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Fly Me to the Moon #3
Round Midnight
A Midnight Clear
Annapolis, Maryland, 1948
Frances Dumfries is the perfect admiral's daughter. She runs the household, hosts the parties, and never falls for the midshipmen surrounding her. Having fun or putting herself first is definitely not on her schedule. And she doesn't want anyone-particularly not a man too handsome and kind for his own good-to point that out.
Midshipman Joe Reynolds sympathizes: Ever since he tumbled headlong into love with Frances, life hasn't been much fun. With only so much time until he ships out from the Naval Academy, he's racing the clock, and her refusal to give him a second look, to secure her affection. But this sailor isn't surrendering in the campaign to win her heart.
Torn between duty and selfishness, it will take a Christmas miracle to show Frances and Joe that love is rare, precious... and worth fighting for.
A Midnight Kiss
Huntsville, Alabama, 1950
New Year's Eve is a night for old friends, new hopes, and champagne dreams-and Betty Parrish intends to take full advantage. But when her long-term beau makes one too many arrogant comments, she throws him out. After all, who needs men?
Greg Henkins's New Year's plans involve tools and engines, not dances and debutantes. But when the vivacious Betty runs into him, his night ends up head over heels. After all, who could resist a midnight kiss?
Greg and Betty are intoxicated by what they share at midnight, but will their budding relationship wilt in the sober light of morning?
**CONTAINS PREVIOUSLY RELEASED MATERIAL**
Annapolis, Maryland, 1948
Frances Dumfries is the perfect admiral's daughter. She runs the household, hosts the parties, and never falls for the midshipmen surrounding her. Having fun or putting herself first is definitely not on her schedule. And she doesn't want anyone-particularly not a man too handsome and kind for his own good-to point that out.
Midshipman Joe Reynolds sympathizes: Ever since he tumbled headlong into love with Frances, life hasn't been much fun. With only so much time until he ships out from the Naval Academy, he's racing the clock, and her refusal to give him a second look, to secure her affection. But this sailor isn't surrendering in the campaign to win her heart.
Torn between duty and selfishness, it will take a Christmas miracle to show Frances and Joe that love is rare, precious... and worth fighting for.
A Midnight Kiss
Huntsville, Alabama, 1950
New Year's Eve is a night for old friends, new hopes, and champagne dreams-and Betty Parrish intends to take full advantage. But when her long-term beau makes one too many arrogant comments, she throws him out. After all, who needs men?
Greg Henkins's New Year's plans involve tools and engines, not dances and debutantes. But when the vivacious Betty runs into him, his night ends up head over heels. After all, who could resist a midnight kiss?
Greg and Betty are intoxicated by what they share at midnight, but will their budding relationship wilt in the sober light of morning?
**CONTAINS PREVIOUSLY RELEASED MATERIAL**
255 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 25, 2016
30 people are currently reading
212 people want to read
About the author
Emma Barry
29 books222 followersEmma Barry is a teacher, novelist, recovering academic, and former political staffer. She lives with her high school sweetheart and a menagerie of pets and children in Virginia, and she occasionally finds time to read and write.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
December 3, 2023
This was a strange packaging of two novellas, but dubbed as the second or third in series (Goodreads has third, but my Nook has it as second). I read the first novella earlier this year, finally got to the second now. Both cute and sweet. Enjoyed the setting/time period.
February 10, 2017
New year. New books. New reviews. Yay! Thank goodness for books, seriously.
And what better book to start 2017 off than one that takes place during, wait for it… New Year’s Eve! New Year’s Eve 1950 to be exact. This setting of course kicked my catnip radar into high gear and I’m thrilled to say that I was not disappointed because this novella was AMAZING. That’s a really positive way to start off the new year so that means more good things to come, right? *prayer circle*
Okay, actual review starting now!
Once again, Emma Barry and Genevieve Turner managed to weave together a story that captivated with its surprising depth and originality, while at the same time leaving me both swooning and happy seal clapping at various points throughout. This book gave me ALL THE GOOD FEELS. I was immediately drawn into Betty and Greg’s quick, but oh so romantic midnight courtship. It was impossible to be, really. Between Betty’s vivaciousness combating Greg’s starchiness and the way in which they brought out the very best in each other, what was there not to love?
