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Midnight Sky
How can we harness the future if the past will not set us free? An emotive story of love, loss and letting go.
Opposites attract? Laura Brown, interior designer and James Morgan-Jones, horse whisperer - and Midnight Sky, a beautiful but damaged steeplechaser.
Laura seems to have it all; glamorous job, charming boyfriend. Her sister Maggie struggles with money, difficult children and an unresponsive husband. She envies her sister’s life, but are things as idyllic as they seem?
She might be a farmers daughter but Laura is doing her best to deny her roots, even deny her true feelings. Until she meets James. But James is very married, and very much in love, to a wife who died two years ago. They both have issues to face from their past but will it bring them together, or push them apart?
This publication is written in British English. Spellings and grammatical conventions are conversant with the UK.
Opposites attract? Laura Brown, interior designer and James Morgan-Jones, horse whisperer - and Midnight Sky, a beautiful but damaged steeplechaser.
Laura seems to have it all; glamorous job, charming boyfriend. Her sister Maggie struggles with money, difficult children and an unresponsive husband. She envies her sister’s life, but are things as idyllic as they seem?
She might be a farmers daughter but Laura is doing her best to deny her roots, even deny her true feelings. Until she meets James. But James is very married, and very much in love, to a wife who died two years ago. They both have issues to face from their past but will it bring them together, or push them apart?
This publication is written in British English. Spellings and grammatical conventions are conversant with the UK.
Unknown Binding
First published January 1, 2012
About the author
Jan Ruth
20 books126 followersJan Ruth lives in Snowdonia, a mountainous area of North Wales, UK. Jan writes contemporary fiction about the darker side of the family dynamic, often blending life in rural Wales with a touch of city business. Her style is best described as fast-paced and realistic, with a sprinkling of dry humour.
The real story began at school, with prizes for short stories and poetry. She failed all things mathematical and scientific, and to this day struggles to make sense of anything numerical.
Her first novel – written in 1986 – attracted the attention of editor Anne Dewe, Andrew Mann Literary Agency, London. Dewe’s own company, Love Stories Ltd, was a project aiming to champion those books of substance which contained a romantic element but were perhaps directed towards the more mature reader and consistently fell through the net in traditional publishing. Summer in October was contracted immediately but sadly, the project failed to get the right financial backing and the company dissolved.
Many years later Jan’s second novel, Wild Water, was taken on by Jane C Judd Literary Agency, London. Despite Judd’s enthusiasm, the book failed to find the right niche with a publisher – one brave enough to expand on those established, traditional genre stereotypes. And then Amazon changed the face of the industry with the advent of self-publishing and Jan went on to successfully publish several works of fiction under her own imprint, Celtic Connections. After a brief partnership with Accent Press in 2015, Jan chose to return to the freedom of independent publishing.
Wild Water won the Cornerstones competition for the most popular self-published book in 2011, and Midnight Sky won the Romantic Review Magazine Award (2013). Silver Rain (2015) and Wild Water (2016) were both finalists in the Wishing Shelf Awards.
Jan’s books are available globally via Amazon as ebooks or paperbacks.
The real story began at school, with prizes for short stories and poetry. She failed all things mathematical and scientific, and to this day struggles to make sense of anything numerical.
Her first novel – written in 1986 – attracted the attention of editor Anne Dewe, Andrew Mann Literary Agency, London. Dewe’s own company, Love Stories Ltd, was a project aiming to champion those books of substance which contained a romantic element but were perhaps directed towards the more mature reader and consistently fell through the net in traditional publishing. Summer in October was contracted immediately but sadly, the project failed to get the right financial backing and the company dissolved.
Many years later Jan’s second novel, Wild Water, was taken on by Jane C Judd Literary Agency, London. Despite Judd’s enthusiasm, the book failed to find the right niche with a publisher – one brave enough to expand on those established, traditional genre stereotypes. And then Amazon changed the face of the industry with the advent of self-publishing and Jan went on to successfully publish several works of fiction under her own imprint, Celtic Connections. After a brief partnership with Accent Press in 2015, Jan chose to return to the freedom of independent publishing.
Wild Water won the Cornerstones competition for the most popular self-published book in 2011, and Midnight Sky won the Romantic Review Magazine Award (2013). Silver Rain (2015) and Wild Water (2016) were both finalists in the Wishing Shelf Awards.
Jan’s books are available globally via Amazon as ebooks or paperbacks.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
March 5, 2014
Wonderful!
Midnight Skye is the third book of Jan Ruth that I’ve read…and I was not disappointed. I’ve said before that Ms Ruth writes with passion and intelligence, and as before, this book has plenty of that.
Although primarily a romance, (Laura, Simon and James) it is far more than that. The novel crosses over into other genre, relationships within families, between couples, siblings and old love just for starters. We also see how one of the main characters (James, a horse whisperer) struggles to part with his past life, letting us into a world which is emotive and heart wrenching at times.
Ms Ruth covers many aspects of relationships, a family struggling with money, awful teenagers, a depressed unresponsive husband and a middle-aged woman (Maggie) who’s fighting to keep everything under control as well as her expanding waistline.
While we have three of four different threads to the story (all running at their own pace), we have the main theme concerning Laura and her own dilemmas. She’s in the middle of a crisis and is desperate for help…which comes from an unexpected quarter.
Midnight Sky gives us colourful characters, lots of depth and real life problems.
This book moves at a cracking pace - when it matters - and at the same time, slows down to lull us with lush descriptive prose about where it is set. The reader will feel the stunning and often wild Welsh countryside, ranging from balmy summer days on sweeping coastal beaches to austere conditions in a harsh winter amid the mountains.
Wonderful! A full 5 stars.
Midnight Skye is the third book of Jan Ruth that I’ve read…and I was not disappointed. I’ve said before that Ms Ruth writes with passion and intelligence, and as before, this book has plenty of that.
Although primarily a romance, (Laura, Simon and James) it is far more than that. The novel crosses over into other genre, relationships within families, between couples, siblings and old love just for starters. We also see how one of the main characters (James, a horse whisperer) struggles to part with his past life, letting us into a world which is emotive and heart wrenching at times.
Ms Ruth covers many aspects of relationships, a family struggling with money, awful teenagers, a depressed unresponsive husband and a middle-aged woman (Maggie) who’s fighting to keep everything under control as well as her expanding waistline.
While we have three of four different threads to the story (all running at their own pace), we have the main theme concerning Laura and her own dilemmas. She’s in the middle of a crisis and is desperate for help…which comes from an unexpected quarter.
Midnight Sky gives us colourful characters, lots of depth and real life problems.
This book moves at a cracking pace - when it matters - and at the same time, slows down to lull us with lush descriptive prose about where it is set. The reader will feel the stunning and often wild Welsh countryside, ranging from balmy summer days on sweeping coastal beaches to austere conditions in a harsh winter amid the mountains.
Wonderful! A full 5 stars.
October 18, 2014
Midnight Sky has a lovely rural setting in North Wales near Snowdonia, with a smaller minor setting in Chester. Laura Brown lives with her partner Simon and together they run Dragon Designs. They are property developers.
