Member Reviews
This was a good read, unusual and a tale on Cinderella.
Sadie is a local seamstress, who goes to the ball at the local castle, she cant stay past midnight but at the ball she meets a stranger and they share a mind blowing kiss. Witt has no idea who Sadie is because it was a masquerade ball and he didnt see her face.
Later on Witt comes to Sadies shop and asks her to help him track down the woman he cant get out of his mind. Will Sadie confess or will she go along for the ride?
It was whimsical, funny, charming, and just plain magic. Exactly what you want to read on the run up to christmas, it really is the most perfect christmas book.
Solid 5 stars. Loved it.
I was excited to start this new series from Admans because I have loved several of her books in the past. If you are after a tale brimming full of magic and love, this is definitely a keeper. I loved how Admans makes frequent references to well-known fairy tales and if you are well-versed in Disney films, you won’t resist being able to draw parallels here.
This is like a re-telling of Cinderella, except Sadie isn’t really up against an evil stepmother and ugly sisters. Her aunt Ebony (I can’t but not imagine Snow White here!) has taken over the running of the dress shop that Sadie’s mother had established except, Ebony’s marketing methods are rapidly sinking the business. Overlooking the shop is an abandoned castle that helps bring the magic to the wonderful Ever After Street, full of independent businesses that really play to the fairy tale setting. However, with news that the castle is going to be demolished for a supermarket, the locals are up in arms.
A castle needs to have a ball, right? And Sadie’s undercover attendance sees her cross paths with a mysterious and delightful stranger. It’s a perfect meet-cute that sees Sadie falling in love over a magical evening. Except when the clock strikes midnight, she has to rush back to the dress shop otherwise Ebony will find out that Sadie has gone against her wishes. Cue Prince Charming trying to find out the identity of his partner, and Sadie doing everything still to try and save the shop.
It’s a gorgeous story and I couldn’t get enough of the setting and delightful fairy tale references. You know that there is going to be a happy ever after, but it just takes a bit of time getting there. I felt frustrated for Sadie that she isn’t identified as being at the ball, but loved how the experience was able to alter the fate of the shop. Furthermore, Witt just seems like the perfect hero with his own flaws and I enjoyed how Admans portrayed him as a bit vulnerable but coming out of his shell thanks to Sadie’s influence.
I think it would be impossible to read this book and not be touched by the magic, nor make any comparisons to traditional fairy tales. The writer has certainly jam-packed the story with these parallels except they are with a modern twist. The setting of Ever After Street really captured my imagination and I cannot wait to continue reading this series.
With thanks to Boldwood books and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
A cute romance for the aficionados of fairy tales and small town settings. Good writing and likeable characters.
I just love Jaimie’s books – gorgeous, warm stories that draw you in and sprinkle a little magic in your world. I absolutely loved this magical story. I felt like I was right there on Ever After Street, rooting for Sadie to find her happy ever after
This is the story of Sadie Winters, a seamstress working her fingers to the bone in a shop meant for her but instead being run by an overbearing aunt.
From the off in this beautiful book I was taken with the setting, the work, the friendships (her and Scarlett are so special), and then you are hit with the presence of the castle and the secret behind a person Sadie encounters. With a ball that is required to save the castle, the beauty, some biiiggggg moments, chemistry, comedy and general gorgeousness, I absolutely devoured this book and will revisit the Ever After Series (and anything else the amazing Ms. Admans writes!) Thanks to the publisher for the advance review copy!
This was a really lovely book and the start to what I already know is going to be a fab series as the location is just amazing. Ever After Street is basically Disney in real life, the Cinderella dress up is the focus of this one which is perfect for the mystery ball up at the castle that overlooks the street.
Of course I’ve mentioned a castle, a ball and a Cinderella dress shop so you must know what’s coming next… a handsome prince! And the prince in this book is pretty special, he’s just so honest and down to earth and I loved seeing how well him and Sadie got on together throughout the book. You know when two people are just perfect for each other… well that’s Sadie and Witt - even if they don’t realise it as such!
I really liked Scarlett’s supportive attitude towards Sadie, she’s basically the cheerleader behind the scenes and you just know she’s got her back - which is needed a few times!
Aunt ebony on the other hand… well, she really didn’t make me smile, in fact you just want her to stop getting in the way and actually believe in Sadie a little bit. She was definitely not my favourite character in this as you just felt sorry for Sadie being knocked down all of the time.
