Thanks Netgalley for allowing me to read this book. Alex's life has taken a sharp detour. What the family thought would be a way to bond as a family, was not happening. A fast read.

Special thanks to NetGalley for the advanced copy of this book. I really loved the survivalist nature of the first book in this series, so I was hoping this one would match up, but it didn't quite do it for me. It wasn't a complete dud, but it did miss a bit for me as I was a little bored with the storyline and characters and I also truly cannot see a Father or Mother doing what they both did as told at the end of the book.

It has taken me an unconscionably long time to provide feedback on this book, but I have not been sure how I feel about it. I love Kate Hewitt and I loved the first book in this series-even though it was quite a departure from her usual sort of story. I was always going to read this sequel; I am invested in the characters and their story and I was dying to know what happens next. The Midnight Hour delivers on this-we get to know what happens next, and there is a pretty satisfying conclusion to the story. That said-there were a few things that got in the way of this being an entirely satisfying read. First of all-and this often happens with sequels/series - there is a lot of time spent explaining what happened in the first book. This is normal, but there was a lot of it here, and it felt clumsy and tacked on. I found myself wishing the author/published just told people to get the first book and read it before attempting The Midnight Hour. The second thing I did not find successful was the parallel narrative. Without giving too much away, in the first book, one of the main characters sets off on a journey away from his family-after a few chapters, his story just sort of ends and we do not find out what happened during this journey, even after his return to the family towards the end of the first book. It is treated as a mystery, or something nobody on that journey wants to talk about-ever. That kind of worked for me. In the second book, the story is taken up again, layered with the present day narrative. The parallel narratives both involve journeys, but I did not find that the two stories related back to each other. The switching back and forth between narratives felt kind of jarring, to be honest. Even with these quibbles, I did find the novel a solid read. The character work is solid, everybody is relatable, the plot believable, and the stakes are high. I did enjoy this book, even though I wished for a more straightforward story arc.

Another masterpiece by Kate Hewitt. BRILLIANT!! Please let there be another book... It's mind-blowing and hard to put down

I was drawn in by the cover, and then surprised to discover that it's a sequel to a book I read about a family struggling to survive after a nuclear holocaust. I really wish the cover was not so beautiful.

All in all, this is a fast-paced book as the family has lost the cottage where they thought they were safe, and goes on the run to find another safe place. There is a LOT of violence especially in the first half of the story, so if you're squeamish, best to put this one down. Otherwise, it's an intriguing look into "what if..." for all of us. Also a bit of hope at the very, very end. I would definitely be interested in one more book in this series.

Thanks to Netgalley, the author, and publisher, for an advanced reading copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Alex, Daniel and their family have fled their burning cabin and the roaming gang who targeted them. Now they are criss-crossing the northern US and Canada, searching for sources of food, gasoline and sanctuary. Radiation levels may be down but society is still fractured. The idea of an organized community is appealing so the group joins two, one warm and welcoming, the other not so much. The Midnight Hour ends with a life changing decision. This is the second in a series and I cant wait for what comes next.

It is impossible to describe the plot of this dystopian thriller without spoilers. Kate Hewitt makes you care for this family and want them to survive in this changed world. The Midnight Hour combines family, survival, love and fellowship with human cruelty and reckless behavior. It questions actions taken in desperation and the guilt that follows. While it can be read as a standalone, please take the time to read The Last Stars in the Sky, the first in the series. It will help you understand the characters and some of their actions. 5 stars.

Thank you to NetGalley, Storm Publishing and Kate Hewitt for this ARC.

In October I read the Last Stars in the Sky. It was amazing! I hadn’t been expecting the post apocalyptic theme as I go into books blind often. I listened to the audiobook and finished it in one day! When I saw that NetGalley had the second book I had to request (especially since it ended with a cliffhanger) and luckily was picked. This book did not disappoint. This time I read on my kindle and it’s harder to find time to sit and read but I stayed up late every night. I loved it! I am a huge fan of post apocalyptic books and for there to be such a strong woman lead, a mom, that was wonderful. I’ve never read any of Kate Hewitts book before these but that will quickly change. Her writing style flows. The story is a beautiful one of redemption, love and trying to carve a new life. This book ended nicely where we don’t need another but honestly if she’s writing a third about their new life I will wholeheartedly read it. I read so much and honestly am not often blown away anymore. This series has! I’m in love and know it will be one I think about for years and reread. Thanks to NetGalley, Kate Hewitt, and the publisher for an arc in exchange for my honest review.

I continue to be amazed at the skill and versatility with which Kate Hewitt writes. She has a book for whatever mood I find myself in at that moment.