Honestly my only complaint was that I wish it had been a full length book for the simple fact that I wanted to keep Betty and Greg in my life that much longer. Being able to read the 80 some odd letters they exchanged while apart would’ve been nice too, but I can’t complain. Bottom line: READ THIS. And read the whole Fly Me to the Moon series while you’re at it. Your brain and heart will be glad you did, trust me.
And what better book to start 2017 off than one that takes place during, wait for it… New Year’s Eve! New Year’s Eve 1950 to be exact. This setting of course kicked my catnip radar into high gear and I’m thrilled to say that I was not disappointed because this novella was AMAZING. That’s a really positive way to start off the new year so that means more good things to come, right? *prayer circle*
Okay, actual review starting now!
“What made you decide to come?”4.5 stars
“I thought on it. And I realized---if being with you could turn what should have been one of the worst nights of my life into one of the best, shouldn’t I see if you could do that for all the days of my life?”
Once again, Emma Barry and Genevieve Turner managed to weave together a story that captivated with its surprising depth and originality, while at the same time leaving me both swooning and happy seal clapping at various points throughout. This book gave me ALL THE GOOD FEELS. I was immediately drawn into Betty and Greg’s quick, but oh so romantic midnight courtship. It was impossible to be, really. Between Betty’s vivaciousness combating Greg’s starchiness and the way in which they brought out the very best in each other, what was there not to love?
Honestly my only complaint was that I wish it had been a full length book for the simple fact that I wanted to keep Betty and Greg in my life that much longer. Being able to read the 80 some odd letters they exchanged while apart would’ve been nice too, but I can’t complain. Bottom line: READ THIS. And read the whole Fly Me to the Moon series while you’re at it. Your brain and heart will be glad you did, trust me.
December 30, 2021
A Midnight Clear
Previously read and reviewed as a standalone novella, but I actually read back through this because I remember liking it so much. At first, I was a little concerned it wouldn't hold up, but ultimately it did. And the wedding night scene was every bit as charming as I remembered.
A Midnight Kiss
This was one of the stories in this series that I somehow missed, and I'm so glad I went back and read it. It's honestly impressive the way the novellas in this series still manage to build a believable connection between the leads even over a condensed period of time. I think it helps that this story showed why Greg and Betty had a connection, but also showed that they ultimately built their relationship from that connection over time. Anyway, this was great, and it was nice to read another New Years themed novella as 2021 comes to a close.
Previously read and reviewed as a standalone novella, but I actually read back through this because I remember liking it so much. At first, I was a little concerned it wouldn't hold up, but ultimately it did. And the wedding night scene was every bit as charming as I remembered.
A Midnight Kiss
This was one of the stories in this series that I somehow missed, and I'm so glad I went back and read it. It's honestly impressive the way the novellas in this series still manage to build a believable connection between the leads even over a condensed period of time. I think it helps that this story showed why Greg and Betty had a connection, but also showed that they ultimately built their relationship from that connection over time. Anyway, this was great, and it was nice to read another New Years themed novella as 2021 comes to a close.
November 4, 2016
4.5 stars
Damn! This is one of the sweetest romantic series. I just can't get enough.
This is a very quick novella from the Fly me to the Moon series and will be packaged as a holiday set - available November 16, 2016 and includes this novella and A Midnight Clear (Fly Me to the Moon #2) which I also loved.
Longer review coming soon but I highly recommend all the books in this series.
Damn! This is one of the sweetest romantic series. I just can't get enough.
This is a very quick novella from the Fly me to the Moon series and will be packaged as a holiday set - available November 16, 2016 and includes this novella and A Midnight Clear (Fly Me to the Moon #2) which I also loved.
Longer review coming soon but I highly recommend all the books in this series.
June 27, 2020
Round Midnight consists of two short stories: "A Midnight Clear" and "A Midnight Kiss". They're both really cute, and, I think, effective novella romances, which are a tricky thing to full off. Both stories center on heroes who are pilots during the 1950s.
