Kesköö Pariisis

by Gillian Harvey, Ülle Jälle (Translator), Sille Teiter (Editor)

Kümme aastat. Kaks inimest. Viimane külaskäik.
Sophie ja Tom käisid esimest korda koos Pariisis tudengitena. Maailma kõige romantilisemas linnas nädalalõppu veetes oli armumine – linna ja teineteisesse – lihtsalt möödapääsmatu.
Nad otsustasid Pariisi naasta igal suvel ja pidasid sõna hetkeni, mil juhtus midagi, mis muutis nende maailma täielikult.
Sellest on möödas viis aastat ja Sophie on üksi teel Pariisi, et kohtuda Tomiga taas keskööl nende erilises paigas, Pont du Carrouselil.
Sest elu on nad lahku viinud. Ja nüüd peab Sophie Tomile midagi ütlema. Midagi sellist, mis muudab kõike …

Aasta kõige südantlõhestavam, jõudu andvam ja võimsam romaan. Ideaalne valik David Nichollsi, Kristin Hannah’, Nicholas Sparksi ja Jojo Moyesi austajatele.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Fiction, Womens Fiction

300 pages, Paperback

Published September 22, 2025

About the author

I'm a British author and freelance writer, currently living in Norfolk, England with my husband and 5 children. I write contemporary, uplifting and emotive fiction, often set in France where I lived for 14 years.

Reviews

[Sandysbookaday (taking a step back for a while) · Rating 4 out of 5]

EXCERPT: I wasn't sure you'd come,' she said as he drew closer.
He chuckled warmly, the sound sending shivers of memory through her. 'And miss this?' he said with a mischievous grin. 'Never.'
Sophie didn't answer. She turned towards him, trying to keep her expression neutral. 'You know it has to be the last time,' she said. 'I have to move on. We both do.'
'You've said that before.'
'Yes, but Tom, this time I mean it.'
His eyes danced with laughter, as they so often did. 'You've said that before, too.'
He was closer now, almost touching her. She raised her hands slightly as if to stop him. 'I'm getting married, Tom,' she said.
'I know.'
'To Will.'
He nodded, the smile not leaving his lips. 'I know, Soph.'
'You love Will. I love Will. I can't hurt him, Tom. I can't come again.'
'To Paris? You love Paris.'
'We love Paris,' she said, dipping her head. 'It won't be the same without you.'
He shook his head. 'You flatter me,' he said. 'People have been coming to Paris for centuries and as far as I know, they're here to see the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower. Not Tom Gardner.'
She gave a small laugh, then turned back towards the water, watching the last of the light shimmer on its surface as the day began to give way to dusk. 'It won't be the same for me,' she said. 'Paris is ours. And this . . . '
' . . . has to be the last time,' he finished for her. 'I know. Can we not talk about it?'
'What else do you want to talk about?' she asked.
He lifted a shoulder. 'Pretty much anything else.'
She looked at him. 'Remember when we met?'

ABOUT 'MIDNIGHT IN PARIS': Ten years. Two people. One last visit…

Sophie and Tom first visited Paris together as students. During their weekend away in the world’s most romantic city, falling in love – with the place, and each other – was simply inevitable.

They resolved to return every summer and kept their word, until something happened that changed their world forever.

Five years on, Sophie’s travelling to Paris alone to meet Tom again in their special place, on the Pont du Carrousel at midnight.

Because life has torn them apart. And now Sophie has something to tell Tom. Something that will change everything…

MY THOUGHTS: I wonder if, when you finished reading this extract, you thought what I did - that this would be a second chance romance. That Sophie would throw over Will and escape into the Parisian sunset with her one true love, Tom. Is that what happens? You know I'm not telling . . .

Midnight in Paris is a tragic love story - it tore at my heart and reduced me to a quivering mess. Forget Romeo and Juliet - meet Tom and Sophie whose story is slowly revealed through two alternating timelines, then and now. Their story is a good reminder to us not to let our troubles take over our lives, but to live life wholeheartedly despite and to spite them and to not lose sight of our end goal.

