The Muse of Maiden Lane - Review

The Muse of Maiden Lane (Belles of London, # 4)

By: Mimi Matthews

Publication: November 19, 2024 by Berkley

384 pages

Genre: Adult, Historical Fiction

Source: Publisher via NetGalley (Thank you!!)

( Goodreads | Amazon )

*Note: The above link to Amazon is an affiliate links. Affiliate links support giveaways for Somewhere Only We Know readers.

Goodreads description--A silver-haired equestrienne and a charismatic artist turn a scandalous bargain into a vibrant portrait of love.

Stella Hobhouse is a brilliant rider, stalwart friend, skilled sketch artist—and completely overlooked. Her outmodish gray hair makes her invisible to London society. Combined with her brother’s pious restrictions and her dwindling inheritance, Stella is on the verge of a lifetime marooned in Derbyshire as a spinster. Unless she does something drastic…like posing for a daring new style of portrait by the only man who’s ever really seen her.

Aspiring painter Edward “Teddy” Hayes knows true beauty when he sees it. He would never ask Stella to risk her reputation as an artist’s model but in the five years since a virulent bout of scarlet fever left him partially paralyzed, Teddy has learned to heed good fortune when he finds it. He’ll do anything to persuade his muse to pose for him, even if he must offer her a marriage of convenience.

After all, though Teddy has yearned to trace Stella’s luminous beauty on canvas since their chance meeting, her heart is what he truly aches to capture….

I read the first chapter of The Muse of Maiden Lane at the end of The Lily of Ludgate Hill, and immediately, I felt secondhand embarrassment on behalf of Stella. She has naturally silver hair and has decided to dye it for a house party she's going to with Anne. No one there hardly knows her so she isn't worried about them knowing her hair is dyed. I wasn't aware it was culturally taboo to dye one's hair, but it makes sense that the only ones who would do so during this period would be people of questionable morals. But Stella is hoping for a connection that might turn into a marriage. And so it's obvious that she didn't quite think this through. Because even if she does find someone she connects with at the party, and she fools them into thinking she's someone who doesn't have silver hair, eventually dyes wash out. Thus she would be faced with either coming clean about her hair or attempting to maintain the ruse the rest of her life. Quite impossible. 

Stella, in fact, quickly runs into Teddy who already knows she has silver hair. Teddy is a crossover character from Mimi Matthew's Parish Orphans of Devon series. And I love that she's crossed these series. There is so much fan service. Tom Finchley already appears nearly every time she needs a solicitor. But now we have Archer and Laura crossing over with Teddy as is necessary. Teddy is now wheelchair-bound after having a bad case of scarlet fever when he was younger. He's an artist. Art is what has sustained and driven him through his challenges in life. And now he's met Stella. He feels a drive that he can't even explain to paint her. Another scandalous thing. Models in those days were usually loved ones, mistresses, or again, women of questionable morals. 

Because of Stella's choice to dye her hair, she spends time hiding from the other guests at the house party. And, she stumbles upon a drawing room that the host has allowed Teddy to use as his personal art studio during the stay. Stella and Teddy spend much of the book here getting to know one another. And Teddy spends much of that time begging her to let him paint her. 

Favoriote quotes:

-Of all the offensive masculine qualities that ladies detested, eagerness was one of the worst.

I can attest to this one. It's so offputting. 

-"Your face is the only reason I'd consider keeping it," he said frankly. "But  I don't need to." He tapped his forefinger to his temple. "You're etched up here, more indelibly than a pencil drawing. I won't easily forget you."

The Muse of Maiden Lane was probably my second favorite in the series. It's a hard tie for second place though. I had a clear favorite of the series and a clear least favorite. Stella and Teddy were both characters that I could feel for and root for a happily ever after. They had a non-traditional courtship and journey. And sometimes I balk when characters do things intentionally against the norms, but I didn't mind it in this book. It fits the characters and the story. I loved the crossovers from Mimi Matthew's previous series. I can always appreciate fan service. The Muse of Maiden Lane gets 4 Stars. Have you read The Muse of Maiden Lane? What did you think? Let me know!

