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Victorian Romantics #1
Fair as a Star
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?
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?
202 pages, ebook
First published July 14, 2020
About the author
Mimi Matthews
21 books3,644 followersUSA Today bestselling author Mimi Matthews writes both historical nonfiction and award-winning Victorian romances, including The Siren of Sussex, a 2023 RUSA Reading List shortlist pick for Best Romance; Fair as a Star, a Library Journal Best Romance of 2020; Gentleman Jim, a Kirkus Best Book of 2020; and The Work of Art, winner of the 2020 HOLT Medallion and a 2021 Daphne du Maurier Award nominee. Her novels have received starred reviews from Publishers Weekly, Library Journal, Booklist, Kirkus, and Shelf Awareness, 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 an Andalusian dressage horse, a miniature poodle, a Sheltie, and two Siamese cats.
**I only rate the books I love.**
In her other life, Mimi is an attorney. She resides in California with her family, which includes an Andalusian dressage horse, a miniature poodle, a Sheltie, and two Siamese cats.
**I only rate the books I love.**
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 394 reviews
April 10, 2021
5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I loved it!
Mimi Matthews writing is always richly detailed and resonant with period details. She captures my heart. Drawing me into the story as if I’m there.
Besides being honorable, charming and romantic, this story is about so much more. It’s about melancholy and the myths of a cure.
I struggled with depression for years and didn’t want to tell anyone. It was a secret. People will treat you different, judge you. And it’s something everyone seems to have advice about, especially those who don’t suffer from it. ✋🏼🎤
I had all the feelings in this one and still got the HEA.
I highly recommend this book because it reminds me why I still read.
I’ve already purchased this book but this was a NETGALLEY gift and all opinions are my own.
Mimi Matthews writing is always richly detailed and resonant with period details. She captures my heart. Drawing me into the story as if I’m there.
Besides being honorable, charming and romantic, this story is about so much more. It’s about melancholy and the myths of a cure.
I struggled with depression for years and didn’t want to tell anyone. It was a secret. People will treat you different, judge you. And it’s something everyone seems to have advice about, especially those who don’t suffer from it. ✋🏼🎤
I had all the feelings in this one and still got the HEA.
I highly recommend this book because it reminds me why I still read.
I’ve already purchased this book but this was a NETGALLEY gift and all opinions are my own.
August 4, 2020
This is one of the better historical romances I have read in quite some time, and yes it's a 'clean' romance so I am as shocked as anyone by how much I really liked this. It has realistic characters, a strong plot, and pulled my emotional heart strings. And maybe most importantly of all, it even relates to an important topic that applies even today. Recommended!
August 2, 2020
(3.5 stars) In First Corinthians of the Bible, St. Paul says it's better to marry than to burn. But what if you are the curate of the church in the village of Shepton Worthy and the woman you are yearning and burning for is going to marry your brother?
As this story begins, our heroine, Beryl Burnham, has returned from a year-long trip to Paris with her aunt. Before leaving on the trip, she had agreed to marry Sir Henry Rivenhall, baronet of the village, and the trip was ostensibly to shop for her wedding trousseau. But Beryl has a troubling secret that sent her away. Not a wardrobe issue. As the story progresses, we learn more and more about her problem, an all-too-common one that is still not easily dealt with nowadays, and see how much more difficult it was during Victorian times with Victorian attitudes and treatments.
Our hero, Mark Rivenhall, village curate and brother of Beryl's fiance, has pined for her for years. They are the best of friends, with many common interests, in particular their love of Dickens. Mark writes letters to her during her absence, filling her in on village life with humorous anecdotes. Beryl's fiance makes no effort to be in touch. Upon her return, she finds that Mark is the only one who really understands her, really sees her for who she is, and can help her with her problem. Their longtime friendship develops into a mutual, reciprocated love, but it's a love that must be denied.
What to do? Well, not to worry. Something good will happen in this lovely story. It's simple and sweet and nicely written and deals with a serious mental health issue without glossing over it or making too much of it. And the characters are well developed. Caring Mark may be just a little bit too good to be true, but, well, I wish we had more real people like him in this country at the moment.
Other characters include Mark's stiff-rumped, seemingly cold and unlikeable brother, Beryl's fiance, but Matthews gives us insight into why he is the way he is. Beryl's sister Winnie is a free spirit and fun counterpoint to serious Beryl. And we have Beryl's mother and aunt, new village doctor Black, and many other village characters to entertain us. Not to mention Ernest the dog and a horse that will play a part in the story.
This romance is actually quite slight but it's very well written. There's some lovely imagery here. One that stands out is Beryl's whitework embroidery. White thread embroidered on white cloth, producing small figures hiding in plain sight that when "discovered unexpectedly...gave the finder an instance of surprised delight." Just as Beryl's secret self was hidden from view and seemingly only visible to Mark.
A love story that warms the heart. I'm looking forward to more romances in Shepton Worthy. Mark's brother Henry needs to find someone to humanize him. Beryl's sister needs to find someone worthy of her free-spirited personality. There are hints about Dr. Black in this regard. We shall see.
As this story begins, our heroine, Beryl Burnham, has returned from a year-long trip to Paris with her aunt. Before leaving on the trip, she had agreed to marry Sir Henry Rivenhall, baronet of the village, and the trip was ostensibly to shop for her wedding trousseau. But Beryl has a troubling secret that sent her away. Not a wardrobe issue. As the story progresses, we learn more and more about her problem, an all-too-common one that is still not easily dealt with nowadays, and see how much more difficult it was during Victorian times with Victorian attitudes and treatments.
Our hero, Mark Rivenhall, village curate and brother of Beryl's fiance, has pined for her for years. They are the best of friends, with many common interests, in particular their love of Dickens. Mark writes letters to her during her absence, filling her in on village life with humorous anecdotes. Beryl's fiance makes no effort to be in touch. Upon her return, she finds that Mark is the only one who really understands her, really sees her for who she is, and can help her with her problem. Their longtime friendship develops into a mutual, reciprocated love, but it's a love that must be denied.
What to do? Well, not to worry. Something good will happen in this lovely story. It's simple and sweet and nicely written and deals with a serious mental health issue without glossing over it or making too much of it. And the characters are well developed. Caring Mark may be just a little bit too good to be true, but, well, I wish we had more real people like him in this country at the moment.
Other characters include Mark's stiff-rumped, seemingly cold and unlikeable brother, Beryl's fiance, but Matthews gives us insight into why he is the way he is. Beryl's sister Winnie is a free spirit and fun counterpoint to serious Beryl. And we have Beryl's mother and aunt, new village doctor Black, and many other village characters to entertain us. Not to mention Ernest the dog and a horse that will play a part in the story.
This romance is actually quite slight but it's very well written. There's some lovely imagery here. One that stands out is Beryl's whitework embroidery. White thread embroidered on white cloth, producing small figures hiding in plain sight that when "discovered unexpectedly...gave the finder an instance of surprised delight." Just as Beryl's secret self was hidden from view and seemingly only visible to Mark.
A love story that warms the heart. I'm looking forward to more romances in Shepton Worthy. Mark's brother Henry needs to find someone to humanize him. Beryl's sister needs to find someone worthy of her free-spirited personality. There are hints about Dr. Black in this regard. We shall see.
June 24, 2020
DEEP HISTORICAL ROMANCE FOCUSED ON MENTAL HEALTH
Now. I read a lot of Historical Romance okay. Like. A lot. So I think I am allowed to say that often, HR isn't all that deep. It's a lot of romance (maybe even some erotica) perhaps a bad childhood or two. But never before have I read an HR novel that featured mental health so prominently. And I loved it. I myself suffer from depression and anxiety. Mental health is underrepresented in most genres, so it was nice to see it spotlighted in HR.
👍 WHAT I LIKED 👍
Mark: When you suffer from mental health problems, all you really want is for someone to accept you as you are. Not someone who tries to fix you or cure you - just someone who accepts your good as well as your difficult sides. Mark was just such a man. Gentle, understanding, caring and supportive. Perfect hero for this book.
Beryl: Like I said earlier on, I myself have mental health issues and I actually saw a lot of myself in Beryl. She tried so hard to be 'right', to be what she thought everyone wanted her to be. I related to her and her struggles and I think many others, who suffer from mental health issues will be able to do the same.
Mental health: We need more focus on mental health in all genres and I sincerely hope this catches on in more HR novels. It gave the genre a new depth that I had been longing for.
ARC provided by the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
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Now. I read a lot of Historical Romance okay. Like. A lot. So I think I am allowed to say that often, HR isn't all that deep. It's a lot of romance (maybe even some erotica) perhaps a bad childhood or two. But never before have I read an HR novel that featured mental health so prominently. And I loved it. I myself suffer from depression and anxiety. Mental health is underrepresented in most genres, so it was nice to see it spotlighted in HR.
👍 WHAT I LIKED 👍
Mark: When you suffer from mental health problems, all you really want is for someone to accept you as you are. Not someone who tries to fix you or cure you - just someone who accepts your good as well as your difficult sides. Mark was just such a man. Gentle, understanding, caring and supportive. Perfect hero for this book.
Beryl: Like I said earlier on, I myself have mental health issues and I actually saw a lot of myself in Beryl. She tried so hard to be 'right', to be what she thought everyone wanted her to be. I related to her and her struggles and I think many others, who suffer from mental health issues will be able to do the same.
Mental health: We need more focus on mental health in all genres and I sincerely hope this catches on in more HR novels. It gave the genre a new depth that I had been longing for.
ARC provided by the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
Follow me for more book loving content!
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Blog Post: 8 Bodice Ripping Regency Romance Series
December 9, 2021
A victorian era romance novella that focuses on mental health?? I am here for it.
This felt like everything you would want in a classic chivalric victorian story. Thought it's not that long and is relatively light, it's very well written. I loved that mental health was given a huge focus without it being treated as a source of conflict. It's very victorian but also very modern with the themes it tackles. The romance was pure and wholesome (get you a man that reads books to you when you're down).
