and protecting her infant daughter, she cant help but find compassion and something a bit more with Percival and his family. When Percy takes her in and saves her life, she has no idea that she will come to love him and his family as if they are her own TRUE family. She wants to remain with them always, but Percy has a wife and a hatred of Estelle's father and when her identity is discovered, it will threaten Estelle's fragile hold on her own destiny and the feelings that Percival has developed for her. I can't wait for book two!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I have gotten away from historical novels but decided to give this one a try and I am so glad I did. I will tell you that there is somewhat of a cliffhanger at the end, but I know that there will be more to take us through to the end. This is the story of Estelle (Stella) and Percival (Percy) who meet on a train when Stella runs away from her family. It was what was best for all. That is a story unto itself. Percy has his own family issues. But these two bond and find that they have an attraction. Things are going well until Percy’s brother-in-law shows up and throws out some information that finds Stella on the outside of a family again. What will she do? How will she survive? And how will both Stella and Percy live without each other? What would be an easy answer today was not so easy in the time this story was set. As I said, it does not end with all issues resolved but I know there is more story to come. I really enjoyed this one and may have to try some other historical novels again.
The sins of the fathers: never a truer word spoken! This novel, set in the 1920’s Prohibition years, gave this reader a concurrent impression of English aristocracy lifestyle and values. Although this story is very different to Ms Thompson’s “Crescent Moon Ranch” series, it nevertheless draws the reader in to the lives of the characters: Estelle’s short-lived romance and the following impasse created by her father, and Percival’s insurmountable domestic predicament. Their coincidental meeting opens the door to new opportunities … until aspects of fairly recent tragic events in Percy’s life are uncovered, and Estelle’s unwitting part comes to light. Ms Thompson is skilled at developing relatable characters who demonstrate authenticity in their emotions and the subsequent decisions they make. Although I was fully absorbed in this book, I noted some contradictions in Estelle’s story, particularly in connection with her explanation of her sister’s ‘rejection’: explaining these would lead to spoilers. This is my honest opinion of a review copy I received from the author.
Simply another Amazing story. When tess writes a book, you simply fall into the story. The characters come to life within the story. You feel like you're right there with them sometimes. I simply love every book. That this author has ever written that I have read.
Estelle, Just a girl who no one wants. Down on your luck. Life isn't what you thought it should be. And then you move on. Things might look up, or they might not. The train will take you down the track to another place and another time. Time and time again. You feel like you're just a nobody. No one wants. Life is just nothing.
Will life ever look up for estelle.
Percival. A doctor, a father, a husband, and so much more. His part in the book is absolutely phenomenal. A guy with a heart like no other. The story is absolutely phenomenal.
But what can I say, tess thompson Books are some of my absolute favorites, and this one is absolutely a perfect story.
This is a beautifully crafted novel that transports readers to the tumultuous year of 1921, capturing the essence of the era through the eyes of its protagonist, Estelle "Stella" Sullivan. Written in the first person, this book offers an intimate and poignant exploration of Stella's life, her struggles, and her triumphs, with Thompson's exceptional characterisation and emotional depth at the forefront.
From the very first page, Thompson’s ability to breathe life into Stella is evident. Stella is not merely a character in a book; she becomes a living, breathing entity whose joys and sorrows the reader feels deeply. Her voice is authentic and compelling, drawing readers into her world with a sense of immediacy and intimacy that is rare in historical fiction. As Stella navigates the complexities of post-World War I society, the reader is right there with her, experiencing her triumphs and tribulations as if they were their own.
I LOVED this book! I had to finish it in one go to see what happened between the characters. Estelle and Percival have endured so much in their lives and are such kind-hearted people, trying to do their best in the circumstances. I loved the honest conversations about life lessons and faith that occur throughout the book. I would like more interactions between Estelle and her family in Part 2. Maybe a letter to her sister is in order... I would also like to see the mysteries between the characters to resolved and for justice to be done. Also hope that Mary has a fair ending. I look forward to seeing what occurs between the main characters in the next instalment. Tess is a master at romance and mystery, with both loving and disappointing family members. You will not be disappointed if you start this book. So excited that Part 2 will be available in next to no time!
What a great start to a new series. Couldn’t put this one down.
