Magnolia at Midnight

The Red Stiletto Book Club #4

by Anne-Marie Meyer

I have so many walls built up around my heart, and I’m not sure I have the strength to break them down.

Welcome to Magnolia

Victoria

I’m no longer mayor, a sentiment that I’m still trying to get used to saying. After the inauguration of the new mayor, I’m pretty sure that I’ve has reached bottom--until my parents inform me that they are selling their house in Magnolia and I have a week to find a new place to live.

Enter Maggie.

Even though she poses the job opening as a desperate need for help at the inn, I decide to take it as a temporary job until I can get on my feet. After all, I’m a Holt and Holt's don't need handouts.

They also don't need the sexy chef that doesn't seem to want to leave me alone and is breaking down all the walls that I’ve put up.

Fiona

I know that something is wrong with my mom and the coffee shop. Ever since I moved back to Magnolia with my son, I’ve sensed that something was off. It wasn't until I discovered the eviction notice that I realized just how bad things had gotten.

After a pow-wow with the Red Stiletto ladies, Shari convinces me to drive to Nashville in search of my son’s father and the child support he's never sent.

Things go from bad to worse once we get there. Dave's not interested in helping and being in the city I once called home is dredging up a ton of old memories. Now I’m worried I don't have the strength to stand my ground and protect my son.
Magnolia at Midnight will capture you from page one. It will show you the power of friendship and the strength you have inside.
Grab your copy today.

Genres: Audiobook, Romance, Contemporary, Fiction, Clean Romance, Chick Lit, Ebooks

174 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 20, 2021

About the author

Anne-Marie Meyer is a USA Today Bestselling author who lives south of the Twin Cities in MN. She spends her days with her knight in shining armor, four princes, and a baby princess.

When she's not running after her kids, she's dreaming up romantic stories. She loves to take her favorite moments in the books and movies she loves and tries to figure out a way to make them new and fresh.

Join her newsletter at anne-mariemeyer.com

Reviews

[Cyndi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was looking forward to Victoria's story. I felt like there was more to her than the other characters saw. and I was right. Victoria has lost the election for mayor. Since that is what she was raised to do, she is at a loss. Then her parents tell her they are selling her home and she must move out. So she stays at the inn and meets our hero, the cook.
Meanwhile, Fiona realizes her mother is in need of money so she tries to hit up her babby daddy. He turns her down. But, she has friends from the book club that will help her out.
Good romance.

[Maggie Carr · Rating 4 out of 5]

Zipping through these books while recovering from sickness.

[Carrie Pridgen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have enjoyed this series thus far as fluffy, light reads between more serious books. However, I didn't really enjoy this one. Something about Victoria irritated me. I think the way she handled her situation seemed too juvenile for how I imagined her. She was they mayor of the town and when the election didn't go her way she suddenly was super self-conscious. It didn't make sense to me when she was obviously used to being in command. She couldn't fake it that much. As a woman in her thirties, I expected more than the teenage angst it seemed to generate. I will continue with the series, but thus far this one was not my fave.

[PollyAnna Joy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Everyone deserves redemption. Victoria is someone who deserves all the love she can get. My heart breaks as I read about her desperate need to be perfect in every way. I want to hug her and tell her it's ok to relax. I know a number of people who are also Type As, so I know that we can tell them to relax until the cows come home and they'll still get worked up easily. Brett seems like the type of guy to help Victoria find some balance. :)

In every book, at least one person, if not more, claps his/her hands. It's a weird action especially that so many different characters do it.

As I read in another review, there is a lot of leaning....on doors, cabinets, counters, tables, etc.

People are also constantly putting their hands in their front pockets.

PS: Again, I purchased this whole series as a bundle direct from the author. While that may be better for the author, for us as readers, we don't have the direct connection with Goodreafs or Amazon. That means that I can't share my highlights and notes on Goodreads nor will my review be available on Amazon (something that I understand can be a big benefit for authors). Just some food for thought.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Victoria has been a hard character for me to like and connect with, so I was excited for her book hoping it would change my mind. Unfortunately, I was just starting to like her when the book ended. I feel like she has a lot of potential, but I didn't feel like she reached that before the book ended. I liked Brett. I think he is good for Victoria and I hope maybe we get to see a little more of them together later and maybe feel like they've connected more. I didn't quite feel that connection this time. Fiona's story was a little harder to read, which is usually the case in this series. She is in a tight spot and has quite a battle ahead of her. I hope somehow she is able to find a HEA out of all this in the next book.