Laura's sister Maggie lives at Hafod House in North Wales and invites Laura to her birthday party where she meets locals Liz and James Morgan-Jones who run a stable yard. They have some cottages that need modernising and making profitable, Maggie hopes Laura can land the job for them but James is a difficult person to get on with and they start off on a bad foot.
There are some wonderful engaging characters in this book to get behind, Maggie's daughter Ellie is mildly autistic and learning to ride is an ideal therapy for her. Whilst her older sister Jess is wild, out-spoken and has a major crush on James. Maggie herself is wonderfully protective of all her brood and will go to great lengths for them all.
Then there is Simon, Laura's partner, struggling through a divorce with a demanding ex-wife and children who take up much of his time and energy. Yet nothing prepares you for the harrowing heart-ache that James is suffering and only Laura can penetrate the walls of mental protection he has built when she becomes equally as vulnerable in her own life.
This book mixes rough, rugged Welsh countryside with a busy horse-yard, property developing and interior design, plus the all important possibility of romance to make your heart melt.
Laura's sister Maggie lives at Hafod House in North Wales and invites Laura to her birthday party where she meets locals Liz and James Morgan-Jones who run a stable yard. They have some cottages that need modernising and making profitable, Maggie hopes Laura can land the job for them but James is a difficult person to get on with and they start off on a bad foot.
There are some wonderful engaging characters in this book to get behind, Maggie's daughter Ellie is mildly autistic and learning to ride is an ideal therapy for her. Whilst her older sister Jess is wild, out-spoken and has a major crush on James. Maggie herself is wonderfully protective of all her brood and will go to great lengths for them all.
Then there is Simon, Laura's partner, struggling through a divorce with a demanding ex-wife and children who take up much of his time and energy. Yet nothing prepares you for the harrowing heart-ache that James is suffering and only Laura can penetrate the walls of mental protection he has built when she becomes equally as vulnerable in her own life.
This book mixes rough, rugged Welsh countryside with a busy horse-yard, property developing and interior design, plus the all important possibility of romance to make your heart melt.
February 4, 2016
Midnight Sky is a contemporary family drama and romance, with touches of humour, which lighten some of the intense moments.
The plot revolves around the lives of Laura, her partner Simon, and her sister Maggie’s family, on the one hand, and James, a brooding horse whisperer, who is dealing with many personal issues, on the other.
I loved the setting, partly in Chester, but mainly in Rowen, a small village in the Welsh countryside, and the nearby beaches, farmland, cottages, country lanes and Victorian houses, pictured from freezing January, when the story starts through to the warm summer, when the novel ends. It was also enlightening and heart-warming to watch James at work with his horses on the farm.
Laura is an interior decorator who works with her partner in a successful business. Life seems to be perfect, but really, Laura is stuck in a dead-end relationship with Simon, whose ex-wife and two children often seem to be more important for him than Laura. Laura would like to have a family, but Simon already has children, and when he finds out she’s pregnant, he tries to convince Laura to have an abortion.
Laura’s sister, Maggie, introduces Laura to James’ sister Liz, and Laura and Simon are employed to refurbish their cottages. James is unfriendly at first because he’s against any type of change on his farm, and we’ll discover that part of the reason for his moody nature is that he is still mourning the loss of his wife, Cary, in tragic circumstances, two years earlier.
Laura and James gradually connect, and after some heartache and strife, both their lives become intertwined. Their friendship slowly develops into love, and the novel has a satisfactory ending, however, there is room for a sequel, and I’m delighted to hear that part two is due out this month, and that there’s also a part three.
I enjoy reading character driven novels, and there are plenty of lively and well-drawn secondary characters, such as James’ Bossy sister, Liz, and Maggie’s stoic and secretive husband, Pete. Another vibrant character is Laura’s niece, Jess, a rebellious teenager who has a crush on James, and provokes many of the hilarious situations in the novel, sometimes on the farm, and often at the pub, leading to many memorable scenes!
Overall, I highly recommend. It was a pleasure to read. I'm impatiently looking forward to the next installment.
Especially for lovers of romance, passion, and complex family relationships set in Wales
The plot revolves around the lives of Laura, her partner Simon, and her sister Maggie’s family, on the one hand, and James, a brooding horse whisperer, who is dealing with many personal issues, on the other.
I loved the setting, partly in Chester, but mainly in Rowen, a small village in the Welsh countryside, and the nearby beaches, farmland, cottages, country lanes and Victorian houses, pictured from freezing January, when the story starts through to the warm summer, when the novel ends. It was also enlightening and heart-warming to watch James at work with his horses on the farm.
Laura is an interior decorator who works with her partner in a successful business. Life seems to be perfect, but really, Laura is stuck in a dead-end relationship with Simon, whose ex-wife and two children often seem to be more important for him than Laura. Laura would like to have a family, but Simon already has children, and when he finds out she’s pregnant, he tries to convince Laura to have an abortion.
Laura’s sister, Maggie, introduces Laura to James’ sister Liz, and Laura and Simon are employed to refurbish their cottages. James is unfriendly at first because he’s against any type of change on his farm, and we’ll discover that part of the reason for his moody nature is that he is still mourning the loss of his wife, Cary, in tragic circumstances, two years earlier.
Laura and James gradually connect, and after some heartache and strife, both their lives become intertwined. Their friendship slowly develops into love, and the novel has a satisfactory ending, however, there is room for a sequel, and I’m delighted to hear that part two is due out this month, and that there’s also a part three.
I enjoy reading character driven novels, and there are plenty of lively and well-drawn secondary characters, such as James’ Bossy sister, Liz, and Maggie’s stoic and secretive husband, Pete. Another vibrant character is Laura’s niece, Jess, a rebellious teenager who has a crush on James, and provokes many of the hilarious situations in the novel, sometimes on the farm, and often at the pub, leading to many memorable scenes!
Overall, I highly recommend. It was a pleasure to read. I'm impatiently looking forward to the next installment.
Especially for lovers of romance, passion, and complex family relationships set in Wales
January 8, 2013
This is a a lovely novel, but note, it is a roller coaster ride on your emotions. It made me cry, angry, say aah, but also made me laugh, and even see bits of myself in one of the characters, then another person I know related to another character. This is what makes Jan Ruth's novels so strong, they have very realistic characters that you can so easily relate to.
This story's main setting is in beautiful Snowdonia, North Wales, and much of it relates to a riding stable/school that young widower, James and his bossy sister Liz run, and with the difficulties in the current economic climate of trying to make ends meet, life isn't easy. Laura,the main female protagonist, is in a live in relationship with her lover Simon, and the problems from his previous marriage plus her rapidly changing situation finds her settled, rather materialistic ideas challenged. Her relationship with her sister Maggie and Maggie's family all become intertwined. Then there's Laura's, teenage, hormonal niece...enough said:)
I say no more other than this, Jan has wound in realistic conflicts, a must for horse lovers too, plus some lovely romantic scenes...but, will it be a happy ending? Midnight Sky, takes you to the final pages before her story concludes and it isn't always how you might expect.
The story flows well, has a good standard of English. I loved it and knowing and loving the area it is set in was the cherry on the icing for me. Definite 5 stars from me.
I hope Jan will write more books as I've read her others, White Horizon and Wild Water and look forward to my next fix in the not too distant future.
