A Midnight Clear

Last Chance #9.5

by Hope Ramsay

Dr. Tom Crawford isn't feeling the spirit of the season when he arrives in Last Chance. Far from friends and family, he's the odd man out in this town of gossiping, tight-knit Southerners-until he meets a sweetly sexy single mom who makes him feel welcome. Suddenly the handsome doctor is thinking he's finally found a place to call home.
Local florist Teri Summers has her hands full of mistletoe in preparation for the holiday, yet finding someone to kiss is her last priority. But when the gorgeous new doctor makes a connection with her special needs son, Aiden, Teri finds herself wondering if she's finally found happiness in this season of joy. For Teri and Tom, Last Chance may be their best chance at love . . .

Genres: Christmas, Romance, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Novella, Short Stories

95 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 1, 2015

About the author

Hope Ramsay is a USA Today bestselling author of heartwarming contemporary romances, set below the Mason-Dixon Line. Her children are grown, but she has a beloved fur baby, Daisy the Cockapoo who keeps her entertained. Hope lives in the medium-sized town of Fredericksburg, Virginia and when she’s not writing or walking the dog, she spends her time knitting and noodling around on her collection of guitars.

Reviews

[Carole (Carole's Random Life) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This review can also be found at Carole's Random Life.

I liked the overall story. This is a short story so I was able to read it in a single sitting. Sometimes short stories leave me rather unfulfilled and wanting more...like the story isn't quite finished. This story was really a very well contained story that wrapped things up very nicely. I was surprised by the strong emphasis on faith that was present in the story. I actually stopped reading at one point to check if this book was actually categorized as religious fiction. The faith in the story didn't bother me but its not a genre that I would normally choose.

The main focus of this story is Teri, her son, Aiden, and Tom, the new doctor. Teri is a single mother and the owner of the local florist. She spends a great deal of energy caring for her son, Aiden, who has special needs. Aiden has Asperger's syndrome which cause him to look at things a little differently. He hates the color red and isn't a big fan of Christmas overall. Teri meets the new doctor in town, Tom, when Aiden is taken in for a huge splinter lodged in his thigh. Tom seems to just know how to work with Aiden and they get through the ordeal with minimal difficulty.

I liked the characters and thought that they were well represented. Teri is a fiercely protective mother but who could blame her. She seems to be the only one willing to give Aiden the support that he needs. Tom has his own story which helps him relate to Teri and Aiden. There were more than a few moments where Tom seemed just to perfect to be realistic. I thought that Aiden's character was well done. The parts of the story that were from his point of view really helped me understand the dynamics of the situation.

There really was a lot going on in this short story but nothing felt incomplete. I liked the romance between Teri and Tom and thought that they really deserved to be happy together. This short story is part of a series but can be read very easily as a stand along. I have a feeling that some of the characters that made appearances will be familiar to readers that have read the series.

There was a lot more religion in this story than I had expected. The town even has a religious miniature golf course, Golfing for God. I would have preferred the religious parts of the book to be toned down. I really wanted to focus on the couple and Aiden. Overall, I would recommend this sweet romance to others.

I received an advance reader edition of this book from Forever - Grand Central Publishing via NetGalley for the purpose of providing an honest review.

Initial Thoughts
Decent romance but I didn't expect such a strong emphasis on faith.

[Sophia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I look forward to each visit when it comes to delving into the world of Last Chance. The author has created a cozy Southern Small Town where the people have their quirks, traditions, and a place where people really can get their chance at happiness.

This latest installment is a Christmas short story between the town's new doctor, Tom Crawford, and the florist, Teri Summers. Tom's from Boston and struggling with Southern mistrust, his first Christmas away from family, and seeing where his future will lead. Teri is a divorced woman caring for her son and trying to help Aidan navigate the world that is tough on a kid with Asperger's who doesn't like Christmas.

Tom is very taken with Teri and with Aidan, but he has the hard task of convincing Teri to open up and let him in and believe that he can handle all of her and Aidan. Aidan is looking forward to seeing an angel for Christmas and his quest might bring something wonderful for others, too.

