“[Matthews’] books are classics and remind me of Georgette Heyer and Mary Balogh…simply wonderful.” -Jane Porter, New York Times bestselling authorA USA TODAY BESTSELLER She Needed A Husband… It’s been three years since Laura Hayes’s father died, leaving her and her invalid brother to subsist on the income from the family’s failing perfume business. But time is swiftly running out. What she … failing perfume business. But time is swiftly running out. What she needs is a husband, and fast. A noble gentleman who can rescue them all from penury. When a mysterious stranger arrives in the village, he seems a perfect candidate. But Alex Archer is no hero. In fact, he just might be the opposite.
He Wanted a Fortune…
Alex has no tolerance for sentiment. He’s returned to England for one reason only: to find a wealthy wife. A country-bred heiress in Surrey seems the perfect target. But somewhere between the village railway station and the manor house his mercenary plan begins to unravel. And it’s all the fault of Laura Hayes–a lady as unsuitable as she is enchanting.
From the beaches of Margate to the lavender fields of Provence, a grudging friendship slowly blossoms into something more. But when scandal threatens, can a man who has spent his entire life playing the villain, finally become a hero? Or will the lure of easy riches once again outweigh the demands of his heart?
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A Convenient Fiction By Mimi Matthews
Parrish Orphans of Devon #3
Perfect in every way – I loved this book! I was swept into the story and really cared about Alex, Laura and Laura’s family. At first I thought Alex was a bit of a scoundrel but what a scoundrel he was…and what a warm tender heart he had lurking beneath! This book made me care and feel and wonder and took me back in time. I learned a bit about swimming in 1860 and as my father had and my brother has interest resuscitation this was a part of the book that reminded me of them.
What I liked:
* Laura – what a strong, intelligent , caring woman she was with the will to take on so much for those she loved
* Alex – I admired his strength and ability to survive then thrive coming from the horrible beginning he was born to.
* Edward – Laura’s brother was a man I believe might be in need of a story of his own and do hope the author will write it for him. He seems to have depths that will be interesting to plumb
* The vicar – a good man with a rascal of a son.
* The way the story was told with the interweaving of the men from the stories in previous books
* Wondering if Neville will find true love in a book of his own.
What I did not like:
* A few people that redeemed themselves in the end
* The pain and suffering the orphans went through
* Weatherwax…despicable creature – won’t say more but know you will feel the same when you read the book.
Did I enjoy this book: Definitely
Will I read more in this series: As soon as I can!
Thank you to NetGalley and Perfectly Proper Press for the ARC – This is my honest review.
5 Stars
A Convenient Fiction is the third book of The Parish Orphans of Devon series by Mimi Matthews. The first book I read by this author was The Matrimonial Advertisement, the first of this series. I was totally blown away by that story. I thought at the time that there was no way that Ms. Matthews could write a better book than that; I was dead wrong. Each book after that kept getting better and better, I swear they did. And considering I gave the first book 5 stars, that is saying a lot. Mary Balogh and Grace Burrowes have always been the epitome of historical romance writers to me. Ladies, please scooch over a bit and make room for Mimi Matthews on your exalted pedestal. That’s not hyperbole; I love her writing that much.
If you haven’t read the first two books of the series, you won’t be lost. However, I suggest that you read them first. Having a bit of background on the dynamics of the orphans adds so much to the “feels” in the story. Alex Archer was the boy who ran from England as far and fast as he could when the opportunity arose. He’s back, looking for an heiress to marry. It’s not the money he wants, but land; he feels that it will give him a sense of belonging. On the way to meet his possible heiress, he spies a young woman in a pond whom he believes is drowning. He “rescues” her, only to find out she doesn’t need rescuing. The young woman is Laura Hayes, the daughter of a deceased perfumer, who is not anywhere close to being an heiress. Yet he is totally drawn to her. Read the book blurb to read more of the story synopsis; I’d rather talk about the emotions. Yes, those pesky uncontrollable emotions that can make or break a romance novel.
Laura is overwhelmed in life, with no one to really lean on. Her deceased father left his business in a shambles, with barely any money to keep her family afloat. She basically has to beg his solicitor to give the family funds to live on. Her younger brother was crippled from a fever. Her aunt who has heart issues also lives with them. Laura cares for them all. All she desires is to get the business running again…and to swim in the ocean. Alex, on the other hand, fears the ocean. He’s made money from gambling and is by no means destitute, but he wants land. Alex hides a lot from Laura; you can easily see that he is unhappy with his past actions and doesn’t believe he deserves love. He wants to protect Laura from what he’s done and endured in order to survive. Oh, their interactions touched my heart and boy, did I cry! I think I cried through the last third of the book. My heart hurt for Alex. He was seeking absolution; would he get what he desired?
