Library of Clean Reads: Mimi Matthews

Showing posts with label Mimi Matthews. Show all posts

Saturday, August 5, 2023

Appointment in Bath by Mimi Matthews (Review)

Book Details:

Title: Appointment in Bath (Somerset Stories, Book 4) by Mimi Matthews
Category: Adult Fiction, 298 pages
Genre: Historical Romance, Historical Fiction
Publisher: Perfectly Proper Press
Release date: June 27, 2023
Content rating: G

Book Description:

A chance meeting between the sheltered daughter and the forward-thinking son of rival Victorian families sparks a forbidden romance in USA Today bestselling author Mimi Matthews’s fourth book in her acclaimed Somerset Stories series.

Shy and stammering Meg Burton-Smythe has spent the whole of her life living on the fringes of local society. She’s more comfortable with her daydreams than she is with people. But when a dashing, golden-haired hero rides to her rescue one morning, she dares to hope that her dreams might finally come true. There’s only one problem: her handsome rescuer is the son of her father’s sworn enemy.

Ivo Beresford doesn’t believe in clinging to the past. Freshly returned from a lengthy grand tour, he’s looking to the future, eager to spearhead the building of a new railway extension in Somersetshire. But an unexpected encounter with Meg Burton-Smythe, the isolated only daughter of his parents’ oldest foe, sets the past and the future colliding.

Resolved to put ancient grudges to rest—at least where innocent young ladies are concerned—Ivo encourages lonely Meg to embark on a secret friendship. After all, what harm can a friendship do? It isn’t as though there’s any danger of the two of them falling in love…

My Review

Reviewed by Laura Fabiani

I love reading Mimi Matthews' books because I know I will encounter a well-written romance with beautifully flawed characters whose personal dilemmas drive the story forward. I enjoyed Appointment in Bath but I did not love it.

Ivo Beresford and Meg Burton-Smythe, come from neighboring families who are considered enemies. Ivo and Meg become friends in secret and their feelings for one another begin to grow. This Romeo and Juliette theme could have produced some good angst and moments of real tension, but for me, it ended up flat. I felt that the internal and external conflicts were too easily resolved when there was potential for more stirring of the reader's emotions. As it was, nothing much seemed to be happening and the big climax didn't really happen.

This book didn't stand out for me as much as some of the other books I've read by Mimi Matthews. However, if you're looking for a clean historical romance, or a quick read, this one will do.

Disclosure: Thanks to Netgalley for a review copy. I was not compensated in any other way, nor told how to rate or review this product.

Buy the Book:

Amazon ~ Barnes & Noble

Add to Goodreads

About the Author:

USA Today bestselling author Mimi Matthews writes both historical nonfiction and award-winning proper Victorian romances. Her novels have received starred reviews in Publishers Weekly, Library Journal, Booklist, and Kirkus, and her articles have been featured on the Victorian Web, the Journal of Victorian Culture, and in syndication at BUST Magazine. In her other life, Mimi is an attorney. She resides in California with her family, which includes a retired Andalusian dressage horse, a Sheltie, and two Siamese cats.

Connect with the Author:

WEBSITE | TWITTER | FACEBOOK | PINTEREST |

BOOKBUB |

ADD TO GOODREADS

Friday, January 21, 2022

The Siren of Sussex by Mimi Matthews (Review and Giveaway!)

I've read several books by Mimi Mattews but I think that this one may be my favorite so far!

BOOK DETAILS:

Title: The Siren of Sussex: Belles of London (Book 1)
Author: Mimi Matthews
Genre: Historical Romance, Historical Fiction
Publisher: Berkley Romance (January 11, 2022)
Length: (432) pages
Format: Trade paperback, eBook, & audiobook
Tour Dates: January 10-30, 2022

Content: PG-13

BOOK DESCRIPTION

Victorian high society’s most daring equestrienne finds love and an unexpected ally in her fight for independence in the strong arms of London’s most sought after and devastatingly handsome half-Indian tailor.

Evelyn Maltravers understands exactly how little she's worth on the marriage mart. As an incurable bluestocking from a family tumbling swiftly toward ruin, she knows she'll never make a match in a ballroom. Her only hope is to distinguish herself by making the biggest splash in the one sphere she excels: on horseback. In haute couture. But to truly capture London's attention she'll need a habit-maker who's not afraid to take risks with his designs—and with his heart.