Despite Ebony this was a lovely book and the good definitely outweighed the bad, it really does feel like you’ve been whisked away to a fairytale village with this and I can just imagine how amazing it must feel to visit - let alone live and work there.
I can’t wait to read the next instalment of ever after street now!
Jaimie Admans enchants readers with her latest release, "A Midnight Kiss on Ever After Street," the first instalment in a brand new and utterly enchanting series. With its whimsical premise, endearing characters, and sprinkling of magic, this novel is a delightful escape into a picture-perfect town where dreams come true.
At the heart of the story is Sadie Winters, a shy seamstress who longs to break free from the constraints of her overbearing aunt's expectations. Forbidden from attending the farewell ball at the beloved local castle, Sadie takes matters into her own hands, embarking on a magical makeover and daring to defy expectations. Along the way, she crosses paths with Witt, a slightly awkward estate agent with plans to sell the castle and dash Sadie's dreams forever.
What sets "A Midnight Kiss on Ever After Street" apart is its enchanting blend of romance, humour, and fairy-tale charm. Admans's writing sparkles with warmth and wit, drawing readers into Sadie's world and inviting them to root for her as she embarks on a journey of self-discovery and love. From the magical midnight kiss to the charming interactions between Sadie and Witt, every moment is infused with a sense of wonder and possibility.
Moreover, Admans's portrayal of small-town life and the close-knit community of Ever After Street adds depth and richness to the narrative. As Sadie navigates the ups and downs of love and friendship, she learns valuable lessons about courage, resilience, and the true meaning of happiness. With its relatable themes and heartfelt moments, this novel is sure to resonate with readers of all ages.
I will read anything Jaimie Admans writes. She writes so much of my personal catnip and makes it so warm and trope-y that it fits readers' favourite romance checklists. Even though Admans has established her own brand of quirky, relatable heroines, a delicious sense of yearning and nice-guy beta heroes who are so anti-toxic they give the genre a warm hug, she puts her own indelible stamp on familiar narratives. Including this, which has all the makings of a fairytale and all of the hallmarks of an Admans story: small town, forged community and Sadie--- a shy, dreamer of a seamstress.
I want to live in Admans' books.
I really like Sadie, she doesn't have it easy at the beginning, some of it is so frustrating for her it's almost funny.
This is a really good story, like a twist on Cinderella in real life. Sadie is like Cinders and er Aunt is like the step mother, but slightly nicer (only slightly).
I love the feeling of community too, it's so heartwarming. My smile through the bits around the dress are so lovely was spread from ear to ear.
I love Witt, he's such a lovely character. He's shy but feels like his confidence is built by a certain someone. I loved this book. It's swoon worthy and like a real fairytale with a happy ending.
I received a copy of this book for a fair and honest review. I am a big fan of retelling and this is most definitely a Cinderella retelling. It is the story of Sadie and Witt. The Seamstress and the Real State Agent. There is magic in the air and secret kiss. The characters are wonderful well one is not so much. When you read it you will understand what I mean. It was lot of fun. I can't want to read more stories in this world.
This book has all the ingredients for a great, romantic read. Castle, downtrodden heroine, mean mother figure and handsome stranger but doesn’t quite hit the spot for me. The book is enjoyable none the less but a tad to many fairy stories competing for room.
Thank you Netgalley
Sadie, employed at the Cinderella Shop, stitches dresses for her Aunt after her parents' tragic car crash. Despite the shop being destined for her, Aunt Ebony refuses to pass it on. One night, Sadie, craving something for herself, attends the Castle ball in a self-sewn gown and mask. Meeting her Prince Charming, Witt, she flees at midnight, expecting to never cross paths again. However, Witt seeks her help the next day to find the mystery woman from the ball. As Sadie aids Witt, can she keep the secret that she is the one he's searching for?
This book, a Cinderella tale with a twist, features vibrant and funny characters. The storyline, filled with laughter and cheers, takes readers on an enjoyable journey with Sadie, who believes in magic and true love. Her Cinderella-like story unfolds in the Ever After Castle, where she falls in love at first sight. However, her midnight escape, driven by her evil Aunt, and the lost shoe lead to a humorous escapade as Witt attempts to find the owner.
