Midnight & Mince Pies: A Falhaven Castle Prequel

by Laura Greenwood

When the clock strikes midnight, Evie has to return to the ball...

Princess Evie would love nothing more than to bake the Yuletide away, making sweet treats with her best friend Nate in the castle's kitchens. Unfortunately for her, royal duties call, no matter how much she wants to avoid them.

When her sister helps her escape from the masquerade ball, she heads straight to the kitchen, but she needs to be back before the clock strikes twelve...

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Midnight & Mince Pies is a prequel to the Falhaven Castle series, a cozy fantasy with a baking dragon, a princess who wants to be in the kitchen over the throne room, and the baker who wants to be there with her. There is a slow burn friends to lovers romance, with a pinch of steam in later books, and an ace heroine.

75 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 25, 2025

About the author

Laura is a USA Today Bestselling Author of fantasy romance and urban fantasy. She lives in the UK, where most of her books are set, with her partner. When she's not writing, Laura can be found exploring worldwide cusine with her partner, drinking tea, and reading fantasy books. Laura specialises in quick reads, featuring healthy relationships and consent-positive moments, regardless of whether she's writing light-hearted romance, mythology-inspired modern fantasy, cozy fantasy or anything in between.

Discover one of Laura Greenwood's most popular series:
- The Apprentice of Anubis (mythology inspired modern/urban fantasy)
- Forgotten Gods (mythology inspired fantasy romance)
- Jinx Paranormal Dating Agency (mythology inspired paranormal rom-com)
- House of Blood and Roses (vampire romantasy)
- Amethyst's Wand Shop Mysteries (urban fantasy murder mystery)
- Scales of Justice (mythology inspired modern/urban fantasy)
- Purple Oak Oasis (cozy fantasy romance)
- Falhaven Castle (cozy fantasy romance)

You can find a full book list and more information on her website, or in her Facebook Reader Group.

Happy Reading!

Reviews

[The Book Nerd's Corner · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short holiday novelette that takes place before the events of "Dragons & Dumplings," way back before Nate ever thought of leaving Falhaven Castle.

The holiday season is always busy in Falhaven Castle, which means that there are ceremonies to partake in and masquerade balls to attend. The only place that Princess Evie wants to be is in the kitchen baking with her best friend, Nate. Unfortunately, her presence will be missed if she isn't back at the masquerade ball before midnight, so it seems that the clock is ticking on the thing that makes her the happiest in the world.

This was a fun holiday short that could act as a great introduction to this world if one happened across it as a cozy Christmas read. I, however, am a huge fan of the "Falhaven Castle" series, so I am already well acquainted with Evie, Nate, Veronica, and the rest of the family.

I feel that this story really focused on Evie's autism and her difficulties fitting in with society. Festive times with so many people around can be super overwhelming for those with neurological differences. The lights are too bright, the people are too loud, and the fancy clothes she has to wear are super itchy. All these things put Evie on the verge of a meltdown, and she needs to escape to her happy place before a disaster occurs. I can really relate to this whole experience, despite the fact that I am not a princess living in a fantasy world. Also, the way that Evie has to mask herself in court versus how she acts around her best friend are starkly different, and another thing that people should find relatable.

It was super fun seeing Evie and Nate at their youngest that this series has provided thus far. These two are so precious together and their friendship is so darn sweet. They understand each other in a way that most people don't and it's just perfect. I love the segments in which Evie is confused by things that Nate says and rather than freak out at her, Nate always calmly explains how she misunderstood him and what he actually meant to say. Many people don't have the patience to help, but Nate is a great example of how situations such as this should be handled.

Overall, "Midnight & Mince Pies" didn't add anything too substantial to this world, but it was fun seeing younger versions of the characters enjoying their holidays together. This one really focuses on the everyday struggles that Evie experiences, many of which I believe many will find immensely relatable. Reading this has me super excited to check out "Custards & Crowns" as soon as I am able to!

[Chad Barrus · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a Christmas freebie from the author for her newsletter subscribers which I enjoyed reading.

