A review by faithful_books
The Lily of Ludgate Hill by Mimi Matthews

emotional inspiring reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

 The Belles of London series continues! The books in this series can each be read as a stand-alone as they feature four horsewomen who take up the reins of their lives by overcoming their fears and grabbing hold of love.  

When Anne believes her friend is in danger she calls a truce, temporarily abandoning her almost seven year feud with Felix Hartford. They once thought themselves in love, but after a year long absense and deeply inflicting parting words upon their reuinon they have been at odds with one another.   Anne reminded me of an unhappy Mary Crawley (Downton Abbey) she could be narrow-minded and downright nasty, consumed by a bitterness toward Felix Hartford that was slowly destroying her.  While Felix could dish it right back I felt like his taunts came from a place of longing. The fact that for seven years he kept coming back for more shows his longing for the firey Anne!

Beautifully written, Lily is a journey of discovery and healing. It is the journey of two wounded people who have worn masks for years as a method of self-preservation. It is a story of bravery, of taking off the mask and letting someone see the deepest, tenderest parts of you. It is a story of forgiveness, of learning to lay down the hurt and embrace the person who hurt you.  It is a story of grief, how it changes a person, a family and how difficult it can be to move forward.  It is a story of love, how love, patience and hope conquers all. I've read my ARC twice already!

If you enjoyed the previous book in the series and The Parish Orphans series by Mimi Matthews, you will love the inclusion of beloved characters; Alex Archer, Teddy Hayes, Mr. Finchley, Mr. Malik, Captain Blunt, Evelyn, Julia and Stella! While I enjoyed many aspects of this novel, I didn't enjoy the spiritualism element that was heavily present in The Siren of Sussex and made a comeback in this novel. Of the three in this series, The Belle of Belgrave Square is still my favorite! A bookish heroine is hard to beat! I've read all but one of Mimi Matthews backlist and I've enjoyed them all!  I'm not a matchmaker, but if you love closed door Victorian romance, Mimi Matthews is the match for you!

Content warnings: some language, death of a parent, adultery

Read if you like:

Friends to enemies to love

Family secrets

Victorian Era

Closed door romance

Second chance romance

Thank you, Mimi Matthews, Rel Mollet and Berkley Romance for the complimentary copy of The Lily of Ludgate Hill.  The opinions expressed here are my own.