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The Midnight Garden: A Novel
From debut author Elaine Roth comes a hopeful and heartfelt story about a young widow who uncovers the magic of everyday life―and the power of second chances. After the sudden death of her husband, Hope finds herself reeling from the loss in more ways than one. First a young wife and now a grieving widow, she feels like fodder for never-ending town gossip. But when Hope meets Will, a screenwriter back in town to run his family’s inn, she sees in him another resident oddball. And like her, Will has been navigating a loss of his own. As Hope falls for Will, she seeks out another enigma in Maeve, an eccentric woman who makes healing teas and communes with the dead. Some of the townspeople think she’s a grifter, a fake. Will, too, is skeptical. Hope yearns for closure and forgiveness, seeing in Maeve the chance to trust herself again―and in Will, a chance to rediscover the enchantment in the world around her… And the courage to build a bigger life than she ever thought possible.
271 pages, Paperback
Published November 7, 2023
155 people are currently reading
3767 people want to read
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September 30, 2023
The Midnight Garden
Today I finished a magical debut from author Elaine Roth titled The Midnight Garden. The book mixes grief and learning to let go with magic and a second chance at romance. For two years Hope has been dealing with the loss of her husband Brandon and battles grief and guilt and she feels the town either gossiping about her or feeling pity for her. When Hope meets Will a screenwriter returning back home they become kindred spirits. Will like Hope is an oddball. A third character Maeve is an eccentric woman who makes healing teas and communes with the dead. The town including Will thinks she’s a fake. Both Hope and Will are imperfect but wonderful characters hoping for healing and forgiveness from others and themselves maybe out of this comes a second chance at love for Hope?
Pros & Cons
I loved everything about the book from the descriptive writing, the magic, the themes and the characters. I like that one chapter was from Hope’s perspective and the other chapter is from Will’s perspective and it flows very well within the story. I did think it was ridiculous and hypocritical that Hope was annoyed that Will didn’t tell her he was coming back to run the inn, but yet he wasn’t allowed to get annoyed when she didn’t bother to tell him she’s a widow. It’s like Hope you two just met and you really weren’t in the mood to give the guy your life story either. I liked the wise lady Maeve she was a gentle soul while at the same time telling it like it is.
Overall
Overall if you enjoy books that deal with grief, change, second chance at love with a little tough of magic I recommend this The Midnight Garden by Elaine Roth coming out on November 7th! If you don’t have an early copy now, preorder the book. Thank you Elaine for such a beautiful story.
Today I finished a magical debut from author Elaine Roth titled The Midnight Garden. The book mixes grief and learning to let go with magic and a second chance at romance. For two years Hope has been dealing with the loss of her husband Brandon and battles grief and guilt and she feels the town either gossiping about her or feeling pity for her. When Hope meets Will a screenwriter returning back home they become kindred spirits. Will like Hope is an oddball. A third character Maeve is an eccentric woman who makes healing teas and communes with the dead. The town including Will thinks she’s a fake. Both Hope and Will are imperfect but wonderful characters hoping for healing and forgiveness from others and themselves maybe out of this comes a second chance at love for Hope?
Pros & Cons
I loved everything about the book from the descriptive writing, the magic, the themes and the characters. I like that one chapter was from Hope’s perspective and the other chapter is from Will’s perspective and it flows very well within the story. I did think it was ridiculous and hypocritical that Hope was annoyed that Will didn’t tell her he was coming back to run the inn, but yet he wasn’t allowed to get annoyed when she didn’t bother to tell him she’s a widow. It’s like Hope you two just met and you really weren’t in the mood to give the guy your life story either. I liked the wise lady Maeve she was a gentle soul while at the same time telling it like it is.
Overall
Overall if you enjoy books that deal with grief, change, second chance at love with a little tough of magic I recommend this The Midnight Garden by Elaine Roth coming out on November 7th! If you don’t have an early copy now, preorder the book. Thank you Elaine for such a beautiful story.
July 14, 2023
Review to come.
November 5, 2023
The midnight garden is such a special story.
Hope is a very young widow who desperately misses the love of her life. Despite her broken heart, she is so tired of the pity everyone feels for her in her small town.
Will, a man who was shamed out of town when he was 18, returns to run a local inn owned by his mom when she decides to take a sabbatical.
Maeve is an eccentric lady who loves in a remote cottage and is thought to be able to communicate with the dead.
Hope and Will seem to be continually pulled together, by random chance encounters, party planning, and Maeve.
This is a book about forgiveness, moving on, glittered with a touch of magic. It's a moving story with wonderful characters.
Hope is a very young widow who desperately misses the love of her life. Despite her broken heart, she is so tired of the pity everyone feels for her in her small town.
Will, a man who was shamed out of town when he was 18, returns to run a local inn owned by his mom when she decides to take a sabbatical.
Maeve is an eccentric lady who loves in a remote cottage and is thought to be able to communicate with the dead.
Hope and Will seem to be continually pulled together, by random chance encounters, party planning, and Maeve.
This is a book about forgiveness, moving on, glittered with a touch of magic. It's a moving story with wonderful characters.