The story is short, tender, and full of heart. I enjoyed all three of the main characters, Tom, Teri, and Aidan, and the fun of spending Christmas with the folks of Last Chance. Like any good Christmas romance it's all about believing- Aidan in his angels, Teri in another's acceptance, and Tom in taking another chance on Teri. It was short, but still gives a complete story with a happy for now resolve.

Contemporary Small Town Romance fans would enjoy this holiday snippet. The story can be read as a standalone and is a nice intro to the series.

I received this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.

[Robin Loves Reading · Rating 5 out of 5]

Please see all of my reviews on my blog at https://www.robinlovesreading.com.

My Rating: 4.5 Stars

When Teri Summers meets handsome doctor Tom Crawford, it is under tense circumstances. Her young son Aiden, who has Asperger’s syndrome, has a minor injury. Teri knows that things are not going to go well, as Aidan does not like to be touched. Teri is quite pleased with Tom’s gentle manner, but is sure that is the last time she will ever see him.

Tom is beginning his two-year commitment at a clinic in Last Chance. Forever is certainly not in his view, but he cannot help but be drawn to the pretty single mother. As she is a local florist, their paths cross again.

For a short story just under a hundred pages I was left quite impressed. Beyond family, the story contained a gentle romance, strong faith, and a wonderful promise for the future for Teri and Tom. They are marvelous characters and it was very easy to connect with them. Another thing that I loved about this story were the times Aiden’s point of view was shared.

A Midnight Clear is part of the Last Chance series by Hope Ramsay, yet it did well as a standalone. I received this story as a bonus story of the ARC, Christmas on Mistletoe Lane by Annie Rains.

Many thanks to Forever for this book for review.

[Aly · Rating 3 out of 5]

This short story was included with a book I purchased. It was a cute love story between a divorced woman and mom of a 8 years old son with autism and the new doctor in town. Tom is movie-star handsome but it's his kindness, understanding and no-judgement attitude that seduced Teri. There was unique ideas like Golfing for God and Aiden's POV (Teri's son) but not only it had the novella syndrome (too fast for me to believe in the romance) but the esoteric moment towards the end kind of ruined it for me. It fit with the magic spirit of Christmas and all that but it's just not my cup of tea.

[Kim Reads (Read Your Writes Book Reviews) · Rating 4 out of 5]

No one does Christmas romances like Hope Ramsay. A Midnight Clear brings together a Yankee from Boston, a Southern Belle from South Carolina, and an eight-year-old little boy with Asperger's.

Like the song A Midnight Clear and a few of the previous books in the Last Chance series, this book is all about angels. Eight-year-old Aiden has a huge fascination with angels. He believes in them with his entire being. However, unlike other eight-year-olds, he doesn't believe in the commercialization of Christmas or Santa Claus. But he believes in the true meaning of Christmas.

Dr. Tom Crawford has just started a two year assignment as a doctor in the small, gossipy, close-knit town of Last Chance, South Carolina. When one day at the clinic just keeps getting worse, he meets Teri, who he’s instantly attracted to. Managing and owning Last Chance Bloomers and being a single mom to a special needs child is more than Teri can handle. She can't deny how attractive the new doctor is, but her heart is closed down and she feels her son needs all of her attention.

What I loved about this story was that although Aiden is a child, he had more faith then his mother. Being an outsider looking in, I can see where Teri holds him back and doesn’t praise him for his accomplishments. But I completely understand her because she’s been taking care of Aiden by herself for so long, she just wants something to be easy. I liked Tom because he was willing to just dive into the lives of Teri and Aiden and get his hands dirty, so to speak. He figured out Aiden’s strengths and weaknesses and worked around them, while at the same time allowing him room to grow.

This Christmas, if all three have the faith, courage, and determination to believe in angels, those angels might just bring these three together. A Midnight Clear is a wonderful story. However, I wanted more. I desperately wanted a true HEA for these three.

**Received a copy from Forever Yours in exchange for an honest unbiased review.**

[Linda Klager · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very sweet short story. This was a clean romance about second chances for Teri Summers. She had a child with special needs - her ex-husband could not deal with it. Along came a new doctor to town and he was kind and compassionate towards Aiden, Teri's son.