I didn't always like Sophie, but then I have never been in the position she finds herself either - and don't jump to conclusions on just what that position is based on the excerpt. At times I thought her a sulky, ungrateful little brat. At other times, my heart bled for her.

This is a more serious book than others I have read previously by this author, but no less compelling. Just be warned, you will need tissues. Copious amounts of them. There is a lot of depth and emotion to read your way through.

P.S. I love the stunning cover.

⭐⭐⭐⭐.1

#MidnightinParis #NetGalley

MEET THE AUTHOR: I'm a British author and freelance writer, currently living in France with my husband and 5 children. I write contemporary, uplifting and emotive fiction, often set in France.

DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Boldwood Books via NetGalley for providing an e-ARC of Midnight in Paris by Gillian Harvey for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.

I combined reading with listening to the audiobook of Midnight in Paris by Gillian Harvey superbly narrated by Lucy Scott.

https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...

[Mark · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love books that have people meeting up at the same place each year and so decided this book was a definite for me,I guess I thought i knew what the premise would be and what would happen………how wrong I was, it was as enchanting as expected but didn’t expect so much depth and emotion and feeling……there was, naturally humour and of course romance but as the book took a steep turn I was really drawn into the characters lives and their experiences and how they were living…..I loved it

Never a fan of Paris tbh,( it’s always so much nicer in books ) I wasn’t expecting to be so interested in the sights and especially ‘The Mona Lisa’ which have never seen in real life but the author described it’s home and surroundings so well I was easily picturing it, something I rarely do with art even the most famous pieces

Is it cliched to say I adored a book? Maybe but there you go….I really did and found myself wishing everyone well at the end,satisfied at the outcome and the reading pleasure had just had

[Ana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley, Boldwood Books and Gillian Harvey for me advanced copy. These are my thoughts:

Beautiful and heartbreaking. I first picked up one of Gillian’s books last year. When I found Midnight in Paris, I thought I was in for a “romcom style” second chance, but was far from what I got. Instead, I found a beautifully tragic love story, with a poignant second chance - just not the one I thought I would have.

The mystery as to what kept Sophie and Tom apart for so many years, is slowly revealed through alternating timelines that tell their story.

The pace was perfect, making it hard to put the book down. Through tears and laughter, you see how often times, people let their troubles and worries take over their lives, forgetting to live in the process.

The character’s struggles felt relatable and I was glad Sophie had a small, but reliable support system.

Life after loss is difficult to navigate, but in the end I was not left with a heavy heart, but with the knowledge that life goes on, if we so want it to.

Perfect for the fans of stories like One Day - but you’ll be less traumatised and hopefully, this will remind you to re-examine your priorities, count your blessings and live life to the fullest.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Paris was Sophie and Tom’s destination of choice. They even honeymooned there. This book focuses on Sophie and Tom’s relationship and their trips to Paris. How it began, their marriage and their tragic ending! Can Sophie rebuild her life and be happy?

This is a more serious and heavy-hitting book than this author usually writes. This author does an excellent job of taking heavy-hitting topics and weaving them into an engaging story! Be sure to have your Kleenex ready with your cup of tea!

From the writing to the story, this book will draw you in from the start. Definitely a page turner as you want to find out their fate. A great book for book clubs as it will lead to great discussions!

Thanks to Boldwood Books, I was provided an ARC of Midnight in Paris by Gillian Harvey via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Sydney Duclos · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a love story told though 10 years of annual trips to Paris.

Midnight in Paris goes deep into some underlaying issues revealing what really kept Sophie and toms relationship a part.
This book will play with your heart strings & leave you contemplating your priorities. Despite it being such a well written love story, it personally wasn’t my favourite. I found the story a little slow for my liking & Sophie’s character annoying at times.

Recommend if you are looking for a well written slow emotional romance.
⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Marg · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first 5 star read of the year!

This one gave me all the feels.

Read my review here


http://www.theintrepidreader.com/2025...

