Synopsis:~

A winter reunion for the orphans brings romance for Neville Cross in Book 4 of Mimi Matthews’ USA Today bestselling Parish Orphans of Devon series.

She Needed to be Seen…

As a lady’s companion, Clara Hartwright never receives much attention from anyone. And that’s precisely how she likes it. With a stormy past, and an unconventional plan for her future, it’s far safer to remain invisible. But when her new employer is invited to a month-long holiday at a remote coastal abbey, Clara discovers that she may not be as invisible as she’d hoped. At least, not as far as one gentleman is concerned.

He Wanted to be Heard…

Neville Cross has always been more comfortable with animals than people. An accident in his youth has left him with a brain injury that affects his speech. Forming the words to speak to his childhood friends is difficult enough. Finding the right things to say to a lovely young lady’s companion seems downright impossible. But Miss Hartwright is no ordinary companion. In fact, there may not be anything ordinary about her at all.

During a bleak Devon winter, two sensitive souls forge an unexpected friendship. But when Clara needs him most, will Neville find the courage to face his fears? Or is saying goodbye to her the most heroic thing he can do?

My take:~

Mimi Matthew’s fourth and final Parish Orphans of Devon Victorian romance releases next week and that makes me incredibly happy and a little sad. I adored journeying with Justin, Tom, Alex, and now Neville, as they traversed some rough ground throughout their childhood and young adult years, looking for belonging, family, love, and contentment. The Winter Companion is Neville’s story, a gentle giant of a man confounded by speech and social challenges resulting from injuries sustained in a fall from the dangerous cliffs the boys fearlessly climbed when they were wild, reckless, and unhindered by adult supervision or care. Neville’s fall and his ensuing impediments marked each of the boys, the impact remaining into adulthood.

Neville’s life is focused on caring for the animals at Greyfriar’s Abbey, where he feels ill-equipped to interact with people other than his fellow orphan and owner of the abbey, Justin Thornhill and his wife. Until lady’s companion, Clara Hartwright stumbles into his life.

The Winter Companion completes this series with another gorgeous story of love and self-discovery. I can’t get enough of the intriguing characterisation that is a highlight of Mimi’s writing, along with her attention to detail relating to the era, from clothing and animal husbandry, to the implications of the English class structure. Exceptional dialogue – in equal parts romantic, humorous, and moving – is another hallmark of her storytelling. Weaving a Christmas story that brings the orphans and their spouses together once more provides a satisfying and romantic conclusion to a much loved series I will enjoy many times over. While Justin (The Matrimonial Advertisement) remains my sentimental favourite, I adored each one of the orphans and the strong and determined women who captured their hearts and minds. I will remain a devoted Mimi Matthews reader for as long as she continues to put words to the page. This series is not to be missed!

With thanks to the author for my review copy. The Winter Companion is a  clean, general market read. I have also purchased my own digital copy and will be adding the print copies to my shelves when the budget allows! Come back next week for my exclusive interview with Mimi, when we will be giving away a signed copy of The Winter Companion, thanks to Mimi’s generosity.

I know I’ve skipped a book in this series as I’m yet to review book #3, A Convenient Fiction! My audiobook review will be coming soon, but I can tell you I loved Alex and Laura’s story my first time reading it and am thoroughly enjoying it a second time around on audio!

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