December 30, 2023
What an emotional book. This was my first book by Elaine Roth but I will read others that she puts out in the future. I really enjoyed her writing.
September 24, 2024
“Tessa’s casual use of the word ‘we’ makes me wince. Her life is full of ‘we’… I didn’t realize the joy of ‘we’ until I became just me.”
The Midnight Garden is similar to The Lonely Hearts Book Club in that it’s about finding how to live life when grief has kept you still and isolated. But instead of a book club, this story is set in a small town like Stars Hollow from Gilmore Girls with a Hallmark movie-esque plot and characters.
This story alternates POVs between our main characters and love interests— Tessa and Will— who both grew up in the small town of Kingsette, Rhode Island.
Tessa is a young widow whose husband had died in a car accident a couple years ago.
Will left town for L.A. straight out of high school and has been forced to come back and take care of the family inn after his mom disappeared without word.
Will would like to get things in order and go back to California, but when he and Tessa find themselves alone together on the roof-top of the inn there is an unseen force drawing their lives closer and closer.
Now many say they love the magic of this story. The ‘magic’ was probably my least favorite part.
We have this character named Maeve. She lives in an old cottage by the lake with a big garden. She hosts late night ‘gatherings’ where she sometimes connects with the dead. Classic of a small town, there are mixed reviews on Maeve’s presence there. She’s a scam artist. She’s a kook. She’s breaking up engagements. The rumor mill is loaded.
Tessa is interested in her because she wants to connect with her deceased husband to tell him she’s sorry. She has been holding on to a lot of guilt about the night he died.
Will is interested in Maeve because Maeve is wearing his mother’s ring that she never took off and would never sell or give away. Maeve must know where she went and can make her come back.
I like books with the fanciful type of magic. Magic in the form of a medium like this I don’t view as magic. Too often in real life people believe it’s real. And it is not.
In the book Will feels like Maeve is manipulating Tessa and others. I agree with that. Even if she wasn’t a scam artist with ill intent, I do believe what she was doing was wrong and manipulative.
I’m not sure what message Roth was attempting to send in this book, because there were elements that eluded to Maeve’s magic just being that she was helping people see that they already had what they needed to move forward with their lives. They didn’t actually need magic, they just needed to believe that they had courage and hope and confidence to make such and such decision.
It’s unclear whether Maeve actually thought all her little teas held any sort of power or if it was the placebo effect. Either way, it wasn’t MY cup of tea.
What I did like was the message of living life. And not letting grief keep you from moving forward.
“You didn’t die, Hope. You lived, and it’s okay to live.”
I think this exchange resonated with me when I think of my own times of grief:
“What do you want, Hope?” - - “I want impossible things.”
It’s really hard when our deepest longings are impossible things. It can be paralyzing to move forward as if we’re giving up on that. But we can’t get ourselves trapped and chained to our impossible wants. We can trust that God has good things for us. There is more life to live and good things yet to come if we’re willing to open our hands from clutching impossible things and seeing what things ARE possible.
I’m not a fan of the ‘follow your heart’ message, but I believe in the message that we can’t live a ‘safe’ life and avoid relationships. Relationships are a mess worth making. We need people. And yes, that opens us up to loss and grief and hurts. But we can’t live life in a bubble, impervious to the touch of others.
“Maybe it was never about building a life safe from loss.”
The love story aspect of it was good. I liked Tessa and Will and their friendship. And I liked the Stars Hollow feel of the town with the inn and the bicentennial. And of course we have Annette who was the Taylor figure. And the gossip channels with the coffee shop and whatnot fit with the Gilmore Girls vibe as well.
“This is the problem with returning home, returning to Kingsette specifically— too many people know too much. They can weaponize your past.”
There were bluebirds all throughout the story so I figured it had to mean something. I looked it up and sure enough: blue bird is “a symbol of hope, love, positivity, and renewal.” I don’t buy in to the New Age-y stuff, but I respect some well-placed symbolism.
Recommendation
This is a Hallmark-type of feel good romance novel with a smidge bit of mystery surrounding our Maeve character that may or may not be ‘magical.’
It’s not going to knock your socks off, but it’s a quick and enjoyable read.
I think those who have experienced a loss like Tessa especially might find they connect with it really well. Elaine Roth is a young widow herself so I imagine Tessa’s character and feelings are based on her personal experience and may resonate well with other widows who know that ache and guilt and the difficulty in moving on.
[Content Advisory: handful of f- and s-words; one sex scene that fades to black, not overly descriptive; several gay/lesbian couples pop in here and there but aren’t the main characters]
**Received an ARC via MB Communications in exchange for an honest review**
Book Review Blog | Facebook | Pinterest | StoryGraph
The Midnight Garden is similar to The Lonely Hearts Book Club in that it’s about finding how to live life when grief has kept you still and isolated. But instead of a book club, this story is set in a small town like Stars Hollow from Gilmore Girls with a Hallmark movie-esque plot and characters.
This story alternates POVs between our main characters and love interests— Tessa and Will— who both grew up in the small town of Kingsette, Rhode Island.
