“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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“A Modest Independence” is the second book in the Parish Orphans of Devon series and a proof of why Mimi Matthews is an emerging talent in historical fiction that you don’t want to miss. Our heroine is Jenny Holloway, a 28-year-old spinster who’s been gifted her own money from her cousin Lady Helena. Jenny decides to use her new modest independence to travel to India and see if she can find her missing, handsome cousin, the earl of Castledon. Our unlikely hero is Thomas Finchley, solicitor, who has taken his responsibility of managing her money to another level and travels with her from England. From the very first pages, set in intriguing and exotic lands far from Victorian England, the delicious tension and yearning almost drip off the pages. This is a story not only about falling in love; it’s about coming into your own and discovering what you thought was important really isn’t if you can’t be with the one who completes you. A must read!
Le meilleur roman selon moi du cycle des “orphelins”, si l’on aime les histoires épurées construites dans la subtilité. Car dans ce roman il ne se passe pas grand chose: on part à la recherche d’un disparu et cette quête anime tout le récit, jusqu’à sa résolution finale. Mais on a l’impression que l’auteur a en quelque sorte sacrifié à une exigence éditoriale (il fallait retrouver l’officier absent) tout en se passionnant pour tout autre chose: le périple, la découverte du monde, l’observation minutieuse du microcosme britannique expatrié en Egypte et en Inde, sa cruauté et sa mesquinerie, la splendeur des horizons nouveaux. On remercie Mrs Matthews pour l’extraordinaire travail de recherche accompli pour insérer le voyage de ses protagonistes dans un contexte historique amoureusement reconstitué et rendu avec brio et couleur. On ne peut qu’aimer ses personnages: une jeune femme énergique et curieuse, amante de sa liberté jusqu’à sacrifier ses sentiments, et l’homme qui, grâce à elle, se libère d’une vie dont il ne percevait pas les limitations. Un excellent roman !
Ah, Mimi Matthews, you did it to me again! Grabbed me and pulled me into your story, ripped my heart into pieces, then put it all back together, better than ever. I read the first book in the Parish Orphans of Devon series, and I absolutely loved it. I believed there was no way this one could match the magic of the first; I was totally wrong! Not only was there a beautiful romance, but the author’s meticulous research made mid-19th century India and Egypt come alive.
Jenny Holloway, a former lady’s companion, and Tom Finchley, a solicitor, were introduced in the previous installment; they became friends. (Don’t worry….this story stands alone with no problem.) Jenny’s friend/former employer Helena gave Jenny funds so she could be a self-sufficient woman. Jenny is a strong-willed, independent heroine who craves adventure. She decides to travel to India to discover what happened to Helena’s brother Giles. He allegedly died in battle, but she feels the need to really find out. Tom is her solicitor and controls her funds. When he discovers her plans, he simply cannot in good conscience let her go alone. On to India!
I really liked Jenny, but it was Tom who grabbed my heart and instilled the book with magic. He wasn’t a tall, dark and handsome dashing hero, but was a thoughtful, serious and sometimes ruthless solicitor. Though he was falling for Jenny, he respected her right to be independent, even when the thought of them going their separate ways after their trip ripped his heart in two. His emotions and character made him the most handsome man in any room. He had me sighing throughout the entire story, and unsuccessfully holding back tears during the last third of the book. Ms. Matthews truly writes fascinating heroes and heroines in her books. Their emotions will touch your heart, so much so that you hate the story to end. The next installment cannot come fast enough for me. I am totally smitten with this author’s romances.
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 are entirely my own.
What?!? A romance book where the characters actually talk about their feelings? *gasp* Seriously though, it was really refreshing. There was no high drama internal dialogue where the characters wondered what the other one was thinking or feeling because they straight up told each other, hey, I like you and I want to be with you. Did that mean there wasn’t any romantic tension? No. Because while they both had feelings for each other, they both also had some personal things they needed to work through before they could let themselves see a future together that was more than temporary.
I really enjoyed the variety of settings and it was fun to travel along with the characters from England to India. I think the author did a great job at balancing the perceptions of the time period as well. Although *slightly* long winded, I thoroughly enjoyed the book.
