I thought that the book, was such a page turner. A great read. I loved the book. The plot was very well written and I cannot wait to read another book by this new to me author.

I never read blurbs, well hardly ever! This is one I should’ve read! I was expecting the usual Mimi Matthews romantic swoony novel. I was totally not expecting the merging of Jane Eyre with another well known story that I won’t mention because of spoilers. I’m sure this is wonderfully written as normal for Mimi Matthews, but this just isn’t the story for me.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

Mimi Matthews is an auto buy author for me. I love all of her books and always make room for them on my calendar. She never disappoints and when I saw she was going to write a novel that was a little darker and more gothic than her standard feel good historical romances made me elated!

I couldn’t say yes fast enough to this one! I know that some times when an author branches out of their typical genre to try something new, there is always hesitation that it won’t be well received, but she is such a talented writer that I knew this was going to be another outstanding read. You can tell it’s a retelling of Jae Eyre based on the title and I think a number of readers will be thrilled to pick this one up and give it a go.

In the last book I read by Matthews, Gentleman Jim, she did a bit of a twist on The Count of Monte Cristo, so I couldn’t wait to see how this retelling would develop. And you guys know I am a huge fan of gothic romances so this book was practically made for me! While I am not a huge Jane Eyre fan, I appreciate the story and couldn’t wait for Matthew’s take on this classic gothic tale!

Summary
From USA Today bestselling author Mimi Matthews comes a supernatural Victorian gothic retelling of Charlotte Brontë’s timeless classic.

Yorkshire, 1843. When disgraced former schoolmaster John Eyre arrives at Thornfield Hall to take up a position as tutor to two peculiar young boys, he enters a world unlike any he’s ever known. Darkness abounds, punctuated by odd bumps in the night, strange creatures on the moor, and a sinister silver mist that never seems to dissipate. And at the center of it all, John’s new employer—a widow as alluring as she is mysterious.

Sixteen months earlier, heiress Bertha Mason embarked on the journey of a lifetime. Marriage wasn’t on her itinerary, but on meeting the enigmatic Edward Rochester, she’s powerless to resist his preternatural charm. In letters and journal entries, she records the story of their rapidly-disintegrating life together, and of her gradual realization that Mr. Rochester isn’t quite the man he appears to be. In fact, he may not be a man at all.

From a cliff-top fortress on the Black Sea coast to an isolated estate in rural England, John and Bertha contend with secrets, danger, and the eternal struggle between light and darkness. Can they help each other vanquish the demons of the past? Or are some evils simply too powerful to conquer? (summary from Goodreads)

Review
This is the glorious book baby that happened when the Brontes and Dracula came together. Dracula is one of my all time favorite classics and books so seeing it’s influence in this Bronte retelling was thrilling and really caught my attention. I loved how both of these stories came together to create this larger new story. Matthew’s picked the best parts of both stories and incorporated them into this lovely read. I thought it was brilliant and interesting. But there was also something that was nagging at the back of my mind. It took me a few days of ponding what exactly was off for me in this one to fully articulate it. While I liked this book and thought it was an excellent retelling, that was interesting and true to the classics……there was also something off for me and I couldn’t figure out what for a few days.

Matthew’s is an incredibly talented writer and her stories always feel original and there’s so much natural chemistry between the characters that it’s hard to forget them. In this one, things felt a little constrained, like she was limited or bound to the classic and it didn’t really allow for the characters to become uniquely their own. To be honest, I would have liked to have seen her ditch the retelling aspect from both books and let the stories of John and Bertha shine and grow more organically throughout the book. I felt at times there were moments where Bertha or John might have acted in a different way, but were limited to the confines of the classic Jane Eyre story and respective characters, that this story didn’t allow a way for them to become uniquely their own. The same happened with the villain Mr Rochester. Because he was a reimagining of Count Dracula, it felt that he too was limited by the classic character within the story. I think he could have been more menacing if he could have taken on a life of his own rather than being restricted to the reimagining of Count Dracula.

So where does that leave me in this book? It’s a hard one for me to review. On one hand I loved it and enjoyed the clear influence of the classic novels and I loved seeing the role of Jane being played by a man. I loved the book, but in this case I think Mathews could have actually had a retelling that was more loosely based on the characters than this one was. It was still a wonderful read and I gave if 4 stars, I think she is a marvelous writer with a true talent for romances and I think this segaway into the gothic was so exciting and I hope she writes more gothic romances—-but ones that are maybe separated a little more from the classics.

