“Fans of the series will enjoy exploring secondary characters’ lives and the truly heroic compromises Tom makes to be with the woman he loves.” -Library Journal
He Needed Peace…Solicitor Tom Finchley has spent his life using his devious intellect to solve the problems of others. As for his own problems, they’re nothing that a bit of calculated vengeance can’t remedy. But that’s all over now. … calculated vengeance can’t remedy. But that’s all over now. He’s finally ready to put the past behind him and settle down to a quiet, uncomplicated life. If only he could find an equally uncomplicated woman.
She Wanted Adventure…
Former lady’s companion Jenny Holloway has just been given a modest independence. Now, all she wants is a bit of adventure. A chance to see the world and experience life far outside the restrictive limits of Victorian England. If she can discover the fate of the missing Earl of Castleton while she’s at it, so much the better.
From the gaslit streets of London to the lush tea gardens of colonial India, Jenny and Tom embark on an epic quest–and an equally epic romance. But even at the farthest edges of the British Empire, the past has a way of catching up with you…
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This was a wonderfully researched Victorian-era road romance with the kind of beta hero I adore–a quiet, unassuming guy who gets things done. Matthews takes us on the long voyage from Britain to India in 1860 as the heroine searches for proof of life for her cousin, who also happened to be her first crush.
I’m enjoying the Parish Orphans of Devon series and look forward to more from Mimi Matthews
Loved this story! Mimi is a wonderful writer. The slow building romance, with such great dialogue and interaction between the characters! Lots of authors fill pages with settings and places and history and miss building a good romance and characters. This author does a great job of giving me the kind of romance I want to read. This is a proper romance and it’s keep chaste but some awesome stolen kisses are involved:) I have enjoyed this series and have already bought the next book.
I really enjoy the Parish Orphans of Devon series! The characters are wonderful, and I love the history and destinations. A great read, didn’t want the story to end. I can’t wait for the next adventure.
Mimi Mathews is one of my favorite historical romance authors. Her writing rings true and is never boring. She excels at creating chemistry between her characters. This book was no exception.
A Modest Independence is the second book in Mimi Matthews’ Parish Orphans of Devon series, and brings together solicitor Tom Finchley and companion Jenny Holloway. Having read the first book, The Matrimonial Advertisement, I was anticipating more of Matthews’ great writing and character development and was not disappointed.
Tom has been given charge of the financial “independence” of 5000 pounds that Lady Helena has bestowed on Jenny. She is intent on using it to gain her literal independence, get away from the constraints of life in England, and see the world.
“One grows tired of waiting for knights in shining armor. Sometimes nothing will do but to rescue oneself.”
Tom sees a kindred spirit in Jenny as he knows what it’s like to “thirst for freedom, to dream of starting one’s life anew.” He feels a deep attraction to and wouldn’t mind being Jenny’s knight in shining armor.
“If he wanted her in his life, he couldn’t win her with plotting and trickery. He would have to win her on his own merits. Not as an attorney, but as a man.”
It is a man in love who puts his life on hold to give Jenny what she wants – independence, freedom and adventure – and Matthews paints a vivid picture of their travel and adventure during the Victorian period.
Tom is a wonderful character and so ready to love Jenny. As I read the story, the adage, “If you love someone, set them free. If they come back , they’re yours. If they don’t, they never were” resounded. In his love for her, Tom sets Jenny free. So emotional and heartfelt!
Their HEA only comes when Jenny finally learns that independence, freedom, and adventure mean nothing if she’s not with the one she loves.
I received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I’m definitely looking forward to book three!
I enjoyed this book but I did not think it was as good as the book written before this one. The main characters were not as believable.
There was something missing with Tom and Jenny. They each were looking for something that would round out their lives. Neither expecting or knowing the other was just around the corner.
I enjoyed their story. I enjoyed getting to know the two. I enjoyed their journeys around the British Empire holdings’. The history. The vibrancy of the era. The characters. The romance. All these things together should have given me the historical fiction romance that I was wanting on this day, but there was just something that I was looking for that I did not find. I very much enjoyed the read but loved book one of the series so much more.
Love the way Mimi Matthews writes! The characters are original and the story travels from England to India, Egypt and other places and back to England. It’s an unusual story and keeps you interested as it goes along. There is a HEA but a lot happens in between. Very well done!
I can’t wait for the next book to find out what happened to Alex Archer
Solicitor Tom Finchley has spent his life using his devious intellect to solve the problems of others. As for his own problems, they’re nothing that a bit of calculated vengeance can’t remedy. Former lady’s companion Jenny Holloway has just been given a modest independence. Now, all she wants is a bit of adventure. A chance to see the world and experience life far outside the restrictive limits of Victorian England. If she can discover the fate of the missing Earl of Castleton while she’s at it, so much the better.
From the gaslit streets of London to the lush tea gardens of colonial India, Jenny and Tom embark on an epic quest–and an equally epic romance.
I never pass on a chance to read one of the author’s books & this didn’t disappoint, the second in the series but could easily be read on its own. A captivating read that made me loathe to put it down. A very well written book with delightful well portrayed characters & also a well paced story. I really liked the balance between mystery & romance. I liked both Tom & Jenny & they were so meant to be together I loved the road to their HEA
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
A Modest Independence is the second book in the Parish Orphans of Devon. This book features Tom Finchley and Jenny Holloway. This book took the reader from London to India. The author did an amazing job with the descriptions. I felt as if I was on the adventure with them. I enjoyed the story and the characters. The romance is a slow build up. The kisses are swoon worthy. The ending is a very happily ever after. Which I love. This is a clean book and I enjoyed it. Did I like it as well as the Matrimonial Advertisement? Not as much, but it was just different and I’m sure some will like it even better. With that said, I am looking forward to the next book.
*I was given a copy via Netgalley. This is my honest opinion.
A Modest Independence, Mimi Matthews’ follow-up to The Matrimonial Advertisement, is a slow-burn romance spread across continents. Thomas Finchley, an unprepossessing solicitor, decides spontaneously to accompany his client, Jenny Holloway, in her search for a friend’s missing brother in India. This premise was set up in the The Matrimonial Advertisement.
With nothing more to go on than her friend’s assertion that she just knows her brother is alive, Jenny sets out to find him. She wants an adventure somewhere different without relying on anyone but herself. This is where the story bogs down. Without Thomas’ help, I’m not sure she could have gotten out of London. Thomas planned the itinerary, bought the passages, hired the servants, managed her money, and in general, made the decisions, all the time saying Jenny is doing it.
Jenny’s character development is admirable and she matures from start to finish. Her development was retarded by her past, but she finally grows up. Thomas’ doesn’t change quite as dramatically, but he at least gets out of the office. Jenny’s understanding of what love is, takes the entire book; Thomas seems to have known all along.
I was impatient with both of them at various times (don’t get me started on Giles). The end is quite satisfactory. I don’t think we have heard the last of them, there are plenty of breadcrumbs for the next Parish Orphans of Devon.
Thanks to NetGalley for allowing me to review this book.