An enchanting historical novella that blends elements of Victorian technology, Charles Darwin's On the Origin of Species, etiquette books, and Victorian Christmas traditions with a sweet cross-class romance. Wholly original. Not to be missed.

Matthews, Mimi. A Holiday by Gaslight: A Victorian Christmas Novella. Perfectly Proper. Nov. 2018. 169p. ebk. ISBN 9780999036464. $2.99. HISTORICAL ROMANCE
After a two-month courtship, Sophie Appersett, daughter of an impoverished baronet, ends her relationship with the austere but wealthy merchant Edward Sharpe, believing him indifferent to her. Ned is perplexed when having strictly followed all the rigid protocols of high Victorian society etiquette he is flatly rejected by the woman he longs to marry. Sophie later decides to give Ned a second chance by inviting him to celebrate the Christmas holiday at her family’s country estate. Raised by caring but abstemious parents, Ned must learn to show his true feelings to Sophie, or he will have his heart broken again. Matthews (The Matrimonial Advertisement) pays homage to Elizabeth Gaskell’s North and South with her admirable portrayal of the Victorian era’s historic advancements in addition to courtship struggles arising from societal castes. Revealed incrementally throughout are family circumstances molding the characters of both Sophie and Ned, allowing their genuine identities to evolve naturally, just like their sincere and sweet romance.
VERDICT With this stand-alone novella developed into a full-length novel, readers will easily fall for Sophie and Ned in their gaslit surroundings. Suitable for a clean reads audience.—Eve Stano, Indianapolis P.L.
This review was originally published in Library Journal Xpress Reviews: E-Originals, October 12, 2018.

Part of the A Victorian Christmas Novella series a well written story that I found myself smiling through. Mr. Edward Sharpe is a wealthy manufacturer who meets Sophie Appersett and they do not get off to a good start, but Christmas is coming a lot can happen at this time of love. This is the first book by this Author that I have read and I will be looking for more by her.

Review:

Sophie — willing to marry outside her class to ensure the survival of her family. It’s a cute short read. And, if you don’t have any issues with a Christmassy/winter read in the dead of Summer — go for it.

It is a Victorian setting and what I like really…is that the dialogue doesn’t take me out of the story. I’ve noticed with Victorian setting the dialogue often feels hard to read through.

Downloaded from Netgalley free in exchange of an honest review.

Thank you very much for allowing me the opportunity to read this book! I appreciate the kindness. <3

Who doesn’t love a feel-good Christmas novel? I found this story easy to read and light-hearted. The historical references were wonderful. Great characters and relationships. Definitely recommend.

A Holiday By Gaslight: A Victorian Christmas Novella by Mimi Matthews

Sophie Appersett does not have many suiters or prospects and no dowery, so when she calls off her courtship to the stern and wealthy London merchant Mr. Edward Sharpe, he can only assume that their class differences are too much for the proper daughter of a baron.

Sophie has been reading Darwin and knows that like all creatures the gentry needs to adapt with changing times… so why reject Mr. Sharpe’s suit? Has she been rash in with decision? Could she give hime a second chance where they are themselves, loyal daughter and sister Sophie and hard working and carling Ned? Can these two find love in their truth?

I truly enjoyed this novella, Mimi has a wonderful why of entwining history into her story and creating characters that you can root for. I loved both Sophie and Ned and found them both to be solid charatures working on themselves and their futures, while trying to make love happen as best they knew how. The infusion of truthful speak was wonderful in a genre where miscommunications and folly often run the story.

I highly recommend, this book and I myself will be going to pick up more of Mimi’s work! A Holiday By Gaslight by Mimi Matthews was released November 13, 2018.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Perfectly Proper Press through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

#HolidayByGaslight #NetGalley

I wasn't sure what to expect, but I enjoyed reading this. An interesting story with fun characters. Well written.

A Holiday by Gaslight was a very intriguing read. I enjoyed the ambiance and historical setting; but the most interesting aspect was the lesson for all of us in that first impressions are not always right or the best. Second chances or glances reveal more facets to people and maybe that we are mistaken in our assumptions; and therefore, may miss out on the very best for our futures. Being willing to admit an impulsive mistake, allows Sophie another chance to see Edward Sharpe in a different light. She finds a treasure she might have lost if she had continued with her preformed opinion. I highly recommend this read. Thanks to Victory Editing for allowing me to read this novella on Netgalley.