This story's main setting is in beautiful Snowdonia, North Wales, and much of it relates to a riding stable/school that young widower, James and his bossy sister Liz run, and with the difficulties in the current economic climate of trying to make ends meet, life isn't easy. Laura,the main female protagonist, is in a live in relationship with her lover Simon, and the problems from his previous marriage plus her rapidly changing situation finds her settled, rather materialistic ideas challenged. Her relationship with her sister Maggie and Maggie's family all become intertwined. Then there's Laura's, teenage, hormonal niece...enough said:)
I say no more other than this, Jan has wound in realistic conflicts, a must for horse lovers too, plus some lovely romantic scenes...but, will it be a happy ending? Midnight Sky, takes you to the final pages before her story concludes and it isn't always how you might expect.
The story flows well, has a good standard of English. I loved it and knowing and loving the area it is set in was the cherry on the icing for me. Definite 5 stars from me.
I hope Jan will write more books as I've read her others, White Horizon and Wild Water and look forward to my next fix in the not too distant future.
February 5, 2013
This is the first book I have read by this author, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It’s a romance, and although it doesn’t take too long to realise who is going to get together with whom, the predictability that is inseparable from romances ends there. This novel has a Welsh and equestrian setting.
Laura, a talented interior designer, loves her boyfriend, Simon, (who has an ex-wife and two children). James is still in love with his wife, who has been dead for two years. Apart from being ruggedly handsome, (of course), he is also a skilled horse whisperer. When Laura becomes pregnant, Simon is none too happy—he’s been there, done that. The situation rocks the stability of their relationship. A commission to renovate cottages, owned by James and his sister, leads to James’s and Laura’s paths to cross...
What I loved about this story was…well, just about everything: the Welsh setting, the horses (I’m an animal lover), but most particularly, I loved the characters. The cast of this story was extremely well put together and each character conceived either colourfully, sympathetically, thoughtfully, but always credibly: Maggie is Laura’s hapless, patient, tolerant married sister with a middle-aged husband and three very, very different children. Jess is the middle one of these: brilliantly portrayed as the petulant, parents-are-oh-so-gross teenager. Then there was Carla, the sex-hungry man-eater; Alice, the bitter, revengeful ex-wife; Liz, James’s domineering sister, who must surely have been a headmistress in her former life! But Laura and James were conceived with skill: each with their own demons to deal with, they were never pathetic or irritating but utterly likeable, and they have you on their side from start to finish.
A lovely, gentle romance packed with emotion and twists and turns, leaving you wondering how they cannot possibly end in a cul-de-sac. Not so much an-edge-of-your-seat romance, but one that keeps you reading with your hand on your heart.
Laura, a talented interior designer, loves her boyfriend, Simon, (who has an ex-wife and two children). James is still in love with his wife, who has been dead for two years. Apart from being ruggedly handsome, (of course), he is also a skilled horse whisperer. When Laura becomes pregnant, Simon is none too happy—he’s been there, done that. The situation rocks the stability of their relationship. A commission to renovate cottages, owned by James and his sister, leads to James’s and Laura’s paths to cross...
What I loved about this story was…well, just about everything: the Welsh setting, the horses (I’m an animal lover), but most particularly, I loved the characters. The cast of this story was extremely well put together and each character conceived either colourfully, sympathetically, thoughtfully, but always credibly: Maggie is Laura’s hapless, patient, tolerant married sister with a middle-aged husband and three very, very different children. Jess is the middle one of these: brilliantly portrayed as the petulant, parents-are-oh-so-gross teenager. Then there was Carla, the sex-hungry man-eater; Alice, the bitter, revengeful ex-wife; Liz, James’s domineering sister, who must surely have been a headmistress in her former life! But Laura and James were conceived with skill: each with their own demons to deal with, they were never pathetic or irritating but utterly likeable, and they have you on their side from start to finish.
A lovely, gentle romance packed with emotion and twists and turns, leaving you wondering how they cannot possibly end in a cul-de-sac. Not so much an-edge-of-your-seat romance, but one that keeps you reading with your hand on your heart.
June 3, 2012
Laura is pregnant and brimming with emotions. In love with Simon, a divorcing man whose wife doesn’t want to let go completely, she struggles to hold on. Simon is more interested in money and their interior design business than in her. In the course of her work day, she comes upon James, a horse-whispering sensitive widower, who's teaching her sister Maggie’s out-of-control teen to ride. Laura and her sister are very different. Maggie’s problems are more to be expected. She supports her sister, but has a regular life and an easy husband, who’s stronger than he looks.
James is infinitely patient with people and horses. He’s training Midnight Sky to trust so he can sell the horse. The reader cannot help falling in love with him. It takes longer for Laura to weigh her values. The questions are: can James let go of his beloved dead wife, and can she let go of her self-defeating behaviors?
This is a believable book, filled with suspense, unexpected turns and vivid description. It’s a great story.
James is infinitely patient with people and horses. He’s training Midnight Sky to trust so he can sell the horse. The reader cannot help falling in love with him. It takes longer for Laura to weigh her values. The questions are: can James let go of his beloved dead wife, and can she let go of her self-defeating behaviors?
This is a believable book, filled with suspense, unexpected turns and vivid description. It’s a great story.
July 19, 2013
I can't wait for Jan Ruth to write another love story for me to consume in one satisfying gulp. Midnight Sky has a charisma to it, partly based on the beauty of the horses and their horse whisperer and partly due to the countryside that Ms Ruth paints so vividly. Ms Ruth's work is always evocative of place and season and none more so than in Midnight Sky. The difference between town and country living is well drawn without being obvious and the characters are broad, funny and contemporary. There's no nostalgia for a chocolate box countryside here. A modern, often humourous, story with a melting heart at its core.
Highly recommended, especially for country and horse lovers - indeed any lover!
Highly recommended, especially for country and horse lovers - indeed any lover!
November 3, 2013
Midnight Sky is a romantic family saga set in contemporary Wales. Two sisters face quite different challenges and manage to find their own answers. Laura, pregnant with her lover’s child, must make a difficult choice, while her sister Maggie deals with a drama-queen teenager and a husband going through a mid-life crisis. Add in a handsome horse trainer still grieving for his dead wife and a damaged steeplechaser that he is trying to rescue and you have a fascinating picture of a life in a lesser known part of England.
I loved the images of the countryside and the country people. Makes me want to visit there when I get back to the UK again. I look forward to Jan’s next book.
I loved the images of the countryside and the country people. Makes me want to visit there when I get back to the UK again. I look forward to Jan’s next book.
February 13, 2017
I haven't got much time to write a review, so this one won't be long, but I have to say I have found this book totally compelling. From the first page, Ms Ruth's characters draw the reader in and I became completely immersed in the story, the wonderful Welsh setting, and the complexities of the charcters' lives. I loved the 'secondary characters', being the dogs and horses too. The author knows her four footed friends so well! Another winner from Jan Ruth, and I know I'll definitely be reading the sequel!
March 23, 2014
This is my first Jan Ruth book and I can't wait to read more, Midnight Sky combines some of my favourite things, strong sassy women, complicated men and horses all set against the wonderful Welsh countryside. A very modern love story, give it a try.