‘The Last Stars in the Sky’ was unique - so spectacular and I couldn’t stop singing its praises. Hewitt had left readers with a cliffhanger and I was hoping she’d revisit Alex and Daniel’s situation and give readers some closure. ‘The Midnight Hour’ picks up right where the last book finished and takes readers from the safety of the isolated Lost Lake cabin into the unknown Canadian wilderness.

I appreciated the pacing, drama, and tension and noted how Hewitt balanced these with emotional connections and powerful moments of community and resilience. I was on the edge of my seat reading about this family who’d faced devastation and had no choice now but to drive away from oblivion and towards the unknown. I may never face what the Walkers experience, but it reminded me that sometimes life doesn’t go according to plan. Sometimes it implodes. Sometimes it isn’t full of the “montage of Hallmark moments” we’d envisioned. It’s what we do in the afterward that’s the important part. I didn’t have children but I can imagine the struggle I’d have to ensure that my niece and nephew have something to hope for and something to believe in.

“We’ve got out of the habit of sacrificing ourselves for a greater good no one seems to believe in anymore.”

I think this quote and the moment it was spoken will stay with me the most. I, too, have noted that society seems to have an ‘every man for himself’ attitude these days. It was good to be reminded about the dangers of individualism. Since emerging from Covid lockdowns, I feel we’ve lost the camaraderie and ‘can-do’ attitude that was so prevalent. Certainly, we’ve lost the sense of duty and honor that society had pre-war.

My takeaways:

✔️I’d like to take the following quote as a warning and remind myself (hopefully weekly) to read the biblical reference to Habakkuk 3.

“When we most need to stick together, we all seem to be splintering apart.”

✔️I want to remember the lightbulb moment when I realized that everyone processes in different ways and we need to give each other space to do so.

I found myself down a rabbit hole with 22 Wing and North Bay!

Thank you for penning a fantastic sequel, Kate Hewitt. I loved Swiss Family Robinson as a kid and knew I was going to enjoy your twist on it!

I was gifted this copy by Storm Publishing and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.

I so enjoyed catching up with Alex and Daniel and their family, the troubles for survival in a world hit by nuclear bombs. The story goes on from Alex and children at the cottage and the challenges Daniel faces to fetch Sam from university and get back home. All this knowing that they could be risking radiation poisoning.
Loved this next chapter for the family and followers who gather and travel with them. I so hope there will be a 3rd book in the series.
My thanks as always to Netgalley and publisher Storm Publishing and of course author Kate Hewitt for permission for the early read

First, what a beautiful cover for heavy material. The book is a sequel, which I didn't know. While it didn't take away from this book, if you have the opportunity I would suggest reading the other novel first for context and understanding.

The plot was well done, and I enjoyed the book. The material (nuclear attack) is heavy, but not so that it brings the reader down.

Thank you to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for a digital ARC of this title in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

#TheMidnightHour #KateHewitt #NetGalley #StormPublishing

This is a hard book to read as it's in the midst of a nuclear attack but the story is so interesting. The choices that are made by the characters and their resilience to rise above the circumstances is so inspiring. I look forward to seeing what happens in the next book.

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the arc. The opinions are my own.

Having read the first one, which blew me away, I was eager to read this one and whilst it didn't disappoint, I felt it lacked some of the atmopshere of the first one. The family is back on the road, and trying to nativage their way in the new world. I love how Kate really takes yoou into the minds of the characters, and I often wondered what I would do in the same circumstances. I feel this would make a really good movie, and I did enjoy the book on the whole.

This book is a sequel, and I did not know that. I read this book as a standalone book so I missed a lot of context and information from book one that would’ve helped me enjoy this book more had I read book one. Besides that, it was well written, and entertaining.

Thank you to NetGalley, to the author, and to the publisher for this complementary ARC in exchange for my honest review!!!

I just finished The Midnight Hour by Kate Hewitt, and it was a ride from start to finish. If you’re looking for a book that keeps you guessing, this one doesn’t disappoint. Right from the first chapter, Hewitt’s storytelling is as gripping and unpredictable as ever. Every time I thought I had the plot figured out, she threw in a new twist that kept me turning pages well into the night.

It’s also a very creative take on a nuclear holocaust scenario, with a lot of depth. What sets this book apart is the way Hewitt addresses so many possibilities — she makes you wonder, in a very real way, what you would do in such a situation. From different character perspectives to the detailed scenarios, she captures every angle you’d want to explore. It’s a well-rounded, fast-paced read, and I think it’s even better than The Last Stars in the Sky. As a sequel, it builds beautifully on the foundation of the first book, yet it stands strong on its own too.

