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Once Upon the East End #1
Marry Me by Midnight
Author Felicia Grossman—whose “books are powerful and passionate and swoon-inducing!” (Eva Leigh, USA Today bestselling author)—kicks off her new series with an enchanting twist on Cinderella: in which a charming heiress must marry to save her family’s business, but the one man she dreams of is the one man she can’t have.
Every love story begins with once upon a time .
London, 1832 : Isabelle Lira may be in distress, but she's no damsel. Since her father’s death, his former partners have sought to oust her from their joint equity business. Her only choice is to marry—and fast —to a powerful ally outside the respected Berab family’s sphere of influence. Only finding the right spouse will require casting a wide net. So she’ll host a series of festivals, to which every eligible Jewish man is invited.
Once, Aaron Ellenberg longed to have a family of his own. But as the synagogue custodian, he is too poor for wishes and not foolish enough for dreams. Until the bold, beautiful Isabelle Lira presents him with an irresistible offer . . . if he ensures her favored suitors have no hidden loyalties to the Berabs, she will provide him with money for a new life.
Yet the transaction provides surprising temptation, as Aaron and Isabelle find caring and passion in the last person they each expected. Only a future for them is impossible—for heiresses don’t marry orphans, and love only conquers in children’s tales. But if Isabelle can find the courage to trust her heart, she'll discover anything is possible, if only she says yes.
Every love story begins with once upon a time .
London, 1832 : Isabelle Lira may be in distress, but she's no damsel. Since her father’s death, his former partners have sought to oust her from their joint equity business. Her only choice is to marry—and fast —to a powerful ally outside the respected Berab family’s sphere of influence. Only finding the right spouse will require casting a wide net. So she’ll host a series of festivals, to which every eligible Jewish man is invited.
Once, Aaron Ellenberg longed to have a family of his own. But as the synagogue custodian, he is too poor for wishes and not foolish enough for dreams. Until the bold, beautiful Isabelle Lira presents him with an irresistible offer . . . if he ensures her favored suitors have no hidden loyalties to the Berabs, she will provide him with money for a new life.
Yet the transaction provides surprising temptation, as Aaron and Isabelle find caring and passion in the last person they each expected. Only a future for them is impossible—for heiresses don’t marry orphans, and love only conquers in children’s tales. But if Isabelle can find the courage to trust her heart, she'll discover anything is possible, if only she says yes.
378 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published August 8, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 336 reviews
September 13, 2023
✨Girlie was really out here drugging her household to get some dick <3✨
Overall it was good, but the plot was frustrating and just not my jazz. Most of the book was them just talking about setting her up with other men and her sacrificing for the sake of duty, with a garnish of “I’m not worthy” from the hero. I like that she really did want to win and beat those bozo brothers (yes queen), but it just wasn’t very enjoyable as a romance for me personally.
That being said, I loved reading about Jewish communities in a historical setting, so I’ll definitely be picking up book 2. The writing was very strong, so I have a feeling that Grossman’s romances will only get better! But I do have to note that the mice were really the stars of the show!!! No notes on the mice! So fricken adorable.
Hopefully book two has the full sex scene or at least makes it clear the two had sex because honestly I’m still not sure about this one! They went pretty far on page so I really don’t understand why the door was ultimately closed. The delivery here just felt very dissonant. Why did we get explicit oral scenes but shut out randomly right at the end? And apparently everyone in the book witnessed them banging except us? I really dislike that. I didn’t even think that they had sex here but apparently they did??? Idk idk idk.
⭐️⭐️⭐️.25/5 🌶️.5/5
Overall it was good, but the plot was frustrating and just not my jazz. Most of the book was them just talking about setting her up with other men and her sacrificing for the sake of duty, with a garnish of “I’m not worthy” from the hero. I like that she really did want to win and beat those bozo brothers (yes queen), but it just wasn’t very enjoyable as a romance for me personally.
That being said, I loved reading about Jewish communities in a historical setting, so I’ll definitely be picking up book 2. The writing was very strong, so I have a feeling that Grossman’s romances will only get better! But I do have to note that the mice were really the stars of the show!!! No notes on the mice! So fricken adorable.
Hopefully book two has the full sex scene or at least makes it clear the two had sex because honestly I’m still not sure about this one! They went pretty far on page so I really don’t understand why the door was ultimately closed. The delivery here just felt very dissonant. Why did we get explicit oral scenes but shut out randomly right at the end? And apparently everyone in the book witnessed them banging except us? I really dislike that. I didn’t even think that they had sex here but apparently they did??? Idk idk idk.
⭐️⭐️⭐️.25/5 🌶️.5/5
August 5, 2023
This was a super unique and really well researched historical romance with a fun reverse Cinderella spin on it!
I have never read a historical romance with Jewish main characters before, and I think the author did a great job of giving the reader enough insight and history to how Jewish people lived and were treated in England at the time to help us understand the stakes of the characters.
I loved our hero and heroine, I thought they were really well fleshed out and unique. A fiery, determined heroine who hires the hero (a custodian) to dig up dirt on potential future husband's so she always has something to hold over their heads if they decide to mess around with her father's business she's running. And the hero had a heart of gold and just the right amount of self-loathing.
The romance had great chemistry, the plot was unique, and the characters were solid.
The swoon in the romance was hit or miss at times, and I think the writing style was a bit overly descriptive for me.
But it was definitely fun, well thought out, and creative.
I received an ARC for review.
I have never read a historical romance with Jewish main characters before, and I think the author did a great job of giving the reader enough insight and history to how Jewish people lived and were treated in England at the time to help us understand the stakes of the characters.
I loved our hero and heroine, I thought they were really well fleshed out and unique. A fiery, determined heroine who hires the hero (a custodian) to dig up dirt on potential future husband's so she always has something to hold over their heads if they decide to mess around with her father's business she's running. And the hero had a heart of gold and just the right amount of self-loathing.
The romance had great chemistry, the plot was unique, and the characters were solid.
The swoon in the romance was hit or miss at times, and I think the writing style was a bit overly descriptive for me.
But it was definitely fun, well thought out, and creative.
I received an ARC for review.
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November 27, 2023I dnf'd this about 30-40% of the way in.
I really wanted to like this book as we don't see a lot of Jewish historical romance, but I didn't care for the writing style and thought it was boring.
I really wanted to like this book as we don't see a lot of Jewish historical romance, but I didn't care for the writing style and thought it was boring.
September 18, 2023
Felicia Grossman said naked-fmc/clothed-mmc and I respect that
Before I begin: please note, the heroine at one point says that she’s a prince and so she basically “rules” over him (flirting, she’s on top of him) and he fucking comes undone for it. WONDERFUL. Absolutely WONDERFUL😍😍😍😍😍😍😍
This book basically said that steamy times should be filled with oral and grinding, and again, amen to Ms. Grossman.✨ a true icon ✨
I AM SO GRATEFUL TO FELICIA GROSSMAN FOR THIS eARC!!!!!! All thoughts/opinions are my own.