Can't Wait for The Muse of Maiden Lane

Can't-Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Wishful Endings to spotlight and talk about the books we're excited about that we have yet to read. Generally they're books that have yet to be released as well. It's based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by the fabulous Jill at Breaking the Spine. Find out more here.

The Muse of Maiden Lane (Belles of London, # 4)

By: Mimi Matthews

Expected Publication: November 19, 2024 by Berkley

384 pages

Genre: Adult, Historical Fiction

( Goodreads | Amazon )

*Note: The above link to Amazon is an affiliate links. Affiliate links support giveaways for Somewhere Only We Know readers.

Goodreads description--A silver-haired equestrienne and a charismatic artist turn a scandalous bargain into a vibrant portrait of love.

Stella Hobhouse is a brilliant rider, stalwart friend, skilled sketch artist—and completely overlooked. Her outmodish gray hair makes her invisible to London society. Combined with her brother’s pious restrictions and her dwindling inheritance, Stella is on the verge of a lifetime marooned in Derbyshire as a spinster. Unless she does something drastic…like posing for a daring new style of portrait by the only man who’s ever really seen her.

Aspiring painter Edward “Teddy” Hayes knows true beauty when he sees it. He would never ask Stella to risk her reputation as an artist’s model but in the five years since a virulent bout of scarlet fever left him partially paralyzed, Teddy has learned to heed good fortune when he finds it. He’ll do anything to persuade his muse to pose for him, even if he must offer her a marriage of convenience.

After all, though Teddy has yearned to trace Stella’s luminous beauty on canvas since their chance meeting, her heart is what he truly aches to capture….

What are you guys waiting on this week? Let me know!

The Lily of Ludgate Hill - Review

The Lily of Ludgate Hill (Belles of London, # 3)

By: Mimi Matthews

Publication: January 1, 2024 by Berkley

428 pages

Genre: Adult, Historical Fiction

Source: Publisher via NetGalley (Thank you!!)

( Goodreads | Amazon )

*Note: The above link to Amazon is an affiliate links. Affiliate links support giveaways for Somewhere Only We Know readers.

Goodreads description--Fortune favors the bold—but is a confirmed spinster daring enough to loosen the reins and accept a favor from the wicked gentleman who haunts her dreams?

Lady Anne Deveril doesn’t spook easily. A woman of lofty social standing known for her glacial beauty and starchy opinions, she’s the unofficial leader of her small group of equestriennes. Since her mother’s devastating plunge into mourning six years ago, Anne voluntarily renounced any fanciful notions of love and marriage. And yet, when fate puts Anne back into the entirely too enticing path of Mr. Felix Hartford, she’s tempted to run…right into his arms.

No one understands why Lady Anne withdrew into the shadows of society, Hart least of all. The youthful torch he once held for her has long since cooled. Or so he keeps telling himself. But now Anne needs a favor to help a friend. Hart will play along with her little ruse—on the condition that Anne attend a holiday house party at his grandfather’s country estate. No more mourning clothes. No more barriers. Only the two of them, unrequited feelings at last laid bare.

Finally free to gallop out on her own, Anne makes the tantalizing discovery that beneath the roguish exterior of her not-so-white knight is a man with hidden depths, scorching passions—and a tender heart.

I was dreading Anne's story a little because I'm not at all interested in the spiritualism that her mother has gotten into. Thankfully, Mimi Matthews handled this in just the right way. I shouldn't have doubted. I've only disliked one of her books out of the 14 I've read. She is an auto-buy author for me, and I love the way she develops her characters.

Anne and Hart have history. Until this book, we did not know their history, but obviously they had one. Now we know Hart had just proposed to Anne right before her father died. Anne's family went into mourning, so her engagement had to be postponed. Hart went on a trip, which Anne was in support of, to pass the time until the proper mourning period was over. Only when he returned, Anne wasn't out of mourning. And the two exchanged words that broke each other's hearts. Anne and Hart have a lot to work through. But when push comes to shove, Hart is always there, willing to help Anne, wanting to be with her and support her however possible, even through his own broken heart.

