relzreviewz.com The Work of Art by Mimi Matthews ~ Audiobook

The Work of Art by Mimi Matthews ~ Audiobook

Synopsis:~

An Uncommon Beauty…

Hidden away in rural Devonshire, Phyllida Satterthwaite has always been considered more odd than beautiful. But in London, her oddity has made her a sensation. Far worse, it’s caught the eye of the sinister Duke of Moreland—a notorious art collector obsessed with acquiring one-of-a-kind treasures. To escape the duke’s clutches, she’s going to need a little help.

An Unlikely Hero…

Captain Arthur Heywood’s days of heroism are long past. Grievously injured in the Peninsular War, he can no longer walk unaided, let alone shoot a pistol. What use can he possibly be to a damsel in distress? He has nothing left to offer except his good name.

Can a marriage of convenience save Philly from the vengeful duke? Or will life with Arthur put her—and her heart—in more danger than ever?

My take:~

Another beauty from talented writer, Mimi Matthews! I listened to the audiobook of The Work of Art and delighted in hours of enjoyment as the story of a damaged Captain and a naive country lass, skilfully narrated (for the most part) by Alex Wyndham. The marriage of convenience trope was done so very well, with an unlikely friendship forming prior to the marriage, then blossoming attraction before giving way to a deeply felt love. The dialogue between these two was always engaging, intelligent, and authentic. I was thrilled that Mimi didn’t resort to the overused and rather boring method of juvenile misunderstandings that drag on for chapters. There were plenty of relational mishaps, but Arthur, and particularly Philly, talked through their hurts with the other as the misunderstandings arose, allowing their feelings to deepen for each other. It was such a refreshing approach and endeared me even more to Mimi Matthews and her appealing characters and prose. Even the underlying mystery has a twist that I didn’t see coming which is always a lovely surprise.

Alex Wyndham’s narration was well done, with the exception of his female voice. That said, I’ve learned it is almost impossible for a male narrator – at least the many I have listened to – to convey the female’s dialogue without it grating a little and it was no exception here. Other than that the narration is strong and lovely to hear in an English accent.

The Work of Art is an excellent story and I am happily recommending the audiobook to you.

I purchased my own ebook and audiobook copies of The Work of Art.