October 7, 2017
This is the first book that I have read by Jan Ruth and is also the first one in the series and it certainly won't be my last. First of all I have to say Midnight Sky isn't my normal kind of read but I thought I would give it a whirl. Has they say you don't know until you try it. To my surprise I really did enjoy it. Infact I cannot wait to read the next one in this stunning series.
Mainly set in North Wales we meet Interior designer Laura Brown who lives with her partner Simon. Her sister Maggie who has money worries and difficult children. And James Morgan-Jones the horse whisper who is still in love with his wife he married two years ago.
There are plenty of characters which are realistic with everyday things going on,that I could relate to. Has well has romance, this story is about families and relationships and will take you on a rollercoaster of emotions.This will certainly pull at your heartstrings and it will also make you laugh. I cannot begin to tell you how beautifully written this story is making me feel right there in the story.
Did I mention the horses?! This took me back to my younger days when my Dad used to keep them...love it.
This book is a perfect Sunday afternoon read to snuggle up on the sofa with. Which I highly recommend giving it 4 stars.
Thank you to Jan for a copy in exchange for an honest review
Mainly set in North Wales we meet Interior designer Laura Brown who lives with her partner Simon. Her sister Maggie who has money worries and difficult children. And James Morgan-Jones the horse whisper who is still in love with his wife he married two years ago.
There are plenty of characters which are realistic with everyday things going on,that I could relate to. Has well has romance, this story is about families and relationships and will take you on a rollercoaster of emotions.This will certainly pull at your heartstrings and it will also make you laugh. I cannot begin to tell you how beautifully written this story is making me feel right there in the story.
Did I mention the horses?! This took me back to my younger days when my Dad used to keep them...love it.
This book is a perfect Sunday afternoon read to snuggle up on the sofa with. Which I highly recommend giving it 4 stars.
Thank you to Jan for a copy in exchange for an honest review
November 3, 2018
Beautifully written, especially lovely was the location. I love a book that accurately can portray horses and horseman. It is a rare skill if you don't live that love and share that passion. James is that character than all women are drawn to. Strong, sensitive but flawed and often hard to understand. I found this book series on a Goodreads group for horse books. Thanks for that book promotion or I would never have found it. Most books with horses and romance are beyond disappointing. This one is stellar in my opinion. Enjoyed every minute of it!
March 18, 2015
This is the second of Jan Ruth’s books that I have read and I was pleased to be asked to review a second.
Midnight Sky is centred on Laura and her family and relationships. Laura is a self-made woman with lots of drive and passion who cares greatly for her only sister Maggie and her family. She has a dad who lives in Ireland with whom she has a very strained relationship and through the novel you discover why this is. Simon Laura’s partner and her are property developers and own a company called “Dragon Designs”. Simon is the negotiator where Laura has the eyes for dressing the properties to their potential.
We are initially introduced to Laura at her sister’s birthday celebrations in her home in a small friendly village in North Wales. This is a big difference to the hustle e and bustle lifestyle that Laura is used to in her home city of Chester. Simon and Laura live the lifestyle of a couple who don’t want children and are happy with each other’s company, although Simon has two children from his previous marriage to Laura. During the birthday celebrations Laura is introduced to James Morgan Jones who runs the local stables and has buildings that are available to be developed. However he is the most abrupt, rude and moody man that she has had the pleasure of meeting. At some stage in the novel you realise there is a reason why he is like this and you cannot help yourself understanding and feeling sorry for the man.
There are lots of changes that happen through the book and I don't want to spoil it by going into detail. I found myself shouting at Laura, wanting to cry for her and also encouraging her to pick herself up. I really liked her character and the amount of strength she showed throughout the book. Of course you want the magical world of happily ever after for the characters but whether this can ever happen you really don’t know.
I also liked the relationships that were shown to develop through the love of Maggie for her husband Pete and her three children; her oldest Son is in university studying, she has a challenging relationship with 17 year old daughter Jess and then the loving and caring relationship with 10 year old Ellie who has mild autism. I enjoyed seeing the progress of the relationship she had with her children and her husband. This is due to a variety of factors that in my eyes are for the better.
The chapters are told through the eyes of different characters which makes interesting reading and you begin to understand the characters at a different level.
I admit I did guessed a lot of the story line but this did not take away the joy from the story although I know for some that it may. Please give this author a try as so far I have enjoyed her books.
Midnight Sky is centred on Laura and her family and relationships. Laura is a self-made woman with lots of drive and passion who cares greatly for her only sister Maggie and her family. She has a dad who lives in Ireland with whom she has a very strained relationship and through the novel you discover why this is. Simon Laura’s partner and her are property developers and own a company called “Dragon Designs”. Simon is the negotiator where Laura has the eyes for dressing the properties to their potential.
We are initially introduced to Laura at her sister’s birthday celebrations in her home in a small friendly village in North Wales. This is a big difference to the hustle e and bustle lifestyle that Laura is used to in her home city of Chester. Simon and Laura live the lifestyle of a couple who don’t want children and are happy with each other’s company, although Simon has two children from his previous marriage to Laura. During the birthday celebrations Laura is introduced to James Morgan Jones who runs the local stables and has buildings that are available to be developed. However he is the most abrupt, rude and moody man that she has had the pleasure of meeting. At some stage in the novel you realise there is a reason why he is like this and you cannot help yourself understanding and feeling sorry for the man.
There are lots of changes that happen through the book and I don't want to spoil it by going into detail. I found myself shouting at Laura, wanting to cry for her and also encouraging her to pick herself up. I really liked her character and the amount of strength she showed throughout the book. Of course you want the magical world of happily ever after for the characters but whether this can ever happen you really don’t know.
I also liked the relationships that were shown to develop through the love of Maggie for her husband Pete and her three children; her oldest Son is in university studying, she has a challenging relationship with 17 year old daughter Jess and then the loving and caring relationship with 10 year old Ellie who has mild autism. I enjoyed seeing the progress of the relationship she had with her children and her husband. This is due to a variety of factors that in my eyes are for the better.
The chapters are told through the eyes of different characters which makes interesting reading and you begin to understand the characters at a different level.
I admit I did guessed a lot of the story line but this did not take away the joy from the story although I know for some that it may. Please give this author a try as so far I have enjoyed her books.
February 15, 2016
4.5 stars
James is a widower and, in the two years since his wife’s sudden death, has built an impenetrable wall around himself and is in a very dark place emotionally. He runs an equestrian centre with his sister, Liz, and finds it hard to do much else other bury himself in work until he, literally, drops with fatigue.
Laura and her lover, Simon, run a property development and interior design company and are working and living together. Laura and Simon had an affair while Simon was still married, and his bitter and resentful wife seems to be permanently in the picture. Consequently things are not going too well and when Laura suffers a harrowing trauma her relationship goes from bad to worse.
Maggie, Laura’s sister, is having seemingly insurmountable problems of her own, money worries, her insensitive husband and her pretty but offensive teenage daughter. Her younger daughter, Ellie, has mild autism which is helped by her riding lessons with James, but Maggie doesn’t know how much longer she’ll be able to afford them. On top of all that she’s waging a losing battle with her weight.