I learned a lot about what a mother's needs were and how she dealt with her son's needs, too.

[Maridele · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are several novellas in this series, which can be found on Amazon as an ebook. This is the last of this series and a novella. It’s pretty predictable, as are the others but cute and sweet. I’m sad to be finished this series.

[Beatrice Followill · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a Special needs mom myself this story touched my heart!!

[Diayll · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally Reviewed At: Mother/Gamer/Writer
Rating: 4 out of 5 Controllers
Review Source: NetGalley
Reviewer: Ariel

A Midnight Clear is a wonderful short story taking place in Last Chance, the setting for Hope Ramsay’s series of contemporary romances. Whether you’re familiar with Last Chance or, like me, you’re completely new to the series, anyone can enjoy this warmhearted Christmas romance.



The story follows Teri Summers, single mother of Aiden, a young boy who happens to be on the Autism spectrum. Aiden is the most important part of Teri’s life, but she does find herself struggling at times, especially around Christmas. Aiden hates surprises, the color red, and Santa Claus. Could it be possible that things will change when the new doctor comes to town?



Tom Crawford is new to Last Chance, and he doesn’t exactly receive a warm welcome. No one wants to accept the new Yankee doctor in town. However, Tom is patient with Aiden, which goes a long way to get Teri’s approval. Having had a bit of a difficult childhood himself, Tom does his best to relate to Aiden and hopes the rest of the town will begin to accept him, eventually.



The story was heartwarming in a lot of ways. The romance between Teri and Tom being the biggest and most obvious, but also the relationship between Teri and Aiden. Aiden hates Christmas, a holiday that Teri loves, so she takes it upon herself to find some elements of Christmas that Aiden does like. The fact that Teri just wants her son to be happy is incredibly touching. But Teri has pretty much locked her heart away for the sake of her son, and that’s all about to change.



The thing I liked about Tom is the fact that he was so good with Aiden, and so patient. It’s difficult for people to understand how much of a challenge it is to have a child on the spectrum, and Tom takes the whole thing in stride. He tries quickly to learn Aiden’s likes and dislikes, so he upsets Aiden as little as possible.



And then there’s the actual relationship between Teri and Tom. Although they both needed a little push in the right direction, it was incredibly sweet to watch these two come together. Tom, a complete stranger, who knows nothing about Teri, swoops in to help her give her child the best kind of Christmas she can give him, even if that means finding out more about what Aiden hates about Christmas more than what he likes about Christmas. And Teri completely isn’t used to men taking the time to help, and be thoughtful, so it was nice to see someone treat her the way she deserves to be treated.



Overall, a quick little short story that will warm your heart, whether you read it around Christmas or not. I give it 4 out of 5 controllers, I just wish there had been a little more closure at the end.

[karmaforlifechick · Rating 5 out of 5]

sitename] http://www.karmaforlifechick.com http://www.karmaforlifechick.com/revi...

Teri Summers owns and operates the Last Chance flowershop and is the single mom of a special needs boy, Aiden. Dr. Tom Crawford is the new "doc" in this small town where residents are wary of "newcomers".  This was a very sweet short story of a single mom and her special needs son Aiden. The story is interwoven with three different perspectives, Teri, Tom and Aiden and this gives the reader different perspectives on what parenting a child on the spectrum could look like.

I would love to see more happy stories featuring special needs kids. Truly heartwarming.

About Hope Ramsay

Hope Ramsay was born in New York and grew up on the North Shore of Long Island, but every summer Momma would pack her off under the care of Aunt Annie to go visiting with relatives in the midlands of South Carolina. Her extended family includes its share of colorful aunts and uncles, as well as cousins by the dozens, who provide the fodder for the characters you’ll find in Last Chance, South Carolina. Hope earned a BA in Political Science from the University of Buffalo, and has had various jobs working as a Congressional aide, a lobbyist, a public relations consultant, and a meeting planner. She’s a two-time finalist in the Golden Heart, and is married to a good ol’ Georgia boy who resembles every single one of her heroes. She has two grown children and a couple of demanding lap cats. She lives in Fairfax, Virginia where you can often find her on the back deck, picking on her thirty-five-year-old Martin guitar.