"A Midnight Clear"
This one was my favorite. I really, REALLY liked it. The hero falls for the heroine at first sight, and he pursues her in a way that, at first, rubbed me the wrong way because it's definitely on the line of stalkerish or maybe past it. However, what makes this romance work is that when she says she doesn't want to marry a man in the Navy (he's a midshipman but also a pilot), he listens and is a good friend to her, putting absolutely no pressure on her because of his feelings. A truly good guy is a man who will, regardless of his own romantic feelings be a good friend to the woman who is not returning them. He buys her gifts but does not seem to expect anything in return, setting him apart from the other young men courting her. Also, I adore that, when he buys her books, he always reads them first, which really creates a camaraderie as they're able to discuss the romance novels she enjoys. Joe's a great hero, and he completely won me over.
"A Midnight Kiss"
While also cute, this one was a little bit more rushed. Betty and Greg only have two hours together before they're feeling pretty serious about their relationship, which then is long distance. However, given the circumstances, I did buy the connection, and I liked that they took their time to bond through letters after that, even if it's not something the reader really gets to see. There's not enough time to fully develop the romance, but what's here definitely works.
"A Midnight Clear"
This one was my favorite. I really, REALLY liked it. The hero falls for the heroine at first sight, and he pursues her in a way that, at first, rubbed me the wrong way because it's definitely on the line of stalkerish or maybe past it. However, what makes this romance work is that when she says she doesn't want to marry a man in the Navy (he's a midshipman but also a pilot), he listens and is a good friend to her, putting absolutely no pressure on her because of his feelings. A truly good guy is a man who will, regardless of his own romantic feelings be a good friend to the woman who is not returning them. He buys her gifts but does not seem to expect anything in return, setting him apart from the other young men courting her. Also, I adore that, when he buys her books, he always reads them first, which really creates a camaraderie as they're able to discuss the romance novels she enjoys. Joe's a great hero, and he completely won me over.
"A Midnight Kiss"
While also cute, this one was a little bit more rushed. Betty and Greg only have two hours together before they're feeling pretty serious about their relationship, which then is long distance. However, given the circumstances, I did buy the connection, and I liked that they took their time to bond through letters after that, even if it's not something the reader really gets to see. There's not enough time to fully develop the romance, but what's here definitely works.
January 15, 2019
Antología de dos historias muy cortas: A Midnight Clear y A Midnight Kiss.
This anthology is composed of two novellas: A Midnight Clear and A Midnight Kiss.
This anthology is composed of two novellas: A Midnight Clear and A Midnight Kiss.
December 29, 2024
Like all the others in this series, very charming & sweet.
October 26, 2017
Round Midnight by Genevieve Turner and Emma Barry
Fly Me To The Moon #2
Read these two novellas at two different times – enjoyed both stories and love the series!
A Midnight Clear
I stayed up till two in the morning to finish this. I thought I could just read a few pages but I was so very wrong. What a wonderful story! I don’t know if it is because my parents were married around this same time period and my father was in uniform for the wedding or if it is just a story that would have tweaked my heartstrings anyway but I could not put it down till I finished the last word.
Frances Dumfries is the eldest daughter of a career naval man and knows just what it means to become the wife of a man married not only to a woman but also to his career. She is pursued by many men on base but has not fallen for any of them. Joe Reynolds is a romantic at heart and at first sight of Frances he is pretty sure she is the one for him. Frances knows what she wants and does not want and is pretty sure what she wants is NOT anywhere on base. Joe knows what he wants and is smart, persistent and different than others in uniform who have set their sights on Frances. Joe has a way about him that really grabbed me and made me feel good and hope that he would win Frances’s heart. This was definitely a feel-good book that I will no doubt read again. (5 Stars)
A Midnight Kiss by Genevieve Turner and Emma Barry
Every one of the books and novellas in this series has moved me. This story of one night that changed the lives of two people made me smile and hope and wish and at the end I found myself oh so very happy I had read it. It came out first in newsletters sent out by the author and I only realized recently I had not read it so searched through my old emails to find and read this delightful novella. Betty Gable and Greg Henkins SO deserved to their HEA and I was thrilled to read how they found one another one New Year’s Eve two years before I was born. I can’t wait to read whatever these talented authors write next :) (5 Stars)
Fly Me To The Moon #2
Read these two novellas at two different times – enjoyed both stories and love the series!
