–A LIBRARY JOURNAL BEST ROMANCE of 2020–“A kindhearted love story that will delight anyone who longs to be loved without limits. Highly recommended.” -Library Journal, STARRED review.“Historical romance fans won’t want to miss this.” -Publishers Weekly, STARRED reviewA Secret Burden…After a mysterious sojourn in Paris, Beryl Burnham has returned home to the village of Shepton Worthy ready to … 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?
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Mimi Matthews is one of my favorite historical fiction writers. Her stories are populated with such fascinating characters, and they always keep me riveted to the page. This book was especially interesting to me since it dealt with what was called “melancholia,” which is usually referred to today as deep depression or anxiety. Although this wasn’t as long as her usual stories, it felt complete in itself. The main characters, Mark and Beryl, are so engaging and wonderfully drawn, and I enjoyed them very much.
What a heartfelt, lovely story, with characters that tugged at my heartstrings. I was hooked from the very first page as I rooted for Beryl and Mark, all the while wondering how they would surmount the huge obstacles in their path on their way to their HEA.
Creating a heroine with clinical depression in an era when it wasn’t understood was a very brave thing for Mimi Matthews to do. And she does it exceptionally well. I imagine it must have been very hard to cope with mental illness in historical times, without the medication and therapy available to us today.
Mimi Matthews’ greatest achievement in this book is that she leaves you with a sense of hope, while making it clear that hope isn’t something that should be taken for granted.
Many ladies in Regency and Victorian times suffered from low spirits due to the restrictions that were placed on them. It often led to a lack of purpose and meaning in their lives. I am so glad that Beryl found the meaning in hers.
I so enjoyed this poignant Victorian-era story of a young woman’s struggle with depression, or what was then referred to as melancholia. Beryl Burnhan longed to be truly seen and understood, but instead wound up being a subject of small town gossip. Village curate Mark Rivenhall was Beryl’s best friend and brother of her betrothed, Sir Henry as well as the only one who fully “saw” her and had compassion. Though this was not an action and adventure story, wondering how Beryl’s untenable situation would right itself kept me turning page after page to reach a very satisfying conclusion. I would love to see some other characters get their own story including Beryl’s sister Winnifred, Sir Henry, and Dr. Black.
I have read all of Mimi Rogers books. I am really enjoying them. The HEA ending is not a surprise but getting there is a nice read.
This was my first book by Mimi Matthews and I can’t wait to read more! Fair as a Star is such a touching love story. Once I started reading, I didn’t want it to end.
4.5 stars as reviewed at Roses Are Blue: https://wp.me/p3QRh4-1hR
Beryl Burnham has just returned from an extended trip to Paris with her aunt, where she was treated to a fabulous new wardrobe, including an exquisite wedding dress by Worth. It’s getting close to the time when she will wed Henry Rivenhall, yet it’s his younger brother, Mark, she comes to visit first. Mark is the curate for their village, and depends on Henry, a baron, for his living. For the last ten years Mark and Beryl have become best friends, but Beryl never realized that Mark feels more than friendship.
Henry is a pragmatic man, who determined that Beryl is the most suitable lady in the village to become his wife. His unromantic proposal was accepted by Beryl, who has no illusions about her future. There is no love or passion between the couple, only a resignation to having a convenient and dutiful marriage. Mark felt he had nothing to offer Beryl, and when she accepted Henry’s proposal, Mark felt that she must love his brother, and worked at keeping his love hidden from her.
Beryl should be on top of the world, but she suffers from a lifelong malady that causes her extreme sadness, even despair, for supposedly no reason. In this time period, the treatment for depression was often cruel and painful. As she struggles with her emotions, she becomes ever closer to Mark, realizing that perhaps, too late in the game, she is marrying the wrong brother.
I would expect a curate to be kind and sympathetic, which Mark is, but his support of Beryl during her battles with depression is breathtaking, totally opposite to his brother’s cavalier attitude. Henry’s total disregard for his brother’s feelings for Beryl, which he’s totally aware of, also paints him in an unflattering light. I truly wondered why Beryl planned a future with this seemingly cold and unfeeling man.
