Tag: The Midnight…

In today’s First Lines Friday, I’ve got a July TBR book I’ve not read yet. Naturally it’s going to be rolled on, as this is one of the highly anticipated releases I talked about in my YouTube video earlier this year. 

I have mixed feelings about starting this book. I personally have high expectations based on the earlier book in the series. However, since its recent publication I have heard mixed reviews. 

Let’s get stuck into today’s First Lines Friday opening, then I can talk about the book less cryptically! 

As the water taxi sped across the lagoon, the two young honeymooners gazed ahead in awe. Wilbur squeezed Maggie’s hand and leaned into her as they sat at the back of the small boat, the sun glittering on the water in front of them. ‘I love you, Mr Budd,’ she told him, her words as natural as breath. 

‘I love you too, Mrs Budd.’ 

Maggie laughed, softly, at how funny and official that sounded. 

They held hands as the boat chugged its way towards the city, their fingers intertwined like tangled roots. The ninth of August 1974.

The Midnight Train – Matt Haig 

Goodreads – The Midnight Train 

When your life flashes before your eyes, what will matter most?

For Wilbur it was his time with Maggie, the love of his life. Their honeymoon in Venice. Before he threw it all away. 

Years later, on the brink of his own death, a train arrives. It can take Wilbur back in time. To relive his most important moments. Soon he realises just how much he would have changed…

An adventure through time, The Midnight Train is a story of love and second chances, from the world of The Midnight Library.

My Thoughts…

I loved The Midnight Library. So much so, I read the book twice in pretty quick succession. It was the first book I recommended to the book club I used to host at work.

Earlier this year, Matt Haig published a sequel to this novel – The Midnight Train. Full of high expectations, I eagerly added this to my reading list for 2026. It can only be as good as The Midnight Library, right?

Well, my concern is that reviews on this book or mixed. There are some that love it, and there are some who, maybe like me, had high expectations and found it fell short. Do I worry I will fall in that category? Yes, actually. I have a very high expectations for The Midnight Train based on The Midnight Library, and I’m not sure it can live up to it.

Does that mean I shouldn’t give it a go? No. Absolutely not! I’m still keen to pick up The Midnight Train and give us a go. Even if it doesn’t live up to The Midnight Library, I think this book can be full of life lessons to make us consider what is important to us and make changes here and now that Wilbur never got the chance to.

Thanks for checking out today’s First Lines Friday! Have you read The Midnight Train? 

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