You know the feeling when you find that rare, treasure of an author? The author whose writing resonates with your soul so much, that you know undoubtedly that you will love everything they ever write? That is Mimi Matthews for me. After reading "The Matrimonial Advertisement" for the second time...and falling in love with it AGAIN...I about died of bliss when I saw that she had a new novella coming, and just in time for my favorite holiday. And once again, it did not disappoint. It was absolutely wonderful. The characters were memorable and deep, with complexities that grew with the plot. The plot itself was amazing and fast-paced, and once again I finished the book feeling warm, happy, cozy and whole. A definite recommend.

What could have been a so-so story turns out to be a lovely Christmas novella, set in Victorian England, with two young people expressing progressive views about marriage, love and the existing class system.

I finished reading A Holiday by Gaslight by Mimi Matthews yesterday. This is the first book I’ve read by this author. I really enjoyed it overall, with one exception.

Sophie Appersett is the eldest daughter of a baronet who has foolishly squandered his money. For the past two months (leading up to the Christmas holiday season), she has been courted by Mr. Edward Sharpe. Edward isn’t titled or a “gentleman” – but he is a very wealthy tradesman. Sophie’s father is desperate for money to shore up his coffers, so he allows the courtship and even encourages it. Sophie is a true lady and desires to marry someone she likes. She claims she isn’t so naïve that love will factor into the equation (although she wishes it to!) but at the very least she wants to like her future husband. Mr. Sharpe, trying to be a “gentleman,” follows an etiquette book and is extremely reserved around Sophie. The Appersetts had invited him to their country estate for the holidays, and he has even purchased a lavish diamond engagement ring for Sophie. So he is shocked (as are her parents) when Sophie breaks things off with him, stating that they just don’t suit. However, a few days later, she wonders if she has been rash with her decision – she begins to realize that she doesn’t really know if they’ll suit, since she doesn’t know the real Edward and he doesn’t know her. Most of their two month courtship involved talking about the weather and other things that people in “polite society” discuss. So she approaches him again, and proposes that they give things another chance.

Well, that’s all I’ll say about that! This storyline is soooo good. A wonderful Victorian Christmas novella which was well-written. My main drawback to it is the multiple mentions of Sophie reading Charles Darwin’s book. This clearly wasn’t a Christian book. Although the author didn’t discuss Darwin’s theories in great detail, they were presented in a positive light. I am a Christian who believes in the Bible 100% and I totally repudiate Darwin’s ideas and the “theory” of evolution. So be mindful of that aspect of this book, although it is relatively small in terms of quantity. Other than that part, I would recommend the book.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley for this review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own.

Edward Sharpe is a self-made, working class man worth a small fortune. For two months, he has been courting Sophie Appersett, the daughter of a baronet with rapidly dwindling finances. Sophie knows she must marry in order to stabilize her family, but she’s not certain that she and Edward make a good match. However, being an adaptable, modern woman, she invites Edward to spend the Christmas holiday with her family and other guests so that they may better get to know one another. During these festivities, they will learn whether or not they are a suitable match to make a life together.

A Holiday by Gaslight is a lovely novella about these two characters, set around Christmastime in Victorian England. It is peppered with actual historical events, and the writing style and language is authentic to the time period. Although the book is short in length, the characters are fully developed and feel as though they belong to a full length novel. What I like most about the story is the progressive ideas and beliefs of the characters for the time period. Certainly, I would have been happy to spend more time reading about Edward and Sophie’s viewpoints on all manner of subjects.

A Holiday by Gaslight is my first book by the author, but it won’t be my last. The author has said that the novella is inspired by Elizabeth Gaskell’s North and South, which I have never read, but am likely to do so now after enjoying this tale.

I also want to mention the beautiful cover art, which puts me in the mood for the upcoming holiday and makes me imagine warm hearths and spiced apples - only, I wish it were cold where I live!

I have published this review to Goodreads. My thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me this ARC.

I didn't think I would care for this very much after starting it- it started out very slow, but overall I did quite enjoy it. It ended up being a kind of sweet, but not too sappy story about falling in love over Christmas and getting past first impressions. Not my normal, but I enjoyed it. Would have been better reading in front of a fire while it snowed though....

Sophie is being asked to marry for money. Her father has spent her dowry on "improvements" to the estate and they are close to penury. In order to save her family she accepts a proposal from obscenely rich tradesman Edward. Edward is keenly aware of his roots and knows that Sophie is "marrying down" so purchases a guide on how to proceed. However, the book steers him so very very wrong. He ends up stiff and wooden and full of nerves- so Sophie tells him they don't suit and ends the engagement.
After finding out her situation is more dire than she thought, Sophie agrees to give Edward another chance and he travels to their family estate for Christmas. There Sophie discovers that there's more to Edward than it seemed.