FAIR AS A STAR is another beautifully written story by Mimi Matthews, this time focusing on a subject not often found in a historical romance. Mark is a hero to truly swoon over, as he does all in his power to help Beryl during the rough times. He knows her so well, that he does and says things that others wouldn’t think about. As Beryl comes to realize that she loves Mark, she has to find a way to share a future with the man who will truly be a partner, friend, and lover. I highly recommend FAIR AS A STAR for readers who enjoy a book with heart, emotion, and a sweet and genuine romance.
Such a beautiful and moving story. I could relate to Beryl in her struggles having dealt with depression myself. Mimi Matthews perfectly conveys the darkness and desperation.
But this is by no means a dark tale. It is light and hope and love.
I alwas like Mimi Mathews books. This one has wonderful characters in the h/H and H’s brother. You finally find out the h’s “secret”, why she was gone for a year. And you also see that the H is the one who has always loved her and understood her. I’d love to see the brother’s story because I did like his chracter. I liked the story a lot and recommend it.
I love all of Mimi Matthews’ work. This was a tender portrayal of honesty and acceptance, and I appreciated that everyone in the story grew a little by the end.
Love this author!
A truly delightful story. I just love Mark and Beryl. This was a beautiful story that included individuals honest struggles with “melancholy.” Their lives seem to walk off the page and into my heart. All of the supporting characters or also intriguing and interesting and I truly hope to hear more of them and future books by Mimi Matthews.
I also look forward to the Audible version of this book so I can both listen to the delightful narration of Alex Wyndham, and share it with my daughters.
“This burden of yours—this sadness—I want you to leave it with me for a day or two.”
What a tender, heart-wrenching, emotionally gripping Victorian romance by Mimi Matthews! This book was my introduction to her writing and I’ll definitely be going back to read her complete backlist. Set in a small, gossip-laden town of Shepton Worthy in 1864 Somerset, England, the beauty of the English countryside is breath-taking and the atmosphere of Victorian society comes alive. I am not a fan of love triangles but the relationship between the two Rivenhall brothers, Henry and Mark, and Beryl is layered, complex, and intriguing. Mark’s compassionate devotion as the curate, loyalty to family, and passionate love for Beryl make him a swoon-worthy hero. His tenderness and gentleness cocoon Beryl as she faces uncertainty and censure from her clinical depression. The author addresses depression and domestic violence as known during the Victorian era with sensitivity and care.
If you enjoy Victorian romance, you will love this book. Even though it’s the length of a novella, the story and characters are fully and richly developed. I received a copy of the book from the publisher via NetGalley and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.
Mimi Matthews never fails to weave a wonderful story! Fair as a Star is a lovely, well-written and emotionally satisfying novella.
Beryl Burnham seems to have everything but privately deals with melancholy or depression, which in the Victorian era could land you in an asylum. Her aunt had taken her to Paris for a year, probably hoping it would be a cure all. Much speculation surrounded the reason for her trip, and her return to Sir Henry, her betrothed, doesn’t put an end to the gossip.
Mark Rivenhall is the village curate and Sir Henry’s younger brother. He corresponded with Beryl while she was away but kept his feelings for her under wraps. As Mark learns more about why Beryl went away, he becomes her lodestar, providing inspiration and guidance through the rough patches in her life. Matthews deftly brings them to full awareness of what they mean to each other.
Later, Mark gives Beryl a ring with a truly symbolic stone… a beryl.
“Apparently, it’s the imperfections – the impurities – that give a beryl its color. All the beauty you see before you is on account of the flaws. Were it perfect, it would have no color at all. No value, certainly not to me.”
Beryl is of great value to Mark, imperfections and all.
I heartily recommend Fair as a Star and hope Matthews has more stories planned for the characters of Shepton Worthy, especially Beryl’s sister, Winnifred, and Sir Henry.
Fair as a Star by Mimi Matthews
Victorian Romantics #1
Two brothers where once there were three
One woman with a heavy burden
Which brother is right for her?
Is it her betrothed?
Or
Is it his brother?