This is a book you can share with your mother and grandmother. Physical intimacies are behind closed doors; it’s the beautiful writing that makes you feel their attraction and need for each other. I’ve said this before about this author’s writing – you don’t realize until after you’ve finished the book and your face is puffy from crying that there wasn’t any sex. The story just sweeps you away. ~Sigh~ I want more! The fourth orphan’s story can’t come out quickly enough for me. Actually, ANY book by Ms. Matthews can’t come out quickly enough for me!
I received an ARC of this book courtesy of the publisher and NetGalley. I received no compensation for my review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Ever since her father’s death, Laura Hayes has been forced to shoulder the burden of her invalid brother and the family finances. An unscrupulous lawyer holds the remnants of the family fortune, and in order to wrest control of her father’s property from his oily fingers, Laura must marry. Husbands are scarce in rural Surrey, however. Dissolute neighbor George Wright is hardly a prime choice, and given their past history, Laura would never accept his advances…matrimonial or otherwise.
When George brings a handsome friend named Alex Archer home to visit, Laura is instantly drawn to him. But although Mr. Archer seems to feel the same attraction, he is also assiduous in his attentions to local heiress, Henrietta Talbot. Is Mr. Archer nothing more than a manipulative fortune hunter, or does he have the kindness and character to be the savior Laura Hayes needs?
Alex Archer has arrived in Surrey with one goal in mind: to marry, and marry rich. But although foolish George has provided him with the necessary introduction to Miss Henrietta Talbot, Alex finds another woman occupying his thoughts entirely. The penurious Miss Hayes, with her alabaster skin and raven-haired beauty, seems determined to peer through his carefully-crafted façade and see him as he truly is. And this, more than anything, terrifies him, for he has spent his entire life running from the demons of his past, insulating his loneliness with lies, and pushing away anyone who threatens to come too close.
This book is a beautiful addition to Mimi Matthews’ Parish Orphans of Devon series. While the book can stand on its own, it’s helpful to know the past stories of Alex’s “brothers” from the orphanage (Justin Thornhill from A Matrimonial Advertisement and Tom Finchley from A Modest Independence). I particularly enjoyed getting a glimpse of Finchley again and seeing his unfinished business with Alex Archer resolved.
As the opening scene commences, one wonders if things will stay “proper” in this romance, but the relationship between the main characters is sweet throughout. One of the best moments of the book was when Laura declares to Alex that he doesn’t really want property, he wants a family, and family is exactly what she has to offer him. It is a breathtakingly simple truth often overlooked in romance novels.
The imagery of being pulled underwater is woven throughout the novel, both in a literal and metaphorical manner–foreshadowed in the first scene and fulfilled in a most dramatic way as the book moves to its climax. One of the things I appreciate about Mimi Matthews’ book is that she doesn’t always conclude with wedding bells but lets us follow the couple a few weeks or months further, to the point where they have truly grown into their love for each other. This book is a satisfying romance on its own merits but even richer when you see the connections with the other Parish Orphans of Devon. Recommended.
Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this title from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Mimi Matthews does it again–A CONVENIENT FICTION is utterly engrossing with characters I love. Her books are classics and remind me of Georgette Heyer and Mary Balogh…simply wonderful.
Another excellent book in the Parish Orphans of Devon series! The hero is terrified of love, not realizing he’d been loved by his orphan brothers, and the heroine has been too long on her own, managing her family’s complicated circumstances. Great writing and characterization!
It’s been three years since Laura Hayes’s father died, leaving her and her invalid brother to subsist on the income from the family’s failing perfume business. But time is swiftly running out. What she needs is a husband, and fast. When a mysterious stranger arrives in the village, he seems a perfect candidate. He’s returned to England for one reason only: to find a wealthy wife. A country-bred heiress in Surrey seems the perfect target. But somewhere between the village railway station and the manor house his mercenary plan begins to unravel. And it’s all the fault of Laura Hayes–a lady as unsuitable as she is enchanting.
This is the third book in this brilliant series, this is my favourite of the three books the enigmatic Alex Archer returns. I love a rogue who is redeemed & a feisty heroine. I loved the chemistry between the two. Well written with very well portrayed characters & a story that draws you in from the start & holds you engrossed until the end. The author is definitely on my growing list of must read authors
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
I would give this book far more than 5*
I don’t know where to even begin to describe how amazing this book is. I won’t be able to do it justice because I don’t have the gift of language that Ms. Matthews has.
Everything about the book is truly wonderful. Alex Archer is up there with my all time favorite heroes. He just tugs at my heartstrings. How can a man be so worthy of compassion for all he has suffered, be such a strong and caring person? Ms. Matthews created the perfect hero.
I won’t summarize the plot, but one thing that really sticks out in her writing is how eloquently and with such economy of words, Ms. Matthews portrays the poignant vulnerability of her characters. I must have highlighted a quarter of the book. She puts into words the feelings and fears that all humans must share.
The historical background was so deftly described that even things I already knew were fascinating—she gave background and added information.
The plot is original and the story held my attention up until the last page, and even though the ending was a happy one, I wanted more! I made sure I preordered the next book in the series, Neville’s story.
