This is a very good book. I couldn’t put it down once I picked it up. This is an original plot based on the history of how people could be sent to private lunatic asylums by unscrupulous relatives who coveted their inheritances. Trying to escape the fate that her uncle intended for her, Helena Roberts has answered an advertisement for a young woman to marry a retired soldier on a remote area of Cornwall. The man she will marry, Justin, is filled with anger at the mistreatment he received as an orphan brought up in a Dickensian orphanage and the torture he suffered during the Sepoy Mutiny in India. Scarred and lonely, he thinks an advertisement is the only way to find a wife.

He receives a lot more than he anticipated when Helena answers his ad. She needs someone to protect her and he is, by nature, a protector. He has to struggle with his feeling that he doesn’t deserve such a wife. She has to convince him that, indeed he does.

I really enjoy a good Victorian romance that is based in how history was at that time and not as if a modern woman was transported back to that period. Mimi Matthews accomplishes that here.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book that I received from Netgalley; however, the opinions are my own and I did not receive any compensation for my review.

This is my first Mimi Matthews story...it will not be my last. What a fabulous story. I could not put it down. Justin is wonderful, I am in love with him! Helena is the bravest young woman...who has been through hell. She needs Justin for protection...Justin finds so much more with her. There is intrigue, danger, fighting, romance and finally the freedom and love. What a great story...character development was extraordinary! Enjoy!

This historical romance novel tells the story of Lady Helena Reynolds whose relative is trying to declare her insane to lay hands on her vast fortune. As an escape, she answers a marriage advertisement to find protection and safety. She meets in her future husband, ex-army captain Justin Thornhill, an equally tortured soul as he cannot forget the unspeakable cruelty witnessed during the Indian Mutiny.
Both must learn to trust each other and face their adversity within and outside.
This is an easy read, entertaining with some intrigue.

Usually, when reviewing, I like to take time out to read the book slowly and think through the plot. Is this how I would have done it? Is this the most interesting, most dynamic path for these characters to take? Is there too much stereotype or too little history? All of these things need to be pondered. And yet...I could not read this book slowly. I ate it up, page after page, terribly curious what Helena’s and Justin’s secrets both were. And, unlike many romances, their secrets did not disappoint. They were layered and juicy, scandalous and saucy.
I highly recommend Ms. Matthews book to anyone interested in this genre.

The story grabbed me right away. It opens as the heroine, Helena has arrived at a country inn in rural England, in answer to a matrimonial advetisement. She is running away from a brutal situation and has answered the ad in desperation. The prospective groom, Justin Thornhill has been badly scarred from torture he suffered as an officer in India. She is looking for protection and he is looking for a woman who can make a home for him. While the plot is not original it is. done exceptionally well here. The writing is better than the average light romance, without the usual anachronisms. The reader really feels as if they are in Victorian England and involved with these two damaged people. The relationship has a natural growth and we get to know them as they get to know each other. There is also some excitement as Justin has to find a way to deal th the villains Helena is running from. The solution is not as all what we are used to from 19th century romantic protaganists but makes more sense. There is sexual tension but no actual sexual activity. Not what I'm used to but I didn't find any lack of romance,or emotional invilvement and recommend it as a good read.

3.5 stars - Marriage of convenience? Check! Scarred hero? Check! Two of my favorite tropes in one book? *grabby hands* Mimi Matthews has done it again with a wonderfully written Victorian romance. I'm a big fan of Mimi Matthews as her books are always full of historical detail and charm. I love reading the descriptions of Victorian life and the descriptions of the Devon coast made me want to take a trip to that part of England. Helena and Justin are both likable characters that a reader can empathize with. I loved slowly finding out their backstories and how they each came to seek a marriage of convenience. I did not find this book quite as engrossing as Mimi Matthew's previous Victorian romances, but I still thoroughly enjoyed it! The Lost Letter continues to be one of my top favorite HR books and favorite Mimi Matthews books. But I'm super excited that this is part of a series and looking forward to reading the next one.

This is my third read of the author and, like her previous novels, I found this to be a fast read, a deeply tender story, and, like her two other fiction novels, a treasure trove of Victorian era historical nuggets. Our hero and heroine meet because of an advertisement seeking a wife that he, a scarred Army captain, posts. She is hiding from family drama and intends to use the marriage as her escape. He falls in love with her nearly immediately because (duh) she's beautiful. She falls into a comfort and trust with him because he's big and strong and kind and slowly falls in love with. This author does slow burn romance very, very well.

Unlike the other two stories, I found myself slightly confused as to how to define the genre of this one. I don't need sex scenes to enjoy a romance novel, but when you have a marriage of convenience plot in a story with a gruff hero who makes clear at the beginning his expectations for physical intimacy with his advertised wife only to have him back off of said claims because he learns his wife is the daughter of a peer, I was uncomfortable at the classist and, at times, sexist undertones. Only a poor or plain woman was allowed to be subjected to the crude comments he made prior to marrying her without his conscience prickling at him? Our heroine made very little requests except that he be kind, but what was supposed to be a marriage of convenience turned into a marriage of significant burden for 3/4 of the novel with the hero refusing to consummate the marriage so that he'd be able to anull the marriage and give his wife the freedom she wasn't seeking or asking for but which he felt he knew she needed based off of the superiority of his own male brain. So it was a marriage of convenience story except... it wasn't a marriage. And it wasn't convenient. It was just awkwardly handled. I didn't hate it, but I didn't love it either.

