Review: “Blue Midnight”
I downloaded a free copy of this via a newsletter promotion.
The Premise
When Blythe finds a scrap of paper with her former lover Finn Lannigan’s number on it, she reminisces about all that could’ve been — if she’d chosen him instead of her now ex-husband. Now a divorcee in her forties, she’s aware that she wasted her best years on a man who ultimately betrayed her. While her ex is on honeymoon with his new wife and his and Blythe’s two daughters, Blythe takes the rare opportunity of solitude to embark on a journey to rediscover herself — and perhaps, to find her long-lost love. She goes to Blue Mountain, a small town with a tight-knit community that seems to clam up when she starts asking questions about the powerful Lannigan family. Can she unravel the secrets of the Lannigan family — and get her second chance at love?
The Pros
Part family drama, part romance, part women’s fiction, Blythe’s story is one that will touch the hearts of many women. I loved the relationships throughout the entire novel, including the family connections between the Lannigan brothers and Blythe and her sister’s close-knit love as well. The matriarch is also formidable and a great character. I especially liked how Blythe’s motherly-ness instantly connected to Kevan’s daughter. There’s a lot to love here, including well-written steamy scenes, heart-wrenching dramatic moments, and soap-opera-esque shocking reveals.
The Cons
Though I liked and enjoyed the story overall, I have to admit that the plot did seem far-flung at times. I found it hard to believe that her brief affair was such a family legacy among the Lannigans, Blythe’s sister’s over-indulgence with expensive gifts seemed unnecessary, and a few other small things that just rubbed me a wee bit the wrong way and spoilt the otherwise thrilling ride of the story! Poor communication and misunderstanding abound in the Lannigan family, which frustrated me as a reader though I understood it was necessary for the mystery buildup.
Conclusion
Despite my niggles, this was a great read and one I would highly recommend. The elements are all there to draw you in, and there is enough sprinkled through about the secondary characters to make you want to read on more. I look forward to reading more by this author, and I may pick up others in the series.