Book Info and Rating
Format Kindle Edition

Expected publicationJuly 20, 2021 by Perfectly Proper Press

Free review copy provided by publisher, Perfectly Proper Press in partnership with Austen Prose Blog Tours, in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and in no way influenced.

Rating: 4 stars

Genre: historical fiction

This is a gender swapped Jane Eyre/Dracula mash up, and it’s an entertaining read. There were no real surprises because if you know Jane Eyre then you know what’s going to happen in this story, but it was still interesting and maybe a bit more comfortable, because you know what to expect, but you can enjoy the ride. The writing style was strong and the flashbacks through letters a good way to break up and re-build the narrative. All in all, a worthwhile read.

This book is written by one of my favorite authors and she did not disappoint! This gender flipped retelling of the classic Jane Eyre (as well as another well known gothic tale woven throughout) is well written and will keep you on the edge of your seat. The romance, suspense and moral thread throughout the book is perfect, and will make you wish the tale will never end. I was unsure when I first started reading that this would be too scary, too much for me to handle…thinking it was a horror novel. I was wrong. This is one of the BEST stories I have read in ages! The characters are so well written -you will feel as though you know them…and the story do vivid that you will feel as though you are there, experiencing it as the characters do. Although this is a retelling of a couple of classics, this book is a tale of its own. You will be drawn in from the very first paragraph and will not want to put it down until you read the last page. I highly recommend this book to everyone!
I was given and advanced copy of this book and this is my honest review!

Last year, I read Jane Eyre and when I saw this novel, was this another retelling?

I loved how visually dark the atmosphere of the story. It made you scared and your hair up while turning the pages.

John Eyre is a teacher, and he applied for a position to a far away place just to get away from an awful past.

I seriously like Bertha Mason as the love interest who is strong and mysterious. Getting to know her is thru reading her letters to a former friend.

I'll go for a mystery suspense for the genre, but the epistolary part was a breathe of fresh air. I truly enjoyed reading it, and I was the happiest when it ended in a happy note.

Thank you to Perfectly Proper Press and Netgalley for the ARC!

A marvelous read. I love a good classic lit remix, and once I realized that John Eyre is inspired by *two* nineteenth-century classics, plus a healthy dose of feminism, I practically read it in one sitting. I will be enthusiastically recommending this to romance readers, fans of classic literature, and pretty much everyone else.

Many thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review!

I LOVE THIS BOOK!!!

Yes, I did have to shout that as loud as I could. Though this book is amazing!!

John Eyre is one of those books which will stay in your mind for weeks – now, months after closing the last page. It’s an incredibly clever and original take on not one but two well-loved classic’s, Matthews is an astonishingly gifted author, I have loved her work since that very book but this one just blew me away. Her ability to entwine to well-loved classics and create a stunningly mesmerizing, unexpected and enthralling story is pure brilliance!!

I knew that I was going to enjoy this book the moment I read the back blurb, but the way it crept into my very being I wasn’t prepared for, as you may have guessed by the title John Eyre is a re-telling of the hugely famous classic; Jane Eyre but with a twist, as Mathews has meticulously entwined another classic within the plot – I won’t even hint at what that other classic is as even the merest hint will give far too much of the plot away. If your thinking that just because you know the Jane Eyre story that you don’t have to read this because you know the story, then you are well and truly wrong, this is like no re-telling you have read before.

The story opens when the schoolmaster; John Eyre having left his former employer after the death of his previous employer. Her unfortunate death rocked his world, there is a hint of a brief liaison between them, something which if made public could cause scandal so he leaves the security of his much-loved job to take a position of a tutor at the hauntingly beautiful, if slightly melancholic Thornfield Hall where he comes face to face with a whole host of strange and creepy things not least his two young charges, the mistress herself and the odd occurrences which go on in the house and it’s grounds – let me tell you there were times that I felt prickles running down my arms at the sheer creepy-ness of it all.

Suddenly Thornfield Hall’s mistress returns out of the blue, one stormy night where there are unexpected goings-on around the land of the hall. What is lurking on the moors around the hall? Her behaviour is both mysterious and bizarre, John is instantly enchanted by the beguiling Bertha Rochester. She is a woman with deep echoes of sadness and a multitude of secrets hidden beneath that black cape. John is not just smitten, but he has fallen hard for the lady of the manor, the air crackles around them as she tries to keep him at bay.

