Review: "Fair as a Star" by Mimi Matthews

Mimi Matthews has become an auto-read for me. I don't even have to read the synopsis ... I just automatically know I want to read what she's written!

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From USA Today bestselling author Mimi Matthews comes a Victorian tale of love and longing in a quaint English village.

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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Once again, Mimi Matthews has penned a delightful Victorian romance! Fair as a Star is a bit heavier than some of her other works, as it deals with "melancholy"—but I so appreciate that! Mental health isn't something I've often (maybe ever?) read about in historical fiction, and it's refreshing to see it here.

Also, the love story between Beryl and Mark is so sweet! The romance turned out as I expected, but not in the way I expected—Matthews' characters are all adults acting like adults, which lends a calm authenticity to the story and removes unnecessary drama.

This is the first in a series of three planned novellas, and I'm so eager to get my hands on the other two! 5 stars.

Buy the novella (affiliate link).
Read my reviews of Matthews' The Matrimonial Advertisement (4-1/2 stars), A Convenient Fiction (5 stars), and The Winter Companion (5 stars).

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USA Today bestselling author Mimi Matthews writes both historical nonfiction and award-winning proper Victorian romances. Her novels have received starred reviews in Library Journal and Publishers Weekly, and her articles have been featured on the Victorian Web, the Journal of Victorian Culture, and in syndication at BUST Magazine. In her other life, Mimi is an attorney. She resides in California with her family, which includes a retired Andalusian dressage horse, a Sheltie, and two Siamese cats.


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book through NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review, and the opinions I have expressed are my own. Also, some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means if you click the link and make a purchase, I will receive a small commission. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."