What a delight this novella was! I picked it up, began reading and was swept away by Beryl and the potential storm I could see gathering. Beryl is not a simple miss but one living with what was then known as melancholy. Women were to be perfect and melancholy or depression was not socially acceptable. Women were expected to put their best face forward…no matter what.
What I liked:
* Beryl: a sweet, kind, and loving woman who did for others. She put her family first even when it was not easy. She deserved an understanding compassionate intelligent companion.
* Mark: an intelligent, compassionate, caring man who loved Beryl and did his best to understand and help lift the darkness she dealt with.
* The relationship between Beryl and Mark
* Winnifred: a dynamic whirlwind that loved her family…and horses. She had big dreams and hopefully will be able to achieve them.
* The possibilities provided for future stories. There is Dr. Black who could end up with Winnifred, Henry that might meet a woman to open his heart and life up, and even Mrs. Burnham who is young enough to find love again.
* The sensitivity used to handle the issue of melancholy – so beautifully written!
* Looking up and finding out what whitework and blue grenadine fabric are.
* Feeling invested in the characters and their stories
* All of it really…except…
What I did not like:
* The way medical practitioners thought melancholy could be treated…I realize times were different but still…not very compassionate at all.
* The way those with “power” tended to make decisions for others without really taking into consideration what the person really needed/wanted
* Having to say goodbye to the characters…would gladly have kept reading
* Knowing that I will have to wait to read the next book in the series.
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
I’ve heard a lot about Mimi Matthews’ books over the last year and was so excited when I saw this on Netgalley and could finally see what everyone was talking about. This book didn’t disappoint. When I realized it was about depression I kept putting off reading it because I wasn’t in the mood for a depressing book. This was not depressing at all. It held my interest from the beginning. I loved Beryl. Yes, she suffered from chronic depression, but she didn’t let that define her. She was so much more and ended up having a lot more pluck than I expected. Mark was wonderful. There is no one better to love her than him. I just loved his character, whether he was talking to Beryl, helping parishioners, talking with his brother or confronting husbands. He was awesome. I loved their story. I really hope the series stays in Shepton Worthy and we get to read Winifred’s story, as well as Henry’s. I think both those stories need telling.
I received a complimentary copy through Netgalley, but the opinions are all my own.
Somerset, England – 1864
Miss Beryl Burnham has just returned to Shepton Worthy along with her Aunt Hortensia after spending a year in Paris. She is looking forward to seeing her younger sister, Winnifred, and her widowed mother, Giselda.
Beryl is betrothed to Sir Henry Rivenhall, a baronet. His estate and her’s, the Grange, are close together. Henry is the oldest of 3 brothers. His brother, Jack, was a soldier who recently died in the war. His youngest brother, Mark who is the local curate. The vicar is quite ill and Mark has been taking over most of his duties.
Beryl and Mark are close friends and they corresponded when she was in Paris. Mark is a kind man and very solicitous of his friends and parishioners.
In the small town of Shepton Worthy, gossip is always rife. So when Beryl went away with her aunt, it was rumored that she had gotten pregnant and went away to have the baby. This is totally untrue. The truth is that Beryl has been plagued with depression most of her life and doctors don’t know how to treat it.
Beryl is not looking forward to marrying Henry. She does not love him. He is a cold and exacting man with whom she has nothing in common. She is just trying to please her mother.
When Mark finds Beryl weeping one day, he steps in and consoles her and tries to help her with her problem. When something happens involving her sister, Beryl finally realizes that she must choose to live her life as she wants to.
Mimi Matthews writes sweet, clean novels that always touch the reader’s heart. I loved Mark and Beryl and found them both very caring people. Well done!
Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Beautifully done! Like every other Mimi Matthews book I’ve read, I couldn’t put this one down. From the moment I read the first interaction between Mark and Beryl, I was hooked. There’s angst and longing and tenderness. There’s honesty and beauty and a dog named Ernest. I came to care for so many characters in a small span of time and I think that testifies to the author’s talent.
I was also incredibly grateful for the portrayal of Beryl’s mental health. There was no simple fix, no magic potion found in love. She is a woman, whole and lovely and nuanced. The author treats her with respect and, in turn, requires readers to do the same. I greatly appreciated that.