Half-Indian tailor Ahmad Malik has always had a talent for making women beautiful, inching his way toward recognition by designing riding habits for Rotten Row's infamous Pretty Horsebreakers—but no one compares to Evelyn. Her unbridled spirit enchants him, awakening a depth of feeling he never thought possible.

But pushing boundaries comes at a cost and not everyone is pleased to welcome Evelyn and Ahmad into fashionable society. With obstacles spanning between them, the indomitable pair must decide which hurdles they can jump and what matters most: making their mark or following their hearts?

MY REVIEW:

Reviewed by Laura Fabiani

I've read several books by Mimi Mattews but I think that this one may be my favorite so far. Historical fiction with interracial romance at a time in history when class and gender were still not on equal terms caught my attention. Ahmed is a half-Indian tradesman, a man somewhat jaded with his life experiences but who dreams of becoming his own man. Evelyn is a gentleman's daughter, orphaned and now tasked with the responsibility of marrying well so that her sisters could have a good life. I wondered how the author was going to pull off this complex romance. But of course, she succeeds beautifully.

Matthews knows how to begin her stories so that the reader's interest is quickly piqued. I was pulled along as she deftly created her characters and paced her romance just right. Both Evelyn and Ahmed are strong main characters supported by a good cast of secondary characters. The author knows how to create romantic tension and passion all while keeping it clean as a novel. Ahmed is swoothworthy and Evelyn knows her own mind. They make a memorable couple. And if you love fashion, the author describes such beautiful dress and riding habit creations and fashion trends.

Matthew's stories always have me googling stuff that she introduces in her novels, like the Pretty Horsebreakers and also the spiritualism movement, which I did not realize was so prevalent back then. As a Christian, I was grateful this aspect of the story is only part of the backdrop of what some in this Victorian era believed and not practiced by the main characters. However, there is a séance scene.

This was a great start to what promises to be another worthwhile series from an author who doesn't shy away from exploring topics that were once swept under the rug, misunderstood or stigmatized. I look forward to reading the next books in this series!

ADVANCE PRAISE:

“…a tender and swoon-worthy interracial, cross-class romance in Victorian London…Readers will delight in this paean to women’s fashion and horseback riding.”— Publishers Weekly, starred review

“Matthews brings the Victorian era to vivid life with meticulously researched details and an impossible romance made believable and memorable.”— Booklist, starred review

“Matthews deftly underscores racial and gender discrimination in Victorian London in this excellent start to ‘The Belles of London’ series; rather than overshadowing, it propels the romance. Romance aficionados who love fashion and animals will delight in this tender romance and will be excited to see Evelyn’s friends in future installments.” — Library Journal, starred review

"Unflinching, tender, and moving, the delicately crafted The Siren of Sussex might just be my favourite work from Mimi Matthews; it certainly is one of my favourite historical romance reads this year."— Evie Dunmore, USA Today bestselling author of Portrait of a Scotsman

PURCHASE LINKS:

AUTHOR BIO:

Connect with the Author:

WEBSITE | TWITTER | FACEBOOK | PINTEREST |

BOOKBUB |

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GIVEAWAY DETAILS

Ends Feb 7, 2022

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Terms & Conditions:

Giveaway hosted by Mimi Matthews. No Purchase Necessary. Entrants must be 18 years or older. Open to US residents only. Void where prohibited.

The Giveaway Package:

1 winner (selected at random by Rafflecopter) receives the following:

Signed print copy of The Siren of Sussex
Horse scarf
Pewter sidesaddle brooch (made in Sussex, England!)
The Siren of Sussex tote bag
Three candles in scents: Fresh Hay, New Saddle, and Winter Ride
Box of Ahmad Tea (60 count, assorted flavors)
The Siren of Sussex bookmark

The giveaway is open from 12:01 am Pacific time 1/4/22 until 11:59pm Pacific time on 2/7/22.

The winner will be announced on Mimi's blog - mimimatthews.com – at 8:00 pm Pacific time on 2/8/22.

Wednesday, November 11, 2020

Gentleman Jim by Mimi Matthews (Review)

Mimi Matthews is one of my go-to-authors when I'm itching for a good romance with an exciting storyline. I think Gentleman Jim is her best yet!

