Norma and the Blue Hour

by Chris Delyani

A careening Porsche Boxster. A spray of shattered glass. The next thing 79-year-old fashion designer Norma McKinsey knows, she's lying helpless in a hospital room.

Kevin, her son, sits by her bedside -- but only in her imagination. The real Kevin is an addict she hasn't seen in twenty-five years. And knows a secret from her past.

Her other son, Charles, wants to move her to a nursing home. But she can't bear to lose her Oakland Hills mansion and its view of San Francisco Bay. If only Kevin were with her again, then maybe he could help her stay put.

She longs to reconcile with Kevin before it's too late. To track him down, she'll have to deceive the people closest to her. The journey leads her to a moment of reckoning ... a Blue Hour ...

Ideal for fans of serious women's fiction centered on family and the relationship between mothers and their children.

360 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 13, 2025

About the author

In 1993 I moved to San Francisco to devote myself to fiction and have been at it ever since. I'm now the author of four novels: The Love Thing, You Are Here, Best Man, and the upcoming Norma and the Blue Hour. In 2013 You Are Here won a Writer's Digest Self-Published Book Award for General Fiction. Best Man was a finalist for a 2020 Lambda Literary Award in the Gay Romance category.

You can find me on Bluesky, Instagram, and Substack at @chrisdelyani.

Reviews

[Rosh · Rating 4 out of 5]

In a Nutshell: A contemporary family drama about an old woman looking for her estranged son. Interesting complex characters, good plot development, steady pacing. Character-oriented. Slightly unsatisfying ending, though this is more about expectations than about writing issues. Recommended.

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Plot Preview:

When ex-fashion designer Norma McKinsey, nearly eighty years of age, crashes her car and lands up in hospital, she realises that she needs to get going on the one task she has been avoiding for many years: looking for her younger son Kevin. He is still with her but only in her thoughts, constantly speaking to her. As Kevin left home twenty-five years ago and hasn’t been in touch since, it is high time Norma sets things right. Her elder son Charlie wishes to move her to a nursing home, but she is adamant that she can manage on her own even in her huge house. Her younger sister Julie hence arranges for her tenant, an out-of-work nurse named Alex, to look after Norma while she recuperates. Each of these characters has something weighing on their mind, either from their past or from their present.
The story comes to us mostly in the third-person perspectives of Norma and Alex, with a few scenes from a couple of other third-person POVs.

Bookish Yays:
💙 Norma. Tough and judgemental, but also caring and generous. She is like a coconut – firm outside, soft inside, though she does her best to keep those soft spots hidden. I love how she is independent even at her age.

💙 Alex. Probably the most kindhearted character in the book, he balances the negatives of many characters with his thoughtful attitude. At the same time, he isn't written as chirpy or unrealistically exuberant, which I appreciate.

💙 Norma’s son Charles and her sister Julie. Both seem stereotypical but they aren’t. Julie is especially amazing. Charles is not a character one would immediately like, but I felt quite sorry for him. He bore the brunt of ‘first-born syndrome’, so he got all my sympathies even when he was being rude.

💙 All the key characters are fairly layered. Every character has at least one positive point for us to root for, and each also has one personal baggage they are dealing with, even if this is subtly hinted at and not at the forefront of the main plot. This makes all their arcs interesting.

💙 Given the above, the plot explores well the complexities of human behaviour. Whether it is a sibling relationship, a spousal one, or a mother-child one (with the “child” being quite senior himself), the nuances of each of these are highlighted through various scenes.

💙 The use of the multiple points of view to develop the plot. Nicely handled without any confusion or repetition. The pacing is on the slower side as the book is character-driven, but it doesn’t drag.

💙 The varied themes: grief, lost chances, old traumas, career uncertainties, relationship uncertainties, age-related issues. All get enough space to develop without making the book seem cluttered.

💙 Thought-provoking quotes in many chapters.

💙 One character is of Indian origin, and I appreciate that there is no extended harping on about his Indian roots beyond one line about the meaning of his name. Inclusivity is best when it isn't blatant.