Tessa is a young widow whose husband had died in a car accident a couple years ago.
Will left town for L.A. straight out of high school and has been forced to come back and take care of the family inn after his mom disappeared without word.
Will would like to get things in order and go back to California, but when he and Tessa find themselves alone together on the roof-top of the inn there is an unseen force drawing their lives closer and closer.
Now many say they love the magic of this story. The ‘magic’ was probably my least favorite part.
We have this character named Maeve. She lives in an old cottage by the lake with a big garden. She hosts late night ‘gatherings’ where she sometimes connects with the dead. Classic of a small town, there are mixed reviews on Maeve’s presence there. She’s a scam artist. She’s a kook. She’s breaking up engagements. The rumor mill is loaded.
Tessa is interested in her because she wants to connect with her deceased husband to tell him she’s sorry. She has been holding on to a lot of guilt about the night he died.
Will is interested in Maeve because Maeve is wearing his mother’s ring that she never took off and would never sell or give away. Maeve must know where she went and can make her come back.
I like books with the fanciful type of magic. Magic in the form of a medium like this I don’t view as magic. Too often in real life people believe it’s real. And it is not.
In the book Will feels like Maeve is manipulating Tessa and others. I agree with that. Even if she wasn’t a scam artist with ill intent, I do believe what she was doing was wrong and manipulative.
I’m not sure what message Roth was attempting to send in this book, because there were elements that eluded to Maeve’s magic just being that she was helping people see that they already had what they needed to move forward with their lives. They didn’t actually need magic, they just needed to believe that they had courage and hope and confidence to make such and such decision.
It’s unclear whether Maeve actually thought all her little teas held any sort of power or if it was the placebo effect. Either way, it wasn’t MY cup of tea.
What I did like was the message of living life. And not letting grief keep you from moving forward.
“You didn’t die, Hope. You lived, and it’s okay to live.”
I think this exchange resonated with me when I think of my own times of grief:
“What do you want, Hope?” - - “I want impossible things.”
It’s really hard when our deepest longings are impossible things. It can be paralyzing to move forward as if we’re giving up on that. But we can’t get ourselves trapped and chained to our impossible wants. We can trust that God has good things for us. There is more life to live and good things yet to come if we’re willing to open our hands from clutching impossible things and seeing what things ARE possible.
I’m not a fan of the ‘follow your heart’ message, but I believe in the message that we can’t live a ‘safe’ life and avoid relationships. Relationships are a mess worth making. We need people. And yes, that opens us up to loss and grief and hurts. But we can’t live life in a bubble, impervious to the touch of others.
“Maybe it was never about building a life safe from loss.”
The love story aspect of it was good. I liked Tessa and Will and their friendship. And I liked the Stars Hollow feel of the town with the inn and the bicentennial. And of course we have Annette who was the Taylor figure. And the gossip channels with the coffee shop and whatnot fit with the Gilmore Girls vibe as well.
“This is the problem with returning home, returning to Kingsette specifically— too many people know too much. They can weaponize your past.”
There were bluebirds all throughout the story so I figured it had to mean something. I looked it up and sure enough: blue bird is “a symbol of hope, love, positivity, and renewal.” I don’t buy in to the New Age-y stuff, but I respect some well-placed symbolism.
Recommendation
This is a Hallmark-type of feel good romance novel with a smidge bit of mystery surrounding our Maeve character that may or may not be ‘magical.’
It’s not going to knock your socks off, but it’s a quick and enjoyable read.
I think those who have experienced a loss like Tessa especially might find they connect with it really well. Elaine Roth is a young widow herself so I imagine Tessa’s character and feelings are based on her personal experience and may resonate well with other widows who know that ache and guilt and the difficulty in moving on.
[Content Advisory: handful of f- and s-words; one sex scene that fades to black, not overly descriptive; several gay/lesbian couples pop in here and there but aren’t the main characters]
**Received an ARC via MB Communications in exchange for an honest review**
Book Review Blog | Facebook | Pinterest | StoryGraph
January 22, 2024
From the very start of this novel, I fell in love with the characters, mainly because they felt so real. Elaine Roth writes the characters with such emotional intelligence and grounds them with relatable reactions. I genuinely loved every time I picked up this book because I know Hope and Will so well. They became more than characters; they became people who, as broken as they are, I knew and cared for. I absolutely treasured every second I spent in this world, and I'll remember these wonderfully relatable and flawed characters for a long time.
October 15, 2023
A magical read full of hopes and dreams and people who need to see the power of living their best life, with and without all the losses that life throws at us. Oh, and there’s a very believable love story woven in as well!
I am hoping that the author will write Maeve’s story next because I am really fascinated with her character and want to know more!
Thanks to NetGalley, the author and publisher for an advanced reading copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
I am hoping that the author will write Maeve’s story next because I am really fascinated with her character and want to know more!