5 out of 5 stars!!! THIS BOOK IS ABSOLUTE PERFECTION. IT IS SO SPECIAL I CAN'T EVEN PUT MY FEELINGS INTO WORDS.
If you're reading this review, you should read this book :)
First: Jewish characters on the cover (like yes, the kippah is iconic, but having what seems to be sephardi & ashkenazi Jews on the cover is magical).
Second: The writing. Incredible. Holy mother of God Felicia Grossman can write >>>
Third: The ROMANCE. Oh my god. Aaron is a custodian of their shul and he's so hot. Isabelle is absolutely iconic and knows that he's hot. She likes for him to beg >>> (also when Isabelle says "I'm a Prince" and he's like oh fuck that's hot and she's on her knees and she's like aha I'm still in control of you. ICONIC).
Fourth: The niche Jewish comfort and safety they find in one another. Like finally TWO Jewish characters in a romance. TWO Jewish characters experiencing antisemitism and knowing that the love of their life who is the same ethnicity as them is going to actually understand it. It was heartbreaking and beautiful to see them find that comfort in one another.
Fifth: Isabelle really loved giving him blowjobs and being naked against his sometimes clothed body:)
Sixth: Although some people won't like that there wasn't any penis penetrating vagina sexual intercourse in this, I actually really liked this. A lot of authors don't know how to write oral scenes well, but Ms. Grossman truly knows how to write one. And in my opinion, as an aspie-virgin with no interest in pursuing this stuff in real life, sex is whatever you want it to be and whatever makes you happy:)
Before I begin: please note, the heroine at one point says that she’s a prince and so she basically “rules” over him (flirting, she’s on top of him) and he fucking comes undone for it. WONDERFUL. Absolutely WONDERFUL😍😍😍😍😍😍😍
This book basically said that steamy times should be filled with oral and grinding, and again, amen to Ms. Grossman.✨ a true icon ✨
I AM SO GRATEFUL TO FELICIA GROSSMAN FOR THIS eARC!!!!!! All thoughts/opinions are my own.
5 out of 5 stars!!! THIS BOOK IS ABSOLUTE PERFECTION. IT IS SO SPECIAL I CAN'T EVEN PUT MY FEELINGS INTO WORDS.
If you're reading this review, you should read this book :)
First: Jewish characters on the cover (like yes, the kippah is iconic, but having what seems to be sephardi & ashkenazi Jews on the cover is magical).
Second: The writing. Incredible. Holy mother of God Felicia Grossman can write >>>
Third: The ROMANCE. Oh my god. Aaron is a custodian of their shul and he's so hot. Isabelle is absolutely iconic and knows that he's hot. She likes for him to beg >>> (also when Isabelle says "I'm a Prince" and he's like oh fuck that's hot and she's on her knees and she's like aha I'm still in control of you. ICONIC).
Fourth: The niche Jewish comfort and safety they find in one another. Like finally TWO Jewish characters in a romance. TWO Jewish characters experiencing antisemitism and knowing that the love of their life who is the same ethnicity as them is going to actually understand it. It was heartbreaking and beautiful to see them find that comfort in one another.
Fifth: Isabelle really loved giving him blowjobs and being naked against his sometimes clothed body:)
Sixth: Although some people won't like that there wasn't any penis penetrating vagina sexual intercourse in this, I actually really liked this. A lot of authors don't know how to write oral scenes well, but Ms. Grossman truly knows how to write one. And in my opinion, as an aspie-virgin with no interest in pursuing this stuff in real life, sex is whatever you want it to be and whatever makes you happy:)
July 25, 2023
We were really intrigued by the setup for this one: a gender-swapped Cinderella retelling set in the Jewish community of 1830s London? Definitely a book we want to read. And this book delivers on the setting. We really felt like we understood the complexities of the Jewish community of the era, with its own hierarchies and prejudices, even as the community as a whole was kept separate and unequal from wider English society. Isabelle, the "prince" of the book, is juggling her roles as co-owner of a company and representative of Jewish society with her own wants and fears. Aaron, the "Cinderella" figure, is kindhearted and loving, but feels like he is existing only as the recipient of charity from the community as a whole.
So, the setting and setup of the book were clearly interesting. Unfortunately, we weren't enthralled by the romance. The first 60-70% of the book dragged, as we read a lot about Isabelle's plan to use Aaron to gather information on her suitors but not a lot of the actual investigations. The plot picked up after this, but we were never sure what brought these two together. And the final 20% of the book introduced new plot elements, villains, and surprise reveals that felt like they came out of nowhere. The steam seemed like it would be a selling point, but on two occasions the door is slammed firmly in the reader's face after an extended prelude. (Aaron talks a big game, and we're pretty sure he delivered, BUT WE'RE NOT SURE AND NEVER WILL BE.)
Check this one out if the premise is interesting, but go in knowing that it doesn't live up to the (possibly too) high expectations we had for it.
This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novel.
So, the setting and setup of the book were clearly interesting. Unfortunately, we weren't enthralled by the romance. The first 60-70% of the book dragged, as we read a lot about Isabelle's plan to use Aaron to gather information on her suitors but not a lot of the actual investigations. The plot picked up after this, but we were never sure what brought these two together. And the final 20% of the book introduced new plot elements, villains, and surprise reveals that felt like they came out of nowhere. The steam seemed like it would be a selling point, but on two occasions the door is slammed firmly in the reader's face after an extended prelude. (Aaron talks a big game, and we're pretty sure he delivered, BUT WE'RE NOT SURE AND NEVER WILL BE.)
Check this one out if the premise is interesting, but go in knowing that it doesn't live up to the (possibly too) high expectations we had for it.
This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novel.
August 11, 2023
Marry Me by Midnight by Felicia Grossman
1st book in the Once Upon the East End series. Historical Jewish romance, 1832. Cinderella twist.
Isabelle Liva is in search of a Jewish husband. Her father has just died and his business partners are insisting on a husband or she will lose any ownership rights to the company. Three festivals are arranged so that men may present themselves to Isabelle and she will decide who she will marry at the end of the parties. After spying Aaron Ellenberg telling a story to the children in the synagogue, she follows him into the basement levels to find out more about the interesting man. She hires Aaron to be her bodyguard / thug. He’s to investigate whoever is making a case for her hand in marriage to make sure they have no illegal or illicit plans. Isabelle and Aaron become friends and more on the journey through the festivities.
Class plays a role in this story since it’s 1832. Aaron knows he has nothing and has no inclination beyond a better position or perhaps enough money to start some type of business. It’s a bit sad. But the difference doesn’t slow their passion. Turns out they were observed by multiple people though (how embarrassing!) and at least one of her suitors tries blackmail.