A Midnight Clear
I stayed up till two in the morning to finish this. I thought I could just read a few pages but I was so very wrong. What a wonderful story! I don’t know if it is because my parents were married around this same time period and my father was in uniform for the wedding or if it is just a story that would have tweaked my heartstrings anyway but I could not put it down till I finished the last word.
Frances Dumfries is the eldest daughter of a career naval man and knows just what it means to become the wife of a man married not only to a woman but also to his career. She is pursued by many men on base but has not fallen for any of them. Joe Reynolds is a romantic at heart and at first sight of Frances he is pretty sure she is the one for him. Frances knows what she wants and does not want and is pretty sure what she wants is NOT anywhere on base. Joe knows what he wants and is smart, persistent and different than others in uniform who have set their sights on Frances. Joe has a way about him that really grabbed me and made me feel good and hope that he would win Frances’s heart. This was definitely a feel-good book that I will no doubt read again. (5 Stars)
A Midnight Kiss by Genevieve Turner and Emma Barry
Every one of the books and novellas in this series has moved me. This story of one night that changed the lives of two people made me smile and hope and wish and at the end I found myself oh so very happy I had read it. It came out first in newsletters sent out by the author and I only realized recently I had not read it so searched through my old emails to find and read this delightful novella. Betty Gable and Greg Henkins SO deserved to their HEA and I was thrilled to read how they found one another one New Year’s Eve two years before I was born. I can’t wait to read whatever these talented authors write next :) (5 Stars)
January 17, 2024
Two delightful holiday novellas read after the holidays are over? Why not! Since this is one book with two different novellas inside, I’ll just review them separately here!
A MIDNIGHT CLEAR: I was so curious about Joe and Frances after book one because there was a line that talked about how Joe looked at Frances like she was his whole world. Obviously I needed their story. This one backs up about 13 years to 1948 with a 19 year old Frances and dashing 21 year old Joe and their journey to forever. And it was so sweet my teeth hurt. Joe is head over heels for Frances and is willing to knock down her walls to get her to SEE him. And it’s such a sweet romance with just the right amount of angst to keep you on the edge. Frances realizing that it’s not about becoming a Navy wife like she feared. It’s becoming *Joe’s* wife that trumps everything. Joe is so sweet and the wedding night scene was 10/10. I love dual virgins fumbling their way through together! It takes place at Christmas but it’s not a *Christmas* story if that makes sense.
A MIDNIGHT KISS: Greg and Betty supremacy!!! We travel back in time again to see Greg, an Air Force pilot on love falling for his sister’s best friend Betty during a Nes Year’s Eve party. I loved that this was set in Huntsville, Alabama. Since it’s a series based around astronauts and future astronauts, Huntsville was perfect foreshadowing for Greg and Betty’s future! But what I really loved about their story is the right person, really bad timing but we’re going to make this work plot. Betty’s just broken up with her boyfriend, Greg is shipping back out in 2 days. It’s a bad time to fall in love. But damn is the train scene at the end worth it. Anytime a man in a book is like “wait for me”, I fold like a house of cards in a hurricane. I also really really enjoyed Greg being kind of an analytical brainiac that needs Betty to help him let loose. They’re the definition of “he keeps her grounded, she helps him soar” and I just…ugh love them so much.
A MIDNIGHT CLEAR: I was so curious about Joe and Frances after book one because there was a line that talked about how Joe looked at Frances like she was his whole world. Obviously I needed their story. This one backs up about 13 years to 1948 with a 19 year old Frances and dashing 21 year old Joe and their journey to forever. And it was so sweet my teeth hurt. Joe is head over heels for Frances and is willing to knock down her walls to get her to SEE him. And it’s such a sweet romance with just the right amount of angst to keep you on the edge. Frances realizing that it’s not about becoming a Navy wife like she feared. It’s becoming *Joe’s* wife that trumps everything. Joe is so sweet and the wedding night scene was 10/10. I love dual virgins fumbling their way through together! It takes place at Christmas but it’s not a *Christmas* story if that makes sense.