John is a wonderful character, as with the original Jane Eyre, he is a quietly spoken, unassuming man. John has an air of sadness about him, he submerges himself into his new work to push away the hurt and pain in which he holds deep in his heart. I liked John, he is a man who cares deeply for his two young charges, he wants to do what is right for them these two young boys are as eerily melancholic as his new employer and the house itself, there is something about these two silent unsettled little boys spooked me far more than what goes on later, but once you know the history and find out what comes next you understand why these little boys – and in fact why the house is like it is.
Believe me, you don’t want to miss that!

I love how Bertha’s back story is told in the form of her diary entries, we learn all about how she went on her travels meeting the enigmatic Edward Rochester and the horrors which take place after their marriage. Her account of what happened in those months before she returns home brings the whole tale to life, with gritty detail and constant air of unease. These parts of the book take on a life of its own and pull the reader into Bertha’s story, you feel her every emotion which she pours out into her journal from falling in love to the fear which follows.

I also have to mention the cover – by Jove, isn’t it glorious? It suits the story to perfection, it ignites and tantalises the imagination before you even open the first page.

I cannot praise this glorious book enough, it has all the makings of a classic in its own right. John Eyre is highly original, full of gothic atmosphere and unexpected love and edged with eerie darkness which will hold the reader’s attention page after page until the very last word.

I can’t recommend this gorgeously gothic masterpiece enough, if you love historical romance edged with mystery and tantalising dark nuances then this is the book you need to read.

Ooh, such good creepy gothic atmosphere, nice slow build told in two timelines. It opens with John Eyre on his way to his new job as a tutor at Thornfield. The alternative timeline is a couple of years earlier and is mostly letters from Bertha to her friend, Blanche Ingram and later entries in her diary. I’m glad I didn’t read other reviews before reading this as it would definitely spoil the experience. A wonderful retelling!

another intriguing story from the talented pen of Mimi Matthews.
Although, I have to say...when I first heard about this book, I was expecting it to be more of her regency style romances that I've read in the past. This book is not really along those lines...it's more of a paranormal read.
I don't much care for ghost stories. And while I wouldn't 'exactly' call this a ghost story....it is definitely close to those lines.
I really enjoyed reading this book, and it was one of those that I just HAD to finish, once I started...(it was either that or lay awake all night trying to figure out what would happen next)
Creepy, scary, eerie....and more.
I did enjoy reading it, although I'm not sure I'd want to read it again. And definitely don't want to read anything else much like this one in the near future! :)
If you read it, be prepared to get at least a little scared!!
Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

Charlotte Brontë’s Jane Eyre is the quintessential 19th century gothic novel. Some pair it with Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice as the best literature of that era. However, unlike Pride and Prejudice, Brontë’s work has not been given the myriad adaptations and retellings that Austen’s has. Author Mimi Matthews has taken it upon herself to re-envision Jane Eyre with a bit of a gender swap, plus an extra dash of the paranormal as well. Given Brontë’s style of writing, the gothic tone and the lack of the “rom-com” formula that is so common in today’s Austen adaptations, taking on Jane Eyre was a brave choice.

In the source material, the titular character Jane joins the Rochester household as a governess, and she develops a relationship with her employer, Edward Rochester. In John Eyre, the main character is a young man brought into the household as a tutor for two young boys under the care of Mrs. Bertha Rochester. There are other amusing similarities between Jane and John Eyre, but it is sufficient to say that Matthews’ novel is very much its own entity. Brontë’s plot is not rehashed scene by scene. There is a darker element that makes itself known early on in the narrative, and builds to a larger presence near the conclusion.

The vast majority of the novels that I read are historical fiction, with very few including supernatural or magical elements. I would count Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander series (which includes time travel) as the main exception to that trend, and those novels are read separately from ones for review on The Calico Critic. So John Eyre was a bit of a departure for me as a reviewer. That said, I was not disappointed in the venture. Mimi Matthews’ writing is excellent. Her word choices and turns of phrase made for compelling reading. Her characters were well-drawn, and the murky ambience of the tale was almost palatable, but not discomfitingly so. Given the alternating timeline device that was used, the carefully-divulged secrets that lay within the life of Mrs. Rochester were mysterious, but not in a way that made this reader overly uncomfortable for the majority of the novel. Only during a couple of key moments near the conclusion did the plot traipse into an area that was darker than my usual fare, but those times were brief. In general, John Eyre’s narrative style could almost be likened more to a mystery, rather than a paranormal gothic novel.