All the involved story threads are woven together beautifully and, one way or another, the colourful array of characters manage to bring out the best qualities in each other. Midnight Sky encompasses such a lot, emotional highs and lows, relationships, heartache and not to mention a good dose of teenage angst. The story is set mainly in Snowdonia, which is described in evocative detail, giving a vivid sense of place.
Jan Ruth’s writing flows easily and the story is captivating and poignant. The complete mixture of emotions are conveyed with such realism and sensitivity I couldn’t help but empathise. James, suffering so much torment and yet so patient and gentle with his horses, especially the damaged, untrusting Midnight Sky, and the children he takes for specialist teaching. He is a complicated and compelling man. Laura and Maggie are both facing critical and life changing situations and learning how to deal with them.
All the characters are genuine and credible and penned sympathetically. I was drawn completely into their lives almost without realising it. Very nearly a fly on the wall. I loved it!
James is a widower and, in the two years since his wife’s sudden death, has built an impenetrable wall around himself and is in a very dark place emotionally. He runs an equestrian centre with his sister, Liz, and finds it hard to do much else other bury himself in work until he, literally, drops with fatigue.
Laura and her lover, Simon, run a property development and interior design company and are working and living together. Laura and Simon had an affair while Simon was still married, and his bitter and resentful wife seems to be permanently in the picture. Consequently things are not going too well and when Laura suffers a harrowing trauma her relationship goes from bad to worse.
Maggie, Laura’s sister, is having seemingly insurmountable problems of her own, money worries, her insensitive husband and her pretty but offensive teenage daughter. Her younger daughter, Ellie, has mild autism which is helped by her riding lessons with James, but Maggie doesn’t know how much longer she’ll be able to afford them. On top of all that she’s waging a losing battle with her weight.
All the involved story threads are woven together beautifully and, one way or another, the colourful array of characters manage to bring out the best qualities in each other. Midnight Sky encompasses such a lot, emotional highs and lows, relationships, heartache and not to mention a good dose of teenage angst. The story is set mainly in Snowdonia, which is described in evocative detail, giving a vivid sense of place.
Jan Ruth’s writing flows easily and the story is captivating and poignant. The complete mixture of emotions are conveyed with such realism and sensitivity I couldn’t help but empathise. James, suffering so much torment and yet so patient and gentle with his horses, especially the damaged, untrusting Midnight Sky, and the children he takes for specialist teaching. He is a complicated and compelling man. Laura and Maggie are both facing critical and life changing situations and learning how to deal with them.
All the characters are genuine and credible and penned sympathetically. I was drawn completely into their lives almost without realising it. Very nearly a fly on the wall. I loved it!
November 23, 2014
I would like to thank Jan Ruth for gifting me a copy of Midnight Sky which I have thoroughly enjoyed reading. I chose this book because of its countryside setting and its romantic and horsey themes. The main character in this story is Laura who is living with Simon and the guilt of breaking up his marriage. His ex-wife (though they are yet to divorce) is irritatingly demanding of Simon and his time and I wished both he and Laura would stand up to her more. Maggie, Laura’s sister, is very different in that she is married with rather challenging children, the middle one of which is the outrageously annoying Jess who works at the local stables where her younger, slightly autistic, sister is learning to ride.
Laura and Simon are in business together running Dragon Designs, a property development company, and Simon, keen to expand overseas seems to show more interest in this, and his ex-wife’s demands, than he does in Laura. Through Dragon Designs Laura is brought into contact with the stables, and horse-whisperer James, who is still very much married to his wife, even though she died two years previously.
I very much liked the writing and excellent characterisation throughout this book. I particularly warmed to James who, still in mourning, worked hard amidst a life of disorganised chaos and I loved the descriptions of his house, dogs and relationships with the horses under his care. Laura and James become great friends drawn together by tragedy and Laura struggles as her relationship with Simon breaks down whereas James can’t see past the loss of his wife. Watching him as he tries to overcome his grief is heartbreaking but Ruth handles the progression of the relationships very well as they develop slowly throughout this story both for Laura and James but also for Maggie whose own family life is also in turmoil.
A lovely, easy read that I’m sure will be a joy for anyone who picks it up.
Laura and Simon are in business together running Dragon Designs, a property development company, and Simon, keen to expand overseas seems to show more interest in this, and his ex-wife’s demands, than he does in Laura. Through Dragon Designs Laura is brought into contact with the stables, and horse-whisperer James, who is still very much married to his wife, even though she died two years previously.
I very much liked the writing and excellent characterisation throughout this book. I particularly warmed to James who, still in mourning, worked hard amidst a life of disorganised chaos and I loved the descriptions of his house, dogs and relationships with the horses under his care. Laura and James become great friends drawn together by tragedy and Laura struggles as her relationship with Simon breaks down whereas James can’t see past the loss of his wife. Watching him as he tries to overcome his grief is heartbreaking but Ruth handles the progression of the relationships very well as they develop slowly throughout this story both for Laura and James but also for Maggie whose own family life is also in turmoil.
A lovely, easy read that I’m sure will be a joy for anyone who picks it up.
March 3, 2015
My memories of how I first came across the author Jan Ruth are I am sorry to say confused in my mind, the year I have had I think I can be forgiven. It was I know early in the year when I discovered that she is based in Wales and that Midnight Sky is actually set in Snowdonia National Park, which I am now living right on the edge of. Well I just had to read it as the locations of a novel are always of great interest to me. It was very evident from her writing that the author has a strong connection with the Welsh landscape. I will definitely be reading the rest of her novels.
Midnight Sky is a sensitive romantic novel with characters that are so realistic, you feel immediately drawn into their lives. When you have loved and lost it is often very hard to let go and move on with your life and is just such situations that our protagonists are facing. Laura Brown born a country girl but now living the lifestyle of a successful designer finds herself pregnant with some very difficult decisions to make. She turns to her sister Maggie whose own lifestyle she envies, however her on the surface idyllic lifestyle is not all it seems either. Add to this the male protagonist James Morgan-Jones a handsome widower trainer to Midnight Sky the damaged horse of the title and you have the basis for this delightful read. Regular readers of my reviews know I do not like spoilers so if you want to discover what the future holds as they face their demons you will have to read it for yourself.
Recommended to all fans of Contemporary Romantic Fiction, if you also enjoy country life, Wales and horses you really must read this one.
http://lindyloumacbookreviews.blogspo...
Midnight Sky is a sensitive romantic novel with characters that are so realistic, you feel immediately drawn into their lives. When you have loved and lost it is often very hard to let go and move on with your life and is just such situations that our protagonists are facing. Laura Brown born a country girl but now living the lifestyle of a successful designer finds herself pregnant with some very difficult decisions to make. She turns to her sister Maggie whose own lifestyle she envies, however her on the surface idyllic lifestyle is not all it seems either. Add to this the male protagonist James Morgan-Jones a handsome widower trainer to Midnight Sky the damaged horse of the title and you have the basis for this delightful read. Regular readers of my reviews know I do not like spoilers so if you want to discover what the future holds as they face their demons you will have to read it for yourself.
Recommended to all fans of Contemporary Romantic Fiction, if you also enjoy country life, Wales and horses you really must read this one.
http://lindyloumacbookreviews.blogspo...