We really need to stop romanticizing toxic relationships and hype up the good non-toxic men ❤️ It was so easy to love the main characters and get lost in the writing that I am in the mood to go take a walk under trees while leaves are falling and daydream a while.
The various character relationships tied together so well in the end and if you're put off by the fact that the romance might get in the way of the brothers, trust me, Mimi Matthews will take care of it.
↣ Read for when you are craving a heart-warming short read that will make want to fall in love over letters to your best friend, lace handkerchiefs, and a fallen tree in the forest. It's that classique victoriance romance without all the scheming and annoying toxicity (among the main characters). Exactly everything I love bundled up in this neat little bow of a book. ↢
P.S. I thought he was a priest at first so I found it weird but thankfully it's not really what I thought.
— 4.5 —
⇢ content warnings// mental health stigma, domestic violence (off-page)
⇢ representation: main character w/ depression
“This burden of yours—this sadness—I want you to leave it with me for a day or two.”
This felt like everything you would want in a classic chivalric victorian story. Thought it's not that long and is relatively light, it's very well written. I loved that mental health was given a huge focus without it being treated as a source of conflict. It's very victorian but also very modern with the themes it tackles. The romance was pure and wholesome (get you a man that reads books to you when you're down).
We really need to stop romanticizing toxic relationships and hype up the good non-toxic men ❤️ It was so easy to love the main characters and get lost in the writing that I am in the mood to go take a walk under trees while leaves are falling and daydream a while.
“It gives you pleasure doesn't it? The hours you spend in creating it? That alone makes it a thing of value.”
The various character relationships tied together so well in the end and if you're put off by the fact that the romance might get in the way of the brothers, trust me, Mimi Matthews will take care of it.
↣ Read for when you are craving a heart-warming short read that will make want to fall in love over letters to your best friend, lace handkerchiefs, and a fallen tree in the forest. It's that classique victoriance romance without all the scheming and annoying toxicity (among the main characters). Exactly everything I love bundled up in this neat little bow of a book. ↢
P.S. I thought he was a priest at first so I found it weird but thankfully it's not really what I thought.
— 4.5 —
⇢ content warnings// mental health stigma, domestic violence (off-page)
⇢ representation: main character w/ depression
January 20, 2021
Mimi Matthews is one of my favorite romance authors. Her stories are very heartfelt and emotional and this one was no exception.
The main character, Beryl, struggles with depression, at a time when it was very much misunderstood and shamed in society. I thought the author's tackling of this issue in a historical romance was so compassionately done. Mark, the local curate and Beryl's long time friend, has loved her for years. But she is engaged to his older brother. If you like a good pining story, this has some good longing going on.
But what makes this love triangle work is that Mark genuinely loves Beryl for exactly who she is, without trying to "fix" her. That love truly carries the story.
Like all of Mimi Matthews' stories, I was left with a warm and full heart after reading Fair as a Star. I do hope there's a future story for Winnifred and Dr. Black as well!
*ARC provided by NetGalley for review*
The main character, Beryl, struggles with depression, at a time when it was very much misunderstood and shamed in society. I thought the author's tackling of this issue in a historical romance was so compassionately done. Mark, the local curate and Beryl's long time friend, has loved her for years. But she is engaged to his older brother. If you like a good pining story, this has some good longing going on.
But what makes this love triangle work is that Mark genuinely loves Beryl for exactly who she is, without trying to "fix" her. That love truly carries the story.
Like all of Mimi Matthews' stories, I was left with a warm and full heart after reading Fair as a Star. I do hope there's a future story for Winnifred and Dr. Black as well!
*ARC provided by NetGalley for review*
July 27, 2020
4.5 STARS
LOVE LOVE LOVE Mimi Matthews! I cannot say enough about her books. This is romance at its finest. At least in my humble opinion. That said, this book felt a little too short for me. A little shorter than her other books, or maybe I just wasn't ready for it to end. I only knocked it down half a star because I didn't find this one as thorough as some of her other books. Also, I would expect a full story for Henry in the future... arse that he was, I felt the light go on in his soul there at the end... it can't be left there. He must get the chance to redeem his character.
Mark on the other hand, may have been just a wee too perfect. He needed a few more flaws to drag him off of his pedestal. But in the end... I loved him for his goodness. He was impossible not to love. And one of the things I like most about MM's books is that her heroines rarely play the doormat, or the stupid female. They are generally level headed and sensible. and they don't take any crap from their men. As it should be... naturally. Can't wait for her next release.
“I love you, Beryl.”
It was so much an understatement it felt like a lie. Love was too simple a word for what he felt for her. He could never fully express it, this emotion so powerful and precious. It was as elemental as fire. As enduring as the stones that formed the bed of the Worthy.
“I love you for everything that you are. The dark and the light.”
LOVE LOVE LOVE Mimi Matthews! I cannot say enough about her books. This is romance at its finest. At least in my humble opinion. That said, this book felt a little too short for me. A little shorter than her other books, or maybe I just wasn't ready for it to end. I only knocked it down half a star because I didn't find this one as thorough as some of her other books. Also, I would expect a full story for Henry in the future... arse that he was, I felt the light go on in his soul there at the end... it can't be left there. He must get the chance to redeem his character.
Mark on the other hand, may have been just a wee too perfect. He needed a few more flaws to drag him off of his pedestal. But in the end... I loved him for his goodness. He was impossible not to love. And one of the things I like most about MM's books is that her heroines rarely play the doormat, or the stupid female. They are generally level headed and sensible. and they don't take any crap from their men. As it should be... naturally. Can't wait for her next release.
June 11, 2020
This is only my second book by this author and I loved it!!
Beryl and Mark are a wonderful couple. The romance was sweet. It was lovely to have a couple who are not at odds all the time and with no silly misunderstandings due to not talking plainly to each other.
The main theme was a brave move for the author to have taken. She dealt with it very well.
The extra characters were well drawn. Even though this is a novella rather than a full length book it didn't detract from the story or the people within.
I'd highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys a sweet romance with an enjoyable back story.
Beryl and Mark are a wonderful couple. The romance was sweet. It was lovely to have a couple who are not at odds all the time and with no silly misunderstandings due to not talking plainly to each other.
The main theme was a brave move for the author to have taken. She dealt with it very well.
The extra characters were well drawn. Even though this is a novella rather than a full length book it didn't detract from the story or the people within.
I'd highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys a sweet romance with an enjoyable back story.
June 7, 2023
4/5 ⭐️ This was a short but emotional read for me. Beryl and Mark’s friends to lovers romance was so beautiful and pure but this also focuses on how the heroine lives with depression in the Victorian era. It was honestly so beautiful to read and I was so invested in the story.
I loved Beryl so much. I felt so connected to her character and just wanted to comfort her. I also loved Mark and how he loved Beryl no matter what. There was so much pining and longing from him. Ugh. He was just such a great hero! ❤️
I also loved Beryl’s dog Ernest. He was just so cute and adorable! 🥰
Their romance also had a bit for forbidden tension because she was set to marry his brother but she never loved him. It was just out of convenience but it definitely caused a bigger rift in Mark and his brother’s already rocky relationship.
Overall, this was such a beautiful story and I loved every minute of it I just wished that it was longer 😭.
I loved Beryl so much. I felt so connected to her character and just wanted to comfort her. I also loved Mark and how he loved Beryl no matter what. There was so much pining and longing from him. Ugh. He was just such a great hero! ❤️
I also loved Beryl’s dog Ernest. He was just so cute and adorable! 🥰
Their romance also had a bit for forbidden tension because she was set to marry his brother but she never loved him. It was just out of convenience but it definitely caused a bigger rift in Mark and his brother’s already rocky relationship.
Overall, this was such a beautiful story and I loved every minute of it I just wished that it was longer 😭.
July 27, 2020
Oh my sweetness! This was precious and tender without being cheesy. I loved it all. Perfection in a novella, and I don't say that lightly because I can be more critical of novellas than some. I could not help but fall in love with this sweet story. The look at depression during a time when it was considered such a stigma is sad and eye-opening. If I had to describe the story in one word, it would be triumphant. Beryl triumphs despite her difficulties; the man doesn't swoop in to save her, she saves herself, but he supports her and loves her through it all, and is, first and foremost, her friend and staunchest advocate. The period details are exquisite as well, which doesn't surprise me about this author one bit. I've gotten to the point that I automatically pre-order her books, and this novella reminded me why I continue to do that.
June 30, 2020
I've become a rabid Mimi Matthews fan in the past year...and Fair as a Star only increased my love for her stories! I love her writing voice, her characters, the Regency details she weaves in. But in this particular story, what I loved most was the "melancholia" angle...or what we'd call depression or acute anxiety today. It's not something you read about often in novels, and especially not in historical novels. But in this book, it was threaded in so thoughtfully and realistically. I loved the hero's compassion and the heroine's quiet strength and their romance was as swoony as it was compelling. Mimi Matthews is an auto-buy/auto-read author for me and I can't wait to see what she delivers next!
June 6, 2020
'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?'
__________________________
Fair as a Star is a beautiful new novella from historical romance author Mimi Matthews and is a clean romance.
As a novella, Fair as a Star is quite short, but so beautifully written. Mimi Matthews' handling of mental illness in is spot on. As something that is prevelant in a person's life, that can't be simply wished away or solved by a moment's happiness or other such easy fixes. Knowledge and acceptence of mental illness is still evolving today, but during the time of this story mental illness was not readily recognized as a legitimate health concern. Instead people were often subjected to horrific treatment and deemed to be flighty, weak-willed, and needy and Matthews balance of this was perfect.
I adored both Beryl and Mark, they were so sweet and I would have enjoyed reading more about them. Although Beryl's family was not always the most understanding, they tried and supported her when she needed it. Winnefred was a bit immature and self-centered at times, but I liked her spirit. But oh, Henry. He could be such a pompous ass and quite infuriated me at times.
I'm hoping with the way things ended that perhaps there will be more novellas telling the stories of some of the other characters that we met in this novella. But whether there are more novells to come or not, I look forward to reading Gentleman Jim later this year.
I whole-heartedly recommend Fair as a Star as well as all other Mimi Matthews books and novellas as they are all so beautifully written and filled with lovely characters that you'll fall in love with.