Estella has always been the plain twin. Her beautiful sister Mauve is marrying Pierre who is hired by her father’s company. After falling in love, one night with “Connie” leaves Estella pregnant. She is banished from her family and offers to give her baby to her sister, to raise as her own. Sent away from her family hardships follow Estella as she tries to start over.
A chance encounter on the train with Percival leads to new acquaintances and acceptance and friendship until they learn her true identity. Percival’s wife is mentally unstable and in an institution. So much sadness surrounds both Estella and Percival. Neither one can find love or happiness.
Can’t wait for the next book in the series
Thank you to the author for this ARC. This review is my honest opinion
I love Tess Thompson's historical novels, and this new series starts with a bang! After being disowned by her family, Estelle and Percival seem to have the beginnings of a possible future together. But there are many obstacles in their path, and secrets in Estelle's family background may prove to be the biggest of all. Broken by the demands and expectations of society, and forced to make one horrible choice after another, can Estelle find happiness? How will Percival resolve the issues in his family life, and the standards he has set for himself, with the love he feels for Estelle? There are tender moments and happy family times which bring light and hope to the story. Although you can read this as a standalone, the full story will not be revealed until Part Two, which should be quite explosive.
When Stars Fall at Midnight by Tess Thompson Estelle’s world is turned upside down in one instant. Everything she thought she knew is now gone including the future she was prepared for. Now, the only thing that is certain is heartache. Percival’s world is a resigned one. Not the one he planned for. His wife had a psychotic break and had to ultimately be placed in an asylum, in order to protect himself, their newborn child and herself. Percival and Estelle have a chance meeting on a train. Neither one looking for the other, but finding each other just the same. Will this chance meeting lead to the second chance neither one thought they would ever get? Very well done Tess Thompson. Another great book. Can’t wait for the conclusion of this series!
When Stars Falls at Midnight is a fantastic read. I loved this one so much. This is a clean historic romance that you will fall in love with. Estelle comes from a wealthy family but is turned away. She is a fighter, a survivor and has such strength in a tough time to be a woman. Percival is a single dad, trying to hold onto his ill wife and keep up with his practice. Chance meeting and there is this pull between Estelle and Percival that grows yet cannot quite blossom. Truths come out and Estelle is trying to survive. This cliffhanger has me wanting all the good for Percival and Estelle to come. I cannot wait for part 2. I'm so in love with what Tess Thompson brings to the pages. Go one click this today.
I am so excited about the first book in the new series by Tess Thompson. “When Stars Fall at Midnight” reflects the difficulties of life in the early 1900s, especially the plight of women. Estelle and her twin sister grew up in comfort but not in a loving home. After an error in judgement, Estelle is cast out of the home to fend for herself with little money or skills. As Estelle begins this new journey, she finds love and respect with a kindhearted gentleman, but life’s circumstances keep them from being able to have an open loving relationship. If you are looking for a historical novel that makes you feel like you are a part of the 1920s with interesting plots, characters, and coincidences, then you will enjoy reading this book.
This might be my favorite historical series by Tess Thompson yet. When Stars Fall At Midnight gives an inside look at one of the top families in the area at the time, and how everything is not as perfect as it may seem on the outside. When Stars Fall at Midnight heaps a pile of tragedy at the feet of the two main characters, Estelle and Percival, and then throws them together in a very tumultuous way. I loved both of these characters so much. They have both had so many hardships thrown at them, yet they’ve somehow managed to survive them and still be nice people. The story is fantastic, there is a lot of mystery and intrigue, and some definite plot twists that I could never see coming! This book does end on a cliffhanger, but the next book will be out soon. I can’t wait to read it!