What a beautiful cover. A novella so short and easy to read. I love anything written in the Victorian era and this lovely romance-themed book did not disappoint. Recommended.

I'm not a romance book person usually, but this cover caught my eye, and sometimes I just cave... It's set in a time period that I find interesting, so that was a saving grace, and I find the English upper class just too entertaining of a group, to pass this book up! Yep, it was worth the read! Very entertaining!

Great little read for Christmas! I wasn't sure what to expect when the opening scene involved our heroine breaking her engagement, but as I read I found it to be the perfect beginning to a love story about first impressions, second chances and marrying for love. Very enjoyable read, and I'll probably read more from this author in the future.

Sophie Appersett is willing to make a great sacrifice. Her family is nearly broke and she will marry just about anyone to save it. Even if it means marrying outside of her class. She thinks she can make things work with Mr. Edward Sharpe, a London merchant. They court, take lovely rides and walks together, but he is oddly staid for the entire duration. Sophie just cannot do it. She breaks things off.

Edward Sharpe has just lost an opportunity to be with a woman who knows deep inside that he could love. But seemingly he has lost his chance. Circumstances change and the perfect opportunity displays itself and this time Edward hopes to at least let her see that he does have deep emotions.

A Holiday by Gaslight is a sweet novella. Although a quick read it was enjoyable to see the characters work together to establish a future together. The holidays seem to be the perfect time. This delightful and fulfilling story has a warm conclusion.

Many thanks to Perfectly Proper Press and to NetGalley for this ARC to review in exchange for my honest opinion.

The cover is a major draw-in for me.

A Holiday by Gaslight is a sugar-sweet romance, a quick yet fun read but I truly wish it were longer than a novella. I'm quick to add it to my pile of winter recommendations. A Holiday by Gaslight would make a perfect Christmas read.

This Christmas-y romance takes place during the Victorian era. I love how the influence of 19th century English culture is incorporated in this book, especially in the world-building.

The storyline follows that of the usual marry-those-of-high-status type. The plot deals with financial crisis, social relationships, and of course, the bittersweet desires of the heart. The story also deals with the usually hidden struggles of aristocratic families and their ways of getting through the darkest times. Most of all, it deals with being a woman, a female's role in society during the Victorian era. 'Tis a simple tale, but one that is very sweet, and (in my case) very cozy, I wanted nothing more than to snuggle up in bed with a hot drink.

The characters are very very likeable. Sophie and Ned make a rather adorable couple and it's clear how quickly they won me over! Their slow-burn romance is just perfect. And the side characters are amazing, too! I'm glad that in this book, we shall yet again read about a strong-minded young lady. And the character development is astounding! I often get disappointed by character developments in LONG series, much less short novellas. But oh boy, this book has such great character development! The way our two main characters slowly opened up to each other and showed their true colors is just beautiful.

Also, something extra, but referencing and involving the "teachings" of Charles Darwin, Prince Albert, and an etiquette guide for gentlemen is just..hilarious? A bit. But I just love this part haha. Did I forget to mention that I sometimes giggled like a fool while reading this book? No? Oh well.

Mimi Matthews has created a lush, nicely-written and inviting Christmas-y world.

The marriage of convenience plot line is one I rather enjoy in historical fiction, and A Holiday by Gaslight's (almost) marriage of convenience plot was a bit of a surprise in several ways. Not surprising, however, was how much I enjoyed it. Though I've only previously read one novel by Mimi Matthews, I already know to expect a tightly plotted and well crafted story that will be difficult to put down.

Getting to know the characters of Sophie Appersett and her merchant-class suitor, Edward Sharp is a delight. The Appersett family, however, are not so very delightful, and that is where the crux of the story lays. For it is her family that prompted the engagement, and it is in spite of them that there might actually be a marriage when all is said and done.

Though A Holiday by Gaslight is a Christmas novella, and was one of the best I read this past holiday season, the writing, the well researched portrayal of the period, and the wonderful characters ensure that it can be enjoyed year-round. Highly recommended and an immediate addition to my to-be-re-read list, holiday not required.

This review refers to a digital galley read through NetGalley, courtesy of the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.

I’m not much of a romance reader, but since this is a novella, it seemed like it might be a fun land quick holiday read. It totally is—the characters and tone of the writing are totally charming.

