Synopsis:~
From USA Today bestselling author Mimi Matthews comes a Victorian tale of love and longing in a quaint English village.
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 take:~
What can I say about this utterly entrancing novella by Mimi Matthews? It’s beautiful, poignant, heartfelt, moving and deeply romantic. Mimi Matthews has never impressed me more…and that’s saying something. Every Matthews story is special – her heroines intriguing, each hero unique, the settings detailed and fascinating, so I don’t play favourites. Fair as a Star is no different, but it touches on a subject that is personal to me, so it will forever take up a corner of my bookish heart.
Beryl’s struggle with melancholy or low spirits, what we now recognise as depression, and her efforts to hide its effects from her family and friends is authentic and moving. Matthews writes with sensitivity and insight about mental health, a subject that still remains challenging for many to speak about with empathy and understanding. Despite the nature of Beryl’s difficulties, this book overflows with hope, wit, and romance, as Mark Rivenhall honours his brother, despite his unrequited love for Beryl and the knowledge that she can never be his. His desire to understand Beryl’s struggle leads him to young Dr. Black – whose moments on the page demand a story all his own – who discourages the harsh Victorian treatments Beryl fears. Despite entering the church as expected of the third son, Mark’s faith is genuine and has helped shape him as a man of compassion and integrity, such a refreshing change from the often bumbling and inane caricatures Victorian and Regency romances make of men of the cloth, including Austen herself.
Fair as a Star has romantic moments aplenty, sufficient to fill the pages of a full length novel, so don’t let the page count dissuade you from adding this wonderful story to your shelf!
And finally, I’m thrilled that Fair as a Star is the first in Mimi’s Victorian Romantics collection. I can’t wait for more!
I have purchased my own copy, but my early review copy was provided by the publisher.
USA Today bestselling author Mimi Matthews writes both historical nonfiction and award-winning proper historical romances set in Victorian England. Her articles on nineteenth century history have been published on various academic and history sites, including the Victorian Web and the Journal of Victorian Culture, and are also syndicated at BUST Magazine. In her other life, Mimi is an attorney. She resides in California with her family, which includes an Andalusian dressage horse, two Shelties, and two Siamese cats.
Relz Reviewz Extras
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Visit Mimi’s website and blog
Buy at Amazon: Fair as a Star (releasing July 14)
Giveaway
Thanks to Mimi’s generosity, we have a giveaway! Open internationally, we are giving away a copy of Fair as a Star (print copy if US winner, ebook copy if an international winner).
July 14, 2020 at 1:11 am
My family has personally dealt with and continues to deal with depression and other mental issues. Unfortunately, because people can’t “see” the hurt or brokenness it’s hard for them to understand how deeply the wound truly is. I’m thankful there are medications, therapy and doctors that can help, but despite the advances we’ve made in recognizing mental health there’s still some negative stigmatism related to it. I can’t even imagine what it was like dealing with these issues during the Victorian era.
July 15, 2020 at 10:23 am
It’s so true, Amy. Same with my family, too. Big hugs!
July 14, 2020 at 5:07 am
I like your review & how it delves into a personal space, that I believe lives within all of us, at least at some time or another. Thanks.
July 15, 2020 at 10:21 am
Very true, Nancy.
July 14, 2020 at 7:29 am
This story sounds so fascinating. I love historical fiction and I also love the books by Mimi Matthews that I’ve read. Depression is a sensitive subject, but it’s so prevalent and debilitating. I’m excited to see how Mimi handles it.
July 15, 2020 at 10:21 am
It’s wonderful…but I’ve already said that!!
July 14, 2020 at 9:10 am
Rel, I am SO glad you recommended Mimi Matthews to me! I have read about 5 of her books so far (won one signed copy!) and I am a forever fan. Thanks!
July 15, 2020 at 10:21 am
I’m so glad I had the chance to play book matchmaker, Susan!
July 14, 2020 at 10:52 am
Fabulous review!!! I love her books, and am looking forward to the way she explored depression while instilling “hope, wit and romance.” I also love a hero who is loyal and faithful.
July 15, 2020 at 10:18 am
It’s the perfect combination!
July 14, 2020 at 11:04 am
I have not read any of her books and your highest praise of this one has my interest piqued. Yes please!!!
July 15, 2020 at 10:18 am
Please do, Diane – gorgeous reading ahead for you!
July 14, 2020 at 8:34 pm
You know how much I love English villages, especially those in the Cotswolds. Sounds like a fascinating read especially dealing with issues of mental health.
July 15, 2020 at 10:17 am
You would LOOOOOOVE it, Sis xo
July 14, 2020 at 9:41 pm
I have loved all of Mimi’s books! I’m thinking the aspect of ‘melancholy’ will be most interesting. And I’d love to see a curate in a strong light.
July 15, 2020 at 10:13 am
I truly loved both those aspects in this story, Anne. Mimi wrote both characters so authentically.
July 15, 2020 at 12:13 am
Rel, Thank you so much for introducing us to Mimi! Her stories are exquisite masterpieces.
July 15, 2020 at 10:10 am
Yay! I love book matchmaking, Caryl – so glad you love Mimi’s stories.
July 15, 2020 at 8:55 am
interesting characters
July 15, 2020 at 9:56 am
I haven’t read any of Mimi Matthew’s books yet, but it sounds like I need to start. Fair As A Star sounds so intriguing. In your review, Relz, you definitely grabbed my attention with …”an utterly entrancing novella”. Captivating!
July 15, 2020 at 10:05 am
Seriously, Alison, I think you will love them. If you enjoy well researched, beautifully written, and romantic historical novels, you can’t go wrong with any of Mimi’s novels.
July 15, 2020 at 11:26 am
I have dealt with depression so I can identify with this. Sounds very good. Thank you for sharing.
July 16, 2020 at 4:37 am
I’m completely averse to spoilers so didn’t read any of this (sorry!). Mimi Matthews is at the top of my authors to try because friends with similar reading interests as mine keep raving about her novels.
July 16, 2020 at 6:57 am
I’m interested in aspect of a main character that has what we know as depression, but back then would have been just thought of something that you could easily just get over.
July 16, 2020 at 11:03 am
I/my family have not personally dealt with depression or mental illness, and I don’t think it’s something I’ve read much about and fiction. I think this will be an interesting subject to read about.
July 16, 2020 at 9:40 pm
I would like to read it to find out if the one who secretly loves gets her in the end.
July 19, 2020 at 11:52 pm
First off I just want to say I love the cover of this book!!! And knowing this is going to be a swoony romance has me all excited!! 😀