This is a charming story that all romantics can enjoy. Victorian England, two successful businessmen, each with his own idea of courting young ladies. Edward Sharpe has prepared himself by reading the most proper ‘how-to’ manual on proper courtship etiquette - aloof, hands-off, serious . . . stuffy.

The effect of this by-the-manual approach on Miss Sophie Appersett, who is close to slipping into old maid status and who has been placed on the marriage market by her titled, profligate, but almost broke father, is less than enthusiastic. So much less that, in a heart-to-heart conversation, explains that they just are not suited to one another.

But Mr. Sharpe is passionately infatuated and, not to put too fine a point on it, in love with the beautiful Sophie. He has one last chance to redeem himself. Sophie does not withdraw her invitation to spend the Christmas holidays at the estate, though she fully expects he will be a no-show. The rule book goes out the window as Edward rethinks his strategy.

Love is about to blossom in winter.

A Holiday by Gaslight by Mimi Matthews

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

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Story Notes

Relatively new author Mimi Matthews offers readers a Victorian novella based at Christmastime that shows the value of not judging people before you get to know them and always presenting yourself as you truly are so no misconceptions are held.

This was a delightful Victorian story that had sharp wit, good conversation and characters I could really enjoy getting to know. The story begins with Sophie Appersett, the oldest daughter of Sir William Appersett, Baronet, who is attempting to break off her courtship with one Edward Sharpe, a wealthy merchant. Having spent two months enduring the most boring courtship imaginable, Sophie is determined to free both of them before they make a mistake. But after she drops Mr. Sharpe, further consideration rebukes her haste and she must seek him out again to find out whether more candor would have served them better. Convincing him to join her family in Derbyshire for the holidays takes a little maneuvering but Ned finally decides to take a chance on learning more about the intriguing Sophie. As they both try to know the other better, they each find that what they originally believed is hardly true and there much more depth to the other than previously seen. As Sophie sees the kindness and protectiveness that Ned holds close to his heart, her own heart is drawn closer, hoping that the love he shows to others might just be extended to her. Ned also begins to see a side of Sophie that he had missed and one he greatly desires to know more. From her strong opinions to her sacrificial love for her family, Sophie is just the type of woman he is looking for as a wife. But Sophie’s father may make things difficult as he is only looking for more and better ways to improve the family home, Appersett House. Fear of trusting each other has them both wary at first, but further conversation leads to understanding and even the beginning of love. Ned’s mother is also a bit put out with Sophie’s initial rejection of Ned and makes her displeasure well known. In spite of all the problems they encounter, the two grow closer as the days pass, learning not to trust what others say but rather to seek the other out to learn the truth. Both of them will find the love they are looking for as well as someone who will value their input for marriage and life. I enjoyed reading this lovely little story and loved the sharp wit often used by the main characters. The misconceptions they had gave the story some moments of laughter and some of sadness. I was glad to see that Sophie learned courage from Ned and confronted her father about how wrong it was to use monies set aside for the family comfort to make unnecessary additions to their home simply to impress others. I was also glad to see Ned offer his support to Sophie as she tried to keep her father from taking advantage of everyone in their vicinity. He helped her see that she was worthy of love and her inner beauty would last longer than her face or figure. The only issue I had with the book was the unnecessary use of crude language, but it was very infrequent so it wasn’t terrible. I will certainly recommend this book to others as I found it to be a truly wonderful story. I will be looking to read some of Ms. Matthews other books soon as I’m sure they are just as witty.

I received this E-book free of charge from Perfectly Proper Press via NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. I will receive no fiscal compensation from either company for this review and the opinions expressed herein are entirely my own.

This lovely Christmas novella is set in Victorian England. Sophie Appersett is from a very proper family, although they have lost their fortune due to her father's poor money management. For this reason, she (and her parents) welcome the courtship of Ned Starke, a tradesman's son who has done well for himself with good investments. There is not an immediate connection between Sophie and Ned and she is ready to call things off ... but invites Ned and his parents to a Christmas house party stay with her family. They will decide, based on the holiday visit, whether to move forward or walk away.

Sophie is a rare Victorian protagonist. She is an avid reader who quotes Darwin and who wants to be seen as more than a "beautiful creature." She wants a marriage that is a partnership, not the Victorian ideal. Ned seems cold and formal at first, but there are glimpses of deeper thought and feeling that give promise.