💙 I think the biggest positive from this book for me is the lesson of having greater gratitude for the present. By not making the whole story about Kevin and focussing on several other characters, the book highlights how we ignore those around us to mope about those we have lost. We spend so long pondering the what-if that we lose track of what-is, which is often better than we realise.


Bookish Okays:
✈️ While the blurb isn't inaccurate, it doesn't represent the book well. It makes Norma sound like she is on her deathbed. In actuality, she is discharged almost immediately, and her quest for Kevin isn't the sole focus of the story.

✈️ A cat named Mr. Harry Winston (There’s a good reason for this name! 😅) gets good attention at the start of the book. But after a point, he just vanishes and doesn’t pop up for ages. I wish there had been more of him throughout.

✈️ While I did like most of the key characters (the sole exception is below in the Nays), their behaviour was befuddling at times. Many of their decisions seemed based on half-baked assumptions. They also resort to lying and secret-keeping, neither of which is appealing if overused.

✈️ The ending (basically, the final few chapters) feels a little contrived, with too many things happening at once. Then again, I appreciate the ending for being a HFN rather than a HEA; it suits the plot better. Life doesn’t always have settled endings; why should fiction?


Bookish Nays:
🚘 Minor complaint: Norma’s almost instantaneous computer expertise was farfetched. Mastering a laptop’s touchpad takes time. Perhaps the book shouldn’t have stressed so much on her antipathy for technology so that these scenes could be more convincing.

🚘 Major complaint: Pratyush, Alex’s husband, and his behaviour towards Alex. I think this is the first time ever that I am mentioning a homosexual character and a gay relationship in my Nays column, but let’s be clear: this has nothing to do with their sexual preference. Pratyush’s character is highly off-putting, and his behaviour towards Alex, annoying. Many scenes mention Alex’s fear at Pratyush’s reaction, but these are all portrayed as routine occurrences than as red flags. I wish his behaviour had been called out in some way instead of the whole thing being normalised.

🚘 Critical complaint: Kevin’s track is quite underdeveloped. I mean, it is interesting to see his presence in the background of the entire plot almost like a ghost, even if he isn't physically present. Norma’s tendency of hearing Kevin's voice in her head is also used nicely to keep his track active. However, once the big reveal comes, it is underwhelming and unconvincing. I literally went, “That’s it?” Considering how the blurb made him the focal point of the plot, I expected more and better.


Overall, I enjoyed this character-driven story quite a lot. The first half worked much stronger for me because Pratyush wasn’t around that much and there was still the suspense about Kevin’s track. But the final quarter or so dipped my rating somewhat. That said, I appreciate the book for its different approach towards the ‘estranged son’ trope. It absolutely didn’t go the way I thought it would, thereby leading me to question my own assumptions.

If you are looking for a mother-son reunion story, this isn't for you. If you are looking for a plot-driven work with much melodrama, this isn't for you. If you prefer family stories to have settled endings, this isn't for you. But if you are looking for a character-driven work with realistic, flawed characters highlighting how life doesn’t always turn out the way we assume, this might just be the read for you.

Recommended to those who find the last point above appealing. It would help if you are a literary fiction reader as you would be more used to slower, character-driven storylines.

3.75 stars. (It was a strong 4 stars until the final quarter.)


My thanks to author Chris Delyani and Solid Oaktown Books for providing the DRC of “Norma and the Blue Hour” via NetGalley. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.

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[CarolG · Rating 4 out of 5]

79-year-old fashion designer Norma McKinsey is injured in a car accident and, while recovering, starts to imagine conversations with her estranged son Kevin. Meanwhile, another son, Charles, feels that his mother's house is going to be too much for her and wants her to move to an assisted living facility and Norma's sister, Julie, wants to help Norma as well as her tenant Alex who happens to be an out-of-work nurse.