Evie is a princess who would rather be in the kitchen baking with her friend Nate than being in the throne room being inundated with noise and protocols that she can’t stand. She wants a peaceful environment and has found that for the past 9 years with a boy she’s been friends with all that time. When a masquerade ball becomes too much her sister tells her to leave and return just before the masks are removed at midnight. She spends the time baking with Nate and the feeling of peace and calmness once again settles over her as they bake together.

I enjoyed this book as it’s a prequel to a new series I have read as the books come out about a baking princess and her best friend who just may turn out to be more than just a friend in future books.

In the next book she receives a dragon egg and they set it in the fire and watch it until it hatches. There is sure to be some mischief with a dragon in the kitchen I believe!

I recommend this book and this series as one I have enjoyed and believe you’ll enjoy as well!

[DianaRaven · Rating 4 out of 5]

 MIDNIGHT & MINCE PIES is the prequel to the 'Falhaven Castle' series by Laura Greenwood. This is another entertaining, light read from this author who creates great characters and wonderful worlds. A princess who prefers being in the kitchen instead of the throne room is a unique premise, making this another cute story concentrating more on romance than magic.

It's Yuletide and there are dinners, parties, and masked balls, complete with itchy, uncomfortable dresses. Endless socializing and smiling are slowly driving her crazy. Princess Evie dislikes everything about it. She just wants to visit the kitchens and bake pastries with her friend Nate.

This is a cute, very slow romance story that's sure to bloom in future installments.

I did receive a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.

[Tracey Tonkin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another little bite of the Falhaven Castle story about Evie & Nate, and I loved it. Such a sweet, cosy slow burn romance, with characters you can’t help but love. The ND rep is wonderful, as is the relationship with her younger sister who accepts Evie as she is and helps her when she is struggling. I have read all the books in this series and this was a great prequel addition in my opinion. Highly recommend the entire series if you want short but satisfying cosy stories, with some romance and baking - do not forget the baking 😉

[Morally_Gray_Nola · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nate and Evie’s story continues. They are so very sweet together. Evie is neurodivergent. Nate understands her, and loves her anyway. They have been best friends since they were 9yo. Nate is Evie’s favorite person. Their relationship is slowly evolving. And I am here for it. I love how Laura Greenwood has written several novellas offering us snippets of their blossoming love. Good stuff.

*** Recommended ***

MMC:
✨Nate
FMC:
✨Evie
HEA/Cliffhanger:
✨to be continued
Series:
✨Falhaven Castle
Epilogue:
🌗yes
Tropes:
👉fantasy romance
👉slow burn romance
👉neurodivergent rep

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yuletide time. Princess Evie endures the struggle of royal responsibility while dreaming of baking with her best friend Nate. What I like most about Evie having read her other stories is that she’s adorable in her innocence, autistic in her skin sensitivities, lack of social clues, noise limitation and overstimulation by using baking to cope and calm. It is a feel good story. This short happens before Dragons & Dumplings when Evie and Nate are both 18.
I received a BookFunnel copy and voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a cute short story, Evie has trouble with crowds and dressing up. Her sister Veronica understands that and helps her to get away to her favourite place the kitchen. Her best friend Nate is one of the bakers, the two of them bake together. You get little tidbits about the food and what they are eating. I would recommend reading this book as it is a light read. I received an Arc and the views and opinions are my own.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great instalment from Falhaven Castle. I love Evie and Nate’s relationship, and the things they bake together are so cool (and it’s brilliant the author offers you the chance to have the recipes fo those items for free too!). I really sympathise with Evie as I view the world much the same as her, so it’s nice to see a character with that viewpoint, although it does make me laugh the things she says sometimes (and wonder if I’m as clueless!). Looking forward to more books in this series.

[Will Pascoe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some cozy backstory between Evie & Nate, showing how, even before the main story, they just get each other in a way that most people don't. The Yulemas present scene was so sweet (almost as sweet as the recipes they were baking), but I think my favourite parts of this book were just how good of a sister Veronica is to Evie whenever she feels overwhelmed or overstimulated. Cannot wait for more of this series!