_____
I would like to thank the author, Mimi Matthew, who shared a complimentary eARC of Fair as a Star with me. This is my honest review.
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?'
__________________________
Fair as a Star is a beautiful new novella from historical romance author Mimi Matthews and is a clean romance.
As a novella, Fair as a Star is quite short, but so beautifully written. Mimi Matthews' handling of mental illness in is spot on. As something that is prevelant in a person's life, that can't be simply wished away or solved by a moment's happiness or other such easy fixes. Knowledge and acceptence of mental illness is still evolving today, but during the time of this story mental illness was not readily recognized as a legitimate health concern. Instead people were often subjected to horrific treatment and deemed to be flighty, weak-willed, and needy and Matthews balance of this was perfect.
I adored both Beryl and Mark, they were so sweet and I would have enjoyed reading more about them. Although Beryl's family was not always the most understanding, they tried and supported her when she needed it. Winnefred was a bit immature and self-centered at times, but I liked her spirit. But oh, Henry. He could be such a pompous ass and quite infuriated me at times.
I'm hoping with the way things ended that perhaps there will be more novellas telling the stories of some of the other characters that we met in this novella. But whether there are more novells to come or not, I look forward to reading Gentleman Jim later this year.
I whole-heartedly recommend Fair as a Star as well as all other Mimi Matthews books and novellas as they are all so beautifully written and filled with lovely characters that you'll fall in love with.
_____
I would like to thank the author, Mimi Matthew, who shared a complimentary eARC of Fair as a Star with me. This is my honest review.
July 27, 2020
This author’s stories are always a delight to read, even when she tackles difficult themes. Her characters are so vibrant, and I find myself completely immersed. I love the friendship between Mark and Beryl, and the way he thoughtfully supports her unconditionally. He is in such a hard position, divided between loyalty to his brother and his own romantic feelings. His relationship with his brother is complex, and it was interesting to see bits and pieces emerge that gave deeper understanding to the dynamic. Beryl struggles with frequent bouts of melancholy, what we know today as depression. The author was delicate in her portrayal as she explored the ways it affected Beryl’s well-being, her otherwise golden personality, and how she managed to cope with the symptoms, despite the misunderstandings in the medical field at the time. What I especially loved was the overall feeling of hopefulness as Mark learns of her condition and becomes her champion- listening, understanding, and encouraging. It was such a contrast to the others in her life who were trying, but didn’t know where to find the answers or how to “fix it.” Beryl is going through a season of self-discovery, and I loved her strength and kindness as she learns more about herself and what she truly wants for her future. Highly recommend!!!
(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions expressed are my own)
(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions expressed are my own)
June 3, 2020
Everyone should marry a Mark. Someone to come alongside of you and support you in the gentlest, most stable way. Not to try to fix you, because you aren’t broken, but to simply be and love and strengthen. 💜
June 8, 2020
What can I say about this utterly entrancing novella by Mimi Matthews? It's beautiful, poignant, heartfelt, moving and deeply romantic. Mimi Matthews has never impressed me more...and that's saying something. Every Matthews story is special - her heroines intriguing, each hero unique, the settings detailed and fascinating, so I don't play favourites. Fair as a Star is no different, but it touches on a subject that is personal to me, so it will forever take up a corner of my bookish heart.
Beryl's struggle with melancholy or low spirits, what we now recognise as depression, and her efforts to hide its effects from her family and friends is authentic and moving. Matthews writes with sensitivity and insight about mental health, a subject that still remains challenging for many to speak about with empathy and understanding. Despite the nature of Beryl's difficulties, this book overflows with hope, wit, and romance, as Mark Rivenhall honours his brother, despite his unrequited love for Beryl and the knowledge that she can never be his. His desire to understand Beryl's struggle leads him to young Dr. Black - whose moments on the page demand a story all his own - who discourages the harsh Victorian treatments Beryl fears. Despite entering the church as expected of the third son, Mark's faith is genuine and has helped shape him as a man of compassion and integrity, such a refreshing change from the often bumbling and inane caricatures Victorian and Regency romances make of men of the cloth, including Austen herself.
On a final note, Fair as a Star has romantic moments aplenty, sufficient to fill the pages of a full length novel, so don't let the page count dissuade you from adding this wonderful story to your shelf!
Beryl's struggle with melancholy or low spirits, what we now recognise as depression, and her efforts to hide its effects from her family and friends is authentic and moving. Matthews writes with sensitivity and insight about mental health, a subject that still remains challenging for many to speak about with empathy and understanding. Despite the nature of Beryl's difficulties, this book overflows with hope, wit, and romance, as Mark Rivenhall honours his brother, despite his unrequited love for Beryl and the knowledge that she can never be his. His desire to understand Beryl's struggle leads him to young Dr. Black - whose moments on the page demand a story all his own - who discourages the harsh Victorian treatments Beryl fears. Despite entering the church as expected of the third son, Mark's faith is genuine and has helped shape him as a man of compassion and integrity, such a refreshing change from the often bumbling and inane caricatures Victorian and Regency romances make of men of the cloth, including Austen herself.
On a final note, Fair as a Star has romantic moments aplenty, sufficient to fill the pages of a full length novel, so don't let the page count dissuade you from adding this wonderful story to your shelf!
June 2, 2020
This is one of Mimi's heavier books. It's also shorter than I expected. When I started reading I was a little worried she was trying to make a statement and her characters were going to get lost to the theme of the book. The more I read the more I loved this story. It was so sweet and the characters became the focus and the story was so much more because of it. Mark was amazing! Goodness if we all had a Mark their would be no depression. :}
I really like the way Mimi writes. I look forward to her books and the sweet love story. I am assuming the other characters in this story will get their own. It set it up so well for many side characters to have theirs! How awesome would that be!
This book deals with depression. Talks about treatment in the day. Nothing detailed. This is very clean. A couple of nice kisses is all.
Thank you NETGALLEY!!
I really like the way Mimi writes. I look forward to her books and the sweet love story. I am assuming the other characters in this story will get their own. It set it up so well for many side characters to have theirs! How awesome would that be!
This book deals with depression. Talks about treatment in the day. Nothing detailed. This is very clean. A couple of nice kisses is all.
Thank you NETGALLEY!!
Read
February 20, 2021Though I don’t read as much historical romance as I used to, Mimi Matthews is one histrom author whose books I’d never miss. They’re elegantly written, with finely-drawn characters, and thoughtful themes; her protagonists’ journey to the HEA is sigh-worthingly romantic. Her heroes and heroines are beautifully compatible, showcasing Matthews’s ability to match characterization to plausible future happiness. Her ethos agrees with mine and mine with hers.
Matthews’s novella, “Fair as a Star,” (“A Victorian Romance”) is a wonderful introduction to her work if you’ve yet to read her and thoroughly satisfying an addition if you have and are a fan. Matthews’s Victorian Era is neither idealized, nor villified; if the HEA is an argument for the idyllic over the realistic/pragmatic, this is why I read romance. To follow, verbatim, the blurb-ish summary of “Fair as a Star”:
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. 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?
Help her he does, over and over again. Beryl’s “mysterious Paris sojourn” is hardly mysterious to her family. Aunt Hortensia took Beryl to Paris hoping to see her recover from “melancholy”, an inexplicable sadness besetting Beryl. While in Paris, we learn Mark wrote to Beryl daily, letters of gentle humour, full of village happenings. They sustained Beryl and now Mark’s presence does so again. Matthews shows sensitivity in depicting what we would understand as Beryl’s depression. Mark’s friendship, care, and encouragement, neither diminishing nor putting off what Beryl feels, neither weakening nor infantilizing her, is one of the novella’s most powerful aspects. Matthews draws wonderful scenes and dialogue for our protagonists. In one of the earliest of these, Mark comes upon a crying Beryl by the riverside:
” … this sadness — I want you to leave it with me for a day or two.” Her chest constricted. She was grateful for his kindness. It was well meant, however wrong-headed. “It’s not something I can hand off at will. And even if I could … ” Her eyes met his. “You can’t fix this, Mark. You can’t fix me.” He gave her a brief, lopsided smile. “Of course not,” he said. “You’re not broken.”
Mark’s “you’re not broken” turns the entire novella around, from an impasse to a light at the end of a tunnel, for Beryl, for his unrequited love, and even for his brother, the stern, “I-know-what-is-best” brother and Beryl’s fiancé, Sir Henry. Before we come to the fiancé problem, Mark goes about helping Beryl. He brings her a journal to write in and a snaggle-toothed, undisciplined ball of dog-fluff to care for. Beryl saves “Ernest” and his dependence and adoration are a comfort, as is her journal, needlework, and involvement in the village fete preparations.
One of the things I loved best about Matthews’s novella was how Beryl found truth and strength to put her life on the course she truly wanted: Mark, their love borne of friendship, family, and community. Mark helps Beryl, but he doesn’t rescue her. She has to put things right with Henry, tell Mark how she feels, and understand what the aftermath may bring to a small village, given the revelations about their most beloved members. Beryl’s melancholy may stall her, halt her, but, in the end, it’s not the only thing that defines her. Mark helps her see that, but she has to help him too, see how she feels about him. Beryl isn’t the only one who has realizations, Mark too has to experience a turning-point. Matthews renders it beautifully:
He felt something fracture inside of him, Long-held beliefs about who was first and best in her heart. He misinterpreted things. Got them all backward. It wasn’t Henry she feared losing. It was him. The realization struck his composure a devastating blow.
And resulted in a magnificently “first-kiss” scene. As for the rest, Mark and Beryl are wonderful people, caring and careful of others and each other. Their HEA is a Julian “all shall be well, and all shall be well”, everyone where and with whom they belong and everyone belonging. Right and true, as is Matthews’s lovely novella.
Mimi Matthews’s “Fair as a Star” is self-published. It was released in July 2020 and may be procured, and I encourage prompt procurement, at your preferred vendor. I received an e-galley, via Netgalley.