As I read, my mind initially “cast” the actor Timothée Chalamet as John Eyre, but as the story developed I felt that Tom Hiddleston would be a better choice. John was a very sympathetic educator and protector, showing maturity and a groundedness that were beyond his years. For Mrs. Rochester, I waffled between seeing a younger Angelina Jolie (sporting an European, non-American accent) and Jessica Brown Findlay in my vision of the beleaguered woman in black. Angelina’s beauty probably exceeds that of Matthews’ personification of the character, but Bertha had a strength, road-weariness and vulnerability that Jolie could embody. Actor Jessica Findlay also has a softness that Jolie lacks. So these two women somehow simultaneously held that role in my mind.

For my conservative readers, this novel may or may not be your cup of tea. Overall the “mature” material is very mild, with very little colorful language, and the sexual content is also fairly modest. The paranormal aspect of John Eyre is very much like what is found in 19th century literature for the majority of the story (although I’m no expert in that era’s material). For the last few chapters, some dark elements do creep in. That said, it’s often within the framework of good vs. evil, with even a few discussions of faith (or loss of it), the church, prayer to God, etc. It’s by no means a “religious” novel, but touchstones of faith are briefly mentioned. With this in mind, I would not necessarily recommend John Eyre to the ultra-conservative reader, but if a little bit of darkness (paired with the light of what is good) doesn’t scare you off, then this might be a good match.

Dark and compelling, with captivating characters and a narrative that builds to an exciting conclusion, John Eyre has been heralded as one of the “25 of the Best Books Arriving in 2021.” Those familiar with Charlotte Brontë’s classic novel, as well as readers who are unfamiliar with Jane Eyre can both find much to enjoy in Mimi Matthews’ latest title. In a world of darkness and shadow, light and love are the most powerful forces of all.

This was a very clever gothic, gender flipped mash up of two classic Victorian novels, one is very obvious because of the name of the book, and the other I will keep to myself so I don't give the twist away.

John Eyre has taken a job as tutor to two rather unusual boys at Thornfield Hall, after he loses his former post as village schoolmaster due to a scandal. Thornfield is an eerie place, continually bathed in a strange mist, and with lots of strange noises and activity at night. when the mistress of Thornfield finally arrives home, Bertha Rochester is a mysterious and intriguing widow, who immediately fascinates the lonely and troubled John.

This was a great read, spooky, exciting and mysterious, even though both of the stories of the original inspirations are so well known, you get pulled into the story anew.

Bertha was a fabulous character, strong, determined and set on taking charge of her own destiny. John in contrast was more passive, as he was the foil to Bertha and her growth and development. From an heiress, charmed and beguiled by Edward Rochester, through her painful realisation in Nosht-Vulk, Bulgaria that her husband is not what he seemed, to her full flowering as an independent woman, I was rooting for her.

The mystery of Thornfield starts to rouse John from his misery and dependence on laudanum, he starts to make progress with his reserved and selectively mute charges. When he discovers the mystery Bertha is dealing with he is determined to stand by her.

Fabulous read. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book and all opinions are my own.

5 stars

Great Gothic twist on the classic tale. It really highlights Bertha, perhaps to the detriment of John.

Its only has kisses but I'd thoroughly recommend it.

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

I almost always love everything Mimi Matthews and I had hoped I would like this... however as much as I wanted to I just wasn’t a fan of this...

Maybe if I was familiar with Jane Eyre? Maybe that might have helped since it’s a retelling but I’m completely unfamiliar with that book so I don’t know if it would have helped. I’ve also never read Dracula either. The supernatural undertones weed there but I suppose the problem is there wasn’t much suspense it was mostly just John going through his life being a tutor to the two mysterious boys and the occasional letters from Mrs. Rochester from the past that are trying to build up to something. And when she returns home I just find her to be annoying and moody.

I don’t know the writing wasn’t bad but the story just didn’t work for me. Obviously other people like it so maybe it’s just me but it just wasn’t my cup of tea. I kind of found it to be a bit boring. It just dragged on and on taking forever to actually go anywhere. I love me some Mimi Matthews just not this particular book.

Gothic reimagining!