I plan to read it again!
I was lucky to win an advance copy of this book, but I have already preordered it. (As well as her next one). I cannot recommend this enough!
Well researched, accurate Victorian romance a la Georgette Heyer but with a touch of Charlotte Bronte gothic. Great character and relationship development including passion between the hero/heroine.
It makes an addictive audiobook.
She is one of my favorite authors writing about the Regency Period with a little mystery and wit thrown in.
This book is really one of a series of the story of orphans and their reunion after a difficult separation and their romantic encounters with wonderful soul mates and their relationships and marriages. It is delightful and unusual and somehow true to life and heartwarming and sad and good. The characters are individuals, real and not always likeable but the story line is not predictable or frustrating either. I would recommend the whole series and the author.
Loved this book and cannot wait to read the next book in the series. Great characters and I felt like I was right there watching it unfold.
The whole series is great
I usually stick to Christian Fiction but also enjoy clean historical fiction. I stumbled across this series and overall I enjoyed it.
I found the emotional, physical, and storyline tension captivating and couldn’t wait to read more.
I enjoyed how Laura and Alex were drawn to each other as friends first and were more surprised at their inconvenient attraction to one another.
I enjoyed their travels to the beach, and to Paris.
I was glad to finally get to know Alex (the orphan that got away.)
I have really enjoyed this entire series!
This series has quickly become one of my favorites and I’m looking forward to binge-reading all the books next year! I love the way the characters come to life in my mind, and the setting is vivid without being overly described. The methods of sea bathing in the era were especially fascinating. It was easy to connect to Laura and Alex’s emotions and sense their vulnerabilities and struggles amid their strengths. They both have a character arc where they develop and shift as their ideas are upended and their unexpected relationship brings complications and blessings. Laura has a strong loyalty with her family, while Alex is reconciling complex feelings about his past and the “brothers” he left behind from the orphanage. I loved seeing his perspective of the events from their childhood that set them each on a different course, and their reunion. Highly recommend!
Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.
This book opens with an arresting opening scene: Laura is happily submerged in a pond when Alex “saves” her. She is angry; he is scared. It has the magical charm of Anne of Green Gables. From there, the plot unfurls in the summery English countryside. Alex is there to court Laura’s best friend. Laura is suspicios, but distracted by her own worries. Alex is distracted by Laura. It was interesting to be centered in a hero who is essnetially selfish, without seeing him as an alpha-hole. Laura, meanwhile, is enchanting and self-sufficient. I wouldn’t have minded a little more steam, but otherwise this was a great read! (The blurb makes this sound like it is a marriage of convenience, but that isn’t actually very central to the plot.)
“The truth always matters.” (quote from the book)
Mimi Matthew’s books cleanse the palate – offering delightful and meaningful fare that touches the heart.
This is Book 3 of the Parish Orphans of Devon series and though it could be considered a standalone, I strongly suggest that you start at the beginning of the series with Book 1, “The Matrimonial Advertisement”, as they are all connected to the overall arc of the series.
This is Alex Archer’s story. A man who has been running from his past since he left the orphanage and escaped from his apprenticeship. One that still haunts him. As much as he feels himself to be less than honorable, his actions betray him. Coming face-to-face with a water nymph throws his plan to marry an heiress with property to the wind.
‘But he felt nothing. He was, as always, quite cold to the heart.” (quote from the book)
This water nymph is Laura Hayes. A woman of impertinence and determination and one who is responsible for her invalid brother, Edward and their Aunt Charlotte. Until her brother comes of age or she marries, their life, business and finances are controlled by their deceased father’s solicitor, Mr. Weatherwax. But where in Lower Hartley would she find a husband? Where would she get the money to bring their family’s perfume business back to life?
“But she knew the importance of scent. It was love, and loss, and memory. A single sniff was all it took to bring the past alive.” (quote from the book)
When these two come together, you can feel the storm clouds gathering. Each are prickly and sensitive. Laura has a way of seeing straight to the heart of a person or matter. I loved their chemistry. There were delightful hints of phrases from ‘Pride and Prejudice’ that I just loved. But for the most part, these two do communicate. But both are not revealing all their secrets.
The imagery conveyed by the descriptive writing made me feel as if I was there. There is no ‘excess’ in Ms. Matthews prose. It succinctly captures the visual and the emotional so beautifully. I must say, there is nothing better than having a Mimi Matthews’ book in one’s Kindle waiting for just the right time to excite and soothe one’s soul.
I think it was Rachel McMillan that first introduced me to Mimi Matthews. I read one book and I was hooked and couldn’t wait to read ALL the books!
I’m a fan and I really enjoyed each of the instalments in the Parish Orphans series. With beautiful characters, lush landscapes and compelling storytelling I think you will too!
Not as enjoyable as some of Mimi Matthews’ other books
Really enjoy this author and this was another good entry in her Parish Orphans series