Beautifully atmospheric and wonderous, unfortunately I just could not get on board with the writing style for this one. It's incredibly descriptive, to the point of over exaggerating every scene, and as a result my mind just could not follow the story. The plot is also very slow, to the detriment of my enjoyment. By the time the story picks up and we actually reach Everwood I'd lost all interest in Marietta, and I feel like we never really scratch the surface oh who she is as a person beyond her love of ballet.

So much promise, and I love the concept, but this was too stylised and descriptive for somone like me.

I will admit I nearly NDF this one at about 30% but I felt like that was a bit early and I am glad I carried on. The beginning is a bit slow and there are too many descriptions of the food and lavish clothes and home etc. That does slightly carry on throughout the book but once the action kicks in it becomes a bit more balanced although there was still times where I found myself skimming paragraphs about the sugar palace and the food etc to get to the nitty gritty action of the plot.

Once she went through the Grandfather clock though things definitely got a lot more interesting and I will admit I was hooked at this point and read the rest of the book in like 2 days because I wanted to know what was going to happen. However the ending ended up being a little bit flat and unmemorable.

I have given this book 3 stars but I would say it is 3 and half star read

I really loved this story, the take on the Nutcracker, which is a ballet i love to...Loved the characters in the book they way the story was told, just eautiful especially to read before Christmas

The Nutcracker has always been a favourite of mine so I was very excited to read this retelling!

Midnight in Everwood was the perfect read to get me into the Christmas spirit! It started off a little slow and It took me a few chapters to adjust to the writing style, it was a touch too flowery for my taste at times, but I soon got totally swept away in the magic and wonder of the world building and decadent descriptions.

This story really captures the imagination with plenty of ballet, a creepy villain and a touch of romance and found family which I really loved.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This was a brilliant concept. However it failed to keep my attention. I dnf’d about 100 pages in and I do believe I’ll pick it up again sometime soon. I think a physical copy will be easier to read. So for the moment I’ve rated it 3 stars and will change the rating in the future.

This was a lovely retelling of The Nutcracker. As a dancer, I adored the balletic references and exploration of the ballet within the story and through the main character. I hoped I would love it, but it did fall a little flat in places. I think that was because I adore The Nutcracker and that occasionally made it a little more difficult to separate from this interpretation.

I adored the setting and magic and hated Drosselmeir, which was easily accomplished with how he had been written.

This was a perfect winter read, I really enjoyed it.

I knew this story would be a winter dream, but I was blown away by how atmospheric Everwood was. Every description as tangible as the next, inviting my senses to see, smell and taste the sweets and spices associated with Christmas. From gingerbread to sugar mice, to marzipan, my sweet tooth was in heaven. Even the ballet scenes painted pictures in my mind, despite me having no experience with dance. I spent time searching up the ballet terms as they were dotted throughout, and I was captivated by the art Marietta portrayed.

But of course, Midnight in Everwood does more than make you hungry. As a retelling of the nutcracker, I think M. A Kuzniar captured the characters, motivation and storyline perfectly. Yes, I do wish there was more of a romance between Marietta and the captain, but that was never the main purpose of the story. Marietta is a modern woman in an oppressive time, so she feels lost, but Everwood gives her the strength, friendship and knowledge needed to allow her to follow her dreams and desires. As a strong, female protagonist, Marietta inspires us all to stand up for ourselves, refusing to be knocked down.

I cannot express how much I loved this book, in fact it may be my favourite book of the year. It wasn’t a perfect story, it did have flaws, but everything does. For what this book is, it is just such a purely enjoyable, delectable story that I will always keep in my heart.

At first I really struggled getting into this book, the setting, the narrative and the characters made it extremely difficult for me to get lost in the story. Then about 15% in Marietta got introduced to Everwood then I have to say I was in love. I got lost in the story and I just didn’t want it to end. Also the descriptions of everwood were just mouth watering and I found myself craving all different chocolates and desserts so thanks for that. I will definitely be recommending this book to everyone

M.A. Kuzniar is hugely skilled when it comes to summoning up atmosphere, and anything that involves describing food frankly should be enough to give her a writing career by itself. Do not read this book without a large stack of sugary goods nearby, because you will be SAD. I speak from experience.

Marietta as a character comes across as somewhat reserved and abrupt at first, struggling with the confines of her life while still failing to see her privileges, as we all have done at times. Throughout the story, and her first female friendships with fellow ‘pets’ Dellara and Pirlipata, she comes to see her previous failings but also her strengths; she grows in confidence with their support, and knows what she is capable of, even while those around her might not suspect it, to their own bad luck.