Someone is off to America! Read the story to find out who.
Engaging and frisky passion.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley.
1st book in the Once Upon the East End series. Historical Jewish romance, 1832. Cinderella twist.
Isabelle Liva is in search of a Jewish husband. Her father has just died and his business partners are insisting on a husband or she will lose any ownership rights to the company. Three festivals are arranged so that men may present themselves to Isabelle and she will decide who she will marry at the end of the parties. After spying Aaron Ellenberg telling a story to the children in the synagogue, she follows him into the basement levels to find out more about the interesting man. She hires Aaron to be her bodyguard / thug. He’s to investigate whoever is making a case for her hand in marriage to make sure they have no illegal or illicit plans. Isabelle and Aaron become friends and more on the journey through the festivities.
Class plays a role in this story since it’s 1832. Aaron knows he has nothing and has no inclination beyond a better position or perhaps enough money to start some type of business. It’s a bit sad. But the difference doesn’t slow their passion. Turns out they were observed by multiple people though (how embarrassing!) and at least one of her suitors tries blackmail.
Someone is off to America! Read the story to find out who.
Engaging and frisky passion.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley.
July 12, 2023
I put on a ballgown for this one, ya'all... because today, I'm talking about MY MOST FAVORITE book of the year! A book that not only has A MAN IN A KIPPAH ON THE COVER but received a STARRED REVIEW from Kirkus.
That book, my friends, is none other than #marrymebymidnight by @feliciagrossmanauthor -- an author who is a true powerhouse in both Jewish history and romance.
Reasons I loved This Book
*It’s probably the most Jewish thing I’ve ever read. And I’m not just talking about a scene where folks are eating Shabbat dinner… I’m talking about the language we as Jews use in our daily, the shared metaphors, and cultural references that come from a life and worldview that stems from the Hebrew Bible. This book uses that language in a way that is so natural that I literally burst into tears, full-on sobbing, that Marry Me By Midnight will even exist on our shelves.
*Have you ever wanted a Jewish Bridgerton?!? This book is Jewish Bridgerton.
*MMBM turns romance tropes straight up on their head. I don’t want to give away any spoilers, but all you need to know is that this book is fiercely feminist and beyond delightful.
*This book educates, as well as entertains, tackling the Jewish experience in 19th-Century England. That includes antisemitism, assimilation, class struggles, and more.
*Even with all this complexity, this book is still very much a romance. There are surprising twists, people with good intentions (after all!), and of course, an extremely happy and satisfying ending. There's also a lot of simmering sexual tension between the two main characters and plenty of heat.
I never play favorites, ya'all--but I have talked about this book at EVERY EVENT I’ve done since reading it. All of which to say, and despite getting early copies, I bought myself a copy, bought my mom a copy, bought my sister a copy, and you need to RUN… not walk… RIGHT NOW to include Marry Me By Midnight in your must-have shelves of Jewish fiction. You will not be disappointed.
#jeanmeltzer #feliciagrossman #Jewishbookstagram #bookstagram #romance #booksrecs #bookreview #books2023 #historicalromance #readersofinstagram #bookstagrammer #bookworm #amreading #jewishromance
MY BLURB: "Spectacularly Jewish, fiercely feminist, and sizzling with erotic tension... Marry Me By Midnight goes down as one of my favorite books of all time."
YA'ALL. PRE-ORDER THIS BOOK. YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED.
<3
That book, my friends, is none other than #marrymebymidnight by @feliciagrossmanauthor -- an author who is a true powerhouse in both Jewish history and romance.
Reasons I loved This Book
*It’s probably the most Jewish thing I’ve ever read. And I’m not just talking about a scene where folks are eating Shabbat dinner… I’m talking about the language we as Jews use in our daily, the shared metaphors, and cultural references that come from a life and worldview that stems from the Hebrew Bible. This book uses that language in a way that is so natural that I literally burst into tears, full-on sobbing, that Marry Me By Midnight will even exist on our shelves.
*Have you ever wanted a Jewish Bridgerton?!? This book is Jewish Bridgerton.
*MMBM turns romance tropes straight up on their head. I don’t want to give away any spoilers, but all you need to know is that this book is fiercely feminist and beyond delightful.
*This book educates, as well as entertains, tackling the Jewish experience in 19th-Century England. That includes antisemitism, assimilation, class struggles, and more.
*Even with all this complexity, this book is still very much a romance. There are surprising twists, people with good intentions (after all!), and of course, an extremely happy and satisfying ending. There's also a lot of simmering sexual tension between the two main characters and plenty of heat.
I never play favorites, ya'all--but I have talked about this book at EVERY EVENT I’ve done since reading it. All of which to say, and despite getting early copies, I bought myself a copy, bought my mom a copy, bought my sister a copy, and you need to RUN… not walk… RIGHT NOW to include Marry Me By Midnight in your must-have shelves of Jewish fiction. You will not be disappointed.
#jeanmeltzer #feliciagrossman #Jewishbookstagram #bookstagram #romance #booksrecs #bookreview #books2023 #historicalromance #readersofinstagram #bookstagrammer #bookworm #amreading #jewishromance
MY BLURB: "Spectacularly Jewish, fiercely feminist, and sizzling with erotic tension... Marry Me By Midnight goes down as one of my favorite books of all time."
YA'ALL. PRE-ORDER THIS BOOK. YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED.
<3
September 2, 2023
2023 Spring Bingo (#SpringIntoLoveBingo🌷): Learn Some History
Absolutely adore a world that feels layered and lived-in from the start. Really interesting to experience Regency England through a different lens; I loved the religious intracommunity dynamics. I'm so happy that this will be a trilogy and hope Weiss is next. Read via audio (narrated by Justine Eyre).
Disclaimer: I received a free audiobook from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Absolutely adore a world that feels layered and lived-in from the start. Really interesting to experience Regency England through a different lens; I loved the religious intracommunity dynamics. I'm so happy that this will be a trilogy and hope Weiss is next. Read via audio (narrated by Justine Eyre).
Disclaimer: I received a free audiobook from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
January 17, 2024
i was so stressed for these two, but wow i enjoyed the payoff. I really neglected to write this review (it got buried under my other current reads) but just know i thought it was great!
July 10, 2023
Felicia Grossman has turned the Cinderella story on its ear, or upside down, or whatever! In Marry Me By Midnight, Isabelle is the one who is desperately searching for a husband. She is a rich Sephardi Jew in 1832 London, whose father has died (a year before). Her father’s business partners are pressuring her to marry quickly (and marry one of them!), as he left no male heirs. Isabelle is smart and pretty, and wants to keep her place in the business. She realizes that she needs a savvy man who won’t shut her out of the business after they are married. Aaron is a “lowly” custodian at the synagogue attended by the local Ashkenazi Jewish population. (The two parts of the community work together, in theory, but in reality there is quite the divide between the Sephardim, who have been in England longer and have established themselves in business, and the Ashkenazi, who are newer to England and have different traditions.) Aaron is an orphan and has had a hard life to this point (the Cinderella figure!). Isabelle is considering finding an Ashkenazi man to marry and winds up hiring Aaron to try to dig up dirt on some of the men on her list - the better to control the man she marries!