[Stacey · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

This story is about a couple who return to Paris every year. The story was initially a bit slow for me. There was a lot of foreshadowing of an upcoming twist - which is a tactic I often find a bit tiresome. However, I definitely did not see the twist coming and I did find it quite moving.

This is not a light story. It covers deep issues of love and loss and the frailties of relationships.

The story is told in different timelines starting from the first summer many years ago, 2 weeks ago, and now. I sometimes found this confusing and I actually wonder if a linear timeline would have worked better for this particular story.

I think I struggled sometimes believing the love between the 2 main characters. I think if I had felt that connection I would have rated this 4 stars. Tom seemed immature but I also did not find Sophie particularly likeable at times either.

Overall, this is an interesting story that tackles some very deep issues. If you are a fan of romance and women's fiction then this one is worth a read.

[Ritu Bhathal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness, Gillian Havey! What are you doing to me?
I've always loved the author's books, especially the stories set in France, but this was something else. Not as light hearted, but as much of a good read as the others, if not more.
The emotional rollercoaster I went on as I read was unbelievable.
Tom and Sophie have a place in Paris that has become their place, and they have visited it over the years. This last visit is so poignant, and its reason is heart-wrenching. I shall give nothing away, but I was in bits.
It is a more serious tale, detailing hard-hitting issues, but in a nuanced, sensitive way.
A true page-turner of a book, I loved it.
I think it's my favourite so far!

[Callum Hadley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Back from a reading hiatus with one of the most heartbreaking books I’ve read

[Annette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Every now and then I do like a good love story. This book kinda felt like that old movie Same Time Next Year. While I wasn’t a big fan of this book and really struggled to read it, others seemed to enjoy it.

[Johanna Horstmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This broke my heart but it’s so good ❤️

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gillian Harvey will pluck at every reader’s heartstrings with her latest novel, Midnight in Paris.

When Sophie and Tom had been students, they had visited Paris and spent a glorious weekend in the world’s most romantic city falling in love with the food, the architecture – and each other. Having vowed to return every summer, Sophie and Tom have made their Parisian weekend visit a tradition and one which they’ve kept – until a cruel twist of fate turns their entire world upside down and changes them forever.

Five years later and Sophie is making the trip to Paris alone. She has promised to meet Tom at their special place at the Pont du Carousel at midnight and she cannot help but feel apprehensive about this meeting. Life had torn the two of them apart and the time has now come for them to face their demons head-on and try to vanquish ghosts from the past. But Sophie has something she must tell Tom. Something that could very well end up destroying everything all over again…

Gillian Harvey’s emotional, affecting and poignant tale of love lost and found, healing, forgiveness and second chances is one that will make the reader feel every single emotion her characters go through. Midnight in Paris is a moving tale that drew me in from the first page and kept me on the edge of my seat rooting for Sophie and Tom.

A brilliantly-written exploration of the complexities of relationships that is a struggle to put down, Midnight in Paris by Gillian Harvey is a book readers will never forget.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not the best way to start a review, but I perhaps should have taken more notice of “perfect for fans of David Nicholls” – that always means One Day, and it’s a narrative structure I rarely enjoy. But – and it’s a massive but – this book was the one to make me change my mind. It’s emotional impact is enormous, needing more than one box of tissues as you read – but as it draws to an end, it’s so very uplifting, with the promise of a far happier future.

The relationship between Sophie and Tom was something so special – his reputation at first made it look as if it was going to fail before they got off the starting blocks, but it soon becomes evident that they’re meant to be together. Their path through life is marked by those visits to Paris – the experience always a little different, although they often visit their favourite places (including Tom enduring yet another viewing of the Mona Lisa – and he’s right, she does look a bit like George Harrison…), culminating in a “moment” on the Post du Carrousel at midnight. But the story is told from a present day perspective, looking at their visits in the past tense – and the hand that fate has dealt them slowly becomes clear. It’s a well paced and perfectly told story – but one of those all-consuming ones where you’re almost dreading reading on, because no-one’s lives can really be that romance-filled and gorgeous, can they?

