A review by aksmith92
The Work of Art by Mimi Matthews

emotional hopeful lighthearted mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.5

What a whirlwind of decisions around the rating. I went from a 3.5 until about 70% of the way through and then debated a 2, but I landed on a 2,5 because I didn't see half of the plot twist coming (or who surrounded the central mystery; although I guessed a second piece), which is always fun. But, yikes.

The Setup: The Work of Art by Mimi Matthews is a compelling Regency romance that masterfully intertwines beauty, obsession, and redemption themes. The novel centers around Phyllida (Philly) Satterthwaite, an uncommon beauty due to her heterochromia (two different eye colors), but has been considered odd in rural Devonshire. Her distinctiveness, however, attracts the sinister Duke of Moreland, a notorious art collector known for his unscrupulous methods of acquiring unique treasures.

To escape a proposed marriage, well, more like a trade, from the Duke, Philly enters into a marriage of convenience with Captain Arthur Heywood, a war hero struggling with severe injuries and a tarnished sense of self-worth. Despite his physical limitations, Arthur offers his protection and name to Philly, setting the stage for a journey of mutual healing and unexpected love.

This novel is tender and mysterious, highlighting the tension between societal expectations and personal desires. The plot is also enriched with historical details that bring the Regency period to life.

What I Liked: This book was good until about 60-70%. I enjoyed Philly a lot in the beginning. While beautiful in a unique way, she had her own voice, loved animals, and wouldn't just marry someone for the sake of a family member wanting money. She had a plan, stuck with it, and seemed strong. I also enjoyed the early banter between her and Captain Heywood - they were odd for Regency-era times but worked together. Additionally, the added touch with Captain Heywood and his PTSD and insecurities from the war was good, and I think it was done decently well. [Although, assuming a wife you're falling in love with can completely change your self-esteem is a pretty big stretch.] Seeing Captain Heywood grow into himself a bit more was nice. Clearly, Matthews also nicely researched Regency-era language and themes and wove them into the novel.

What I Didn't Like: Somehow, around three-quarters of the way through, Philly turned into one of the most enormous ding dongs I've read about. She went from opinionated and interesting to dull and even more naive. I can't describe the specific details of this situation without any spoilers. Still, at one point, she gets fooled because an animal is involved AFTER she is told that someone is potentially trying to harm her. The quote below says enough about where I am coming from.
  
"Philly was happy to let Arthur take charge. Along with the Earl, he saw to everything. As a result, she spent most of her time in company with Mrs. Ogilvy, engaged in needlework or benign conversation." 

YAWNNNNNNNNNNNN. 

I understand this was supposed to be from the Regency era and even historical fiction. Matthews was likely being realistic, especially for women during this time. However, I am not here for it. I love reading about women snapping back at the culture during that time, even in more subtle ways, and this was not that. It truly ruined the rest of the book for me and frustrated me to no end. 

Overall, this was decently done, and the prose and narrative were good. However, I couldn't get on board with Philly. Alas!
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