Matthews’s novella, “Fair as a Star,” (“A Victorian Romance”) is a wonderful introduction to her work if you’ve yet to read her and thoroughly satisfying an addition if you have and are a fan. Matthews’s Victorian Era is neither idealized, nor villified; if the HEA is an argument for the idyllic over the realistic/pragmatic, this is why I read romance. To follow, verbatim, the blurb-ish summary of “Fair as a Star”:
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. 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?
Help her he does, over and over again. Beryl’s “mysterious Paris sojourn” is hardly mysterious to her family. Aunt Hortensia took Beryl to Paris hoping to see her recover from “melancholy”, an inexplicable sadness besetting Beryl. While in Paris, we learn Mark wrote to Beryl daily, letters of gentle humour, full of village happenings. They sustained Beryl and now Mark’s presence does so again. Matthews shows sensitivity in depicting what we would understand as Beryl’s depression. Mark’s friendship, care, and encouragement, neither diminishing nor putting off what Beryl feels, neither weakening nor infantilizing her, is one of the novella’s most powerful aspects. Matthews draws wonderful scenes and dialogue for our protagonists. In one of the earliest of these, Mark comes upon a crying Beryl by the riverside:
” … this sadness — I want you to leave it with me for a day or two.” Her chest constricted. She was grateful for his kindness. It was well meant, however wrong-headed. “It’s not something I can hand off at will. And even if I could … ” Her eyes met his. “You can’t fix this, Mark. You can’t fix me.” He gave her a brief, lopsided smile. “Of course not,” he said. “You’re not broken.”
Mark’s “you’re not broken” turns the entire novella around, from an impasse to a light at the end of a tunnel, for Beryl, for his unrequited love, and even for his brother, the stern, “I-know-what-is-best” brother and Beryl’s fiancé, Sir Henry. Before we come to the fiancé problem, Mark goes about helping Beryl. He brings her a journal to write in and a snaggle-toothed, undisciplined ball of dog-fluff to care for. Beryl saves “Ernest” and his dependence and adoration are a comfort, as is her journal, needlework, and involvement in the village fete preparations.
One of the things I loved best about Matthews’s novella was how Beryl found truth and strength to put her life on the course she truly wanted: Mark, their love borne of friendship, family, and community. Mark helps Beryl, but he doesn’t rescue her. She has to put things right with Henry, tell Mark how she feels, and understand what the aftermath may bring to a small village, given the revelations about their most beloved members. Beryl’s melancholy may stall her, halt her, but, in the end, it’s not the only thing that defines her. Mark helps her see that, but she has to help him too, see how she feels about him. Beryl isn’t the only one who has realizations, Mark too has to experience a turning-point. Matthews renders it beautifully:
He felt something fracture inside of him, Long-held beliefs about who was first and best in her heart. He misinterpreted things. Got them all backward. It wasn’t Henry she feared losing. It was him. The realization struck his composure a devastating blow.
And resulted in a magnificently “first-kiss” scene. As for the rest, Mark and Beryl are wonderful people, caring and careful of others and each other. Their HEA is a Julian “all shall be well, and all shall be well”, everyone where and with whom they belong and everyone belonging. Right and true, as is Matthews’s lovely novella.
Mimi Matthews’s “Fair as a Star” is self-published. It was released in July 2020 and may be procured, and I encourage prompt procurement, at your preferred vendor. I received an e-galley, via Netgalley.
July 14, 2020
Might be my favorite book of 2020. I gave this an A at All About Romance.
Have you ever finished a romance novel and needed a few moments of quiet reflection before you can rejoin ‘the real world’ again? Time to sit and savor the pleasures of a well written story? If you haven’t – or, if you’re eager to do it again – I recommend you read Fair as a Star. Gentle, tender, poignant and deeply romantic, it’s the best historical romance I’ve read this year.
After a year’s sojourn in Paris with her Aunt Hortensia, Beryl Burnham is returning to her home in the small village of Shepton Worthy, near Somerset. The year away was meant to help her recover from the periods of melancholy that have plagued her since childhood, but Beryl knows the sadness – the unhappiness – is never far away. She’s anxious about her return and ruminating on whether she’ll ever truly be well again, when she spots the local chapel in the distance. When she spies the doors to the chapel thrown open, she impulsively orders the carriage to stop. Ignoring her aunt’s admonishments to remain inside, she jumps out and tells her she’ll walk the remaining distance. Surely, if the doors to the chapel doors are open, Mark Rivenhall, the village curate, must be nearby?
Mid-conversation with a parishioner, Mark stills when the woman calls out a greeting to the person behind him. It can’t be Beryl – his older brother would have told him if she was returning earlier than expected. But it is. Momentarily thrown by her sudden appearance, he can’t control his smile as she happily greets him and admits the chapel was her first stop. Beryl never revealed what led her to leave Shepton Worthy so quickly, and Mark ignored the rumors – that she was pregnant and/or was nursing a broken heart after his brother Jack was killed in Bhutan (he knew for a fact it wasn’t possible or true) – but he worried about her. He also hoped he might finally stop loving her while she was away. He didn’t.
When Mark first sees her, Beryl thinks for a moment that he’s angry, until he smiles and offers to walk with her to the Grange. She thanks him for his letters during her year abroad, and apologizes for not telling him she was arriving home sooner than expected. They enjoy a companionable walk until they reach a fork in the road; Mark proceeds on to Rivenhall and a visit with Sir Henry Rivenhall, his brother. Beryl walks home to her family at the Grange, and contemplates her own delayed visit to Rivenhall and Sir Henry… her fiancé.
Beryl tries to reacclimate herself to life in Shepton Worthy. Although the local doctor recommended more aggressive treatment and suggested she ‘acted sad’ to gain attention, her mother and aunt disagreed. The trip to Paris was meant to give her time to recover – and she did – but Beryl worries what might happen if she succumbs again. Her horse-mad younger sister Winnifred is a happy and welcome distraction, as is her friendship with Mark, and her volunteer work at the church. She tries to ignore the gossip and rumors about her abrupt departure, and is hopeful neither her mother or Dr. Cooper shared the true reason for her absence. But when her mother reveals that she spoke to the vicar about Beryl’s condition, she mistakenly assumes Mark must also know. The news sends her in a tailspin. She’s weeping, hidden away off the beaten path, when Mark discovers her.
When he follows the sound of someone weeping during his walk home from the chapel, Mark is horrified to discover Beryl in tears. After she reveals the cause of her upset, he assures her he didn’t know anything about her reasons for leaving the village, and then asks her why she’s so unhappy. When she reveals that she’s been unhappy for a long time and that she doesn’t know why, his heart breaks for her. He gives her solace and a shoulder to lean on. Mark doesn’t try to fix her or tell her she’ll get over it, but offers to help whenever, and however, he can.
I want to tell you more about this charming pair, but though the central relationship is rich and satisfying, there’s so much more to Fair as a Star. Matthews does a superb job rendering Shepton Worthy – an idealized imagining of rural country life – and the interesting secondary characters who inhabit it, and I especially loved her characterization of horse-mad and headstrong Winnifred, who falls passionately in love with a horse (while the new local doctor not-so-secretly pines for her), and of Henry. While most writers would be quick to paint him as the villain of the story, Matthews takes a much more nuanced approach. Henry is a product of the events and experiences that shaped him, but he also loves his brother and wants the best for him. By the end of the novel...
Read the rest of this Desert Island Keeper review at All About Romance.
Have you ever finished a romance novel and needed a few moments of quiet reflection before you can rejoin ‘the real world’ again? Time to sit and savor the pleasures of a well written story? If you haven’t – or, if you’re eager to do it again – I recommend you read Fair as a Star. Gentle, tender, poignant and deeply romantic, it’s the best historical romance I’ve read this year.
After a year’s sojourn in Paris with her Aunt Hortensia, Beryl Burnham is returning to her home in the small village of Shepton Worthy, near Somerset. The year away was meant to help her recover from the periods of melancholy that have plagued her since childhood, but Beryl knows the sadness – the unhappiness – is never far away. She’s anxious about her return and ruminating on whether she’ll ever truly be well again, when she spots the local chapel in the distance. When she spies the doors to the chapel thrown open, she impulsively orders the carriage to stop. Ignoring her aunt’s admonishments to remain inside, she jumps out and tells her she’ll walk the remaining distance. Surely, if the doors to the chapel doors are open, Mark Rivenhall, the village curate, must be nearby?
Mid-conversation with a parishioner, Mark stills when the woman calls out a greeting to the person behind him. It can’t be Beryl – his older brother would have told him if she was returning earlier than expected. But it is. Momentarily thrown by her sudden appearance, he can’t control his smile as she happily greets him and admits the chapel was her first stop. Beryl never revealed what led her to leave Shepton Worthy so quickly, and Mark ignored the rumors – that she was pregnant and/or was nursing a broken heart after his brother Jack was killed in Bhutan (he knew for a fact it wasn’t possible or true) – but he worried about her. He also hoped he might finally stop loving her while she was away. He didn’t.
When Mark first sees her, Beryl thinks for a moment that he’s angry, until he smiles and offers to walk with her to the Grange. She thanks him for his letters during her year abroad, and apologizes for not telling him she was arriving home sooner than expected. They enjoy a companionable walk until they reach a fork in the road; Mark proceeds on to Rivenhall and a visit with Sir Henry Rivenhall, his brother. Beryl walks home to her family at the Grange, and contemplates her own delayed visit to Rivenhall and Sir Henry… her fiancé.
Beryl tries to reacclimate herself to life in Shepton Worthy. Although the local doctor recommended more aggressive treatment and suggested she ‘acted sad’ to gain attention, her mother and aunt disagreed. The trip to Paris was meant to give her time to recover – and she did – but Beryl worries what might happen if she succumbs again. Her horse-mad younger sister Winnifred is a happy and welcome distraction, as is her friendship with Mark, and her volunteer work at the church. She tries to ignore the gossip and rumors about her abrupt departure, and is hopeful neither her mother or Dr. Cooper shared the true reason for her absence. But when her mother reveals that she spoke to the vicar about Beryl’s condition, she mistakenly assumes Mark must also know. The news sends her in a tailspin. She’s weeping, hidden away off the beaten path, when Mark discovers her.