Book Details:

Book Title: Gentleman Jim by Mimi Matthews
Category: Adult Fiction, 376 pages
Genre: Historical Fiction, Proper Romance
Publisher: Perfectly Proper Press
Release date: November 10, 2020
Content Rating: PG-13 (some violence, heavy kissing)

Book Description:

She Couldn't Forget...

Wealthy squire's daughter Margaret Honeywell was always meant to marry her neighbor, Frederick Burton-Smythe, but it's bastard-born Nicholas Seaton who has her heart. Raised alongside her on her father's estate, Nick is the rumored son of notorious highwayman Gentleman Jim. When Fred frames him for theft, Nick escapes into the night, vowing to find his legendary sire. But Nick never returns. A decade later, he's long been presumed dead.

He Wouldn't Forgive...

After years spent on the continent, John Beresford, Viscount St. Clare has finally come home to England. Tall, blond, and dangerous, he's on a mission to restore his family's honor. If he can mete out a bit of revenge along the way, so much the better. But he hasn't reckoned for Maggie Honeywell. She's bold and beautiful--and entirely convinced he's someone else.

As danger closes in, St. Clare is torn between love and vengeance. Will he sacrifice one to gain other? Or, with a little daring, will he find a way to have them both?

My Review:

Reviewed by Laura Fabiani

Mimi Matthews is one of my go-to-authors when I'm itching for a good romance with an exciting storyline. I think Gentleman Jim is her best yet! Matthews grabs our attention from the first scenes and manages to create a story filled with romance, longing, revenge, swashbuckling fun and a satisfying ending.

Margaret Honeywell is a spunky young teenager when she falls in love with Nicholas Seaton. But Nicholas is a servant in her household and she is a wealthy squire's daughter. Frederick Burton-Smythe is her intended and he sets Nicholas up to get caught for stealing, a crime punishable by hanging. Nicholas manages to escape and Margaret is left heartbroken and waiting for him for years. He is her soulmate and she will not forget him. Ten years later she meets Viscount St. Clare who she believes to be Nicholas, even though he is quite different in character. Could he be the young man she fell in love with so many years ago?

We are kept guessing throughout the novel, while Matthews builds the tension between our two protagonists. This is a clean romance, but Matthews heats up the passion between our two lovers. The emotions are real and heartfelt. I could feel Margaret's years of longing for her lost first love, of wanting to be able to make her own decisions when it comes to her inheritance or who she wants to marry. She experiences losses and comes to a certain acceptance without ever losing hope that one day Nicholas will return to her. I could feel Viscount St. Clare's anger at the injustice he has seen and lived. He is swoonworthy for sure, but he is not someone to cross. Years of training on the Continent has made him tough, but he is falling hard for Margaret, and circumstances get in the way of their desire to be together.

This was such a good read! Both the main characters and the secondary character are fleshed out. I loved the loyalty of Margaret's lady's maid and also her friend Jane. The pacing is perfect, the dialogue witty, the plot well executed and the romance heartfelt and beautiful.

If you like proper historical romances filled with emotions that are a little more bold than the usual clean romances, this one is sure to please.

Disclosure: Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for sending me this book for review. I was not compensated in any other way, nor told how to rate or review this product.

ADVANCE PRAISE

"Tartly elegant. . . A vigorous, sparkling, and entertaining love story with plenty of Austen-ite wit."— Kirkus Reviews, starred review

"Matthews ups the ante with a wildly suspenseful romance..."— Library Journal, starred review

"Equally passionate and powerful...Mimi Matthews proves once again that she is a master of historical fiction in Gentleman Jim."— Readers' Favorite

"Rollicking and romantic, passionate and intriguing...Regency romance does not get any better than Gentleman Jim."— Relz Reviewz

PURCHASE LINKS:

About the author:

USA Today bestselling author Mimi Matthews writes both historical nonfiction and award-winning proper Victorian romances. Her novels have received starred reviews in Library Journal, Publishers Weekly, and Kirkus, and her articles have been featured on the Victorian Web, the Journal of Victorian Culture, and in syndication at BUST Magazine. In her other life, Mimi is an attorney. She resides in California with her family, which includes a retired Andalusian dressage horse, a Sheltie, and two Siamese cats. Her next romance, The Siren of Sussex, will be out in 2022 from Berkley/Penguin Random House.

