I really enjoyed this terrific story told in Anne Renwick’s signature style, where science and steampunk are all wrapped up into a delightful tale. Perfect for cozying up on the couch with hot chocolate on a wintry afternoon.

I’m a huge Anne Renwick fan and this is my most favourite of ALL her books. It’s got everything in it that I love including true love, some steamy scenes and an HEA.

We get off to an interesting start, being introduced to supposedly prim and proper librarian, Evie, who is currently avoiding the attentions of an unwanted suitor. Soon after her desired suitor, Ash, shows up and we see months of flirtation result in a heated kiss among the book stacks.

Ash, a botanist, and Evie, a research librarian, seem well suited to each other. Both are clever and curious, ambitious and analytical plus healthy and hot blooded (blush).

A happily married sister with 6 (!) rambunctious boys and her father comprise Evie’s beloved family. Her father is dying from a cancerous skin tumour. With Evie’s father leaving in 3 days to captain an airship on a voyage East, Evie must enlist Ash’s help and accelerate her search for a salve to cure his cancer.

All the elements are here for a terrific tale; an intriguing meeting with a Gypsy; a mechanical squirrel with Attitude and a Druid oak; a midnight tryst under a starry sky; a sweet posey ring; a race against time to save a loved one; misunderstandings with a true love; and worst of all, a scorned lover bent on revenge!

The action moves quickly from library, to greenhouse to Hyde Park and back again. Heated glances, stolen kisses and a consuming love for the other half of your soul combine to make this a charming romantic story.5 s Jen (That's What I'm Talking About)1,564 303

Evie is a librarian for the Lister Institute. She enjoys her job, but looks to helm her own project and take on more work. Ash is one of the botanists at Lister and is completely smitten with Evie. They’ve spent hours together working on a research proposal and now he’s ready to make Evie his bride. But when Evie’s father’s medical condition needs immediate attention, the pair give up their cozy Christmas plans to search for answers in ancient texts.

A Snowflake at Midnight is a delightful holiday novella set in Ms. Renwick’s Elemental Steampunk world. While fans of the series will recognize some familiar faces, the story is completely standalone and enjoyable for newcomers. I adore Ms. Renwick’s world, filled with interesting inventions, intelligent and driven females, kind and caring men, high adventures, and sexy romance.

The fact that Evie and Ash are established friends before the book starts helps in the relationship building. Right from the start we know that there is a special spark between the pair, just waiting to be ignited. They are both kind and generous people who admire and appreciate the drive to learn in one another. They already realize they work well as a team, and this continues as the search for a cure for her father’s melanoma takes them on an adventure on Christmas Eve. And the lengths that Ash goes to ensure Evie knows how special she is… it’s all very swoon-worthy.

A Snowflake at Midnight is a joy to read and perfect for the upcoming holiday season. Grab a cup of tea or a mug of cocoa and sit down with this entertaining romance.

My Rating: B, d It

Review copy provided by author
Originally posted at That's What I'm Talking Aboutelemental-steampunk-chronicles historical-romance romance ...more5 s Cecilia Rodriguez3,805 49

Set in 1884 London, on Christmas Eve, Renwick's Steampunk romance is light and enjoyable.
Evie Brown is a librarian and Ash Lockwood is a botanist that she is attracted to.
While reading, I pictured actors: Rachel Weisz and Brendan Fraser as the main characters.1 Theresa 1,567 76

4 Stars:)2024-books anne-renwick-books book-series-anne-renwick ...more1 Jen (That's What I'm Talking About)1,564 303

Evie is a librarian for the Lister Institute. She enjoys her job, but looks to helm her own project and take on more work. Ash is one of the botanists at Lister and is completely smitten with Evie. They’ve spent hours together working on a research proposal and now he’s ready to make Evie his bride. But when Evie’s father’s medical condition needs immediate attention, the pair give up their cozy Christmas plans to search for answers in ancient texts.

I originally read A Snowflake at Midnight a year ago, but just got around to listening this delightful, Christmas-centric audiobook. While fans of the series will recognize some familiar faces, the story is completely standalone and enjoyable for newcomers. I simply adore Ms. Renwick’s Elemental Steampunk world, filled with interesting inventions, intelligent and driven females, kind and caring men, high adventures, and sexy romance. I hope she’ll have more stories to share in the future!