Anne doesn't follow the spiritualism that her mother does. In fact, she only goes along with certain things to help her mother have something to focus her time and energy on and to help herself be more independent from her mother. Anne's mother went into a deep depression when her husband died. At times, Anne was worried her mother would follow him by whatever means necessary. And so Anne often sacrificed her wants and needs to support her mother. She didn't do it because her mother asked it of her. She did it freely. It reminds me of how Jesus said "No one takes [my life] from me, but I lay it down of my own accord" (John 10:18). There's power in willing sacrifice. Hart often mistook Anne's willing sacrifice for weakness and letting her mother control her, but Anne was abundantly clear that was not the case. She was the one in control, not being controlled.

Anne is the type of character that carries the burdens of others upon her shoulders. She was terrified that Julia had been abducted by Captain Blunt and forced into marriage. She wouldn't rest until she'd seen her with her own eyes and spoken to her in person. She took her mother's grief and well-being as her responsibility. And she does the same with varying degrees for others as well. This is an admirable quality, but not entirely healthy. I suppose everything in moderation.

Favorite quote:

-"I'll always care what happens to you, Anne. The truth is...I wouldn't know how to stop."

-"It's long been my misfortune to care for people who don't care for me in return."

-"I've loved you without fail the entire time we've been apart. Even when I was infuriated with you, I loved you."

Another thing I love about Mimi Matthews is fan service and crossovers. Thomas Flinchley is often used as a character in many of her stories that aren't directly connected to the Parish Orphans of Devon series. Because he's a lawyer, he is often called upon to be of service. While Tom and Jenny's story has been my least favorite by Mimi Matthews, I love that he so often steps in to help her other characters. Tom is a great guy, after all. And now Teddy Hayes is a crossover, too. Teddy is the younger brother of Laura from the Parish Orphans of Devon series, and Teddy Hayes and Laura and Alex Archer are minor characters in this story. Keep those crossovers coming! I love them!

The Lily of Ludgate Hill was much better than I was expecting it to be, simply because I was dreading the inclusion of the spiritualism parts of the story. These were minimal and explained in a way that I enjoyed much more than expected. Anne might seem like an abrasive, headstrong character, but she is strong because she's had to be. She has carried many burdens--mostly alone. But Hart is the real hero. He pursues Anne when she gives him no hope to do so. The Lily of Ludgate Hill gets 4 Stars. Have you read The Lily of Ludgate Hill? What did you think? Let me know!

Can't Wait for The Lily of Ludgate Hill

Can't-Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Wishful Endings to spotlight and talk about the books we're excited about that we have yet to read. Generally they're books that have yet to be released as well. It's based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by the fabulous Jill at Breaking the Spine. Find out more here.

The Lily of Ludgate Hill (Belles of London, # 3)

By: Mimi Matthews

Expected Publication: January 1, 2024

? pages

Genre: Adult, Historical Fiction

( Goodreads | Amazon )

*Note: The above link to Amazon is an affiliate links. Affiliate links support giveaways for Somewhere Only We Know readers.

Goodreads description--Fortune favors the bold—but is a confirmed spinster daring enough to loosen the reins and accept a favor from the wicked gentleman who haunts her dreams?

Lady Anne Deveril doesn’t spook easily. A woman of lofty social standing known for her glacial beauty and starchy opinions, she’s the unofficial leader of her small group of equestriennes. Since her mother’s devastating plunge into mourning six years ago, Anne voluntarily renounced any fanciful notions of love and marriage. And yet, when fate puts Anne back into the entirely too enticing path of Mr. Felix Hartford, she’s tempted to run…right into his arms.

No one understands why Lady Anne withdrew into the shadows of society, Hart least of all. The youthful torch he once held for her has long since cooled. Or so he keeps telling himself. But now Anne needs a favor to help a friend. Hart will play along with her little ruse—on the condition that Anne attend a holiday house party at his grandfather’s country estate. No more mourning clothes. No more barriers. Only the two of them, unrequited feelings at last laid bare.

