Category: Paranormal / Fantasy

A New Chapter at Midnight by E.W. Andersen

On By TracyIn Contemporary, New To Me Author, Paranormal / Fantasy, Part of a Series, Tracy's Reviews, Young AdultLeave a comment

A New Chapter at Midnight (Midnights On the Square, #3)A New Chapter at Midnight by Emily W. Andersen

Tracy’s Rating: 4 of 5 stars

Series: Midnights on the Square #3

Release Date: July 13, 2026

Aurelia Lyndham is the owner of a very special bookshop that she inherited from her Aunt Marigold. The shop is magical and each night at midnight characters from the book appear to Aurelia and she is able to interact with them, but she is the only one who can see them, so she has kept this information to herself, not wanting anyone to think she is insane. Keeping the secret from her friends and family has been hard but keeping it from her fiancé Oliver has been the hardest of all. With her wedding day drawing closer, she is determined to tell him the truth, but the time never seems right.

But all that changes when her teenage niece Julia comes to visit and is able to see the characters, presumably because she will one day own the shop. Aurelia tries to explain to Julia why it is important to keep the magic of the shop secret, but Julia can’t keep this to herself, first telling her mother, Aurelia’s sister Antonia, which leads to her coming to the shop, which leads to Oliver learning about it. It takes some doing to get Antonia and Oliver to believe them, since they are not able to see the characters, and while they do eventually accept it, Oliver is very hurt that Aurelia kept this from him and it puts their relationship in jeopardy.

I requested this title without realizing it was the third book in a series, but the author did an amazing job of giving enough backstory to let new readers jump right into the story with no problems. This story was a gentle read; there was not a lot of drama, not a lot of magic, and not a lot of romance – but somehow, it works and ends up being a very satisfying read. If you are looking for story with a bit of magic, close family ties, a little romance, and a happy ending – Read this book! I am happy to recommend this title, and I will definitely be reading this author’s previous books as well as her future work!

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher/author. All opinions in this review are my own. *

 

Once Upon a Magical Night: A Midsummer’s Night Ball by Various Authors

On By TracyIn Anthology, Georgian Era (1714-1837), Historical Paranormal/Fantasy, Paranormal / Fantasy, Regency Era (1811-1820), Romantasy, Time Travel, Tracy's Reviews, Victorian Era (1837-1901)Leave a comment

Once Upon a Magical Night: A Midsummer's BallOnce Upon a Magical Night: A Midsummer’s Ball by Amanda Mariel

Tracy’s Rating: 4 of 5 stars

Series: Anthology

Release Date: June 24, 2026

This anthology has five new novellas by some of my favorite authors, each with a bit of magic and a happy ending:

Entrapped by Enchanted Desire by Dawn Brower: Lady Rosina wants freedom. Anton Marcus, Duke of Sinclair, demands control. But when an enchanted midsummer invitation traps them inside Puckton Castle, desire, truth, and meddling fairies may force them to choose love. 3.5 stars

When the Dawn Found Us by Amanda Mariel: Rosalind Bennett is swept into magical Puckton Castle, where guarded Adrian Vale, Duke of Ashbourne, tempts her heart amid fairy mischief, stolen kisses, and one enchanted midsummer night that demands a choice by dawn. 3.5 stars

Loved in a Dream by Jane Charles: Lady Polina St. Martin is promised to another, but dreams of adventure. Lord Benjamin Cartwright, Viscount Amesbury, is ready for marriage—just not love. When a magical ball draws them together, destiny may rewrite every rule. 4 stars

A Bewildering Interruption by Ramona Elmes: Lady Bianca Tartley is sensible, agreeable, and certain she has no taste for unnecessary risks. Edmund Knight is ruthless, guarded, and one day away from the revenge that has ruled his life. When magic draws them together, leaving may become the last thing either of them wants. 4 stars

A Rhyme of Fanciful Dreams by Tabetha Waite: Lady Julia Perry seeks freedom for one forbidden night. Frederick Ellis, Earl of Napleton, longs to escape his haunted past. At a mysterious Midsummer’s Ball, passion feels like magic—but will sunrise make their love vanish like a dream? 3.5 stars

Overall, this collection of novellas was a fun read, but it wasn’t quite as connected and cohesive as I was expecting. Based on the prologue, I thought it was going to be five stories all at the same ball – but that is not the case. That is fine, but it was a bit jarring as I was reading and expecting one thing yet getting a completely different era and magical interaction. Each story was well written, had likable characters, a few kisses, a bit of magic and finally a happy ending.

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher/author. All opinions in this review are my own. *