Connect with the author:

GOODREADS

Thursday, July 16, 2020

Fair as a Star by Mimi Matthews (Review and Giveaway!)

If you like sweet clean romances, Fair as a Star is a lovely quick read.

Book Details:

Book Title: Fair as a Star by Mimi Matthews
Category: Adult Fiction; 202 pages
Genre: Historical Romance, Christian Fiction
Publisher: Perfectly Proper Press
Release date: July 14, 2020
Content Rating: G

Book Description:

From USA Today bestselling author Mimi Matthews comes a Victorian tale of love and longing in a quaint English village.

A Secret Burden...

After a mysterious sojourn in Paris, Beryl Burnham has returned home to the village of Shepton Worthy ready to resume the life she left behind. Betrothed to the wealthy Sir Henry Rivenhall, she has no reason to be unhappy--or so people keep reminding her. But Beryl's life isn't as perfect as everyone believes.

A Longstanding Love...

As village curate, Mark Rivenhall is known for his compassionate understanding. When his older brother's intended needs a shoulder to lean on, Mark's more than willing to provide one. There's no danger of losing his heart. He already lost that to Beryl a long time ago.

During an idyllic Victorian summer, friends and family gather in anticipation of Beryl and Sir Henry's wedding. But in her darkest moment, it's Mark who comes to Beryl's aid. Can he help her without revealing his feelings--or betraying his brother?

My Review:

Reviewed by Laura Fabiani

Mimi Matthews is one of my favorite authors when I'm looking for a clean romance novel. Fair as a Star is a sweet Victorian romance that was a quick and easy read.

Beryl has been away for a year in Paris, having left her fiancé Henry to go stay with her wealthy aunt. No one in the village knows why she suddenly left for so long but they speculate and gossip, of course. Mark who is a compassionate curate and Henry's brother, has been friends with Beryl since they were younger. Their friendship is important to Beryl and soon she is confiding in Mark.

Compared to her past novels this one was a little more predictable. I liked that it dealt with the topic of depression. I'm quite familiar with this illness, and so I appreciate authors who tackle mental illness, especially in the romance genre. I did think the resolution came quickly and a little too easily though, and I think the stakes could have been higher, the plot a little thicker, the characters a little more developed. It's being marketed as a novella, and I think I would have preferred it as a fuller length novel.

I love the book cover. It perfectly depicts the mood of this book. If you like sweet clean romances, Fair as a Star is a lovely quick read.

Disclosure: Thanks to HFVBT and NetGalley for sending me this book for review. I was not compensated in any other way, nor told how to rate or review this product.

Buy the Book:

Amazon

Add to Goodreads

About the Author:

USA Today bestselling author Mimi Matthews (A Victorian Lady’s Guide to Fashion and Beauty, The Matrimonial Advertisement) writes both historical non-fiction and traditional historical romances set in Victorian England. Her articles on nineteenth-century history have been published on various academic and history sites, including the Victorian Web and the Journal of Victorian Culture, and are also syndicated weekly at BUST Magazine. In her other life, Mimi is an attorney. She resides in California with her family, which includes an Andalusian dressage horse, two Shelties, and two Siamese cats.

For more information, please visit Mimi Matthews’ website and blog. You can also connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, BookBub, Pinterest, Google+, and Goodreads.

Enter the Giveaway!

Ends on July 28, 2020

Friday, February 14, 2020

The Winter Companion by Mimi Matthews (Review and Giveaway!)

Another winner by Mimi Matthews! This is a great series. I read the first book and now I want to read the other two books. We also have a giveaway. Check it out.

Book Details:

Book Title: The Winter Companion by Mimi Matthews
Category: Adult Fiction, pages
Genre: Historical Romance
Publisher: Perfectly Proper Press
Release date: February 11, 2020
Content Rating: G

Book Description:

A winter reunion for the orphans brings romance for Neville Cross in Book 4 of Mimi Matthews’ USA Today bestselling Parish Orphans of Devon series.

