4.5 glitter-bomb stars

I requested this book because it sounded cute, I love to support indie LGBTQIA+ authors and my library holds weren’t yet in …… then when I pressed play, I was unhappy to learn that the author was reading it herself. Usually, this results in disaster and huge disappointment.

At first, I grudgingly accepted that the author was doing a reasonable job of bringing her characters to life - though I didn’t know if I could embrace a book so entirely camp!

By halfway, I was completely invested. The characters played off of each other so well. They got more vulnerable and embraced personal growth, all while having fun, overcoming obstacles and cracking wide open.

By the end, I was both cheering AND crying!

Highlights included characters of all ages, paths, and identities. I ADORE that this (audio)book includes amazing Ace and AroAce characters, and showcases love of all types (romantic - queer and straight, family, found family, friendship, mentorship, etc).

Honestly, so happy to have found this author. This book was so full of wholesome, heartwarming, inspiring moments and brought me so much JOY!

Well, everything except the absolute butchering of French in the narration!!

Huge gratitude to NetGalley and the publisher, Bonsol Press, for an AudioARC of this book, in exchange for my honest review.

This was such an unexpected delight. This book is deeply emotional and moving while also being weirdly funny and endearingly cheesy. 4.5 rounded to 5 ⭐️

I didn’t realize this is technically a sequel in the Pearly Gates universe and read it as a standalone. This really works as a standalone and I can’t wait to go back and spend more time with Pearly Gates!

This book was written and narrated by an independent queer author, Bonnie Solomon, and was like a warm cup of coffee for the soul. I can’t wait to read more by this author!

Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to the audiobook The Midnight Croissant.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC copy of the audiobook version.

This book encapsulated the energy of a lot of my favourites. I got the Good Place vibes right out of the gates and have recently discovered I kind of love cozy fantasy. A sucker for stories about the afterlife and the idea that we continue to have the same human struggles after we die. I’m still not sure if this arouses hope or despair, but will continue to devour such stories until I figure it out. The exploration of sexuality and relationships was done well and only added to the story. I will eagerly await more from Bonnie Solomon.

I was given a free copy of this audiobook from NetGalley in exchange for a honest review.

This is not my normal genre, but I found this book to be really good (& cute)! The author has a way of writing that works well with how I read.

The Midnight Croissant is a big-hearted fantasy about love and acceptance. Pearly Gates, a shepherd of souls, decides that her charges need something extraordinary to boost their spirits, so she makes a bet with her nemesis and arranges a trip to Paris. So much fun! All the characters from the first book are back, but don’t let that stop you (if you’re new to the series) from discovering the magic of Pearly Gates in this feel-good romp. I will follow Pearly’s adventurous spirit anywhere!
Excellent outfits plus excellent audiobook narration by the author. I was in Paris recently and this brought me back to my visit and to those buttery croissants.
My thanks to the author @BonnieSolomon, @BonsolPress, and #NetGalley for early access to the audiobook of #TheMidnightCroissant for review purposes. Publication date: 24 March 2026.

Such a good read, I love that the author is also the narrator, fantastic job. I always love reading LGBTQIA+ stories and I’m so happy they continue to gain in popularity!
Can’t wait to read more from this author!

Book: The Midnight Croissant
Author: Bonnie Solomon



Genre: Sci Fi & Fantasy, LGBTQIA+, Humor & Satire
Series: Pearly Gates Series
Setting: Paris
POV: Main Character POV


My Thoughts:

This novel is one that embraces the joys of drag, life long friends, LGBTQIA+ identity, and change throughout lifetimes. After reading book one, “Pearly Gates,” I have been very excited for the second addition to the series. My emotional attachment to Pearly continues in this story!

Pearly is tasked once again with helping her charges find peace and renew their view of life (i.e. increasing their aura). Pearly strikes a deal with her supervisor that she will raise her charges' aura by one level in ten days in Paris, the city of change and love. From pretending to be a travel vlogger (and ex-cruise ship member), Pearly must navigate the trials of her charges and her feelings for her previous soulmate, Thunder.

This story really dove into Pearly’s character in her new found role but also helped to embody themes of grief, longing, sexual orientation, coming out, and change. Pearly found herself trying to look at her charges as human beings, who are trying to move past their past and embrace their futures. Each charge/human I was able to find pieces of my personal story and was able to resonate with them – Solomon does a fantastic job in creating characters that many people can find themselves in.