I enjoyed this slow-moving novel and, although I didn't like some of the characters in the beginning, they grew on me. I especially liked the cat, Harry Winston, aka "the gentleman", and wish we'd seen more of him. The reason for Norma and Kevin's estrangement is a little flimsy in my mind. To be honest, I think the blurb is poorly done and doesn't really encapsulate the heart of the book. Nor does it describe the Blue Hour accurately or at least how I understood it as being that in-between time in the evening when the world feels a little softer, more open, more uncertain. There are a couple of areas where the story slows to a snail's pace and I started to get impatient for it to finish but then things picked up again. The ending is rather sweet but a little too tidy. Once again, I have to compliment the author on titling every chapter, an impressive feat in my opinion! 3.5 stars rounded up for this well-written novel.

TW: Suicidal ideation.

My thanks to the author, Chris Delyani, and Solid Oaktown Books, via Netgalley, for providing an advance copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Publication Date: November 13, 2025

[Laura❄️📚 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the Publisher Solid Oaktown books for providing this book for review purposes via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

After a car accident 79 year old fashioned designer Norma McKinsey finds herself in hospital, her son Kevin sits by her bedside talking to her but this is only in her imagination as the real Kevin is an addict and she has not seen for 29 years. Her other son Charles wants her to move into a nursing home but Norma can’t bear to lose her beloved home with its view of San Francisco Bay. Norma wants to reunite with Kevin and together with Alex who is taking care of her after her accident, she sets upon a journey to track down Kevin before it’s too late.

I thought Norma was very blind when it came to Kevin and she overlooks her son Charles, who despite everything is the one who stayed, the one who loves her and who wants the best for her. He was the most overlooked character in this book but I’m glad Norma came to realise this and appreciate him before it was too late. Kevin on the other hand I found to be quite selfish, he was not even that far from his mother and how he could that to her I don’t know. I loved Norma’s sister and her lodger Alex, I didn’t care much for Alex’s husband Pratyush because while Alex was struggling to find a job his delightful husband was withholding intimacy from him. To me this appeared abusive and coercive, Alex was desperately trying to find a job and his husband never should have withheld intimacy from him as it seems like he is punishing Alex. Norma herself I really loved, she is such an independent and fierce character and is not going to let her age hold her back. Overall I really enjoyed this as it was a very character driven book that delves into complicated family relationships.

[Renn Shafer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Summary:
The Blue Hour is a multiple POV novel that follows 79-year-old Norma, her younger sister Julie, and Julie’s tenant Alex. The story begins in the aftermath of Norma’s car accident, which necessitates physical therapy. This is where Alex enters the picture. He’s a physical therapy nurse currently facing unemployment, so Julie persuades Norma to hire him until he finds a new job or recovers—whichever comes first.

Norma ends up essentially treating him like an errand boy, and Alex is happy to fulfill her requests; the paycheck is appreciated. However, this irritates Norma’s adult son, Charles, who believes she should be asking him for help instead, or better yet, move into a nursing home. He’s somewhat of a disappointing son, but he’s better than her other son, Kevin, who hasn’t spoken to his mother in 25 years.

Thoughts:
I was ABSOLUTELY hooked for a majority of this book. There was a rough patch in the middle where I didn’t see where the plot was going, and it left me a little uncertain how I would end up liking the book. But then it started rolling again, and it was lovely.

There was a huge emphasis on Harry Winston, the stray cat, for most of the front end of the book. Then chapters go by without so much amid a mention, before his presence returns and he is once again a main character.

I felt slightly off put by Alex and Pratyush’s relationship - specifically why Alex would continue to dote over his husband, despite Pratyush portraying a conditional love. The fact that Alex justifies Pratyush’s behavior following his unemployment just felt icky. Pratyush is able to enjoy his hobbies and spend time out in the evening, while Alex sits home and feels bad about being without a full time job.

Writing: The storytelling in this book was absolutely amazing. It had a magical way of weaving through each of the characters’ lives and then coming back full circle.

Some lines used vocabulary that felt forced and unnatural, almost as if the author wrote it first and then went through with a thesaurus to improve. It interrupted the flow.