Evie and Ash are established friends before the book starts, which helps in the relationship building. They flirt in the stacks of the Lister Institute library, avoiding Evie’s stern boss and an annoying, blowhard scientist who vies for Evie’s hand. There is death, a race against time, and a mechanized attack squirrel.

Narration: A Snowflake at Midnight is primarily shared in the alternating POVs of Evie and Ash. Ms. Chase presents a British accented female narrator for both the male and female parts, with dialogue altered slightly to fit the age, gender, and station of the speaker. The primary two characters’ voices aren’t very distinct from the narrator, but a mild attempt to differentiate is noticeable. My favorite standout is her performance of Evie’s boss, really capturing his contempt and snootiness. Overall, Ms. Chase has a pleasing voice; she adds appropriate pauses and provides loose emotional cues; however, I prefer a bit more of a distinction between characters.

A Snowflake at Midnight is a joy to read and/or listen to, and it is perfect for the upcoming holiday season. Grab a cup of tea or a mug of cocoa and sit down with this entertaining romance.

My Ratings:
Story: B
Narration: B-

Review copy provided by author
Originally posted at That's What I'm Talking About2020-audiobook-challenge audiobooks historical-romance ...more1 Perennial Bibliophile19 1 follower

I have been a fan of the Elemental Steampunk series for quite some time and was delighted to get a chance to review this advanced copy.

The story did deliver, it was a great combination of steampunk with the dose of science – I loved the foray into herbal/ alternative medicine- some bookwormishness that you might know from Anne Renwick’s heroines and a dose of romance and action. All together a great recipe for an enjoyable afternoon/ evening. Yes, I did read it in one go as I could not put it away.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntary leaving this review
1 Karissa4,084 206

Series Info/Source: This is the fourth book in the Elemental Steampunk Tales series. I bought this for my Kindle. These are all novella length stories set in the Elemental Steampunk world.

Story (4/5): This felt really short in comparison to the other novellas/novels in this series. I didn't feel the plot was as intricate or immediate as the other Steampunk Tales. The story features Evie, who works as a librarian, and Ash who is a scientist at the institution Evie works at. Evie is desperate to find a cure for her father, but attention from an unwanted suitor is making things difficult. Ash, with his knowledge of botany and his attraction to Evia, may be able to help on both fronts.

Characters (4/5): I enjoyed Evie and Ash a lot. They have great chemistry. I do feel they were a bit less well developed than characters in previous tales, however they were still enjoyable to read about.

Setting (4/5): This book was set fully in London (which is a bit unusual for these Tales). The setting was well done and matched the story well.

Writing Style (4/5): This story was well written and easy to read. This Tale included some beautiful imagery that I really enjoyed. I continue to love the scientific bent to these steampunk romance stories.

My Summary (4/5): Overall this was a solid addition to the Elemental Steampunk Tales. It was a fun and quick diversion that I enjoyed. I did think it felt shorter, more rushed, and just not as complete as the other Elemental Steampunk Tales but it was still fun. I would recommend if you are looking for a quick and entertaining steampunk romance. So far I have really enjoyed all of Renwick’s stories and will continue to seek out new stories by her. Michelle952 6

Evie Brown is an academic librarian at the renowned Lister Institute. She has dreams of heading her own projects but is limited by the times, prejudices and family obligations to a sick father she desperately wishes to cure. There’s a certain young botanist who’s captured her fancy and they’ve been given a project to work on together. Yet all is not rosy as Evie has an unwanted and undaunted supercilious and sinister man seeking her attentions and an opportunity has come up for her to study at Oxford. Christmas has brought many surprises this year now Evie must decide how her future will unfold.
Action packed adventures as Evie and Ash search for a last chance cure and explore their feelings. A mechanical squirrel, a murderer and Christmas make this an unusual and exciting tale. Love the steampunk world, the science and the old world sensibilities mixed. Absolutely love the sweet and heated romance between Evie and Ash! Wonderful story for any time of year.
I received a copy from the author. This is my honest review. Amy BraunAuthor 33 books351

Perfect for the holiday season, romantic, fun, with just a hint of drama and adventure. The story is quick and a little silly, but nevertheless just what I needed this time of year. It follows a botanist and a librarian, an unly duo, in their adventures to find a rare plant with the help of an old manuscript.