As for the audiobook, Solomon narrates and really adds layers to Pearly’s personality that would not have been seen reading only the text. Pearly is narrated as quirky and high energy that I found to be entertaining and lovable.

I cannot recommend this novel enough if you would like Y2K, a splash of Paris cuisine and culture, and to see pure LGBTQIA+ joy. While it is uplifting and beautiful, you may find that it is also deeply emotional and leads you as a reader to navigate the world and the frequent changes around yourself a bit different -- the Pearly way <3

A special thank you to Bonnie Solomon, Bonsol Press, and Netgalley for an audio ARC and eARC of this story in exchange for an honest review

The Midnight Croissant is a magnificent feat of writing and a deeply satisfying sequel that builds on its predecessor with confidence, heart, and skill. I was lucky enough to receive an ARC copy, and it completely exceeded my expectations. The story expands in meaningful ways, adding emotional depth while still feeling familiar and welcoming, and I loved being transported to Paris through its rich and evocative setting.

The characters are vivid, complex, and wonderfully human. Their growth feels authentic, and their relationships filled with tenderness, conflict, humor, and reflection make the story deeply engaging. I found myself genuinely invested in their journeys and choices.

The writing is beautiful and immersive, with lyrical prose, sharp dialogue, and a smooth, comforting rhythm that keeps the story moving. Beneath the engaging plot lies a thoughtful message about connection, resilience, and the small moments that shape our lives. This sequel not only honors the original, it elevates it. A truly enjoyable and emotionally resonant read.

This book was absolutely delightful. A true and safe exploration of sexuality and self expression, wrapped in sparkling glitter. The found family aspect was beautiful, and I was especially moved by the intimate conversations about religion and acceptance. The communication between characters as they each progressed in their self-healing journeys was so refreshing, and the added backdrop of the city of love made this book perfectly captivating.

I had the opportunity to listen to this book, and the fact that the author narrated her work is such a flex. Bonnie’s voice is lovely, and she was able to add a level of intimacy to her words that an outside narrator might not have been able to achieve.

Although there is another interconnected book published previously that sets up world building and character back stories, I personally do not think they have to be read together. Overall, this was so impactful and poignant, and I highly recommend the read! Huge thank you NetGalley and Bonnie Solomon for giving me the gift of listening to this book early.

This book was slow to start, but I’m glad I pushed through to Paris. Following Pearly as she helped her friends grow, push back against a system that didn’t work for her, and helping her roommate step out of her shadow was fun, cute, and fulfilling. Theres a lot going on in this book, so you might be overwhelmed at first but it’s totally worth it. The book left me feeling like a warm hug.

Thanks to NetGalley and Bonnie Solomon for this Advance Reader Audio Arc in exchange for an unbiased review. I believe that the narrator is the author themselves, which I absolutely loved. A unique and engaging listening experience.

This is such a insanely good story! I am so grateful to get to listen to this gem of a book.

I absolutely love Pearly the MFC, she is here to guide souls to being at peace with their life and choices. Throughout the story some rules may or may not get broken to help others.

I think my favorite part of the entire book was how the group was together throughout the book. Especially the grandfather and grandson.

Read this book, you will not regret it.

I absolutely ADORE these books. When I requested this, I honestly didn’t realize it was book 2 but quickly came to that conclusion and was SO excited to have gotten this.

These stories are like coming home to a big hug after a long day. The way Bonnie can tell a story that crafts these characters in such heartbreakingly real ways, is amazing.

I love the whole concept of a guide helping humans to basically be the best them and Pearly loves to add humor and sass to it.

I love how Pearly also had a lot of self reflection in this one after how Book 1 ended.

