AI have read many books by this author and I love the way she makes you feel connected to a setting. In this book, a small, rural community in Texas. Loved the character of Ellie, her relationship with the past, her mother, her grandmother, and her developing romance/relationship with Blue. Good story.

Ellie searches for the truth in a captivating novel about loss, love, family, and healing.

Not sure why, this started out a little slow for me, but I enjoyed it, it was well written. Ellie and Blue's characters were very well developed. I loved how easily they bonded; it was genuine and real. The descriptions of scenery were so vivid, that I could see, hear and smell the rain in the air.

I have read several of Barbara O'Neal's books and they are all good stories and worth reading. I just loved some more than others.

Thank you to Net Galley and Lake Union Publishing the opportunity to read this book. Also, thank you Barbara O'Neal for all your wonderful books..

In the Midnight Rain by Barbara O'Neal is a beautifully written and emotionally resonant novel that explores themes of family, healing, love, and self-discovery. O'Neal’s ability to create complex, relatable characters combined with a vivid sense of place makes this a story that will stay with you long after you've turned the last page.

The story follows the journey of Addie, a woman in her thirties, as she returns to her family’s farm in the Midwest after many years of separation. Addie is grappling with grief and unresolved issues from her past, including her strained relationship with her mother and the loss of her beloved grandmother. As Addie reconnects with her roots and the land, she must confront painful memories and work through the emotional baggage she has carried with her for years.

The novel is set against the backdrop of a small, rural town that O'Neal captures with authenticity and warmth. The descriptions of the farm, the surrounding countryside, and the town create an immersive atmosphere that invites readers to get lost in its beauty. The setting is almost like a character in itself, playing a crucial role in Addie's journey of healing and reconciliation.

At the heart of the novel is Addie's relationship with her family, particularly her mother, whose complicated history and secrets have shaped Addie’s own life. O'Neal skillfully delves into the intricacies of mother-daughter dynamics, exploring both the tensions and the deep love that often exist beneath the surface. As Addie starts to rebuild these relationships, she also learns more about herself and what she truly needs in life.

The romance in In the Midnight Rain is subtle and slow-burning, adding a layer of depth to Addie's emotional journey. While it isn’t the central focus of the plot, the romance provides a sense of hope and renewal as Addie begins to open her heart again after years of emotional walls. The relationship is sweet and well-developed, reflecting the themes of vulnerability, trust, and second chances.

One of the most striking aspects of In the Midnight Rain is O'Neal’s writing. Her prose is lyrical and evocative, pulling readers into the emotional undercurrent of the story. Each chapter is filled with introspection and beautifully crafted descriptions that make even the most mundane moments feel significant. The pacing is deliberate, allowing the story to unfold at a natural pace and giving the characters the time and space to evolve.

The novel also tackles themes of forgiveness and letting go, as Addie faces the painful realities of her past and learns to forgive herself and others. It’s a poignant exploration of the complexity of relationships and the ways in which people heal from trauma and loss.

**Thank you to the author and publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

In the Midnight Rain by Barbara O’Neal is a beautifully written novel that blends family secrets, personal healing, and the magic of nature. Set in a small, picturesque town, the story follows Willow, a woman grappling with a painful past while reconnecting with her estranged family. O’Neal’s lyrical prose brings depth to the characters and their emotions, while the rich, atmospheric setting of the Pacific Northwest adds to the story’s poignancy. With themes of resilience, forgiveness, and love, this is an evocative, heartwarming read perfect for fans of character-driven fiction.

Barbara O'Neal once again delivers a captivating read with In the Midnight Rain. The story grabbed me from the very first page and refused to let go as I fell into a world of music, mystery, and romance.
Biographer Ellie Connor heads to Gideon, Texas, searching for elusive blues singer Mabel Beauvais—and ends up discovering more than she bargained for. The story’s slow-burn intrigue and gentle romantic tension kept me glued to the pages. The beautiful writing, along with the intrigue and secrets, made this book a true pleasure to read. I couldn't wait to see how it all unfolded.
Huge thanks to the author, Lake Union Publishing, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book. This book is a must-read for fans of mystery mixed with romance, and stories that explore family and self-discovery.

