Beautiful cover, beautiful story. This follows Sophie and Tom and their relationship over a number of timelines as they return to Paris year after year. There are twists and turns , heartbreak and joy . This is definitely one to remain with you long after you’ve finished it.

Gillian Harvey! You made me cry, smile, wish I could visit Paris, and given me a book hangover! This was 5/5 read because ...... All the Feels!

I am not sure how to review this book, because there are a couple of twists in it that it is best to not know about before you read it. I'll give it a go though!

Shortly after Sophie and Tom got together, he surprised her with a weekend trip to Paris. For Tom, it's no big deal. He's had quite a privileged upbringing where money is no object. Sophie comes from more humble beginnings and so it feels extravagant, especially given that she is struggling to get by with a part time job while they are students. However, she has always dreamed of Paris, and so off they go. Tom has no interest in visiting the Mona Lisa at the Louvre, Sophie must! He doesn't like standing in the queues with other tourists, but Sophie wants to visit all the places.

This is just the beginning of what becomes their thing - an annual trip to Paris, visiting all of the places that become theirs, but most especially the Pont de Carrousel at midnight.




There are multiple timelines in the book. We see Sophie and Tom as they visit Paris each year, but then we have a two weeks ago timeline as well, where Sophie is visiting Paris alone, hoping that Tom will show up.
It is only as the two timelines converge that we get more of an idea of what is going on. Life and it's struggles have worn away some (but not all) the uninhibited joy that they feel with each other, and sometimes the trips to Paris aren't as exciting as others. As you are reading the book, there's a word or phrase here or there that makes you go....hold on. And then, well then you realise that this book is something other than the book you thought you were reading!

I first read Gillian Harvey back in 2022, and I have read everything that she has had published since then. I really enjoy the way that she writes about the expat lifestyle, people moving to France and following their dreams, something that she has done herself. And to be honest, I was expecting the same from this book. Instead, we got something completely different and at a whole other level!

By turns beautiful and heartbreaking and hopeful, this is a book that I will cherish, and it is my first 5/5 read for the year.

If I lived in Europe, I can guarantee you I would be visiting Paris on a regular basis! As it is, I can't quite convince my husband that it is worth 24 hours on a plane (plus the cost) to visit every year! It's probably going to be another couple of years before I get to visit again. In the meantime, I will continue to read Gillian Harvey's books to give me that taste of France that I crave! And look at my photos from when we last visited just to torture myself that little bit more.

I am sharing this review with the New Release Challenge hosted by The Chocolate Lady's Book Reviews. Be sure to check out other stops on the tour shown below. Thanks to the publisher, Netgalley and Rachel's Random Resources for the review copy.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I was engrossed in this story and I didn’t put me kindle down until I’d finished it all.

I adored how the story span from Sophie and Tom’s university days until the present day ( around 15 years) and all the highs and lows in between.

The friendship Sophie has with her best friend is what every woman wants and needs when you need a helping hand to get back on your feet, I just loved it

The story really pulls at your heartstrings, I’m a sucker for an epic romance and this is one of the best.

The story reminded me so much of One Day, it was alot different but it had that underlying vibe that I love so much.

( The story has a few chapters that heavily focus on infertility that some readers may find distressing)

heartwarming and heartbreaking

This is a very well written book about relationships and a yearly trip to Paris. The plot and its twists are revealed in onion-like layers, perhaps confusing at first but feeling like you are moving faster and faster as you read more. I am wary to say much more without spoiling it all for you, but I need to say that this is a book that will stay with you for a while and, in my opinion, a must-read.

Thank you to the publisher who lent me a time-limited e-arc via netgalley, with no obligation. This review is optional and my own opinion. I also want to suggest that you check out all the books published by Boldwood Books, a wonderful collection.

Since they visited as students, Paris has a special significance to Sophie and Tom. We first meet Sophie on her last visit, and the reader is intrigued to know why. It's an engaging, poignant love story with an otherworldly touch. The story spans various signposted timelines, but I occasionally got lost. Sophie and Tom's relationship is believable and complex; they are from different backgrounds and meet by chance, but the connection endures even when Sophie believes they are not meant to be. Lyrically described, Paris becomes a character in the drama. I like the raw spectrum of emotion the story conveys. It emphasises the protagonists' humanity and invests the reader in them and their lives.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

Not the best way to start a review, but I perhaps should have taken more notice of “perfect for fans of David Nicholls” – that always means One Day, and it’s a narrative structure I rarely enjoy. But – and it’s a massive but – this book was the one to make me change my mind. It’s emotional impact is enormous, needing more than one box of tissues as you read – but as it draws to an end, it’s so very uplifting, with the promise of a far happier future.

