Possible Spoilers included:

This novel has underpinings of the Cinderella fairy tale put into a contemporary ranch setting. Ella has the requisite evil stepmother and a stepsister.

My guess is the "glass slipper" is inheriting the family ranch, something Ella can only do if she completes her master's degree. And of course, with any fairy tale, you expect a "happily ever after".

There are many things that don't make sense to me in this novel, though. If the ranch is in trust, how can Lucinda Fairfax be making all these decisions about the ranch, including offering to sell it? There does seem to be a male trustee--so is he not doing his job to protect Ella's trust? That question is never answered or addressed. Was Lucinda hoping that she'd get money for the ranch from the Dukes and then leave them to find they'd been swindled? Or was she counting on being able to thwart Ella's degree and void the terms of the will?

Also never addressed is whether Anita knew what her mother was doing. Even if she didn't, shouldn't she have suspected that all of her fathers/step-fathers died within a few months of taking out insurance policies from her with Lucinda as the beneficiary? If the intent was that Anita wasn't part of the scam, I'm not sure I buy it. Especially since Lucinda was trying to set Anita up with Jonas/Stone.

I loved the characters of Hank and Susie. I'm glad Susie was willing to speak truth to Stone about Lucinda and Ella. I'm also glad Stone's own family was willing to see Ella's side and not just condemn her for lying to him. Instead, they encouraged Stone to go talk to her.

I wasn't prepared for what Lucinda had done. I knew she didn't like Ella and was working against her inheritance, but I didn't recognize a bigger conspiracy until it was revealed to Ella.

The novel also reminded me a bit of O. Henry's "The Gift of the Magi" in that Ella was wiling to give up the ranch to Stone and his family because she loved him and felt bad that he thought she'd misled him just to be able to inherit it, and in that Stone was willing to give up the ranch Lucinda had promised him because it belonged to the woman he loves.

But the reason I gave it 3 stars instead of more is that their relationship started with deceit on both sides of it. Neither was telling the other who they really were. Stone was somewhat honest in why he was there even though he didn't reveal his full name. Ella was only partially honest in why she was there. She lied by omission in not saying her final project for her master's was so that she could inherit the very land they were on. Now, I could excuse them not using their real names had they not been pursuing a romantic relationship with each other, but having so much deceit starting out is a bad way to start a romantic relationship that will last in my opinion. ( )

STORY-LINE AT THE STROKE OF MIDNIGHT:

At The Stroke of Midnight, by author Kate Palmer's a sweet clean romance with a happy every after ending and a fairy tale quality.

Ella Fairfax father's will stipulated she must complete her masters degree before her 25th birthday or loose her inheritance of Diamond Hallow Ranch. Ella Fairfax is running out time. Step-mother Lucinda seems to always place stumbling blocks in front of Ella's degree. Also, Lucinda has leased Diamond Hallow with an option to buy to the Woodland Homes Foundation and head COO Jonas Stone Duke, Jr.

Ella always believes the best of everyone including scheming Lucinda. Head of the Woodland Homes Foundation, Jonas, seeking refuge from his notoriety has taken resident at Diamond Hallow. He and Ella have a bang up beginning, neither telling the other who they are. Ella must keep her presence secret from step-mother Lucinda to finish her degree without interference; Stone is seeking relief from his notoriety and a much deserved rest. Stone has found in the past once someone knows he's idenitify, they treat him differently.

Each with different, but good reasons, for keeping their identity secret will find all does not go well. Oh, what a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive. What follows is an intense emotional story. Come along with Ella and Stone as they journey from strangers to love, solve mysteries, try to save the ranch, and stop an evil culprit from winning.

My sweet contemporary romance western review of At The Stroke of Midnight follows.

CHARACTERS, PLOTTING, DEVELOPMENT:

Primarily a sweet clean romance, author Kate Palmer infused this book with a modern fairy-tale quality. Included in this tale, we find the wicked step-mother and step-sister, along with nefarious deeds. Along with a cast of caring secondary characters, who support Ella, this book's a feel good read.

Furthermore, Palmer had many thread to bring together to form a solid novel which she did skillfully. The plotting has twists and turns and the pace is steady and smooth. Palmer hooks the reader quickly and does not let go until the end of the book. The story-line never slowed or lagged. The reader realizes quickly the deception Ella and Stone have used will not go well; causing relationship problems in the future. With strong people having sterling qualities, the reader falls in love with Ella and Stone. Ella's character is strong, yet, full of heart with a good soul. Stone, although strong, has past relationship issues he must face and resolve before he can find peace and the fullness of love.

Finally in-concluding my sweet clean contemporary romance review of At The Stroke of Midnight, I found a solid story-line, well-written and containing well-developed characters. This book is a relaxing read with a feel good happy every after ending. I became so involved in the story-line, I read this book straight through. I would not hesitate to buy this book for my self or a friend.

AT THE STROKE OF MIDNIGHT RECOMMENDATION: STARS 4

I gave this book 4 well-deserved stars. Suitable for young adults and adults, I would not hesitate to recommend this book.

FINALLY, PLEASE NOTE:

Additionally, I received this book from the author and chose to voluntarily review the book with an honest romance western novel review. Lastly, book reviews of any novel are dependent on the book review author’s opinion. Consequently, all book reviews on-line and on my blog, are my opinions. In addition, the ARC did not affect my romance western novel review.