December 7, 2014
I don't know if it was the cover or the blurb, or both, but something drew me to this one. I can tell you I was not disappointed!
It's difficult to explain a story like this in a review, because it was so real! There were a lot of characters who I loved and a lot of issues discussed, which I consider really important. Also, the fact that I know so little about horses added an extra depth to the plot.
So, let's start with the characters. Laura is a pretty, talented home designer who lives and works with a married man, who is now juggling the kids and his ex (but has yet to get a divorce). Simon is the married man and a rogue - he represents the male stereotype I dislike. But, he does seem to care about his kids so he is not a complete waste of space. Maggie, Laura's older sister, has been in a stable relationship from a young age and is stereotypical of the stay-at-home wife, frustrated by her husbands lack of motivation to help at home. Finally, I have to mention Jess, Maggie's daughter. A seventeen, going on eighteen, flirtatious and outrageous girl, who made me laugh many times!
There are other characters, but the one I have to talk about is the brooding (let's think of Darcy or perhaps Mr Rochester) male hunk, James! James is heartbroken after losing his wife in a riding accident and I felt his pain on many levels. However, his patience and ability with broken horses and children won me over. When he also managed to be there for Laura when she goes through a traumatic experience he became my favourite!
However, without giving away any spoilers, this story is about how Laura, James, Maggie, and Jess confront and overcome their issues. It has a feel-good ending, which, in my opinion, opens the door for a sequel. I would love to know what happens next.
It's difficult to explain a story like this in a review, because it was so real! There were a lot of characters who I loved and a lot of issues discussed, which I consider really important. Also, the fact that I know so little about horses added an extra depth to the plot.
So, let's start with the characters. Laura is a pretty, talented home designer who lives and works with a married man, who is now juggling the kids and his ex (but has yet to get a divorce). Simon is the married man and a rogue - he represents the male stereotype I dislike. But, he does seem to care about his kids so he is not a complete waste of space. Maggie, Laura's older sister, has been in a stable relationship from a young age and is stereotypical of the stay-at-home wife, frustrated by her husbands lack of motivation to help at home. Finally, I have to mention Jess, Maggie's daughter. A seventeen, going on eighteen, flirtatious and outrageous girl, who made me laugh many times!
There are other characters, but the one I have to talk about is the brooding (let's think of Darcy or perhaps Mr Rochester) male hunk, James! James is heartbroken after losing his wife in a riding accident and I felt his pain on many levels. However, his patience and ability with broken horses and children won me over. When he also managed to be there for Laura when she goes through a traumatic experience he became my favourite!
However, without giving away any spoilers, this story is about how Laura, James, Maggie, and Jess confront and overcome their issues. It has a feel-good ending, which, in my opinion, opens the door for a sequel. I would love to know what happens next.
March 20, 2016
I was in the middle of a flight and the middle of this book, welling up with tears and wiping my nose with my sleeve. I thought I was being discreet with my sappiness, but the woman next to me (who was also reading) noticed my sniffles and offered me her napkin. I then proceeded to gush over Midnight Sky while patting my eyes with a tiny cocktail napkin ... yes, it's that good! And, I'm certain the woman next to me purchased her own copy as soon as she got off the flight.
This is my first Jan Ruth novel and I found myself engrossed in her writing and her characters. The majority of this story is set in the English countryside (at a stable) and many scenes involve horses, but you don't have to be a horse person to love this story. The true jewel of Ruth's story is the honesty in her writing. Her characters have true thoughts, feelings, and reactions -- even those that you are not "supposed" to have as a wife, a mother, or a sister. Her characters were flawed, yet beautiful and the honesty and hardships of relationships truly touched me. They resonated with me to the point of tears and the joy of laughter.
Furthermore, I thoroughly enjoyed the dual point of view. Midnight Sky rotates from the point of view of two sisters: Laura & Maggie. This helps to reveal the full story and shines light on multiple women's issues: marriage, pregnancy, raising children, body image, x-wives, depression, insecurity, death, love. I mean, there isn't much that this story doesn't touch on! My only complaint is that the last chapter is a bit of a cliff hanger, but I guess that means I'll be reading the sequel (Palomino Sky)!
See more of my equestrian-fiction reviews on my blog at:
http://brittneyjoybooks.squarespace.c...
This is my first Jan Ruth novel and I found myself engrossed in her writing and her characters. The majority of this story is set in the English countryside (at a stable) and many scenes involve horses, but you don't have to be a horse person to love this story. The true jewel of Ruth's story is the honesty in her writing. Her characters have true thoughts, feelings, and reactions -- even those that you are not "supposed" to have as a wife, a mother, or a sister. Her characters were flawed, yet beautiful and the honesty and hardships of relationships truly touched me. They resonated with me to the point of tears and the joy of laughter.
Furthermore, I thoroughly enjoyed the dual point of view. Midnight Sky rotates from the point of view of two sisters: Laura & Maggie. This helps to reveal the full story and shines light on multiple women's issues: marriage, pregnancy, raising children, body image, x-wives, depression, insecurity, death, love. I mean, there isn't much that this story doesn't touch on! My only complaint is that the last chapter is a bit of a cliff hanger, but I guess that means I'll be reading the sequel (Palomino Sky)!
See more of my equestrian-fiction reviews on my blog at:
http://brittneyjoybooks.squarespace.c...
March 2, 2016
If any book can convert me into a horse lover it will be this one. I am still frightened of horses but I now have an idea of the empathy experienced by some people with special horses. Midnight Sky has a magical quality but she is a damaged horse, desperately in need of a sensitive horse whisperer. James Morgan-Jones, with his sad green eyes, is the one person who can restore her confidence, even though he is incapable of recovering any sort of personal life since the tragic death of his wife Carys, two years previously.
Laura Brown is an efficient, organised interior designer living in Chester with partner Simon. They run Dragon Designs, improving run-down houses, but their life together is often upset by Simon’s demanding wife Alice and his children. Disturbed by a particularly distressing row, Laura sets out visit her older sister Maggie in North Wales. Maggie, married to Pete for many years, has a busy life looking after 10-year-old, Ellie and her challenging 17-year-old, Jess. Even Pete is beginning to cause her worries.
All these characters, and more, are stirred together at the riding stables where James gives Ellie lessons. Despite their initial antipathy, James and Laura are thrown together in a snowstorm but this does not help them to solve their sadness about Carys and Simon. Alongside the angst of personal drama there is also humour in this mature, contemporary story and it really is a page turner. A conclusion is reached but now I can’t wait to move onto the following book, Palomino Sky.
Laura Brown is an efficient, organised interior designer living in Chester with partner Simon. They run Dragon Designs, improving run-down houses, but their life together is often upset by Simon’s demanding wife Alice and his children. Disturbed by a particularly distressing row, Laura sets out visit her older sister Maggie in North Wales. Maggie, married to Pete for many years, has a busy life looking after 10-year-old, Ellie and her challenging 17-year-old, Jess. Even Pete is beginning to cause her worries.
