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Midsummer Magic at Midwynter Hall: Lose yourself in this timeless, gorgeous romance
An enchanting, standalone, modern rom-com inspired by Jane Austen’s EMMA , about a matchmaking young woman whose heart may be in the right place… some of the time.
Emmeline – Em to her friends – has very little to vex her, except that she hasn’t left her beloved home, Midwynter Hall, in over two years.
But her isolation doesn’t stop her interfering in the lives of others, particularly when it comes to love. As a romance writer, Emmeline obviously knows what she’s doing, increasingly plotting real-life matches rather than fictional ones.
When best friend Polly gets mixed up with the wrong sort of man, Emmeline has no choice but to swoop to the rescue. And when old family friend Jordi seeks solace after women and work troubles, Emmeline has the perfect solution. You see, everything she’s written lately – pairing up lovelorn locals – has somehow (maybe magically) come true. So, if she pens a tale about Polly and Jordi despite their many protests, they’ll thank her eventually, once they’re blissfully happy together.
But no one is more surprised than Emmeline when she finds she wants to write herself into the story. Because as it turns out, believing you’ve never been in love, doesn’t mean you’ve never (unknowingly) given your heart away…
PRAISE FOR LOTTIE CARDEW
‘Absolutely beautiful. The whole story has immense warmth and heart’
Being Anne
‘I adored it! Romantic, charming and touching, a warm hug of a book’
Portobello Book Blog
‘Completely lived up to my expectations and beyond’
Herding Cats
‘Truly magical’
This Hannah Reads
A charming and delightful read, gripped me from start to finish’
Ginger Book Geek
‘Intriguing, enchanting and whimsical, I loved it’
Novel Kicks
‘Oh my goodness! This book. It was absolutely perfect’
@Curlygrannylovestoread
‘Completely stole my heart’
Curled up with a Good Book
Emmeline – Em to her friends – has very little to vex her, except that she hasn’t left her beloved home, Midwynter Hall, in over two years.
But her isolation doesn’t stop her interfering in the lives of others, particularly when it comes to love. As a romance writer, Emmeline obviously knows what she’s doing, increasingly plotting real-life matches rather than fictional ones.
When best friend Polly gets mixed up with the wrong sort of man, Emmeline has no choice but to swoop to the rescue. And when old family friend Jordi seeks solace after women and work troubles, Emmeline has the perfect solution. You see, everything she’s written lately – pairing up lovelorn locals – has somehow (maybe magically) come true. So, if she pens a tale about Polly and Jordi despite their many protests, they’ll thank her eventually, once they’re blissfully happy together.
But no one is more surprised than Emmeline when she finds she wants to write herself into the story. Because as it turns out, believing you’ve never been in love, doesn’t mean you’ve never (unknowingly) given your heart away…
PRAISE FOR LOTTIE CARDEW
‘Absolutely beautiful. The whole story has immense warmth and heart’
Being Anne
‘I adored it! Romantic, charming and touching, a warm hug of a book’
Portobello Book Blog
‘Completely lived up to my expectations and beyond’
Herding Cats
‘Truly magical’
This Hannah Reads
A charming and delightful read, gripped me from start to finish’
Ginger Book Geek
‘Intriguing, enchanting and whimsical, I loved it’
Novel Kicks
‘Oh my goodness! This book. It was absolutely perfect’
@Curlygrannylovestoread
‘Completely stole my heart’
Curled up with a Good Book
344 pages, Paperback
Published June 25, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
August 13, 2023
I absolutely loved A Christmas Wish on a Carousel which was the first in this series so I was looking forward to reading book 3, which although set in the same area is read as a standalone.
Although she is quite a prickly and controlling character, presumable being neurodiverse, I enjoyed getting to know Em. She has been a successfull romance author but now struggles with agoraphobia so shunned the spotlight and hasn’t left her huge estate where she lives with her father for a few years.
Polly arrives to work for Em’s father, and over a cup of Yorkshire Tea they become firm friends.
As she feels she is quite the matchmaker, she decides to match Polly up with her lifelong friend Jordi. Jordi has just come out of a long term relationship and is in quite a state, and Polly has just started casually seeing the young gardener so it’s all a bit of a tangle. However Em is confident she can write their story and make it happen because she has done that before!
