What a celebration! Joyous and Heartfelt and Fun

After the year we have all had, we deserve a book like this and hearing it through Alex Wyndham’s silken tones is just the whipped cream on the icing on the cake. We meet so many old friends and some old adversaries in this novella, that it quite feels we had people over for Christmas after all . The stories of the Rockliffe series continue to entwine and we see them all a little older and a little wiser (except of course, for Rockliffe , who couldn’t get any wiser). What this book. doesn't do is celebrate stupidity, like too much of HF and this is one of the things I like most about Stella’s writing. We can enjoy the acuity of these characters and how they deal with impossible relatives, intelligent children and even goats (I will not say more). It is touching and joyous and Alex brings the characters alive as always with his clear and sensual voice. In many ways this book highlights the children and we can see the next generation of these friends and family beginning to emerge. The children most in the forefront are Julian and Arabella’s adopted children who lived for many years alone, unwanted and in isolation so it it lovely to see them grow onto their new lives. This is truly a wonderful book that could not be more timely, as it celebrates the holidays with all the trimmings, friends and family and of course romance.

6 people found this helpful

A Gift to Stella Riley’s Readers

With excellent timing, Midwinter Magic became available on Christmas Day. The book wraps a ribbon around the beloved Rockcliffe series with tidy outcomes for several recurring characters that have never had their own stories.
I’ve read all the books that preceded this one. I recommend that interested readers do so to better enjoy the outcomes of this one.
Alex Wyndham does his usual smooth job of narrating, adding to my enjoyment.
I received a coupon for this book in exchange for promising to write a review that was wholly my own opinion. This is what I have done.

5 people found this helpful

Stunning!!

I absolutely loved this story! Revisiting my favorite characters from her Rockliffe series was a perfect holiday gift. Stella has brought all our favorites to a Christmas house party that is full of surprises, laughter, love, and a Christmas Miracle. Alex Wyndham's performance makes this an exceptional novella that is a must-listen. Make sure you have tissues for the surprise ending. It was lovely to see how the Rockliffe character's lives have been blessed with children and good friends. I'm going to go back and start the whole series over!!

4 people found this helpful

Sweet finish for the Rockliffe saga

Stella Riley brings her Rockliffe series to a satisfying close with this final novella. As always, Alex Wyndham’s narration is top-notch. Riley’s use of humor and her lively characters make this a very enjoyable listen.

I do recommend listening to the entire series in order for getting the most out of it — fortunately, it is all available from Audible, and with the same narrator. TREAT YOURSELF TO THE ENTIRE SERIES!!!

4 people found this helpful

Pure Magic!

This is the amazing ending we deserved after a dreadful year. Thank you Ms. Riley!! I cried happy tears. And what can I say about Mr. Wyndham's narration? OUTSTANDING!! ❤

4 people found this helpful

This Needs to Be a Masterpiece Series

Although I generally prefer longer books to novellas, I jumped at the chance to spend Christmas with Rock and Company, as Stella Riley herself refers to these wonderful characters. The shortened length works well due to a tight plot centering on two weeks spent at Sarre Park, the estate of Adrian and Caroline from "The Player." Most of the major characters from all six previous books are represented here, but the book focuses on Adrian and Caroline, Julian and Arabella ("Cadenza"), Rosalind and Dominic ("Parfit Knight") and The Duke of Rockliffe himself. I was pleased with that since these were all my favorites, especially Rockliffe, who is my all time favorite character in historical romance. Please note that you do need to have read the previous books in the series to best enjoy this, and there are quite a few characters to keep straight.

Romance is present here, but this story equally addresses larger themes of forgiveness, loyalty, redemption, faith, and family. Most romance novels end with the "happily ever after", but it is lovely to spend some time exploring what happens after that. Romantic heroes are now husbands and fathers, and have become even more endearing as they have matured. While I could guess the ending, that in no way reduced it's poignancy. Bringing the whole series full circle, the writing here is emotionally nuanced and touching. Rarely have I ever cried during an audio book, but the story combined with the delivery was so beautifully rendered that I did become teary eyed.