There’s a particularly strong supporting cast – the friends and more that we all need when we’re up against it, but there are also some who aren’t always quite on the same page at the same time. And there’s a real unpredictability about the story – key characters whose part in the story isn’t initially clear, some smoke and mirrors – along with a few surprises, and it’s all so beautifully handled. And despite all those much-needed tissues, there’s plenty of joy along the way – and the loveliest touches of humour too. And it really does end on the perfect note – the trials and tribulations over as we learn that life goes on, tears wiped and nose blown, and the warmest feeling around the heart. Highly recommended by me – but do remember those tissues…

[Book Escapes Babs · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had read and enjoyed her previous books and loved the author’s skill with comedy and her ability to raise a smile no matter what. So, I agreed to join this tour based purely on the romantic title and the author’s back catalogue. I had no need to read the synopsis…
I can’t say that was a mistake, as I would possibly have been drawn in by the synopsis and would have still been reeling from the undetected turn of events. It was fortuitous that I read blindly as I may have missed out on a terrific book that has stayed with me and continues to lurk in my mind.
The connection between Sophie and Tom was powerful despite their being mismatched, and I must admit, I kept expecting their romance to fail. However, it became clear that their connection was stronger than simple chemistry, and they were meant to be a couple.
The story is told in the past tense, and we hear from Sophie, Tom, and Tom’s best friend, Will. I must confess to trying to second-guess the story and imagining a love triangle forming, but I could never have imagined where Gillian was taking me, and I was both devastated and thrilled by the trip.
Tom’s parents are an annoying pair, but as the story unfolds, it eventually becomes clear that they purely have Tom’s interests at heart.
The visits to Paris renewed my hope of visiting again someday. All I need now are the funds and a new ankle! If you’ve never been, I hope this book inspires you.
I would encourage you to take a leap of blind faith and read this powerful book. It will stay with you for some time, and I'm sure you will be glad you took a chance.

[Lily · Rating 3 out of 5]

In this unique nonlinear romance novel, readers follow Tom and Sophie from their first meeting onward through a series of summer trips to Paris as students and as a couple. As they explore the city and fall in love with it (and each other), readers discover the life and adventures waiting for them in the city and back home in England until something keeps them from returning to Paris one summer. Readers will meet Sophie on a solo trip to Paris to meet Tom on the Pont du Carrousel at midnight, their special location from that first trip as students just getting to know each other, and follow her on this poignant and emotional journey over a decade of her life and relationship with Tom. Readers will love the emotional core of this novel, as Gillian Harvey really brings the emotion to this character-centric novel. Simultaneously heartbreaking and heartwarming, this novel really pulls readers on an emotional rollercoaster as the non-chronological narrative unfolds. The characters, particularly Sophie, are the unsurprising stars of this novel, and the characters’ relationships and their individual growth is incredibly well-written throughout this moving story. Brilliantly written with two incredible characters, readers will love Gillian Harvey’s powerful, charming, and emotional new romance novel.

Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the advance copy.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful love story🗼💏

4.5🌟 stars
Though there's more than a small degree of tragedy and sadness, I was captivated by Tom and Sophie's love story. The fact that it keeps returning them to Paris just made it that much better.

Author Gillian Harvey uses frequent switches through various times, and eventually covering the night they met in Cambridge through 2024, over a decade later. I found Sophie's discomfort about their different family backgrounds, with Tom from a privileged family and hers a much more modest upbringing, quite realistic. This is a couple who, on initial appearance, even their close friends and family found an unlikely match. But their story is so poignant. I loved it!

For me, a chronological telling might have come across just as powerfully and more straightforward. The format here lends to suspense, though, as the hints build that something's coming to destroy their happiness. It kept me waiting for the shoe to drop, which was not a bad thing, just a bit frustrating.

Recommended.

Thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for sharing a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.

