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Available
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Perfectly Proper Press
Description
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?… (more)
User reviews
LibraryThing member CathyGeha
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
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
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
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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
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LibraryThing member N.W.Moors
Helena Reynolds has come to Devon in answer to a newspaper advertisement for a man seeking a wife. Justin Thornhill, a survivor of the Cawnpore massacre, is looking for some companionship. Both have secrets so this arranged marriage works for them until all the secrets are exposed.
I'd just finished
Like The Lost Letter, this is a Beauty and the Beast take-off; Justin was tortured in India and bears severe burn scars. I found it interesting that the physical scars didn't bother him so much as the mental torture he endures over his failure to save others swept up in the Indian Mutiny.
The first half of the book has a real Gothic feel. I admit a little disappointment that the mad monk or the hidden treasure didn't come up again as the story proceeds. The romance builds as Helena and Justin learn about each other, but then fizzles a bit when they go to London. Helena's story becomes the main focus, and while historically interesting, it didn't engross me quite as much. And I thought they'd got past the lack of communication issue that led to the misunderstanding there; I'd have rather Justin wasn't quite so noble and Helena quite so dim. Anyway, there's a nice ending, and I really did enjoy the story. I'm looking forward to the next in the series.
I'd just finished
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The Lost Letter by this same author and enjoyed it very much. This is in the same vein, set in Victorian England, and somewhat based on real events. Ms. Matthews writes lyrical descriptions that bring the settings in the book to life, whether a London drawing room or the windswept cliffs of western England. I drooled over her descriptions of Helena's dresses. Like The Lost Letter, this is a Beauty and the Beast take-off; Justin was tortured in India and bears severe burn scars. I found it interesting that the physical scars didn't bother him so much as the mental torture he endures over his failure to save others swept up in the Indian Mutiny.
The first half of the book has a real Gothic feel. I admit a little disappointment that the mad monk or the hidden treasure didn't come up again as the story proceeds. The romance builds as Helena and Justin learn about each other, but then fizzles a bit when they go to London. Helena's story becomes the main focus, and while historically interesting, it didn't engross me quite as much. And I thought they'd got past the lack of communication issue that led to the misunderstanding there; I'd have rather Justin wasn't quite so noble and Helena quite so dim. Anyway, there's a nice ending, and I really did enjoy the story. I'm looking forward to the next in the series.
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LibraryThing member Kathy89
Quick read. Woman escaping her Uncle who is attempting to steal her inheritance from her late brother answers an advertisement for a wife to live in a remote section of Devon. She travels there and they meet and discover that they both have secrets from their past that have scarred them. She needs
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a protector and he becomes that individual. Show Less
LibraryThing member schatzi
Yes, I have started (and finished) three books by this author in the last twenty-four hours. I have no regrets. If my eyes weren't so tired, I'd probably start another one right now. ;)
This is yet another engrossing romance from Mimi Matthews. I really liked the two main characters, Helena andAnd I LOVED that the author tackled mental health and being committed against one's will in this book. It made the story feel like it had a lot more substance to it. However, I did kind of dislike how the Earl of Wolverton dismissed Helena's mother's obvious postpartum depression. I know it's Victorian England and all of that, but I would have rather not had that part in print.
Will I read more from this author in the future? Definitely!
This is yet another engrossing romance from Mimi Matthews. I really liked the two main characters, Helena and
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Justin, who were both broken in their own ways. Will I read more from this author in the future? Definitely!
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LibraryThing member pgchuis
This is my least favourite of the three Mimi Matthews novels I have read to date. It was interesting and well-plotted and dealt with important issues without seeming preachy. However, I needed Justin and Helena to reach an understanding a lot sooner than they did: the whole "I am not worthy" thing
Still, I am intrigued to find out what happens to Finchley and Jenny in book 2...
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annoys me. Still, I am intrigued to find out what happens to Finchley and Jenny in book 2...
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LibraryThing member Asheley
This was a lot of fun. The story follows Helena as she answers the ad of a bachelor looking for a wife. Justin is handsome and acts a little bit hot-and-cold. Not only was he raised in an orphanage and had a tough go of it, but he suffered while serving in the military in years past. Justin has a
I loved Justin and Helena, and I loved the secondary characters, while will no doubt feature in the rest of the series. The series follows four gentleman that grew up in the same orphanage, so I'm hoping to continue to check in with Justin and Helena as I read through the rest of the books.
Audiobook Notes: Justine Eyre narrates! When I learned who the narrator is, I added the audio to my ebook read via Audible. Her accents for the characters are lovely to listen to. Ms. Eyre's accent reminds me a little bit of Claire Foy's accent for Queen Elizabeth in The Crown. I'm excited to grab the rest of this series on audio while I follow along with my Kindle copies.
Title: The Matrimonial Advertisement by Mimi Matthews
Series: Parish Orphans of Devon #1
Narrator: Justine Eyre
Length: 10 hours, 49 minutes, Unabridged
Publisher: Audible Studios
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hard time believing that anyone can love him because of his appearance, but Helena takes to him right away. She isn't necessarily looking for love; she's looking for someone to protect her. But she is drawn to Justin for several reasons. The story follows their progression from strangers to newlyweds to love.I loved Justin and Helena, and I loved the secondary characters, while will no doubt feature in the rest of the series. The series follows four gentleman that grew up in the same orphanage, so I'm hoping to continue to check in with Justin and Helena as I read through the rest of the books.
