Description
From USA Today bestselling author Mimi Matthews comes a Victorian tale of love and longing in a quaint English village.
A Secret Burden…
After a mysterious sojourn in Paris, Beryl Burnham has returned home to the village of Shepton Worthy ready to resume the life she left behind. Betrothed to the wealthy Sir Henry Rivenhall, she has no reason to be unhappy–or so people keep reminding her. But Beryl’s life isn’t as perfect as everyone believes.
A Longstanding Love…
As village curate, Mark Rivenhall is known for his compassionate understanding. When his older brother’s intended needs a shoulder to lean on, Mark’s more than willing to provide one. There’s no danger of losing his heart. He already lost that to Beryl a long time ago.
During an idyllic Victorian summer, friends and family gather in anticipation of Beryl and Sir Henry’s wedding. But in her darkest moment, it’s Mark who comes to Beryl’s aid. Can he help her without revealing his feelings–or betraying his brother?
*Fair as a Star is a novella, approximately 50,000-words in length.
My Review:
Please note: This is a sweet and clean Victorian romance. Although it’s handled very appropriately, there is mention of depression and domestic abuse in this story. This review refers to this.
Mimi Matthews has given us a beautiful and brave Victorian heroine in Beryl Burnham, a young woman who has spent a year in Paris and now returns to her village of Shelton Worthy. She should be thrilled with her engagement to Sir Henry Rivenhall, but life seems to have lost its sparkle for her, She also renews her friendship with Mark, the village curate, who happens to be Henry’s younger brother. Mark has secretly loved Beryl for years, but would never do anything to hurt his brother. Both Beryl and Mark seem to be people of integrity and faith, and Mark’s love for Beryl was romantic and charming.
However, this is where Mimi Matthews takes this story to another level, and separates it from other Victorian fiction you might read.: Beryl suffers from “melancholy”. Today she would be diagnosed as clinically depressed. I liked how the author has Beryl deal with her depression. Beryl acknowledges it; realizes there’s no cure for it; and lives her life in the best way she knows how looks for ways to be of service to others. The author treats this subject with grace and kindness, allowing us to see it as another reason that Beryl is an outstanding, caring young lady. If you love reading clean, sweet fiction set during this time period, you’ll love Mark and Beryl’s story. I’ve officially become a Mimi Matthews fan after reading this book.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
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About Mimi Matthews
USA Today bestselling author Mimi Matthews writes both historical nonfiction and award-winning proper 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 retired Andalusian dressage horse, a Sheltie, and two Siamese cats.
To learn more, please visit www.MimiMatthews.com
I enjoyed your review and I need to add this book to my TBR list!