[Pam Robertson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of those romances which carries you along on a tide of emotion and longing. You know that Sophie has returned to Paris hoping to meet up with Tom who was her first love at University. You are fed pieces of their past as the story alternates between the present day and previous years. You get to see how each year played out and how their relationship developed. You also realise that Sophie's friends seem concerned about her but are honouring her wish for one last visit to Paris. The reasons behind this only gradually become clear.
Paris stands at the centre of the story and you get to know all the places where Sophie and Tom visited. Some of them have deep meaning for them. There is a glamour about the city as it feels like a bubble that they step into for their annual meetings there. Although this is an emotional read, it also has a charm and hop all of its own. Tom and Sophie seem so different but also seem to be able to know what the other is thinking. This is a real escapist read to brighten up a winter's day.
In short: A love story over time
Thanks to the publisher for a copy of the book

[Vanessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Midnight in Paris by Gillian Harvey was a lovely written book and a joy to read. I just love the way Gillian writes, and she writes from her heart, and she has a way of pulling you into every book I have read by her, and this one was no different.

Sophie and Tom first visited Paris the world’s most romantic city, just for a weekend But they they fell in love with Paris and each other. That was ten years ago and they were students. Everything was so easy and less complicated back then,

They promised that would return every summer and they kept their word, But, something happened that changed their world forever.

Five years went by and Sophie’s is travelling to Paris alone to meet Tom again in their special place, on the Pont du Carrousel at midnight. Sophie has something important to tell Tom and this will change everything between them.

This book was so good I ended up reading it until I had finished - it was so addictive.

It was a beautiful, heartbreaking, uplifting and a powerful novel

I highly recommend this book.

Big Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for my ARC.

[Jodie (That Happy Reader) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Midnight in Paris is an emotional yet uplifting story about love, loss, and the resilience of the human spirit. It follows Sophie and Tom over a decade of annual trips to Paris, capturing their deep connection to each other and to the city itself. From their early days as young students falling in love to a life-altering event that changes everything, their story is both heart-wrenching and inspiring.

The novel is structured through alternating timelines—then and now—which kept me engaged as I pieced together their journey. As Sophie returns to Paris alone, meeting Tom at their special spot on the Pont du Carrousel at midnight, the emotional weight of their history becomes clear. Their love story is beautifully written, and while the pacing felt a little slow at times, I was always invested in where it was going.

Beyond romance, this book is also about grief and the courage it takes to move forward. It highlights the importance of leaning on those around us, taking life one day at a time, and finding strength even in the darkest moments.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Midnight in Paris by Gillian Harvey is a deeply emotional and poignant exploration of love, loss, and second chances, set against the enchanting backdrop of Paris. The book has a multi-timeline structure, which I did find a little confusing in places. The story intertwines Sophie and Tom’s past, and trips to Paris with her journey toward healing, tackling themes like grief, infertility, and resilience. I hadn't read any synopsis prior to reading and I was quite surprised at the direction of the story, the twists and how moving it was. The characters had real emotional depth making this a teary read in places. Very much enjoyed this book and look forward to more from Gillian Harvey. Thanks to Netgalley for the advanced copy.

[Stephanie P · Rating 3 out of 5]

The premise of this book sounded a whole lot better than what it actually turned out to be. There are three timelines going on between each chapter and even in the "now" chapters, there are segments that go back in time. I think the author did this to catch the reader off guard with a sort of twist to the story, but with a plot like this book has, a twist is completely unnecessary. The emotional impact would have affected me more if it was told through one seamless timeline. Also, the relationship between the two main characters seemed off to me. They acted like two people that should not have been together.

Thanks to NetGalley, Gillian Harvey, and Boldwood Books for allowing me to read an advanced reader copy of Midnight in Paris in the return of an honest review.