Plot Holes:
Without giving any spoilers, there were some parts that felt incomplete. Pretend Kevin’s presence throughout the first half is fairly insignificant, considering it’s mentioned in the book’s description. I expected far more impact of this little muse.

The reasoning for actual Kevin’s estrangement is never truly explained. His reasoning doesn’t feel justified for 25 years of no-contact, nor does Norma’s compliance to just let him disappear for nearly half of her life.

(I read this book on NetGalley)

[Chloe Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

79 year old Norma is a retired fashion designer who is estranged from her youngest son Kevin. When she is involved in a car accident that badly injures her, she can’t help but think about the son that never checked in on her or came to visit. With the help of her sister Julie and to the annoyance of her older son Charles, she finds a young man, Alex, to assist her in her recovery. Alex reminds her of her estranged son and who he could be now so many years later, which sets her on a path to find him again.

This book is such a lovely little gem and I was so pleasantly surprised by the plot, characters and pacing of this story. It isn’t on-the-edge-of-your-seat reading material, nor does it try to be, but it has a lovely steady plot that keeps you curious. It certainly makes you think about family and support systems, especially as you age, and how we also take the people around us for granted.

Norma was anything but perfect, and I loved that about her. She was cheeky and scheming which added a really endearing quality to her character, which was a layer of her slowly revealed throughout the book. I really felt like I was learning to love Norma alongside Alex, finding her intimidating at first but growing to find her very relatable and personable towards the end. I loved her sister, Julie, who felt like a sweet great-aunt wrapped up in a book character. You could feel her love for her sister in the pages and see how much she wanted to reach out and help Norma. I enjoyed also reading about Alex, who was a very kindhearted and approachable character. All he ever wanted to do was be useful and his character growth was beautiful to see from start to finish - From a timid young man who lost his job to a confident friend, lover and nurse. The only criticism I have with the characters is that firstly, Charles was done dirty - I felt like he was an underdog in this story and a lot of what he did for Norma was overlooked by everyone else. I think that made the story and Norma’s character more believable though and made the ending so much more lovely. I was not a fan of Pratyush and felt it strange how he shoved Alex aside for so long when he was between jobs - I almost expected a cheating-type storyline with the lack of emotional connection between the two. This seemed to resolve very quickly after the halfway point of the book though and I enjoyed reading about them both from then on - I’m just not sure what that emotional distance added to the story or character relationships.

The plot was a little slow to start but was very intriguing as the gentle mysteries started to unfold, such as the appearances (and disappearances) of Harry Winston, the history between Norma and Kevin, and the relationship dynamic between Norma and Alex. I thought the skydiving plot was quirky and interesting, but I would have liked more of an exploration of Norma falling into her depression as it felt like one moment she was happy and the next she wanted to not be alive anymore - I think I would have liked to have seen that spiral in a more realistic way. I quite liked the quieter moments of the plot too, where Delyani focused on the more quiet moments like the Blue Hour and the joy that can be felt in those seemingly insignificant moments. I was left a little confused at why exactly Kevin and Norma fell apart in the way that they did all those years before - I feel like that could have been explored more, such as the themes of toxicity in the family that enabled Kevin’s addiction to invest us in their relationship, and therefore their reunion. I do like that their reunion didn’t go perfectly though - It added a very real and raw feeling to the book that twisted my heart.
I do think this book is an underrated diamond - Full of themes of both blood relations and found family, LGBTQ+ relationships, struggles with mental health and addiction but also beautiful moments of humour, adventure and taking pleasure in the little things. I will absolutely be recommending this to anyone who wants a nice, light-hearted and well-paced story and I hope Chris Delyani gets the attention he deserves for such a touching debut.

[Blurb It Down Official · Rating 5 out of 5]

Norma and the Blue Hour by Chris Delyani was a total surprise—one of those rare books that slowly sneaks up on you and then completely wins you over. I’ll be honest: the first hundred pages felt slow, and I wasn’t entirely sure if it was for me. But something about the writing and the characters kept me going. And I’m so glad I did, because what followed was a rich, beautifully layered story full of heart, humor, and emotional depth.