All these characters, and more, are stirred together at the riding stables where James gives Ellie lessons. Despite their initial antipathy, James and Laura are thrown together in a snowstorm but this does not help them to solve their sadness about Carys and Simon. Alongside the angst of personal drama there is also humour in this mature, contemporary story and it really is a page turner. A conclusion is reached but now I can’t wait to move onto the following book, Palomino Sky.
October 24, 2013
Another great book from Jan Ruth!
Midnight Sky is set between the UK City of Chester and the small Welsh country town of Rowen with two sisters as opposite as the towns themselves. Laura Brown is a creative interior designer with a swish city apartment and glamour stylish partner and the seeming "perfect life" her sister Maggie lives in a small country town with a workaholic slob of a husband, a feral almost 18 year-old daughter Jess and a younger autistic daughter her life seems to be stuck in limbo - she thinks life would be easier in Laura's shoes. But things are never as they seem on the surface and Laura's life quickly seems to be running away from her quicker than a high spirited Mare. So when the opportunity to renovate some rundown country cottages at the local horse ridding stud comes up she jumps at the opportunity - even if the broody owner Mr James Morgan-Jones seems to be causing more headaches for her than her partners soon-to-be ex-wife. Thrown into the mix a conniving ex, hormonal teenagers, some feisty horses and very present deceased wife and life is never boring for the Brown sisters.
This story has lots of emotional twists and turns, much like the amazing scenery Jan describes in her book. It has characters you will love and hate - ones you want to smack and hug in equal measures. I won't ruin the ending but have to save I was very happy with the ending!
Midnight Sky is set between the UK City of Chester and the small Welsh country town of Rowen with two sisters as opposite as the towns themselves. Laura Brown is a creative interior designer with a swish city apartment and glamour stylish partner and the seeming "perfect life" her sister Maggie lives in a small country town with a workaholic slob of a husband, a feral almost 18 year-old daughter Jess and a younger autistic daughter her life seems to be stuck in limbo - she thinks life would be easier in Laura's shoes. But things are never as they seem on the surface and Laura's life quickly seems to be running away from her quicker than a high spirited Mare. So when the opportunity to renovate some rundown country cottages at the local horse ridding stud comes up she jumps at the opportunity - even if the broody owner Mr James Morgan-Jones seems to be causing more headaches for her than her partners soon-to-be ex-wife. Thrown into the mix a conniving ex, hormonal teenagers, some feisty horses and very present deceased wife and life is never boring for the Brown sisters.
This story has lots of emotional twists and turns, much like the amazing scenery Jan describes in her book. It has characters you will love and hate - ones you want to smack and hug in equal measures. I won't ruin the ending but have to save I was very happy with the ending!
January 28, 2013
As someone who loves horses, this romance had everything for me. Fabulous settings, wonderful horses, interesting characters and a lovely Celtic background to the whole story.
Jan Ruth has a real gift for bringing together disparate characters and drawing out the very best in them, with their conflicts, desires, secrets and loves.
Laura is in love with her business partner, property developer Simon, but he has baggage in the form of a rapacious ex-wife, Alice and their two demanding children. Simon wants no more children, but Laura's biological clock is ticking away relentlessly. Dare she go against Simon's wishes and have their child?
While visiting her sister and her famly in the village of Rowan, in North Wales, Laura is drawn into the affairs of James Morgan-Jones, an enigmatic horse-whisperer with a tragic past and his bossy sister, Liz who runs their livery yard.
While Simon takes risks with their business and their relationship, Laura begins to chanage her long-held attitudes towards marriage and families.
With plenty of action, lots of laughs, thwarted passions and unforgettable characters, this beautifully written and well-paced book will deliver in spades.
Jan Ruth has a real gift for bringing together disparate characters and drawing out the very best in them, with their conflicts, desires, secrets and loves.
Laura is in love with her business partner, property developer Simon, but he has baggage in the form of a rapacious ex-wife, Alice and their two demanding children. Simon wants no more children, but Laura's biological clock is ticking away relentlessly. Dare she go against Simon's wishes and have their child?
While visiting her sister and her famly in the village of Rowan, in North Wales, Laura is drawn into the affairs of James Morgan-Jones, an enigmatic horse-whisperer with a tragic past and his bossy sister, Liz who runs their livery yard.
While Simon takes risks with their business and their relationship, Laura begins to chanage her long-held attitudes towards marriage and families.
With plenty of action, lots of laughs, thwarted passions and unforgettable characters, this beautifully written and well-paced book will deliver in spades.
September 8, 2014
Jan Ruth writes excellent novels, full of real belief live living stories with real emotions coming from each turn of the page.
I LOVED this book, I am from the UK and just over the bridge from Wales, and not that far from Chester, so the dialogue in this book was excellent and a good breather for me to read. I've been reading a lot of US based writers lately, so this was a breath of fresh air.
This is a case of 'the grass looks greener on the other side' but is it? Her sister looks like she has it all, but has she?
Two sisters at a crossroads in their lives. There are family confrontations and crisis, romantic involvements, business, each character has flaws and feelings, emotions that you or I could have when faced with challenging situations.
I started this book yesterday evening and finished it mid afternoon, I was totally hooked.
Jan Ruth is great at describing the scenes around and the countryside. I could feel myself right there.
You need to keep following Jan Ruth as she's a very accomplished author. Sure to be going places. In my humble opinion.
Thank you Jan Ruth for allowing me to read and review your book. I thoroughly enjoyed this one as much as the last.
I LOVED this book, I am from the UK and just over the bridge from Wales, and not that far from Chester, so the dialogue in this book was excellent and a good breather for me to read. I've been reading a lot of US based writers lately, so this was a breath of fresh air.
This is a case of 'the grass looks greener on the other side' but is it? Her sister looks like she has it all, but has she?
Two sisters at a crossroads in their lives. There are family confrontations and crisis, romantic involvements, business, each character has flaws and feelings, emotions that you or I could have when faced with challenging situations.
I started this book yesterday evening and finished it mid afternoon, I was totally hooked.
Jan Ruth is great at describing the scenes around and the countryside. I could feel myself right there.
You need to keep following Jan Ruth as she's a very accomplished author. Sure to be going places. In my humble opinion.
Thank you Jan Ruth for allowing me to read and review your book. I thoroughly enjoyed this one as much as the last.
November 4, 2013
This book just gets better and better with every turn of a page. The reader is totally drawn into the lives of the characters, who are so real they could live next door. Complex and convincing, you can't help loving them all - the whole cast - because they have flaws and feelings, and their lives are a mixture of highs and lows that ring completely true. I especially love the equine themes that run through the book, and the author's description of setting is fantastic - I've never been to that part of Wales, but Jan Ruth creates not just a great sense of place, but also a wonderful appreciation of atmosphere; I can imagine it all so clearly.
It is a love story - and the deep, rugged hero, James, is indeed very lovely! - but it's a lot more than that. It's a look at life, at people's insecurities and fears, their mistakes and aspirations, and all of this is interwoven into a plot that will keep you turning those pages long into the night. Definitely do give the book a try, I suspect you will fall in love with it ... and probably with James as well ...
It is a love story - and the deep, rugged hero, James, is indeed very lovely! - but it's a lot more than that. It's a look at life, at people's insecurities and fears, their mistakes and aspirations, and all of this is interwoven into a plot that will keep you turning those pages long into the night. Definitely do give the book a try, I suspect you will fall in love with it ... and probably with James as well ...