A MIDNIGHT KISS: Greg and Betty supremacy!!! We travel back in time again to see Greg, an Air Force pilot on love falling for his sister’s best friend Betty during a Nes Year’s Eve party. I loved that this was set in Huntsville, Alabama. Since it’s a series based around astronauts and future astronauts, Huntsville was perfect foreshadowing for Greg and Betty’s future! But what I really loved about their story is the right person, really bad timing but we’re going to make this work plot. Betty’s just broken up with her boyfriend, Greg is shipping back out in 2 days. It’s a bad time to fall in love. But damn is the train scene at the end worth it. Anytime a man in a book is like “wait for me”, I fold like a house of cards in a hurricane. I also really really enjoyed Greg being kind of an analytical brainiac that needs Betty to help him let loose. They’re the definition of “he keeps her grounded, she helps him soar” and I just…ugh love them so much.
September 29, 2020
This series makes me so happy
Every book from this series that I've read has been so lovely. The writing, the characters, the story, the era and settings, they all come together to make a book that leaves me with a smile on my face.
My only complaint - which is a standard complaint when I read a novella by a favorite author of mine - is that I wish these had been two full-length novels instead of two novellas. But I'm still giving it give stars, so I guess it's not really a complaint.
Every book from this series that I've read has been so lovely. The writing, the characters, the story, the era and settings, they all come together to make a book that leaves me with a smile on my face.
My only complaint - which is a standard complaint when I read a novella by a favorite author of mine - is that I wish these had been two full-length novels instead of two novellas. But I'm still giving it give stars, so I guess it's not really a complaint.
June 27, 2022
Cotton candy sweet in the best way.
August 4, 2024
Enjoyed both the novella & the short story!!
July 29, 2018
Round Midnight by Genevieve Turner and Emma Barry
Fly Me To The Moon #2
Read these two novellas at two different times – enjoyed both stories and love the series!
A Midnight Clear
I stayed up till two in the morning to finish this. I thought I could just read a few pages but I was so very wrong. What a wonderful story! I don’t know if it is because my parents were married around this same time period and my father was in uniform for the wedding or if it is just a story that would have tweaked my heartstrings anyway but I could not put it down till I finished the last word.
Frances Dumfries is the eldest daughter of a career naval man and knows just what it means to become the wife of a man married not only to a woman but also to his career. She is pursued by many men on base but has not fallen for any of them. Joe Reynolds is a romantic at heart and at first sight of Frances he is pretty sure she is the one for him. Frances knows what she wants and does not want and is pretty sure what she wants is NOT anywhere on base. Joe knows what he wants and is smart, persistent and different than others in uniform who have set their sights on Frances. Joe has a way about him that really grabbed me and made me feel good and hope that he would win Frances’s heart. This was definitely a feel-good book that I will no doubt read again. (5 Stars)
A Midnight Kiss by Genevieve Turner and Emma Barry
Every one of the books and novellas in this series has moved me. This story of one night that changed the lives of two people made me smile and hope and wish and at the end I found myself oh so very happy I had read it. It came out first in newsletters sent out by the author and I only realized recently I had not read it so searched through my old emails to find and read this delightful novella. Betty Gable and Greg Henkins SO deserved to their HEA and I was thrilled to read how they found one another one New Year’s Eve two years before I was born. I can’t wait to read whatever these talented authors write next :)
Fly Me To The Moon #2
Read these two novellas at two different times – enjoyed both stories and love the series!
A Midnight Clear
I stayed up till two in the morning to finish this. I thought I could just read a few pages but I was so very wrong. What a wonderful story! I don’t know if it is because my parents were married around this same time period and my father was in uniform for the wedding or if it is just a story that would have tweaked my heartstrings anyway but I could not put it down till I finished the last word.
Frances Dumfries is the eldest daughter of a career naval man and knows just what it means to become the wife of a man married not only to a woman but also to his career. She is pursued by many men on base but has not fallen for any of them. Joe Reynolds is a romantic at heart and at first sight of Frances he is pretty sure she is the one for him. Frances knows what she wants and does not want and is pretty sure what she wants is NOT anywhere on base. Joe knows what he wants and is smart, persistent and different than others in uniform who have set their sights on Frances. Joe has a way about him that really grabbed me and made me feel good and hope that he would win Frances’s heart. This was definitely a feel-good book that I will no doubt read again. (5 Stars)
A Midnight Kiss by Genevieve Turner and Emma Barry
Every one of the books and novellas in this series has moved me. This story of one night that changed the lives of two people made me smile and hope and wish and at the end I found myself oh so very happy I had read it. It came out first in newsletters sent out by the author and I only realized recently I had not read it so searched through my old emails to find and read this delightful novella. Betty Gable and Greg Henkins SO deserved to their HEA and I was thrilled to read how they found one another one New Year’s Eve two years before I was born. I can’t wait to read whatever these talented authors write next :)
November 27, 2016
This contains new holiday novellas to go with the Fly Me to the Moon series.