The best historical romance I’ve read in many years. Brilliant!
Wow. Hotter than Calcutta in the middle of summer and the characters barely touch. Beautifully crafted. This is wonderful writing.
Tom and Jenny aided Lady Helena and Justin in The Matrimonial Advertisement. Here is their story. While Jenny is attracted to Tom, she refuses to think of marriage and giving up her new-found freedom and control over her own life. When Tom realizes Jenny must have some feelings for him, he decides to accompany her on her quest to India. He hopes to keep her safe and to use the time for some persuasion to his suit. Little descriptions of looks made my heart ache for Tom, as it must have seemed to him he would not be able to sway Jenny.
Their long trip – from London via France, Malta and Egypt to India – is described in some detail. How exhausting the travel must have been.
A long journey to find the truth about someone lost to war, to be free, to find out who you really are, and who you want to be. Jenny takes that journey, I think she finds all she was looking for and so much more. It was so refreshing to read a book where the characters talked about their feelings! And they kissed! Not a mere peck on a cheek or a lady’s fingers, full on the mouth real kissing! Jenny and Tom talked to each other about everything. I loved it!
There are a lot of travel details in this story. Some readers may find it tedious, I did not. After reading the author’s notes and learning how much of the journey from London to Darjeeling was actual fact, I appreciated that the author made it a little easier. I thought it was fascinating. It also made me thankful for modern transportation!
I enjoyed reading my Kindle and/or listening to the Audible version of this story, it was time well spent. I look forward to the next Parish Orphans book!
A Modest Independence by Mimi Matthews
Parish Orphans of Devon #2
Okay…okay…not sure what to say…yes…that is what I am thinking as I write this review. I was eager to read this book because the first book in the series really made an impact…there was a woman in need and a man who had need(s) and they figured out how to meet those needs…and the story is so much more than that and left me eager to read this book because…I wanted to know…what a woman would do when given money that would change her life, give her independence and allow her to purchase more than she had ever thought possible. I liked the male and female leads in this book and REALLY wanted to see how they would find their HEA. They were both older and she was a spinster at 28 to his 33. And yet, many times they seemed so much younger than their true years…And… I kept wanting to be there and tell them that propriety and rigidity might better be left behind.
In reading this book I also learned that:
* What one lives and learns while growing up will impact your life
* Sometimes it is easier to believe what you think is true rather than following what you believe/know is true
* Sometimes…well…sometimes…the stuffy historical rigid confines of the past really screw up the characters I am reading about now.
* Women were really without much say over their lives when this book took place and because of this they needed to be wise to the ways of men and laws and such BUT they also had to be wise enough to see that not all men are going to take advantage of the women in their lives.
* Sometimes what one foresees as the best way to live may need some tweaking or be reevaluated.
* A leap of faith and really listening to what your gut is telling you SHOULD be listened to.
And after all of that…this is a book that left me believing it was more of a travelogue with a nuance of romance than a typical romance. It has a historical setting, a male and female lead, a journey, a quest and an eventual happy ending BUT…it could have been more. For me it was a journey more romance…a historical journey that focused on the author’s interest in the time period and locations rather than… a ROMANCE.
That said…I DEFINITELY want to find out what happened to Archer (where is he) AND hope that the man, once a boy, who FELL and suffered head trauma will also find a HEA. I mean…four young boys left in a horrific situation now able to help one another ALL deserve a HEA of their own.
Thank you to NetGally and Perfectly Proper Press for the ARC – This is my honest review.
4-5 Stars
England, 1859 I felt as if I had tumbled back into one of the great classic novels with such amazing prose that I felt transported to that time and place. The descriptions of the characters and their dialogue came off the page opened up my mind. After reading the first book in this series, I could not wait to read this one and it pulled me in quickly.
Fortuitously, Jenny Holloway, a former ladies maid now had some funds to become independent. She had dreamed of seeing the world and having an adventure outside of England. But she also wanted to find out what happened to her friend the Earl of Castleton by going to India. So she first had to go the her solicitor Tom Finchley to release the funds. Tom is taken with Jenny and sees her as a kindred spirit and friend and decides spontaneously to escort her on her journey!