With Lottie’s brilliant witty writing and such a gorgeous setting for Midwynter hall, complete with its own maze and secret garden, this was an absolute joy to read .
Although she is quite a prickly and controlling character, presumable being neurodiverse, I enjoyed getting to know Em. She has been a successfull romance author but now struggles with agoraphobia so shunned the spotlight and hasn’t left her huge estate where she lives with her father for a few years.
Polly arrives to work for Em’s father, and over a cup of Yorkshire Tea they become firm friends.
As she feels she is quite the matchmaker, she decides to match Polly up with her lifelong friend Jordi. Jordi has just come out of a long term relationship and is in quite a state, and Polly has just started casually seeing the young gardener so it’s all a bit of a tangle. However Em is confident she can write their story and make it happen because she has done that before!
With Lottie’s brilliant witty writing and such a gorgeous setting for Midwynter hall, complete with its own maze and secret garden, this was an absolute joy to read .
August 8, 2023
Inspired by Jane Austen’s Emma – that was an A-level text for me, and I did worry a little that in the fifty-plus years that have elapsed I might not be able to pick up the references. But that didn’t matter one jot – this was the loveliest gentle read, and I really took its adorable and rather vulnerable heroine to my heart.
There was a particular resonance to Emmeline’s choice to live her life in isolation – her home with her father at Midwynter Hall is her place of safety, and I think “home” might just feel that way for many of us after those difficult times over the last few years. Until life became difficult for her, she was a published and successful romantic novelist – she still writes, but more as an escape, writing about people she knows, and perhaps (just perhaps!) finding that her writing influences the course of their lives. But she wouldn’t share that with anyone – certainly not with the on-line writing group run by family friend Jordi (they regularly tease and spar with each other at a distance…), or with her closest (only other real?) friend Polly who visits regularly and shares news of the outside world. When Jordi comes to live at the Hall’s lodge for a while, she sees the perfect opportunity for matchmaking – a couple she thinks are made for each other, and the magic of her writing might just make it happen. But things don’t work out quite that way – she finds that her friendship with Jordi might just be something rather more, and despite many misunderstandings and wrong turnings along the way, it’s time for Emmeline to write herself into her own story and start to live again.
This book does have a very different feel from the other two in the series – it’s a quiet story, gently told, driven by its wonderfully drawn characters. The pace is slow and steady (and that really isn’t a criticism in any way…), and I really enjoyed watching the characters slowly unfold – by the halfway mark, I knew exactly how I wanted the story to play out, and it didn’t disappoint in any way. The emotional touches are just perfect, with real depth of feeling – but there’s plenty of lightness and gentle humour too. The writing is particularly clever – although its very much a contemporary romantic comedy, there’s a definite Regency touch to Emmeline’s interactions and observations that I found absolutely charming. And the well-drawn setting is just wonderful – Midwynter Hall is close enough to Pebblestow to allow us to catch up with the lives of friends through Polly’s reports, but I loved the manicured gardens that bring Emmeline such solace, the neglected walled garden that offers the opportunity to open up her life again, and the maze for those important romantic moments.
I very much enjoyed this one – a wonderful cast of characters, a sympathetic heroine I found it easy to identify with, a story beautifully told, filled with warmth and joy, and an ending I found particularly hopeful and uplifting. And do read the author’s thank you at the end – it’s very touching, and will help you understand where this story came from. A really lovely read – and one I’d very much recommend to others.
There was a particular resonance to Emmeline’s choice to live her life in isolation – her home with her father at Midwynter Hall is her place of safety, and I think “home” might just feel that way for many of us after those difficult times over the last few years. Until life became difficult for her, she was a published and successful romantic novelist – she still writes, but more as an escape, writing about people she knows, and perhaps (just perhaps!) finding that her writing influences the course of their lives. But she wouldn’t share that with anyone – certainly not with the on-line writing group run by family friend Jordi (they regularly tease and spar with each other at a distance…), or with her closest (only other real?) friend Polly who visits regularly and shares news of the outside world. When Jordi comes to live at the Hall’s lodge for a while, she sees the perfect opportunity for matchmaking – a couple she thinks are made for each other, and the magic of her writing might just make it happen. But things don’t work out quite that way – she finds that her friendship with Jordi might just be something rather more, and despite many misunderstandings and wrong turnings along the way, it’s time for Emmeline to write herself into her own story and start to live again.