[January · Rating 3 out of 5]

Magnolia at Midnight by Anne-Marie Meyer
The Red Stiletto Book Club #4
5h 21m narrated by Liz Krane, 174

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Featuring: Small-Town Rhode Island near Newport, Book Club Ladies, Multiple POVs, Who Am I Now Trope, Tricenarians, Family Drama, Island Life, Single Moms, Self-Realization Trope, Phoenix Reborn Trope, Mommy Issues, Nashville, Soft Ballads, We Need A Resolution

Rating as a movie: PG-13

Songs for the soundtrack: "Bring It On Home" by Mariah Carey, "Open Arms" by Journey, "Only One Road" by Celine Dion, "Whistle While You Work" by Adriana Caselotti, "Amazed" by Lonestar, "She's Got the Rhythm (And I Got the Blues)" by Alan Jackson, "Independence Day" by Martina McBride, "I Knew I Loved You" by Savage Garden, "You're No Good" by Linda Ronstadt

My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️👠💫

My thoughts:📱29% 1:32:58 Chapter 6: Fiona - I'm only stopping to spend time with family. This is interesting so far, I wonder if they are out of playful brothers.

Victoria and Fiona are the narrators of this book they are both struggling with insecurities and independence. It was okay, definitely a lull compared to the other books and that ending wasn't even a proper cliffhanger, it was pretty lazy, but I'm going to keep going.

Recommend to others: Yes. I'm enjoying these series even though this story phoned it in.

Red Stiletto Book Club
1. The Magnolia Inn (2020)
2. A Magnolia Homecoming (2020)
3. A Magnolia Friendship (2020)
4. Magnolia at Midnight (2021)
5. A Magnolia Wedding (2021)
6. A Magnolia Move-In (2021)
7. A Magnolia Adventure (2021)
8. A Magnolia Christmas (2022)
9. A Magnolia Kiss (2020)

[Betty · Rating 2 out of 5]

Overall I like this series. It’s a nice easy read. I like that previous characters keeping popping up. As an earlier review said there is a lot of overlap of characteristics/ habits like leaning against a door or hands on a pocket. But I can overlook that.

What I didn’t like so it’s only 2 stars - and don’t shoot me— 1) I have a hard time felling empathetic for a mom who doesn’t fight for their kid and basically spends 90% of the book whining what a tough life she has. But only 10% doing something to fix it. 2) And I’m sorry, Victoria was the mayor and on the city council before that. She must have earned a salary in the mid to high 5 figure or low 6 figures. She lived in her parents’ house so she didn’t have a mortgage and I doubt she paid rent. Are you telling me she hadn’t saved up any money in all that time? Or that she didn’t have a career she could restart? Or a college degree to fall back on? I seriously doubt her only job option was to be dishwasher/housekeeper at the inn. 3) and weren’t 2 of the previous heroes lawyers? One from Yale doing maintenance at the inn and the other worked as a substitute teacher with no current job mentioned. Now there’s a third from Harvard who’s working as a chef and bartender. Glad they could just step aside from that so easily and no worries about paying for an education they’re not using. 4) and finally this is for the editor who doesn’t do their job. In chapter 3 when there’s misuse of a word or poor spell check — “except” is not the same as “expect”

[Jen Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story was more on Victoria than anything. As in Fiona and it does touch some heartstrings.
Victoria is in the tub for her life. Mayor of Magnolia is in her sights until a new runner steps up. Things are going crazy with the polls, at the same time her parents are dictating her life.
She needs something. With everything going downhill, it's time for Victoria to live her life and be free. Brett is the hottie bartender who now works at Magnolia inn. With her life in shambles, Victoria is now in close quarters with Brett, and she's not sure how to act.
While things are going great, Victoria's mind is digging her into a black hole of self doubt. Things are going good until they don't.
Fiona is a single mom who is struggling. Her mom is hiding thing from her until she realizes everything she's known is going to end. With the help of Shari, her and Fiona take a road trip to Nashville to find Blake's dad. When things don't go as planned, both women have other things up their sleeves.

