“For this impressive Victorian romance, Matthews crafts a tale that sparkles with chemistry…an excellent series launch that will appeal to fans of Loretta Chase and Stephanie Laurens.” -Publishers WeeklyShe Wanted Sanctuary…Helena Reynolds will do anything to escape her life in London, even if that means traveling to a remote cliffside estate on the North Devon coast and … estate on the North Devon coast and marrying a complete stranger. But Greyfriar’s Abbey isn’t the sort of refuge she imagined. And ex-army captain Justin Thornhill–though he may be tall, dark, and devastatingly handsome–is anything but a romantic hero.
He Needed Redemption…
Justin has spent the last two decades making his fortune, settling scores, and suffering a prolonged period of torture in an Indian prison. Now, he needs someone to smooth the way for him with the villagers. Someone to manage his household–and warm his bed on occasion. What he needs, in short, is a wife and a matrimonial advertisement seems the perfect way to acquire one.
Their marriage was meant to be a business arrangement and nothing more. A dispassionate union free from the entanglements of love and affection. But when Helena’s past threatens, will Justin’s burgeoning feelings for his new bride compel him to come to her rescue? Or will dark secrets of his own force him to let her go?
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A heart-rending Gothic love story, with a strong yet vulnerable heroine you want to hug and cheer for. The hero has the dark past of Mr. Rochester and the tightly leashed emotion of Mr. Darcy, but is a true romantic hero in every sense of the word. The historical atmosphere is top-notch, as is the writing. I loved it! It’s the start of a series, and definitely benefits from being read in order.
I had never heard of Mimi Matthews until I saw this book on NetGalley. The story blurb sounded interesting, so I requested it. I now will not forget her name. As a matter of fact, I just bought two more of her books, because I LOVED this one!
One of my favorite books, Flowers From the Storm, partly concerned an insane asylum and the brutal practices that took place there. This book also dealt with that issue, and dealt with it very well. It’s astounding what evil people can do to others in the name of medicine and greed. Though that was a strong theme in this story, its main attraction was the relationship between two broken people who needed each other to bring them back to life.
I adored both Helena and Justin. Neither realized how strong they really were. It took one another to draw out the courage within. I especially loved Justin, who was a tortured hero (both literally and figuratively). He was a scarred, bitter man with a tragic past. ~Sigh~…..My favorite type of hero. I usually like my romances with quite a bit of steam that leaves nothing to the imagination. There was none of that here, yet the story was so compelling I didn’t even realize this until I finished! Now that is some good storytelling. I look forward to more books in this series.
I received an ARC of this book courtesy of NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.
A lovely, charming regency romance. Mimi Mathews is a new author for me, but I am devouring her backlist. She has no overt religious content, but these are clean romances with beautifully developed characters. Top notch!
Once again, upon opening a Mimi Matthews Victorian romance, I am completely absorbed into the era’s mores, clothing and prose as well as a beautifully written, emotional romance. THE MATRIMONIAL ADVERTISEMENT (Parish Orphans of Devon #1) is the first book in a new historical romance series.
Helena Reynolds is desperate to escape London. Her last hope is to be picked by ex-army Captain Justin Thornhill after answering an advertisement posted for him by his friends for a wife. She prays the coast of North Devon is far enough away from London and the protection of a husband is enough to save her.
Justin Thornhill returned to North Devon from being tortured as a captive in an Indian prison. After working for several years to improve his fortunes, he now owns Greyfriar’s Abbey and should be happy that his revenge is complete, but he realizes he wants a woman to help with the Abbey and occasionally warm his bed. He goes along with his friends’ advertisement idea and is shocked when a beautiful, refined young woman responds. Justin knows she is hiding something, but he cannot resist the opportunity of having Helena as his wife.
Justin will do everything in his power to protect Helena, even as he learns the secrets she keeps, because what started as a marriage of convenience from a matrimonial advertisement is turning into more. Helena feels safe with her husband and is bravely willing to share her secret to free herself and help others, but will she understand Justin’s own secrets that torture him and he has yet to share with her?