This book does have a very different feel from the other two in the series – it’s a quiet story, gently told, driven by its wonderfully drawn characters. The pace is slow and steady (and that really isn’t a criticism in any way…), and I really enjoyed watching the characters slowly unfold – by the halfway mark, I knew exactly how I wanted the story to play out, and it didn’t disappoint in any way. The emotional touches are just perfect, with real depth of feeling – but there’s plenty of lightness and gentle humour too. The writing is particularly clever – although its very much a contemporary romantic comedy, there’s a definite Regency touch to Emmeline’s interactions and observations that I found absolutely charming. And the well-drawn setting is just wonderful – Midwynter Hall is close enough to Pebblestow to allow us to catch up with the lives of friends through Polly’s reports, but I loved the manicured gardens that bring Emmeline such solace, the neglected walled garden that offers the opportunity to open up her life again, and the maze for those important romantic moments.
I very much enjoyed this one – a wonderful cast of characters, a sympathetic heroine I found it easy to identify with, a story beautifully told, filled with warmth and joy, and an ending I found particularly hopeful and uplifting. And do read the author’s thank you at the end – it’s very touching, and will help you understand where this story came from. A really lovely read – and one I’d very much recommend to others.
August 12, 2023
Midsummer Magic at Midwynter Hall by Lottie Cardew
This was a gorgeous book and one of a kind. I haven't read such an unique plot, setting or characters in any romance book yet.
This was simply more than romance, it had the fear of putting oneself out, the ongoings of life, it was realistic and relatable.
Em is a romance writer who hasn't left the Midwynter Hall in over two years and is plotting or matchmaking in the real world rather than fictional. She tends to believe she may have magic. She now is matching up her best friend Polly with an old family friend Jordi as a result of that.
Looks simple and easy, right? Throw in some doubts and late realisation to complicate things and also give one's heart away. This story was unexpected in a good way, a definite surprise.
This was filled with warmth, flowing smoothly with heavy topics gently addressed. This was a beautiful, uplifting and lovely read.
Thank you @rararesources for having me on this tour.
This was a gorgeous book and one of a kind. I haven't read such an unique plot, setting or characters in any romance book yet.
This was simply more than romance, it had the fear of putting oneself out, the ongoings of life, it was realistic and relatable.
Em is a romance writer who hasn't left the Midwynter Hall in over two years and is plotting or matchmaking in the real world rather than fictional. She tends to believe she may have magic. She now is matching up her best friend Polly with an old family friend Jordi as a result of that.
Looks simple and easy, right? Throw in some doubts and late realisation to complicate things and also give one's heart away. This story was unexpected in a good way, a definite surprise.
This was filled with warmth, flowing smoothly with heavy topics gently addressed. This was a beautiful, uplifting and lovely read.
Thank you @rararesources for having me on this tour.
July 11, 2023
A delightful, gentle, dreamy romantic story. Loved the references to Jane Austin’s Emma who is a clever and complex character as is the main character Em. Jordi is a childhood friend who has recently moved to a cottage in the grounds of Em’s family home. Em and Jordi are attracted to each other but both hide their feelings, will they or won’t they get together! Cleverly written with great depth of feeling, I really felt for Em and was cheering her on from the start.
July 20, 2023
Another enjoyable read from Lottie Cardew
August 9, 2023
I now know that when I dive into a Lottie Cardew novel, I am setting myself up for an emotional, but oh so magical ride and I relish every page. It’s like a special treat that I get to enjoy - just for me and it brings me so much joy!
Midsummer Magic at Midwynter Hall definitely has tones of Emma running through it whilst maintaining a unique plot.