[Jane Hunt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Since they visited as students, Paris has a special significance to Sophie and Tom. We first meet Sophie on her last visit, and the reader is intrigued to know why. It's an engaging, poignant love story with an otherworldly touch. The story spans various signposted timelines, but I occasionally got lost. Sophie and Tom's relationship is believable and complex; they are from different backgrounds and meet by chance, but the connection endures even when Sophie believes they are not meant to be. Lyrically described, Paris becomes a character in the drama. I like the raw spectrum of emotion the story conveys. It emphasises the protagonists' humanity and invests the reader in them and their lives.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

[Mobena - introvertbookgirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

GAWD WHERE DO I START I BAWLED MY EYES OUT IN THE BEST WAY. I thought it would be a cute rom-com, NO IT WAS HEARTBREAKINGLY WRENCHING AND AMAZING!!! go in BLIND that’s my advice to make this so much better. omg when it gets to THAT part? I GASPED. i love tom, he has an air about him that sometimes i wish im like him. i love sophie, she’s so unapologetically her and thats why shes so amazing. i love will, hes the epitome of a beautiful human being. i love libby, everyone deserves a best friend like her.

all opinions and reviews are my own - arc provided by netgalley and publisher for my honest opinion.

[Mardi Michels · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for a digital ARC.

I'm a huge fan of Gillian Harvery's work and was excited to read this one. No spoilers, but the book is told through multiple timelines that took me a little bit to get used to, and I'll admit that I didn't see the tragic twist coming at all; crept up on me slowly.

The story drew me in from the start, and I read this in one day, page-turning to find out what happened. A story of love, friendship, heartbreak and healing with Paris as an intermittent backdrop - what's not to love?

[Janilyn Kocher · Rating 4 out of 5]

I shed a few tears over this one.
It wasn’t until 1/4 of the way into the book that I got the gist of what was going on. As I read until then I knew I was missing an important element because things weren’t fitting together.
And when they did it was a gut punch.
It’s a poignant story and I felt for Tom. He doggedly pursued Sophie even when she was trying to be boringly sensible.
How she always apologized got tiresome. Will was a gem but I think the shadow of Tom would always prevail.
It’s a poignant book.
Thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the early read.

[Nancy Lynn Acker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful story

This one is deeper and more intense than her other books, but somehow perfect. If you've ever lost someone close to you, you know that grief is messy and awful, but if you're lucky you somehow make it out the other side, into the sunshine. This story is probably the most real depiction of that process that I've ever read. Don't worry, it's not depressing, at least it wasn't for me. It was cathartic, even for a loss that was 17 years ago. I cried happy tears, for the heroine and for me.

[Lauri Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a roller coaster of emotion. Five stars for the first half and end of the book - loved those parts! I had a harder time getting through the middle of the book as I wasn’t expecting the depths of what the characters went through and it wasn’t “escape from reality” fiction that I usually prefer. Still I couldn’t give up on Sophie and Tom and had to come back to the book after a break, to see how it all wrapped up. Beautifully written and one that will stay in your heart and mind long after it’s finished. ❤️😭❤️

[Tiana · Rating 4 out of 5]

really sweet book on loss and grief and new beginnings. At the start, you think the book is being set up with a big scandal, however soon learn the real truth and insight into ones heart and processing. I didn't mind the back and forth from future to past once the truth was revealed but at first felt frustrated with this concept. The book came together beautifully detailing ones journey over 10 years finding oneself, loss and life. I loved the exploration of Paris and how memories can have such powerful impact on us years in the future.

[Jessica Coutts · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was looking for a sweet easy romance after a somewhat heavier and sadder read but instead my heart got pummelled again. The writing was beautiful and I did not see it coming that the protagonist’s first husband was an apparition and had previously passed away. When you’re so young you expect to be with your partner for many years to come and in this case it was tragically cut short but did have a somewhat happy ending. I’ve had too much reading grief and loss recently and hoping my next read will actually be a bit more light.

[Jo Locke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heartfelt

I struggle with writing reviews, definitely more a reader than a writer, but felt I need to try at least to give a little of my thoughts here.

Night in Paris has a beautiful storyline. It’s cleverly written, chopping back and forth to build the picture over the years. It’s an enjoyable, emotional read that leaves you with a strong sense of the characters and all that they feel. It’s kind of sad yet happy. Lessons to learn from Sophie’s journey.