Enchanting Autumn Reads: A Heartwarming Review of Three Kisses, One Midnight by Evelyn Skye, Roshani Chokshi, and Sandhya Menon

Three Kisses, One Midnight is a delightful young adult novel that blends romance, magic, and the nostalgic charm of Halloween. With its captivating characters, whimsical plot, and cosy autumnal atmosphere, this book is a perfect seasonal read for anyone looking for a light, heartwarming escape. As you delve into the interconnected stories of Onny, Ash, and True, you’ll find yourself swept up in their romantic adventures and the magical town of Moon Ridge.

Three Kisses, One Midnight by Evelyn Skye, Roshani Chokshi, Sandhya Menon

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The town of Moon Ridge was founded 400 years ago and everyone born and raised there knows the legend of the young woman who perished at the stroke of twelve that very same night, losing the life she was set to embark on with her dearest love. Every century since, one day a year, the Lady of Moon Ridge descends from the stars to walk among the townsfolk, conjuring an aura upon those willing to follow their hearts’ desires.

“To summon joy and love in another’s soul
For a connection that makes two people whole
For laughter and a smile that one can never miss
Sealed before midnight with a truehearted kiss.”

This year at Moon Ridge High, a group of friends known as The Coven will weave art, science, and magic during a masquerade ball unlike any other. Onny, True, and Ash believe everything is in alignment to bring them the affection, acceptance, and healing that can only come from romance―with a little help from Onny’s grandmother’s love potion.

But nothing is as simple as it first seems. And as midnight approaches, The Coven learn that it will take more than a spell to recognize those who offer their love and to embrace all the magic that follows.

I found the characters in Three Kisses, One Midnight to be wonderfully crafted, each with unique voices and relatable personalities. Onny, True, and Ash, the trio known as the Coven, felt like real friends with distinct traits that made their stories engaging. Onny’s rich family background and love for astrology added depth to her character, while True’s scientific scepticism provided an interesting contrast. Ash’s awkwardness and passion for art made him endearing. Their respective love interests were also well-developed, adding diversity and richness to the narrative.

Onny’s character stood out to me because of her infectious enthusiasm and determination. Coming from a wealthy family, she could have easily been portrayed as a stereotypical rich girl, but instead, her love for astrology and tarot made her feel grounded and relatable. She had a way of making me root for her, even when her plans didn’t go as expected. Her dynamic with Byron, despite not being my favourite, added an interesting layer to her story.

Ash’s character was another highlight. His transformation from a shy, nerdy teen into someone willing to take risks for love was heartwarming. His relationship with Cassidy was my favourite, mainly because of how naturally their romance unfolded. Ash’s love for art provided a beautiful backdrop to his story, making his journey towards love feel authentic and sweet. True’s character, while not as compelling to me due to her scepticism about magic, still had a strong presence. Her interactions with Orion, who was just the sweetest, were adorable, even if their romance felt a bit rushed.

The plot of Three Kisses, One Midnight is divided into three sections, each focusing on one of the main characters during a magical Halloween masquerade. This structure made the book feel like three interconnected novellas, which I didn’t mind at all. The central storyline of using a love potion during the town’s 400th-anniversary celebration to find true love was charming and whimsical. Onny’s story set the tone with a mix of academia frenemies-to-lovers, Ash’s story was sweetly predictable, and True’s tale brought in the most paranormal elements.

I enjoyed how the plot managed to weave together the individual stories of Onny, Ash, and True while maintaining a cohesive narrative. Onny’s tale of using her grandmother’s love potion recipe during the Halloween Midnight Gala was an engaging start. The chaos that ensued when the potion ended up in the wrong hands added a humorous twist, making her story both entertaining and touching. Ash’s plotline followed, providing a quieter, more introspective look at his quest for love. His long-standing crush on Cassidy and the eventual blossoming of their relationship were beautifully handled, capturing the innocence and excitement of first love.

True’s story was perhaps the most dramatic, with her initial resistance to magic giving way to a whirlwind romance with Orion. Although I found the insta-love trope less appealing, True’s journey was still compelling, especially with the heightened paranormal activity surrounding her. The climax, where all three stories converged, was satisfying and neatly tied up the various plot threads. Overall, the plot was a delightful mix of romance, humour, and a touch of magic, perfect for a light, seasonal read.

The writing style in this book is lyrical and atmospheric, perfectly capturing the Halloween and autumn vibes. I noticed the beautiful prose of Roshani Chokshi, which added a poetic touch to the narrative. The authors managed to weave in cultural elements subtly, enhancing the characters and their stories.

One of the things I appreciated most about the writing was how it built a vivid atmosphere. The descriptions of the town of Moon Ridge, the Halloween decorations, and the masquerade party were so detailed that I felt like I was right there with the characters. The seasonal imagery was spot on, making it a perfect read for autumn. I also loved how the magical elements were incorporated into the narrative without overwhelming it. The magic felt like a natural part of the world, enhancing the whimsical charm of the story.