Overall, I’d say this book is a fantastic choice if you enjoy suspenseful, thought-provoking reads that make you reflect on human nature and survival. Kate Hewitt has truly outdone herself with The Midnight Hour, and I can’t wait to see what she writes next.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC! The Midnight Hour is Kate Hewitts’s latest novel. This story takes us on a journey through the rebuilding of lives that were blown open in the prequel by a nuclear attack on the United States. Alex, Daniel and their children have to make many difficult decisions to survive in this new reality. Throughout it all, they begin to trust each other again and their marriage also finds a way to heal. Though it was a good story, it didn’t blow me away like the first novel in the series did. Overall, a novel I would recommend to others who are interested in seeing how their lives pan out after the initial shock of the first novel.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to review 'Midnight Hour' by Kate Hewitt. The premise initially caught my interest, with the promise of a family navigating a harrowing escape from a nuclear explosion in a post-apocalyptic world reminiscent of *The Walking Dead*. However, after reading about 30% of the book, I found the characters too one-dimensional to fully engage with the story.

The suspenseful setup had a lot of potential, but the lack of depth in character development left me feeling disconnected from the stakes and unable to invest in the storyline. The family’s journey through the dangers of a devastated world felt repetitive, and the narrative lacked the complexity and intensity that makes survival stories truly gripping.

Unfortunately, I didn’t feel compelled to continue reading. Though it didn’t work for me, I can see the concept appealing to readers seeking a simpler, easy-to-follow apocalyptic thriller. Thank you again for the chance to review 'Midnight Hour'.

Read the first book The Last Stars in the Sky first, you won’t regret it, I have now devoured the both and loved them. The Midnight Hour continues Alex’s journey with her family after the US and Canada, along with many other places worldwide have been decimated by nuclear strikes. Kate Hewitt has created some wonderful, believable characters, they make you think ‘What would I do? How would I cope?’ I really enjoyed this follow on, having really enjoyed the first book too, even reading it with tears pouring down my face and my heartbreaking with loss so close to home it felt like this was written for me. Well done Kate Hewitt I will be reading more and recommending you!

read if you like:
😱 dystopian dramas
☢️ nuclear holocausts
🏡 family dramas

summary:
After reading THE LAST STAR IN THE SKY, I had to read the sequel. Continuing where the last book left off, Alex, Daniel and their family set off for the camp they’ve heard about in Buffalo. Leaving their secluded home in the woods, they learn quickly what the rest of the world has been doing while they’ve been hidden away. New societies have been formed, new leaders have been established, and a new way of life has emerged. How and where will they fit in?

Much like its predecessor, only read this if you’re ready to take on a nuclear holocaust and dystopian drama. In this book, we get to see how the family has settled - the roles they’ve taken, how they’ve grown, and how their past traumas continue to affect them. I did love getting to understand how they’ve adapted to this new life, and how each of the characters has found their own way. We also get flashbacks from Daniel of when he rescued Sam at college, which are tragic, sad and do get a little repetitive. While the first book establishes new things that have changed, this one just doubles down on them. The second half of the book gets better though, as new people are introduced and they start to move forward to a new society, rather than just battling gangs and terrorists.

If you want closure from the first story, and are in the mood for a little heartbreak, I recommend THE MIDNIGHT HOUR. Thanks to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC! This book will be released on January 10.

The world as we know it gone. Losing our home, money issues and my husband lying to me are meaningless. We are just trying to stay alive but how where do we go. No where is safe from radiation poisoning. The United States as we know it is gone, What are we to do!!
Alex and her family are trying to stay alive and together during this Armageddon. Trying to get her son Sam her husband Daniel leaves them so Sam can be with them. Not knowing what to expect Daniel escapes looters, killers to get his son, while he risks his life . Hurting people along the way Daniel wants to get back to his family.
This book takes you on a whirlwind of a ride. So many obstacles lay ahead for this family. Who can they trust,,should they trust anyone. They end up in places no one could imagine knowing life as they knew it was over. Will they survive the radiation poisoning or die one by one?
This is not my typical read at all. I really enjoyed the first book so I figured I needed to know what happens and I did. This book kept me going and at the edge of my seat. What a family does to survive, the things they would never have done. If you like an adventure this book is for you. It truly made me think about what would I do if this happened to me?
Thank you NetGalley and Storm Publishing for getting me out of my reading realm. I’d love to see what happens next for this family. Great book Ms. Hewitt

This is the scone book in the series by Kate Hewitt.

I absolutely love this author!

I enjoyed these books and gave the first book 5 stars.
However, this second book I only gave 4 stars.
That’s because I felt there could have been a little more back story at the beginning of this second book to enlighten the readers on where the storyline was continuing from.

Other than that I enjoyed this book and can’t wait to read more from Kate Hewitt.