July 1, 2014
Laura is in a relationship with Simon, who is more attentive to his ex-wife and his balance sheet than he is to her. When she falls pregnant he shows his true colours and isn’t there when she needs him most. James, a widower of two years, is the perfect gentleman but with a deep sorrow of his own which encompasses his whole character and stops anyone human really getting close to him. Maggie, Laura’s sister, has problems of her own and thinks the grass is greener on her sister’s side of the fence but she couldn’t be more wrong.
As usual Jan Ruth gives us a delightful and emotive novel in this tale from the mountains of Wales. She writes in a way which lets you share the emotions of all the characters she creates with ease; she just doesn’t do wooden characters. I liked both Laura and James immediately and I was swept up in this story. What I liked about this story in particular was how Jan Ruth handled the depth of personal loss which both the main characters were undertaking to come to grips with.
As usual Jan Ruth gives us a delightful and emotive novel in this tale from the mountains of Wales. She writes in a way which lets you share the emotions of all the characters she creates with ease; she just doesn’t do wooden characters. I liked both Laura and James immediately and I was swept up in this story. What I liked about this story in particular was how Jan Ruth handled the depth of personal loss which both the main characters were undertaking to come to grips with.
March 1, 2016
Having loved Silver Rain and the Dark Water series, I've been keen to get on with Midnight Sky for a while and, as per usual with Jan's work, I loved it. A slow burn romance as well as a look at life and people in general, we follow the threads of interior designer, Laura's life, that of horse whisperer, James Morgan-Jones and Laura's beleaguered sister, Maggie, who's trying to hold her family as well as herself together. There are romantic moments, comic moments and poignant moments, moments that we'll all recognise in our own lives, weaved superbly in and around what is quite simply a gorgeous story. I won't give the plot away but suffice to say that Jan's writing is 'real' but nonetheless entertaining for it, the slow burn romance between Laura and James is wonderful and Maggie you can't help but love. Fantastic writing, as always, a Welsh backdrop, as always - I'm happy to learn there's a sequel to this - Palomino Sky and will be moving onto that next to see what's become of everyone.
September 28, 2012
This author's books are just wonderful - a beautiful love story, lovely descriptions of the Welsh landscape, humour and wonderful characters.
Back Cover Blurb:
Opposites attract? Laura Brown, interior designer and James Morgan-Jones, horse whisperer. And Midnight Sky, a beautiful but damaged steeplechaser.
Laura seems to have it all, glamorous job, charming boyfriend. Her sister, Maggie, struggles with money, difficult children and an unresponsive husband. She envies her sister's life, but are things as idyliic as they seem?
She might be a farmer's daughter but Laura is doing her best to deny her roots, even deny her true feelings. Until she meets James, but James is very married, and very much in love, to a wife who died two years ago. They both have issues to face from their past, but will it bring them together or push them apart?
Back Cover Blurb:
Opposites attract? Laura Brown, interior designer and James Morgan-Jones, horse whisperer. And Midnight Sky, a beautiful but damaged steeplechaser.
Laura seems to have it all, glamorous job, charming boyfriend. Her sister, Maggie, struggles with money, difficult children and an unresponsive husband. She envies her sister's life, but are things as idyliic as they seem?
She might be a farmer's daughter but Laura is doing her best to deny her roots, even deny her true feelings. Until she meets James, but James is very married, and very much in love, to a wife who died two years ago. They both have issues to face from their past, but will it bring them together or push them apart?
April 26, 2012
I didn't want this book to end. I loved it!
I love how the writer builds up the chemistry between the main characters so slowly, yet paints them in so vividly. I fancied James immediately!
We live in Snowdonia, so enjoyed the local references.
I wish I had discovered Jan Ruth when she has 20 books out! I have devoured both her books - LOVED Wild Water and was a tiny bit scared of not loving Midnight Sky. I needn't have worried, I was immediately hooked and loving it completely. Sat and finished it very quickly, because I couldn't get James and Laura out of my head and needed to be with them again. Then I felt a bit lost. Hate that part about finishing a fabulous book.
Looking forward to number 3 Ms Ruth. :-)
I love how the writer builds up the chemistry between the main characters so slowly, yet paints them in so vividly. I fancied James immediately!
We live in Snowdonia, so enjoyed the local references.
I wish I had discovered Jan Ruth when she has 20 books out! I have devoured both her books - LOVED Wild Water and was a tiny bit scared of not loving Midnight Sky. I needn't have worried, I was immediately hooked and loving it completely. Sat and finished it very quickly, because I couldn't get James and Laura out of my head and needed to be with them again. Then I felt a bit lost. Hate that part about finishing a fabulous book.
Looking forward to number 3 Ms Ruth. :-)
October 4, 2014
When I read the blurb for “Midnight Sky” and saw that the hero is a horse-whisperer, I just had to read it. The first word that springs to mind now I’ve finished it is, “Wow!” I absolutely loved it. Fell in love with James Morgan-Jones and really wanted him and Laura to get together. Won’t give any spoilers, though. For me, the best thing about losing myself in a romance is the ‘Will he? Won’t she?’ element, which Jan Ruth exploits beautifully. There’s a whole host of realistic characters in this novel, all of them interesting, and the story line is so compelling I couldn’t stop reading. I used to live in Wales, and it was great to be transported back there. I’m delighted to have found this author and will definitely be reading more of her books.
July 23, 2016
I heard so much good about Jan Ruth's writing that I feared I would be disappointed. Turns out, I was not. The book is really well writte and has characters with substance and bite.
There is a dark tone to it that befits the setting in North Wales and Chester. You immediately picture dark and moody 'Hinterland' scenery. Knowing the area well personally has helped me to visualise is and feel the setting.
There is a lot of drama in the family and romantic relations portrayed, tough choices, conflict between lovers and family, overcoming the past, modern issues such as abortion, grief... The book really has a lot going for it with deep writing, food for thought and a captivating atmospheric style.
I was very impressed and am look
There is a dark tone to it that befits the setting in North Wales and Chester. You immediately picture dark and moody 'Hinterland' scenery. Knowing the area well personally has helped me to visualise is and feel the setting.
There is a lot of drama in the family and romantic relations portrayed, tough choices, conflict between lovers and family, overcoming the past, modern issues such as abortion, grief... The book really has a lot going for it with deep writing, food for thought and a captivating atmospheric style.
I was very impressed and am look
February 23, 2014
This was yet again another well written story by Jan Ruth. Her characters have life and energy making the reader empathise or otherwise with them. They are real people and you care about them and want to know what happens next. A real page-turner and the ending is beautiful.
Midnight Sky is a physically and emotionally damaged steeplechaser and her human equivalent is Laura. Ms Ruth draws the parallels very well and the handsome James also has his emotional baggage which is even harder to leave behind. A must read for everyone with a heart!
Midnight Sky is a physically and emotionally damaged steeplechaser and her human equivalent is Laura. Ms Ruth draws the parallels very well and the handsome James also has his emotional baggage which is even harder to leave behind. A must read for everyone with a heart!
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