Victorian Era – Fiction Aficionado

The Gentleman and the Thief (Sarah M. Eden) – Review

A standalone novel in The Dread Penny Society set in 1865 London brimming with secrets, scandal, suspense, and romance.

From the moment Hollis Darby meets Ana Newport, he’s smitten. Even though he’s from a wealthy, established family and she isn’t, he wishes he could have a life with her by his side. But Hollis has a secret: the deep coffers that have kept his family afloat for generations are bare, so he supports himself by writing penny dreadfuls under a pseudonym. If not for the income from his novels, he would be broke.

Ana Newport also has a secret. Though she once had a place in society thanks to her father’s business, bankruptcy and scandal reduced the family fortune to nothing more than a crumbling town house. So Ana teaches music during the day, and at night she assumes the identity of the “Phantom Fox.” She breaks into the homes of the wealthy to reclaim treasures she feels were unjustly stolen from her family when they were struggling.

12 November 2020

First Line Friday – Fair as a Star (Mimi Matthews)

Happy Friday, book lovers, and welcome to First Line Friday hosted by Hoarding Books. One of my favourite historical romance authors released a new novella earlier this week! If you love historical romance and you haven’t tried Mimi Matthews yet, I strongly encourage you to do so. And her new novella, Fair as a Star is the perfect starting point. I adored it from beginning to end, and you can find out why in my review. In the meantime, I’ve shared the first line below.

17 July 2020

Fair as a Star (Mimi Matthews) – Review

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?

16 July 2020

The Winter Companion (Mimi Matthews) – Review

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.

24 February 2020

First Line Friday – The Winter Companion (Mimi Matthews)

Happy Friday, book lovers, and welcome to First Line Friday hosted by Hoarding Books. I’m so excited that The Winter Companion by Mimi Matthews is next on my TBR. If you love historical romance and you haven’t discovered her, go and get the first book in her Parish Orphans series now! (The Matrimonial Advertisement)

21 February 2020

A Convenient Fiction (Mimi Matthews) – Review

She Needed A Husband…

It’s been three years since Laura’s father died, leaving her and her invalid brother to subsist on the income from the family’s failing perfume business. But time is swiftly running out. What she needs is a husband, and fast. A noble gentleman who can rescue them all from penury. When a mysterious stranger arrives in the village, he seems a perfect candidate. But Alex Archer is no hero. In fact, he just might be the opposite.

1 November 2019

First Line Friday – A Convenient Fiction (Mimi Matthews)

Happy Friday, book lovers, and welcome to First Line Friday hosted by Hoarding Books. I’ve just started reading A Convenient Fiction, Mimi Matthews’ newest release in her Parish Orphans of Devon series, and am already in love with the story. I mean, first chapter, and we’ve already had lines like, “You weren’t swimming. You were floating beneath the water like some demented Ophelia.”

25 October 2019

A Modest Independence (Mimi Matthews) – Review

He Needed Peace…

Solicitor Tom Finchley has spent his life using his devious intellect to solve the problems of others. As for his own problems, they’re nothing that a bit of calculated vengeance can’t remedy. But that’s all over now. He’s finally ready to put the past behind him and settle down to a quiet, uncomplicated life. If only he could find an equally uncomplicated woman.

22 April 2019

The power of fiction, the beauty of words, and the God who made us to wield them for His glory.