Impressive Gothic novel combining aspects of Bram Stocker’s Dracula and Charlotte Bronte’s Jane Eyre, with an arresting twist. Mimi Matthews has nailed it. 1843, John Eyre, a tutor has lost his job and his traditional belief in God, through the unchristian attitudes of the community he’s lived in. He takes up the role of tutor to a pair of boys, wards to the mysterious and alluring Mrs Rochester (when she finally arrives). Things just don’t feel right. The boys are unusual, they appear to be mute, some might even say haunted—in what ways remains to be seen. Strange happening surround Thornfield Hall near Millport, off from the Yorkshire Coast. Things definitely go bump in the night. Evil is abroad, although recognising that is muted. I was riveted, caught up the drama. There are signs of unrest on the way to the Hall. Too many coincidencal happenings not to be alarmed. John might not have been giving them much credence but I was!
It took me a while to understand what was going on. The various letters between two female friends were a puzzle, until I sorted the order out. All paving the way for what was to come!
Nicely crafted, Matthews has rendered a wonderful read! I particularly enjoyed her notes at the end talking about the novels on which she based this story. Fascinating!

A Victory Editing ARC via NetGalley

If you loved Jane Eyre for the gothic, creepy elements, then you will enjoy John Eyre.

I applaud the author for taking on this classic - classics when you fold in the Bram Stoker’s Dracula inspiration.

Thank you NetGalley and the author for the ARC of this book

The bits I adored, and shivered at, we’re the two wards: Stephen and Peter. Oh so good. Mimi Matthews made my heart pound at certain sections of the story. Bertha’s experiences shortly after her marriage were my favorite chapters. They had action, scares, and eeeew gross sections. Loved it.

John Eyre was missing some key Jane characteristics. (In my opinion) Deep loneliness, her fight to have herself, children and women be acknowledged.

Charlotte Bronte’s Jane Eyre:
“Do you think, because I am poor, obscure, plain and little, I am soulless and heartless.”

But John Eyre is Mimi Matthew’s creation. Well done. A tale retold with the gothic elements turned to 11.

(This review was posted to Amazon US and Goodreads)

JULY 21, 2021 BY COURTNEY @ THE GREEN MOCKINGBIRD BLOG
Review & Blog Tour: “John Eyre” by Mimi Matthews

Thank you for visiting my blog today! I’m sharing a review & blog tour information on Mimi Matthews’ new novel, John Eyre: A Tale of Darkness and Shadow. It is a supernatural gothic retelling of the classic Jane Eyre and one other Victorian novel (to reveal it would mean SPOILERS, so I shall keep it quiet!). While it differs from Matthews’ typical engaging Victorian romances, it bears her skill and prowess in retelling two gothic classics into a unique story all its own.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Yorkshire, 1843. When disgraced former schoolmaster John Eyre arrives at Thornfield Hall to take up a position as tutor to two peculiar young boys, he enters a world unlike any he’s ever known. Darkness abounds, punctuated by odd bumps in the night, strange creatures on the moor, and a sinister silver mist that never seems to dissipate. And at the center of it all, John’s new employer—a widow as alluring as she is mysterious.

Sixteen months earlier, heiress Bertha Mason embarked on the journey of a lifetime. Marriage wasn’t on her itinerary, but on meeting the enigmatic Edward Rochester, she’s powerless to resist his preternatural charm. In letters and journal entries, she records the story of their rapidly disintegrating life together, and of her gradual realization that Mr. Rochester isn’t quite the man he appears to be. In fact, he may not be a man at all.

From a cliff-top fortress on the Black Sea coast to an isolated estate in rural England, John and Bertha contend with secrets, danger, and the eternal struggle between light and darkness. Can they help each other vanquish the demons of the past? Or are some evils simply too powerful to conquer?

AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | BOOK DEPOSITORY | BOOKSHOP | GOODREADS

ADVANCE PRAISE
“Bertha Mason Rochester shines, dominating her scenes with vitality and strength. The style, too, is spot-on, reprising the spirit of 19th-century Gothic prose without descending into mimicry.”— Publishers Weekly

“An entertaining spin on a classic with thrilling twists and turns…Matthews skillfully transforms a well-known story into a truly original tale.”— Kirkus

“[Matthews] retells Charlotte Bronte’s classic story in a way that will keep fans of the original novel totally gripped from cover to cover… Fresh and dynamic… Fast-paced and spellbinding…a book you will have a hard time putting down.”— Readers Favorite

“One of the most moving, suspenseful, innovative and remarkable retellings of a classic in the history of, well, ever… Every page is sheer rapture as [Matthews] moulds popular source material into a spell-binding creation so wholly her own.”— Rachel McMillan, bestselling author of The London Restoration

“[A] captivating and ingenious retelling of Jane Eyre with a supernatural twist. Smart, suspenseful, and deliciously spooky, JOHN EYRE is a must-read; I loved everything about it!”— Ashley Weaver, author of the Amory Ames Mysteries and the Electra McDonnell series


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

USA Today bestselling author Mimi Matthews writes both historical nonfiction and award-winning proper Regency and Victorian romances. Her novels have received starred reviews in Library Journal and Publishers Weekly, and her articles have been featured on the Victorian Web, the Journal of Victorian Culture, and in syndication at BUST Magazine. In her other life, Mimi is an attorney. She resides in California with her family, which includes a Sheltie, and two Siamese cats.

