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A review by sarah_moynihan
Fair as a Star by Mimi Matthews
5.0
'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?'
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Fair as a Star is a beautiful new novella from historical romance author Mimi Matthews and is a clean romance.
As a novella, Fair as a Star is quite short, but so beautifully written. Mimi Matthews' handling of mental illness in is spot on. As something that is prevelant in a person's life, that can't be simply wished away or solved by a moment's happiness or other such easy fixes. Knowledge and acceptence of mental illness is still evolving today, but during the time of this story mental illness was not readily recognized as a legitimate health concern. Instead people were often subjected to horrific treatment and deemed to be flighty, weak-willed, and needy and Matthews balance of this was perfect.
I adored both Beryl and Mark, they were so sweet and I would have enjoyed reading more about them. Although Beryl's family was not always the most understanding, they tried and supported her when she needed it. Winnefred was a bit immature and self-centered at times, but I liked her spirit. But oh, Henry. He could be such a pompous ass and quite infuriated me at times.
I'm hoping with the way things ended that perhaps there will be more novellas telling the stories of some of the other characters that we met in this novella. But whether there are more novells to come or not, I look forward to reading Gentleman Jim later this year.
I whole-heartedly recommend Fair as a Star as well as all other Mimi Matthews books and novellas as they are all so beautifully written and filled with lovely characters that you'll fall in love with.
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I would like to thank the author, Mimi Matthew, who shared a complimentary eARC of Fair as a Star with me. This is my honest review.
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 beautiful new novella from historical romance author Mimi Matthews and is a clean romance.
As a novella, Fair as a Star is quite short, but so beautifully written. Mimi Matthews' handling of mental illness in
I adored both Beryl and Mark, they were so sweet and I would have enjoyed reading more about them. Although Beryl's family was not always the most understanding, they tried and supported her when she needed it. Winnefred was a bit immature and self-centered at times, but I liked her spirit. But oh, Henry. He could be such a pompous ass and quite infuriated me at times.
I'm hoping with the way things ended that perhaps there will be more novellas telling the stories of some of the other characters that we met in this novella. But whether there are more novells to come or not, I look forward to reading Gentleman Jim later this year.
I whole-heartedly recommend Fair as a Star as well as all other Mimi Matthews books and novellas as they are all so beautifully written and filled with lovely characters that you'll fall in love with.
_____
I would like to thank the author, Mimi Matthew, who shared a complimentary eARC of Fair as a Star with me. This is my honest review.