I was entranced and delighted with this story, featuring two wonderful Jewish characters. I learned a lot about how Jews lived and were treated at that time in England. (They had a champion in the Duke of Sussex.) The story turns rather steamy, so be forewarned! The chemistry between Isabelle and Aaron is off the charts. You could consider this as a grumpy-sunshine story, along with the reverse Cinderella trope. There were several interesting side characters, including Isabelle’s friend, Rebecca, her father’s valet, Pena, and one of her Ashkenazi suitors, Solomon Weiss.
There are a lot of Yiddish and Hebrew terms thrown around throughout the book and I believe that those who aren’t familiar with these terms will mostly get the gist by the context. I loved how Aaron described himself as a schlemiel! There was one example near the beginning of the book (a short discussion about a “get”) that I don’t think was explained sufficiently and will leave non-knowledgeable readers in the dark, but that was minor and missing the understanding there will not impact their understanding of the rest of the book. (And, since I read an ARC, this may have been corrected in the final version.)
Don’t miss the author’s note at the end of the book!
Thank you to NetGalley and Forever Publishing for the opportunity to read an advance readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
I was entranced and delighted with this story, featuring two wonderful Jewish characters. I learned a lot about how Jews lived and were treated at that time in England. (They had a champion in the Duke of Sussex.) The story turns rather steamy, so be forewarned! The chemistry between Isabelle and Aaron is off the charts. You could consider this as a grumpy-sunshine story, along with the reverse Cinderella trope. There were several interesting side characters, including Isabelle’s friend, Rebecca, her father’s valet, Pena, and one of her Ashkenazi suitors, Solomon Weiss.
There are a lot of Yiddish and Hebrew terms thrown around throughout the book and I believe that those who aren’t familiar with these terms will mostly get the gist by the context. I loved how Aaron described himself as a schlemiel! There was one example near the beginning of the book (a short discussion about a “get”) that I don’t think was explained sufficiently and will leave non-knowledgeable readers in the dark, but that was minor and missing the understanding there will not impact their understanding of the rest of the book. (And, since I read an ARC, this may have been corrected in the final version.)
Don’t miss the author’s note at the end of the book!
Thank you to NetGalley and Forever Publishing for the opportunity to read an advance readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
August 13, 2023
Cinderella retellings are usually not my favorite, but damn.
After the third chapter, i started looking up Grossman's backlist (I will likely skip based on reviews, bummer), but with this novel, the author has deftly executed a fairy tale with role reversal and a cowardly, yet confident, heroine in many clever ways. Isabelle has the power, but Aaron never appears powerless--what he is is kind, sexy, and open-hearted (more than he admits, knows maybe?) He's not another commitment-phobe and incredibly easy to fall for from the opening. On top of this, this story takes place entirely within the Jewish community, and it felt very well done.
A winner. It transported me immediately, and was a delightful read (with minor issues) from start to finish. 4.5 rounded up
After the third chapter, i started looking up Grossman's backlist (I will likely skip based on reviews, bummer), but with this novel, the author has deftly executed a fairy tale with role reversal and a cowardly, yet confident, heroine in many clever ways. Isabelle has the power, but Aaron never appears powerless--what he is is kind, sexy, and open-hearted (more than he admits, knows maybe?) He's not another commitment-phobe and incredibly easy to fall for from the opening. On top of this, this story takes place entirely within the Jewish community, and it felt very well done.
A winner. It transported me immediately, and was a delightful read (with minor issues) from start to finish. 4.5 rounded up
August 13, 2023
I tried. I really tried not to DNF. AT 20% the awkward writing spelled the beginning of the end (sampling below). I skimmed to 30%, then skipped chapters to 50%.
—Don’t sing my mind’s praises yet.
—Budded hedge.
—Their company worked not to support certain trades…
—Her grandmother flatted the cushion with her palm…
BTW, the only person with a lick of sense was dear old grandma, even if she preferred flatting rather than flattening fluffy accessories.
—Don’t sing my mind’s praises yet.
—Budded hedge.
—Their company worked not to support certain trades…
—Her grandmother flatted the cushion with her palm…
BTW, the only person with a lick of sense was dear old grandma, even if she preferred flatting rather than flattening fluffy accessories.
November 27, 2023
was hoping I'd love this but it was bogged down by the author trying to do too much rather than focusing on a couple of elements
September 16, 2023
So this was described as a gender-swapped Cinderella retelling with a twist and has Jewish main characters in a historical romance setting in 1830s London. I feel like I say this often, but I seem to always forget until after the fact, but Cinderella retellings are just not my fav to read. They always sound so good, but when it comes down to it, I just have a hard time with the trope. It’s something about one of the characters feeling like they’re less-than, or being treated that way, that really rubs me the wrong way. In this case we have the hero being the character of feeling unworthy. While the heroine is constantly being almost matchmakered…matchmade?…basically a matchmaker trying to set her up lol
I did love the representation of the Jewish characters and culture of the time, you definitely get a great sense of that. The romance was okay, but the plot did meander a bit and I had a harder time with. All in all, there were moments I think were good, and maybe it’s just me that this Cinderella vibe didn’t work for.
I received a copy from the publisher, all thoughts in this review are my own.
I did love the representation of the Jewish characters and culture of the time, you definitely get a great sense of that. The romance was okay, but the plot did meander a bit and I had a harder time with. All in all, there were moments I think were good, and maybe it’s just me that this Cinderella vibe didn’t work for.
I received a copy from the publisher, all thoughts in this review are my own.
August 10, 2023
What did I love? Well, first, as a histrom reader and writer, I was obsessed with the impeccable research that went into this book. I am familiar with certain aspects of Jewish history in this period in Britain because of my work in 19th c lit, but this book went WAY beyond my cursory familiarity. The nuances that Grossman details between the Sephardic and Ashkenazi communities in London, the way she discusses the pressures between assimilation and discrimination for Jews in the period—it’s all SO well done and really just is overall such a wonderful integration of real historical detail into a histrom.
I also adored the reverse Cinderella dynamic between Isabelle and Aaron. It’s still relatively rare to see a hero who is so relatively disempowered vis-a-vis a heroine—for most of the book, Aaron is the one who lacks position and money. But his sweetness and emotional charm really make him stand out from the beginning to Isabelle because he is what she—fierce, at the center of her community, powerful—really needs. In short, their dynamic was hot and fresh and just 🥵🥵🥵.
