In the Midnight Rain

A Novel

By: Barbara O'Neal

Narrated by: Kristen Ariza

Two converging mysteries compel a woman’s search for the truth in a captivating novel about loss, love, family, and healing by the USA Today bestselling author of When We Believed in Mermaids.

Biographer Ellie Connor is in Gideon, Texas, to research blues singer Mabel Beauvais who, on the verge of fame, mysteriously disappeared more than forty years ago. Gideon holds another mystery for Ellie. It’s the truth about her parents—a restless mother who died young and a father she never knew. They are an unsettled piece of Ellie’s own past. Somewhere in this town is the answer to both of her quests.

No one is more accommodating than charismatic Laurence “Blue” Reynard, a local with deep roots in Gideon. Sexy and charming, he’s also getting under Ellie’s skin like a smooth jazz rhythm. Yet beneath his seductive facade is a soul damaged by loss. Tragic, wanting, and beautiful. So wrong for a woman just passing through town. If only his passion and vulnerability weren’t so irresistible.

As Ellie pieces together Mabel’s puzzling life and that of her father, Blue takes the surprising journey with her. What then for Ellie? Follow her instincts and say goodbye, or follow her heart?

Revised edition: This edition of In the Midnight Rain includes editorial revisions.

©2000, 2010, 2013, 2024 by Barbara Samuel. (P)2021 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.

Critic reviews

"A beautifully told story that explores the importance of family and the healing power of love." (Kristin Hannah)

"A magnificent story as warm and rich as a Southern night." (Deborah Smith)

A wonderful story

I had the book in my kindle for years and decided it was time to start reading the stuff I had. I started listening by Audible during work days few days ago. It took me 3 days to fully complete. I really enjoyed this book. Within a few chapters I got sucked into the story and the characters. I enjoyed the plot - from the mystery to steamy romance. I will be definitely recommending story to others to listen to.

A dark beauty of a story...

A dark beauty of a surprise and a dark stormy beauty of a story. Great storytelling!!!

Going home to the south.

The voices carried me back to my time in the South; The fragrance of gardenias, the night noises, and the taste of hometown cooking. Remembering how young love over powers the mind and body. Like going back home.

passion, mystery, strength

what a great story, though I wish it was more about the history than the Love making. it was well done.

Beautiful story

In the Midnight Rain by Barbara O’Neal is a beautiful story of lives intersected in unexpected ways. This is an interesting story that has some good surprises and a good ending as well. I listened to the audiobook and really enjoyed the narrator.