The Victorian period details in this book are superlative. They include the then-new Darwinian theories, the sudden passing of Prince Albert, and the new invention of gaslight in homes. The Appersett manor in the English countryside is beautifully depicted as well.

I was only a couple of chapters into this novella when I stopped and put all of Mimi Matthews' books on my Goodreads "to read" list. I feel like this Christmas novella brought the gift of a new author who will become a favorite.

I cannot recommend this novel highly enough for fans of historical fiction, and especially for anyone who loves Victoriana as well.

What better way to get yourself into the holiday spirit than with a Victorian themed Christmas romance? Set in the Dickensian London of the 1860’s, and in Mr. Darcy territory of Derbyshire, A Holiday by Gaslight, by Mimi Matthews offers everything that a Victorian-era Christmas love story should. A snowy Palladian country manor house to set the idyllic scene: holiday traditions of bringing family and friends together to celebrate by decking the halls, sleigh rides, and yule logs—all culminating in a Christmas ball. Mix in a dutiful daughter of a baronet whose ill-founded assumptions of her suitor result in her rejection of their courtship, and you have a second chance love story reminiscent of North and South (1855). Like Elizabeth Gaskell’s classic tale of social division and misconception, the hero and heroine of this novella have both pride and prejudice.

Pressed by her family’s sinking finances into courting a prosperous cotton merchant below her social standing, Sophie Appersett and Edward “Ned” Sharpe’s relationship was doomed from the start. She does not want to marry, and he, after being raised in an austere household does not know how to woo a lady, relying on a stuffy etiquette manual for advice. No matter how much it would please her father to marry him, she thinks him too taciturn and dull and does not suit her expectations of a future husband. He, on the other hand, overlooks her family’s grasping need for her to marry money and only sees her fine character. When she calls it off, he seems unmoved at the loss. She is relieved. Her father is furious.

Placing her doubts and her pride in her pocket, Sophie ventures out to his Fleet Street business attempting to offer an olive branch of reconciliation. Would he, his family, and his business partner attend the Appersett Christmas holidays at the family estate in Derbyshire? She reasons that they could be honest with each other and give the courtship a second chance. Ned is doubtful, and his judgmental mother even more so – yet how could they pass up the opportunity of ten days in the country at the home of a baronet?

The secondary characters help frame the story. Our heroine Sophie’s father is straight out of Jane Austen’s Persuasion, channeling Sir Walter Elliot to a T. He is also a baronet who goes through the family fortune, including his daughter’s dowry, without a care of the consequences. Passionate to improve his ancestral home in Derbyshire, his latest modernization, extravagant gas lighting throughout, includes building a gas factory to supply a rural household with the new form of illumination. Next up in this roundup is Sophie’s little sister Emily. She is the most beautiful of the Appersett sisters. Proud, arrogant, and spoiled, Emily’s tearful objections to her sister’s suggestion of economies to reign in her father’s profligate spending dominate the family dynamic. (Sound anything like Elizabeth Elliot in Persuasion, Janeites?) On the hero’s side, Edward Sharpe’s parents come from humble stock and are linen drapers in Cheapside, London. A self-made man, he has built his fortune without a college education or wealthy social connections. His cold and critical mother is determined that her son marry within his own social class, objecting to his desire to marry a woman of quality. Readers of North and South will see a strong resemblance to John Thornton’s mother in her dour concerns and over protective manner.

Now, enough with the literary comparisons. There is plenty of originality in this story too. The social context immerses the reader in the rapidly changing environment of the newly industrialized England transitioning from an agriculturally based economy to mechanization. At this time the aristocracy and their feudal heritage were beginning to break down and new money earned from ingenuity and hard work by those who had not inherited their wealth was making head roads into society. The theme of adaptation to change and re-adjustment to expectations runs throughout, and in the end those who change are given a happy ending. The gently unfolding love story has surprises, twists and rewards that readers will find both engaging and heart-warming.

While A Holiday by Gaslight embraces the classic Victorian Christmas meme, it does not get bogged down in tinsel, treacle and twee. Its only downside was its redundant epilogue, unfortunately the last scene left in the readers mind of what was, over-all, a delightful holiday-inspired short fiction.