She Needed to be Seen…

As a lady’s companion, Clara Hartwright never receives much attention from anyone. And that’s precisely how she likes it. With a stormy past and an unconventional plan for her future, it’s far safer to remain invisible. But when her new employer is invited to a month-long holiday at a remote coastal abbey, Clara discovers that she may not be as invisible as she’d hoped. At least, not as far as one gentleman is concerned.

He Wanted to be Heard…

Neville Cross has always been more comfortable with animals than people. An accident in his youth has left him with a brain injury that affects his speech. Forming the words to speak to his childhood friends is difficult enough. Finding the right things to say to a lovely young lady’s companion seems downright impossible. But Miss Hartwright is no ordinary companion. In fact, there may not be anything ordinary about her at all.

During a bleak Devon winter, two sensitive souls forge an unexpected friendship. But when Clara needs him most, will Neville find the courage to face his fears? Or is saying goodbye to her the most heroic thing he can do?

My Review:

Reviewed by Laura Fabiani

I read the first book in the Parish Orphans of Devon series titled The Matrimonial Advertisement which I loved. This one is the fourth book in the series. These are stand-alone novels with characters from the different stories appearing in the other books.

I enjoyed The Winter Companion very much. Both Clara and Neville were well-developed characters, and I especially had a soft spot for Neville who had a speech impediment. I love the fact that these characters were flawed and unique. I like my romances to be slow-build with substantial interactions and real-life situations. And this one satisfied on all accounts.

Once again, the author includes topics that I found intriguing, and I was happy to read her endnotes that explained some of her research for this book. If you're looking for a good clean romance, look no further. Mimi Matthews has become my go-to author for this kind of reading. I also love the book covers in this series and all of Matthews' books actually.

I have two other books from her on my Kindle that I look forward to reading plus I now want to read the other two books in this series!

Disclosure: Thanks to HFVBT for sending me this book for review. I was not compensated in any other way, nor told how to rate or review this product.

Buy the Book:

AMAZON | BARNES AND NOBLE | INDIEBOUND

Add on Goodreads

Praise for the Parish Orphans of Devon series:

“For this impressive Victorian romance, Matthews crafts a tale that sparkles with chemistry and impresses with strong character development… an excellent series launch that will appeal to fans of Loretta Chase and Stephanie Laurens.” -Publishers Weekly (The Matrimonial Advertisement)

“Matthews has a knack for creating slow-building chemistry and an intriguing plot with a social history twist.” -Library Journal (The Matrimonial Advertisement)

“As always, Matthews’ attention to historical accuracy is impeccable.” -Kirkus Reviews (A Modest Independence)

“Mimi Matthews is an exceptional story-teller.” -Passages to the Past (The Matrimonial Advertisement)

“Matthews is a bright, shining star in historical romance…” -Austenprose (A Modest Independence)

About the Author:

For more information, please visit Mimi Matthews’ website and blog. You can also connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, BookBub, Pinterest, Google+, and Goodreads.

Enter the Giveaway!

Ends Feb 18, 2020

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Giveaway Rules:

– Giveaway ends at 11:59 pm EST on February 18th. You must be 18 or older to enter.
– Paperback giveaway is to the US only.
– Only one entry per household.
– All giveaway entrants agree to be honest and not cheat the systems; any suspicion of fraud will be decided upon by blog/site owner and the sponsor, and entrants may be disqualified at our discretion.
– The winner has 48 hours to claim prize or a new winner is chosen.

Saturday, September 14, 2019

The Viscount and the Vicar's Daughter by Mimi Matthews (Review)

After reading The Matrimonial Advertisement which I enjoyed immensely, I was eager to try more books by Mimi Matthews, including this one.

Book Details:

Book Title: The Viscount and the Vicar's Daughter by Mimi Matthews
Category: Adult Fiction, 400 pages
Genre: Vistorian Romance, Historical
Publisher: Perfectly Proper Press
Release date: January 2018
Content Rating: PG (some heavy kissing)

Book Description:

A WORLD-WEARY RAKE

After years of unbridled debauchery, Tristan Sinclair, Viscount St. Ashton has hit proverbial rock bottom. Seeking to escape his melancholy, he takes refuge at one of Victorian society’s most notorious house parties. As the Christmas season approaches, he prepares to settle in for a month of heavy drinking…until an unexpected encounter changes his plans—and threatens his heart.