The relationship between Sophie and Tom was something so special – his reputation at first made it look as if it was going to fail before they got off the starting blocks, but it soon becomes evident that they’re meant to be together. Their path through life is marked by those visits to Paris – the experience always a little different, although they often visit their favourite places (including Tom enduring yet another viewing of the Mona Lisa – and he’s right, she does look a bit like George Harrison…), culminating in a “moment” on the Post du Carrousel at midnight. But the story is told from a present day perspective, looking at their visits in the past tense – and the hand that fate has dealt them slowly becomes clear. It’s a well paced and perfectly told story – but one of those all-consuming ones where you’re almost dreading reading on, because no-one’s lives can really be that romance-filled and gorgeous, can they?

There’s a particularly strong supporting cast – the friends and more that we all need when we’re up against it, but there are also some who aren’t always quite on the same page at the same time. And there’s a real unpredictability about the story – key characters whose part in the story isn’t initially clear, some smoke and mirrors – along with a few surprises, and it’s all so beautifully handled. And despite all those much-needed tissues, there’s plenty of joy along the way – and the loveliest touches of humour too. And it really does end on the perfect note – the trials and tribulations over as we learn that life goes on, tears wiped and nose blown, and the warmest feeling around the heart. Highly recommended by me – but do remember those tissues…

The premise of this book sounded a whole lot better than what it actually turned out to be. There are three timelines going on between each chapter and even in the "now" chapters, there are segments that go back in time. I think the author did this to catch the reader off guard with a sort of twist to the story, but with a plot like this book has, a twist is completely unnecessary. The emotional impact would have affected me more if it was told through one seamless timeline. Also, the relationship between the two main characters seemed off to me. They acted like two people that should not have been together.

Thanks to NetGalley, Gillian Harvey, and Boldwood Books for allowing me to read an advanced reader copy of Midnight in Paris in the return of an honest review.

This is a beautiful but heartbreaking story that I’m going to try to review without spoilers. Paris is at the centre of the story – where Sophie and Tom have created memories. They have very different backgrounds and life experiences, would a romantic break in Paris bring them closer together?

Although I realised early on about the story within the story, I still found myself with wet eyes reading this book. Gillian’s writing is so emotional and this is a story that will stay with me for a long time.

Happy to recommend this emotional book and I look forward to reading more from Gillian in the future.

On the blog tour

This was a breathtaking novel. The excellent writing allowed me to connect with the characters and feel their emotions.
Thank you to the publisher for the opportunity to read this advanced copy. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

A really good read with fab characters that I will recommend to others.
Thanks for the opportunity to read & review it.

I shed a few tears over this one.
It wasn’t until 1/4 of the way into the book that I got the gist of what was going on. As I read until then I knew I was missing an important element because things weren’t fitting together.
And when they did it was a gut punch.
It’s a poignant story and I felt for Tom. He doggedly pursued Sophie even when she was trying to be boringly sensible.
How she always apologized got tiresome. Will was a gem but I think the shadow of Tom would always prevail.
It’s a poignant book.

Sophie and Tom first visited Paris together as students. During their weekend away in the world’s most romantic city, falling in love – with the place, and each other – was simply inevitable. They resolved to return every summer and kept their word, until something happened that changed their world forever.

Five years on, Sophie’s travelling to Paris alone to meet Tom again in their special place, on the Pont du Carrousel at midnight. Because life has torn them apart. And now Sophie has something to tell Tom. Something that will change everything.

I love this dual-timeline Paris-inspired love story. The mystery of why they're apart and conversely whether they will work it out kept me turning pages! This was a lot more emotional than I expected, but I definitely enjoyed it. 4.5⭐

I received an advanced complimentary digital copy of this book from Netgalley. Opinions expressed are my own.

I loved the descriptions of Paris in this book, it’d be a great read for anyone heading there on holiday. Sophie and Tom were likeable characters, and I enjoyed the early chapters about their student days. However, I think the whole premise of the story has been done before so only 4 stars.