Swoon-worthy and captivating, this endearing story’s protagonists are what enchant. Their love story is a teasing reminder of how powerful a backward glance, a silent pause, or gentle kiss can be. Only the most talented writers can conjure this elusive and bewitching spell.

Laurel Ann, Austenprose.com

This gas lit holiday is more a quiet, contemplative one with little holiday cutesiness. There is tension between the upper class and merchant class guests who don’t always mingle easily. Sophie’s younger and sometimes thoughtless sister (who got on my nerves a bit) has a tendency to speak without realizing the impact of her words and throws up some dampers to Sophie and Ned’s courtship. Ned’s parents are also less than thrilled with his choice while his best friend’s actions push some sticks into the spokes of Ned’s wheels.

This story is a little on the dry side and just when I was thinking that there wasn’t a chance of a HEA, something happens to take the financial pressure off and Sophie can finally face Ned with total honesty about her feelings and intentions. To say she catches him off guard is an understatement but at last, Ned’s under no misapprehension and he quickly jumps at their chance for happiness. And fulfills his promise to kiss Sophie under the stars. B-

Gas lamps and mistletoe!

A disarming romantic novella set in Victorian times exploring the trials of a young woman, Miss Sophie Appersett, daughter of a baronet, who has the role of the family 'sacrificial lamb.' As Sophie and her mother practice economies, her father outfits their ancestral home, Appersett House, with the latest rage 'gaslights'' with untrammeled visions of plumbing throughout. There goes Sophie's dowry!
Sophie is the one who has her clothes resown and turned whilst her beautiful (and selfish) younger sister Emily is given anything she wants. Emily is touted as the one who will save the family's fortune and allow her father to continue to develop Appersett House.
When a successful, wealthy businessman, Edward Sharpe, sues for Sophie's hand, all her spendthrift father can see is more house improvements. As Sophie comes to see it, Ned and she don't have much going for them if their relationship is nothing more than a business transaction. So she determines to end the courting.
But a lady can change her mind!
The action takes place around the Christmas season completed with Yule tide logs and mistletoe.
I must admit I abhorred Sophie's father and felt quite antagonistic towards her sister Emily. Indeed, I wouldn't have given Emily the chance of coming around. I would have left her to make her unthinking, selfish and vain comments to her cat as she faded away into spinsterhood.
But it is Christmas!

A NetGalley ARC

~~Review by Monique~~

Sophie Appersett’s father has squandered nearly all the family fortune, and he needs Sophie to marry a wealthy man. Edward Sharpe is precisely that, although he is in trade, the horrors, beggars can’t be choosers. Edward and Sophie had met previously, they did not dislike each other, but after two months of courtship, Sophie just can’t bear Edward’s lack of conversation any longer: she doesn’t know him any better than when they met, and she asks him to end things. However, it’s not so simple. Edward had formally asked Sophie’s father to court her, he has been handed an invitation to the Appersetts’ Christmas festivities in Derbyshire, so they decide to wait until Christmas to see if they suit or not.

What an enchanting and utterly charming Christmas novella! Mimi Matthews’ prose is bright, smooth as silk, and wonderfully evocative that I don’t believe I have ever seen a Victorian-era Holiday season so well described. A HOLIDAY BY GASLIGHT is also a rare thing: it is all about communication, which is something that is often sorely lacking in romance. The dialogues are spectacular in their honesty, their realism, and to illustrate the different ways of thinking, whether about the class differences or how to navigate a world grappling with the rapidly evolving society in 1861, and even how to express oneself to a loved one. I actually gasped aloud at one character’s rude remark about those not of gentle birth.

Ms. Matthews’ knowledge of the period is remarkable; the historical accuracy of every detail is stunning and does not detract from the romance, which is absolutely lovely. How refreshing it was not to read about Edward’s female conquests, and not have to endure anachronistic sexual interludes. Ms. Matthews’ characterisations are stellar, from Edward who is sometimes hard to read, to the more transparent Sophie, as well as both protagonists’ parents. A HOLIDAY BY GASLIGHT is smart and clever, very romantic, quite illuminating in so many respects, and one of the best historical Christmas stories I have ever read; a treat not to be missed by historical romance aficionados.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This is the second time I have read anything by this author. The fact that it is a novella spurned me on to get another taste of this author's writing style.
I love historical Christmas stories and make it a point to read several leading up to the holiday season.
Sophie Appersett is more than willing to help her family out by marrying out of her class. The darkly handsome Mr. Edward Sharpe is no run-of-the-mill London merchant. Is his grim and silent countenance a façade or is he maybe even worse that he appears. After a short courtship Sophie is more that ready to call it off. After her parent's obvious outrage she gives him another chance by inviting him to spend Christmas with her family.
Will this visit lead to a change of heart.
I gave this short holiday romance 4.5 of 5.0 stars for storyline and characterization. This is a charming Victorian Christmas tale that will pull you in.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this title to read. This in no way affected my opinion of this title which I read and reviewed voluntarily