A PRIM VICAR'S DAUGHTER

Valentine March is not the drab little spinster she appears to be. When her new job as a lady’s companion lands her smack in the middle of Yorkshire with England’s most infamous rake, she resolves to keep her head down and her eyes fixed firmly on her future—a future which most definitely does not include a sinfully handsome viscount.

A MATCH MADE IN SCANDAL

A friendship is impossible. An affair out of the question. But when one reckless act binds them together, will two star-crossed souls discover there’s more to each other than meets the eye? Or will revelations from the past end their fragile romance before it begins?

My Review:

Reviewed by Laura Fabiani

After reading The Matrimonial Advertisement which I enjoyed immensely, I was eager to try more books by Mimi Matthews. Every so often I crave a good romance novel. This one was also a good read, although it wasn't as compelling as The Matrimonial Advertisement, probably because the main male character in this book was a womanizer who changed a little too quickly for it to be realistic. I did not fall in love with him. I actually wanted to tell the heroine to run the other way.

I like flawed characters in a book especially in romance books and Matthews creates such characters well but I would have liked them to be more developed, with the arc of change spread over a realistic amount of time.

However, as far as romance goes this will appeal to fans of clean romances that aren't too sweet. I have two more books by Mimi Matthews on my Kindle and I look forward to reading them.

Buy the Book:

Amazon ~ Barnes & Noble

Add to Goodreads

About the Author:

Mimi Matthews (A Victorian Lady’s Guide to Fashion and Beauty, The Lost Letter) writes both historical non-fiction and traditional historical romances set in Victorian England. Her articles on nineteenth-century history have been published on various academic and history sites, including the Victorian Web and the Journal of Victorian Culture, and are also syndicated weekly at BUST Magazine. In her other life, Mimi is an attorney. She resides in California with her family, which includes an Andalusian dressage horse, two Shelties, and two Siamese cats.

For more information, please visit Mimi Matthews’ website and blog. You can also connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, BookBub, Pinterest, Google+, and Goodreads.

Tuesday, September 18, 2018

The Matrimonial Advertisement by Mimi Matthews (Review and Giveaway!)

Every so often I crave a really good romance. I am picky about the romance novels I read. And I'm happy to say this one was a very satisfying read. See what I thought of it and be sure to enter the giveaway to win a copy. But hurry, it ends today.

Book Details:

Book Title: The Matrimonial Advertisement by Mimi Matthews
Category: Adult Fiction; 317 pages
Genre: Historial Romance
Publisher: Perfectly Proper Press
Release date: Sept 4, 2018
Content Rating: G

Book Description:

She Wanted Sanctuary…

Helena Reynolds will do anything to escape her life in London, even if that means traveling to a remote cliffside estate on the North Devon coast and marrying a complete stranger. But Greyfriar’s Abbey isn’t the sort of refuge she imagined. And ex-army captain Justin Thornhill—though he may be tall, dark, and devastatingly handsome—is anything but a romantic hero.

He Needed Redemption…

Justin has spent the last two decades making his fortune, settling scores, and suffering a prolonged period of torture in an Indian prison. Now, he needs someone to smooth the way for him with the villagers. Someone to manage his household—and warm his bed on occasion. What he needs, in short, is a wife and a matrimonial advertisement seems the perfect way to acquire one.

Their marriage was meant to be a business arrangement and nothing more. A dispassionate union free from the entanglements of love and affection. But when Helena’s past threatens, will Justin’s burgeoning feelings for his new bride compel him to come to her rescue? Or will dark secrets of his own force him to let her go?

My Review:

Reviewed by Laura Fabiani

Every so often I crave a really good romance. I am picky about the romance novels I read. They need to have substance, a great setting (preferably historical), and believable and flawed characters. The Matrimonial Advertisement had all this and more!

I was immediately drawn into the story and basically devoured this book. The interaction and dialogue between Helena and Justin was intelligent and set the tone for their relationship. I love a romance where there is both physical and emotional tension between the main characters without resorting to explicit and immediate love scenes. Instead, the author built this romantic liaison between two complex characters with dark and heavy secrets.