The entire Rockliffe series exemplifies the synergy between author and narrator. I doubt I would have enjoyed these books half as much if I had read them versus listening to them. In "Midwinter Magic", Alex Wyndham's narration is once again flawless. I did find that the speed was a little more than I remember from previous books. Once I adjusted my settings to .95, it was perfect. This might perhaps be a production issue? I have read some comments elsewhere about Alex's performances that there are too many whispers or that his cadence is off. I completely disagree and I find him to be among the best narrators on Audible. Simply put, his voice is a gift, and I will happily and eagerly listen to almost everything he records (perhaps with the exception of the book about the eels).

Many thanks to the author and the narrator for hours upon hours of delightful listening. I will return to this series frequently.

2 people found this helpful

The magic of Christmas and Love

The Earl of Sarre and his wife Caroline invite their friends to a Christmas party to their country home. Many beloved characters, protagonists from previous books in the Rockliffe series arrive, some of the couples with young children, some as expectant parents. A few secondary characters also appear, making it possible for romantic love’s magic to infuse the story with some unexpected couples finding happiness together. All the company frolic in the snow and at the frosty seaside, have fun with parlor games and general mayhem indoors. Special award goes to the Virtuoso Earl and his adopted children, along with a self-appointed Lord of Misrule... Those of their relatives wo are unable to open their hearts and accept the friendships and romances among this closely knit group cause some disturbance – only to show that mercenary attitude and snobbery can’t ruin the merry party as the friends and familes stand by each other. As the culmination of the season’s magical power, a wish gets fulfilled – one that probably every fan of this series has joined in wishing (although likely ceased to look for). A lighthearted, warm romp, this novella is a wonderful coda to the Rockliffe series. Alex Wyndham, the narrator who brought to life in audio the whole series performs here just as flawlessly as ever, helping us to share the joy, the tensions, the humor and the warmth of friendship and family that radiates from this miraculous Christmas party.
It is a perfect Christmas seasonal read for the fans of this Georgian universe – and I strongly advise anyone not familiar with it to grab the first book and start reading!

2 people found this helpful

Boy was I ever wrong about this jewel!

At first I said no, no, no ... to read/listen to the last book book of this particular group of Rockliffe and friends. I believed this was like saying goodbye to a dear, trusted friend.
Why? Because this was to be the last of the Rockliffe series. I just wasn’t ready to say goodbye to them. So, instead, i set out to reread the series, in order, again. Finally, I found myself back to this ‘so called’ - last book.
Wow!I found pure joy in reading this. (Listening of course). It is a jammed packed shorter book, filled with good happy moments - from the beginning to end. New romances and new foes. I will not spoil that. Plenty of laughs for sure; my husband wondered over and over as to what made me laugh so much, checking up on me now and then.
Never have I found myself so happy and contented over an end of a group of characters. Actually, beloved characters I must say. So many new people and all of the gang.
Just to think that I almost didn’t read - listen - to this. The narrator, Mr Alex Wyndham is also one of the best in the business. He makes a book live and breathe. Truly, books come alive when he tells the story. OK, I could continue but really should let you do the listening. Don’t despair that this is a shorter book than the rest. You will get your monies worth. Be sure to read this LAST book. You will miss out if you don’t. Read it last, of course. ;)

1 person found this helpful

Perfect ending

Great ending to the Rockliffe series. Well done Stella! As usual Alex Wyndham gave another stellar performance. Each character, male or female, is given a distinct sound.

1 person found this helpful

A wonderful final chapter in the Rockliffe series

This book is a wonderful wrap-up for the characters introduced throughout the Rockliffe series. The only negative aspects are that it is not longer and the series is now ended. The narration by Mr. Wyndham is, as always, perfect.