This was a relatively short read about a 1920s woman trying to survive in a world that seems to not want her, a man trying to figure out how to live a normal life with a wife who cannot care for her family anymore, and how it seems every family has a secret to bury. I read the entire thing in one sitting trying to see what happens next and I'm still left wondering what more will happen for Estelle and Percy. I cannot wait until part two comes. With that being said it did feel a bit rushed in places I would've liked more information throughout such as the time spent at the cottage, or the time spent with Connie, I feel like the story would've benefited from getting to know these characters more in-depth in that way
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
What a wonderful Saga, this is the first opus of the Midnight Stars Saga. The setting, the characters and the storytelling at it's best. Plenty of mystery and happenings all through the book. The story is quite heartbreaking, as it unravels and catches you with a grip. The main character Estelle is put through very difficult hardships to deal with, how life makes her endure even more. Estelle has to find her way no matter what. Estelle comes across Dr. Percival Bancroft at the right time in her life. The book was excellent and not predictable, fast paced with the urge to read even more. I'm eager to read the next book in the series to follow both of the main characters once it's available, the author sure keeps us reading, love it! Thanks Charlotte N
I am not really a fan of historical romances, unless one of my favorite authors writes them. And that’s definitely true of Tess Thompson’s latest book, the first in her Midnight Stars saga. Set in the 1920’s, this book tells the story of Estelle (Stella) and Percival (Percy), two people brought together by unusual circumstances who end up falling in love, even though they can never be together. Such richly drawn characters, something I find true in all this author’s books, both historical & contemporary. And this one has the added bonus (depending on how you look at it) of a cliffhanger ending….and the hope that maybe there is a future for these two people that deserve some happiness of their own. I can’t wait to see what Tess Thompson has in store for us in Book 2.
When Stars Fall At Midnight Part One is a story about Estelle and her determination to succeed in life. Unbeknownst to her, the family life she knew growing up was just a façade. She feels unloved and misunderstood. How should she continue to live her life? Estelle didn’t feel as if it could go on living the way she was accustomed to. Who could she trust? Where does she go? How will she survive? Will she ever be loved? This Part One book is an exciting introduction to her life and the people she encounters. This book is a definite page turner and I am anxiously awaiting the release of Part 2. You will NOT be disappointed. Thank you to 4Kids5Cats Publishing for an early review copy at my request. All thoughts are my own and freely shared.
What a great story. My heart broke for Estelle , thrown out by her evil father and left to fend for herself after a traumatic time.
She had to say goodbye to her beloved sister Mauve and went on her way to the bustle and loneliness of New York.
A miracle occurs when she is befriended by Percival Bancroft who helps her at a time of great distress. Little does Stella know that her evil father has been responsible for many wicked things ultimately affecting her stay with the Bancrofts.
We were left on a cliff hanger at the end waiting to see how Estelle's future will work out.
I really can't wait for the 2nd instalment. Thankyou for a great book.
Estelle is born to a well-off family, with a beautiful twin sister who is her closest confidant. At her sister’s wedding, she meets a wonderful man, a cousin to her soon-to-be brother-in-law. Stars fly, and before her sister returns from her wedding trip, Estelle is engaged and doesn’t yet know she’s pregnant. However, difficulties intervene, and hard decisions are made. Estelle finds out the truth about her father’s business, and his expectations for his daughters takes precedence. Estelle becomes Stella, a single woman in NYC with very few options. She does find romance one one sweet night. This is but book one; no spoilers about what will come for our Estelle.
I absolutely loved this story. I could not put it down. Set in the 1920’s early. We meet Estelle and Percival whom both come broken families but somehow find each other on a train. Estelle’s family disown her after a tragedy that she had not control over and she flees to Nee York to start over. With little money and after just giving birth Estelle is not sure she is going to service until after she meets Percival.
I loved how Tess really showed how the 1920’s were and how hard it was for women and people of certain class if you wanted to survive. I am looking forward to the next book in the saga.
I have read every book Tess Thompson has written. I almost never reread a book, but I can honestly say I am going back and reread every thing she has written. I loved her Emerson Pass series, in fact I have loved every thing she has written. This book doesn't disappoint, in fact, it has left me anxiously awaiting the next one. Cannot wait to see what happens to Stella (what a great character). Thank you Ms. Thompson for hours of reading enjoyment. As soon as I see a new book by you, I don't even have to read the synopsis, I know it will be great and I don't hesitate to order it. Keep on churning out these great series, I love them.
Challenges for the main characters in this new series set in the 1920’s by Tess Thompson. Estelle fell in love and planned to marry, but he was killed in an accident. She discovered she was pregnant and knew the scandal would ruin her family but she and her twin devised a plan to pass the baby off as her married sister’s. Percival is a doctor with a young daughter and a wife in the asylum. He meets Estelle (Stella) on the train and offers her a place to stay until she gets her feet under her. Cliffhanger of sorts, all issues are not completed. *I received this as an ARC reader and am leaving my unbiased review.