The new Earl of Castleton needs money. But his niece, Helena, has inherited all the money not entailed to the Earldom. When she does not cooperate in signing over her inheritance, he decides to have her declared incompetent, insane. He subjects her to totruous treatment at an asylum. When she still refuses to sign over her inheritance, he threatens to have her committed permanently. Since she is 25, her only hope is to marry. So she answers an advertisement in the paper for a wife.
The story of Helena and Justin is sweet and touching. They come together out of need. But they end up supporting and loving each other, healing each other.
Another beautiful story done by Mimi Matthews.

Really enjoyed it, I'm looking forward to the sequels! The characters were well developed and the story was interesting. I hope it was a bit longer though.

From the publisher: 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. Ex-army captain Justin Thornhill—though he may be tall, dark, and devastatingly handsome—is anything but a romantic hero. 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 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. 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?
I’ve read two novellas by Mimi Matthews, but this is her first full-length novel, and it’s a lovely one. A true historical romance – not an excuse for wild sex and not a comedy of manners – from the author’s Perfectly Proper Press.
The main characters are complex and well developed. Their fears and insecurities are understandable and justified. The plot seems plausible, not filled with coincidences, misunderstandings, and unlikely decisions. (An event near the end was a bit predictable and clichéd, but otherwise the ending is rewarding.)
The real threat in Victorian times of heirs being institutionalized in asylums so family members could take their fortunes plays a significant role in the book, as does the horrific Siege of Cawnpore in India. It is a pleasure to read a historical novel that also teaches me about history.
If you like clean historical romance with conflicted characters and happily ever afters, you may enjoy The Matrimonial Advertisement and other books by Mimi Matthews.
This seems to be the first book in a series, and I eagerly await sequels. I read an advance reader copy of The Matrimonial Advertisement from Netgalley. It is scheduled to be published on September 4 and will be available at the Galesburg Public Library.

Victorian England is the setting for this gothic style novel. Helena Reynolds is seeking safety, running from London to the North Devon coast as she answered a matrimonial advertisement. Justin Thornhill is seeking someone to take care of his home, someone perhaps to keep him warm on those chilly damp nights on that coast. Neither one knowing one another, it would seem as more of a business arrangement, a marriage of convenience, than anything romantic. And so Helena and Justin meet taking stock in one another. For Helena, he seems worthy of what she is looking for, as he is an ex-soldier and she considers him strong enough to protect her. For Justin, he wonders why someone so beautiful and so cultured, would want to leave London. There are secrets on both sides, each of them with a past they are not willing to immediately divulge. But they marry, and in doing so, finally both learn of each other's past. Will the marriage be strong enough to endure, or will it kill the "embryo" before it could become "happily ever after?"

This is the first book I've read by Ms. Matthews, it won't be my last. With this novel being the first in the series, I look forward to what follows.

My thanks to NetGalley for this advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

I'm very happy I got this book when I did; I needed a laid back and enjoyable read! I can quite simply say that I liked this book. Although the characters were typical in their both having a damaged past, I liked the topics that were presented in this book. Pretty accurate and historically relevant, it helped shaped this book into more than just Victorian romance. There was some substance an actual problem that needed fixing! I like the simplicity of the characters as neither was defined as the most beautiful people in the world but they were two people in need, who could support and protect one another and found love through that. I think I would definitely love to read more from this author and really commend her on this delightful book!

My command of superlatives is failing me so I will simply say that I adored this novel and I'm thrilled that it is just the first in a series.  If you enjoy historical fiction, mail order bride, marriage of convenience stories or 1850's Victorian romance and intrigue, and don't mind a read that just verges on being a tad saucy at times, then grab/pre-order yourself a copy of this one.  Highly recommended.

This review refers to an e-galley read through NetGalley, courtesy of Smith Publicity. All opinions expressed are my own.

Helena Reynolds has been driven to the edge of reason and is prepared to do anything to escape her fate, which is why she finds herself in the wilds of Devon in order to meet with her fiancée after replying to an advertisement. Her husband to be is intimidating and fierce but she is determined to go through with her desperate plan. I found this story to be enjable, interesting and atmospheric.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Justin and Helena, this is one of those traditional books that is actually non traditional in scope. She is a tough, yet gentle lady in a tough situation. She is in need of help from someone she can trust. He is a hero. They are put together by friends in matrimony. Really awesome read.

Helena answers an ad for matrimony to a stranger who is Justin Thornhill, she is fleeing her uncle who has put her in an asylum until she signs over the money she inherits from her dead brother. Justin has been wounded in India and has some scarring from this. Can Justin keep Helena safe? Will her uncle finally institutionalize her?

This was an enjoyable romance. A few matters were left hanging, so there is room for a sequel. If there should be, I would love to read.