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REVIEW
Readers will delight with John Eyre‘s gothic Victorian drama, gender-swapped roles tangled with romance, and prominent thread of light. It vacillates between mystery and riveting thriller while the tentative connection forming between Mr. Eyre and Mrs. Rochester solidifies into a formidable and complimentary partnership. The brilliant telling of this tale is further proof of Matthews’ mind for story: dissecting and letting classics influence the characters and framework yet telling a unique story all its own.

The epistolary elements of Bertha Rochester’s journal interspersed with the “present” story are a smart choice that lends her personal perspective and greater emotion to the story. John Eyre is a compassionate character, too, whose own backstory prepares him to be the ally Bertha needs. Their romance is as tumultuous as Brontë’s couple with a few twists on the classic that make me root for their happiness even more. Bertha is a strong heroine, and this story is more her own than John’s even as the title bears his name.

The supernatural and gothic influences of this retelling are vastly different from Matthews’ previous books — and bravely so. The tone of this novel is more foreboding and chilling at times, but these affects only heighten the drama and stakes for the characters of John and Bertha as they grapple with the threat of evil and the hope of light. In particular, I am impressed with the way Brontë’s Rochester’s more mercurial nature is exposed in this telling through both Mr. Rochester and Bertha — Mr. Rochester’s with more sinister tones and Bertha’s through her passionate determination. This novel will have appeal to new readers who appreciate its source books and, hopefully, draw readers to look into Matthews’ backlist of romances.

I had the privilege of reading this novel in one of its early drafts as a beta reader. I happily reread the final version, and was riveted all over again (and ecstatic about the epilogue!). Many thanks to Mimi for the shoutout in the acknowledgements! It made me smile!

Thank you to the publisher for the review copy. This is my honest review.

Well, I certainly flew through this book! The mix of romance and supernatural suspense in a historical setting worked well. I had seen ahead of time that it was a mash-up of John Eyre and the other specific classic, so I did know the twist but that didn't affect my enjoyment of the story. I thought the way it was retold felt faithful to the original source material while also putting its own spin on it, and I really liked the gender-flip of John and Bertha. Bertha was such a strong character, and I liked that she was the kick-butt person in the pairing and John was more of the supportive role. It always frustrates me in Jane Eyre when Rochester just disappears for long stretches of time without explanation but then picks up as if no time has passed, so that also frustrated me about Bertha. She was a little hot and cold to John, which didn't always feel fair, but is understandable given her situation. In terms of the ending, I did have a few questions about how it wrapped up, but as a retelling, the choices made sense. All in all, I enjoyed this departure from Mimi Matthews's usual programming. Her books are auto-reads for me, so I'll look forward to her romances again but, based on this, will read any future outside-the-norm stories too!

This Jane Eyre retelling pushes the gothic elements of that novel to the max, and I loved it. I think it would work equally well for people familiar with the nineteenth century novels it draws on and those who aren’t - it has elements of what I love about the classics while still feeling fresh, subversive and unexpected. This is for you if you want a creepy, atmospheric, historical drama with drama, gore and intrigue.

Mimi is one of my go-to authors and is on my auto-buy list. I received an advance copy of this most interesting gender-flipped story, which is completely different from any other I've read by this author. To be honest, I wasn't expecting the surprising (for me) addition of scenes and events from another famous gothic horror story, so it took a while for me to process (horror being my least-favorite genre). However, after finishing my first read and setting it aside for a while, I read it again. The second time, knowing in advance how events play out, allowed me to truly appreciate this creative mash-up. I loved the relationship between John and Bertha--would that all of us had that kind of support, but without the associated trauma. My favorite quote from this book describes in many ways what we all need to do as we struggle to emerge from the events of the past couple of years: "It's a choice we make daily, for ourselves and each other--to choose light rather than darkness." Thanks to Netgallery and to the author for the ARC.