Ms. Matthews is my go-to author for historically accurate Victorian era romance. Her characters are so vivid and true to their time. The romance grows from meeting, to friendship, to caring, to love without any sex scenes. The emotional depth of Helena and Justin’s romance is portrayed in their pain, fear, ultimate caring and understanding. I always become emotionally attached to Ms. Matthews’ heroes and heroines. This book also uses two significant historical issues blended with the romance to add depth to Helena and Justin’s past and present decisions and actions. This is a story, romance and characters that will stay with me for a very long time to come. I cannot wait for the next book in the series!
This is why I read historical romance! Mimi Matthews elevates her prose to incomparable heights through tight plot and an elegant hand. Her deft storytelling is sublime: subtle details that build from well intended words. A gothic Devon abbey is the setting for intrigue with no little yearning between our unlikely heroine and her roguish captain. Sensual from the first pages and left me breathless by the last.
Beautifully executed—should not be missed. I dare say this stand alone novel has set us up perfectly for the next in the series.
What a gem of a romance – elegantly written and richly detailed, it pulled me in from the first page and I read it in one sitting. I loved the atmospheric coastal setting, and how skilfully Mimi Matthews sprinkles the details of daily Victorian life into her novels and makes me feel immersed in a different era. Also, the attraction between the h and H was so palpable from the get go, it alone would have kept me turning the pages
When you’re in one of those dreaded reading ruts and not one, not two, but three bookish friends tell you to read a particular book, my advice to you would be… READ IT!
Justin Thornhill is in need of a wife. But finding one in a small, middle of nowhere town is proving to be impossible. Especially when the towns people won’t go anywhere near him or his home. When his steward suggests a matrimonial advertisement, he agrees as long as the woman understands it’s simply a business arrangement.
Helena’s life has been turned upside down and there’s no one left to be her advocate. Her only option is to runaway to a cliffside estate and marry a complete stranger. But anything is better than living in the nightmare she’s been living in for two years. A business arrangement sounds perfect to her.
From the first moment Justin and Helena met, there was an instant connection. The more time they spend together, the closer they become. Both are secretly falling in love with the other.
But when Helena’s past finally catches up with her and takes them back to London, Justin finally sees how different they are. Will their differences be too much to overcome? Or will their love prove to be stronger than any obstacle they have to face?
*dreamy sigh*
I absolutely adored Justin and Helena! They were absolutely perfect for each other. Both of them had past struggles that needed to be dealt with and together they were able to overcome them. It definitely was not an easy road for them but there was nothing about their story that I would have changed.
I started The Matrimonial Advertisement right before I went to bed. Had it not been for my kindle constantly hitting me in the face (I was exhausted), I probably would’ve read WAY past my bedtime. But alas, I only got through chapter one that night. And when I woke up earlier than usual the next morning because my room was chilly, do you think I turned on my heater and rolled back over in bed? Nope! I turned on my heater and grabbed my kindle! I was completely hooked. I found myself sneaking in reading time whenever I could. I could not put this book down! I was constantly on the edge of my seat wondering what would happen next.
This is my first book by Ms. Matthews and I can already tell you it will not be my last! I have already one-clicked the other books in the series and have pre-ordered the last one. I cannot wait to dive back into her books!
The Matrimonial Advertisement by Mimi Matthews
Parish Orphans of Devon #1
Some books are more than just well written and well plotted stories because they truly engage the reader. This book did that. I felt I was in Victorian England and all of my senses were engaged. I cared about the characters and felt with them as their stories unfolded. I hoped and cared and wished right along with Justin and Helena as they slowly got to know one another.
None of the historical information was new to me but experiencing it from the viewpoints of Justin and Helena made it more relevant and brought it closer to home than just reading about the issues in a history textbook. What were the issues? Public and private orphanages and mental asylums, greedy relatives, underhanded practices to steal money from family, the disparity between the haves and have nots, the return home of military men after capture and torture, the Sepoy rebellion, massacres perpetrated by both British and those they colonized in India, women as property, family, friendship, nobility and so much more.