I have to admit that I read this book for two reasons: I loved the cover and I love Victorian England. I made a great choice. A Holiday by Gaslight is a novella decorated with Christmas. Mini Matthews, the author, brings the characters and the holiday to life with her fine writing.

This book is well researched and Matthews really nails the period accurately. She is clearly a connoisseur of Victorian Christmas' and the details make the story that much richer. This book addresses the social issues of the day, with gender and economic issues woven into the narrative.

Sophie is the main character. She comes from an aristocratic background but her family is out of money and pin their hopes on Sophie marrying a man with money. This leads to Sophie dating a man, Ned, from a lower social position who has made his fortune on his own. Ned is a very shy man, which leads Sophie to interpret his behavior as being uncaring and aloof. After two months she decides that she must end things.

Which is when the Christmas house party takes place. Romance and spiced cider fill the air in this delightful scene.

I am glad that I found this book and author. I look forward to reading more of Matthews' work.

Thank you to NetGalley for letting me read an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

Mimi Matthews delivers a delightful novella written in Victorian era. A family with two daughters and two spent dowries. One willing to marry for her family, the other looking for social gain. Everyone is cast perfectly, the father whose looking for change to the spoiled sister. Beautiful and enchanting story of family and second chances. This is a perfect read for the holiday season. Thank you for allowing me an ARC for my honest review. Beautifully done.

Enjoyable read. This is my first book by this Author. It is a Victorian Christmas novella. Sophie Appersett must marry to help her family survive. she is suited up with Edward Sharpe who has no emotions and she feels this is not a good match. Her family is outraged when she tells Edward this. She goes to him to give him a second chance and he is upset and cold. Will they get together by a Gaslight Christmas or all they miss suited ? Delightful book.

This Novella stands at 175 pages and whilst short it was a very satisfying read. I know we often say ‘Don’t judge a book by its cover’ but this cover is one of the most beautiful I’ve seen and gave such a wonderful Christmas feel that I felt compelled to request it even if I’d never read any of Mimi Matthews books before which I can tell you right now will be corrected soon as possible.

In this instance the story actually matched the cover. The story was beautiful and compelling. It was a perfect Christmas read with all the ‘feel good’ and flutters that a Christmas inspired Romance should bring.

I absolutely adored this story and even if it mainly concentrates on a couple of weeks in the life of our two heroes Sophie Appersett and Edward ‘Ned’ Sharpe – I believe you get gist of it. Of course, I won’t lie, I liked this story so much that I wished it was a full length as Edward and Sophie really managed to steal my heart.

I won’t say too much not to spoil the story, but it was refreshing to see that for once it’s the hero who is self-conscious and not good at courting. We are so used to womanizing rakes who could seduce even the coldest heart and I couldn’t to feel a great tenderness toward Edward.

As the story is told in a dual point of view you really get a great understanding of both characters and as I said Edward’s uncertainties and failed attempt at being what he believes is expected from him brought huge tenderness in me.

Sophie was a lovely character as well, honest and good to the core. I believe Mimi did a fantastic job writing these two characters as their interaction and thoughts were not only complementary but also driven by a true desire to be loved and accepted.

The storyline was extremely cute and yet some of the characters were perfectly awful, but I won’t give too much on that.

In Conclusion: This novella is a quick, feel-good read which should definitely be on any Historical Romance Fans this Christmas. I can guarantee you lost of smile and stomach flutters!
Stars: 4/5

Is there anything better than a Mimi Matthews novella? Maybe only a full-length novel, but I’m not complaining! Using Darwin, Prince Albert, domestic modernizations, and protagonists that actually speak honestly - candidly! - to one another, Matthews has created a beautifully inviting world that I wish to visit again. Such a world where characters can actually own up to their faults and humble themselves in apology is a lovely place, indeed.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Sophie Appersett has tried to get to know her new suitor Edward Sharpe for two months. But no matter how politely she expounds upon the weather, she can elicit little response from him. Her profligate father is adamant that the match take place–how else will he fund the modernization of their country manor?–but Sophie is unwilling to sacrifice her entire life for the sake of her father’s pet projects. If Mr. Sharpe would only be candid with her about his feelings, she could make an informed decision!

Edward Sharpe (Ned to his friends) was smitten by Sophie Appersett at first sight. Not just her beauty, but her winning smile and gracious carriage have made him certain that she is the one for him. But is the gulf between her aristocratic birth and his own place in the moneyed middle class too deep to bridge? The etiquette book he purchased has warned him to take things slow and keep conversational topics insipid–but could that be the completely wrong advice for winning a thinking woman’s heart?

This charming Christmas novella highlights the necessity of candor when courting. Sophie extracts a promise from her suitor to spend Christmas at their country house (now lit by gaslight!) so that they can drop their pretenses and discover whether or not they suit each other well enough to marry. The Author’s Note mentions that the story is inspired by Elizabeth Gaskell’s North and South and that there are several N&S Easter Eggs hidden in the book.

Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

The perfect historical romance! i am a fan of all things Victorian and this book melted my heart. I was enthralled by the writing and the story was the perfect blend of romance, stolen moments, and reminiscent of some of my favorite wider know BBC shows. I give this novel two thumbs up and 5 stars!

Christmas during the Victorian era. This novella was a fun read. The two main characters were from different sides of the social class. The heroine was of noble birth and the hero was a wealthy tradesman. I enjoyed seeing how their relationship developed and played out. I recommend for anyone who loves historical romance with a hea and appreciate a clean read as well. There are a few curse words in the story in case you are sensitive to that, but over all a treat to read.

*I was given a copy of this novella by the publisher via netgalley and was not under any obligation to leave a review. This is my honest opinion.

This is a perfect Christmas novella! This is a charming, sweet, romantic historical romance to sink into. Set in Victorian England, the author notes that there are allusions to Elizabeth Gaskell's novel, North and South. Indeed, the hero, Ned, does give off some delicious John Thornton vibes. However, this is not a retelling and this story stands delightfully on its own. Readers will enjoy it whether or not they are aware of the nods to North and South.

This is truly an engaging story. If you are drawn to the lovely cover, you will find the story within equally appealing. I have a soft spot for Christmas novellas, and this one distinguishes itself by the way it feels complete, even with a short length and quick pace. The characters are well-rounded and likeable. There is a complete and natural immersion into the Victorian era. This also captures the hope and joy of the Christmas season. I love this novella and highly recommend it!

I received this from Netgalley for an honest review. All thoughts and feelings expressed are my own.

This was a cute holiday romance. There wasn't any surprises, and the story-building was good. It references historical context in a dignified way. and it does not cheapen the book at all. I found the story intriguing and both the MC was likeable and easy to enjoy.

I liked this story, and I thought the whole premise was cute and something that fits well into the holiday season.

A delight of a novel. Downton Abbey esque with a hint of Georgina Heyer. And with mentions of Charles Darwin, Dickens and Elisabeth Gaskell, this is a sparkling witty read which is a joy to read.

Sophie Appersett has to marry. That's her duty in Victorian Britain but it's her attitude to social mores and duties of the time that is the best thing about this novel. Very Bridget Jones in places too which made me smile. To quote another film - 'No one puts Sophie in the corner"

The relationship between Sophie and Mr Sharpe was funny and observant. I felt like I was standing under one of those gothic lamposts on the street corner ( a marvel in itself since gas lightning was a recent invention) listening to conversations, and then hotfooting to to Hyde Park and other places around London in order to follow the characters. London was one big playground then to those who had money. The dresses of Bond Street, the parties, the places to be seen...throw in Instagram in the modern age and not much has changed it would seem!

The historical aspects of the novel were impressive given that it's quite a ashort story. Gask=lights, the changing literary landscape, Darwin and Prince Albert. A lot to enjoy here.

I loved the voice and tone of this novel - delightfully fresh and playful which in itself would make me read more.

A quick and fun read to get you pumped up and ready for the holidays this year. Set in the 19th century England we have to complete different people on the social scale come together for a different reason of their own. Sophie Appersett and young women willing to marry outside of her social class to save her mother and sister from the economic ruin that her father brought on them. Edward Sharpe, a self-made man and has a cold attitude in the beginning and trying to weave his way through higher society. One Christmas party might be able to save not only this crashing relationship but others as well. A Holiday by Gaslight is a cute and quick read that has got me in Christmas spirit.

A charming holiday romance which manages to develop a believable romance in the novella length which always impresses me when an author manages it. I enjoyed the family dynamics as well though this is the part of the story which suffered a bit from the shorted format but not enough to take away from the fun read.

Such a delightful book. But seriously, I'm not a fan of the genre but the cover and title catch my attention. I'm glad it did, I love it.

This book made me inexplicably happy.

Sophie is a strong, level-headed character, wanting to make the right choice for her family in a businesslike way. Following the recently published “On the Origin of Species” by Darwin, aristocratic Sophie understands that she must adapt or let her species die out. Comes in trader Ned - the silent but strong type, maybe a bit overwhelmed with what he has gotten into, but fearless in meeting it heads on, guided by another literary gem of the era “Gentleman’s Book of Etiquette”. Ned’s romantic pursuit of Sophie is stoic and cold until she prods him to change his ways. Sweet and innocent, I suspect this is exactly how courtship panned out in Victorian England, which made those few shared kisses extra special.

Mimi Matthews is a new author for me, and this book was such a delight, I will return! I can highly recommend this book for readers looking for a quick, easy, gingerbread-filled read this holiday season.

Thank you Netgalley and Perfectly Proper Press for this opportunity to read and review.