When he follows the sound of someone weeping during his walk home from the chapel, Mark is horrified to discover Beryl in tears. After she reveals the cause of her upset, he assures her he didn’t know anything about her reasons for leaving the village, and then asks her why she’s so unhappy. When she reveals that she’s been unhappy for a long time and that she doesn’t know why, his heart breaks for her. He gives her solace and a shoulder to lean on. Mark doesn’t try to fix her or tell her she’ll get over it, but offers to help whenever, and however, he can.
“This burden of yours – this sadness – I want you to leave it with me for a day or two.”Le sigh. Mark is so lovely and wonderful, and he’s deeply, irrevocably in love with Beryl. He tries valiantly to repress his love because he knows it’s wrong… but he can’t. Instead, he’s a stalwart friend who looks for ways to support and help her, and tries to provide the light Beryl needs to see her through her darkest moments. Reader, I want to marry Mark. Unfortunately for me, he finds his perfect match in Beryl. Beautiful, generous and good, Beryl hides her sadness behind a happy facade. With Mark’s support, she begins to believe her sadness doesn’t define her, and that it isn’t something that needs to be cured, or fixed. He encourages her to seek out things that lift her spirits, and to ignore outdated advice that suggests she’s selfish or damaged. With his encouragement, she embraces the people and things that make her happy, and stops pretending her sadness isn’t sometimes overwhelming. Friends, Mark makes her happy. His affection and tender regard remind Beryl why she loves Mark, but as they grow closer over the course of this novel, Beryl slowly realizes she’s fallen in love with him, too.
Her chest constricted. She was grateful for his kindness. It was well meant, however wrong-headed. “It’s not something I can hand off at will. And even if I could…” Her eyes met his. “You can’t fix this, Mark. You can’t fix me.”
He gave her a brief, lopsided smile. “Of course not,” he said. “You’re not broken.”
I want to tell you more about this charming pair, but though the central relationship is rich and satisfying, there’s so much more to Fair as a Star. Matthews does a superb job rendering Shepton Worthy – an idealized imagining of rural country life – and the interesting secondary characters who inhabit it, and I especially loved her characterization of horse-mad and headstrong Winnifred, who falls passionately in love with a horse (while the new local doctor not-so-secretly pines for her), and of Henry. While most writers would be quick to paint him as the villain of the story, Matthews takes a much more nuanced approach. Henry is a product of the events and experiences that shaped him, but he also loves his brother and wants the best for him. By the end of the novel...
Read the rest of this Desert Island Keeper review at All About Romance.
January 4, 2021
My first Mimi Matthews book but definitely not my last. This novella was short and satisfying and left me with a strong desire to read more from this author. I enjoyed her elegant prose and the care she takes to create a rich setting for complex characters. This first book in a series built around a rural Victorian village focuses on a friends-to-lovers romance between two kind and humble people.
Local vicar Mark has loved his childhood friend Beryl his entire life and had hoped to marry her once they were of age. His overbearing and autocratic elder brother, Henry, however, preempts Mark's proposal by asking Beryl first, and she, unaware of Mark's romantic feelings, agrees out of a sense of duty to her family to secure a safe and solid match. It's clear from the first pages that Henry is entirely the wrong man for the quiet and sensitive Beryl, and though he is the fiancé for much of the book, the story stays laser-beam focused on Beryl and Mark's renewed friendship after she returns from a mysterious sojourn in Paris.
The mystery around Beryl's year-long absence from her village is the cause of much town gossip and perplexing to nearly everyone. Her revelation to Mark midway through though presents a turning point in the story and highlights the theme of mental health. I'll refrain from discussing the crucial plot twist as it's important to experience it first hand, but suffice to say it is one of the only romances I've read that deals with this issue head on and in such a thoughtful manner. The plot also propels Mark to super hero status since he responds to Beryl's pain in a way that makes it abundantly clear he is the life partner she needs.
The book is filled with engaging secondary characters, many of whom I hope to revisit soon. Winnifred, Beryl's lively and headstrong sister, Henry, Mark's stuff-shirted elder brother, and Simon, the radical leftist physician in town all seem strong candidates for their own books. I'll also add that Matthews knows animals well and the ones here really added to the story, and not in a sappy or sentimental way. I looked at her bio and see that she is an equestrian herself and owns herding dogs. Her knowledge of them shined through and I loved that as an animal person myself. This novella is a tad short and as a result, issues could have been developed a bit more leisurely. I really enjoyed what I read though and look forward to more of her books.
Local vicar Mark has loved his childhood friend Beryl his entire life and had hoped to marry her once they were of age. His overbearing and autocratic elder brother, Henry, however, preempts Mark's proposal by asking Beryl first, and she, unaware of Mark's romantic feelings, agrees out of a sense of duty to her family to secure a safe and solid match. It's clear from the first pages that Henry is entirely the wrong man for the quiet and sensitive Beryl, and though he is the fiancé for much of the book, the story stays laser-beam focused on Beryl and Mark's renewed friendship after she returns from a mysterious sojourn in Paris.
The mystery around Beryl's year-long absence from her village is the cause of much town gossip and perplexing to nearly everyone. Her revelation to Mark midway through though presents a turning point in the story and highlights the theme of mental health. I'll refrain from discussing the crucial plot twist as it's important to experience it first hand, but suffice to say it is one of the only romances I've read that deals with this issue head on and in such a thoughtful manner. The plot also propels Mark to super hero status since he responds to Beryl's pain in a way that makes it abundantly clear he is the life partner she needs.
The book is filled with engaging secondary characters, many of whom I hope to revisit soon. Winnifred, Beryl's lively and headstrong sister, Henry, Mark's stuff-shirted elder brother, and Simon, the radical leftist physician in town all seem strong candidates for their own books. I'll also add that Matthews knows animals well and the ones here really added to the story, and not in a sappy or sentimental way. I looked at her bio and see that she is an equestrian herself and owns herding dogs. Her knowledge of them shined through and I loved that as an animal person myself. This novella is a tad short and as a result, issues could have been developed a bit more leisurely. I really enjoyed what I read though and look forward to more of her books.
July 14, 2020
I feel like I say this whenever I write a review for a Mimi Matthews book, but this one is definitely my favorite so far! And that is saying something because I adore every book she's ever written! But Fair as a Star will always be special to me and I know I will never forget Beryl and Mark. That's reason #4,972,087 that I love Mimi's books. The characters she creates will forever be embedded in your heart and soul.
Beryl is back home in Somerset, England after being away for a year in Paris with her benefactor Aunt. With only three months to go until her wedding Beryl is a reluctant bride and not exactly thrilled to be home. There are rumors in town as to why Beryl left town so suddenly and stayed away so long when she was betrothed to the most eligible man in town. But the real reason Beryl left will be revealed when she confides in her fiance's brother, Mark, the town's curate and the only person she is truly close to. Mark's love for Beryl will have to be forgotten if she is to marry his brother, but their connection is undeniable.
In addition to the love aspect, this book also deals with a very serious topic, that of depression, or melancholia as they called it back then. I've suffered from depression from a very young age so I related to Beryl 100%. I loved the way Mark wanted to learn more about how she was feeling and didn't try to "fix" her. The scenes with those two together had me feeling all the feels! I just love them so much. As I was reading I wanted to wrap them both up in a bubble and stab anyone that threatened their happiness!
Another thing I love about Mimi's books is that she always includes a cute dog and I absolutely loved that feisty little Ernest!
I cannot recommend Fair as a Star enough! It's a beautiful story that will capture your heart! I think I might have to read it again tonight :) I miss them already!
Beryl is back home in Somerset, England after being away for a year in Paris with her benefactor Aunt. With only three months to go until her wedding Beryl is a reluctant bride and not exactly thrilled to be home. There are rumors in town as to why Beryl left town so suddenly and stayed away so long when she was betrothed to the most eligible man in town. But the real reason Beryl left will be revealed when she confides in her fiance's brother, Mark, the town's curate and the only person she is truly close to. Mark's love for Beryl will have to be forgotten if she is to marry his brother, but their connection is undeniable.
In addition to the love aspect, this book also deals with a very serious topic, that of depression, or melancholia as they called it back then. I've suffered from depression from a very young age so I related to Beryl 100%. I loved the way Mark wanted to learn more about how she was feeling and didn't try to "fix" her. The scenes with those two together had me feeling all the feels! I just love them so much. As I was reading I wanted to wrap them both up in a bubble and stab anyone that threatened their happiness!
Another thing I love about Mimi's books is that she always includes a cute dog and I absolutely loved that feisty little Ernest!
I cannot recommend Fair as a Star enough! It's a beautiful story that will capture your heart! I think I might have to read it again tonight :) I miss them already!
July 27, 2020
Mimi Matthews has quickly become one of my very favorite authors! Her stories grab you from the very first page, her words pitch perfect as is her sense of time and place. The characters are readily relatable and engaging, despite the centuries that separate us, and you will easily long to spend more time with them when your reading is complete.
Fair as a Star is no exception, and I’m thrilled that it’s the start of a new series of Victorian romance novellas from Matthews. (I also already have strong opinions on which supporting characters in this 1st novella should get their own stories in future installments of the series, too. haha!)
Though by definition, Fair as a Star may be a novella, it will leave your reader sensibilities just as satisfied as if you’d read a longer novel. Beryl & Mark are smartly drawn and well-layered, their longstanding friendship heartwarming, their romance breathtaking. I loved their shared love of Dickens’ and the way that manifested in some of the more tender moments in their relationship. Mark’s integrity, compassion, faith, and honor make him an excellent clergyman, brother, friend, and romantic hero – in fact, setting him a cut above most depictions of all of the above for that era. (He’s super swoony, too! That first kiss! I still haven’t recovered.) Beryl is a quietly courageous heroine with an inner strong will that many don’t notice but that, in fact, has saved both her life and her own compassionate heart.
