Member Reviews
Thank you to NetGalley and Joffe Books for this ARC.
This is book 4 in the Broclington series. I haven't read the other three but I think this can be read as a standalone.
This is a queer romance about Imogen Finnegan, who is a physiotherapist and is setting up a holistic complementary therapy business for pain management (she suffers from Fibromyalgia herself) and Kim Macpearson, receptionist at brother Jake's vet practice. She has another brother called Callum who is a GP.
Kim isn't gay or at least she doesn't think she is, until she meets Imogen, and sparks fly. The romance is slow-burn and sweet. Immy's chronic illness is explained clearly, and we learn a lot about pain management therapy. There is one episode of homophobia and Callum behaves horribly, attacking Immy twice because he thinks she's a charlatan. I thought that conflict was solved a little too neatly at the end.
However, Imogen is quite secure in who she is - it's Kim who has a lot of soul-searching to do, about her sexuality and about what she wants to do with her life. She does not have a lot of self-confidence and needs quite a bit support from Imogen to start her creative interior design business.
The small-town and family vibes are strong, with both women having annoying brothers, and everyone knowing everyone. The story is predictable but given an edge with the fibromyalgia topic and the fact it's the only one out of the series that's a queer romance.
All in all, this is a light-hearted, humorous and fun read with a sweet, heartwarming romance. The lovely cover made me pick it up, the original story made me read on.
A lovely read . Not read the others before this one but not a problem. A lovely love story and of discovering who you really are . A couple of twists that you did not expect. Loved the village and families are complicated. A nice ending.
Midnight Rainbows over the Little Village would have to be one of the sweetest sapphic romances that I have ever read. It tells the story to two MCs who live in a small rural village in England.
Kim Macpearson has also felt like the misfit in her family as she bounces from one job to another. Howver she has returned to her home village to work as a receptionist in her brother's veterinary practice while trying to work out what she wants to do next. Imogen Finnegan is seeking stability and wanting to put down roots. Sheworks as a physiotherapist and complimentary therapy provider who has purchased a small shop in Broclington to set up her complementary therapy business.
When the two women meet the chemistry is undeniable (despite Kim beliving that she is straight) and an unlikely friendship is quickly formed between these two very different women and. It was lovely to see the way this friendship evolved into something more, and something special. However, not all is smooth sailing with some members of the community not accepting Imogen because she's gay to other members of the community having issues with the idea of complementary therapy and believing that it just quackery.
Despite the massive family blow up and drama towards the end of the story, ultimately it is the story of love, acceptance and learning more about yourself and I would recommend it to anyone looking for a sweet romance.
Note: Midnight Rainbows over the Little Village is the 4th book in the Broclington series by Ella Cook. The three previous stories are not sapphic but would provide background to many of the characters featured in this story. I have not read these previous books as yet but was still able to enjoy this book as a standalone and was able to understand some of the history behind those other characters. I will likely go back and read those books at some point in the near future.
Thank you to Ella Cook, NetGalley and the publisher for an eARC of this book. I am providing an honest review and all opinions are my own.
Thank you NetGalley and publisher for this book!!
What a great book!! It had me hooked from page one! I couldn’t put this down. I finished it in one sitting. I enjoyed the storyline and the characters. This was a first for me by this author but it will not be my last!!
*Midnight Rainbows over the Little Village* by Ella Cook is a charming, if slightly predictable, read that sweeps you into the heart of a quaint village where dreams and dramas collide. The story follows Mia, a passionate but conflicted young woman, as she navigates unexpected changes in her life while uncovering long-buried secrets about her family. Ella Cook does a fantastic job painting the idyllic village setting, complete with cobblestone streets, cozy shops, and neighbors who know everyone’s business.
The strength of the novel lies in its atmosphere and the genuine warmth of its side characters. You can’t help but be drawn to Mrs. Cartwright’s witty banter and young Sam’s unyielding optimism. Cook’s prose is light and engaging, making the book a perfect companion for rainy afternoons or lazy weekends.
However, while the writing is lovely, the plot feels somewhat formulaic at times, with twists that don’t quite surprise. Mia’s journey of self-discovery, while relatable, sometimes veers into cliché territory. Additionally, the pacing lags a bit in the middle, making it easy to get distracted before the narrative picks up speed again toward the end.
Overall, *Midnight Rainbows over the Little Village* is a cozy read with heart and humor that’s enjoyable but doesn’t break much new ground. If you’re looking for a book that wraps you in a warm blanket of small-town vibes and heartfelt moments, this one will do the trick. Just don’t expect to be completely blown away.
A solid 3.5 stars for delivering comfort, charm, and a touch of midnight magic.