The book follows Norma and a wide cast of characters whose lives intertwine in both quiet and dramatic ways. Multiple POVs are used to great effect, not just as a storytelling device, but as a way to reframe our understanding of Norma herself. Each perspective adds something vital, showing how people are shaped not only by their actions but also by how others see them. The narrative becomes a kind of kaleidoscope, constantly shifting and deepening.

Once the plot hits its stride, the story ramps up in a way that feels organic but still exciting. The emotional payoff is absolutely worth the slow burn of the beginning. Delyani’s strength lies in his ability to write people, their flaws, hopes, quiet fears, with realism and tenderness. By the time I reached the final chapters, I found myself fully invested in the lives of these characters.

What I also loved was how the novel captures the nuance of everyday relationships, friendships, missed connections, the ache of growing older and wondering what still lies ahead. The “blue hour” metaphor resonates deeply, capturing that in-between time when the world feels a little softer, more open, more uncertain. The book touches on themes of personal reinvention, the power of chosen family, and the quiet persistence of hope.

For readers who like:
- Literary fiction with strong character development
- Multi-POV narratives
- Subtle humor

Final Verdict
Norma and the Blue Hour is a slow-burning, quietly powerful novel that ultimately delivers a rewarding emotional experience. It’s about life’s quiet pivots, the bonds we form, and the messy beauty of becoming who we are. If you’re patient with the pacing, you’ll find yourself swept up in a rich, human story that lingers long after the final page. Give this one to a friend and tell them to stick with it.

Grateful to NetGalley, Solid Oaktown Books, and Chris Delyani for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this story in exchange for an honest review.

[Eileen Granfors]

Norma and the Blue Hour by Chris Delyani took me by surprise. His previous novels include hilarious comedy (The Best Man) and a more deeply philosophical journey (You Are Here).

This new publication, Norma and the Blue Hour is a delightful combination of the two ends of the spectrum.

Norma is an elderly woman (almost 80) of some renown, having been a famed fashion designer in her heyday. She lives in the Bay Area of California in a huge house she loves. She spends her days playing pool by herself, reading, writing, and thinking about her family. The family includes the good, the sad, and the missing.

Though Norma has much to enjoy in her life, she has little patience for sheer nonsense. She limits her friendships by avoiding computer use and avoiding social outings. She even limits her phone use (pre-Iphone days).

As the story begins, Norma is injured in a car accident, which brings more people than she can easily tolerate into her daily life: her vivacious sister, her niggling son Charles, and by necessity after release from the hospital, an unemployed but qualified nurse, Alex.

Always in her thoughts is her missing son, Kevin. But Norma is a creature of habit, someone who doesn't want to change a thing in her life, including mending the relationship with Kevin.

The nurse, Alex, is my choice for hero in the novel. He is witty and empathetic and the kind of good guy to help people heal. He is more than adequate as a nurse. Will Norma enjoy his company or push him out before she becomes fond of him? Alex brings a stray cat into her life. He introduces her to computers. He treasures gifts from his mother-in-law and is even a convenient person to gain from her pool-playing skills. He is happily married. His spouse, Pratyush, is kind, objective, and occasionally aloof.

The book is a quiet and appealing look at the need for family, the need for friends, and the joy of cooking/eating. Pets matter. Zen moments at sunset matter. And sometimes, just sometimes, one needs to take a very big chance. Or two.

I found this book full of wisdom and quiet joy. This is not a thriller with non-stop gore. It is a toast to life, to friendship, to family, and to the value of new experiences, yes, even at 80 and beyond.

[Sarah Jensen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review: Norma and the Blue Hour by Chris Delyani

🌌 Overview
Chris Delyani’s Norma and the Blue Hour is a hauntingly beautiful novel that blends tragedy, memory, and redemption into a shimmering narrative. When a sudden accident shatters the life of 79-year-old fashion designer Norma, the story unfolds like a fractured mirror—reflecting shards of her past, her regrets, and the elusive “blue hour” between day and night where truths emerge. Delyani’s prose is lyrical and precise, weaving a tale that lingers long after the final page.

