Marry Me by Midnight

By: Felicia Grossman

Narrated by: Justine Eyre

From an author known for her “powerful and passionate” work comes a story with an enchanting twist on Cinderella (Eva Leigh, bestselling author): a charming heiress must marry to save her family’s business, but the man she dreams of is the one she can’t have. ​

London, 1832: Isabelle Lira may be in distress, but she's no damsel. Since her father’s death, his former partners have sought to oust her from their joint equity business. Her only choice is to marry—and fast—to a powerful ally outside the respected Berab family’s sphere of influence. Only finding the right spouse will require casting a wide net. So she’ll host a series of festivals, to which every eligible Jewish man is invited.

Once, Aaron Ellenberg longed to have a family of his own. But as the synagogue custodian, he is too poor for wishes and not foolish enough for dreams. Until the bold, beautiful Isabelle Lira presents him with an irresistible offer . . . if he ensures her favored suitors have no hidden loyalties to the Berabs, she will provide him with money for a new life.

Yet the transaction provides surprising temptation, as Aaron and Isabelle find caring and passion in the last person they each expected. Only a future for them is impossible—for heiresses don’t marry orphans, and love only conquers in children’s tales. But if Isabelle can find the courage to trust her heart, she'll discover anything is possible, if only she says yes.

©2023 Felicia Grossman (P)2023 Forever

Critic reviews

"What a wonderfully fresh voice! Felicia Grossman's MARRY ME BY MIDNIGHT has it all—a clever heroine, a dreamy hero, and a gorgeous fairy tale romance that had me enthralled well past my bedtime. Historical romance readers will delight in discovering Grossman's impeccably researched Jewish London society. Brava!"—Elizabeth Hoyt, New York Times bestselling author

“MARRY ME BY MIDNIGHT is a scorching and swoonworthy reimagining of Cinderella set in the 1830s London Jewish community. Felicia Grossman writes with passion and sensitivity, imbuing her characters with humor, heart, and strength. An excellent start to the series, and a much-needed addition to the historical romance genre!”—Mimi Matthews, USA Today bestselling author of The Belle of Belgrave Square

“MARRY ME BY MIDNIGHT is at once timeless and completely fresh—a wholly, beautifully, Jewish story that feels reminiscent of my favorite fairytales. An unlikely partnership blooms into love between a fierce, driven heiress and a sweet, cinnamon roll hero that breaks the mold. This is a must for any historical romance reader looking to step into a side of Regency that’s often overlooked. Felicia Grossman’s passionate prose shines on every page.”—Rosie Danan, author of The Roommate and The Intimacy Experiment

A unique addition to the historical British romance genre

Marry Me By Midnight is a gender swapped Cinderella story centered in the 1830s London Jewish community. Isabelle Lira is in a precarious position. After the death of her father, his business partner David Berab is looking to force Isabelle out of the family business. Either by splitting it up or forcing her to marry one of his brothers. Isabelle decides to out scheme the Berabs by employing the Great Synogogue’s custodian, Aaron Ellenberg, to be her eyes and ears in finding her a husband to outmaneuver David Berab. I really enjoyed the world this story operates in. It’s a rich history that I believe has never been the setting of a romance novel. The authors note delves into the history of British Jews during this time but the story makes you feel both the anxiety as well as desire of the community to seek hope and safety. I really enjoyed Aaron as a character. “Neither a learner nor an earner”, he had qualifies that made Isabelle fall hard for him. I also enjoyed the intrigue and sometimes mysterious atmosphere of the streets Aaron traversed. There’s a fun reveal at the end I didn’t see coming. I also liked Soloman Weiss, a side character who I see gets his own book in the next installment of the Once Upon the East End series.

Justine Eyre gave a wonderful narration, as usual!