Speaking of Beryl’s bravery, the focus on what we now know as clinical depression (‘melancholia’) & the stigma associated with it in Victorian times (and sadly still today, in many ways) hits a spot in my soul that many books do not. Beryl is a character I understand on a personal level, and her fight to overcome the melancholia that seemingly overtakes her without rhyme or reason – and to rise above the pain of others’ lack of understanding & sometimes harmful opinions on the matter – is written with great compassion & insight. Mark’s instinctive decision to not try to ‘fix her’ (“He gave her a brief, lopsided smile. “Of course not,” he said. “You’re not broken.”) but instead educating himself on her condition, supporting her as needed, and loving her no matter what endeared him even further to me. And oh please say that Dr. Black has a story coming up soon!
Bottom Line: Fair as a Star is another winner from author Mimi Matthews! Beautiful writing, vivid & engaging characters, and swoony romance share the pages with wit, compassion, and authenticity. The look at depression, living with it as well as loving someone who suffers from it, is done with great sensitivity and empathy, and yet the book still avoids becoming either too heavy or too trite. You will smile, you will swoon, and you will even probably laugh a little. If you haven’t yet read a Mimi Matthews book, this is the perfect one to start with!
(I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book which I purchased for my own collection.)
first seen at Reading Is My SuperPower
Fair as a Star is no exception, and I’m thrilled that it’s the start of a new series of Victorian romance novellas from Matthews. (I also already have strong opinions on which supporting characters in this 1st novella should get their own stories in future installments of the series, too. haha!)
Though by definition, Fair as a Star may be a novella, it will leave your reader sensibilities just as satisfied as if you’d read a longer novel. Beryl & Mark are smartly drawn and well-layered, their longstanding friendship heartwarming, their romance breathtaking. I loved their shared love of Dickens’ and the way that manifested in some of the more tender moments in their relationship. Mark’s integrity, compassion, faith, and honor make him an excellent clergyman, brother, friend, and romantic hero – in fact, setting him a cut above most depictions of all of the above for that era. (He’s super swoony, too! That first kiss! I still haven’t recovered.) Beryl is a quietly courageous heroine with an inner strong will that many don’t notice but that, in fact, has saved both her life and her own compassionate heart.
Speaking of Beryl’s bravery, the focus on what we now know as clinical depression (‘melancholia’) & the stigma associated with it in Victorian times (and sadly still today, in many ways) hits a spot in my soul that many books do not. Beryl is a character I understand on a personal level, and her fight to overcome the melancholia that seemingly overtakes her without rhyme or reason – and to rise above the pain of others’ lack of understanding & sometimes harmful opinions on the matter – is written with great compassion & insight. Mark’s instinctive decision to not try to ‘fix her’ (“He gave her a brief, lopsided smile. “Of course not,” he said. “You’re not broken.”) but instead educating himself on her condition, supporting her as needed, and loving her no matter what endeared him even further to me. And oh please say that Dr. Black has a story coming up soon!
Bottom Line: Fair as a Star is another winner from author Mimi Matthews! Beautiful writing, vivid & engaging characters, and swoony romance share the pages with wit, compassion, and authenticity. The look at depression, living with it as well as loving someone who suffers from it, is done with great sensitivity and empathy, and yet the book still avoids becoming either too heavy or too trite. You will smile, you will swoon, and you will even probably laugh a little. If you haven’t yet read a Mimi Matthews book, this is the perfect one to start with!
(I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book which I purchased for my own collection.)
first seen at Reading Is My SuperPower
June 3, 2020
Fair as a Star is a Victorian romance that can be read in one sitting. This author has become a favorite of mine. This is a clean book with a swoon worthy hero and a heroine to love and root for. Both characters are loving, self sacrificing and both knows their flaws. And loves each other in spite of them without trying to change the other. Oh to have a Mark in one's life!
*I was given a copy of this book by the author and this is my honest opinion.
*I was given a copy of this book by the author and this is my honest opinion.
May 15, 2021
(6/5/2020) 5 stars
There are not enough words to describe how beautiful and moving this novel is. It’s something everyone should read no matter your gender. It is, in my humble opinion, a handbook into romance and mental illness without being preachy and overbearing. Every person should look to the main characters interactions to learn how to treat friends, family, life partners or whoever else is important to you. I have never read a novel that handled mental illness in such a way and I was moved to tears. I wish every person was like Mark and Simon Black. I hope every Beryl in the world can look at this novel and realize their imperfections are what make them unique and beautiful.
The story is about Beryl and her internal struggles that drove her away from her home at Shepton Worthy. She’s returned for her wedding to Henry Rivenhall, the master of the Rivenhall estate and brother to Mark, the town curate, her best friend. Little does everyone know that Beryl suffers from “melancholy” or as we would say in modern terms, anxiety and depression. While going through the story, I recognized negative sentiments towards the disorder that are unfortunately still prevalent today. I can’t count how many times I’ve heard from older generations that my generation and younger ones are “snowflakes” that should get over their sadness. That we should just toughen up because we have it so good. I honestly saw a lot of myself in Beryl and I’m sure others who have anxiety would too. The self doubt, the feeling that you’re selfish and only seeking attention. The book is at times heavy, but reality is not always sunshine and rainbows. Sometimes people just can’t help but feel sad and there is no magical cure. There are things to stave off the emotional pain but it’s a lifelong fight that requires others support.
And Matthews makes sure everyone understands these points. And she creates such a beautiful, understanding person in Mark. Mark’s methods for helping Beryl are so so sooooo right. He treats her with respect, offers a listening ear, never judges her, and always keeps an open-mind. He seeks out information about melancholy so he can better understand what Beryl is going through. He lets her know that she’s not broken. And HE NEVER DOES THIS IN ORDER TO WIN HER OVER!!!! He does this as a friend because he knows she is in dire need of one. There is never any malicious intent behind his actions when he should’ve gone full on trying to court Beryl despite her already being betrothed to his brother. He also should’ve smacked his brother upside the head for being such a stubborn, patronizing jerk for treating Beryl how he did. Mark is an incredible friend and everyone deserves a Mark.
The characters are all amazing and fulfill the roles they’re meant to play. Matthews even uplifts a certain character you spend the whole novel hating (I mean when the person is between you and your ship being happy, how can you not hate them?). I really want more with Dr. Black and Winnie though. I love Dr. Black’s forward thinking and I love Winnie’s free-spiritedness. If they do get a novel, it’d be a direct contrast of Beryl and Mark’s friends to lovers relationship (and I always love drama so I’m hoping Matthews delivers!)
I just want to say that reading through the novel is like holding your breath. Every moment Mark and Beryl aren’t together made me feel as though I was dying (in a good way because I love build up!) You wonder how the two will find their way to each other (if they do!) and that’s what makes rooting for them and their journey so entertaining.
There are so many quotes I want to highlight from the novel but I don’t want to spoil any of them. Matthews writing (especially dialogue) is just so whimsical and it made me so incredibly emotional.
This book felt so incredibly real and relevant and I want /everyone/ to read it. It teaches you how to help your friends who suffer from anxiety. If you suffer from mental illness, it hammers home how you’re not broken or in need of fixing (because sometimes, we need to hear that!). It also teaches you how to treat (and not great) your lover. Wow wow wow I wish I could award a million stars but I guess I have to settle for five.
There are not enough words to describe how beautiful and moving this novel is. It’s something everyone should read no matter your gender. It is, in my humble opinion, a handbook into romance and mental illness without being preachy and overbearing. Every person should look to the main characters interactions to learn how to treat friends, family, life partners or whoever else is important to you. I have never read a novel that handled mental illness in such a way and I was moved to tears. I wish every person was like Mark and Simon Black. I hope every Beryl in the world can look at this novel and realize their imperfections are what make them unique and beautiful.
The story is about Beryl and her internal struggles that drove her away from her home at Shepton Worthy. She’s returned for her wedding to Henry Rivenhall, the master of the Rivenhall estate and brother to Mark, the town curate, her best friend. Little does everyone know that Beryl suffers from “melancholy” or as we would say in modern terms, anxiety and depression. While going through the story, I recognized negative sentiments towards the disorder that are unfortunately still prevalent today. I can’t count how many times I’ve heard from older generations that my generation and younger ones are “snowflakes” that should get over their sadness. That we should just toughen up because we have it so good. I honestly saw a lot of myself in Beryl and I’m sure others who have anxiety would too. The self doubt, the feeling that you’re selfish and only seeking attention. The book is at times heavy, but reality is not always sunshine and rainbows. Sometimes people just can’t help but feel sad and there is no magical cure. There are things to stave off the emotional pain but it’s a lifelong fight that requires others support.
And Matthews makes sure everyone understands these points. And she creates such a beautiful, understanding person in Mark. Mark’s methods for helping Beryl are so so sooooo right. He treats her with respect, offers a listening ear, never judges her, and always keeps an open-mind. He seeks out information about melancholy so he can better understand what Beryl is going through. He lets her know that she’s not broken. And HE NEVER DOES THIS IN ORDER TO WIN HER OVER!!!! He does this as a friend because he knows she is in dire need of one. There is never any malicious intent behind his actions when he should’ve gone full on trying to court Beryl despite her already being betrothed to his brother. He also should’ve smacked his brother upside the head for being such a stubborn, patronizing jerk for treating Beryl how he did. Mark is an incredible friend and everyone deserves a Mark.
The characters are all amazing and fulfill the roles they’re meant to play. Matthews even uplifts a certain character you spend the whole novel hating (I mean when the person is between you and your ship being happy, how can you not hate them?). I really want more with Dr. Black and Winnie though. I love Dr. Black’s forward thinking and I love Winnie’s free-spiritedness. If they do get a novel, it’d be a direct contrast of Beryl and Mark’s friends to lovers relationship (and I always love drama so I’m hoping Matthews delivers!)
I just want to say that reading through the novel is like holding your breath. Every moment Mark and Beryl aren’t together made me feel as though I was dying (in a good way because I love build up!) You wonder how the two will find their way to each other (if they do!) and that’s what makes rooting for them and their journey so entertaining.
There are so many quotes I want to highlight from the novel but I don’t want to spoil any of them. Matthews writing (especially dialogue) is just so whimsical and it made me so incredibly emotional.