This is a great mystery, A book that you pick up and read for a bit of excitement, a bit of atmosphere, a bit of intrigue and a little bit of romance. I enjoyed the characters but did find it a bit of a slow burn. It took me on a ride, set me in a location and gave me something to get my teeth stuck into. I enjoyed this book and will certainly find more books from this author to read in the future. 3 1/2 stars from me.

Thank you NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.

Biographer Ellie Connor is in Gideon, Texas, to research blues singer Mabel Beauvais who, on the verge of fame, mysteriously disappeared more than forty years ago. Gideon holds another mystery for Ellie. It’s the truth about her parents—a restless mother who died young and a father she never knew. They are an unsettled piece of Ellie’s own past. Somewhere in this town is the answer to both of her quests.

No one is more accommodating than charismatic Laurence “Blue” Reynard, a local with deep roots in Gideon. Sexy and charming, he’s also getting under Ellie’s skin like a smooth jazz rhythm. Yet beneath his seductive facade is a soul damaged by loss. Tragic, wanting, and beautiful. So wrong for a woman just passing through town. If only his passion and vulnerability weren’t so irresistible.

As Ellie pieces together Mabel’s puzzling life and that of her father, Blue takes the surprising journey with her. What then for Ellie? Follow her instincts and say goodbye, or follow her heart?
Loved, loved, loved this story. I thought it was beautifully written. The characters were relatable and likeable. I couldn't stop reading until I finished it. It was that good. Cannot wait to read more from the author.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union for the opportunity to read In the Midnight Rain by Barbara O'Neal. I adore Ms. O'Neal's writing, under any name she chooses to write under, and damned if she doesn't just keep getting better and better! In the Midnight Rain rocks!

Ellie met Blue on a chat site. They enjoy each other's company and have lots in common. Blue also lives in the small community of Gideon, Texas. Gideon just happens to to be the home of Mabel Beauvais who was a blues singer. Ellie is writing her biography. Blue just happens to have a guest cottage that Ellie can use while writing her book. Ellie also knows that Gideon is a place her hippy mother visited before Ellie was born. Ellie thinks her father may be in Gideon. The problem, she doesn't know who it could be. Ellie is also recovering from her last relationship. This book has lots going on. Ellie learning more about Mabel, trying to discover who her father may be, and fighting the attraction between she a Blue.

This book is about relationships, family, and unraveling long held secrets. I enjoy Barbar O'Neal. Her stories are complex and leave you vested in the characters.

This re-issue of one of Barbara O’Neal’s previous novels is, as all her novels are, an enjoyable read, and has a great storyline; Ellie’s mission to research blues singer, Mabel Beauvais, along with the mysterious disappearance of her father 40 years ago…and then there is Ellie’s story as she finds her way through a new challenging relationship. Barbara O’Neal is a wonderful storyteller of relationships, love, and satisfying endings, and this earlier book is no exception, but is not the immersive page-turner her novels are now. Which is how it should be; authors get better and better.

I think this book needed some more character development to be an outstanding book. It wasn't horrible, but it could be a ton better!
The story line and plot was really good, and it made for a great read. There were things that happened that I couldn't have predicted was going to happen. For that alone, I rate this book 4/5 stars.

This is the first book I have read by Barbara O'Neal, but have heard so many great things about her as an author. I am looking forward to reading more of her books.

This is a cute romantic mystery. The characters are relatable and well developed. The build up was a little meandering, but it didn't feel slow.

Yet again, grateful for the re-issue and update of one of Barbara O'Neal's earlier books. (I believe this was originally published under the name of Ruth Wind.) This story has depth, atmosphere, beautifully depicted characters, and some lovely sexual tension. It's also significant that though a reissue, it touches on subjects very pertinent today - especially racial divide and Viet Nam losses and survivors.

I enjoyed this book a great deal, only dinging it a bit to a four star because it started slowly for me, and I had a difficult time keeping people straight. Once I got into it, however, I didn't want to put it down. The surprises are there - one I figured early on, but one in particular I had no clue about!