The companionship between the trio of women is one of the most beautiful and powerful demonstrations of the strength of women when combined that I have seen represented and it was just wonderful to get lost in. The fact they were willing to risk everything for one another, and never leave one another behind, regardless of the dangers, was really a whole second story to get lost in.

Running beside this is a story of a girl running away from the powers of men, and the dangers they pose. All we have to do is look at the news to see that things haven’t changed in that respect around the world. However, with this being historical fiction, Marietta is also faced with situations that most of us don’t have to in a modern society. With her father prepared to force her into marriage and to give up her beloved ballet, Marietta is terrified and powerless. What she gains from her time under capture, and her time as part of this threesome, is the strength to stand tall and say, “no”. Carving her own path is the harder path, but they teach her that it can be done, no matter how scared she is.

The way Kuzniar describes ballet is sheer magic. You feel yourself lost in it, dancing along with Marietta. As a former dancer, I was transported back to happy memories of my soul flying as I danced also, and I felt that raw, brilliant power of love that Marietta held for her art. The fact that she has the support and admiration of the people around her who are supporting her despite her confinment allows the dance to continue to be beautiful despite the danger, and take on a whirlwind of strength all of its own as Marietta learns to use it to work for her as well as working at it.

Marietta loves ballet but her life as a ballet dancer is shattered when she is obligated to do her duties and take her place in society. When a man buys a nearby townhouse, he’s determined to buy her and her family’s love. But there’s a lot more to him than money and he sets up the biggest surprise of all for Marietta. On the last day of her performance something truly magical happens.

She finds herself transported to a strange and mystical land filled with snow and ice and an array of monsters. Every where she turns danger awaits until she is found by one of the King’s guard who takes her back to the palace, an enchanting place that seems to good to be true until she finds out it is...

Marietta who is constantly trapped by society into doing what she is told to do seems like a strong woman who has huge dreams and I loved her character for it. The book focuses a bit on her relationships with the friends that she makes whilst also building up some character development.

The book flows beautifully. It’s quite steady paced until the ending when it really picks up so if you’re more of a fan of action packed books then you may not like this one.

I loved reading the little details about Nottingham as someone who currently lives in the area, she does a brilliant job of describing it as it would be during that time. The author has also done a fabulous job of creating the Winter Wonderland that is Everwood. The setting alone will have you sucked in as it’s truly magical.

Although it has essences of The Nutcracker and is a retelling of it, the author has made it her own whilst staying true to the original story.

A poetic and beautiful read that will have you enchanted from page one. #MidnightinEverwood by #MAKuzniar is a perfect read for those winter months.

I was looking forward to this book with its fusion of the Nutcracker with fantasy.
Marietta is a talented ballet dancer who struggles against the constraints of her gender and class. Enter stage left the seemingly eligible , charismatic but sinister Drosselmeier.

Transported from Nottingham to the realm of the evil King Gelum , Marietta is at first enchanted by the palace of spun sugar with its sumptuous feasts and balls, but this soon changes. Yet again she must fight constraints, but of a different kind. Together with her fellow prisoners fairy Dellara and strong Pirlipata (from other realms within this world) and Captain Legat she fights the evil tyrant, Gelum

The descriptions of the clothes, feasts and balls are all sumptuous and its a world vividly depicted. However for me sometimes it was a bit too rich- like eating too much candyfloss. The author has some interesting uses of language. I wasn't convinced b y Nottingham as a setting , although I am not against books set outside London buy any means.
The strongest aspect of the book was the friendship that develops between the 3 female characters. (I found the romance aspect somewhat sugary again)

An enchanting book in many ways but I still prefer my Katherine Arden.

This story is such a darkly magical delight. I loved being swept away on a wintery adventure and following Marietta’s journey. Each sentence is lyrical and so carefully crafted, I found myself pausing to reread certain sections.

A fabulous adult fairytale!

All Marietta Stelle wants is to be a ballet dancer, but that seems impossible. She is from a wealthy family, and has many privileges, but she is not allowed to follow her wishes in anything, not even marriage. Marietta must take matters into her own hands if she wants to take charge of her own fate.

The story is set in Victorian England, which adds to the atmosphere and depth of the novel. Dr. Drosselmeier is presented as an innovative and mysterious toymaker who seems interested in Marietta. Marietta is quick-witted, and can sense he is not what he seems. Dr. Drosselmeier catches Marietta in a trap, which leads her into another world. The kingdom of Everwood is enchanting at first glance, but underneath the magic and ice and sweets is a hidden layer of cruelty. The worldbuilding is incredible, I could see the outfits and buildings in my mind as I read.