I reviewed the first, A Midnight Clear last year. You can read it here.
The second, A Midnight Kiss, is a great addition to must read Christmas romance lists everywhere as well. I just really love all the characters in this series, and getting these little pictures of how the already married astronauts fell in love with their wives is an extra layer of wonderful. This story is about Greg and Betty and takes place mostly over the course of New Year's Eve. It is not one of those fall in love in one night stories though and that is what I love most about it. Greg is at a party he doesn't want to be at. Betty is having her worst night in recent memory. They up connecting (and yes, kissing), but at the end of the night they have to say good bye. Greg is returning to flight training. And I think my favorite part about this is how it shows a couple building a connection over time that is founded in a chance encounter and a bit of recklessness. Because in the light of day they choose to pursue that connection through letters and phone calls over months of a long distance relationship. It was really great. I want to go back and read Star Dust again to see these characters through the lens of their own stories.
I reviewed the first, A Midnight Clear last year. You can read it here.
The second, A Midnight Kiss, is a great addition to must read Christmas romance lists everywhere as well. I just really love all the characters in this series, and getting these little pictures of how the already married astronauts fell in love with their wives is an extra layer of wonderful. This story is about Greg and Betty and takes place mostly over the course of New Year's Eve. It is not one of those fall in love in one night stories though and that is what I love most about it. Greg is at a party he doesn't want to be at. Betty is having her worst night in recent memory. They up connecting (and yes, kissing), but at the end of the night they have to say good bye. Greg is returning to flight training. And I think my favorite part about this is how it shows a couple building a connection over time that is founded in a chance encounter and a bit of recklessness. Because in the light of day they choose to pursue that connection through letters and phone calls over months of a long distance relationship. It was really great. I want to go back and read Star Dust again to see these characters through the lens of their own stories.
October 24, 2017
I think I enjoyed this even more than its companion novella; the passage of time really helped in giving it more depth and making it not feel quite so rushed.
Also, I'm just a sucker for a pining idiot guys realizing what they've been missing out on. 4.5 stars.
Also, I'm just a sucker for a pining idiot guys realizing what they've been missing out on. 4.5 stars.
July 11, 2020
4 Stars to A MIDNIGHT KISS (2nd novella in set)
This is the last story in the series that I've read, and it's so good. I wish more authors would write about the 1960s in the US. A perfect New Year's read to start off the year.
This is the last story in the series that I've read, and it's so good. I wish more authors would write about the 1960s in the US. A perfect New Year's read to start off the year.
November 4, 2016
Swoon!
February 17, 2024
A Midnight Clear (2 stars)
I’ve enjoyed this series but in this instance, the authors didn’t convince me Frances and Joe were meant to be. She had extremely valid reasons for not wanting to be a Navy wife. While it’s true Joe is very different from her father, they never talk concretely about how their marriage would be different, nor do they really deal with the effect of his job choice on her. It’s not a good sign when I was willing Frances to follow through on a 3rd act breakup. They would have been better served by a much longer courtship before he even thought of proposing. I also wish her dad hadn’t been allowed to stay so blissfully ignorant about his sexism and the way Frances made his life easier out of obligation.
Characters: Frances is a 19 year old white Admiral’s daughter, college student, and virgin. Joe is a white Navy midshipman and a virgin. This is set in 1948 Anapolis, MD.
Content notes: sexism, secondary character falls overboard a ship (rescued), past death of FMC’s mother, past deployment of FMC’s father, on page sex, strip gin rummy, alcohol, pipe (secondary character), ableist language, hyperbolic language around suicide
A Midnight Kiss (two stars)
A perfectly capable NYE romance, midnight kiss delivered as promised. Alas, it falls prey to one of my pet peeves: the FMC was dating an awful guy for two years and rationalizing or overlooking all of his poor behavior, including rudeness to her family. I don’t understand why she would have stayed with Fenton that long or still been able to tell herself that he was a catch and keep a straight face. Who cares if he’s the mayor’s son?! She thankfully wises up but this is almost always a scenario in which I want the character to get therapy instead of a relationship so it was hard for me to root for her to immediately take up with Greg, no matter how much I liked him.