Thanks to NetGalley, the author and publisher for an advanced reading copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
November 22, 2023
The Midnight Garden by Elaine Roth was such a delight to read! There’s truly something for everyone in this impressive debut—mystery, romance, family drama, and even a little bit of magic. With themes of forgiveness, grief, healing, moving forward, and second chances, this story will touch your soul. I was immediately caught up in both Hope and Will’s storylines, and couldn’t wait to see their paths collide. I highly recommend this heartwarming novel. The Midnight Garden is available now! I give it 4/5 stars!
April 13, 2025
This plot was really different and had a lot of potential but the book was meh.
November 9, 2023
This book was like a warm hug from a close friend.
Can that be my whole review?
If you need more:
✨ Small town
✨ Magic
✨ TEA! ☕️
✨ Will they? Won't they? I hope they do! 😉
Can that be my whole review?
If you need more:
✨ Small town
✨ Magic
✨ TEA! ☕️
✨ Will they? Won't they? I hope they do! 😉
October 19, 2023
This is a story about taking chances and moving forward after horrific loss. For Hope, it means believing that she deserves some happiness after her husband was killed in a car accident. For Will, it means forgiving himself, his family, and the small town he grew up in. The link between those two people is a newcomer to their community, Maeve, who is a free spirit in every sense of the word. She is exactly the kind of woman who would have been burned as a witch if that were still allowed. They did the modern equivalent and destroyed her life with slander & innuendo.
The author wrote a sweet, second-chance romance with a commentary on the viciousness of gossip and the very real damage it does. I enjoyed this debut novel by Elaine Roth and hope she'll write another one focused on Maeve. I found her absolutely fascinating.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the digital ARC. All opinions and the review are my own.
The author wrote a sweet, second-chance romance with a commentary on the viciousness of gossip and the very real damage it does. I enjoyed this debut novel by Elaine Roth and hope she'll write another one focused on Maeve. I found her absolutely fascinating.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the digital ARC. All opinions and the review are my own.
October 23, 2023
This book is a well-written romance novel. It has unique tropes that are executed carefully (small town, magical things, young widow FL), problems that are maturely handled, writing style that is straightforward and cheesy (or swoony, depends on the reader's interpretation) in the right place, mystery that keeps you hooked, slow burn romance that doesn't compromise the fast pacing, and satisfying ending. Hope and Will are definitely flawed, but that makes them relatable, and I really like the way their friendship develops into something more. Romance readers who are looking for something new for their next read must be in for a treat with this one.
It's just that I went in with the expectation as it is labeled (Women's fiction/general fiction) and with that stunning cover and title, I was waiting for an immersive, magical little village setting in a bildungsroman story only to find myself in the middle of modern romance that is less atmospheric and more plot-driven. If only I had prepared myself to read a romance book, I would have enjoyed the first half more. Nevertheless, it's worth to read, and as soon as I switched my mood into 'reading romance', I was able to finish it with a good impression. This will be best for readers who rarely read romance with a sprinkle of magical elements, but not for the ones who expect magical realism.
It's just that I went in with the expectation as it is labeled (Women's fiction/general fiction) and with that stunning cover and title, I was waiting for an immersive, magical little village setting in a bildungsroman story only to find myself in the middle of modern romance that is less atmospheric and more plot-driven. If only I had prepared myself to read a romance book, I would have enjoyed the first half more. Nevertheless, it's worth to read, and as soon as I switched my mood into 'reading romance', I was able to finish it with a good impression. This will be best for readers who rarely read romance with a sprinkle of magical elements, but not for the ones who expect magical realism.
August 25, 2023
I could only imagine how hard it is to be a debut author and put your first book out into the world. New Author Elaine Roth did just thank and after reading her book I am so thankful she did. The Midnight Garden is told from two different perspectives of Will and Hope, both individuals who have experienced great loss. Throughout the book the reader sees how both characters learn to trust the other as well as to trust and forgive themselves. Roth did a masterful job of showing how grief effects people differently and the guilt that often accompanies it. All the characters were so well developed and I loved the character Mauve who not only brought magic with her but who brought out the magic in everyone she met.
December 30, 2023
The Midnight Garden is a delicate reminder that our ordinary lives may bore us at times when our spirit longs for adventure, but we also need to stop and smell the roses. Life is precious, and we should live like every day is our best life.
We journey through this story with Hope, who is widowed at the young age of 23 after a car accident takes her husband’s life. She survived only to be barely floating through life, not really living, just going through the motions. She’s living in her hometown, where the residents are sometimes busybodies, and gossip seems to be the town’s entertainment. One night, when Hope tries to escape her world and be far away from people, she finds herself on a private roof deck but isn’t alone for long. Will, the owner of the venue they are at, ends up on the roof deck trying to escape his world, too. There is a moment between them where playful banter seems flirty, and maybe a spark lights, but the moment ends just as quickly as it started, and they go their separate ways.
We quickly learn that Hope and Will have a rough life that’s left them with deep-rooted pain that neither seems to escape in this small town where everyone knows your business. Their pasts weigh them down, and it’s been many years since either has let their guard down and lived.