Thus starts the building of a wonderful friendship of two people who did not grow up in the best of circumstances but have found themselves enjoying each other and life.
This book pulled me with the brilliant words of this author who has created a lovely romance that took it’s time to build which was all the more sweet. I highly recommend and know that you wil thank me once you have turned the last page!
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 found Jenny and Tom’s relationship to be unusual and somewhat fascinating.
I loved the journey they took to, and through India.
The negative for me was the repeated use of God’s name in vain (not speaking to Him or about Him), though it was considerably less than in book one.
I have really enjoyed the entire series!
This Victorian romance only spends a few pages in England. The rest of it is a travelogue through France, Malta, Egypt, and India. It is definitely an antidote to 2020 quarantines. Jenny is a fantastic heroine who is both confident and unsure of her next step, while Tom is an interesting Gryffindor who has been raised by a Slytherin (the book makes no Harry Potter references, but this is how I view the world). This is a closed-door romance with lots of yearning and some nice kisses, but I was mostly there for the adventure and the seeming impossible Happily Ever After
The Parish Orphans of Devon is a wonderful series by a talented author. I’ve enjoyed getting to know the four orphans that are showcased in this series, and it was fun to read Tom and Jenny’s story and get to know them. The descriptions of the exotic places they traveled to were fascinating. I could almost see and smell the land as they journeyed. There were parts that seemed to drag a bit, but all in all it’s an engaging tale.
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!
I enjoyed the rest of this series- this one, not so much, with a difficult heroine whose unpleasantness made this a tedious read. My recommendation is to enjoy the remaining books in the series, skim this just to get the gist of the story.
Loved this but only gave it 4 starts because I got a bit frustrated with the female being SO independent. In the end they did have their HEA but it took forever!
This 4-book series’ common thread is of four men who grew up together in a brutal orphanage finding purpose and a deep and satisfying love. This central theme allows the author to fully develop
both the male and female characters, with especial care to the males, I think. In fact, in this book, I adored Tom and the complexity of his character, while I struggled until the very end to like Jenny and her character. Another thing of note which quite surprised me was, right in the middle, the book took a Gatsby-esque tone. Happiness just out of reach. Grasping, yet reluctant to reach far enough to fully embrace it. Thwarted love. Selfish at times. Dark and depressing. It was a bold and difficult move to pull off, but it fit perfectly and added depth to the story. Thankfully, it was a momentary tone and, as with all good romances, ended well.
I gave this 4 stars because Mimi Matthews does excellent research and it shows in all her stories. She has a command of the era. She is able to paint a picture so I imagine myself there. She is very skilled at her craft. This was true for this book as well. Her stories are complex with lots of layers to them. I have some mixed feelings about the h and parts of the stroy that fell more to a 3-3/12. Though the h wasn’t my favorite. I was able to see where she was coming from and saw how she came to be. I found I liked the H more though he was pretty flawed as well. I felt he grew and matured. I don’t think the h ever truly gave up her man hating ways. I made notes as I read that said how bitter and unforgiving she was. She had a lot of pride and would paint all men with one broad brush. Perhaps this part of her character is to show how women didn’t have very many rights back then. I felt she kind of used the H a bit and was on the self centered side during their travels. Some people complained the story is a bit drawn out because most of the book is with them on their travels. I could see how other readers felt it a bit slow. I was able to focus on the budding relationship so that didn’t really become a problem for me. Their romance seemed more physical attraction and passionate kissing than a connection with heart and mind. I do appreciate the no bedroom scenes. I would say the heat rating is pg-13 with the kissing and description. Also, the wedding night does get a mention but no description. The h said it started in the afternoon and he was an attentive lover. I could do with out all that was previously mentioned but thankfully nothing was detailed & we’re never led up to the bedroom door so to speak. I do like the flow of Mimi’s stories and dialgoue. I really enjoyed book #1 and her other books. Hopefully, this mixed review is a one off. I’m really interested in finishing the series.
So much more than I expected!