The bond between Evie and Ash is already established, so it's a quick dive into the romance and the steam. I had a ton of fun with these two, especially since Evie is the more ambitious and adventurous of the two, which I really enjoyed. Ash, on the other hand, is a complete sweetheart and a good partner for Evie.

Though the story didn't have too many hurdles or challenges until the end and could have been fleshed out more, there were some tense and dramatic moments. I think it could have been a little longer, but I also enjoyed it and recommend it to anyone looking for a historical romance to read around the holiday season. Douglas Williamson5,599 29

Our heroine needs some mistletoe to help her ailing father. Our hero is eager to help in any way he can. Of course, nothing is that easy and unexpected danger waits for the opportunity to strike.

This is book four of the series, but it is written as a standalone. No prior reading is necessary to enjoy this one.

This is a steampunk romance set in England. The author has outdone herself with the vast and highly detailed world she has created. The characters are also well developed, including the many secondary characters, which adds to the overall feeling the the world is real. As for the writing itself, it is excellent and easy to read, with a complex plot that has lots of intrigue and action, as well as a bit of holiday romance. Overall, this was a highly enjoyable story and I look forward to exploring more of this world.

Highly recommended.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout for review purposes. Ruth Hinojos313 4

Ash siempre ha estado enamorado de Evie, la bibliotecaria del Instituto Lister, con quien ha estado trabajando en una propuesta de investigación. En la víspera de Navidad, trabajan para curar la condición médica de su padre mientras el romance se enciende.

Es un buen libro de romance y un poco de misterio.

-------
Ash has always been in love with Evie, the librarian for the Lister Institute, whom he has work on a research proposal. On christmas eve they work for a cure on her father's medical condition while they get cozy.

It was a good book with the romance and a little mystery on the side. PointyEars42692 49

DNF. They have 3 days to find a cure for her father's cancer before he leaves on what might be his last trip and she gets derailed every few minutes because she wants to get into her research partner's pants. What? I get wanting something life-affirming in the face of illness and stress, but this is a bit much. I DNF'd at 75% when they finally got to have their smexy times... in his place of work, with the corpse of a recently murdered colleague stored elsewhere in the building, and the murder's whereabouts unknown but already confirmed to be someone who has reason to come after them. Jenn2,643 17

Murder, Mayhem and Mistletoe

This story blends elements of science and steampunk to create an enthralling story in true Anne Renwick style. I simply loved Evie - yes, you can have your career and a family, yes, you absolutely do deserve credit for your discoveries - I know her behaviour was outside the norm for the time period this book was set in, but that’s what makes Evie an amazing heroine. And Ash isn’t too shabby either (wink, wink). An absolutely wonderful story. Kathryn458 3 Read

Ok, I love this one, too!

Evie is a reference librarian searching for anything that will slow or cure her father's skin cancer. Ash Lockwood loves plants and tends a greenhouse at the top of the library and works on creating medicines from the plant lore Evie unearths. But an explosion and death of a fellow scientist at the library shows some plot is afoot. Rhonda Jones2,682 13

Great Mystery in a Steam Punk Setting

Loved this story. Two great minds, both from humble, if not questionable beginnings. Both from loving families. Both working for the good of mankind. But, there is a villain. Yep, very good story. Loved it. BBFlyer538

Great story with a little romance, some sex, and adventure thrown in. Minxy Melissa2,553 70

A Snowflake at Midnight was a fun Christmas novella with a steampunk twist. Really enjoyed it!novella read-in-2021 science-fiction ...more Wemdu341 1 follower

Anais Inara Chase (Narrator) Mari2,100 2

I really d this book, it may be my favourite in the series so far. 2022-01 fantasy Penelope1,139 7

SNOWFLAKE AT MIDNIGHT by Anne Renwick.

MY RATING GUIDE: 5 Stars.
1= dnf/What was that?; 2= Nope, not for me; 3= This was okay/cute; 3.5= I enjoyed it; 4= I d it a lot; 5= I LOVED IT; IT WAS GREAT! (I seldom give 5 Stars).

London, 1884
Evie Brown, 23, single and an academic librarian is employed at Lister Institute, England’s leading mathematic and scientific research laboratory. As a trained medievalist, in her free time, Evie has been searching old medicinal manuscripts and books for clues to provide a cure for her father’s worsening skin lesions. Botanist Ash Lockwood is the son of a gardener, with a botany major, and now a research assistant in Lister’s vast greenhouse. He has been tasked specifically with studying the possible medicinal benefits of certain plants in the Lister collection. Once it is discovered that Ash’s research and Evie’s personal mission overlap in purpose, they decide to pool their efforts for better results. Unfortunately, their studies attract the attention of someone who is willing to kill for their work.

