Historical Romance Book Club discussion
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BOTM 3 – June 2023 – The Work of Art
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I just read this e book on Libby from the library. It is my first Mimi Matthews book and it was a clean enjoyable romance with some mystery suspense thrown in. I liked both of the MC’s and thought they were well matched. Philly the h was known as The Work of Art but she was anything but vain. She had a kind and loving nature especially for dogs. She had four stray dogs as her pets. The H Captain Arthur Heywood suffered from injuries sustained during the war and Philly h knew just how to treat him without showing pity. He also felt protective of her and stepped up to the plate and did right by her when required. I gave this four stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I’ll be joining this read in June. I’m excited since I have been meaning to read for a while now.
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Good news this book is free on Amazon right now.
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I am looking forward to reading this book
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I started as well. And immediately I’m struck with how good Mimi’s writing is. Here characters are refreshing.
So far I read chapter 1-5 and I really like the two MCs and I’m intrigued to see how will their relationship develop. But there is a strong shady undercurrent in form of Duke of Moreland and Philly’s uncle and I’m little worried because I am not into anything very dark.
Sandra, I really enjoyed this book! I can see why so many love it. Though I loved the MC, it was the writing style I fell in love. This was just what I needed after reading so many stressful hr in a row.
Petra, This book doesn't go too dark with the villains. The rest is the grumpy H adoring his sweet wife. My favorite trope!
I was so glad when she avoided that danger (don’t want to mention what) and I’m glad to find out that the rest of the book is not too dark. Uff
I think those books by Robin Schone even though they are great but they slightly traumatized me.
Understandable! A friend gave me 50+ Bodice-ripper books, and I've been reading them like crazy but I eventually needed a break from traumatic stories.
Oh I just got this book free on Amazon so I'll definitely be joining in soon for this one!
I will be joining in on this one too!
I finished this book almost as soon as I started it! I enjoyed everything - Captain Arthur Heywood, the writing style, suspense without going too dark, the development of their relationship - but most especially Phyllida Satterthwaite herself. She was kind and empathetic without being condescending. She was strong-willed and had a good sense of right and wrong, yet she was willing to give in on occasion without making a big scene. She was such a wonderful and mostly wise (though a bit gullible) heroine! It is usually the the hero that makes or breaks a story for me. Arthur was great, but it was Philly that really stood out to me. I definitely plan to read more by the author - maybe even continue this series.
It took me a little longer to finish but I completely agree with you. Mimi Matthew’s style of writing is just pure goodness like a freshly baked bread. And that goes for her characters as well. I was worried that it’s going to go dark at the beginning but it didn’t and was so glad about that.
Now I am very interested reading Arthur’s brother story.
Oh so many books to read so little time.
Freshly baked bread....that sounds delicious! I think I will need to bake some today now.Which is Arthur's brother's story? He will be a difficult one to redeem.
Marianna it’s called The Viscount and the Vicar’s daughter.
Thanks. I may have to give that a try. See if he can change.
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I read this book in a day. Love the way the characters are built, the relation between the main characters is strong and loving. Despite the problems and the insecurities of both characters they find that the way to stay together goes through honesty and talking to one another. Nice mystery plot! Overall an excellent (re)reading.
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Somehow I overlooked this book. I will get to it as soon as I can. Loving that all the above comments are favorable.
@sandra Is the second book Gentlemen’s Jim because I’ve been meaning to read that forever. I’m glad you’ve loved it.
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I've really enjoyed that reading also!!
I've finally started A Work of Art. I really like Philly and her dogs. She has no airs at all. The hero seems a bit of a bore but maybe he will get more interesting. The unwanted suitor is very sinister. The first 5 chapters flew by quickly.
I did grow to like the hero, although I did not approve of his withholding of information. The author has a nice writing style. The book flowed easily and I enjoyed it.
The Work of Art by Mimi Matthews
Join us in reading this HR that features the theme Disabled Lead Character. Happy reading!
Synopsis:
Uncommon Beauty...
Hidden away in rural Devonshire, Phyllida Satterthwaite has always been considered more odd than beautiful. But in London, her oddity has made her a sensation. Far worse, it's caught the eye of the sinister Duke of Moreland — a notorious art collector obsessed with acquiring one-of-a-kind treasures. To escape the duke's clutches, she's going to need a little help.
An Unlikely Hero...
Captain Arthur Heywood's days of heroism are long past. Grievously injured in the Peninsular War, he can no longer walk unaided, let alone shoot a pistol. What use can he possibly be to a damsel in distress? He has nothing left to offer except his good name.
Can a marriage of convenience save Philly from the vengeful duke? Or will life with Arthur put her — and her heart — in more danger than ever?