A Night of Irish Carols Welcomes New Novel "The Darkest Midnight in December"
This December, Athens residents can immerse themselves in the magic of Christmas during the launch party for local author Leara Rhodes’ new novel, The Darkest Midnight in December. The event, taking place at Foxglove Plantbar on Saturday, December 7th at 3 p.m., promises a unique experience blending traditional Irish music with the intrigue of Rhodes’ latest literary creation.
Rhodes’ novel tells the story of Sharon McGee, a woman seeking a fresh start after leaving the hustle of New York City for the historical charm of Savannah. As Sharon navigates a new life as an accountant for an Irish shipping firm and settles into a boarding house shared with Irish nursing students, she finds herself experiencing a romantic dilemma. The pull of two drastically different men throws Sharon into a whirlwind of emotions, mirroring the vibrant layers of Southern culture and history she is discovering.
Adding a truly special touch to the launch event, the Book Club Singers will perform a selection of 300-year-old Irish carols.
Led by Aimée Marcoux, associate director of the Classic City Band, and accompanied by Rebekah Boles of the Athens Symphony on keyboard, the music selection is intrinsically tied to Rhodes’s novel.
"The songs go hand-in-hand with Rhodes’ story,” notes the announcement for the event. “The title of which is taken from the first line of one of the carols.”
The unique pairing of seasonal music and storytelling promises a captivating afternoon, inviting guests to experience the charm of The Darkest Midnight in December in a truly immersive way.
Admission to the launch event is free.
About the Author
Leara Rhodes is a local author, journalist, and editor. This is her second novel.
About the Book
The Darkest Midnight in December is a novel about a woman finding herself anew against a backdrop of Romanticism and historical charm.
What inspired Leara Rhodes to write *The Darkest Midnight in December*?
## Interview with Leara Rhodes
**Host:** Welcome back to the show, Leara. We’re so excited to have you here tonight to talk about your new novel, *The Darkest Midnight in December*, and this special launch event you have planned.
**Leara:** Thank you so much for having me! I’m thrilled to be here.
**Host:** So, tell us a little bit about the story. What inspired you to write *The Darkest Midnight in December*?
**Leara:** Well, I’ve always been fascinated by Irish folklore and history. *The Darkest Midnight in December* is a historical novel set in 1859 in the Irish midlands. It explores themes of loss, familial bonds, and the supernatural. The story centers around Lib Wright, an English nurse who travels to a remote Irish village to investigate a strange case involving a young girl named Anna O’ Neill.
**Host:** It sounds incredibly intriguing! And you’re holding a unique launch event. Can you tell us more about “A Night of Irish Carols”?
**Leara:** Absolutely! We’ll have live Irish music, readings from the novel, and of course, plenty of holiday cheer. It’s the perfect way to celebrate the season and dive into the world of *The Darkest Midnight in December*. I wanted to create an immersive experience for readers that captures the atmosphere of the story.
**Host:** What a wonderful idea! We understand books are a great escape, especially during the holidays. Where and when can our listeners find this event?
**Leara:** *A Night of Irish Carols* will be held this December in Athens. You can find all the details, including the specific date, time, and location, on my website and social media pages.
**Host:** Wonderful, we’ll be sure to share that information with our listeners. Leara, thank you so much for sharing your insights. We wish you the best with the launch of *The Darkest Midnight in December*.
**Leara:** Thank you! I can’t wait to celebrate with everyone.
**[1](https://www.rd.com/list/irish-authors/)**