In the Midnight Rain by Barbara O'Neal is a moving story featuring Ellie Connor, a musician biographer traveling to Gideon Texas to learn about the life of a blues singer and her abrupt disappearance from the world of music and life itself. Mabel Beauvais was a beautiful and renowned blues singer who seemed to leave the world in 1953 just when her star was starting to shine. Ellie also knew that her mother, dead from an overdose when Ellie was two years old, had lived in Gideon before she had Ellie; Ellie was curious about who her father was, and was hopeful she would find out while she was there researching her book. Ellie develops a friendship with the sexy, yet somewhat lost Dr. Laurence Reynard, also known as Blue as a result of his lifelong passion for the blues. In the Midnight Rain brings together a group of people who are connected through life experiences, the Vietnam Conflict, friendship, betrayal, acceptance and love. Although at times I found it to be a slow read, it is a satisfying read. The last third of the book was real and heartwarming, at times heart-wrenching, and made the entire book a worthwhile read for me. Thank you to NetGalley, Lake Union Publishing and the author for the privilege of reading and reviewing an ARC of In the Midnight Rain; this review reflects my honest assessment. 3.5 stars.

An interesting plot sadly gets overshadowed by poor writing and a lack of character development. It isn’t awful but there are much better books out there.

I loved Ellie, and was sooooo team Blue. This sweet, sexy love story and the mysteries being unsolved about the past. I just was so engulfed in this book from the beginning. I highly suggest this book! It would be a fun book club talk!

Dr. Laurence 'Blue' Reynard was a charismatic ladies’ man with a captivating voice and a passion for orchids and old music. He owned a small dog named Sasha and an elderly cat named Piwacket. Biographer Ellie Connor, a music historian, moved to his cottage in Pine Bend, Texas, to research the mysterious disappearance of blues singer Mabel Beauvais and to find her own father, who was linked to the area. Despite expecting an older man, Ellie found herself drawn to the handsome Blue. Their relationship developed amid the sultry, secretive atmosphere of the town, rich with gossip and haunting music. The narrative's strength lay in its descriptive, engaging prose, evoking a modern-day gothic romance.

Oh my goodness. I thought I had read everything Barbara O’Neal had written. So glad for the reissue. Ellie Connor is a music biographer, coming to Gideon, Louisiana to write a memoir on the great Mabel Beauvais. But she is also on a personal mission. A mission to try to find out who her father is. Ellie finds herself caught up in the town and its people. One person in particular. Blue, a true southern man. I love how the town holds dark southern secrets. I love how the past also holds the future. Great book. Five wonderful stars. Thank you NetGalley for a copy of this wonderful book. The review posted is my own.

Music biographer Ellie Connor goes to Gideon, Texas on a dual mission: to research blues singer Mabel Beauvais, and discover who Ellie's father was. Mabel was on the verge of fame, then mysteriously disappeared more than forty years ago, and no one has reported seeing her since. Ellie's mom was in love with someone from Gideon, but never revealed who the father was, and she died of a drug overdose who Ellie was small so there is no chance of asking her. Ellie is staying in the guest house of Laurence “Blue” Reynard, whom she met online, and she has been warned by every woman in town that he is trouble, and to be careful. Blue, despite his seductive good looks, is a damaged soul, and will hurt any woman he gets involved with. The journey Ellie will go on to find answers will be arduous, but she will not only get the answers she is looking for, but she may even find unexpected love in the process.

This is a combination mystery & romance. "Blue" was the epitome of a tortured soul in need of redemption by a good woman, and Ellie was the perfect woman for the job. The mystery of what happened to Mabel and the identity of Ellie's father keep the reader guessing until almost the very end.

I read this book in 2013 and fell in love with Barbara O'Neal's story telling. I love the depth of the characters, the richness of the world in which the characters live. I love the sassiness of the woman and the vulnerability of the men. I love the story of the Blues and the homey feeling of a small town and the interest in wanting to understand a mystery. I always love authors that give characters a career or interest that you would never expected them to do but who thrive in it and make the story more interesting.
Even though I had read this story before, I still enjoying the unraveling of the mystery of blues singer Mabel Beauvais and the heated relationship between Ellie Conner and Laurence “Blue” Reynard with its up and downs and some surprises they need to deal with and the love they share. There is never a dull moment in this story and I wished it never ended.
I am so happy that O'Neal is bringing back some of her earlier stories because they are so wonderful and make you happy you read it.

I want to thank Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for the advance copy of this wonderful tale about Romance and the Blues.