Note: this is chaste.
Characters: Betty is a 19 year old white waitress. Greg is a white Air Force pilot. His family is Quaker. This is set in 1950 Huntsville, AL.
Content notes: classism, pregnancy epilogue, vomit (secondary character), alcohol, inebriation (secondary character), ableist language
I’ve enjoyed this series but in this instance, the authors didn’t convince me Frances and Joe were meant to be. She had extremely valid reasons for not wanting to be a Navy wife. While it’s true Joe is very different from her father, they never talk concretely about how their marriage would be different, nor do they really deal with the effect of his job choice on her. It’s not a good sign when I was willing Frances to follow through on a 3rd act breakup. They would have been better served by a much longer courtship before he even thought of proposing. I also wish her dad hadn’t been allowed to stay so blissfully ignorant about his sexism and the way Frances made his life easier out of obligation.
Characters: Frances is a 19 year old white Admiral’s daughter, college student, and virgin. Joe is a white Navy midshipman and a virgin. This is set in 1948 Anapolis, MD.
Content notes: sexism, secondary character falls overboard a ship (rescued), past death of FMC’s mother, past deployment of FMC’s father, on page sex, strip gin rummy, alcohol, pipe (secondary character), ableist language, hyperbolic language around suicide
A Midnight Kiss (two stars)
A perfectly capable NYE romance, midnight kiss delivered as promised. Alas, it falls prey to one of my pet peeves: the FMC was dating an awful guy for two years and rationalizing or overlooking all of his poor behavior, including rudeness to her family. I don’t understand why she would have stayed with Fenton that long or still been able to tell herself that he was a catch and keep a straight face. Who cares if he’s the mayor’s son?! She thankfully wises up but this is almost always a scenario in which I want the character to get therapy instead of a relationship so it was hard for me to root for her to immediately take up with Greg, no matter how much I liked him.
Note: this is chaste.
Characters: Betty is a 19 year old white waitress. Greg is a white Air Force pilot. His family is Quaker. This is set in 1950 Huntsville, AL.
Content notes: classism, pregnancy epilogue, vomit (secondary character), alcohol, inebriation (secondary character), ableist language
August 5, 2023
A Midnight Clear
Beautiful novella telling the courtship story of Joe and Frances Reynolds. Frances is daughter of a Navy admiral and has vowed to never be a Navy wife after having to take over her mother’s duties once she falls ill then later dies. Frances has been doing her duty as the admiral’s daughter for so long she’s forgotten how to do something fun for herself. Joe helps her find herself, finds friendship with her along the way and a sizzling relationship beyond friendship. His own Navy career threatens to come between them but they work it out in the end. I loved it and see how Reynolds would have chosen to sit out a mission later in the space program when one of his kids fell ill and he was needed as a father/husband at home.
A Midnight Kiss
This novella backstory is Greg and Betty’s — starting NYE 1950. Betty is looking for a proposal at the outset of the evening but through cringey moments, she ends up not engaged at the end of the evening. Their banter is so authentic, even though it’s awkward in moments, the true feelings of both characters are raw and on page. The majority of the novella is from that one evening, but the rest of it doesn’t feel rushed, (though I really could have savored their story for a whole novel) and the HEA is both earned and super sweet. I’ve loved getting a glimpse into these couples before they were the Perseid astronauts/wives. This whole series has been a delight! Can’t wait to read the next installment.
Beautiful novella telling the courtship story of Joe and Frances Reynolds. Frances is daughter of a Navy admiral and has vowed to never be a Navy wife after having to take over her mother’s duties once she falls ill then later dies. Frances has been doing her duty as the admiral’s daughter for so long she’s forgotten how to do something fun for herself. Joe helps her find herself, finds friendship with her along the way and a sizzling relationship beyond friendship. His own Navy career threatens to come between them but they work it out in the end. I loved it and see how Reynolds would have chosen to sit out a mission later in the space program when one of his kids fell ill and he was needed as a father/husband at home.