✨ Key Strengths
🎨 Vivid Characterization – Norma is a masterpiece of complexity: proud, vulnerable, and achingly human. Her journey through grief and self-reckoning is unforgettable.
🌆 Atmospheric Storytelling – The “blue hour” motif becomes a character itself, symbolizing liminal spaces in life and identity.
💔 Emotional Resonance – Themes of aging, lost love, and second chances are handled with raw tenderness.
🔄 Nonlinear Narrative – Flashbacks and present-day scenes collide organically, revealing Norma’s life in poignant layers.

⚠️ Considerations
⏳ Pacing – The introspective style may slow momentum for readers seeking plot-driven urgency.
🖌️ Niche Appeal – The fashion-world backdrop and meditative tone cater to literary fiction lovers.

⭐ Score Breakdown (0–5 Stars)
✍️ Prose & Voice → ★★★★★ (5/5)
🎭 Character Depth → ★★★★☆ (4.5/5)
🌃 Atmosphere → ★★★★☆ (4.5/5)
💫 Originality → ★★★★ (4/5)

Overall: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5)
Like twilight captured in prose—fleeting, luminous, and drenched in emotion.

🎯 Perfect For Readers Who Love
📖 The Midnight Library’s existential musings meets The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo’s layered protagonist
🖋️ Literary fiction with poetic flair
👵 Stories centering older protagonists with rich inner lives

🙏 Gratitude
Thank you to NetGalley and Chris Delyani for the advance review copy. Norma and the Blue Hour is a testament to the artistry of storytelling and the resilience of the human spirit.

(Note: Review based on an uncorrected proof; final publication may vary.)

[Paloma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Norma and The Blue Hour is a captivating novel about how complex families can be and how each character deals with loss. I loved it immensely. I recommend it to everyone! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Norma is an almost eighty year old woman. She is independent, strong-willed, suffering the loss of her son who doesn't speak to her and recouperating from an accident. Her sister Julie, through a series of trials, gets Norma to accept Alex, Julie's neighbor, as her therapist. He is trained and has so many years of experience. Here starts a beautiful and engaging relationship between Alex and Norma. She treats him like an assistant, and he helps heal her while also being emotionally supportive of Norma and her issues with her sons. She misses the son that left 25 years ago but can't connect with her oldest son Charles, who wants a real relationship with Norma.

This novel has great characters that, through their actions, make you think and feel. I enjoyed each character. Their emotions, their actions, and how they sometimes tip toe around Norma to get her to do something good for herself are so touching. Harry Winston, the cat, was so enjoyable. After he disappeared, I kept thinking about him, hoping he returned. Even in the end, I started to like Charles.

Thank you, Netgalley and Solid Oaktown Books/IBPA, for this eARC. All opinions are entirely my own.

[Julia Stark · Rating 4 out of 5]

Norma is more than happy to stay as introverted as possible after a whirlwind life of glitz and glamour. A life changing accident is about to upend her quiet life, with her sister, Julie, insisting she hire the ever-optimistic Alex to nurse her wounds, while old wounds are reopened. Norma suddenly sees a chance to fix past mistakes with her estranged son, unaware her actions will have a ripple effect on everyone else.


A beautiful story of family, grief, and finding the silver linings in life, Norma and the Blue Hour explores multiple themes throughout and takes you on an emotional journey from different POVs. From no-nonsense Norma to overly hopeful Alex, to well-meaning, scatterbrained Julie, the cast is diverse in personality and motives. Almost everyone goes through some development, and the characters you expect to dislike become relatable and sympathetic.


Starting with an explosive scene, the story then slows to a steady pace as you go through Norma and Alex's development together. The pace picks up for a pivotal moment toward the end, and does speed up for a sudden, unexpected ending that felt slightly rushed but bittersweet.


