Minnie's Fiction Addiction

👀 First impressions:
The Midnight Rose is classic Lucinda Riley in scope and ambition, weaving together two timelines rich with romance, mystery and emotional depth. Beginning in India in 1911, the novel introduces Anahita Chavan, whose friendship with the spirited Princess Indira alters the course of her life forever. The story later shifts to the late twentieth century, where Hollywood actress Rebecca Bradley finds herself drawn into the decaying grandeur of Astbury Hall on Dartmoor. From the opening chapters, the novel promises sweeping history, hidden truths and destinies bound across generations.

✅ What I Liked:
The dual timeline is beautifully handled, with both narratives equally compelling. Anahita’s journey from India to England is especially powerful, exploring themes of loyalty, class and sacrifice against the backdrop of a changing world. Riley’s descriptions are immersive, bringing India, Edwardian England and the wild isolation of Dartmoor vividly to life. The emotional core of the novel lies in its characters, particularly the women, who are resilient, flawed and deeply human. The gradual unravelling of the Astbury family secrets is expertly paced, making the revelations feel earned and satisfying.

❎ What I didn’t Like:
The novel is long and unapologetically indulgent, which may feel excessive for readers who prefer tighter narratives. Some plot threads rely heavily on coincidence, and a few secondary characters are more archetypal than fully developed. However, these feel like minor issues within a story that is clearly designed to be immersive rather than restrained.

📚 Why You Should Read This Book:
If you love epic family sagas, historical fiction with romance at its heart, and stories that span continents and generations, The Midnight Rose is an ideal choice. It is perfect for readers who enjoy being fully absorbed in a richly imagined world and who appreciate emotional storytelling layered with mystery and history.

💭 Final Thoughts:
The Midnight Rose is a captivating and emotionally resonant novel that showcases Lucinda Riley’s talent for storytelling at its finest. It balances romance and realism with an undercurrent of loss, legacy and belonging. This is a book that invites you to slow down, sink in and savour every page, leaving a lasting impression long after the final chapter.

🛍️ Where to buy
To buy your own copy click HERE and HERE

Final Rating ★★★★★ –