[Kerry Batchelor · Rating 5 out of 5]

A short story that really highlights Evie's internal struggle with every day things. A lot of people can relate to how she feels, with having to put on a mask for the world that doesn't reflect how you truly feel and having to do things that you don't particularly want to do. I like that she has worked out what grounds her and that baking is her safe space, with Nate, who understands her and her 'quirks'

[Frank · Rating 5 out of 5]

Further adventures for Evie & Nate

This is just so cute & sweet, with none of the nastiness inherent with certain other series: this one is simply delightful.

I love how Evie's issues are so well portrayed (and how Nate cares enough to adapt around them). (Also, Veronica's understanding, tolerance, and love for her sister - despite everything.)


(I was fortunate to receive an ARC however the above is, as ever, my own opinion.)

[Bookaddict · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another prequel of Falhaven Castle series, and the time is before Dragons & Dumplings.
This give some more details about Evie - with all her quirks and habits, and about her relationship with Nate.
Also, I like her relationship with Veronica, which give her suport and understanding.
I also like the author notes, where are explained some history facts and some about the recipes

I received an ARC copy and I leave my honest voluntary review

[purrs and plotlines · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just love these sweet little reads in the Falhaven series. Evie has easily become a character I adore and relate to. I love the Christmas vibe and getting some insight into her relationship with Nate. These prequels give background info that is helpful in understanding the characters and their interactions a little better. I look forward to the next book in the series.

[DeeDeeWReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this prequel to Evie's series. Her and Nate are so sweet to read about and watch them interact. Evie is special, just like my son is special too. If you know, you know as you read and watch how Evie interacts with some and the difficulties in life she experiences.

I look forward to new adventures and watching this friends to more story evolve. Great read

[Sam Yaworski · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a sweet and cozy holiday tale. I love the relationship between Evie and Nate. Getting snapshots of their lives at different points in time really shows how their relationship has progressed. Having read Dragons and Dumplings and Princess and Pastries this was a nice prequel into their young adult lives. I loved the twist on the midnight trope. I simply adore this cozy series.

[J Young · Rating 4 out of 5]

A series starter.

Princess Evie prefers baking over royal duties. She does not relate well to many people except her childhood friend Nate and her family. The way she perceives and reacts to things almost seems like she could be on the spectrum. The story hints at a possible future romance between Evie and Nate. I received a review copy, but my review is honest and voluntary.

[Heather Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a cozy Yule book! Such a cute prequel novella about Evie and Nate. Evie is a princess who wants nothing to do with it, but loves to bake. Nate is a servant baker and her friend. Such a cute story about friendship. This is part of a series and we should learn more about these two. Great quick easy read!

[Jo Fouracre · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the pre quel to this series. It was interesting to see the dynamics happening before everything kicked in. To understand Evie’s likes and dislikes and why. This series is so sweet with a feel good factor.

[Christinaraven · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Evie and Nate prequel where get to see more of their interactions in the kitchen as they make holiday treats for a celebration Evie must attend. Simple, easy read that was way too sweet and cute. These two are fun to watch as they bake.

[Monique Westwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am invested in this series! I love the characters so much. Nate is swoon worthy. It is beautiful how he sees, accepts and cares for Evie. I love that he is Evie's safe place. I am enjoying getting to know them, and the rest of Evie's family, better.

[Kate Wells · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great little story with a neurodiverse fmc. I am comfortable with her quirks and would love to read more. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Sherryle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very sweet & quick read. I really liked it.

[Carolyn Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an entertaining and sweet Yuletide story featuring a unique princess and her best friend. I love reading about their developing relationship.

[Teri Ruscak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Laura Greenwood
Midnight & Mince Pies: A Falhaven Castle Prequel
Evie and Nate
This was a sweet prequel for the Falhaven Castle series! I enjoyed reading it, and the slow burn was sweet.

[Lisa Kimbrell · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice little novella with more of a back story into Evie and Nate’s friendship and working in the kitchens.

[Dschaper54 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very cute

I thoroughly enjoyed this light book. Easy to enjoy and to get caught up in the characters and what ifs.

[Rowan Creech · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a delightful and cosy Christmas story blending fantasy with charming characters. It was a truly sweet read.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Evie has Autism. I don't know which form of Autism but she is. How she copes with it can be fun. She does work hard at trying. Then she also has Nate to help with it too. Good story.