Norma and the Blue Hour is a lovely narrative of learning to appreciate what you have and making the most out of what life gives you. Available from November 13th as an ebook!


Thank you NetGalley and Solid Oaktown Books for the e-ARC

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

While recovering from a car accident, Norma, an ageing clothing designer, connects with a nurse (Alex) who reminds her of her estranged son. The book uses the intersections between Normal, Alex, Norma's sister and son, and Alex's husband to explore themes of grief, closure, and purpose.

I enjoyed the depth of Norma as a character, and I thought the conclusion that her older son Charles is the glue of her family was an interesting inversion of a "missing piece" narrative around her younger son. It was also really sweet to read about such a strong relationship between Alex and Pratyush, even though they were going through some tough times at the start of the book.

For me, though, the big conflict at the heart of the book didn't really ring true. What I understood is that Norma thinks her son thinks she killed her husband, but really he was just having a hard time keeping his sobriety while living with them and left to take care of himself. And then they didn't speak for decades. It just didn't make a ton of sense to me, especially given that orma's older son Charles is in touch with both of them. That said, I liked the tone of hope at the ending of the book, even though not everything turned out perfectly.

3.5/5

I received an eARC from Netgalley in return for an honest review.

[Tina · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked it. A little bit quirky but the writing is good. It's a slow-moving story that would have worked better for me had it been shorter.

Norma is 79 years old and she's in a car accident and luckily she hasn't suffered any real serious injuries and is discharged rather quickly. We hear Norma mentioning her son Kevin. He left home 25 years ago and she hasn't seen him since. Her accident has made her re-think things and she wants to find him. Her other son Charles is trying to convince her that she might be better off in a Senior's Facility. Her sister Julie is trying to help by introducing her to her neighbour, Alex who is a nurse. He's currently not working and Julie feels he would be the perfect person to help her recover at home in the coming weeks. Norma agrees and he'll help her try to find Kevin. Is Norma hiding a secret?

I did enjoy this story for the most part. Some of the characters come across as odd but they all feel real. The secret and the reveal about Kevin was underwhelming for me. I didn't quite buy it. The ending does ramp up and some exciting things happen. It's not a clean cut ending but satisfying.

Published November 13, 2025

I'd like to kindly thank Book Sirens and the author for granting me access to this Advance Reader's Copy.

[Sarah Kaminski · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Very rarely these days do we get to read novels in which the main plot is the emotional growth of an elderly person. More often than not, if we even see the elderly in a novel, the feature of the book is some young person's journey to self discovery through their relationship with the elderly.

For that novelty alone, I liked this book.

Typically, I reserve 5 stars for books that not only deliver a good plot but do so with such beauty of language and depth of character development that it moves me to some sort of physical reaction. I cannot say that this novel moved me to tears, nor did I find the prose particularly beautiful, though it was certainly better than others I've read. But, I enjoyed the story, I was invested in the outcome and the growth of the characters. I thought it was a bit sappy at times, but I think that's more a reflection of my own cynicism than the quality of the book.

Overall, I'd say this was a novel worth reading.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Norma and the Blue Hour…where to begin? There were characters and aspects of this book I really enjoyed and made me smile, and then there were characters and aspects that made me irritated. To be clear, though, real humans are multi-faceted, and I don’t necessarily think being irritated by a book character is a bad thing.

Norma is pretty hard and private in the beginning, and while she doesn’t do the stereotypical character arch of someone in that position, I think her storyline was kind of lovely. I wasn’t sure how some parts were going to play out, and most of them made me pretty happy.

I will say I found some aspects of the story to not really make sense, such as why Kevin and Norma hadn’t spoken in so long, and I wasn’t really satisfied that it made sense after it was revealed. I also didn’t like how Norma treated Charles, but again, perhaps it was more realistic that way.