Excellent romance, very reminiscent of the gothic romances I used to love inthe ‘70s. Left some (3, actually) dangling ancillary storylines which I hope will be resolved in future books.

There simply aren’t enough words to explain how much I love Mimi Matthews books, and The Matrimonial Advertisement might be my new favorite. The romance and characterization is stellar, naturally, but her time period details are without equal.

I’m almost disappointed that I’ve already read this book because now I can’t experience it again for the first time. I relish this story.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Excerpt from the full review on my blog, which can be found here: https://fanscihist.wordpress.com/2018/08/05/the-matrimonial-advertisement-by-mimi-matthews/

My Rating: 4 stars

Library recommendation: Recommended for public library historical romance collections.

Warning: Hereafter, you chance spoilers. I will try never to reveal major plot points, but to review any book, you must reveal some parts of the story.





Number of titles I have read by this author: 1

Love story speed: Insta-attraction; slow-ish burn otherwise

Relationship dynamics: The Damsel in Distress (h) / The Ex-Soldier of Low Birth (H)

Sexual content: None onscreen. Some non-explicit description of sexual activity. Primarily kissing scenes included.

Triggers: Significant (pre-novel) physical violence against H/h ; significant survivor trauma (H/h)

Grammar/Editing: A few typos. A smidge of non-standard word choice (e.g. agreeable vs. amenable). As this is an ARC, the typos will hopefully be corrected in the final, published version.

Review: This book is well-paced and well-written with just a bit of repetition of details, mostly in character description (you will be very certain by the end of the first couple of chapters that Helena is doe-eyed). It includes some emphasis on Gothic elements, although they aren’t developed to their full potential in the novel. It could be that the emphasis is a set up for development in subsequent novels in the series, but this is complete (and hopeful) speculation on my part. The action in this book was inspired by a couple of historical events that are footnoted in the novel and the development of the story around these events is quite wonderfully done.

On the whole, I really liked Justin and Helena as individuals and as a couple. They are intriguing characters and sweetly vulnerable in their own ways. The supporting characters are fairly well developed, even those who don’t appear “onscreen” – I can guess who the protagonists of the subsequent novels will be and I am looking forward to reading more about them. The only thing about the plot that I was a bit disappointed with was the ratio of internal (relationship) conflict to external (antagonist) conflict – there is more emphasis on the former than the latter in the book, and I found myself wishing that that ratio was more balanced. However, I suspect there will be a lot of readers who will prefer the more internal conflict-heavy path the author has chosen.

Recipe version:

1 bruised heroine

1 scarred hero

a dash of friends

a pinch of villains

Mix according to directions. Do not worry about overmixing. The heroine seems delicate, but is quite resilient when paired with the strong nature of the hero. Friends bolster the flavour of the mix; villains do not overpower it.

Serves 1. Sure to become a favourite.



Full disclosure: I received a free advance review copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

After reading Mimi Matthews first two books (The Lost Letter/The Viscount and the Vicar's Daughter), I am definitely a fan. I read a sample chapter of this book and was prepared to enjoy more of the writing style, character development, romance and emotion that I have come to appreciate from Matthews.

The Matrimonial Advertisement is a departure from the sweet romance of her other books. Its Beauty and the Beast shell is cracked open to reveal a dark, Victorian period where private asylums were prevalent and abuses were common. Helen Reynolds answers Justin Thornhill's matrimonial advertisement out of desperation, as her uncle wants to have her committed to gain control of her fortune. Helen and Justin's relationship develops against this backdrop and, while they grow to care for and love each other, the dark subject matter does overshadow them.

Unresolved questions remain at the end but, as the book is subtitled Parish Orphans of Devon, Book 1, Matthews has deftly set the stage for future installments. Tom Finchley, Justin's lawyer and one of his orphan "family," figures prominently in the book and seems to be set for his own story.

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review

Helena is desperate to escape her life. Circumstances have made it impossible for her to stay in the city. She will do anything to get out. When her cousin stumbles upon an advertisement for a wife in the paper, Helena wastes no time in answering. Marriage to Justin seems perfect - his property is incredibly remote and she'll be able to live an isolated life there.

Justin isn't looking for love. He's looking for a woman who can help around the estate and smooth things over with his tenants. Of course, he'll also require an heir. This is purely a business transaction, and he didn't expect someone like Helena to answer his ad.

Of course this turns into an incredibly slow-burn romance, and it was incredibly gorgeous. If you're looking for a dark and stormy Gothic historical romance, look no further. While you're waiting, I highly recommend checking out Mimi Mathews' The Lost Letter.

The prose was quiet and elegant and pleasing, but I didn’t appreciate the exploitative use of the Indian Uprising in the early part of this book.