I also adored the reverse Cinderella dynamic between Isabelle and Aaron. It’s still relatively rare to see a hero who is so relatively disempowered vis-a-vis a heroine—for most of the book, Aaron is the one who lacks position and money. But his sweetness and emotional charm really make him stand out from the beginning to Isabelle because he is what she—fierce, at the center of her community, powerful—really needs. In short, their dynamic was hot and fresh and just 🥵🥵🥵.
August 18, 2023
If I hadn’t enjoyed Grossman’s romances in the past, I would’ve read Marry Me By Midnight on the cover’s beauty alone. (I’ve never seen a waltzing hero wearing a yarmulke/kippa; it’s terrific!) As it was, I had read Grossman and she proved once more to be writing intelligent, original romance. To start, I loved Marry Me‘s premise: a turning-on-their-heads of the tired ole Regency romance and Cinderella fairy tale. Two tropes, one stone. The publisher’s blurb will fill in the details and the cover too tells you much of what to expect:
London, 1832: Isabelle Lira may be in distress, but she’s no damsel. Since her father’s death, his former partners have sought to oust her from their joint equity business. Her only choice is to marry—and fast—to a powerful ally outside the respected Berab family’s sphere of influence. Only finding the right spouse will require casting a wide net. So she’ll host a series of festivals, to which every eligible Jewish man is invited.
Once, Aaron Ellenberg longed to have a family of his own. But as the synagogue custodian, he is too poor for wishes and not foolish enough for dreams. Until the bold, beautiful Isabelle Lira presents him with an irresistible offer . . . if he ensures her favored suitors have no hidden loyalties to the Berabs, she will provide him with money for a new life.
Yet the transaction provides surprising temptation, as Aaron and Isabelle find caring and passion in the last person they each expected. Only a future for them is impossible—for heiresses don’t marry orphans, and love only conquers in children’s tales. But if Isabelle can find the courage to trust her heart, she’ll discover anything is possible, if only she says yes.
While the first half of Grossman’s romance wasn’t easy to get into (I have an idea why, but more later), it established a thematic contrast between a status-focussed heroine and a hero who is a social “nothing,” a “schlemiel” as he calls himself, the lowest of the low, a failed young man living on the Jewish community’s charity as a synagogue custodian, a “Cinderfella”. Because much of our view of London’s 1830s Jewish community is seen initially through the hero and heroine’s eyes, we have the impression the community too is driven by status and social hierarchy. One of the romance’s delights is how mistaken Isabelle and Aaron are: enter the fairy godmothers among others. Our and their perception is dictated by how Isabelle and Aaron see themselves as measured by their perceived value, or lack of, to the community.
Isabelle is a wealthy, privileged, powerful heiress, but she is limited in controlling her inheritance, her father’s influential, successful surety business, because she is a woman; therefore, retaining power lies in her choice of husband. She understands she is defined by power and wealth; any man who marries her will see these aspects above any worth and beauty. Aaron sees his status as nil because he cannot marry without wealth and he cannot, this pains him, contribute to the community. When they meet and fall in love, their perceptions of social value and worth dictate their future. Isabelle needs a powerful, business-savvy husband. Aaron is an orphan, a young man who failed every apprenticeship offered him by his community; his sole talent lies in cleaning, storytelling, and caring for vulnerable people and animals. Indeed, this is the most charming detail of his characterization: his nest of mice with button-plates and thimble water-buckets, his milk for the cat, Mr. Sleeps-A-Lot, ostensibly to keep him from eating the mice.
From these few details, it’s easy to like Aaron; as Isabelle realizes, he’s kind, thoughtful, a great storyteller, funny, charming, and beautiful to look at, a sexy, attractive, humble sweetie-pie. Isabelle, on the other hand, isn’t easy to like: she comes across as ambitious and concerned with retaining status and wealth. But another of the novel’s strengths is how we come to sympathize with and like her. Isabelle is grieving: her world was her father and their family, the business, and their place in society. She is, as we come to learn, not as concerned with status as she is with preserving her father’s legacy. Psychologically, it is her way, as she too realizes, of holding on to her father. When she realizes she loves Aaron, who sees her as a whole person, not a conglomeration of privilege, status, and wealth, she is always on the brink of tears. Her vulnerabilities and humanity come through, a young woman trying so very hard to hold on to her world.
The first half of the novel took a while to capture my affection, maybe because it had so much to do with Isabelle’s machinations? Mainly because Grossman’s prose is mannered. However, when Isabelle and Aaron banter, when Aaron recognizes his worth, as Isabelle understands that love is more than place, more than hierarchy, more than power, Grossman soars. Isabelle is witty and Aaron exhibits a gentle masculine bravado in response: it’s fun to read. It is at this point I especially like how Grossman saw her Isabelle figure out how to have a place in her father’s company, to make room for others, compromise, negotiate, and build community. (It’s rare that Pamela Regis’s “community redefined” through the central couple is enacted in romance, but it is here.) When Grossman’s narrative reaches into her heroine’s emotions and her hero’s self-concept shifts, the mannered prose of the romance’s first half gives over: it’s finally possible to immerse oneself in Isabelle and Aaron’s romance “proper” and its improper bits too. 😉
As a Cinder”fella” telling, what about those fairy godmothers? This too is one of the romance’s delights and reinforces Regis’s notion of society “redefined”, or in this case, a society’s true self emerges, like the hero and heroine’s HEA depending on recognizing the other’s true self, the whole person, and seeing themselves as more than their notions of worth and status. I cannot reveal the fairy godmothers, but they are myriad for Aaron, the orphan, the “schlemiel”. The community wants Isabelle and Aaron to be together: they nudge them along until they too see they should be, that they love each other. At first, for Isabelle and Aaron, being together means they and their community will “lose”. But the wise fairy-godmothers help them see that their community is built on kindness, laughter, and love; add some hot love-making and it’s the makings of Isabelle and Aaron’s marriage. (Unfortunately, Grossman also tacks on a last-minute villain that reads contrived.) Overall, Miss Austen would approve; she too saw a redefinition of society from her couples’ love marriages. With Miss Austen, we’d agree Felicia Grossman’s Marry Me By Midnight offers “a mind lively and at ease,” Emma.
Felicia Grossman’s Marry Me By Midnight is published by Forever. It was released on Aug. 8th. I received an e-ARC, from Forever, via Netgalley, for the purpose of writing this review. This does not impede the free expression of my opinion.
London, 1832: Isabelle Lira may be in distress, but she’s no damsel. Since her father’s death, his former partners have sought to oust her from their joint equity business. Her only choice is to marry—and fast—to a powerful ally outside the respected Berab family’s sphere of influence. Only finding the right spouse will require casting a wide net. So she’ll host a series of festivals, to which every eligible Jewish man is invited.