Overall, I give it a 3/5. Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for the ARC, and my apologies for taking so long to read it. Once I got going, it was hard to put it down

[Robin Price · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author's realism and compassion irradiates his writing. He has the knack of describing ineffable emotion and a generosity of spirit that is genuinely uplifting.
The plot is a whirlwind of memories, of regrets, and of hope. It is a story to be savoured, its subtleties and humour appreciated, and its tragedies mourned. The style is brave and warm and wise, tracing fortunes and follies. The author touches on principles and ambitions, passion, and sometimes heartbreaking pain.
The thing that really made this novel my favourite read of the year was the author's skill in small domestic details as applied to the wider implications of human relationships.
Norma is a character I will never forget - but I very much doubt I will ever forget any of the other characters either, not even the two splendid felines.
If you haven’t decided which book to read next be sure to make it this one.

[Larisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chris Delyani is a wonderful author who creates memorable characters and stories. This book is one of his best to date. I appreciated that he centered it on older women, who are often ignored or stereotyped. Neither woman is treated as quirky or a joke - they are fully fleshed out characters with a history that has shaped them. Norma is a force to be reckoned with, but she's also, like the rest of the characters in this novel, both the villain and hero of her own story. This is about family, community, and both losing and creating connections. It's a story about the choices people make and the long-term repercussions of those choices. I loved the setting and the idea of the Blue Hour. Overall, I highly recommend this book.

[Carlie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for this ebook in exchange for an honest review.

Beautifully written with characters that draw you in and hook you almost instantly.
I could picture everyone so well: Norma and Julie, Alex and Pratyush and even Charles and Kevin, not to forget the famous house.
Lovely story, I do wish we saw/heard more from Kevin, at least at the end. But this was a lovely book with lovely characters, and great pacing. Didn’t want it to end!

[Payal · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars This was a compelling yet languid read. I loved the unhurried narration of this novel, and the slow unfolding of the lives of Norma, Julie, Alex, and all the others. Oh and Harry Winston, of course. I was somewhat dissatisfied with the ending—was expecting a bit more clarity on the Kevin situation. However, altogether, I'm happy with the book. I was also very surprised to discover that the author is a man.

(Review copy from NetGalley)

[Becky B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Norma and the Blue hour is a beautifully written novel that pulls you into its cast of characters, with several points of view that work to develop different perspectives of the main character. It is adventurous, humorous, and heart wrenching. The power of bonds we create in our lives shines through to the very end, and has made me a new fan of Chris Delyani and the Blue Hour! I am leaving this review voluntarily, Thank you for the free ARC from Booksirens.

[Gabriella Beyer-King · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was 100% a surprise for me! The first 100 pages felt slow but intriguing enough to continue reading. It suddenly ramped up with a great story and exciting drama. I am delighted to have read it all and to be surprised! I was certain it would not be my cup of tea and yet, I loved it! The characters, their motivations and thoughts all came to life in such a realistic way. I would give this one to a friend and say persevere as you will not be disappointed.

[Sarah Bell · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really wanted to enjoy this book, but unfortunately it didn’t quite land for me. The mystery plot felt quite thin and lacked the depth or intrigue I was hoping for. While the writing had its moments, the build-up to the ending stretched believability a bit too far and left me feeling more puzzled than satisfied. I can appreciate the effort and imagination that went into it, but overall, it just didn’t resonate with me.

Thanks to NetGalley for a preview copy.

[Tess · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is really not the sort of book I’d usually read, but I was drawn by the LGBTQIA+ theme. This book is a very quick and very easy read. The storyline is easy to follow, no big plot twists or moments of horror, it’d be a great holiday read.

[Serenity Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

this one surprised me. norma frustrated me, made me ache for her, and made me root for her all at once. i liked how the story sat in the in-between moments, like watching the light change or holding onto memories of her son. it felt quiet but heavy in a way that stays with you.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this story, I hope we get more stories of Norma, Kevin, Charlie and the rest
Well written

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good read! The author had a way with developing characters and setting a pace that keeps you looking for more.

[Norma · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Kindle and Whispersync
The name of the book caught my eye. I found this feel good book to be refreshing and somewhat inspiring. I wish I could reunite with my son :(