Emmeline is a recluse, with very limited social interaction and not wondering from her home at Midwynter Hall - the place where she feels safe and has her treasured family/childhood memories. She was once a successful writer however, circumstances have left her only writing for herself and interacting with a writer’s group online weekly - run by her close friend Jordi. Emmeline discovers her plots seem to lead to things happening in reality and decides to dabble in a little matchmaking - but what happens when she decides it is time to write herself into a story?
I adore how Lottie Cardew takes her time to mould Emmeline, Jordi, and Polly into real people who wormed their way into my heart. I wanted to be part of their world. I wanted to be their friends and to help them out and support them. The characters are the main focus in this book. It’s a slow burn romance that develops at a space where you can savour the characters, the surroundings and become deeply immersed in their lives.
Emmeline is such a sweet and vulnerable character. She’s such a gorgeous person who craves interaction and friendship, despite being unable to leave the grounds of her home. Lottie always writes characters with diversities with great care and skill. Em’s issues are there, and impact her but never detract from her character. It is sensitively written about and brings an emotional aspect to Em’s life however, there is also beauty and peace in the way she lives and I love how this has also been explored.
The whimsical addition of Emmeline being able to give love to the people she writes about is such an uplifting plot device and a modern take on the classic Emma. It added a touch of whimsy to the story and I adored it.
Lottie Cardew has one again written a beautiful, emotional story that goes so far beyond a romance tale - although there is plenty of that. In my eyes - everything she writes is magical and gold and once again, my expectations are fulfilled.
Midsummer Magic at Midwynter Hall definitely has tones of Emma running through it whilst maintaining a unique plot.
Emmeline is a recluse, with very limited social interaction and not wondering from her home at Midwynter Hall - the place where she feels safe and has her treasured family/childhood memories. She was once a successful writer however, circumstances have left her only writing for herself and interacting with a writer’s group online weekly - run by her close friend Jordi. Emmeline discovers her plots seem to lead to things happening in reality and decides to dabble in a little matchmaking - but what happens when she decides it is time to write herself into a story?
I adore how Lottie Cardew takes her time to mould Emmeline, Jordi, and Polly into real people who wormed their way into my heart. I wanted to be part of their world. I wanted to be their friends and to help them out and support them. The characters are the main focus in this book. It’s a slow burn romance that develops at a space where you can savour the characters, the surroundings and become deeply immersed in their lives.
Emmeline is such a sweet and vulnerable character. She’s such a gorgeous person who craves interaction and friendship, despite being unable to leave the grounds of her home. Lottie always writes characters with diversities with great care and skill. Em’s issues are there, and impact her but never detract from her character. It is sensitively written about and brings an emotional aspect to Em’s life however, there is also beauty and peace in the way she lives and I love how this has also been explored.
The whimsical addition of Emmeline being able to give love to the people she writes about is such an uplifting plot device and a modern take on the classic Emma. It added a touch of whimsy to the story and I adored it.
Lottie Cardew has one again written a beautiful, emotional story that goes so far beyond a romance tale - although there is plenty of that. In my eyes - everything she writes is magical and gold and once again, my expectations are fulfilled.
September 30, 2023
One of the things I really enjoyed while reading this book was spotting all the Emma references. I felt quite pleased with myself every time I noticed one. This book is inspired by Emma but it’s not a retelling. Rather, the author has taken elements of the original storyline and incorporated them within the book. And let me tell you, it’s not ‘badly done‘! Fans of Austen will get a lot out of the book but it really doesn’t matter if you aren’t familiar with the storyline of Emma, you can just enjoy the book for what it is.
This feels like a very personal book and if you read the author’s thank you at the end you will find out that it really is. Emmeline’s online writing class is filled with people who for one reason or another find themselves isolated from society. Emmeline herself hasn’t left her home for over two years. I’m sure that after the past few years, many of us can identify with her feeling of feeling safe at home. I certainly felt finished the book with a greater understanding of how someone like Emmeline feels.
Although this is a Pebblestow book, because Emmeline doesn’t leave her family house and grounds, we don’t really see the village much this time. I was pleased then to hear about some familiar characters through Emmeline’s interactions with others who are out and about in the village.