However, there were moments when the writing felt a bit disjointed, particularly in the transitions between the three main stories. While each section was strong on its own, the shifts sometimes disrupted the overall flow. Despite this, the fast-paced writing style kept me engaged, and I found myself breezing through the book. The combination of beautiful prose, engaging dialogue, and well-crafted characters made for an enjoyable reading experience.

Three Kisses, One Midnight explores themes of love, friendship, and self-discovery against a backdrop of magic and Halloween festivities. The story delves into the idea of finding true love and the importance of believing in something beyond the ordinary. Onny’s reliance on astrology and tarot, True’s scepticism, and Ash’s quiet determination all reflect different ways of searching for and experiencing love. The theme of friendship is also strong, with the tight-knit bond between the Coven providing a solid foundation for their individual stories.

One of the central themes that resonated with me was the idea of following one’s heart. Each character had their own journey towards understanding what they truly wanted and learning to trust their instincts. Onny’s unwavering belief in astrology and her grandmother’s love potion highlighted the power of faith and tradition. True’s scientific approach and eventual acceptance of magic emphasised the importance of keeping an open mind. Ash’s quiet confidence in pursuing his passion for art and love showed the value of perseverance and self-belief.

Friendship played a crucial role in the narrative, showcasing the strength of the bond between Onny, True, and Ash. Their support for each other, despite their differences, was heartwarming and added depth to their individual stories. The book also touched on themes of loss and legacy, particularly through Onny’s connection with her late grandmother. The subtle inclusion of diverse cultural elements and the presence of a LGBTQ+ couple further enriched the thematic tapestry, making the story feel inclusive and relatable.

This book fits well within the young adult romance and paranormal genres, offering a lighthearted, fun read perfect for the Halloween season. The blend of romance, magic, and small-town charm creates a cosy, engaging atmosphere. While the paranormal aspects are light and mainly present towards the end, the Halloween setting and the love potion plot provide just the right amount of magic.

The Hallmark movie-like feel adds to its appeal, making it an enjoyable read for anyone looking for a seasonal, romantic escape. I appreciated how the book balanced the whimsical elements of magic with the more grounded, everyday experiences of the characters. This balance made the story accessible and relatable, even for readers who might not typically enjoy paranormal fiction. The lighthearted tone and quick pacing also make it an excellent choice for readers looking for a breather between heavier reads.

One aspect that stood out to me was the book’s ability to evoke a sense of nostalgia for classic Halloween stories and movies. The small-town setting, the masquerade ball, and the magical elements all contributed to a cosy, familiar vibe that I found incredibly charming. The genre blend of young adult romance and light paranormal was executed well, providing just enough magic to enhance the story without overshadowing the central themes of love and friendship.

I would rate Three Kisses, One Midnight 4 out of 5 stars. The book is an adorable, heartwarming read filled with autumn and Halloween vibes. Each story within the book stands well on its own, with well-developed characters and charming romances. While the writing is occasionally disjointed and some plot elements feel clichéd, the overall experience is delightful and engaging. The diverse representation and cultural elements add depth, and the light paranormal touch enhances the magical atmosphere.

This book is perfect for a cosy, seasonal read and a great choice for anyone who loves young adult romance with a sprinkle of magic. The individual stories of Onny, Ash, and True are each compelling in their own right, and the way they come together in the end is satisfying. The combination of charming characters, beautiful writing, and a whimsical plot made for an enjoyable reading experience. While it’s not without its flaws, Three Kisses, One Midnight is a delightful book that I would recommend to anyone looking for a light, feel-good read during the Halloween season.

Positives of Three Kisses, One Midnight

• Engaging Characters: Onny, Ash, and True are well-crafted with distinct, relatable personalities.
• Cosy Atmosphere: Perfectly captures the Halloween vibes with rich seasonal imagery.
• Whimsical Plot: A charming blend of romance, magic, and friendship.
• Diverse Representation: Includes cultural elements and LGBTQ+ characters.
• Beautiful Writing: Lyrical prose and vivid descriptions that bring the town of Moon Ridge to life.

Negatives of Three Kisses, One Midnight

• Clichéd Elements: Some plot points feel predictable or overly familiar.
• Insta-Love: The rapid romance in True’s story might not appeal to everyone.

Overall, Three Kisses, One Midnight is a charming and feel-good read that beautifully captures the spirit of Halloween. The well-developed characters and their individual love stories, combined with a touch of magic, make for an engaging and enjoyable experience. While it has a few minor flaws, the book’s cosy atmosphere and endearing plot more than make up for it. It’s a delightful choice for anyone looking to get into the Halloween spirit with a fun and magical romance.

I received Three Kisses, One Midnight from the publisher. This is an unbiased and honest review

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