Connect with Hope Ramsay

Website:  http://www.hoperamsay.com
Twitter:  HopeRamsay

This review was originally posted on Karma for Life!

[Angela Simmons · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second romance by Hope Ramsey that I’ve read. The first was actually a Christmas short story as well but, sadly, while it was such a good read, it left me wanting more. I was a little worried when I picked this one up for review but the blurb intrigued me and I’m so glad that I gave A Midnight Clear a chance.

Here’s what’s going on. Tom’s the towns new doctor from Boston and the residents of the small Southern town of Last Chance, South Carolina refuse to see him as anything other than an incompetent Yankee. When he meets single-mother and local florist, Teri, and her special needs son, Aiden, there’s a connection and he wants to explore more of it. Although Terri’s hesitant, she has her son to look after and she doesn’t want to take her attention from him yet she’s drawn to Tom and the way that he interacts with her son.

This was such a heartwarming romance. I’m not one that gets teary-eyed when reading but this one tugged at my heartstrings and had me reaching for the tissues.

I liked watching Tom and Terri develop their relationship. There were a few things they had to overcome but it was worth it in the end. I also liked seeing Tom develop a relationship with Aiden, who has Asperger’s spectrum. There’s a reason that Tom and Aiden clicked so well, but you’ll have to read the book to see why. Tom took his time with Aiden learned his likes and dislikes, learned his triggers. He also came up with a way for Aiden to enjoy Christmas.

Terri was easy to like. She’s like a mama bear when it comes to Aiden and I loved that. She’s been caring for Aiden practically by herself for years so it was interesting watching her react to another presence in her son’s life.

Another great thing about this book was that we got Aiden’s POV as well as Tom and Terri’s. We were able to see why be believed that an angel was going to appear and see what was going on in his mind.

Overall, this was such an amazing short story. It was rather short, I read it in one sitting, but it was complete. Nothing was lacking and it didn’t leave me wanting more. If you’re looking for a heartfelt Christmas romance, give this one a go.

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of my favorite Christmas Carols, so when I saw the title, I didn't even read the blurb, just requested it. This may be part of a series, but I found that it did work fine as a stand alone novella for the Christmas season.

Normally, I'm not one for Insta-Love, but sometimes when it's done in just the right circumstances, I can suspend believe and it can work. This worked for me. Mostly because this is a clean romance, and dealt with Teri and Tom actually connecting and not jumping straight to smexy times. Plus, Teri's son Aiden totally stole the scenes he was in and had me completely emotionally invested. I spent quite a bit of time reading this book, sniffling into a tissue and normally I steer clear of any reads that I know will cause me to cry. But Christmas reads get a special pass; and add in a sweet boy with Autism, and I was a goner. Mostly they were happy tears. Mostly.

If you are looking for a story that will remind you the true meaning of the season and take you away from all the commercialism that sometimes detracts, give this one a look see. Just remember to have some tissues handy, and a quiet place where you won't be interrupted. Because once you get started, you will want to read this in one sitting. I gave this story 4 stars for the emotional punch it brings.

Thanks to Netgalley and Forever Yours for the opportunity to read and review the book.

[KathyAnne · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was okay... One thing I did like about this short story was how well the author portrayed the difficulties of raising a child with Asperger's Syndrome. I felt bad for mom because it's a full time job and then some and requires a tremendous amount of patience. I did actually FEEL the frustration of what it might be like to raise this child and find ways to deal with his unreasonable and obsessive habits. It was almost like she was having to give up everything she loved to keep him calm and happy. It made me very sad for her. The way her family abandoned her truly pissed me off. Thank goodness the good Dr. was around. :)
I think this story fell flat for me though because of all of the emphasis on him being a Yankee. I live in the south and we sure don't treat people that differently just because they are from up north. It got on my nerves after a while.
There is also a lot of emphasis on Faith in this, which I didn't realize... so I think someone who leans towards Christian fiction will probably like this short story a bit more. Even though I don't mind Christian fiction, I thought it was a bit over the top, especially with the Golfing for God putt putt course... thought that was strange.
Anyway, this was ok... definitely unique... but, just didn't hit the spot like I wanted it too.

ARC was provided by Forever Publishing

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a super quick read. It was included at the end of another book I recently finished, so I figured 'why not?' I thought this was my first novel from Hope Ramsay, but apparently I recently read another of her Christmas novellas as part of an anthology. This book was decent, but not great.

I'm from the South, born and raised in North Carolina and I can promise, we're not as shallow as the author made these small town citizens seem. Sure, small towns certainly have their share of gossipers and people who doubt 'outsiders' and their abilities, but constantly referring to Tom as a Yankee or turning your nose up at him wasn't the Southern hospitality way of doing things.

It's not often that an author writes a character with special needs. Aiden was a little boy with Asperger's and he was very particular with things (i.e. He'd only eat food of the same color for any one meal). It was nice that the author gave Aiden his own few pages ever so often so we could see inside his mind. That was definitely one of the highlights.

His mom, Teri, gave up a lot to make sure he was able to live as great of a life as he could given his disability. I can honestly say I admired her as a mother. I hate that she had to give up so much of herself and her happiness, but I respected her for putting him first. I wasn't the biggest fan of her outside of her care as a mother though. She was very pessimistic at times and too controlling to just live. I hated how she treated Tom in the end when he did nothing wrong. I get she was just running scared, but it didn't make me like her very much, especially when she told her son no and downplayed his visions.

And I liked Dr. Tom. He was handsome, nice, compassionate, a great doctor and he was really good with Aiden. He was relentless in his pursuit of Teri, which I think she needed. He didn't give up even though I certainly would have if she had done me the way she did him.

They seem to fall in love way too fast and I wasn't finding it at all believable after just a few dates with Aiden in tow. They didn't really have any time 'on screen' to get to know each other the way one would expect.

The ending was pretty abrupt and boring and I hated it. What happens to them as a couple? What does Aiden think once he finds out they're giving things a go? There were just too many unanswered questions and I really don't want to continue the series to find out since this just didn't reel me in.

As others have noted, this was laced with an abundance of Christian themes, from a Bible-themed mini golf course (the author called it a putt-putt course, but Putt-Putt is actually a trademarked name), to Bible verses to angels. I honestly had to check and see if this author was a Christian fiction writer. I'm a Christian and have nothing against Christian romance, although it's not for me. And I absolutely believe in angels and people seeing them, but even I was confused by the whole Christmas tree scene at the end and I guess the meaning of it was all lost on me.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5
Cute short addition to this series. She dealt with a very sensitive subject and I think did it very well. I think.....but I would be interested to know the thoughts of mothers with children that struggle with the issues Aiden does. Did they like this novella?
As with most of this series it is a bit of a fantasy, some reviewers in the past didn't like that this is a "christian" series and it isn't tagged as one. In fact it really isn't at all. Its a small town series, with different people, some of whom just happen to attend different churches and there is occasional paranormal angel stuff going on as well as some. This was a Christmas book with a strong focus on Angels. If anything many of the Last Chance books highlight the yucky, sad, divisive and judgemental side of christians as opposed to actually preaching any gospel. So in fact if you are looking for a christian series, look elsewhere. If you want a light, funny, small town southern romance with quirky folks, this is your series.
This book can probably be read as a stand alone but you would be much better off to start at the beginning to appreciate and enjoy the personalities and history of all the side characters.

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Teri Summer is not looking for any attachments when she meets Dr. Tom Crawford in the ER of her local hospital. While Teri was working at her floral shop her son, Aiden was injured. His babysitter took him in and called Teri.

While Aiden was not injured badly he did not like being touched. Aiden is autistic and a handful for a single mom with her own business. He also doesn't like the color red, Christmas and especially not Santa Claus. It makes life even harder for Teri who loves Christmas and whose job keeps her quite busy during this time of year.