This is a short, sweet Christmas novella that finds two sisters finding love at Christmas. Sophie Appersett has tried to get to know her new suitor Edward Sharpe for two months, but has given up on their relationship. After she tells him that they just don't suit, her father is extremely upset. He wanted this match for the money. He has pretty much bankrupted the family and Edward is a very wealthy tradesperson who he wants to marry his daughter. Sophie's mother is much better at getting Sophie to see the error of her ways and she agrees to try again. If Mr. Sharpe would only be candid with her about his feelings, she could make an informed decision. Edward Sharpe (Ned to his friends) was smitten by Sophie Appersett at first sight. Not just her beauty, but her winning smile and the way she presents herself has made him sure that he wants her for his wife. When she breaks off the relationship he is hurt, but does not want to let her know. When she visits him to ask if he is willing to try again to get to know each other, he agrees, but is worried that it won't work.

I enjoyed this story. I liked the banter between the characters and the humour in the story. I was not impressed with Sophie's father. I found him selfish, self-centered and feeling sorry for himself. I also didn't like that his attitude rubbed off on his youngest daughter Emily. It was great to see Emily change her attitude by the end of the story. This story deals with class expectations and their stations, the way women were often seen as chattel and about the importance of marrying for love. Just what I needed at Christmas time. The publisher, Perfectly Proper Press, generously provided me with a copy of this book upon my request. The rating, ideas and opinions shared are my own

Having read a Mimi Matthews story before, I was a little excited to jump into this one. Her heroes are actually quite interesting and in depth (and totally my type--heh.) While the heroines can be a little trying, I enjoy her writing style and the ease in which she tells the story.


A Holiday by Gaslight has your typical Historical Romance formula. In this one, it's all about the role an elder sister has to take in order to save her financially tight family. Sophie Appersett, although willing to be such a daughter, finds that the man she has to court a little too stoic and reserved. So naturally, she doesn't feel a connection and against all else she severs the relationship.

The man in question, Edward Sharpe is not of the same class. (But who cares about that?). His family's self-made fortune still makes him lower classed, but since Sophie's family is in dire straights, that does not stop her father from enforcing the match.



Sophie's father is quite the character. And not in a good way. Spending well beyond their means just for house upgrades, has put his family in danger financially without any feeling of remorse. While I can appreciate the necessities to upgrade housing at the turn of century with the addition of plumbing and gaslight, I just couldn't get past the selfishness of it all. So with duty to her family, Sophie tries again with Edward.



Thank goodness for letting out transgressions early because for the rest of the story it's all about Sophie and Edward really getting to know each other and actually talking. The cozy setting of the Christmas celebrations is prime for romance. This little statement alone from Edward made me like is his character a lot:




"I have neither birth nor breeding. I never attended Oxfurd of Cambridge. I've never toured the capitals of Europe or met the Queen. Some might argue that I'm not even a gentleman." "I'm just a man, Sophie."


Yep, that clinched it for me.

It's a sweet romance with some passionate kisses thrown in, nothing too heavy. All about building a relationship in a normal way and finding out what makes the other tick.

This may be one of my favorite holiday reads! I absolutely adored this book! It had a fun, sweet, and charming romance! The characters are strong and well-developed. This is a perfect read to drink alongside hot chocokate or eggnog!

A Holiday by Gaslight by Mimi Matthews
Perfectly Proper Press, 2018
Romance (Historical); 175 pgs

Sophie Appersett would like to marry someone for love, and that doesn't seem to be Mr. Edward Sharpe, who barely speaks to Sophie on their outings together. Sophie's parents need her to marry Edward, who is quite wealthy despite his humble parentage, as her father's spending has gotten out of hand. While, Sophie wants to marry for love, not out of obligation, her loyalty to her family is strong. Will the holiday at the Appersett House be enough win over Edward Sharpe?

A Holiday by Gaslight was a pleasant little historical romance set in Victorian England. Sophie has long been driven by pragmatism and logic, but when it comes to marriage, she craves romance and love. She seems to know this about herself and isn't afraid to go after what she wants. At first I was a little put off by Edward Sharpe, much like Sophie was, given his initial demeanor, but, as the reader soon learns, there is much more to him than meets the eye. He is smart, and I worried at times that Sophie was underestimating him.

I am not sure what to make of how things played out in the end. It was certainly a twist I was not expecting. Was it for the better? I think so for Edward and Sophie. For the reader? It may have been a bit too much. Still, I did enjoy this novella overall, and would read more by Mimi Matthews.