There’s a shortage of perfect novellas in the world, but it certainly isn’t the fault of this little gem. I adored it from beginning to end—hardly surprising, considering how much I’ve enjoyed the author’s full-length novels—and would happily have spent twice as long with these characters except that, by the conventions of story writing, that would have meant it took these characters twice as long to get to their happy ever after. That really would have been unnecessary (not to mention painful!), just one of the reasons I felt this novella was perfect exactly as it was.

But there’s a deeper reason this novella resonated so much with me, and that is the subject matter: mental health—specifically clinical depression, or as it was referred to at the time, melancholy. I have been exactly where Beryl was in this story (minus the engagement), struggled with exactly the same feelings (including the frustration of feeling that I had no legitimate reason to feel the way I did), and even suffered the pain inflicted, sometimes with the best of intentions, by those who don’t understand the condition. Matthews’ portrayal of each of these elements was beautifully done, giving the reader valuable—even illuminating—insight into Beryl’s struggle without allowing the subject matter to overwhelm the story.

And Mark… What can I say that will do justice to one of my new favourite heroes? His compassion, the generosity of his friendship—truly the best foundation for romance—everything about him endeared him to me, particularly that he didn’t try to “fix” her: He gave her a brief, lopsided smile. “Of course not,” he said. “You’re not broken.” He simply found ways to be with her and support her through the times when she struggled. I mean, the guy even read Dickens to her, for goodness’ sake! Be still my beating heart! (My mother reading aloud to me was actually one of my coping mechanisms, so double resonance for me.)

And as always, the way Matthews captures the depth and beauty of romantic love has left me counting down the days until her next release.