A Midnight Kiss
This novella backstory is Greg and Betty’s — starting NYE 1950. Betty is looking for a proposal at the outset of the evening but through cringey moments, she ends up not engaged at the end of the evening. Their banter is so authentic, even though it’s awkward in moments, the true feelings of both characters are raw and on page. The majority of the novella is from that one evening, but the rest of it doesn’t feel rushed, (though I really could have savored their story for a whole novel) and the HEA is both earned and super sweet. I’ve loved getting a glimpse into these couples before they were the Perseid astronauts/wives. This whole series has been a delight! Can’t wait to read the next installment.
January 9, 2019
A Midnight Clear: 2 stars - I dont think that Joe was very respectful of Frances's boundaries. Persistent guy/reluctant girl is an increasingly hard needle to thread and I dont think the authors succeeded, especially coupled with the fact that at the beginning of the story, Joe is "in love" with Frances after one conversation
A Midnight Kiss: 3 stars - This one was cute and I like Greg's earnestness and that the authors specified that the kiss was just the beginning and that they fell in love over their letters. I do wish this story was a little longer.
I'm going with a 2, because A Midnight Clear is a larger portion of the book than than A Midnight Kiss
A Midnight Kiss: 3 stars - This one was cute and I like Greg's earnestness and that the authors specified that the kiss was just the beginning and that they fell in love over their letters. I do wish this story was a little longer.
I'm going with a 2, because A Midnight Clear is a larger portion of the book than than A Midnight Kiss
January 1, 2019
A couple of sweet and swoony novellas. Loved the characters and the settings — one in 1948 Annapolis around Christmas and the other in 1950 Huntsville, Alabama, on New Year’s Eve. This definitely needed another editor though — lots of missing words, extra words, and words in the wrong place in sentences. Still enjoyable though and I’ll probably check out more in the series because I love the settings.
July 29, 2019
Both of these were so dear.
Christmas: A Midnight Clear was just balm to the soul, endearing and lovely. It is not a great big story but a darling one with a boy with stars in his eyes and a girl who wants to fly. /3 stars/
New Year: A Midnight Kiss delivered closer to my heart. The same cozy feels but the "it is always the quiet ones" is much more my catnip, especially coupled with spirited amazons. Greg Henkins became my favourite astronaut, period. And I loved Betty. /4 stars/
Christmas: A Midnight Clear was just balm to the soul, endearing and lovely. It is not a great big story but a darling one with a boy with stars in his eyes and a girl who wants to fly. /3 stars/
New Year: A Midnight Kiss delivered closer to my heart. The same cozy feels but the "it is always the quiet ones" is much more my catnip, especially coupled with spirited amazons. Greg Henkins became my favourite astronaut, period. And I loved Betty. /4 stars/
November 15, 2017
bought this without realizing I'd already read A Midnight Clear, but that's ok. that one got 4 stars from me.
A Midnight Kiss was just lovely - 5 stars. this is a unique idea for a series and they are really well-written. will keep going with the series.
A Midnight Kiss was just lovely - 5 stars. this is a unique idea for a series and they are really well-written. will keep going with the series.
January 2, 2021
I really enjoyed this collection. I think A Midnight Kiss is slightly stronger overall than A Midnight Clear, but I really do like Barry and Turner's writing styles and the way they blend together.
December 15, 2021
A really charming set of holiday novellas that skillfully capture the connection between these characters in a short span of pages, are obviously well researched, and have a lot of nuance for their length.
June 14, 2017
I loved both of these novellas. They were sweet and the pacing was good. I love military stories and I love historicals. This set combined both of those things which made me love it even more.
July 28, 2018
Accidently marked a single story version earlier when I was actually reading this version. Still adorable!
January 1, 2019
Two great short stories. I probably like the Reynolds story more (SO sweet), but both were great. These definitely gave great perspective to the series overall.
May 12, 2019
Ebook
Grade: B
Not a review, just some thoughts for personal reference. Spoilers.
More later...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 13, 2020
Round Midnight
Two lovely novellas with head strong beautiful women set in there ways until they meet the men that melt their hearts and change their way of thinking.
Two lovely novellas with head strong beautiful women set in there ways until they meet the men that melt their hearts and change their way of thinking.
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