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saurahsaurus's review
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
What a cute, Christmas-y, Victorian romance! I thoroughly enjoyed the main characters and their dynamic. While not my usual enemies-to-lovers, it did have elements of trope-y (but very well executed) misunderstandings and friction between the (eventual) lovers. Even as a light read, it managed to convey and challenge the class differences of Victorian Era England in the relatively short span of the book. Having read two other books by this author, I think walking that fine line of pushing back on historical inequities without losing the tone of the novel (or novella in this case), is one of many things that Mimi Matthews really excels at.
I also really liked the fun historical details woven throughout the novella: Darwin, gaslight, etc. I’m fascinated by historical customs, fashions, and events—and Mimi Matthews brings all three to the table. Just my cup of tea!
I also really liked the fun historical details woven throughout the novella: Darwin, gaslight, etc. I’m fascinated by historical customs, fashions, and events—and Mimi Matthews brings all three to the table. Just my cup of tea!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Classism
Minor: Death, Grief, and Child death
skillwithaquill's review
emotional
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
A sweet, light holiday romance with just enough pining and swooning to make it a lovely fireside read on cold evenings.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Classism and Sexism
Other content warnings: period-typical sexism & patriarchal constraintswilybooklover's review
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
4.0
A sweet, cosy Christmas read. I loved the discussions of class and all the references to North and South!
The second-chance trope normally doesn't work for me but I loved how it was portrayed here. We still get to see Ned and Sophie getting to know one another in real-time and it's lovely to see them open up to each other.
The second-chance trope normally doesn't work for me but I loved how it was portrayed here. We still get to see Ned and Sophie getting to know one another in real-time and it's lovely to see them open up to each other.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Classism
Moderate: Emotional abuse
Minor: Child death
aklovekorn's review
emotional
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Classism
bookaholic_in_wonderland's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Classism
tostita's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Classism
Minor: Child death and Infertility
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