[Morgan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ll forever be an Anne-Marie Meyer fan! Anne-Marie Meyer writes realistic characters dealing with true scenarios. Her stories are akin to Hallmark movies: easy reads, sweet romances, and comfy characters.

This fourth installment in the book club series gave us perspectives from Victoria and Fiona. I love getting the story from the “mean girl” or uptight character so we can see why they are the way they are. Victoria has a lot on her mayorless plate and Fiona has her hands full as a single mother. I’m looking forward to seeing how Fiona’s story pans out in the next book. Some of the dialogue (inner and spoken aloud) were fairly repetitive, as common in this series, but that can also serve as a reminder to readers the inner turmoil these characters are enduring!

I’m already snagging the next book!

[MLG · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a rollercoaster of emotions! I was apprehensive at first because I found Victoria a bit whiny and entitled in the previous book, but wow, has she made a comeback! After her parents shockingly decide to sell their house because she’s no longer the mayor, she ends up living at the inn and whirls into a new job—and a whirlwind romance with the chief! But can you believe she acts like a teenager even at 30? How has she never lived on her own?

And let me tell you, Fiona absolutely shines in this story! Her journey is the heart of the book, earning it a solid 4 stars! Juggling life as a single mom to her toddler while living above her mom's café, she discovers her mother’s struggles and sets out on an adventure to track down her baby daddy—with some help from the book club. It’s a thrilling mix of drama and humor that keeps you turning the pages!

[Alicia Wood · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I loved getting to really see Victoria I really wanted a bit more from her story. I feel like there could be more unpacked with her and her parents that we just didn’t get from this book.

Fiona .. that girl is foundering her inner strength and I’m here for it! That girl was young and in love with a guy who was not a good man and she doesn’t fully come to that realization until she staining at him face to face again. She and her mother have a rocky past because she up and left years ago with that guy and it’s great to see their relationship start to heal. I am excited to read more about Fiona!

[Carissa Caulum · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review: I really enjoyed this book. This book follows Victoria and Fiona. Victoria is trying to find herself when this sexy chef is breaking down the walls she put up. Fiona is trying to help save coffee shop. She has to reach out to her ex, the father of her child. I loved the writing. I loved the character development throughout the book. I love the female friendship on this book. I loved Victoria and Brett’s story. We are left on a. cliff hanger as to how Fiona’s story is going to end. I can’t wait to read the rest of the series.

Favorite Quote: “I don’t know what dark storms you have going on inside, but I want you to give me the chance to weather them.”

[Rachael · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ve really enjoyed reading the Red Stiletto Book Club series! Each book is cute, heartwarming, and easy to dive into. While the plots are definitely predictable, they still deliver a cozy, feel-good vibe that makes them a fun and comforting read. There’s no spice to speak of, but the sweetness and charm more than make up for it.

If you’re someone who enjoys stories about friendship, romance, and happy endings, this series is a great pick—definitely gave me Hallmark movie energy (in the best way). Perfect for when you’re not sure what to read next or you want something light that won’t completely pull you under. A great in-between-books kind of series.

[JK · Rating 2 out of 5]

It took me until this book to realize that this series (Red Stiletto Book Club) is simply about broken people figuring out their next step in life. I appreciate the clean romance but the books are just a bit depressing.

As for this book, I didn't connect with the characters. Victoria seems to think she's broken or difficult but other than growing up as a perfectionist with strict parents, I don't see what she's talking about. Fiona is a meh character and I'm not really interested in hearing how things resolve for her in the next book.

I recommend this series to anyone who needs comradery in dealing with divorces, breakups, hard parents.

[Paula · Rating 4 out of 5]

Victoria has never really felt loved or seen. Brett could easily fall in love with Victoria and he definitely sees her. Fiona worries about taking care of her son Blake and she and her mom have their issues. Really enjoyed being back with the Red Stiletto Book Club gals and their guys. I totally get feeling invisible and my heart hurt for Victoria. Brett is a keeper and I so wanted to jump in the book and tell Victoria to give him a chance. Open communication for Fiona and her mom was so sweet. The ending was just the beginning for these ladies.

[Sherri · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good clean women's fiction with romance: Victoria has lost the election, she's at loose ends and trying to find herself when she meets Brett, the inn's chef. He's been where she is and tries to help her find herself but falls in love with her. Can she get her self-esteem back and have a relationship?
Fiona and her son are struggling, so she tries to get child support from the dad who turns her down. This story continues.
I really enjoy this series about the women's club and the friendship they show by helping each other.
I would highly recommend it/series.