A new resident has come to town and lives in a cottage on the outskirts. It doesn’t take long for the rumor mill to start making claims against the woman. Will and Hope meet the mysterious Maeve, who seems different from what they heard about her. She has a peaceful and wise spirit, but they are also cautious because of the rumors of her being able to communicate with the dead and heal others. People throughout the town are making radical changes to their lives, including Will’s mother. It doesn’t take long before people call her a fraud and a thief. Maeve knows things about people, and that makes them uneasy, and some think she’s involved in witchcraft.
The more time Hope spends with Maeve and Will, the lighter the guilt she cares becomes; she feels her old self start to breathe again. Family drama, lies, and hidden secrets are revealed that threaten the magic they are feeling. Can you move forward in life and become a better person, or do the mistakes from your past always haunt and drag you down?
Forgiveness and second chances bubble up throughout the story. Grief comes in many forms, and sometimes, it feels unfair to move forward in life. We are capable of having a second chance in life. That healing can happen if we allow ourselves the grace to work through our circumstances and choose to open our hearts.
This story was sweet with magic, love, and special tea! It was full of gentle reminders that make your heart swell. I hope the author will write a book about Maeve. She’s such an interesting character that I know it would be a delight to go on a journey with her, learning more about her past, adventures, and the lives she’s touched along the way. She’s a character that represents the quote, “Don’t judge a book by its cover.”. Also, please share Maeve’s tea recipes. We can’t wait to try them!
We journey through this story with Hope, who is widowed at the young age of 23 after a car accident takes her husband’s life. She survived only to be barely floating through life, not really living, just going through the motions. She’s living in her hometown, where the residents are sometimes busybodies, and gossip seems to be the town’s entertainment. One night, when Hope tries to escape her world and be far away from people, she finds herself on a private roof deck but isn’t alone for long. Will, the owner of the venue they are at, ends up on the roof deck trying to escape his world, too. There is a moment between them where playful banter seems flirty, and maybe a spark lights, but the moment ends just as quickly as it started, and they go their separate ways.
We quickly learn that Hope and Will have a rough life that’s left them with deep-rooted pain that neither seems to escape in this small town where everyone knows your business. Their pasts weigh them down, and it’s been many years since either has let their guard down and lived.
A new resident has come to town and lives in a cottage on the outskirts. It doesn’t take long for the rumor mill to start making claims against the woman. Will and Hope meet the mysterious Maeve, who seems different from what they heard about her. She has a peaceful and wise spirit, but they are also cautious because of the rumors of her being able to communicate with the dead and heal others. People throughout the town are making radical changes to their lives, including Will’s mother. It doesn’t take long before people call her a fraud and a thief. Maeve knows things about people, and that makes them uneasy, and some think she’s involved in witchcraft.
The more time Hope spends with Maeve and Will, the lighter the guilt she cares becomes; she feels her old self start to breathe again. Family drama, lies, and hidden secrets are revealed that threaten the magic they are feeling. Can you move forward in life and become a better person, or do the mistakes from your past always haunt and drag you down?
Forgiveness and second chances bubble up throughout the story. Grief comes in many forms, and sometimes, it feels unfair to move forward in life. We are capable of having a second chance in life. That healing can happen if we allow ourselves the grace to work through our circumstances and choose to open our hearts.
This story was sweet with magic, love, and special tea! It was full of gentle reminders that make your heart swell. I hope the author will write a book about Maeve. She’s such an interesting character that I know it would be a delight to go on a journey with her, learning more about her past, adventures, and the lives she’s touched along the way. She’s a character that represents the quote, “Don’t judge a book by its cover.”. Also, please share Maeve’s tea recipes. We can’t wait to try them!
November 25, 2023
The Midnight Garden is a romance story with a touch of magic and an uplifting message about starting over and following your heart.
Maybe it was the title or the pretty cover, but I was hoping for more of a magical realism story than a romantic one. I didn't quite grasp the attraction between the two characters who both gave off rebound vibes. The relationship between Will and Hope started off like any Hallmark movie where two people who are physically attracted to each other happen to meet by chance and then a budding romance ensues. The touch of magic came by way of a new agey woman living out in the woods who uses her knowledge of plants and spirits to nudge people in the right direction, similar to a Cassie Nightingale type of character that fans of Hallmark's Good Witch series will be familiar with. Grief and courage are themes that are woven throughout the story and I thought the author did a good job at articulating the emotions of the characters. I would love to learn more about Maeve and where her "magic" came from.
The Midnight Garden was an okay read, the plot didn't move me and the magic wasn't whimsical enough. I think every aspect of the story could have been turned up a notch...more drama, more tension between the lovers, and more impactful magic. With that being said, I do look forward to reading more works by the author in the future as I think she has many more magical stories to tell. I'm sure it wasn't easy for the author to write about widowhood and grief, but I was very moved by Hope's journey and strength as it was the first time I met a character who was a young widow. I think the author wanted to share the magic about healing and listening to one's heart instead of writing a magical realism romance, but I think adding more whimsy and enchanting aspects to the story could have driven home the healing message more.
Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a free arc via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Maybe it was the title or the pretty cover, but I was hoping for more of a magical realism story than a romantic one. I didn't quite grasp the attraction between the two characters who both gave off rebound vibes. The relationship between Will and Hope started off like any Hallmark movie where two people who are physically attracted to each other happen to meet by chance and then a budding romance ensues. The touch of magic came by way of a new agey woman living out in the woods who uses her knowledge of plants and spirits to nudge people in the right direction, similar to a Cassie Nightingale type of character that fans of Hallmark's Good Witch series will be familiar with. Grief and courage are themes that are woven throughout the story and I thought the author did a good job at articulating the emotions of the characters. I would love to learn more about Maeve and where her "magic" came from.
The Midnight Garden was an okay read, the plot didn't move me and the magic wasn't whimsical enough. I think every aspect of the story could have been turned up a notch...more drama, more tension between the lovers, and more impactful magic. With that being said, I do look forward to reading more works by the author in the future as I think she has many more magical stories to tell. I'm sure it wasn't easy for the author to write about widowhood and grief, but I was very moved by Hope's journey and strength as it was the first time I met a character who was a young widow. I think the author wanted to share the magic about healing and listening to one's heart instead of writing a magical realism romance, but I think adding more whimsy and enchanting aspects to the story could have driven home the healing message more.
Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a free arc via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
December 30, 2023
The Midnight Garden is a hopeful and heartfelt debut about a young widow’s journey to move forward after an incredible loss. When Hope loses her husband suddenly, she reels from the loss. But when Will returns to her small town to run his family’s business, she recognizes a kindred spirit. This book is the story of a young widow's struggle to find forgiveness and a path forward. There are second chances, romance, and courage to move forward after suffering this incredible loss. The central question is whether you can find love again after losing an unconditional love.
I loved the characters, the story, the emotion. There’s a line where the character says, "I needed only my voice, my forgiveness, my permission, my ability to believe in myself. For two years, I buried my head in the sand, hid from life, and played it safe, built a world where I had as little to lose as possible. I still lost because maybe it was never about building a life safe from loss. Maybe that's impossible. Regardless of how small you make your life, the universe isn't safe. Bad things happen to good people, and none of that is a reason to stop living. Maybe the real work is in finding a way to be brave enough to live every bit of the life that's left." I felt like the book was more than just whether you find love again, but whether you live again after suffering such a tragic loss. The Midnight Garden was touching and inspiring.
To listen to my interview with the author, go to my podcast at: https://www.momsdonthavetimetoreadboo...
I loved the characters, the story, the emotion. There’s a line where the character says, "I needed only my voice, my forgiveness, my permission, my ability to believe in myself. For two years, I buried my head in the sand, hid from life, and played it safe, built a world where I had as little to lose as possible. I still lost because maybe it was never about building a life safe from loss. Maybe that's impossible. Regardless of how small you make your life, the universe isn't safe. Bad things happen to good people, and none of that is a reason to stop living. Maybe the real work is in finding a way to be brave enough to live every bit of the life that's left." I felt like the book was more than just whether you find love again, but whether you live again after suffering such a tragic loss. The Midnight Garden was touching and inspiring.
To listen to my interview with the author, go to my podcast at: https://www.momsdonthavetimetoreadboo...
November 11, 2023
“The universe isn’t safe. Bad things happen to good people. And none of that is a reason to stop living. Maybe the real work is in finding a way to be brave enough to live every bit of the life that’s left.”
After Hope loses her young husband tragically and unexpectedly, she finds herself stuck and unable to move forward. How can she, when she feels her small town only accepts you if you’re part of a “we”? But when Hope meets Will, a guy running from his own demons, she finds an affinity there. With the help of Maeve, a newcomer to town who makes healing teas and is a bit eccentric, Hope starts to see that she is the maker of her own destiny. Can she open her heart and allow herself to love again?
Wait what?! This is a debut?? Oh my. Elaine Roth knocked it out of the park with this one. I am usually stingy with my 5 star reviews but this one just had me feeling all of the feelings and thus, it is worthy. Hope and Will were such great characters going through some really heavy stuff and it all felt so authentic. They stumbled. They fell. They picked themselves up. They made mistakes. But their small town, which at times felt suffocating to them, is also full of warmth and love. The Midnight Garden is a heartwarming and emotional read that I highly recommend and it is available now!
Thank you to @Netgalley, @theelaineroth, @amazonpublishing, and @mbc_books for the #gifted copy.
After Hope loses her young husband tragically and unexpectedly, she finds herself stuck and unable to move forward. How can she, when she feels her small town only accepts you if you’re part of a “we”? But when Hope meets Will, a guy running from his own demons, she finds an affinity there. With the help of Maeve, a newcomer to town who makes healing teas and is a bit eccentric, Hope starts to see that she is the maker of her own destiny. Can she open her heart and allow herself to love again?
Wait what?! This is a debut?? Oh my. Elaine Roth knocked it out of the park with this one. I am usually stingy with my 5 star reviews but this one just had me feeling all of the feelings and thus, it is worthy. Hope and Will were such great characters going through some really heavy stuff and it all felt so authentic. They stumbled. They fell. They picked themselves up. They made mistakes. But their small town, which at times felt suffocating to them, is also full of warmth and love. The Midnight Garden is a heartwarming and emotional read that I highly recommend and it is available now!