Again, I love these stories so much and how all the characters intertwine and help each other and kind of heal not only themselves but each other all the way. Can’t wait for this series to continue!

this is a contemporary cozy fantasy following Pearly Gates, a sassy glittery spirit guide in the afterlife, she has a group of humans assigned to her and she has to help them process some things that are hurting them / holding them back

Pearly's boss disapproves of her methods, cubicle decor, and fashion choices, but our sequin-covered guide finds creative ways to bend the rules, always with her human's best intentions in mind

this is a very extra, queer, and chaotic story, it reminds me of the Happy Go Lucky movie, all colorful and bright good intentions and also of the book The Witchstone, since both books have these supernatural beings that still have to put up with office jobs and try their best, in their own way, to meet the company's goals

I saw this book described as "The Good Place meets Amélie—with glitter" and it does feel like that, it's sweet and funny, with all the queer vibes

[there's another book in this series but The Midnight Croissant can be read as a standalone, I haven't read the other book (now I want to) and I didn't feel like I was missing anything]

I absolutely loved this book.
The audio was so spot on right from the start and I felt really encapsulated the right vibe for the main character who I might add is absolutely amazing.
Pearly gates what a superb main character, she has such be true to yourself energy whilst also being a rebel and not following the rules in a way to do the best for her “charges”.
A sequin and glitter cruise director who is secretly your spirit guide! We all need a Pearly Gates secretly driving us forward.
The other characters, Pearly’s charges, where all stupid humans who can’t work out their own crap and need a nudge in the right direction which was given in the most wholesome patient and caring way possible by Pearly whilst she also reflected upon her own life choices.
What a fabulous read, thank you so much for allowing me the privilege of listening and reviewing such a wholesome audio that I consumed within one day!

Thank you NetGalley and Bonnie Solomon for providing me with a free copy of this audio book for an honest review.

“Well”… “if they run out of chandeliers, you can always h*ng yourself from the ceiling”

So much I can say about this book. I randomly requested the digital arc for the first one a while ago because the cover caught my interest. It was so much more than it seemed like it would be. There’s so much depth and understanding of the human connection in this book/ series. You feel seen/heard in a way that most books can’t accomplish. There are so many iconic lines from this one.

“I saw god and he was laminated in butter”.
“Breaking news: Paris cancels croissants because you’re the only snack they need”

This book has growth, body doubles, cosmic retribution, baked good, and sparkles. What more could one need?

There’s something incredibly special about returning to a series that already feels like home and The Midnight Croissant absolutely delivered on that feeling and more. This sequel to Pearly Gates proves that Bonnie Solomon is not only an incredible author but one who keeps leveling up with every book she writes. The Midnight Croissant follows Pearly Gates the afterlife’s sassiest and most compassionate spirit guide as she takes on a new challenge that lands her right in the middle of present day Paris. Tasked with guiding three very different souls. A retiree, a guilt ridden widower with a closeted grandson and a woman for whom love has never quite clicked. Pearly bends the rules just enough to help them rediscover joy, connection, and possibility. When their spiritual journey stalls she nudges them into a group trip to the City of Love and secretly tags along. What unfolds is a cozy and deeply heartfelt story about transformation, found family, and the bravery it takes to open yourself up to love whether that love is romantic, platonic, or self directed. Pearly’s guidance never ceases to amaze me. Watching her navigate these souls with humor, empathy, and just a hint of chaos reminded me why I adore her so much. I could genuinely read fifty of these adventures and never get tired of them.Paris as a setting was such a perfect choice.One of the most important aspects of this book and something I deeply value as a reader is its inclusion of queer characters and queer stories. Representation matters and Bonnie Solomon handles it with so much care, tenderness, and authenticity. These characters aren’t reduced to tropes they’re allowed complexity, growth, fear, and joy. Stories like this remind us how powerful it is to see yourself reflected on the page.Beyond the magic and romance, The Midnight Croissant is also a story about trusting your gut and following your dreams even when it feels risky. It gently reminds you just how strong you really are and how much can change when you choose to believe in yourself. This book was everything I wanted it to be. Bonnie Solomon continues to prove that she’s a master of blending humor, magic, and meaningful storytelling. If you loved Pearly Gates, this sequel will absolutely steal your heart and if you’re new to the series, consider this your sign to start. ✨🥐💖 Comes out April 14th 2026!