Like the original Emma, Emmeline fancies herself as a bit of a match-maker. Also like the original Emma, she isn’t always as successful as she thinks! It was fun watching her efforts to bring two of her friends together and completely misreading the situation. Lottie Cardew often brings a touch of magic to her novels and Emmeline certainly believed there was some mystical at work in her writing.
Midsummer Magic at Midwynter Hall is a charming and romantic read. I felt very invested in Emmeline’s story and so wanted her to grow in confidence. I liked the way the author showed how complicated life can be and how she looked at some serious topics with a sensitive touch. I thought this was a gently compelling read with real warmth at its heart.
This feels like a very personal book and if you read the author’s thank you at the end you will find out that it really is. Emmeline’s online writing class is filled with people who for one reason or another find themselves isolated from society. Emmeline herself hasn’t left her home for over two years. I’m sure that after the past few years, many of us can identify with her feeling of feeling safe at home. I certainly felt finished the book with a greater understanding of how someone like Emmeline feels.
Although this is a Pebblestow book, because Emmeline doesn’t leave her family house and grounds, we don’t really see the village much this time. I was pleased then to hear about some familiar characters through Emmeline’s interactions with others who are out and about in the village.
Like the original Emma, Emmeline fancies herself as a bit of a match-maker. Also like the original Emma, she isn’t always as successful as she thinks! It was fun watching her efforts to bring two of her friends together and completely misreading the situation. Lottie Cardew often brings a touch of magic to her novels and Emmeline certainly believed there was some mystical at work in her writing.
Midsummer Magic at Midwynter Hall is a charming and romantic read. I felt very invested in Emmeline’s story and so wanted her to grow in confidence. I liked the way the author showed how complicated life can be and how she looked at some serious topics with a sensitive touch. I thought this was a gently compelling read with real warmth at its heart.
August 7, 2023
Midsummer Magic at Midwynter Hall by Lottie Cardew
I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Blurb
An enchanting, standalone, modern rom-com inspired by Jane Austen’s EMMA , about a matchmaking young woman whose heart may be in the right place… some of the time.
Emmeline – Em to her friends – has very little to vex her, except that she hasn’t left her beloved home, Midwynter Hall, in over two years.
But her isolation doesn’t stop her interfering in the lives of others, particularly when it comes to love. As a romance writer, Emmeline obviously knows what she’s doing, increasingly plotting real-life matches rather than fictional ones.
When best friend Polly gets mixed up with the wrong sort of man, Emmeline has no choice but to swoop to the rescue. And when old family friend Jordi seeks solace after women and work troubles, Emmeline has the perfect solution. You see, everything she’s written lately – pairing up lovelorn locals – has somehow (maybe magically) come true. So, if she pens a tale about Polly and Jordi despite their many protests, they’ll thank her eventually, once they’re blissfully happy together.
But no one is more surprised than Emmeline when she finds she wants to write herself into the story. Because as it turns out, believing you’ve never been in love, doesn’t mean you’ve never (unknowingly) given your heart away…
My Opinion
This is a charming read. For me this was a lovely, slow-paced book that I just couldn't put down. I think that I am up to date with Lottie's releases and I have to say that I have really enjoyed each one. this was no exception. A very satisfying read.
Rating: 4/5
I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Blurb
An enchanting, standalone, modern rom-com inspired by Jane Austen’s EMMA , about a matchmaking young woman whose heart may be in the right place… some of the time.
Emmeline – Em to her friends – has very little to vex her, except that she hasn’t left her beloved home, Midwynter Hall, in over two years.
But her isolation doesn’t stop her interfering in the lives of others, particularly when it comes to love. As a romance writer, Emmeline obviously knows what she’s doing, increasingly plotting real-life matches rather than fictional ones.
When best friend Polly gets mixed up with the wrong sort of man, Emmeline has no choice but to swoop to the rescue. And when old family friend Jordi seeks solace after women and work troubles, Emmeline has the perfect solution. You see, everything she’s written lately – pairing up lovelorn locals – has somehow (maybe magically) come true. So, if she pens a tale about Polly and Jordi despite their many protests, they’ll thank her eventually, once they’re blissfully happy together.