This book felt so incredibly real and relevant and I want /everyone/ to read it. It teaches you how to help your friends who suffer from anxiety. If you suffer from mental illness, it hammers home how you’re not broken or in need of fixing (because sometimes, we need to hear that!). It also teaches you how to treat (and not great) your lover. Wow wow wow I wish I could award a million stars but I guess I have to settle for five.
July 6, 2020
Mimi Matthews is an author whose books I love. There is something about the way she writes that resonates with me. Her stories fall so gently around my heart and mind but honestly it's probably because of her characters. I always feel so connected with them. This was true for this book as well. Beryl and Mark firmly planted themselves in my heart from the very beginning. I absolutely adored them both but if I were picking, it would have to be Mark as the true gentleman and hero in this book. The care he took with Beryl was endearing and yes, even romantic.
Beryl struggles with melancholy. It's more than just a passing difficulty and I could really feel the heaviness Beryl carried because nobody understood what she was feeling and the treatments of the day were frightening, not to mention ineffective. Mark though. If everyone had a Mark the world would be a better place for sure. He approached Beryl with compassion, thoughtfulness and love. He really tried to understand and provide Beryl with things that he felt might help her. I told you he was the hero of this book and I wasn't exaggerating.
Yes, this book is a bit heavier than other books by this author but I personally didn't feel overwhelmed by the weight of the subject matter. There was a sweet balance because of Mark. He brought light to Beryl and he brought light to the story. The romance was sweet and believable. It was so good.
If you haven't read anything by this author, you really need to. She's one of my favorites and I always feel so lucky to read her books. Release day for this book is July 14th but you can pre-order now!
Content: kissing
- I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
Beryl struggles with melancholy. It's more than just a passing difficulty and I could really feel the heaviness Beryl carried because nobody understood what she was feeling and the treatments of the day were frightening, not to mention ineffective. Mark though. If everyone had a Mark the world would be a better place for sure. He approached Beryl with compassion, thoughtfulness and love. He really tried to understand and provide Beryl with things that he felt might help her. I told you he was the hero of this book and I wasn't exaggerating.
Yes, this book is a bit heavier than other books by this author but I personally didn't feel overwhelmed by the weight of the subject matter. There was a sweet balance because of Mark. He brought light to Beryl and he brought light to the story. The romance was sweet and believable. It was so good.
If you haven't read anything by this author, you really need to. She's one of my favorites and I always feel so lucky to read her books. Release day for this book is July 14th but you can pre-order now!
Content: kissing
- I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
July 13, 2020
Lovely, romantic, and uplifting.
Fair as a Star by Mimi Matthews is a lovely, romantic, and uplifting historical romance that explores serious topics in a light but effective way.
Our thanks to the author for the advanced reader's copy.
I am a huge fan of Mimi Matthews' work. Her stories take me to a happy place and bring peace to my soul.
Her most recent book, Fair as a Star, did not disappoint. It is a charming historical romance between a curate, Mark, and his childhood friend and neighbor, Beryl.
Mark and Beryl are intrinsically good. They are sweet, thoughtful, responsible, and love their families and community.
Beryl is vulnerable, but yet so very strong. She is compassionate and understanding. She was dealing with a challenging situation, but she did not let it cloud her judgment of others.
Mark is the sweetest of men. Friendzoned and in love with his brother's fiancee, he kept taking great care of his parishioners and trying to hide his broken heart.
The side characters are delightful. Beryl's sister Winnifred is obstinate and resilient; her youthful enthusiasm is contagious. Mark's brother Henry is cold and practical. He had to save their estate from ruin after the death of their wastrel father, and it left a heavy toll on him.
I was hoping Winnie and Henry would eventually be a pair, but the charming local doctor seems like a more probable candidate.
Beryl has a secret, and it broke my heart to think about how many people had to face the same situation without being believed or understood.
Mark was wonderful, he reminded me of Mark Darcy in Bridget Jones. He loved Beryl, just the way she was.
Last but not least, Ernest, the dog, and Vesper, the stallion made the story lighter and fun.
Mimi Matthews, once again, brings an emotional and captivating story. Max and Beryl are my new favorite characters! I read it in one seat. I just could not stop myself.
I highly recommend it!
Disclosure: I received an ARC of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Fair as a Star by Mimi Matthews is a lovely, romantic, and uplifting historical romance that explores serious topics in a light but effective way.
Our thanks to the author for the advanced reader's copy.
I am a huge fan of Mimi Matthews' work. Her stories take me to a happy place and bring peace to my soul.
Her most recent book, Fair as a Star, did not disappoint. It is a charming historical romance between a curate, Mark, and his childhood friend and neighbor, Beryl.
Mark and Beryl are intrinsically good. They are sweet, thoughtful, responsible, and love their families and community.
Beryl is vulnerable, but yet so very strong. She is compassionate and understanding. She was dealing with a challenging situation, but she did not let it cloud her judgment of others.
Mark is the sweetest of men. Friendzoned and in love with his brother's fiancee, he kept taking great care of his parishioners and trying to hide his broken heart.
The side characters are delightful. Beryl's sister Winnifred is obstinate and resilient; her youthful enthusiasm is contagious. Mark's brother Henry is cold and practical. He had to save their estate from ruin after the death of their wastrel father, and it left a heavy toll on him.
I was hoping Winnie and Henry would eventually be a pair, but the charming local doctor seems like a more probable candidate.
Beryl has a secret, and it broke my heart to think about how many people had to face the same situation without being believed or understood.
Mark was wonderful, he reminded me of Mark Darcy in Bridget Jones. He loved Beryl, just the way she was.
Last but not least, Ernest, the dog, and Vesper, the stallion made the story lighter and fun.
Mimi Matthews, once again, brings an emotional and captivating story. Max and Beryl are my new favorite characters! I read it in one seat. I just could not stop myself.
I highly recommend it!
Disclosure: I received an ARC of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
September 7, 2021
My go-to for a "not-really-Christian-fiction" author is Mimi Matthews. Her books are always clean. Most of the time they don’t contain language that makes me wince, and there's not all that hip swaying, broad shoulders, attractive-body-parts-admiring falderal. I didn’t roll my eyes once in Fair as a Star. It's so refreshing when a woman walks in on someone in their office with their sleeves rolled up exposing their forearm, then quickly they correct that, throwing their coat back on. A forearm is considered improper! Yay!
Anyway, story.
Oh…quickly, in order to figure out the meaning of the title you pretty much have to read the "Author's Notes" at the back. That phrase is not mentioned anywhere else in the book.
Dorset, England, 1865
I won’t go into much of the story because it’s too good to give away. But Beryl (which, by the way, I didn’t know was a gemstone) had a condition that, in the Victorian Era, was often treated in unspeakable and drastic ways. Depression (“melancholia” in those days) was sadly thought to be self-centeredness at its crux.
She had returned from a year in Paris where her aunt felt a change of scenery and lots of shopping for her upcoming wedding might do her a world of good. On their carriage ride home she wanted to stop at the church to see the curate, Mark, her friend and soon to be brother-in-law. Their friendship was uplifting, often included reading Charles Dickens together as youths.
Her intended, Henry, was a baronet. He worked hard to bring the village and estate up to standard after his father passed. He was busy, emotionally detached, not mean, just not loving. He's someone the reader can quickly see is ill-suited for Beryl, but she is resigned to her marriage to Henry and that was that.
What I liked about this story was that Beryl actually shared her thoughts and feelings. She often felt she shouldn’t, especially with Henry, because society dictated she be proper. Sharing feelings was not proper. But her confidant was Mark who very kindly listened. She very often felt safe with him.
Okay, enough said.
Good book I can highly recommend to clean, Victorian era romance fans.
(….not that you have to be clean for me to recommend it to you… I really did phrase that wrong, but, well, you get the gist…..I hope 😆)
Anyway, story.
Oh…quickly, in order to figure out the meaning of the title you pretty much have to read the "Author's Notes" at the back. That phrase is not mentioned anywhere else in the book.
Dorset, England, 1865
I won’t go into much of the story because it’s too good to give away. But Beryl (which, by the way, I didn’t know was a gemstone) had a condition that, in the Victorian Era, was often treated in unspeakable and drastic ways. Depression (“melancholia” in those days) was sadly thought to be self-centeredness at its crux.
She had returned from a year in Paris where her aunt felt a change of scenery and lots of shopping for her upcoming wedding might do her a world of good. On their carriage ride home she wanted to stop at the church to see the curate, Mark, her friend and soon to be brother-in-law. Their friendship was uplifting, often included reading Charles Dickens together as youths.
Her intended, Henry, was a baronet. He worked hard to bring the village and estate up to standard after his father passed. He was busy, emotionally detached, not mean, just not loving. He's someone the reader can quickly see is ill-suited for Beryl, but she is resigned to her marriage to Henry and that was that.
What I liked about this story was that Beryl actually shared her thoughts and feelings. She often felt she shouldn’t, especially with Henry, because society dictated she be proper. Sharing feelings was not proper. But her confidant was Mark who very kindly listened. She very often felt safe with him.
Okay, enough said.
Good book I can highly recommend to clean, Victorian era romance fans.
(….not that you have to be clean for me to recommend it to you… I really did phrase that wrong, but, well, you get the gist…..I hope 😆)
June 1, 2020
Mimi Matthews has become my new favorite authoress when it comes to realistic, respectable romances. I look for authors like Georgette Heyer, Clare Darcy who write me some romances that are based on character emotion and conversation.
This book... this book made me cry. I never read someone handle a character with a mental illness so well that I want to just say 'yes, you got this and you did it' to Mrs. Matthews.
Mental illness back then and into the 1900's was something seen of an issue for women more so then men. Women who were fine otherwise, but had clinical depression, were tortured and put through unbelievable cures by physicians that either worsened the issue or resulted in death.
Beryl is a beautiful, kind, loving person and that she has for a long time developed an unknown reason for a weight in her that comes at times. An incident caused her to go on a small vacation and return to her small village prior to the marriage she is to be having. A marriage in which she feels nothing more but chose out of propriety.
Mark... he is like, oh man, THE BEST. Like, he is probably of the books I've read my favorite of Mrs. Matthews' men. He is 30, good looking, a clergy man, but so warm, opening, kind, and was a best friend to Beryl. Most people shy away from friends to lovers stories, and I tend to enjoy them if written correctly. Let me tell you, this was written so well that I saw stars. Stars and then followed by rainbows of happiness.
( There is a dog involved, which also made me gush because that little dog is so cute that I can't. )
It took me two hours to read this all in one sitting, so it is short but oh god, it was so perfect. As someone with GAD this made me feel all sorts of things, but lovely praise because it was so well done and so flipping perfect. The subject nature ; the warmth, empathy, kindness and most of all love shone through and that's what is needed in these times.
I will most certainly be recommending this book to all my friends.
This book... this book made me cry. I never read someone handle a character with a mental illness so well that I want to just say 'yes, you got this and you did it' to Mrs. Matthews.
Mental illness back then and into the 1900's was something seen of an issue for women more so then men. Women who were fine otherwise, but had clinical depression, were tortured and put through unbelievable cures by physicians that either worsened the issue or resulted in death.
Beryl is a beautiful, kind, loving person and that she has for a long time developed an unknown reason for a weight in her that comes at times. An incident caused her to go on a small vacation and return to her small village prior to the marriage she is to be having. A marriage in which she feels nothing more but chose out of propriety.
Mark... he is like, oh man, THE BEST. Like, he is probably of the books I've read my favorite of Mrs. Matthews' men. He is 30, good looking, a clergy man, but so warm, opening, kind, and was a best friend to Beryl. Most people shy away from friends to lovers stories, and I tend to enjoy them if written correctly. Let me tell you, this was written so well that I saw stars. Stars and then followed by rainbows of happiness.
( There is a dog involved, which also made me gush because that little dog is so cute that I can't. )
It took me two hours to read this all in one sitting, so it is short but oh god, it was so perfect. As someone with GAD this made me feel all sorts of things, but lovely praise because it was so well done and so flipping perfect. The subject nature ; the warmth, empathy, kindness and most of all love shone through and that's what is needed in these times.
I will most certainly be recommending this book to all my friends.
July 13, 2020
I adored this sweet Victorian romance! It has a steady curate for a hero, a brave heroine, and the depth I’ve come to expect from a Mimi Matthews story. Slight moments of humor, a lush Victorian country setting, and an adorable dog named Ernest round out this novella.
I am always pleasantly surprised by the unexpected themes and facets of humanity depicted in Mimi Matthews’ stories. In this instance, she sensitively delves into a tough one: mental illness and depression. With delicate care, Beryl’s melancholy (the Victorian term) is revealed in subtle ways. As Beryl struggles not to be defined by her unexplainable issues, her bravery and caring nature shine through. Much like her hobby of embroidery and her personal struggles, she keeps these things concealed to all but her best friend Mark, the hero who truly knows her.
Now let’s talk about Mark Rivenhall! His compassionate strength is admirable, with an uncompromising character in moments when he could lash out or declare his true feelings for Beryl. I especially appreciate the way he takes his role as curate seriously, as he does his role as brother to Henry and friend to Beryl. He is a friend to her first and foremost. It is touching that when Beryl sees flaws in herself, Mark sees only HER and answers her needs with his steady love and support. The romance in this story unfurls with HOPE, while the history already shared between Mark and Beryl makes it all the sweeter.
I’m thrilled this is the first in a new “Victorian Romantics” novella series by Mimi Matthews! I’m hopeful we’ll see some of the characters from this story again — especially Dr. Black!
Thank you to HFVBT for the review copy. This is my honest review.
I am always pleasantly surprised by the unexpected themes and facets of humanity depicted in Mimi Matthews’ stories. In this instance, she sensitively delves into a tough one: mental illness and depression. With delicate care, Beryl’s melancholy (the Victorian term) is revealed in subtle ways. As Beryl struggles not to be defined by her unexplainable issues, her bravery and caring nature shine through. Much like her hobby of embroidery and her personal struggles, she keeps these things concealed to all but her best friend Mark, the hero who truly knows her.
Now let’s talk about Mark Rivenhall! His compassionate strength is admirable, with an uncompromising character in moments when he could lash out or declare his true feelings for Beryl. I especially appreciate the way he takes his role as curate seriously, as he does his role as brother to Henry and friend to Beryl. He is a friend to her first and foremost. It is touching that when Beryl sees flaws in herself, Mark sees only HER and answers her needs with his steady love and support. The romance in this story unfurls with HOPE, while the history already shared between Mark and Beryl makes it all the sweeter.
I’m thrilled this is the first in a new “Victorian Romantics” novella series by Mimi Matthews! I’m hopeful we’ll see some of the characters from this story again — especially Dr. Black!
Thank you to HFVBT for the review copy. This is my honest review.
December 31, 2020
Heavy, but oh so sweet.🤍 The hero & heroine were perfectly written for each other. Definitely MM’s heaviest book to date as Beryl suffers depression during an era that knew little about it. As an empath I felt really down while reading through Beryl’s eyes; I guess that attests to MM’s ability to make you feel connected to her characters. Mark is such a pure hero. I enjoyed reading about a clergyman hero for a change.
Like always, Mimi Matthews is the bomb.
Like always, Mimi Matthews is the bomb.
July 15, 2020
A Beautiful Heartfelt Eloquent Victorian Romance.
“There are dark shadows on the earth, but its lights are stronger in the contrast”
Charles Dickens-
Set in beautiful English Countryside, Beryl Burnham has returned home to her small village of Shepton Worthy in Somerset England. After being mysteriously whisked away to Paris by her beloved Aunt, that has caused many to speculate her hastily trip abroad. Ready to assume her life and step into her roll as the betrothed to the Baronet Sir Henry Rivenhall, with only three months to go until her wedding Day.
Beryl has suffered quietly since childhood with unpredictable bouts of melancholy. While struggles with her inter turmoil, only a few know her secret. She carefully guards it, because this is during a time that medical treatment or the actual stigma of depression was not what it is to day.
Mark RIvenhall the local, curate to the current vicar of Shepton Worthy, has been passionately in love with the Golden haired Beryl for years. Way before his oldest brother, Henry proposed to her. He has come to terms with losing Beryl, and has written her letters out of their childhood friendship while she was away in France.
Mimi Matthews has written another stunning period piece romance, but this time with subtle and grace and sensitivity she has brought the issue of depression to light in a historical romance. Beryl is a sensitive young lady who suffers quietly from bouts melancholy, and has done so since early childhood. Mimi Matthews delicately approaches this sensitive topic of depression into her heroine’s personality, making her protagonist more real and fleshed out. The tenderness and compassion that Mark has for Beryl is exquisitely portrayed. Mark’s acceptance of Beryl’s so called affliction of unhappiness is lovely, he is tender and patient. Mark character is perfect
swoon-worthy, Victorian Gentleman, one that all of us yearn for in our lives.
“This burden of yours - this sadness - I want you to leave it with me for a day or two.”
He Buried his face in the curve of her neck she smelled of sunshine in elder flowers. Of summer days under clear blue sky.
“How I’ve wanted this.”
“What have you wanted? “
Her breath was a teasing whisper
This by far is one of my favorites reads this year, Matthews lush descriptive writing flows seamlessly and her little historical details captured my heart.
I really appreciated the use of the metaphors, from the mention of white embroidery, that is cleverly hidden in plain sight in Beryls needlepoint, to the imperfections in a Beryls Stone that adds all beautiful colors.
This Victorian romance is richly detailed and resonate with period imagery.
Beryls character struggles with depression and is mastery depicted. She is a protagonist that many of can relate to. The authors strong narrative is fluid and it was a delightful and compelling read for me.
“There are dark shadows on the earth, but its lights are stronger in the contrast”
Charles Dickens-
Set in beautiful English Countryside, Beryl Burnham has returned home to her small village of Shepton Worthy in Somerset England. After being mysteriously whisked away to Paris by her beloved Aunt, that has caused many to speculate her hastily trip abroad. Ready to assume her life and step into her roll as the betrothed to the Baronet Sir Henry Rivenhall, with only three months to go until her wedding Day.
Beryl has suffered quietly since childhood with unpredictable bouts of melancholy. While struggles with her inter turmoil, only a few know her secret. She carefully guards it, because this is during a time that medical treatment or the actual stigma of depression was not what it is to day.
Mark RIvenhall the local, curate to the current vicar of Shepton Worthy, has been passionately in love with the Golden haired Beryl for years. Way before his oldest brother, Henry proposed to her. He has come to terms with losing Beryl, and has written her letters out of their childhood friendship while she was away in France.
Mimi Matthews has written another stunning period piece romance, but this time with subtle and grace and sensitivity she has brought the issue of depression to light in a historical romance. Beryl is a sensitive young lady who suffers quietly from bouts melancholy, and has done so since early childhood. Mimi Matthews delicately approaches this sensitive topic of depression into her heroine’s personality, making her protagonist more real and fleshed out. The tenderness and compassion that Mark has for Beryl is exquisitely portrayed. Mark’s acceptance of Beryl’s so called affliction of unhappiness is lovely, he is tender and patient. Mark character is perfect
swoon-worthy, Victorian Gentleman, one that all of us yearn for in our lives.
“This burden of yours - this sadness - I want you to leave it with me for a day or two.”
He Buried his face in the curve of her neck she smelled of sunshine in elder flowers. Of summer days under clear blue sky.
“How I’ve wanted this.”
“What have you wanted? “
Her breath was a teasing whisper
This by far is one of my favorites reads this year, Matthews lush descriptive writing flows seamlessly and her little historical details captured my heart.
I really appreciated the use of the metaphors, from the mention of white embroidery, that is cleverly hidden in plain sight in Beryls needlepoint, to the imperfections in a Beryls Stone that adds all beautiful colors.
This Victorian romance is richly detailed and resonate with period imagery.
Beryls character struggles with depression and is mastery depicted. She is a protagonist that many of can relate to. The authors strong narrative is fluid and it was a delightful and compelling read for me.
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