Thank you to @Netgalley, @theelaineroth, @amazonpublishing, and @mbc_books for the #gifted copy.
November 11, 2023
A Story of love and loss, hope and guilt, and perhaps a chance to love again, if only Hope can forgive herself.
Years before this story begins, her husband died in a tragic car accident, and Hope is still unwilling to let go of her guilt. It doesn’t help that she feels that others talk behind her back and blame her, whether they do or not.
One night she meets Will, and there is a connection, but one she still struggles with even after all these years. Will has also suffered loss, but finds himself falling for Hope.
There’s also a woman that Hope has come to believe in, a woman who is also connected to her mother, and Hope turns to her for what she trusts is her sage advice.
I loved the lovely description of the garden, one of those stories that is easy to fall into and loved the way this story flowed so effortlessly.
Published: 07 Nov 2023
Many thanks for the ARC provided by Lake Union Publishing
November 14, 2023
The Midnight Garden is the most magical story about love, loss, regret, and second chances. It's about friendship, family, and the ways in which we navigate these relationships through change.
Hope is a widow who holds tight to her husband, who died just a few years before we meet her. How can she go on and live a full life, when his was cut so short? As you will learn, "when there's a will there's a way."
The characters you meet on Hope's journey are relatable, colorful and unforgettable. The landscape, a fictional town in Rhode Island, is beautiful and vast, and one special character, Maeve, will keep you guessing throughout the book.
This was a total page turner and the ending did not disappoint. Get this book. Read it with your bookclub. It's a wonderful adventure.
Hope is a widow who holds tight to her husband, who died just a few years before we meet her. How can she go on and live a full life, when his was cut so short? As you will learn, "when there's a will there's a way."
The characters you meet on Hope's journey are relatable, colorful and unforgettable. The landscape, a fictional town in Rhode Island, is beautiful and vast, and one special character, Maeve, will keep you guessing throughout the book.
This was a total page turner and the ending did not disappoint. Get this book. Read it with your bookclub. It's a wonderful adventure.
October 16, 2023
Thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
Beautifully written story that could have been maudlin, given the circumstances in Hope's life, yet was optimistic. I loved the trajectory of her storyline with Will and how they both grew emotionally. I'm still not sure if I liked or disliked Maeve but that's what a good book does - it makes you think. You'll be rooting for these characters right from the beginning. It was so descriptive, it was almost like watching it on film. This author has a very promising future. Highly recommend.
Beautifully written story that could have been maudlin, given the circumstances in Hope's life, yet was optimistic. I loved the trajectory of her storyline with Will and how they both grew emotionally. I'm still not sure if I liked or disliked Maeve but that's what a good book does - it makes you think. You'll be rooting for these characters right from the beginning. It was so descriptive, it was almost like watching it on film. This author has a very promising future. Highly recommend.
November 6, 2023
The Midnight Garden by debut author Elaine Roth was a sweet story of overcoming grief and forgiving yourself woven in with a little magic and a little romance.
Hope is a young widow unable to let go of her tragic past and unable to forgive herself. Will is a TV screenwriter who left town abruptly but is back to help manage his family's inn. And then there's Maeve, an eccentric woman who makes healing teas and communes with the dead. Some of the townspeople think she’s a grifter, a fake. Others have taken her message of empowerment to heart.
I enjoyed reading about these characters as they wove their way into my heart. Hope and Will's romance was Hallmark movie worthy in spite of some miscommunication that I don't always love. Maeve is enigmatic and mysterious but provides warmth and guidance to those unable to find their way forward.
The story is told through alternating POVs of Hope and Will as they navigate their personal demons from the past and begin to trust and care for one another. This story is perfect for readers who enjoy second chance romance and a little magical realism.
Many thanks to MB Communications and Lake Union Publishing for my gifted copy of the Midnight Garden.
Hope is a young widow unable to let go of her tragic past and unable to forgive herself. Will is a TV screenwriter who left town abruptly but is back to help manage his family's inn. And then there's Maeve, an eccentric woman who makes healing teas and communes with the dead. Some of the townspeople think she’s a grifter, a fake. Others have taken her message of empowerment to heart.
I enjoyed reading about these characters as they wove their way into my heart. Hope and Will's romance was Hallmark movie worthy in spite of some miscommunication that I don't always love. Maeve is enigmatic and mysterious but provides warmth and guidance to those unable to find their way forward.
The story is told through alternating POVs of Hope and Will as they navigate their personal demons from the past and begin to trust and care for one another. This story is perfect for readers who enjoy second chance romance and a little magical realism.
Many thanks to MB Communications and Lake Union Publishing for my gifted copy of the Midnight Garden.
February 27, 2024
I really wanted to love this book.. It had a lot going for it. Second chances, romance, a mysterious woman who held seances, family. I just didn't love it. It wasn't a long book and it took me a few months to read because I kept putting it down. I think it suffered from everything I dislike about first person narration. I also think I wanted more magical realism, as the title suggests there is.