This must be one of the heartwarming and super-cute stories I have ever read. I was hooked and didn't want the novel to end. This is a must-read and you won't be disappointed. 😍😍

okay wait… this one was actually SO fun 🥐✨

we follow Pearly Gates who is literally the sassiest spirit guide ever and instead of doing her job the “right” way she’s like… yeah no, let’s take these struggling souls to Paris and hope for the best 💀
and her group??
a grumpy retiree
a widower carrying guilt
and a woman trying to figure out love
like the mix of personalities alone had me invested, but watching them slowly open up and grow?? that’s what made it hit.
the magic system is super cozy too. nothing overwhelming just really intentional, emotional, and tied into their personal journeys which I loved.
BUT what really made this for me was the narration.
since Bonnie Solomon narrates it, you can feel everything especially Pearly’s sarcasm and dry humor. like it actually made me laugh in parts because the delivery was just so good.
overall this just felt like a comfort read with depth.
like you’re having fun but also lowkey feeling things.

vibe check:
cozy but chaotic
found family energy
paris + magic + a little heartbreak
dry humor that sneaks up on you

if you like character-driven stories with soft magic and a little emotional growth moment… you’ll eat this up.

What a fun, wonderful, light-infused, powerful, sweet yet heart-breaking read!

I have to give credit to the author!! This one had me laughing one moment, then literally crying my eyes out the next...
It was such a FUN read, with so much love, angst, interest, disinterest, flamboyancy, solitude, sparkle, uplifting scenarios, as well as those that just make you... STOP AND THINK!!!

All taking place with the glittering lights of Paris all around, as well as the smells and sounds of same (they seemed to ease through the pages to my eyes, ears and nose...)

This was really just such an uplifting, beautiful, spiritual, emotional, unbelievably impactful read!!

And, it touched on SO MANY different levels... and personalities... and so much more...

A young woman trying to be a spirit guide (from the afterlife) named Pearly Gates (what else???) who is still trying to forge her way to do the right thing... from beyond...

An elderly man traveling with his grandson after the loss of his wife. An older woman who closed herself off from the world after losing everything in a home fire. And a young woman who finds it difficult to identify with anyone or anything in the world around her...
And yet, together, they all seem to grow... and learn... and live... and survive... and THRIVE!!

I'm not sure how else to say it other than that it was just a really SPECIAL read.
So if you are looking for something different, enlightening, and sweet... with a side of nutty, outrageous and mind-defying... look no further! You have found it!!!

All the stars for me for bringing out ALL THE EMOTIONS... and then some!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨✨✨✨✨🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟💫💫💫💫💫

#TheMidnightCroissant by @BonnieSolomon and narrated nicely by the author!! (I didn't realize that until this moment!!)
Of Note: This apparently is part of a series, but can certainly be read alone (as I did!)

THIS ONE HAS NOT BEEN RELEASED YET, BUT LOOK FOR IT SOON. RELEASE DATE IS 3/24/26!!

Thanks so much to #NetGalley and @BonsolPress for an ALC of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review!!

You can also find my reviews on: Goodreads,
Instagram: @BookReviews_with_emsr and/or
My Facebook Book Club: Book Reviews With Elaine

Thanks so much for reading! And if you ‘liked’ my review, please share with your friends, & click ‘LIKE’ below… And, let me know YOUR thoughts if you read it!! 📚⭐️

Book: The Midnight Croissant (Pearly Gates)
Author: Bonnie Solomon

Thank you NetGalley and Bonsol Press press for giving me this Audiobook ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This was my first time reading/listening to Bonnie Solomon and I’m now a fan for life. This was such a creative spin on the afterlife and spirit guides. I want to live in this world a bit longer.
The Midnight Croissant is the second book in a series featuring Pearly Gates (yes, that’s the spirit guide’s name – this and other tongue and cheek puns really drive this fun story). I did not read the first book but will now go back and read it. Still, jumping into book two unaware was not a problem. The author does a nice job of catching readers up and I was immediately immersed in a world.
This book takes Pearly to Paris where she takes her three charges, and others she’s not responsible for, on a whirl-wind tour of the city of love. There are clashing personalities (a woman who lost herself after a fire, a grandfather trying to reconnect with his closeted grandson, and a young woman looking for her own identity) and Pearly wonders if she’ll need to break a few spirit guide rules in order to really help her charges. Pearly is not known for being the most law-abiding, but her heart really is in the right place.
What I loved about this book was how hopeful it is. These characters are going through a lot. And it’s not that 10 days in Paris is going to “fix” everything, but if they can experience hope and joy and optimism, Pearly will have done her job in setting them off in the right direction. Aided by her past soul-mate (yes, awkward) and thwarted by her boss who just wants to ship Pearly off somewhere remote, Pearly uses her best tricks to inspire those around her and show them what love and community can really be.
Readers should be aware that there is some significant homophobic experiences a character deals with. Additionally, there is some mature content, nothing sexual on the page but a lot of inuendo.
The production of this was really solid as well. The author narrates it herself and while she does an admirable job, I would love to hear this book from a professional audiobook narrator, just to get more emotion. The different voices worked but it all felt like one emotion – not flat – just singular. There are few people who can be amazing writers and humorists and screenwriters and audiobook narrators so there is no shame in Solomon hiring someone for her next book. Beyond the narration, the pacing is good, good distinct but not overly long chapter breaks, and no extraneous noises or too-loud sound effects.
This was a lot of fun and a really interesting premise, with solid LGBTQ+ representation. I’m a big fan. Thank you for the opportunity to read and review this book!