This is in some ways a story of a mail order bride but it is also more than that. It is about a woman, Helena, who has only one hope of thwarting the evil intentions of her uncle by taking a husband who will then “own” her and hopefully protect her. It is about a man, Justin, who is seeking a woman to ease his life as he lives in remote Devon. It is about a friend, Jenny, who finds the matrimonial advertisement and assists Helena in reaching the interview with her potential husband. It is about a man, Finchley, who solves problems and one of those is providing a safe haven and defender for Helena while also providing a woman to love for his friend Justin. It also lays the groundwork for more books that will no doubt tell the stories of orphans like Justin…at least three were mentioned in this book: Justin Thornhill, Neville, Tom Finchley and Alex Archer. I believe Finchley and Jenny will have their story told next but I look forward to reading all of their stories when the books come out.
Mimi Matthews is a new author to me. I loved her writing and though only a few kisses were shared by Justin and Helena there was no doubt in my mind that once the two finally opened up and shared what was bubbling beneath the surface their relationship would become all that they both were hopeful for in a marriage and no doubt much more.
Did I like this book? Yes
Do I want to read more in this series? Definitely
Thank you to NetGalley and Perfectly Proper Press for the ARC – This is my honest review.
5 Stars
The Matrimonial Advertisement – Mimi Matthews – In a last ditch effort to avoid being institutionalized for madness, Helena lets Jenny talk her into answering an ad for a wife. Justin, home after serving in India, has more than his fair share of personal ghosts floating around in his abbey. Though their worlds should have never intersected, fate (and their well-meaning friends) seem to know that they are better together than they ever were apart. Historical fiction with lots of heart! Love Mimi Matthews, and I’m looking forward to the rest of the series! Happy Reading!
Update: I reread this via the audiobook, and it was even more wonderful the second time! The narrator was pleasant and added emotion to the telling in just the right moments. And her accents and voice intonation were spot-on! I highly recommend the audio.
A wonderfully atmospheric Victorian tale, this story presents a complicated marriage of convenience situation with absolutely endearing characters. This book was recommended to me as a “redemption” of the Rochester archetype — wherein Justin Thornhill exhibits a burdened past yet a presently noble hero without the deceptions of Bronte’s character. Helena, the heroine, brings a complex mystery to the situation that unfolds slowly and shines a light on a real-life historical issue of the time. While Justin and Helena navigate the dictates of the era, they grapple with lessons of worth, forgiveness, and even the capacity to love — all while the romantic tension is PALPABLE and wonderfully maintained through the story. I enjoyed this story from Mimi, a new-to-me-author, and I look forward to reading more of her work in the future!
Content note: this is overall a clean read, especially concerning the romance element, but it does have (very) mild expletives throughout.
I absolutely adored this book.
This delightful Victorian love story took me away to another time and another place for a few blissful hours. Mimi Matthews is a wonderful storyteller… Her style is naturally elegant and warmly flowing, full of historical detail and charm.
The Matrimonial Advertisement takes a marriage of convenience, a pinch of Beauty and the Beast, and some truly engrossing social history and brings to life a satisfying romantic tale. I look forward to more from this talented author!
Helena Reynolds will do anything to escape her life in London, even if that means travelling to a remote cliffside estate on the North Devon coast and answering an advertisement to marry a complete stranger. But Greyfriar’s Abbey isn’t the sort of refuge she imagined. And ex-army captain Justin Thornhill though he may be tall, dark, and devastatingly handsome is anything but a romantic hero. Justin has spent the last two decades making his fortune, settling scores, and suffering a prolonged period of torture in an Indian prison. Now, he needs someone to smooth the way for him with the villagers. Someone to manage his household and warm his bed on occasion. What he needs, in short, is a wife and a matrimonial advertisement seems the perfect way to acquire one.
A different trope a mix of arranged marriage and mail order bride. I found it to be an absorbing read, the pace of the story was good, there were plenty of secrets, which were gradually revealed so the suspense grew. The characters were well portrayed, I hope some secondary characters have their stories as the ending left me wanting more especially regarding Giles & Archer. Helena & Justin were both tortured souls who needed to find someone to cared for them. I preferred Justin , a wounded soldier who’d been tortured & trying to cope. It took me a long time to warm to Helena as I found her very self centred & quite prepared to put Justin in danger without telling him why, no wonder he doubted her commitment to the marriage & he was so very patient with her. An interesting start to the series
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
The Matrimonial Advertisement is a historical novel by Mimi Matthews set in the Victorian era. Although it’s a romance it also addresses the incomprehensible problem of people committing family members to asylums for the insane for personal gain. I don’t typically read romances but really enjoyed this one.