Once, Aaron Ellenberg longed to have a family of his own. But as the synagogue custodian, he is too poor for wishes and not foolish enough for dreams. Until the bold, beautiful Isabelle Lira presents him with an irresistible offer . . . if he ensures her favored suitors have no hidden loyalties to the Berabs, she will provide him with money for a new life.
Yet the transaction provides surprising temptation, as Aaron and Isabelle find caring and passion in the last person they each expected. Only a future for them is impossible—for heiresses don’t marry orphans, and love only conquers in children’s tales. But if Isabelle can find the courage to trust her heart, she’ll discover anything is possible, if only she says yes.
While the first half of Grossman’s romance wasn’t easy to get into (I have an idea why, but more later), it established a thematic contrast between a status-focussed heroine and a hero who is a social “nothing,” a “schlemiel” as he calls himself, the lowest of the low, a failed young man living on the Jewish community’s charity as a synagogue custodian, a “Cinderfella”. Because much of our view of London’s 1830s Jewish community is seen initially through the hero and heroine’s eyes, we have the impression the community too is driven by status and social hierarchy. One of the romance’s delights is how mistaken Isabelle and Aaron are: enter the fairy godmothers among others. Our and their perception is dictated by how Isabelle and Aaron see themselves as measured by their perceived value, or lack of, to the community.
Isabelle is a wealthy, privileged, powerful heiress, but she is limited in controlling her inheritance, her father’s influential, successful surety business, because she is a woman; therefore, retaining power lies in her choice of husband. She understands she is defined by power and wealth; any man who marries her will see these aspects above any worth and beauty. Aaron sees his status as nil because he cannot marry without wealth and he cannot, this pains him, contribute to the community. When they meet and fall in love, their perceptions of social value and worth dictate their future. Isabelle needs a powerful, business-savvy husband. Aaron is an orphan, a young man who failed every apprenticeship offered him by his community; his sole talent lies in cleaning, storytelling, and caring for vulnerable people and animals. Indeed, this is the most charming detail of his characterization: his nest of mice with button-plates and thimble water-buckets, his milk for the cat, Mr. Sleeps-A-Lot, ostensibly to keep him from eating the mice.
From these few details, it’s easy to like Aaron; as Isabelle realizes, he’s kind, thoughtful, a great storyteller, funny, charming, and beautiful to look at, a sexy, attractive, humble sweetie-pie. Isabelle, on the other hand, isn’t easy to like: she comes across as ambitious and concerned with retaining status and wealth. But another of the novel’s strengths is how we come to sympathize with and like her. Isabelle is grieving: her world was her father and their family, the business, and their place in society. She is, as we come to learn, not as concerned with status as she is with preserving her father’s legacy. Psychologically, it is her way, as she too realizes, of holding on to her father. When she realizes she loves Aaron, who sees her as a whole person, not a conglomeration of privilege, status, and wealth, she is always on the brink of tears. Her vulnerabilities and humanity come through, a young woman trying so very hard to hold on to her world.
The first half of the novel took a while to capture my affection, maybe because it had so much to do with Isabelle’s machinations? Mainly because Grossman’s prose is mannered. However, when Isabelle and Aaron banter, when Aaron recognizes his worth, as Isabelle understands that love is more than place, more than hierarchy, more than power, Grossman soars. Isabelle is witty and Aaron exhibits a gentle masculine bravado in response: it’s fun to read. It is at this point I especially like how Grossman saw her Isabelle figure out how to have a place in her father’s company, to make room for others, compromise, negotiate, and build community. (It’s rare that Pamela Regis’s “community redefined” through the central couple is enacted in romance, but it is here.) When Grossman’s narrative reaches into her heroine’s emotions and her hero’s self-concept shifts, the mannered prose of the romance’s first half gives over: it’s finally possible to immerse oneself in Isabelle and Aaron’s romance “proper” and its improper bits too. 😉
As a Cinder”fella” telling, what about those fairy godmothers? This too is one of the romance’s delights and reinforces Regis’s notion of society “redefined”, or in this case, a society’s true self emerges, like the hero and heroine’s HEA depending on recognizing the other’s true self, the whole person, and seeing themselves as more than their notions of worth and status. I cannot reveal the fairy godmothers, but they are myriad for Aaron, the orphan, the “schlemiel”. The community wants Isabelle and Aaron to be together: they nudge them along until they too see they should be, that they love each other. At first, for Isabelle and Aaron, being together means they and their community will “lose”. But the wise fairy-godmothers help them see that their community is built on kindness, laughter, and love; add some hot love-making and it’s the makings of Isabelle and Aaron’s marriage. (Unfortunately, Grossman also tacks on a last-minute villain that reads contrived.) Overall, Miss Austen would approve; she too saw a redefinition of society from her couples’ love marriages. With Miss Austen, we’d agree Felicia Grossman’s Marry Me By Midnight offers “a mind lively and at ease,” Emma.
Felicia Grossman’s Marry Me By Midnight is published by Forever. It was released on Aug. 8th. I received an e-ARC, from Forever, via Netgalley, for the purpose of writing this review. This does not impede the free expression of my opinion.
April 4, 2023
Jewish historical romance Cinderella-retelling!! Orphaned synagogue custodian who takes care of mice & birds and wants a family but also is prepared to duke it out on the streets!! Fashionable businesswoman who has no time for anybody's nonsense!! Scream
CW: Antisemitism, sexual content, grief, violence, xenophobia, classism
I work for the publisher; all opinions my own
CW: Antisemitism, sexual content, grief, violence, xenophobia, classism
I work for the publisher; all opinions my own
August 16, 2023
This is the first novel I have read from Felicia Grossman and I felt like she brings a really interesting and unique take to the historical romance genre. I really enjoyed her twist of the Cinderella fairytale and the diverse layer that Jewish culture brings to this story. Grossman's writing is well balanced and paced, she has a beautiful way of bringing consent and sensuality to this novel. I found her characters to be interesting and dimensional. And overall, this fairytale retelling is beautifully done with the perfect distinctive spin to make it fresh and new!
This novel is enriched with a bold and independent heroine who is the perfect hero to her own story. I was charmed by the dynamics between the hero and heroine. I was romanced by their interactions and attractions. This novel really lovely highlights the trust and understanding that these two build with another. I found it to be sexy and sensual, and these moments of physicality really helped to highlight the consensual side of their relationship.
Felicia Grossman is definitely worth checking out. If you are in the mood for a different understanding and diversity in your historical romance, than Grossman is an author worth paying attention to. I am looking forward to my continued exploration of her work.
Thank you to Forever Publishing and NetGalley for an eARC, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
This novel is enriched with a bold and independent heroine who is the perfect hero to her own story. I was charmed by the dynamics between the hero and heroine. I was romanced by their interactions and attractions. This novel really lovely highlights the trust and understanding that these two build with another. I found it to be sexy and sensual, and these moments of physicality really helped to highlight the consensual side of their relationship.
