Have you read any of Mimi Matthews’ books yet? I have read a few, (though I wish I could say I’ve read them all – #lifegoals) and have absolutely adored each and every one. She has a way with her romance thread. If you’ve not read something by her, I highly recommend it.
Side note for my Christian audience – though I consider these books a clean read, sometimes the romance can require a fan (in other words the heat is turned up!). Not open door, or anywhere close to that. However I know some readers are sensitive to anything other than holding hands, and I want to be sure to let you know ahead of time!
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About the Book
The Muse of Maiden Lane Author Mimi Matthews
Series: The Heart of Cheyenne #4
Published by Penguin Group
on November 19, 2024
Genres: Fiction / Romance / General, Fiction / Romance / Historical / General, Fiction / Romance / Historical / Victorian
Pages: 384
Amazon | GoodreadsA 2024 BookBub Best Historical Romance!
One of Parade's Best New Books of November 2024!
One of Amazon's and Apple's Best Romance Books of November 2024!A silver-haired equestrienne and a charismatic artist turn a scandalous bargain into a vibrant portrait of love.
Stella Hobhouse is a brilliant rider, stalwart friend, skilled sketch artist—and completely overlooked. Her outmodish gray hair makes her invisible to London society. Combined with her brother’s pious restrictions and her dwindling inheritance, Stella is on the verge of a lifetime marooned in Derbyshire as a spinster. Unless she does something drastic…like posing for a daring new style of portrait by the only man who’s ever really seen her.
Aspiring painter Edward “Teddy” Hayes knows true beauty when he sees it. He would never ask Stella to risk her reputation as an artist’s model but in the five years since a virulent bout of scarlet fever left him partially paralyzed, Teddy has learned to heed good fortune when he finds it. He’ll do anything to persuade his muse to pose for him, even if he must offer her a marriage of convenience.
After all, though Teddy has yearned to trace Stella’s luminous beauty on canvas since their chance meeting, her heart is what he truly aches to capture….
Other Books in the Series
My Perspective
I just adore anything written by Mimi Matthews. She’s got charm, tension, swoony moments, great romance, interesting plot lines, and so much more. The Muse of Maiden Lane reminds readers how important it is to just be yourself. Don’t let the voices from the outside world determine your worth. I jsut adored how Teddy saw Stella. I think it’s what every maiden wants for themselves – someone who adores you the way that you are.
The chemistry between Teddy and Stella was stellar. Like out of this world. I needed a fan. I cheered. I cried. I laughed. And I sighed those happy heavy sighs that a girl makes when reading all things swoony. Now, each character had some, well, things to overcome (sorry no spoilers). And Matthews showcased that brilliantly. With the help of some extraordinary secondary characters, plus learning from each other, Teddy and Stella grew quite a bit I might add.
The other thing I love about Matthews? The horses and the history. You can tell she knows her stuff about them both. The love between Stella and her horse was so sweet. Makes me want one of my own! And the history – she makes it so real, so vivid. I can see everything playing out in front of me, and I do say I’d like to jump into that screen and be a part of the story!
Mimi Matthews is a master at writing romance. The tension, the build up, the kissing, the sweet words, everything just makes me swoon. Romance fans and historical fiction fans alike will adore not only this book, but the entire series. I highly recommend!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
About the Author
USA Today bestselling author Mimi Matthews writes both historical nonfiction and award-winning Victorian romances. Her novels have received starred reviews in Publishers Weekly, Library Journal, Booklist, Kirkus, and Shelf Awareness, 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. Learn more online at www.mimimatthews.com.
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Great review! I enjoyed this series so much!
Thanks for the review! I really enjoy Mimi Mathews’ books but I’ve not read this series. Sounds like my TBR pile will be growing!