Finally free to gallop out on her own, Anne makes the tantalizing discovery that beneath the roguish exterior of her not-so-white knight is a man with hidden depths, scorching passions—and a tender heart.

What are you guys waiting on this week? Let me know!

The Belle of Belgrave Square - Review

The Belle of Belgrave Square (Belles of London, # 2)

By: Mimi Matthews

Publication: October 11th 2022 by Berkley

432 pages

Genre: Adult, Historical Fiction

Source: Publisher via NetGalley (Thank you!!)

( Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository )

*Note: The above links to Amazon and Book Depository are affiliate links. Affiliate links support giveaways for Somewhere Only We Know readers.

Goodreads description--A London heiress rides out to the wilds of the English countryside to honor a marriage of convenience with a mysterious and reclusive stranger.

Tall, dark, and dour, the notorious Captain Jasper Blunt was once hailed a military hero, but tales abound of his bastard children and his haunted estate in Yorkshire. What he requires now is a rich wife to ornament his isolated ruin, and he has his sights set on the enchanting Julia Wychwood.

For Julia, an incurable romantic cursed with a crippling social anxiety, navigating a London ballroom is absolute torture. The only time Julia feels any degree of confidence is when she’s on her horse. Unfortunately, a young lady can’t spend the whole of her life in the saddle, so Julia makes an impetuous decision to take her future by the reins—she proposes to Captain Blunt.

In exchange for her dowry and her hand, Jasper must promise to grant her freedom to do as she pleases. To ride—and to read—as much as she likes without masculine interference. He readily agrees to her conditions, with one provision of his own: Julia is forbidden from going into the tower rooms of his estate and snooping around his affairs. But the more she learns of the beastly former hero, the more intrigued she becomes…

I'm not sure why I thought book 2 would be Anne's book. Julia's interactions with Captain Blunt were more pronounced as a setup in book 1, The Siren of Sussex than Anne and Hartford. I wasn't excited about Anne's story because 1) I didn't love book 1 and 2) because Anne's mom is a spiritualist and that isn't something I am looking forward to reading about. That being said, Mimi Matthews reminded me of why I usually love her books with The Belle of Bellgrave Square.

Julia is socially awkward. She doesn't enjoy society and events with large groups of people. She has a little anxiety. Generally, I think more people feel this way than those who are completely comfortable in a crowd, but maybe I'm wrong. Her parents are both sickly, and Julia has found that occasionally she can claim illness too in order to avoid going out to certain events. She much prefers solitude and a good book. Who reading this review couldn't agree? But Julia's parents are also selfish, and she finds herself facing an unwanted marriage and future. Julia knows she needs to do something.

Jasper is a bit of a mystery. Although, I found most of his secrets were pretty easy to determine. He is seeking a wife this season, but specifically, he needs an heiress. His estate is nearly falling apart, and he has three children to provide for. I love how choosing Julia was one of the few selfish choices he's made in his life since the war. It reminded me of something husband said to me back when we were dating.

This was one of those marriage of convenience stories where both characters felt more than they were initially willing to share. It did remind me a little of Mimi Matthews' other book, The Work of Art. But I also appreciated that Mimi Matthews explains where she pulled inspiration from in the author's note at the end. In some ways, it makes me want to go back and read some of the books she pulled from, although I doubt I will.

Favorite quotes:

-“You're very changeable, sir.”

-“That wasn’t a rescue. That was naught but a minor service.” Jasper’s eyes held hers, his voice dark with promise. “When I rescue you, Miss Wychwood, you’ll know it.”

-“Old sins cast long shadows,”

- “I can’t give myself to you if I don’t know who you truly are.”

-“I told you. I value your opinions.” “I would that you’d valued my confidence a little more,”

It's no surprise that Finchley makes an appearance in this book, but I love when authors tie in multiple series together. Fan service and all. I don't know if it was intentional, or not, but there's also a character referenced named Nanny Plum which if you have kids you might be familiar with Ben and Holly's Little Kingdom.