What I d ~
1) The main characters are fascinating, seemingly real, and I cared what happened to them.
2) I enjoy the “world” Renwick has created for her Elemental series - the unique careers of her characters (Botany & Medieval Medicines this time), the various people at the Lister Institute, the greenhouse setting on the roof, Mr Black and his network, the clockwork creations (air machines and clockwork creatures), etc.
2) The antagonist in SNOWFLAKE earns his “just desserts.” Yay! I applaud such justice.
3) Mengri, a delightful and vicious clockwork squirrel features in the story. 4) I love the positive “feel” of Renwick’s Elemental series. This is a fun Pick-Me-Up series.
5) I was quickly pulled into SNOWFLAKE AT MIDNIGHT not wishing to stop until the end.

I recommend SNOWFLAKE AT MIDNIGHT to readers of Steampunk, Historical Romance, Second-Chances trope novels, Pick-Me-Up novels, and novels with unique characters/settings and HEAs.

READER CAUTIONS - Not recommended to YA readers or those who prefer Clean fiction.
VIOLENCE - PG/PG-13. Yes, but not described in a dark or graphic fashion.
PROFANITY - Yes. Infrequent use of strong language.
SEXUAL SITUATIONS - Yes. Open door intimacy scene and steamy thoughts mainly in one section near the end (which could be skipped fairly easily).favorites humor-quirky positive-pick-me-ups ...more Emily Pennington18.7k 312

Evie Brown is a librarian at the Lister Institute. Ash Lockwood is a botanist, also at Lister, who is very fond of Evie and would to make it more permanent! Evie’s father has cancer and, when he decides to abandon treatments and let fate take its course, he makes plans to leave in a few days to Captain an airship. Evie realizes that she must search for a cure for his cancer immediately if there is any hope of curing him. She asks Ash for his help and the two of them give up all other plans to intensify the search.

They find an ancient medieval manuscript which might have the answer for them. There is a special type of mistletoe that could be used to produce a healing salve, but it is difficult to procure and must be harvested at midnight. Can Evie and her loyal botanist find the mistletoe in time? Can they deal with the dangerous threat that lurks nearby?

This was a wonderful story and thoroughly enjoyable to read. The reader can’t help but cheer for Evie and Ash as they try to save her father, especially since they are putting aside their own happiness together for someone else’s benefit. The story line is good, appropriately paced, and with an added touch of danger to keep the reader’s full attention. Grab your copy and find out if they can keep themselves safe while trying to accomplish their mission before it is too late!
reviewed Marissa523

A Snowflake at Midnight is the story of Evie, a librarian at an academic institute who spends her time researching cures for her father's illness while dealing with a suitor who just can't get the hint that she's not that into him. Evie is one determined and intelligent woman. She never gives up on her father, eventually leading her down a path to discovering a medieval manuscript which points her to a special variety of mistletoe. Unfortunately, getting this mistletoe can be a bit complicated. Thankfully she has Ash, a handsome botanist to accompany her on this latest adventure. Can Evie and Ash get the mistletoe and will it heal her father? Oh, and that pesky suitor is still around with some very dirty tricks up his sleeve. This book is good to read on a cold winter night with a hot beverage in front of a fire or under a warm blanket. Ms. Renwick did a good job with creating atmosphere in this installment. As a woman of science, I appreciate Ms. Renwick's development of her female characters. Good blend of science, steampunk, action, mystery, and romance (and in a library no doubt). Great addition to the series.steampunk Jennifer473 9

Christmas in steampunk Victorian England! What could be better. I don't usually go for Christmas themed books because I find them to be rather sappy, but I can't resist an Anne Renwick story and this one is no exception. I was also very pleased to see Anais Inara Chase return as the narrator. So what makes this Christmas story different for me? Well, as always there is a lot of science in the story which gives my brain a workout, while at the same time there is a love affair taking place and it's all wrapped in mistletoe and bio-luminescent light. Evie the librarian, with her love of books, was somebody I could completely relate to. And Ash is so sincere in his love for her, it warmed even my old heart. I have to say though, that I was most charmed by the squirrel, and if you want to know why you need to read or listen to the story for yourself. I don't know where Ms. Renwick gets all her stories from but I certainly feel privileged to be able to read them. Pick up this winter treat as soon as you can! Lynne Shear222 1 follower