[Janet Simmons · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is #4 in The Red Stiletto Book Club Series. I dont reccomend you try reading any of them as standalone as the books really need to be read in order from the beginning. You wont be disappointed to start this series however as the characters are wonderful. All of them live or work on Magnolia Island. A small community and as the books go on we are introduced to the people. This book is about the reelection Mayor Victoria Holt, and her life. It also is about Fiona and her mother. I loved reading this book. I couldnt put it down once I started it.

[gabrielle Mayberry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love this series! This book gives you insight into not just two characters lives and viewpoints but so much background and more! It touched on the struggles of being a single mother, having high expectations set upon you by your parents and finding yourself, it also gives us a happy surprise for two of my favorite characters in the beginning of the series! It does end of a cliffhanger but doesn’t all the best books leave you wanting more?

[Karen Butler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished reading Magnolia at Midnight, book 4 in the Red Stiletto Book Club. I loved watching Victoria stand up for herself, but then she struggled with what to do with her life. Fiona has had a rough time. This book really had my feelings reaching out to these two ladies. This was a great book.

[Naomi Kovach · Rating 4 out of 5]

This might be my favourite book of the series so far. I started off book one very much disliking Victoria but her story is now my favourite. I feel as if I really got to know her and her mentality and it was very relatable. I’m excited to see where her story goes and I was pleasantly surprised when they snuck in a small Archer/Maggie bit.

[Kenz Lode · Rating 3 out of 5]

There was nothing midnight about this book, but maybe I missed something. In true Magnolia fashion, one the MCs falls in love with the first dude she makes eye contact with. I liked Brett a lot, but I hated Victoria’s holier than thou attitude about a lot of things and how back and forth she was the entire time. Fiona is extremely whiny. That is all

[Jacy · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was just okay. The biggest thing that bothered me is that Fiona goes off on how Dave was emotionally abusive. He acts like such jerk to her. And then a second later she's talking about how he isn't a bad guy and he should be in her son's life. Very confusing! I don't think I'll be reading more of this series.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love more and more the love the story that she write and I love Victoria and I understand why she was so scary to open her heart and I was how Bret how he now what she wants to say without needing to say it Out loud but he didn't now why she was scared to enter with him in relationship but I was happy they had the chance to talk think out and back together.

[Crystal Butler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Im a sucker for love....this series is filled with strong women, and even stronger friendships with the women in their stiletto club. The sexual tension is there...but the over the top spice is not, if you love a good ol' fashioned love story...well start at the beginning, cause you're in for a nice ride. You may even see yourself in one or more of the women in these stories. Happy reading!

[Kristen Tarr · Rating 4 out of 5]

I feel this book has left the reader wanting more on Victoria! Give us more 😅.

Loving the storyline and the fun banter throughout. It continues the series wonderfully but leaves the reader hanging. Fiona we will see in the next book and shave a continued story. Victoria seems to fill the “need” of the story but leaves many questions.

[Artina · Rating 3 out of 5]

This series just gives me so many warm, fuzzies. I love how we are slowly getting to know each of the ladies of the Red Stiletto Book Club. I loved and hated this specific book though. So far, I can relate to Victoria so much for the situations in her life. At the same time, she was so annoying with her whiny, self-deprecating inner dialogue.

[Astrid Rudloff · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the fourth book of the red stiletto series. The books are standalones, but should be read in order.
I really like the stories. But at times they are dragging on with the same thoughts over and over without anything relevant happening. And the insecurities are a bit dramatic.
Nonetheless I'm invested in the series and will continue.

[Judy Hardwick · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good to catch up with

Characters I love...but honestly? I needed a little more resolution... These female characters are looking towards the future and I want to know where they end up...

[Jess · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the deep dive into Victoria. However, I feel like there could be so much more detail with her life that it has me intrigued. Fiona’s story was okay, but I hope it doesn’t turn into the typical ex-baby daddy scenario that it’s heading towards.

[Brittany Colley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always seem to struggle to figure out the new characters. I felt a bit of a disconnect with this story. Victoria in previous books was made to be unlikable. While it was nice to see the other side of her. It was hard to connect and warm up to her. Enjoyed it nonetheless as usual.