Overall, I enjoyed The Belle of Bellgrave Square much more than The Siren of Sussex, and I am actually looking forward to Anne's story now even if I dread reading about her ridiculous mother. Julia and Jasper had a lovely story, and I enjoyed the whole experience of their journey. I did have a couple of questions at the end*, but I don't like to ponder on things like that too much. I usually like to enjoy the story for what it is and move on. The Belle of Bellgrave Square gets 4 Stars. Have you read The Belle of Bellgrave Square? What did you think? Let me know!

*Highlight for spoiler question: 1. If you've ever watched Catfish then you know, in real life, forgiving someone who has lied about something as big as their identity is nearly impossible to forgive. 2. Are Jasper and Julia truly not planning on telling the children? Because it's hard to imagine that information won't come out one day, especially if Julia slips up and calls him James in front of them one day. But it would be the same betrayal all over again. Just questions I wondered briefly about. End.

Can't Wait for The Belle of Belgrave Square

Can't-Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Wishful Endings to spotlight and talk about the books we're excited about that we have yet to read. Generally they're books that have yet to be released as well. It's based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by the fabulous Jill at Breaking the Spine. Find out more here.

The Belle of Belgrave Square (Belles of London, # 2)

By: Mimi Matthews

Expected Publication: October 11th 2022 by Berkley

432 pages

Genre: Adult, Historical Fiction

( Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository )

*Note: The above links to Amazon and Book Depository are affiliate links. Affiliate links support giveaways for Somewhere Only We Know readers.

Goodreads description--A London heiress rides out to the wilds of the English countryside to honor a marriage of convenience with a mysterious and reclusive stranger.

Tall, dark, and dour, the notorious Captain Jasper Blunt was once hailed a military hero, but tales abound of his bastard children and his haunted estate in Yorkshire. What he requires now is a rich wife to ornament his isolated ruin, and he has his sights set on the enchanting Julia Wychwood.

For Julia, an incurable romantic cursed with a crippling social anxiety, navigating a London ballroom is absolute torture. The only time Julia feels any degree of confidence is when she’s on her horse. Unfortunately, a young lady can’t spend the whole of her life in the saddle, so Julia makes an impetuous decision to take her future by the reins—she proposes to Captain Blunt.

In exchange for her dowry and her hand, Jasper must promise to grant her freedom to do as she pleases. To ride—and to read—as much as she likes without masculine interference. He readily agrees to her conditions, with one provision of his own: Julia is forbidden from going into the tower rooms of his estate and snooping around his affairs. But the more she learns of the beastly former hero, the more intrigued she becomes…

What are you guys waiting on this week? Let me know!

The Siren of Sussex - Review

The Siren of Sussex (Belles of London, # 1)

By: Mimi Matthews

Expected Publication: January 11th 2022 by Berkley

336 pages

Genre: Adult, Historical Fiction

Source: Publisher via NetGalley (Thank you!!)

( Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository )

*Note: The above links to Amazon and Book Depository are affiliate links. Affiliate links support giveaways for Somewhere Only We Know readers.

Goodreads description--Victorian high society’s most daring equestrienne finds love and an unexpected ally in her fight for independence in the strong arms of London’s most sought after and devastatingly handsome half-Indian tailor.

Evelyn Maltravers understands exactly how little she’s worth on the marriage mart. As an incurable bluestocking from a family tumbling swiftly toward ruin, she knows she’ll never make a match in a ballroom. Her only hope is to distinguish herself by making the biggest splash in the one sphere she excels: on horseback. In haute couture. But to truly capture London’s attention she’ll need a habit-maker who’s not afraid to take risks with his designs—and with his heart.

Half-Indian tailor Ahmad Malik has always had a talent for making women beautiful, inching his way toward recognition by designing riding habits for Rotten Row’s infamous Pretty Horsebreakers—but no one compares to Evelyn. Her unbridled spirit enchants him, awakening a depth of feeling he never thought possible.

But pushing boundaries comes at a cost and not everyone is pleased to welcome Evelyn and Ahmad into fashionable society. With obstacles spanning between them, the indomitable pair must decide which hurdles they can jump and what matters most: making their mark or following their hearts?