Fearing for her life, Helena Reynolds answers an advertisement for a wife. She wants to leave London at all costs. What she needs is protection and the man who placed the advertisement is an ex-soldier. A risky choice or the answer she's looking for?

This story is set in Victorian England at a time when women's rights were practically non-existent. The author has done a wonderful job of pulling you right into Helena's world. You feel her desperation and her fear.

I don't usually enjoy these types of romances but the interesting plot, descriptive settings and extensive character development in this book had me turning the pages until the end.

Helena is desperate to escape her life. Circumstances have made it impossible for her to stay in the city. She will do anything to get out. When her cousin stumbles upon an advertisement for a wife in the paper, Helena wastes no time in answering. Marriage to Justin seems perfect - his property is incredibly remote and she'll be able to live an isolated life there.

Justin isn't looking for love. He's looking for a woman who can help around the estate and smooth things over with his tenants. Of course, he'll also require an heir. This is purely a business transaction, and he didn't expect someone like Helena to answer his ad.

Of course this turns into an incredibly slow-burn romance, and it was incredibly gorgeous. If you're looking for a dark and stormy Gothic historical romance, look no further. While you're waiting, I highly recommend checking out Mimi Mathews' The Lost Letter.

I received this ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

You should read this if you like: atmospheric Gothic romances, historical settings, mail order brides, gruff/stoic war heroes, sweet romances, mysteries, stories about British occupation of India, trauma, etc.

I'll be honest, I requested this book based entirely on the beautiful cover and the plot description. Generally, I'm a stickler for only reading historical romances written by my favorite authors. I know what I like and not everything written in this genre agrees with me. I had never read anything by Mimi Matthews before and as such did not really have any expectations going in. I'm pleasantly surprised by how very well this novel was written and how much I enjoyed it.

The premise of The Matrimonial Advertisement is pretty straight forward. Helena Reynolds is faced with some mysterious and dire circumstances that forces her to flee London. In her desperation she answers a matrimonial advertisement. Travelling to a remote cliffside village, she meets and weds Justin Thornhill. Justin , who is a scared and traumatized army captain with some secrets of his own. But their pasts soon catch up to them and threaten to destabilize everything they have build between them.

Where this novel excels is its deeply atmospheric writing. Matthew's writing brings the Gothic setting to living, breathing life reminiscent of the moors in Wuthering Heights. The remote estate on the edge of a cliff, the incessant rain storms flooding the roads, the crash of the waves on the rocky outcropping: each detail so vividly described that I could almost smell brine in the air! Even the Greyfriar's Abbey with its Gothic stories of haunting added to the sense of mystery permeating the first half of the novel. It was all terribly exciting to read!

The characters themselves build on the mystery with enough hints to keep you invested till the reveal. Both Helena and Justin had traumatic pasts that they worked together to overcome. Their relationship was one build on trust and admiration for the each other. Helena's quiet strength and resilience and Justin's kind disposition really made it very easy to root for them as a couple. Theirs was sweet, domestic kind of romance.

I also, thought that the events set in India was written particularly well. With Matthews background, I'm not surprised with the amount of research that's been put into the details. Certain historical events were incorporated into the novel without making it seem like a token mention. Its a pet peeve of mine when authors base their plot in India and try to insert random Hindi words here and there for flavor. Here, however, Hindi terms has been sparingly used and only to add to the plot.

All in all, I really enjoyed the first half of the novel. There was romance, mystery, and a intriguing plot to boot. But it all kind of falls apart about 60% through once the setting shifts to London. It just seems like every other historical romance from then on and there really isn't much in terms of plot to really keep you reading. The characters too are suddenly hit with a bout of noble idiocy and refuse to actually communicate shit, preferring to dwell in unnecessary angst instead. All of that I really could have done without.

Overall, I really liked this book and would recommend it to anyone looking for a light historical romance with some Gothic elements thrown in. 3.75 stars. I look forward to reading more of Mimi Matthews work in the future.

As befits the reality of the Victorian era, both the hero and heroine have appalling backstories and it's fascinating to read how they find love.

Helena is desperate to escape her evil uncle's designs on her fortune. He's threatened to send her to a lunatic asylum. So she answers Justin's ad for a wife. Justin endured a childhood in an orphanage and his time as a royal officer in India. When she answers his ad, their love story begins.

Many thanks to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for my ARC. All opinions are my own.

I liked this book a lot, it was well written and the story developed easily and in interesting ways. I hope to get the sequels as soon as possible.

Questo romanzo mi é piaciuto parecchio, era ben scritto e la storia si é dipanata in modo interessante ed avvincente, spero di mettere quanto prima le mani sui libri successivi.

THANKS NETGALLEY FOR THE PREVIEW!