I have many books waiting to be read in my TBR file, but when a new-to-me author catches my attention, I can’t resist! Well, Neville and Clara’s story (the 4th in Mimi Matthews’ Parish Orphans of Devon series) definitely called to me. Usually I would read as a stand-alone, but the more I checked out these stories, I had to have the entire 4 book collection! So glad I did! Each and every one brought new and unique storylines, building on the lives of the four boys and the heart wrenching trials they faced growing up together as orphans in a remote coastal town. With wonderful characters and amazing writing, as fast as I finished one book, I dove into the next. I was glued to this series until I turned the last page of the final book.
I highly recommend, and am looking forward to more of this author’s work.
I love this series. A Modest Independence is the second book in the new Parish Orphans of Devon series by Mimi Matthews. In this book we follow Jenny and Tom as they travel in varying degrees of comfort by ship, train, cart, and carriage from England to India.
A Modest Independence proves to be quite different from A Matrimonial Advertisement, but no less enjoyable. This book has less a sense of high risk and urgency because there really is no time contraint pressing on our main characters like in the first book. No one is in any form of mortal danger either this time around, but there is a good mystery and adventure on our hands. Is Giles really dead? And if by chance he isn’t, what has become of him that he never made it home?
Tom we know from the first book as one of Justin’s dear friends, with whom he grew up at the orphange. At the start of this book, we don’t know too terribly much about Tom besides the fact that he’s more quiet and unassuming than Justin and that he was a great help to Helena in helping to get her story out and keeping her safe from her plotting uncle.
Jenny we also know from A Matrimonial Advertisement. Jenny is a distant cousin to Helena and also served as a lady’s companion to her before Helena’s uncle cast her out to prevent her interfering with his plans to have Helena committed to an asylum. But Jenny isn’t content to sit by, she instead does everything she can to help Helena get away and create a life for herself where her uncle cannot simpy claim her back.
Now that Helena is safe from her uncle and happily married to Justin, she has settled a very generous sum on Jenny so that she may live comfortably and independently in the manner she chooses. Jenny has been dreaming of independence for so long, so she decides to go traveling. And where better to travel than India, where she make take in sights and explore new cultures and food. But it is also where she hopes to find Giles, Helena’s presumed to be dead, missing brother; whether she find him dead or alive. As much for herself as for Helena.
Tom decides that he will accompany her on her travels, even if she is wholly against the idea at first. He wishes to travel with her as much out of concern for her safety as the hopes that there is something between them. Traveling under the guise of her half-brother in such close quarters over such a long period of time proves difficult though. Both because of their mutual attraction and out of fear of irreparably damaging their reputations.
The biggest source of conflict between them is their inability to compromise even a little. On both sides. She isn’t willing to give up her freedom and independence so soon after gaining it, nor is she willing to trust that a man wouldn’t seek to take away her independence if they were to marry. Tom isn’t willing to give up any of his comforts or the predictability of his life after a childhood of want and instability growing up in the orphanage, to cast all this and his career aside for a life of traveling at her side.
They were both so stubborn over this point. So many times it became a source of conflict for them, especially as their impending seperation loomed closer. It became tedious some times and I really wanted to knock their heads together to make them see sense. I respected that Jenny was willing to stand up for what she wanted though, that she was willing to strike out and exert her independence in a time and place where this was not the easiest of options. And I respected Tom so much for being such a decent guy. He tried at every turn to be as respectful as he could of her, both of her reputation and her dreams. I mean besides at the start of the book when he was quite high handed with her and dictated the course of her adventure without cosulting her and tagged along. At the start I thought I was not going to enjoy reading a romance featuring him. But he came around and I was less inclined to smack him. Then eventually to the point where I respected him.
One of the most refreshing aspects of a Mimi Matthews book it the absolute dedication she puts into doing her research on the historic components, both of the book’s plot and characters’ dialogue. Many historic fictions make the mistake of leaning toward more modern nuances, which result in a disconnected and disappointing read. But the accuracy and flow of Matthews’ writing style is so authentic and researched that it manages to transport you back to Victorian England, adventuring alongside our characters.
I strongly recommend this book. If you enjoyed A Matrimonial Advertisement, if you enjoy some mild mystery, or are a fan of the historical fiction genre you should give this book a read.
Many thanks to Mimi Matthews who enabled me to recieve an ARC of this book though a giveaway on her website. This is my honest reveiw.