Do you ever read a book and just can't put your finger on what's bothering you about it? I found myself frequently wanting to put down The Siren of Sussex. And it was troubling me because I usually enjoy Mimi Matthew's books very much. I realized that I felt embarrassed for the characters. I don't really know why I felt embarrassed for them. I never did really figure out why. They were awkward together. And although they did have interactions beyond dress fittings, I found that their relationship moved forward too quickly for me.

Beyond the romance feeling a bit off, I also didn't enjoy the historically accurate pieces that Mimi Matthews chose to include with spiritualism. Typically I enjoy when historically accurate information is included. But I'm just not personally interested in spiritualism so I didn't enjoy this part of the story, and I hope it isn't involved as much in future books. However, if Anne's story is ever written, I imagine that it will be heavily involved because Anne's mother is an enthusiast.

So Evelyn is used to being independent coming from a smaller village. Her parents are dead and her aunt is her guardian. She goes to stay with her uncle to have a London season and attempt to find a husband. She's determined to do well in this area because her older sister caused quite a scandal and all of Evelyn's younger sisters depend on her marrying well. She does have a maid employed by her uncle but she doesn't work full-time. And so Evelyn has more unchaperoned time than a typical lady. And thus she has more opportunities to be alone with Mr. Malik.

Ahmad has dreams of becoming a dressmaker. He currently designs women's riding habits. But he wants to branch out into gowns and dresses. His success will determine his future as well as his cousin Mira and the seamstresses he hopes to hire. Ahmad lives in an in-between world. He's not quite lower society but he's not quite a gentleman. Not to mention he is half Indian and half British. He knows that marrying Evelyn will force her to live in the in-between with him. And he doesn't want that for her.

Of the Mimi Matthews books that I've read, I didn't enjoy The Siren of Sussex nearly as much as I hoped or expected. I can't explain why, but I felt uncomfortable with Evelyn and Ahmad. Embarrassed was the closest emotion that matched what I was feeling. I felt a desire to put this book down more than once and that is always an indication that I'm not enjoying a book as much as I would like. The Siren of Sussex gets 3 Stars. Have you read The Siren of Sussex? What did you think? Let me know!

Can't Wait for The Siren of Sussex

Can't-Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Wishful Endings to spotlight and talk about the books we're excited about that we have yet to read. Generally they're books that have yet to be released as well. It's based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by the fabulous Jill at Breaking the Spine. Find out more here.

The Siren of Sussex (Belles of London, # 1)

By: Mimi Matthews

Expected Publication: January 11th 2022 by Berkley

336 pages

Genre: Adult, Historical Fiction

( Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository )

*Note: The above links to Amazon and Book Depository are affiliate links. Affiliate links support giveaways for Somewhere Only We Know readers.

Goodreads description--Victorian high society’s most daring equestrienne finds love and an unexpected ally in her fight for independence in the strong arms of London’s most sought after and devastatingly handsome half-Indian tailor.

Evelyn Maltravers understands exactly how little she’s worth on the marriage mart. As an incurable bluestocking from a family tumbling swiftly toward ruin, she knows she’ll never make a match in a ballroom. Her only hope is to distinguish herself by making the biggest splash in the one sphere she excels: on horseback. In haute couture. But to truly capture London’s attention she’ll need a habit-maker who’s not afraid to take risks with his designs—and with his heart.

Half-Indian tailor Ahmad Malik has always had a talent for making women beautiful, inching his way toward recognition by designing riding habits for Rotten Row’s infamous Pretty Horsebreakers—but no one compares to Evelyn. Her unbridled spirit enchants him, awakening a depth of feeling he never thought possible.

But pushing boundaries comes at a cost and not everyone is pleased to welcome Evelyn and Ahmad into fashionable society. With obstacles spanning between them, the indomitable pair must decide which hurdles they can jump and what matters most: making their mark or following their hearts?

I'm not a fan of this cover, but I am a fan of Mimi Matthews. What are you guys waiting on this week? Let me know!