Felicia Grossman is definitely worth checking out. If you are in the mood for a different understanding and diversity in your historical romance, than Grossman is an author worth paying attention to. I am looking forward to my continued exploration of her work.
Thank you to Forever Publishing and NetGalley for an eARC, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
December 27, 2023
I love a Cinderella retelling, and this was a great one. I read the first third of this slowly, but once the story picked up I read the rest very fast. The characters here were fantastic and the definite strength of the story. Looking forward to more in this series!
April 26, 2023
This was an absolute delight! I loved delving into the Jewish world(s) of London in the 1830s, and I particularly enjoyed Isabelle and Aaron's cross-class and cross-Jewish sect/ancestry romance. Reading a romance with two Jewish main characters was a delight, but what really shone for me was the very smart commentary on Jewish identity and antisemitism, which both reflected the (mostly) historical world of Isabelle and Aaron, both also our contemporary moment.. As I was reading, I could feel echoes of Dara Horn's nonfiction work throughout in how Felicia Grossman has her characters discuss their Jewish identity, what it means to be Jewish, and antisemitism, and my suspicions were confirmed when I read the author's note, which mentioned Dara Horn. How Grossman weaves Horn's cultural commentary through the book is so well done—as is the author's note. Such a fantastic read, and so needed at this time.
June 12, 2023
I received this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest review, and let me tell you, I was not disappointed.
I loved Felicia Grossman's other books, and this one was amazing. It takes place in 1800s London and focuses on the growing Jewish community that is fighting for their rights. The main couple is a rich young woman who has recently lost her father and the orphaned man who was basically raised and housed by the community as a dependent. Aaron and Isabelle are fantastic together. They have great chemistry and compliment each other so well. The Cinderella aspects are there but not knock you over the head, which I appreciated. The story was sweet and steamy, and I loved the bit of queerness that peeks through as well. I would love to see certain side characters get their own stories, like Isabelle's friend and Solomon Weiss (though not necessarily together).
I loved Felicia Grossman's other books, and this one was amazing. It takes place in 1800s London and focuses on the growing Jewish community that is fighting for their rights. The main couple is a rich young woman who has recently lost her father and the orphaned man who was basically raised and housed by the community as a dependent. Aaron and Isabelle are fantastic together. They have great chemistry and compliment each other so well. The Cinderella aspects are there but not knock you over the head, which I appreciated. The story was sweet and steamy, and I loved the bit of queerness that peeks through as well. I would love to see certain side characters get their own stories, like Isabelle's friend and Solomon Weiss (though not necessarily together).
March 7, 2024
Marry Me by Midnight by Felicia Grossman is a charming cinderella-like historical tale full of romance, passion, and swoon worthy moments. This is the first book of the “Once Upon the East End Series” and she certainly started this series off with fervor making me anxious for the next book of the series! This story has wonderful world building, the characters are multifaceted and easy to connect with, and the writing is well-paced without any plot holes - all of this makes for a story that is easily read and enjoyed.
Once upon a time in London 1832 Isabelle Lira is forced to quickly find a spouse who is able to help save her family’s business and she relies on the help of Aaron Ellenberg her synagogues custodian to help screen potential suitors. Aaron does not have the right pedigree to be one of Isabelle’s suitors, even if he does long for a wife and children of his own, and even if the two of them find kindred spirits within each other - everyone knows the orphan doesn’t end up with the princess. Right?
I greatly enjoyed watching these two fall in love and of course it’s always a win when love conquers all!
Overall 4.5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
📚Disclosure: I received a review copy of this #book from Forever - Grand Central Publishing - via #Netgalley. All thoughts, opinions, comments, and interpretations of the story are my own and bias free. I did not receive any money in exchange for this review. Thank you to the publisher/author for allowing me the opportunity to review. 🦄 @ReadForeverPub @GrandCentralPub @HachetteUS
⭐️When possible reviews are cross-posted on the following:
✔️Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/jaime-loves...
✔️Bookbub https://www.bookbub.com/profile/25772...
✔️IG https://www.instagram.com/alphabookclub/
✔️Twitter @alpha_book_club
#Bookreview #MustRead #ReviewbyJaime #RomanceBooks #TBR
🦄
Once upon a time in London 1832 Isabelle Lira is forced to quickly find a spouse who is able to help save her family’s business and she relies on the help of Aaron Ellenberg her synagogues custodian to help screen potential suitors. Aaron does not have the right pedigree to be one of Isabelle’s suitors, even if he does long for a wife and children of his own, and even if the two of them find kindred spirits within each other - everyone knows the orphan doesn’t end up with the princess. Right?
I greatly enjoyed watching these two fall in love and of course it’s always a win when love conquers all!
Overall 4.5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
📚Disclosure: I received a review copy of this #book from Forever - Grand Central Publishing - via #Netgalley. All thoughts, opinions, comments, and interpretations of the story are my own and bias free. I did not receive any money in exchange for this review. Thank you to the publisher/author for allowing me the opportunity to review. 🦄 @ReadForeverPub @GrandCentralPub @HachetteUS
⭐️When possible reviews are cross-posted on the following:
✔️Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/jaime-loves...
✔️Bookbub https://www.bookbub.com/profile/25772...
✔️IG https://www.instagram.com/alphabookclub/
✔️Twitter @alpha_book_club
#Bookreview #MustRead #ReviewbyJaime #RomanceBooks #TBR
🦄
July 16, 2024
3 and change
September 5, 2023
A cinderella inspired historical romance that is well researched?
I had to get my hands on this.
Such a dazzling time.
Also, he’s the “cinderella” character.
It dragged a little bit towards the middle but overall gave me all of the warm and fuzzy feelings.
✨ I WAS ENCHANTED TO MEET YOU ✨
I had to get my hands on this.
Such a dazzling time.
Also, he’s the “cinderella” character.
It dragged a little bit towards the middle but overall gave me all of the warm and fuzzy feelings.
✨ I WAS ENCHANTED TO MEET YOU ✨
June 22, 2023
A well done gender swap Cinderella with relatively low stakes for Isabelle set in an 1830s Jewish community in London. He wants to be needed and wanted after a lifetime of being down and out, and she wants security for her family business and not romance. Isabelle steals the show with her confidence, charm, and the drive and ability to get what she wants.
Her personality dominated and Aaron, while adorable, rarely holds up against her when they share a scene. A lot of the plot relies on other parties knowing things that we never see them figure out, but I was invested in knowing what Isabelle would decide.
When do we get the backstory about Isabelle’s father and Pena??
3.5 stars I received an arc from NetGalley
Her personality dominated and Aaron, while adorable, rarely holds up against her when they share a scene. A lot of the plot relies on other parties knowing things that we never see them figure out, but I was invested in knowing what Isabelle would decide.
When do we get the backstory about Isabelle’s father and Pena??