While there is an attraction between Dr. Crawford and Teri she is trying to resist it while he is trying to pursue it. Dr. Crawford seems to have a rapport with Aiden that no one else has but makes Teri feel as if she is losing control.

Then on Christmas Eve Aiden does something that makes Teri rethink her thoughts of Dr. Crawford. She also finds that Aiden can change too. What an education for all of them.

[Madm007 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished A Midnight Clear💚💙 a short story included with "Christmas on Mistletoe Lane" by Annie Rains.
Inspirational! Taking a very real, serious subject, and not hiding or ignoring it, but unfolding it, like a flower, to be admired and embraced. Tweaking the environment so it can thrive in this world. I'm talking about autism, and how truly gifted autistic children are.
A single mom, who thinks no one could love her, bc of her son and a very special man who understands far more than she knows, a perfect Christmas read.

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this short story that brought me back to Last Chance! I love that town and all of the characters that Hope Ramsey's imagination has brought to life in the pages of her stories. This one especially is unique and endearing because not only does the two main characters shared their thoughts and feelings, the female main character's son, Aiden who is autistic and has Asperger's syndrome alslo shares his thoughts and feelings.

[Shea · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this story because it was a bonus novella included in a book I borrowed from the library. I enjoyed the Christmas theme and the relationships between the characters. My favorite parts of the story are the brief chapters told from Aiden's point of view. Aiden is an autistic 8 year old and I really appreciated seeing things through his eyes. His protective and dedicated mom learns she can let someone else into their lives and it can benefit them both if he is as kind as Tom is.

[Readsandeats · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a lovely novella about Teri and her son Aiden. Aiden has autism and does not like anythng to do with Christmas but he is fasinated by angels. Aiden has an accident that ends up with him having to go into ER. There they meet Dr Tom and he forms a bond with Aiden.
This story is about the three of them finding new meaning to Christmas.
It was well written and dealt with special needs very well.

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story, for a short story.
The New doctor, seems to be just what Aiden needs
And not bad for his mom either... my first read of this author and I can definitely say I will pick up more stories of hers this was definitely a Midnight Clear terrific small but great read definitely pick it up read it won't take you long and you'll be interested in Hope Ramsey stories....💜

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Christmas stories

I love Christmas stories and this one was no exception. I've never read Hope Ramsey but I'm on a roll to Last Chance Christmas! Definitely going to get more books by this author.

[Marilyn Morrow · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Fun Story

I enjoyed this book as part of the Last Chance series. It was a little nugget of fun from a series I read when it was current. It was short, made me smile and gave me a surprise return to Last Chance.

Hope Ramsey is one of my favorite series authors.

[Misty (Reds Romance & Mystery Reviews) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Midnight Clear is an enchanting holiday tale filled with many moments that will bring smiles, lift spirits, and leave hearts happy! I really enjoyed this little novella, the characters were well crafted and easy to connect to, and the story line was quite delightful, highly recommend!

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first story I've read by Hope Ramsay. It was a quick read about a mom and her special needs son and the town's new doctor. Sometimes you just have to have faith, take some chances, and believe in angels and the spirit of Christmas.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dr Tom has just moved to town to be the doctor for 2 years and get his college loans forgiven. The first day he meets Tori and her special son Aiden. The book really made you feel how hard life was for Tori, with some nice Christmas miracles thrown in.

[Laura Aase · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short and happy. Teri runs a flower shop and has an autistic son, Aiden. When she meets a new doctor in town he is drawn to her and Aiden due to his childhood cancer experience. In the meantime aiden sees angels.... I liked getting into Aidens Head and I liked Tom and Teri characters

[Dana · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a cute holiday story about Terri, her son Adien and Tom a new doctor in town. Terri is drawn to Tom, but is afraid to open her heart to him, because of how her ex treated her and her son is on the spectrum.

[Elaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love all of the books in the Last Chance series. This one was a short, but entertaining read. It was just perfect for the busy holiday season.

[Vanessa · Rating 3 out of 5]

cute Christmas story