If you are anti-LGBTQ then this book is not for you. If you are open to new ideas then this book will be fun for you.

This book feels like it could be a story told girlfriend to girlfriend over a croissant and coffee at any little cafe. It is a little tanget at times, but in a fun gossipy way that makes you feel more interested in the overall story, It is charming and filled with pop culture references. While many books seem to angle in a LGBTQ character, few do so while actually addressing challenges faces by the community and providing practical solutions.

Though I have not yet picked up Pearly Gates, which appears to be the first of the series, I do find this books was able to stand alone and tell the story of a spiritual guide (a literal spirit) who is helping her charges navigate their mortal lives.

Pearly Gates is a bit of a wild card and her methods of spiritual guidance are unconventional and ride the line of legal or taboo. It is no wonder her boss is out to get her and to bring Pearly's sparkle under control. Pearly decides to make a deal with her boss; she says she can turn the lives of her 3 charges around on a 10 day trip to Paris or she will submit to being demoted and possibly exiled.

I do want to go back and read the other book as I want to know more about Pearly herself and why she is the way she is. I do see her flamboyance as being lovely and sparkly but I also understand the manager a bit as well, when someone seems to b slacking off and not following common practices and also seems to be a bit more show rather than producing results. I love her personality but I can see that since she seemed to have skated by a lot of the traditional path to get a position as a spiritual guide, she seems to take it for granted. I enjoyed seeing her buckle down and join the people she was supposed to be guiding as they toured France for all of their differing reasons. It seems being with them helped her put in perspective the importance of her job and also some aspects of her own existence as well. I can't wait to see what else happens for Pearly and others.

I really enjoyed "The Midnight Croissant" by Bonnie Solomon. It is fiction with a bit of paranormal or supernatural touch. The main character is Pearly Gates (Yes, that's her name) who is a spirit guide with three human charges to help.

She makes a deal with her irascible boss that she will raise the auras of her three charges by a whole level in just 10 days. To do that she gets them all on the same trip and tour to Paris and she is going to be incarnate and a member of the tour as well. If she can do it, she will earn the right to stay a guide and have little or no future supervision. If she can't do it, she will be demoted, possibly even sent to the Null division.

Pearly is a great character, very flamboyant and vivacious, and one who doesn't like the rules. Her human charges are an older widower who is taking his closeted teenage grandson, on a graduation trip, an older single woman who has shut down joy and color in her life, and a woman searching for her identity and belonging and finding she may be ACE (asexual).

So there are basically four stories, plus Pearly's own story that take place, and they are all woven together extremely well.

The trip though Paris was very well described and tempting, especially the food! It made me want to visit Paris!

The narrator of this audiobook was the author, Bonnie Solomon, and although she did a good job, this audiobook would really benefit from having several narrators.

Characters - 5/5
Writing - 5/5
Plot - 5/5
Pacing - 5/5
Unputdownability - 5/5
Enjoyment - 5/5
Narration - 4/5
Cover - 5/5
Overall - 39/8 = 4 7/8 rounded up to 5 stars

I just found out this is the second book in the Pearly Gates series. I'm going to go listen to the first one next!

If this book sounds interesting to you, check out The Midnight Croissant or the first one, Pearly Gates, by Bonnie Solomon!

Thank you to Netgalley, Bonsol Press, and Bonnie Solomon for providing this audiobook in exchange for my honest review. I truly appreciate it!

I really enjoyed how it felt like you got a tour of Paris as the characters explored and my favorite part was the found family feeling between all the characters! The audiobook narration was really engaging :)

Note: I received this book as an ARC through NetGalley.