I just finished A Midnight Kiss on Ever After Street and it was so remarkably wonderful! A beautiful, charming retelling of our favourite fairy tales. Admans crafts a heartfelt fictional world so little readers like me can get the warm fuzzies when life feels dull. Definitely a recommendation from me... because sometimes we just need a good fairy tale!
I didn’t enjoy this as much as the other books by the same author. The stories seems slightly disjointed and a bit forced at times.
Oh what a magical street! Just the kind of fairy book street you’d love to live nearby! I love that this is the first of a series; Jaimie’s stand alone novels are always wonderful, but how exciting to have a series on the way!
Jaimie never fails to write a gorgeous magical read. This has been no different. I was pulled into this book and found myself completely unwilling to put this down.
This is a truly magical read and I have loved everything about it. This has been the delightful fairytale that I have needed.
Adman’s books are always brilliant but this is a favourite. I loved every moment of being lost in the pages. The references to Beauty and the Beast which is my all time favourite.
The characters are gorgeous. I have been completely enthralled in this one and unwilling to return to reality. This is charming and beautiful.
I have read all the books by this author. This is definitely a favourite. Everything about this book is magical and it’s a must for the TBR.
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
A Midnight Kiss on Ever After Street was another fantastic book by Jaimie Admans.
Ever After Street is full of fairy tale themed shops with a castle at the top of the hill. When the castle is put up for sale to be replaced as a supermarket is this the end of the Ever After Street or can the residents do something to save it? A lovely magical read that ensured I was hooked on and lost in the story. Can’t wait for Jaimie’s next book.
This was a really cute story, a modern day version of Cinderella almost.
One slight criticism is I thought it was just a little too long.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for giving me a copy of this book in exchange for my review.
This is the least essential takeaway from the book, but it was the first thing to hit me, and it lingered like a PJ at the back of my mind almost throughout the narrative. I wondered that if the town that was described existed, how and by how much would Disney, the company, come down on the usage of trademarked things? I have not heard any stories of late, but a couple of years ago, the most innocuous Disney-based characters' usage in certain scenarios meant some sort of repercussions. This random beginning would make more sense once I get into the story itself.
Ever After Street is a fairytale-themed area which draws clientele because of their choice of naming convention for the individual shops on the Street and the decorations and setup that goes with it. Sadie is our lead protagonist and is the namesake Cinderella of the plot. She has been working herself to the bone for her Aunt, who refuses to let her contribute more than the labour to the running of the shop, which by rights should have been hers already.
There is a final ball announced before the sale of the castle on top of the hill. The sale has not been officially announced, but everyone knows it is happening, and without a castle on a hill, the whole fairytale effect (or, in this case, precisely the Disney versions of the fairytales - since I have read the original stories that are referred to here and they are not glittery enough to suit the mood) will be lost, as would be the livelihood of several people. This is one half of the narrative arc.
In the other (and more important) half, Sadie defies her Aunt, goes to the ball, and runs away at midnight, leaving a shoe behind. The shoe then leads her to form an attachment with the very man prepping the castle for sale while she struggles with trying to gain creative control of her shop.
It might sound like I am obsessing over the fairy tale angle enough to have not enjoyed the book, but that is not the case. The trope is well-used, and the parallels are drawn quite effectively. The romance covers both the first time's initial attraction as well as the slow buildup of a good relationship. I enjoyed spending time with everyone involved. Not everything goes the way one would expect things to go, even if the biggest reveal in the book was quite obvious from the beginning.
I like the author's writing style and would highly recommend this book to read on a cold evening with a hot cup of something nearby.
I received an ARC thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, but the review is entirely based on my own reading experience.
The setting of the castle at the end of Ever After Street sets the scene for this quirky romcom with all its allusions to fairytales, romance and hopefully, happy ever afters. Cinderella looms large in the story where we find Sadie sewing away in the family shop, making dresses to please her demanding aunt. Midnight kisses after a romantic meeting with a masked gentleman furthers the Cinderella feel. Of course, real life intrudes into the story as the castle is threatened with sale and redevelopment as a possible supermarket. The other shopkeepers are as devastated at the thought as Sadie.
Sadie has her own ambitions and a different vision for her shop. There are some amusing moments as she tries to hide her plans from her aunt, Of course, what she really longs for is a close family bond but the shop seems to get in the way. As Witt befriends Sadie, you are sure that he has a few secrets of his own. This is truly escapist reading and you find yourself hoping that all Sadie's dreams will come true.
In short: one enchanted evening...