The Matrimonial Advertisement by Mimi Matthews
Publication Date: September 4, 2018
Perfectly Proper Press
Paperback & eBook; 317 Pages
Series: Parish Orphans of Devon, Book 1
Genre: Historical/Romance
She 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 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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Praise for The Matrimonial Advertisement
"Matthews' (The Pug Who Bit Napoleon, 2018, etc.) series opener is a guilty pleasure, brimming with beautiful people, damsels in distress, and an abundance of testosterone...It's a well-written and engaging story that's more than just a romance. The author chooses to draw on dark moments in British history to create Justin's and Helena's complicated pasts...It's an unexpected narrative addition that works well, as Matthews seamlessly blends some grim history with light and frothy fiction. An enjoyable love story that dares to dip a toe into bleak social and political history." -Kirkus Reviews"I don't have enough words to say how unbelievably incredible this book is...I am a huge fan of Ms Matthews, her writing is always flawless and articulate, but this simply is in a league of its own... 'The Matrimonial Advertisement' is a lot darker that what we have come to expect from Ms Matthews, but for me this is Gothic Victorian story-telling at its best. This is how this genre is supposed to be written!...Ms Matthews has out done herself with this, by far one of the best books I have read--ever!...This is a hauntingly beautiful, gripping and heart-wrenching story. It is simply spellbinding!" -Chicks, Rogues and Scandals
"This is an irresistible romance with the added frisson of gothic fear. At a time in Victorian Britain when a woman belonged entirely to her father, guardian or husband, can Helena ever be free to love and live as she wishes? Mimi's writing style is engaging, and we are plunged immediately into Helena's predicament. Secrets are gradually revealed, adding depth to our understanding of the main characters. This is Miss Matthews' best book so far and it is only the first in a new series!" -Lizanne Lloyd, Lost in a Good 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. She creates very likeable, memorable, layered characters that quickly feel like friends. Her style is naturally elegant and warmly flowing, full of historical detail and charm...this is the second of her fictional works that I've devoured and I'm looking forward to more." -Jayne Fresina, bestselling author of Once Upon a Kiss
"Since I first read the sample chapters, I've been eager to read this book. Mimi Matthews does not disappoint. She lures the reader in for an emotional journey. Full of romance and heart, 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!" -Lena Goldfinch, bestselling author of The Unexpected Bride
"The Matrimonial Advertisement is a Victorian romance in all its glory...Mimi Matthews definitely knows how to present historical facts effectively and without sounding bookish...a delightful treat for Jane Austen and historical fiction fans." -Readers' Favorite, 5-Stars
"If I could only have one book for the rest of my life, it would be this one. This is my first time reading anything by Mimi Matthews, but rest assured, I now need anything that this incredible author has ever written. The characters were outstanding, developed with complexity and a humanity all their own. The setting and scenery were described with such perfection that I was able to see the circumstances through the characters' eyes with ease. Both Helena and Justin are forever etched onto this reader's heart, and I greatly look forward to expanding my Mimi Matthews library." -Stacie, NetGalley
About the Author
For more information, please visit Mimi Matthews' website and blog. You can also connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, BookBub, Pinterest, Google+, and Goodreads.
Interview with Mimi Matthews- What is your favorite part of this book and why?
- I really love the opening scene where the heroine, Helena, is standing beside the hero, Justin, at the counter, but she doesn’t yet know he’s the man she’s come to meet. I like it because the reader is the first to know who Justin and Helena are and who they’ll eventually be to each other.
- If you could spend time with a character from your book whom would it be? And what would you do during that day?
- At the moment, I’d have to choose Tom Finchley, the hero’s attorney and friend. I’d set him loose on all my paperwork. He’s the sort of man who knows how to get things done in a fast, efficient, and entirely creative way.
- If you could have been the author of any book ever written, which book would you choose?
- Hmm. I’ve never thought of this before. My favorite books belong so much to the authors who wrote them. I can’t imagine them being written by anyone else—not even me. They wouldn’t be the same books if they were.
- Are your characters based off real people or did they all come entirely from your imagination?
- My characters are a bit of both. Their unique dilemmas are pulled straight from Victorian history, with a little bit of inspiration from Gothic fiction and Victorian novels, such as The Woman in White. All the rest is my imagination.
- What made you want to become a writer?
- It was never a conscious choice. When I was a little girl and I thought up stories, my mother encouraged me to write them down. I’ve been writing them down ever since.
What is your favorite part of this book and why?
I really love the opening scene where the heroine, Helena, is standing beside the hero, Justin, at the counter, but she doesn’t yet know he’s the man she’s come to meet. I like it because the reader is the first to know who Justin and Helena are and who they’ll eventually be to each other.
If you could spend time with a character from your book whom would it be? And what would you do during that day?
At the moment, I’d have to choose Tom Finchley, the hero’s attorney and friend. I’d set him loose on all my paperwork. He’s the sort of man who knows how to get things done in a fast, efficient, and entirely creative way.
If you could have been the author of any book ever written, which book would you choose?
Hmm. I’ve never thought of this before. My favorite books belong so much to the authors who wrote them. I can’t imagine them being written by anyone else—not even me. They wouldn’t be the same books if they were.
Are your characters based off real people or did they all come entirely from your imagination?
My characters are a bit of both. Their unique dilemmas are pulled straight from Victorian history, with a little bit of inspiration from Gothic fiction and Victorian novels, such as The Woman in White. All the rest is my imagination.
What made you want to become a writer?
It was never a conscious choice. When I was a little girl and I thought up stories, my mother encouraged me to write them down. I’ve been writing them down ever since.
Blog Tour Schedule
Tuesday, September 4Review at Passages to the Past
Wednesday, September 5
Interview at Donna's Book Blog
Thursday, September 6
Review at Based on a True Story
Friday, September 7
Review at A Chick Who Reads
Feature at What Is That Book About
Saturday, September 8
Feature at The Book Junkie Reads
Monday, September 10
Feature at The Lit Bitch
Review at For the Sake of Good Taste
Tuesday, September 11
Feature at To Read, Or Not to Read
Wednesday, September 12
Feature at The Caffeinated Bibliophile
Friday, September 14
Feature at Maiden of the Pages
Saturday, September 15
Review at Naomi Finley's Blog
Sunday, September 16
Interview at T's Stuff
Monday, September 17
Character Interview at Love Books Group
Tuesday, September 18
Feature at A Holland Reads
Review at Library of Clean Reads
Giveaway
During the Blog Tour we will be giving away a signed copy of The Matrimonial Advertisement! To enter, please enter via the Gleam form below.Giveaway Rules
– Giveaway ends at 11:59pm EST on September 18th. You must be 18 or older to enter.
– Giveaway is open to US residents only.
– Only one entry per household.
– All giveaway entrants agree to be honest and not cheat the systems; any suspect of fraud is decided upon by blog/site owner and the sponsor, and entrants may be disqualified at our discretion.
– Winner has 48 hours to claim prize or new winner is chosen.
The Matrimonial Advertisement
Thank you so much for hosting Mimi's interview & blog tour! I loved this book and I hope you will all check it out.
ReplyDeleteAmy
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