I was highly anticipating this book, and I was not disappointed. I really enjoyed Marietta as a heroine, because while she has her faults, she thinks for herself, and doesn't want to wait for things to happen to her. She begins the novel naive and focused only on her goal, to be a dancer, that she ignores many red flags. However, when she encounters an obstacle, she learns to grow and adapt. I loved the bond between her, Dellara, and Pirlipata. We were able to see Marietta's growth through how she worked on her relationships with others, and I was so happy that they all had happy endings. The relationship between Marietta and Captain Legat was very sweet, and while they aren't able to be together now, I have hope for the future! I would love to learn more about the world of Celesta, if there is another novel coming I vote for one about Crackatuck next, I loved Pirlipata!

creative and lyrical, i just wish there was more romance? which is a personal gripe i suppose, spotify did just recently diagnose me as a hopeless romantic.

Wow!
Such a magical story brought to life. The characters are so real and I devoured every single page.
Truly the most magical Christmas read and I now have a hard copy to treasure for always

Rating: 2.75 - it just missed the mark

I absolutely adore retellings and when I saw that this was loosely based on The Nutcracker I knew I had to read it. With that being said I didn’t really love this book. I liked it a lot, but something was missing for me.

Firstly this was nowhere near as festive as I thought it was going to be. It did have its moments of Christmas-like feelings. These mostly during the characters Christmas Eve festivities which wasn’t a large part of the book.

The setting of this book did lend itself to a winter vibe, but I wouldn’t have said Christmas. Now I may be thinking too much about the Christmas side of this when that isn’t what it is about, but in my head, it should have been a lot more festive if that makes sense?

Putting that aside this was a beautifully written book. The settings sounded downright gorgeous and the world-building was incredible but you didn’t really get to see a lot of it.

I liked that the story had substance, but I will say that it took me an awfully long time to read. It felt very much like two stories were being forced together and neither really got to take full form. I found it very hard to connect with the story and its characters at first, but when I did the pages soon flew by.

The ballet element was also a huge part of why I wanted to read Midnight in Everwood. Although having never danced myself I’ve always had an interest in ballet. You do get a few instances focusing on Marietta’s ballet dancing and the technical aspects behind it, but I would have liked to see more. That is definitely a massive personally preference so it wouldn’t affect the average reader’s opinion on this book at all.
I’m genuinely finding it quite hard to voice my opinions on this book as it did take me such a long time to read. Meaning that I forgot a lot of aspects of the book. I do however remember enjoying the magical elements of this book, but again I wish there was more of it. You got a glimpse of so many magical people and items in the book, but they weren’t really fully explored.

Overall I did like Midnight in Everwood, especially the bonds formed between characters. The trio of women were wonderful and a blossoming romance is always a joy to read. But why oh why was a ‘steamy’ scene included for absolutely no reason. Up until that point, the book was completely PG so it seemed entirely out of place.

Anyway, I’m digressing from my point. I did like this book, but not enough to really form any shining opinions. I think if I had more time to really just sit and read then I would have enjoyed this more, unfortunately, that wasn’t the case.

What a Christmas book!!!!!! When I first started reading this book I was trying to get into the festive spirit but little did I know I would lose my heart and time to this read. It was overall too fast. This read was soo magical, so enchanting, and utterly unputdownable!!!!! There had better be a second installment. I have so many wishes and questions for what may come after.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this amazing read in the format of an E-ARC. All opinions are my own.

I had a bit of a slow start reading this novel. It took me a while to really get into it, but half-way through it I finally started enjoying it, although I wasn’t completely satisfied by the ending. It is a retelling of the Nutcrucker in which the protagonist, Marietta dreams of becoming a ballerina and being free, while she is expected, from society and her family, to just marry well and behave as any high-society wife would. One day, Dr. Drosselmeier moves into her neighborhood and while everyone is drawn to him, Marietta senses that there is something dark about him. And it is while she is running from his advances that she hides and finds herself in a magical world. After initially thinking that Everwood could give her freedom, she quickly realizes that she is in a cage and she is not the only one. There are magical creatures, twists, female bonding, and some romance, and, all in all, is an enjoyable and intriguing novel, but I think I expected something more.

A beautifully written, lyrical reinterpretation of The Nutcracker. The language flows like the Ballet it's interpreting, with all the expected flourishes. Unfortunately I'm just not a ballet fan and there seemed to be more focus on the language than the rebellion and love story which got shunted to the last third.

Lovely magical enchanting read for this time of year. A retelling of The Nutcracker. Lovely descriptions and characters

Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for an ARC in exchange for an honest opinion