Audiobook Notes: Justine Eyre narrates! When I learned who the narrator is, I added the audio to my ebook read via Audible. Her accents for the characters are lovely to listen to. Ms. Eyre's accent reminds me a little bit of Claire Foy's accent for Queen Elizabeth in The Crown. I'm excited to grab the rest of this series on audio while I follow along with my Kindle copies.
Title: The Matrimonial Advertisement by Mimi Matthews
Series: Parish Orphans of Devon #1
Narrator: Justine Eyre
Length: 10 hours, 49 minutes, Unabridged
Publisher: Audible Studios
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LibraryThing member Vesper1931
Helena Reynolds has her secrets and must leave London and hide away. An ex-army captain Justin Thornhill living in North Devon has advertised for a wife. But he has his secrets, he needs redemption, and someone to manage his home.
This is a delightful, well-written Victorian Gothic romance. Another
A NetGalley Book
This is a delightful, well-written Victorian Gothic romance. Another
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enjoyable story by this author with likeable well-drawn characters.A NetGalley Book
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LibraryThing member HeatherLINC
"The Matrimonial Advertisement" was a thoroughly entertaining, historical read. Helena and Justin were two engaging, sympathetic protagonists both hiding secrets. I hated what Helena had to go through and loved that Justin was such a protective hero. They were supported by various, well-developed
While the plot was predictable, I found the novel charming with a strong "Beauty and the Beast" feel to it with I enjoyed.
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secondary characters and the setting had a strong Victorian feel. I especially loved the descriptions of Helena's dresses and Greyfriar's Abbey, Justin's isolated home in Devon.While the plot was predictable, I found the novel charming with a strong "Beauty and the Beast" feel to it with I enjoyed.
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LibraryThing member JorgeousJotts
The characters got in their own way some, but overall I liked them and was entertained by their story.
LibraryThing member MissBrangwen
Justin Thornhill is a broody ex-soldier returned from India, who lives in an old abbey located on steep cliffs in Devon with only a handful of staff, seeking isolation. His administrator persuades him that he needs a wife, so he places an advertisement in the newspapers.
Helena Reynolds was once one
Both Justin and Helena have not had it easy in life and agree that this is to be a marriage without feelings, but as the shadows from their pasts start hunting them, the arrangement is increasingly stirred up and they have to decide what is truly important to them.
Of course this plot is somewhat foreseeable, but I was engrossed by it. I liked the characters immediately, and I appreciated the thorough research that the author has done, as well as the many historical details that make the story more authentic and credible. Of course there is a lot of drama, but the focus is always on the feeling and development of the characters, and I enjoyed this slower pace and inner focus of the story-telling for a change.
Justine Eyre is a great narrator and I love her voice. Unfortunately, she does not narrate the second installment of the series, but I am still looking forward to it very much because I cannot wait to see what happens to Finchley and Jenny, Justin's solicitor and Helena's former companion, who will be the main characters of book 2. While book 1 can firmly stand alone, I like the idea that some plot lines will be carried over into a second book, but with a different focus.
Helena Reynolds was once one
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of the most popular women in London, but now she just wants to leave the city and find a husband to protect her, so she answers an advertisement that is well below her station.Both Justin and Helena have not had it easy in life and agree that this is to be a marriage without feelings, but as the shadows from their pasts start hunting them, the arrangement is increasingly stirred up and they have to decide what is truly important to them.
Of course this plot is somewhat foreseeable, but I was engrossed by it. I liked the characters immediately, and I appreciated the thorough research that the author has done, as well as the many historical details that make the story more authentic and credible. Of course there is a lot of drama, but the focus is always on the feeling and development of the characters, and I enjoyed this slower pace and inner focus of the story-telling for a change.
Justine Eyre is a great narrator and I love her voice. Unfortunately, she does not narrate the second installment of the series, but I am still looking forward to it very much because I cannot wait to see what happens to Finchley and Jenny, Justin's solicitor and Helena's former companion, who will be the main characters of book 2. While book 1 can firmly stand alone, I like the idea that some plot lines will be carried over into a second book, but with a different focus.
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LibraryThing member foggidawn
Lady Helena is in danger -- so much so that she answers an advertisement for a wife. Captain Justin Thornhill never expected a young beauty to answer his advertisement, and doesn't think Helena will suit the position at all, but he can't deny the attraction between the two of them. Can he keep her
After reading the Belles of London series, it was obvious that some of the secondary characters there had more to their stories, so I picked up the Parish Orphans of Devon series to learn more. These historical romances are popcorn reads, and I imagine I will continue to binge on them for a while.
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safe from her secrets -- and his own?After reading the Belles of London series, it was obvious that some of the secondary characters there had more to their stories, so I picked up the Parish Orphans of Devon series to learn more. These historical romances are popcorn reads, and I imagine I will continue to binge on them for a while.
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Awards
Original publication date
2018-09-04
Local notes
Parish Orphans of Devon, 1
DDC/MDS
| Fic Romance Matthews |