I liked Will and Hope. I really liked the ending. I am hoping the author continues to grow as a writer because there was something there. It just wasn't love for me.
Thank you, NetGalley, for the chance to read and review this book. All opinions are mine and freely expressed.
I liked Will and Hope. I really liked the ending. I am hoping the author continues to grow as a writer because there was something there. It just wasn't love for me.
Thank you, NetGalley, for the chance to read and review this book. All opinions are mine and freely expressed.
February 27, 2024
I really wanted to love this book.. It had a lot going for it. Second chances, romance, a mysterious woman who held seances, family. I just didn't love it. It wasn't a long book and it took me a few months to read because I kept putting it down. I think it suffered from everything I dislike about first person narration. I also think I wanted more magical realism, as the title suggests there is.
I liked Will and Hope. I really liked the ending. I am hoping the author continues to grow as a writer because there was something there. It just wasn't love for me.
Thank you, NetGalley, for the chance to read and review this book. All opinions are mine and freely expressed.
I liked Will and Hope. I really liked the ending. I am hoping the author continues to grow as a writer because there was something there. It just wasn't love for me.
Thank you, NetGalley, for the chance to read and review this book. All opinions are mine and freely expressed.
November 11, 2023
The Midnight Garden is set in a small town where everyone knows each other and loves to gossip. The story is full of romance, adventure, and a touch of magic. Hope is a young widow who is dealing with grief after the death of her husband. Will is back in town to help his mother. Both have past regrets they need to learn to overcome. This is a very enjoyable read. Thanks to the author Elaine Roth, St. Martin's Press, and NetGalley. I received a complimentary copy of this ebook. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
November 15, 2023
So I went into this book thinking it would be a story about grief and forgiveness and love... and it was and I enjoyed it. There is, however, part of it that becomes a little magical realism and I loved that! Maeve was such a fun and interesting character and I would love to see her in another book to hear more of her story. Honestly this book just felt like a warm hug. I loved visiting the small town and I really felt for Hope and Will. I received an advance review copy for free and I'm leaving this review voluntarily.
March 11, 2024
This was a beautiful story about love after loss, with some magic woven in. Roth did an amazing job of bringing the characters to life, and I loved getting to know Hope, Will, and Maeve. We get to see both Hope and Will's POVs, but Maeve is an important guide. It isn't all clear sailing, but you can't help but root for Will and Hope. There were moments I just wanted to set them down and clear up misunderstandings, but overall this is a feel-good second chance romance. The perfect read for sweet romance lovers!
April 1, 2024
Not what I expected.
The Midnight Garden - The beginning of this story held my attention and I liked the characters and some of the story lines. I started losing interest in the story and the characters around the fifty percent mark and would quickly set the reader down. Knowing the story was about grief, starting over, and romance, I expected more than what I got out of it. I did expect a bit of magic, not intuition. While I did not dislike the story, I did not like it. Source: Won a GoodReads giveaway. 3*
The Midnight Garden - The beginning of this story held my attention and I liked the characters and some of the story lines. I started losing interest in the story and the characters around the fifty percent mark and would quickly set the reader down. Knowing the story was about grief, starting over, and romance, I expected more than what I got out of it. I did expect a bit of magic, not intuition. While I did not dislike the story, I did not like it. Source: Won a GoodReads giveaway. 3*
October 11, 2023
The Midnight Garden by debut author E. Roth, published by Lake Union Publishing is a very well written stand-alone.
A touching story about loss, guild, sacrifice and healing, second chances, finding love again.
Hope and Will are just perfect for each other. Both suffered great losses, are about to start over, find a new way to live life to the fullest.
I started reading and fell nto the story, literally unputdownable, 4,5 beautiful stars.
A touching story about loss, guild, sacrifice and healing, second chances, finding love again.
Hope and Will are just perfect for each other. Both suffered great losses, are about to start over, find a new way to live life to the fullest.
I started reading and fell nto the story, literally unputdownable, 4,5 beautiful stars.
October 19, 2023
What a great book. Seems like it has a little bit of everything in it, including magic.
Usually I’m not one to read books with hints of magic in it but shockingly I enjoyed this one.
I had all the feels for Hope and Will.
I do have to say, I kind of want a Maeve book. She’s pretty mysterious. You really don’t know if she’s good or bad. I think she deserves her own story.
I was able to read the ARC through NetGalley 😍
Usually I’m not one to read books with hints of magic in it but shockingly I enjoyed this one.
I had all the feels for Hope and Will.
I do have to say, I kind of want a Maeve book. She’s pretty mysterious. You really don’t know if she’s good or bad. I think she deserves her own story.
I was able to read the ARC through NetGalley 😍
November 2, 2023
This was a sweet, emotional read. I didn't like it nor dislike it. Initially, I felt connected to the characters, but as I read on, I felt the characters didn't seem quite believable and didn't feel real to me. This book was fine, but it's the type of thing that I would probably read once and then pass on to someone else for them to enjoy.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for a free copy to review.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for a free copy to review.
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