3.5 stars I received an arc from NetGalley
October 23, 2023
The world-building is very good. The conflict legit and high-stakes. I tend to get frustrated with slip-shod conflict in romances, and this one is very compelling (the heroine under pressure to marry for various "reasons" and the cross-class nature of the romance). It's one of those books where you think "How the heck is the author going to pull off this happy-ever-after?!"
That said, as much as I enjoyed the world-building and conflict, the romance was kinda blah. I never felt tension? Chemistry? It just seemed to be missing something. There was no anticipation for the first kiss, let alone the first love scene. But there is a well-done Black Moment that does punch things up a bit in that respect.
Probably a B- on my personal scale. I am interested in picking up the next book in the series.
That said, as much as I enjoyed the world-building and conflict, the romance was kinda blah. I never felt tension? Chemistry? It just seemed to be missing something. There was no anticipation for the first kiss, let alone the first love scene. But there is a well-done Black Moment that does punch things up a bit in that respect.
Probably a B- on my personal scale. I am interested in picking up the next book in the series.
Read
July 23, 2023Writing a review for a book that you've highly anticipated and then are pretty disappointed by can be really difficult. But stick with me here - I think this book had so much potential and really needed some intense editing and paring down.
First of all, I am so glad that this book exists and hope that we continue to see more diverse Historical Romances - particularly ones about communities that have not often been taught about, despite there being ample evidence to them existing and having huge impacts on history. While I can't speak to the quality of the representation in this book, as I am not Jewish, it was really interesting to hear about a part of 1830's England that I have never learned nor read about before. I really appreciated that the Hebrew/Yiddish words that are used are not translated and that context clues are enough. Her author's note at the end shows how much knowledge the author has and how much research she did.
On to the things I struggled with: number 1 is that there is just far too much plot happening - so much so that I really had a hard time following the book and kept getting confused about what was happening and thought I perhaps was missing major plot points. However, I was reading with other people who had the same experience so I do think those major plot points were just...missing. Much of the plot felt unnecessarily dramatic but then also resolved very quickly because of one conversation - I also felt like a lot of internal dialogue was missing. I don't feel that I ever really understood either character's motivations well or even really believed their chemistry with each other. So much happens in the last 20% of this book that I was left with the distinct impression of experiencing whiplash. And then the book just...ends. I turned the page in the epilogue expecting more, only to find the acknowledgements and just sat there for a second wondering if I missed something (again).
The dialogue felt really stilted at times as well - I do think this perhaps got slightly better the longer the book got on but honestly at that point I was having a hard time finding any positives about the book.
I hope to see more from this author and will probably try her again because I do think the representation is really important, but I do think some things need to be cleaned up and simplified.
First of all, I am so glad that this book exists and hope that we continue to see more diverse Historical Romances - particularly ones about communities that have not often been taught about, despite there being ample evidence to them existing and having huge impacts on history. While I can't speak to the quality of the representation in this book, as I am not Jewish, it was really interesting to hear about a part of 1830's England that I have never learned nor read about before. I really appreciated that the Hebrew/Yiddish words that are used are not translated and that context clues are enough. Her author's note at the end shows how much knowledge the author has and how much research she did.
On to the things I struggled with: number 1 is that there is just far too much plot happening - so much so that I really had a hard time following the book and kept getting confused about what was happening and thought I perhaps was missing major plot points. However, I was reading with other people who had the same experience so I do think those major plot points were just...missing. Much of the plot felt unnecessarily dramatic but then also resolved very quickly because of one conversation - I also felt like a lot of internal dialogue was missing. I don't feel that I ever really understood either character's motivations well or even really believed their chemistry with each other. So much happens in the last 20% of this book that I was left with the distinct impression of experiencing whiplash. And then the book just...ends. I turned the page in the epilogue expecting more, only to find the acknowledgements and just sat there for a second wondering if I missed something (again).
The dialogue felt really stilted at times as well - I do think this perhaps got slightly better the longer the book got on but honestly at that point I was having a hard time finding any positives about the book.
I hope to see more from this author and will probably try her again because I do think the representation is really important, but I do think some things need to be cleaned up and simplified.
May 20, 2023
A reverse Cinderella retelling (where the man is Cinderella and the woman is the prince), Marry Me by Midnight is set in the Jewish communities in London in the 1830s. Felicia Grossman does an amazing job of seamlessly incorporating the historical background into the story. I loved the heroine Isabelle, who was absolutely taking no shit from anyone and was ready to strategically outmaneuver anyone who got in her way. And Aaron cast as Cinderella is very cleverly done (as custodian, with his little animal friends, and with the twist at the end with his clothes for the ball and his fairy godmother). I do feel that the stakes were a little underdeveloped in that Isabelle's money and influence (and therefore power) was never going to be taken away from her so that she could essentially do whatever she wanted, and that their eventual HEA had a fairly clear path--though the resolution with the "evil stepmother" was unexpected (in a good way!).
Thanks to Forever and NetGalley for the ARC.
Thanks to Forever and NetGalley for the ARC.
November 27, 2023
2.5⭐️
There’s a good story in here somewhere, but she was simply trying to accomplish too much. It should have either been focused on her business, OR the bill being passed in Parliament. Instead, we got both and not enough of either.
Also, I appreciate that she wanted to include Yiddish in the book, but it was so bogged down by it that a non-speaker couldn’t even figure out what it meant by context clues.
I have a lot more thoughts, but I ultimately think she’s a wonderful researcher, as evident by the really thoughtful author’s note, but none of that translated to the book. The backdrop she painted was just that: a backdrop. The story didn’t interact with history in a way that historicals need to be successful. The reverse Cinderella was an interesting concept, but she pulled from so many resources and stories that it the story was fighting against it the whole time.
There’s a good story in here somewhere, but she was simply trying to accomplish too much. It should have either been focused on her business, OR the bill being passed in Parliament. Instead, we got both and not enough of either.
Also, I appreciate that she wanted to include Yiddish in the book, but it was so bogged down by it that a non-speaker couldn’t even figure out what it meant by context clues.
I have a lot more thoughts, but I ultimately think she’s a wonderful researcher, as evident by the really thoughtful author’s note, but none of that translated to the book. The backdrop she painted was just that: a backdrop. The story didn’t interact with history in a way that historicals need to be successful. The reverse Cinderella was an interesting concept, but she pulled from so many resources and stories that it the story was fighting against it the whole time.
June 11, 2023
I have never read a historical romance with Jewish main characters and I LOVED IT!! I loved house strong and intelligent and determined Isabelle is. She is fighting the world to keep her father's memory alive in his business and needs the right husband by her side to do so. Aaron, of course, is all wrong... But he's so wonderful!! I love a good cinnamon roll hero and Aaron is all that is good and sweet. This story was a joy to read and there were a number of turns at the end that I didn't see coming!
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