Overall, this was a beautiful story and another great offering from Mimi Matthews.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. All expressed opinions belong to me.
Fair as a Star is the latest Victorian romance by Mimi Matthews. It tells the story of Beryl Burnham and two brothers who both want Beryl but for very different reasons. The book begins with Beryl returning from a year long sojourn to Paris with her aunt. She returns to pick up where her life left off. That includes her engagement to Sir Henry Rivenhall. Once she becomes Lady Rivenhall she and her family will want for nothing. Money, title, position all come with the marriage. Its a perfect arrangement, or is it? Beryl and Henry are marrying for all the wrong reasons. Duty and family, while on paper look good, are not the makings of a happy marriage. Especially when Beryl loves someone else. Mark Rivenhall is Henry’s younger brother and the village curate, soon to be the vicar. Mark is Beryl’s dearest friend and confidant who has loved her for years, but is unable to profess this because of her engagement to his brother.
Once settled, Beryl begins her social life once again. She’s aware that the village is full of rumors about why she fled for Paris, but decides to not let them get to her. She joins the women’s committee at church, planning a festival,and visiting the sick. On the outside, she appears to be happy and content, the excited bride. Who wouldn’t be excited when your wedding gown was being made by THE Charles Fredrick Worth? Beryl spends the rest of her time trying to keep her baby sister out of trouble with Henry. The two have a tumultuous relationship which comes to a heated disagreement over a prize horse.
Beryl’s trip to Paris was under mysterious circumstances that no one outside of her mother, aunt and doctor know about. Or so she thinks. When confronted with the knowledge of the secret by Henry, Beryl sees him and their upcoming marriage in a whole new light. Especially after he confesses what his cure is for her condition once they are married. However, when you’ve been raised to put your families financial security above all else, can you just walk away?
This is the second book by Mimi that I’ve read and I’ve not been disappointed. You can tell she’s done her homework and this results in believable characters, plots, locations and of course fashions. If you love historical romance you’ll love this book. Its the first in a series and I’m hoping to read Winnifred’s story next. I’m hoping I know who she ends up with and can’t wait to see if I’m right.
After a mysterious sojourn of a year 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.
A lovely, lovely read, beautifully written & it deals so sensitively with mental illness. A short read but certainly packs a punch, Strong believable characters I loved Beryl & Mark, she’s dealing with melancholy & feels a failure but he’s so understanding, caring & steadfast, he showed how much he cared by the ring he gave Beryl & why – a definite hankie moment. They are perfect for each other. The secondary characters were also very well portrayed & I’d love for them to have their stories. The book flowed effortlessly & I read it in a sitting.
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
Fair as a Star
Victorian Romantics Book Series #1
Mimi Matthews
https://www.facebook.com/MimiMatthewsAuthor/
Release date 07/14/2020
Publisher Perfectly Proper Press
Blurb :
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?
My review :
Will her encumbrance hide to her the tree from the forest …
What an exquisite tale once more Mrs Mimi Matthews offers us.
And while it is a novella, it is loaded with all the subtleties she is renowned for.
She sets her cap on dealing with a topic, how people suffering from it were seen, how they were treated and how they went on with their life.
Beryl is made felt guilty because of what she sees as her moment of selfish weakness, as it was fiercely engrained in her mind as a wrongdoing from her part: plus medicine at that time, but also prior to the Victorian area and still sometime now was helpless but also uninterested to help those seen as lesser because they were different.
Mark, oh Mark, how a sweetheart he is, devasted by guilt when he understands Beryl’s impediment, saddened he did not see it before. Yet, what a great friend he is, looking to assist her by giving her weapons to deal herself with her issue. He pulls her upwards when everyone belittles her, even if it is not malicious. She is seen as crippled, but it is also how she represents herself in her mind. Until Mark shows her her own worth, that only she can help herself but a shoulder to rest one’s head has its value too.
I hope we will see again the side characters introduced here as I am very curious about Winnefred, Dr Black, Henry.
Mrs Matthews paints a very thoughtful vision of this society with its up and down.
5 stars
I was granted an advance copy by the publisher Perfectly Proper Press, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
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