But no one is more surprised than Emmeline when she finds she wants to write herself into the story. Because as it turns out, believing you’ve never been in love, doesn’t mean you’ve never (unknowingly) given your heart away…
My Opinion
This is a charming read. For me this was a lovely, slow-paced book that I just couldn't put down. I think that I am up to date with Lottie's releases and I have to say that I have really enjoyed each one. this was no exception. A very satisfying read.
Rating: 4/5
August 9, 2023
Once I realised that this third in the series was inspired by Jane Austen's Emma, I had great fun looking for any allusions I could find. Em shared with Emma a preference for observing those around her and trying to manoeuvre them along the lines she wants them to go. I think to call her manipulating would be too strong but she definitely has a yen for others to find romance. Em leads a rather curious life at the Hall and under the surface, there are some difficult issues that she is dealing with. Her panic attacks and agoraphobia have led to her retreating to her childhood home. She is a complex character who you cannot help but having sympathy for.
Isolated at home, Em is relying on her friends from the outside world. Polly is a lovely character, full of life and as for Jordi... he is patience personified! The Hall is a delightful setting which offers Em a safe living environment which never feels claustrophobic. Her parents have their own difficulties and her loyalty to them is obvious. In the end, this is an uplifting read with hints of magic at work.
In short: Can friends turn to lovers?
Thanks to the publisher for a copy of the book
Isolated at home, Em is relying on her friends from the outside world. Polly is a lovely character, full of life and as for Jordi... he is patience personified! The Hall is a delightful setting which offers Em a safe living environment which never feels claustrophobic. Her parents have their own difficulties and her loyalty to them is obvious. In the end, this is an uplifting read with hints of magic at work.
In short: Can friends turn to lovers?
Thanks to the publisher for a copy of the book
July 8, 2023
A gentle, slow-paced, slow-burn, modern romance novel inspired by a classic. This book gets better and better as you get deeper into the story.
As a fan of Jane Austen's Emma, I loved the references Lottie Cardew has scattered throughout her own book. In Em Midwynter, Lottie's captured what made Austen's Emma Woodhouse complex and interesting and added a modern twist. There are references to Emma throughout but Midsummer Magic at Midwynter Hall is a true original.
The last third of the book is wonderful! Full of tension and suspense but with a satisfying ending.
I'd recommend this to anyone who loves Jane Austen's Emma and modern adaptations of it.
4.5 stars rounded up to 5.
As a fan of Jane Austen's Emma, I loved the references Lottie Cardew has scattered throughout her own book. In Em Midwynter, Lottie's captured what made Austen's Emma Woodhouse complex and interesting and added a modern twist. There are references to Emma throughout but Midsummer Magic at Midwynter Hall is a true original.
The last third of the book is wonderful! Full of tension and suspense but with a satisfying ending.
I'd recommend this to anyone who loves Jane Austen's Emma and modern adaptations of it.
4.5 stars rounded up to 5.
August 8, 2023
This was a little different and has been heavily influenced by one of Austen's classics Emma.
I found myself relating to Emmeline so much, I too have become reclusive since the pandemic and books are my saving grace.
Midsummer Magic At Midwynter Hall is a gorgeous regency feel romance, with some wonderful characters and Midwynter Hall the perfect setting.
Another enjoyable addition to the Pebblestow series. Here's to book four - there is one, right?
I found myself relating to Emmeline so much, I too have become reclusive since the pandemic and books are my saving grace.
Midsummer Magic At Midwynter Hall is a gorgeous regency feel romance, with some wonderful characters and Midwynter Hall the perfect setting.
Another enjoyable addition to the Pebblestow series. Here's to book four - there is one, right?
December 29, 2023
"Midsummer Magic at Midwynter Hall" by Lottie Cardew is a captivating journey into romance, set against the enchanting backdrop of Pebblestow. The narrative weaves a timeless tale, rich in emotion and beauty. Cardew's eloquent prose transports readers to Midwynter Hall, where magic and love intertwine. The characters are vividly portrayed, adding depth to the narrative. With its exquisite storytelling and a touch of magic, the novel immerses readers in a world of love and enchantment. Lottie Cardew skillfully crafts a mesmerizing experience that lingers, making this a must-read for anyone seeking a delightful escape into the realms of romance and magic.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews