Tracy DeNeal's Reviews > A Modest Independence

This book! This story! I was swept away by Mimi Matthews’ elegant and descriptive prose. I’ve spent the last few days living and breathing in the Victorian era.

I felt the discomfort and indignities of foreign travel, the discomfort of Western clothing in an arid southeastern climate, the microagressions perpetrated upon indigenous peoples in their own homeland by thoughtless and ignorant interlopers and the burgeoning stirrings of an unexpected romance between two prickly individuals who had lived a lifetime with no expectations in that regard.

Matthews brings history to life for me. Her research is outstanding. I’ve learned so much about events that were never covered in World History classes from my school days. When reading her novels, I find myself searching other sources to get additional flavor on events that she touches upon. My love of history is sparked by her wonderful stories.

Brava! Tom Finchley and Jenny Holloway were such masterfully created protagonists. A former lady’s companion with an independent and managing personality coupled with an orphan who has risen from humble means to become an influential solicitor—not your usual romance protagonists. Let me tell you, I adored this pairing. I hung onto every syllable of every exchange between the two of them. Their conversational volleys and the unspoken chemistry between the two of them elevated this slow burning romance to the level of a tour de force of the genre.

I was privileged to be gifted a copy of this book from the author, but that won’t stop me from purchasing a copy upon release.

My only regret is that I discovered this author too early in her writing career. There is no back catalog for me to delve into. I’ve read all of her fiction works as they’ve been published and now I have to wait with bated breath for the next installment.

I recommend this series to fellow historical romance lovers. If you want intelligent romance between mature adults who actually *gasp* talk to each other, you will love this series. I know that I do!