I had read and enjoyed her previous books and loved the author’s skill with comedy and her ability to raise a smile no matter what. So, I agreed to join this tour based purely on the romantic title and the author’s back catalogue. I had no need to read the synopsis…
I can’t say that was a mistake, as I would possibly have been drawn in by the synopsis and would have still been reeling from the undetected turn of events. It was fortuitous that I read blindly as I may have missed out on a terrific book that has stayed with me and continues to lurk in my mind.
The connection between Sophie and Tom was powerful despite their being mismatched, and I must admit, I kept expecting their romance to fail. However, it became clear that their connection was stronger than simple chemistry, and they were meant to be a couple.
The story is told in the past tense, and we hear from Sophie, Tom, and Tom’s best friend, Will. I must confess to trying to second-guess the story and imagining a love triangle forming, but I could never have imagined where Gillian was taking me, and I was both devastated and thrilled by the trip.
Tom’s parents are an annoying pair, but as the story unfolds, it eventually becomes clear that they purely have Tom’s interests at heart.
The visits to Paris renewed my hope of visiting again someday. All I need now are the funds and a new ankle! If you’ve never been, I hope this book inspires you.
I would encourage you to take a leap of blind faith and read this powerful book. It will stay with you for some time, and I'm sure you will be glad you took a chance.

Midnight in Paris
This was a wonderfully, poignant bittersweet love story of Tom and Sofie who fall in love at university. Paris is central to their love as they return there every year until something happens to tear them apart. It’s told in different timelines, as it jumps between the past and present, which deepens the tension and draws you in.
It’s heavier than many of the author's books, but the author does a wonderful job of creating a wonderful story.


The theme was heavier than that of other stories by the author, with an unexpected twist. It was, however, an engaging story, with characters that have interesting layers.


Thanks to @boldwoodbooks, @rachelsrandomresources, @netgalley, and the author for this arc.

This is a deeply emotional novel that explores themes of love, loss, and second chances, set against the enchanting backdrop of Paris. The story follows Sophie and Tom, a couple who return to Paris annually, with a narrative that intertwines their past and present, delving into issues such as grief, infertility, and resilience. The multi-timeline structure, shifting between their first summer many years ago, two weeks ago, and the present, adds complexity to the narrative, though some readers may find it confusing.

The novel is noted for its emotional depth, with well-developed characters that evoke strong feelings, making it a poignant read that may require tissues at hand. The story is more serious and heavy-hitting compared to the author’s usual work, addressing the frailties of relationships in a nuanced and sensitive manner. The unexpected twists and the moving direction of the story contribute to its status as a page-turner, drawing readers in from the start and taking them on an emotional rollercoaster.

Overall, “Midnight in Paris” is a compelling and heart-wrenching tale that captivates readers with its exploration of profound themes and its evocative portrayal of a couple’s journey through love and loss in the city of Paris.

Thanks to the Publisher and Netgalley for an early review copy.

I love reading books by Gillian Harvey, and this one was such an emotional rollercoaster that had you turning the pages.

Tom and Sophie have visited Paris a lot and have a special place, which is just theirs, but the last visit is so moving and the reason why it’ll be the last time is heartbreaking, it made you reach for the tissues.

This is a different story to what Gillian has previously written, it covers a subject which was sensitively done and made you cry. You’ll need a box of tissues handy when you read this book.

I highly recommend this book.

I think this was quite good in places, I enjoyed the setting in particular, and the character work was ok.

Thank you NetGalley, Boldwood Books and Gillian Harvey for my review copy. These are my thoughts:

Beautiful and heartbreaking. I first picked up one of Gillian’s books last year. When I found Midnight in Paris, I thought I was in for a “romcom style” second chance, but was far from what I got. Instead, I found a beautifully tragic love story, with a poignant second chance - just not the one I thought I would have.

The mystery as to what kept Sophie and Tom apart for so many years, is slowly revealed through alternating timelines that tell their story.

The pace was perfect, making it hard to put the book down. Through tears and laughter, you see how often times, people let their troubles and worries take over their lives, forgetting to live in the process.

The character’s struggles felt relatable and I was glad Sophie had a small, but reliable support system.

Life after loss is difficult to navigate, but in the end I was not left with a heavy heart, but with the knowledge that life goes on, if we so want it to.

Perfect for the fans of stories like One Day - but you’ll be less traumatised and hopefully, find comfort in the ending.

3.5 stars

This story is about a couple who return to Paris every year. The story was initially a bit slow for me. There was a lot of foreshadowing of an upcoming twist - which is a tactic I often find a bit tiresome. However, I definitely did not see the twist coming and I did find it quite moving.

This is not a light story. It covers deep issues of love and loss and the frailties of relationships.

The story is told in different timelines starting from the first summer many years ago, 2 weeks ago, and now. I sometimes found this confusing and I actually wonder if a linear timeline would have worked better for this particular story.

I think I struggled sometimes believing the love between the 2 main characters. I think if I had felt that connection I would have rated this 4 stars. Tom seemed immature but I also did not find Sophie particularly likeable at times either.

Overall, this is an interesting story that tackles some very deep issues. If you are a fan of romance and women's fiction then this one is worth a read.