Unfortunately, this is the first negative review I have to give on NetGalley. This book had all the elements it needed and none of the execution. Girl with aslyum ties, man with tortured past, etc. But we kinda seem to skip over the juicy bits. Right into taking with the reporter for an hour, one suggestion seemed to be all it took for Helena to get Justin to give up on his guilt in India and for something labeled a romance novel, there's no sex scene or even something close. Honestly, this could've easily been moved down to teen fiction. There was no real substance to this plot. She doesn't get kidnapped, the focus isn't on her mental state, isn't on the secrets she's keeping from him, honestly the most time is spent with Justin whining and Helena too wrapped up in herself to care. The author has good tension and writing skills, but this book was shallow at best.

First time reading this author and I wasn't disappointed! It is a great book!! Love the characters, the descriptions and the plot.

“The Matrimonial Advertisement” is an enjoyable historical novel, with an excellent world building and an elegant writing style.
The first book in Mimi Matthews’ series Parish Orphans of Devon, it presents the story of Justin Thornhill and Helena Reynolds and introduces some of the other characters (I was very curious about them).
Justin and Helena are great characters and truly deserve happiness after having been through so much. I was delighted with our wounded hero, who isn’t self-conscious about his scars, but I thought the various dimensions and the impact of this physical trait weren’t thoroughly developed. On the other hand, I felt a bit conflicted about his inferiority complex.
I just loved the scenery – the Devon coast, the majestic and stormy sea, London – the historical, social and geographical details and the atmosphere the author created; it seemed well researched and authentic.
After the initial attraction, I felt the development of the chemistry between Justin and Helena was relegated to a secondary role and I missed it.
I was besotted and intrigued with Neville, one of the orphans; I’m looking forward to read an historical novel with a brain-damaged hero.

Confession: I'm not a big lover of romances. This one sounded interesting so I gave it try. What does this mean? That even though I liked it, I'm sure that romance readers will love it. The main characters are very well done with their own motivations behind their actions. There is even a little of a mystery to how horribly screwed the main female character is that brings up interesting historical facts.

My one big negative is that in the end the main male character gets a heavy dose of noble idiot. I don't know if that is a big cliche of romances but they are in Korean dramas and I'm sick of it.

What a beautiful book " The Matrimonial Advertisemnet " turned out to be... Set in the Victorian era this book writes a story on " Marriage of Convenience " & Mail order bride lines... Mimi has done an outstanding job ... she has presented, written , scripted the story very well ...the plot developed is very captivating , there is mystery, action, romance, a bit of drama ,love , compassion, passion ...u name it to make a successful book...

Lady Helena Reynolds is an Earl's niece who has answered a Matrimonial Advertisement in the paper in Devon to marry a man she has never met. She is running away from London due to bad circumstances worse than death.trying to save herself even if she has to marry a stranger.

Justin Thornhill is a Ex-military Captain & a Self-made man .Justin has suffered terribly as a captive in India....,Justin acquired Greyfriar Abbey, a rundown and remote estate on the cliffs in Devon after returning from war and has spent the past 3 years improving his position in life&putting all wrongs to right . He hopes to find is a woman who is willing to share this isolated life with him ... – and occasionally,

Justin & helena are two mature people... their relationship develops very gracefully & compliment each other .... Justin's support helped Helena overcome her fears and allowed her to stand up for herself. Helena's love and support was key to helping Justin overcome past anger and bitterness.

The author Mimi has done a delightful job ...she has written,scripted ,presented the story brilliantly ... well developed plot , fast paced not one moment of boredom... the emotions of the characters beautifully crafted...she has smartly dealt on the subject of the cruelties , crime , injustice against women by society,law in the Victorian Era ...I would definitely recommend this book ...

If the 1st book in the " Parish Orphans Of Devon " series is so good ...eagerly awaiting to read the other books in this series... Good piece of Penmanship Mimi ...please keep up the good work & captivate your readers always...

Helena needed a hero; Justin needed a wife

Helena Reynolds arrives in Devon in answer to a matrimonial advertisement placed by Justin Thornhill. Thornhill takes one look at the quiet, beautiful Helena and immediately realizes 2 things – 1) she’s hiding something and 2) she’s too good for him. Try as he might, Justin is unable to scare Helena off and they are married.

Helena, a gently born woman of five and twenty has answered Justin’s advertisement in hopes of finding someone kind, strong and, above all, willing to protect her. Despite their rough start, Helena knows that Justin is the man that she is looking for and decides to put herself in his capable hands.