I thoroughly enjoyed this Victorian Christmas novella. A very delightful and charming read, and a good start to my holiday reading. I think I'll be adding more books by Mimi Matthews to my TBR list.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for a copy of this novella. All opinions are my own.

This is a new author to me and when I saw the beautiful cover and title, I just had to read it! Set in Victorian England, we find our heroine, Sophie, knowing that she needs to marry for money. You see her father overspent trying to keep up with the times by putting in gas lines and running water in their home. I mean wouldn't you have done the same with these inventions to make life easier?
Sophie began a courtship with a tradesman, Ned Sharpe. But after a couple of months, it seemed they truly were not comparable
But at Christmas, even something magical might happen to bring these two together. I really enjoyed the details and historical descriptions brought forth in this novella and hope to read more by this author in the future!

Being a giant historical fiction fan, I knew I had to read A Holiday By Gaslight. It was everything I wanted it to be and more. This was my first Mimi Matthews novella and I was blown away by her detailed story. Matthews does a great job bringing the Victorian era to life and splashing it with such wondrous colors. A historical fiction novel filled with romance and Christmas elements? What more could you want?!

I am already planning on re-reading this by the fire once December hits. I highly recommend this to all of my historical fiction fanatics and romance addicts. This is an instant classic tale you will not want to miss.

I received a copy of this novella from Netgalley.com and the publisher, Perfectly Proper Press. Thank you to both for the opportunity.

The novella is, in a word, delightful. A short story, just 14 chapters, with nods to it's inspiration; Elizabeth Caskell's 'North and South'.

Reading this was like a warm cup of something delicious after being outside in the cold. Comforting and refreshing without melodrama or saccharine.

Take a break from the world for a bit with this novella.

Gorgeous cover but I was having a very hard time with the story. Somethings just weren’t making sense to me and it was sort of flat. Not a fan of the Heroine either, she kind of rubbed me the wrong way. I had hoped to love this but I just didn’t.

I discovered Mimi Matthews when a friend gushed about her recent release, A Matrimonial Advertisement. I read it straight away and loved it so much that I searched for her other books and found this little gem of a Christmas novella was soon to release. And here it is. Yipeee! And it was every bit as good as I was hoping it would be.

I still have some of Ms Matthews’ backlist to read (and make no mistake; I will definitely be reading them) so I’m only going by the two novels I’ve read so far, but one of the things that hooked me right from the start was the fact that her characters don’t have that glossy patina that so many romance novel characters have.

And her heroes! They’re they kind of men that don’t always present in the best light on first meeting—often taciturn and even a little forbidding—but if you take the time to mine their characters, you’ll find the mother lode of all the most important hero qualities: integrity, sincerity, protectiveness, and deep affection. In Edward Sharpe’s own words: “I’m not a man given to great expressions of emotion. It’s not how I was raised. It’s not how I’ve lived my life. But I do feel things deeply. I may not always show it, but I do.”

It certainly didn’t hurt that this novella also had several winks, nudges, and nods to Elizabeth Gaskell’s North and South. If you love John Thornton, then you are likely to be very well pleased with Edward Sharpe.

To put it simply, this was a thoroughly satisfying Christmas novella for this history lover.

What a delightful find! New-to-me author Mimi Matthews' writing style is a breath of fresh air in my beloved historical romance genre.

I loved the opening chapters, which set the perfect tone, moodiness, and pacing of any classic Victorian-era doomed romance I've ever read *white-gloved, soft happy claps*

Then with expertly exquisite tension, Ned and Sophie's voices bloomed across the pages in dual POVs as they begin to find if they truly could ever suit.

I typically don't read chaste romances, but MM's writing style kept me totally engaged. That first kiss? Totally swoonworthy! And I absolutely won't say more about these two imperfectly wonderful characters, because they cast a spell on my romantic, reading heart strong enuf that I want everyone to discover them as I did...going in cold and ending up in front of a cozy fire.