Helena Reynolds answers a matrimonial advertisement placed by ex-army captain Justin Thornhill. After a brief correspondence Helena leaves London and travels to Justin’s Greyfriars Abbey estate so they can meet and to see if they wish to wed. When they meet it is apparent to both of them that they other isn’t telling all and their are many secrets between them.
The storyline of the book is well developed and draws the reader in because there are clearly secrets that aren’t immediately known. The authors description of the asylums and medical horrors practiced on those deemed insane is accurate to the period. It’s important to understand this historical nightmare because treatment for the mentally ill has become such a hot button topic today. What makes this piece of history worse is knowing that many of these practices were still in use in the U.S. up until the 1990’s.
The character development is well done. The reader can relate to the overwhelming fear Helena is experiencing and understands why she would run into the arms of a stranger for help. Justin is a flawed character immersed in guilt over things that were not his fault and were beyond his control. He also feels it’s his duty to protect everyone he cares about and has been trying to carry that burden since he was an orphaned child. They are two people the reader can’t help but wish the best for.
I recommend this book. From a historical aspect it provides important lessons on the treatment of the mentally ill. It also makes the point that society should never again give family the power to commit someone who is sane to a lifetime of institutional living. It’s also an enjoyable read about two people striving to find someone to accept and care for them in spite of their blemished past.
The Matrimonial Advertisement is such a wonderful historical romance. Thornhill totally gave me bad-boy-Mr. Darcy vibe, which made me immediately love him. He is gruff and stoic on the outside but that man has such a big heart and will do whatever he can to take care of and protect those he cares for. Not only is the hero swoon-worthy in The Matrimonial Advertisement, but the background characters and heroine are also well developed and easy to relate to. I didn’t realize this book would be the first in a series and I am really hoping book 2 will be Mr. Finchley’s story, because I am so intrigued about him and his “diabolical” mind.
I voluntarily received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This series has been sitting on my shelf for too long! I quickly became a fan of Mimi Matthews and started collecting the series… then life… FINALLY I started them! Now have to have a few book break BuT excited to continue the series soon!
The Matrimonial Advertisement is the first book in the series and man did it start off with a bang! I really enjoyed this book! Orphans who made their way thru life during that time and were successful… sign me up to read that! Both Justin and Helena need a marriage and both have lots of baggage to bring to it! Helena is trying to find protection and Justin needs a wife to help run the house. They roughly find the solution that they’ll work for each other’s purposes. As they trudge thru the first but if marriage many secrets come to light and they have to learn to lean on the other despite saying that their relationship is purely friendship.
Personal growth and learning to trust was a big theme and I loved that! It was quite a beautiful story that had me wanting to give them both huge hugs!
TW – domestic violence, war trama
Mild language
Helena Reynolds is desperate to escape London. When all avenues close to her, the only possibility of saving herself is to answer an advertisement for an offer of matrimony in far off Devon from a retired army officer, but beggars can’t be choosers. But Helena is not who the physically and mentally scarred Justin Thornhill ever imagined would offer herself for a marriage of convenience without love. Why would she when any man would desire her? She professes to seek from him only security and kindness, but she understands that he will expect all of the pleasures and benefits of the marriage bed. Can these two disparate people from different worlds and different classes fall in love? Even if they were ever to trust one another, forces at work wish to destroy them. But Justin is honor-bound, and once he commits to saving her, he will do whatever it takes. But loving her might be the most dangerous mission of his life, and he is not prepared to lose his heart.
And so begins a breathtaking Victorian love story that you will find impossible to put down. Justin is the kind of hero you can’t help but fall in love with, and Helena is his perfect foil. Mysteries abound, and the historical details and research the author provides are impeccable. I can say I truly loved every word, and so will you.
I bought this book in an audible format and loved listening to the story as I worked. Good characters and a slightly different story line.
I didn’t xpect this to be so emotionally enthralling. First book I’ve read by this author and it’s not the last. The situations are a bit absurd to force the story, but the people and the feelings are genuinely engaging. This was a book that kept me up way too late to finish it because I was engrossed and addicted.