This book is an absolute triumph!
I loved it from the moment I started the first page. It pulls you in because the characters are so able and vivid.
Evie Brown is beautiful, intelligent, open minded and gifted in the art of reading Medieval works, especially to do with healing.
Ash Lockwood is handsome, muscular, kind and forward thinking for a man in this era, especially regarding women and their careers. He is also an extremely talented botanist.
And what a couple they do make!
As the story line moves forward, dark deeds abound, while cloaked in a very descriptive Victorian atmosphere.
Anne Renwick brings this wonderful story to life with her witty conversations, descriptive explanations, all mingled with science, botany and the history of the Bodleian in beautiful Oxford.
I almost felt as if I could feel the petticoats swishing around my ankles! I cannot wait for Anne's next book. Jamie BeeAuthor 1 book102

Christmas Steampunk

I don't read as much steampunk as I might , but I do find it a very fascinating sub-sub-genre. This book had all the steampunk elements I enjoy, all the science, airships, clockwork, a focus on industry, and harkening back to ancient traditions. I know once I read the description that it would be a book I’d . I love the fact that the heroine is a librarian and the hero a botanist. I am intrigued by ancient texts myself, so I loved that that was an element in the mix. I absolutely adored the fact that the key to possibly finding a cure for her father had to do with a special type of mistletoe! Perfect for a Christmas story. I found both the main characters to be believable and relatable, and I loved that they were willing to sacrifice in the hopes of saving her father.

I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.

My book blog: https://www.readingfanatic.comp-2019 sci-fi-dystopian Jane74 2

This, Anne Renwick's 10th book set in the Elemental Steampunk World, takes us into an alternate past among scholars and scientists, delving into the world of medieval medicine.

A Snowflake at Midnight is a very well-written story with an intriguing plotline, an excellent cast of characters led by a smart, independent woman and the hero who cherishes her, and of course a clockwork critter who saves the day!

My only caveat is the somewhat explicit sex scenes (not my cup of tea at all!), but I automatically pre-order her books because she writes a great story!

I received an ARC of the book with no obligations, this is my honest and unsolicited opinion . I love her books so much, I also bought a copy. Donna713

A Snowflake At Midnight is Book 4 in the An Elemental Steampunk Tale series by Anne Renwick. Anne has crafted an excellent steampunk story. Evie and Ash both work at the Lister Institute. Evie is an intelligent (college graduate), strong willed female Librarian/Research Assistant in a male dominated era. Ash is a botanist who oversees the Greenhouse. This story revolves around their relationship, both professional and private, and Evie's unwanted suitor. By the way, there is also a murder to solve with the help of a small clockwork squirrel with a waistcoat. I found this to be an enjoyable read and do recommend it. If you steampunk or have not delved into it yet, this book and the series is well worth your time to read. Received an ARC and this is my voluntary review. Riley940 64

We start with a librarian. That gets my attentions. Add a botanist (gardener). Yep, I the sound of that. Then add a cold, snowy holiday setting, a warm, lush greenhouse, a little danger and a lot of romance. What a lovely story that is perfect for this time of year.

other books in Anne Renwick’s steampunk stories, the elements of science, technology and the Queen’s agent Mr. Black are all present in A Snowflake at Midnight. An intelligent woman competing with men in academia along with a man who appreciates her intelligence are also common traits in the steampunk stories. This is one of my favorite series!

I love this addition to Renwick’s Elemental Steampunk Tales!romance steampunk Kristen Lewendon7,787 49

I hardly even know what to say about this book. This is what I wish everybody else’s steampunk romantic suspense I’ve read could’ve been . A smart, sassy heroine who knows what she’s talking about. A sensitive, noble hero who’s just fallible enough to be human. And a nefarious villain whose devious plans aren’t immediately obvious. Mix with enough humor to make me giggle-snort and plenty of action, and I am a very happy reader. I’m just sorry it’s over already. I want more. MORE, I tell you! Sigh. I guess I’ll just have to wait patiently until the next book’s released.
I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book from the author through Booksprout. Adena Lee1,488 12

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