Furthermore, the topics of their past were not only intriguing but very different from the common damsel in distress and dashing rich hero. Without disclosing what they are as this will give away some of the plot, these are topics that interest me and learning about them from a historical point of view truly fascinated me.

So I felt this book was much more than just a romance. It had a good plot, well-developed main characters and also good secondary characters. I was thrilled to learn that this is the first book in the Parish Orphans of Devon series. And for those of you who love clean well-written historical romance, this is it. The book cover too was well done, different from most romance novels out there.

The Matrimonial Advertisement was a satisfying read and I will be looking out for more books by Mimi Matthews! I am now a fan and will count this book among my favorites this year.

Buy the Book:

AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | ITUNES | KOBO

Add to Goodreads

Praise for The Matrimonial Advertisement:

“Matthews’ (The Pug Who Bit Napoleon, 2018, etc.) series opener is a guilty pleasure, brimming with beautiful people, damsels in distress, and an abundance of testosterone…It’s a well-written and engaging story that’s more than just a romance. The author chooses to draw on dark moments in British history to create Justin’s and Helena’s complicated pasts…It’s an unexpected narrative addition that works well, as Matthews seamlessly blends some grim history with light and frothy fiction. An enjoyable love story that dares to dip a toe into bleak social and political history.”

-Kirkus Reviews

“I don’t have enough words to say how unbelievably incredible this book is…I am a huge fan of Ms Matthews, her writing is always flawless and articulate, but this simply is in a league of its own… ‘The Matrimonial Advertisement’ is a lot darker that what we have come to expect from Ms Matthews, but for me this is Gothic Victorian story-telling at its best. This is how this genre is supposed to be written!…Ms Matthews has out done herself with this, by far one of the best books I have read–ever!…This is a hauntingly beautiful, gripping and heart-wrenching story. It is simply spellbinding!”

-Chicks, Rogues and Scandals

“This is an irresistible romance with the added frisson of gothic fear. At a time in Victorian Britain when a woman belonged entirely to her father, guardian or husband, can Helena ever be free to love and live as she wishes? Mimi’s writing style is engaging, and we are plunged immediately into Helena’s predicament. Secrets are gradually revealed, adding depth to our understanding of the main characters. This is Miss Matthews’ best book so far and it is only the first in a new series!”

-Lizanne Lloyd, Lost in a Good Book

“This delightful Victorian love story took me away to another time and another place for a few blissful hours. Mimi Matthews is a wonderful storyteller. She creates very likeable, memorable, layered characters that quickly feel like friends. Her style is naturally elegant and warmly flowing, full of historical detail and charm…this is the second of her fictional works that I’ve devoured and I’m looking forward to more.” -Jayne Fresina, bestselling author of Once Upon a Kiss

“Since I first read the sample chapters, I’ve been eager to read this book. Mimi Matthews does not disappoint. She lures the reader in for an emotional journey. Full of romance and heart, The Matrimonial Advertisement takes a marriage of convenience, a pinch of Beauty and the Beast, and some truly engrossing social history and brings to life a satisfying romantic tale. I look forward to more from this talented author!” -Lena Goldfinch, bestselling author of The Unexpected Bride

“The Matrimonial Advertisement is a Victorian romance in all its glory…Mimi Matthews definitely knows how to present historical facts effectively and without sounding bookish…a delightful treat for Jane Austen and historical fiction fans.” -Readers’ Favorite, 5-Stars

“If I could only have one book for the rest of my life, it would be this one. This is my first time reading anything by Mimi Matthews, but rest assured, I now need anything that this incredible author has ever written. The characters were outstanding, developed with complexity and a humanity all their own. The setting and scenery were described with such perfection that I was able to see the circumstances through the characters’ eyes with ease. Both Helena and Justin are forever etched onto this reader’s heart, and I greatly look forward to expanding my Mimi Matthews library.” -Stacie, NetGalley

About the Author:

Enter the Giveaway!

– Giveaway ends at 11:59pm EST on September 18th. You must be 18 or older to enter.
– Giveaway is open to US residents only.
– Only one entry per household.
– All giveaway entrants agree to be honest and not cheat the systems; any suspect of fraud is decided upon by blog/site owner and the sponsor, and entrants may be disqualified at our discretion.
– Winner has 48 hours to claim prize or new winner is chosen.