Justin, an ex-soldier who has returned from India after suffering horribly as a captive, has spent the past 3 years avenging wrongs and improving his position in life. After returning from India, Justin acquired Greyfriar Abbey, a rundown and remote estate on the cliffs in Devon. His hope is that the woman who answers his advertisement will be willing to share this isolated life with him – and occasionally, warm his bed.
As Helena’s secrets come to light, Justin does as he’s promised and protects her both from her tormentors and from herself.

This was a very well-written and enjoyable Victorian romance. The characters were interesting and each have their own story waiting to be told. I will be looking for the next book in the Parish Orphans of Devon series.

*This review is based on an advanced reader copy provided by NetGalley, Perfectly Proper Press and Mimi Matthews in exchange for an honest review.

If I could only have one book for the rest of my life, it would be this one.

This is my first time reading anything by Mimi Matthews, but rest assured, I now need anything that this incredible author has ever written. The characters were outstanding, developed with complexity and a humanity all their own. The setting and scenery were described with such perfection that I was able to see the circumstances through the characters' eyes with ease. Both Helena and Justin are forever etched onto this reader's heart, and I greatly look forward to expanding my Mimi Matthews library.

The Matrimonial Advertisement by Mimi Matthews
Historical romance runs the gamut from sweet to steamy, historically accurate to wildly implausible and everything in between. Each type has its charms. However, I’ve always been drawn to historically accurate period pieces. I don’t mind some steam but I like it to be realistic to the time period. Mimi Matthews delivers the goods in the best possible way.
Her characters are interesting and believable. The stories are unusual with witty dialogue and top-notch writing. The best aspect is her wonderful attention to period details. Mimi Matthews is a new favorite author for historical romances.
The Matrimonial Advertisement takes us to the wild coast of Devon, where Helena Reynolds has traveled in response to an advertisement of a man, Justin Thornhill of Greyfriar’s Abbey, who in search of a wife. She is full of secrets and in need of protection. He is bitter, scarred and oh so loyal. The evolution of their relationship is such fun to read and the revelations of the characters secrets drives the story. An enjoyable read from beginning to end – I gave a little sigh when I finished.
Other novels from Ms. Matthews have been in a slightly shorter format and I feel the writing and pacing were a little tighter than in this longer length novel. However, this was a very enjoyable read and is the first in a series so there is more to look forward too. I plan to purchase this for my collection and will recommend to library patrons. 4 stars.
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I received a copy of this title from the publisher for an honest review. This was a 3.75 star read for me which rounds up to 4 stars. Desperate to escape from danger, Helena Reynolds answers an advertisement for wife in North Devon. Helena and Justin Thornhill aren't what the other is expecting; Helena is much younger and prettier and Justin is more handsome. Justin was a parish orphan who jointed the military and was posted to India where he was captured and tortured. Although Justin doubts Helena will be happy so far from the entertainments of London and in such a remote location, he agrees to show her his house that afternoon. They decide to marry even though Justin knows that Helena is hiding something from him. She almost confides in Justin before their marriage, but she fears what happens if he decides not to go through with it.

Helena's secret and what she is running from is quickly revealed, but Justin's secrets aren't revealed until the later part of the book. I really appreciated the historical details that the author included about private asylums of the time and the real threat the existed of being committed by greedy relatives to gain control of money. The inclusion of details from actual stories drove home the grittier aspects of the time.

Justin and Helena are very well developed characters and the author does a wonderful job of allowing them to get to know each other; their relationship develops very organically and did not feel rushed at all. I loved how Justin's support helped Helena overcome her fears and allowed her to stand up for herself. Helena's love and support was key to helping Justin overcome past anger and bitterness. Add in interesting secondary characters and the result is a well-written, page turner. Fans of character driven titles will love this title. I'll definitely be reading future titles from this author.

Thank you net galley for an advance copy of this novel. I loved this author and this novel did not disappoint. The story pushed and pulled my emotions at just the right level. The story was of a marriage by advertisement so the story was the falling in love of two characters, Helene and Justin, brought together by necessity. I loved the ending and want to read the next book hoping it is about Mr Finchleys happily ever after. I appreciated the authors clean romance that did not involve bedroom scenes. Great novel and will recommend.

I really, really love Mimi Matthews and was so looking forward to her next release but was not looking forward to the wait for it so I was thrilled to get an arc of this from Netgalley.
I loved this book, the connection between the characters was amazing; going from perfect strangers to friends then falling in love.
The slow burn between the H & h was my favourite thing about this book and I always love a story that can create intimacy and attraction without pages upon pages of gratuitous sex scenes.
The only thing that did bother me was that I felt there was a lot left uncovered: what happened to Alex Archer? Is Giles still alive? How exactly did Justin and his friends drive the baronet to his death? I’m hoping these are things that will be resolved in coming books in this series.
Overall, a great read but taking away half a star for the unanswered questions. 4.5 stars.

This was a sweet romance. A battered woman seeking refuge from her family decides to answer a matrimonial advertisement.