I will share that when Ned and Sophie talk it all out and see each other, really see each other, for the first time...I got misty eyed, people! #swoonworthy

Sophie has been courted by the cold and reserved Ned and finds him lacking. As such, she tells him that they are not suited, and she does not wish to see him further. This news infuriates her father. He tells her to repair the relationship. Sophie goes to Ned and agrees to see him once she sees some emotion flare in Ned. The story is set in England during the time Prince Albert dies.

The setting has such beautiful descriptions that you can see the stars above Sophie and Ned’s head, the imposing Derbyshire and the fallen snow. The characters are rich. You love Sophie and Ned but find it hard to like the imperfect characters they encounter. What a lovely, sweet Christmas read.

I have never read a book my Mimi Matthews but this certainly won’t be my last! Hurry to read it during this holiday season.

I received an ARC from NetGalley for an honest review.

Oh be still my Christmas loving heart! First, lets take a moment to appreciate how pretty and festive this cover is! A Holiday by Gaslight is made every corner of my Hallmark movie obsessed soul warm. In true Mimi Matthews fashion, there were little aspects and details sprinkled throughout this book, like references to Dickens and Darwin, that made the Victorian setting feel truly authentic to the time period. Sophie and Ned's old-fashioned holiday romance is sweet and honest. I couldn't help craving hot cocoa and a warm fire with the soft sounds of classic Christmas carols in the background while I went on their journey.

I voluntarily received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

A Holiday by Gaslight by Mimi Matthews was a delightful Victorian story about Sophie Appersett, who was willing to marry a wealthy tradesman to ensure her family survived the upgrades her father kept doing to Appersett House. Mr. Edward Sharpe had asked to court Sophie but he came across quiet and somber. Could they work through their differences? I received an advance copy of this book from Net Galley for my honest review.

In this Victorian romance Sophie Appersett is willing to marry a wealthy tradesman if it saves her family from ruin. But could she be happy with the taciturn Mr. Edward Sharpe. As Christmas approaches and after two months of courtship what does she decide to do.
A delightful romantic novella. The characters are a well-developed group most of which are likeable. Overall a charming read.

London - 1861

Sophie Appersett is walking in Hyde Park with Edward (Ned) Sharpe, a wealthy manufactory and railway owner in London. They have been courting for a couple of months, but Sophie realizes they do not suit and he agrees. Many wealthy merchants are looking to marry impoverished, yet titled people. But, in this case. it just won’t work. It turns out that while Ned is an intelligent gentleman, Sophie has been the one having to keep up both ends of any conversations they had. She found that exhausting.

Ned is back in his office. He wishes his courtship of Sophie had been successful, but he realizes that his rank below hers is to blame. When he first met her, he was taken by her beauty and learned that she is the daughter of a baronet, Sir William of Appersett House. The man has two daughters, Sophie and Emily, and is nearly bankrupt. He and his wife are in London hoping to find rich husbands for their daughters.

When Sophie tells her parents that she has broken off her courtship with Ned, they are furious. They had already invited Ned to spend Christmas with them at their family home. Sir William had spent an enormous amount of money on their home outfitting it with gaslights and using Sophie’s, not Emily’s, dowry to do so. While they cannot really afford to have the Christmas house party, Sir William wants to show off the gaslights.

Sophie seeks out Ned and tells him that she hopes she has not made a mistake in calling off their courtship. She is honest and tells him that his lack of talking to her was the problem. She then asks him to please attend the family’s Christmas house party to see if they can truly make a go of their relationship. In addition, she invites his parents and his good friend, Walter Murray, to attend as well. But when Prince Albert dies suddenly, many guests send their regrets for the party. However, there are still enough local people to attend and make it a good time.

Sophie and Ned get to spend time with one another at the party and Ned finally open ups to her making her realize that he truly is a nice man. But she is angry when she discovers that her father may be pressing Ned to marry her so he can get money to make even more improvements to their home. She doesn’t want to marry the man for his money, but for his love. Can there be a chance for true love for them?

This is a truly delightful love story. It is clean and written the way a historical romance novel should be. I loved it and hope lots of people will read it and enjoy it as much as I did. Mimi Matthews is an author to watch.

Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.