Jenny grew up under the thumb of a drunken father, and has craved independence ever since - she has no desire to marry because that would put her back her in the power of a man. Tom grew up in an orphanage where the next meal was by no means certain and brutality far from uncommon, and that left him with a desire for stability and control of his life. But the attraction between them is undeniable - the only question is whether it can ever get anywhere when they are so different. Gifted with a modest independence by Helena, whose companion she was, Jenny decides to travel to India, hoping while there to be able to find out more definitely the fate of Giles, Helena's brother. Giles has been reported dead, but Helena refuses to believe it - will Jenny be able to find answers? And when Tom refuses to let Jenny travel alone, will their time together overcome their differences, or merely leave them both disappointed?

Once again, a well written story, basically clean (see note below), with interesting characters and a good storyline, and complete with a helpful historical note to let the reader know how much is fact and how much fiction. I particularly enjoyed the descriptions of India, having been there myself, though things have changed a lot since this story was based. Possibly a bit too much 'blowing hot and cold by turns' in Tom and Jenny's relationship, but otherwise a satisfying story. I assume that a sequel is coming that will focus on Alex? Either way, I hope we hear more of Tom and Jenny in some future book.

Content warning: Occasional (probably under 10 in the book) uses of blasphemy or bad language; nothing too explicit in regard to the bedroom, but still a bit too much information in the epilogue for my liking; also somewhat descriptive kissing. None of this will worry most people, but for those who care, I like to provide a warning.

Note that I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.

As I liked remember liking the previous book, I decided to give this one a try. You have to perfectly remember these characters' relationship from the last book to feel anything. Instead I just know that they're madly in love with each but Jenny doesn't want to get married because marriage is a cage in those times. I understand her point but this decision resulted in so many conversations about why she won't get married. Jenny and Tom are going from England to India to find a supposed dead man. Every place they go they talk about her fear of marriage. At one point I wanted them to have sex so something different can happen with their relationship. Something so I don't have to read another dead end conversation.

I have loved all Mimi Matthews' historical romance novels, and this one is no exception.

This is the story of a couple introduced in the first book of this series, The Matrimonial Advertisement. It would most likely be best to read the first book before reading this one since a lot of background is established there. Plus, it's a fantatic read also. I've already read it three times.

This is one of the most unusual historical romances I've ever read. Jenny, the heroine, is unusual in that she has no trust in men and no desire to ever marry, and doesn't particularly mind raising eyebrows. She doesn't want any man to have power over her, financial or otherwise. Tom, the hero, was raised in a foundling home like the hero from the first book. He was the solicitor who arranged the meeting between the couple in the first book. I don't really want to give anything away, except that the journey they take is difficult and thrilling, and the discomforts and dangers are not whitewashed. The author did an excellent job of pulling the reader into the journey.

Read this book, you won't regret it. I am looking forward to the next book about another of the boys from the foundling home.

Thanks to Netgalley for the advanced reading copy. This review is my honest opinion.

What?!? A romance book where the characters actually talk about their feelings? *gasp* Seriously though, it was really refreshing. There was no high drama internal dialogue where the characters wondered what the other one was thinking or feeling because they straight up told each other, hey, I like you and I want to be with you. Did that mean there wasn't any romantic tension? No. Because while they both had feelings for each other, they both also had some personal things they needed to work through before they could let themselves see a future together that was more than temporary.
I really enjoyed the variety of settings and it was fun to travel along with the characters from England to India. I think the author did a great job at balancing the perceptions of the time period as well. Although *slightly* long winded, I thoroughly enjoyed the book.

This author has become one of my favorites. The quality of her prose is well above average. She knows how to write and she has a special way with words, and that is something to be thankful for, specially these days in which anyone "thinks" can write a novel and put us, unsuspected readers, through a torment.

In the case between hands, it was difficult to improve its predecessor, the magnificent and brilliant "The Matrimonial Advertisement", my favorite for now, but still, the story has its own brightness.
The story has been somewhat slower, low on angst and with an original basis that I had never read before: two main characters honest to a fault, who never get tired of recognizing and expressing their feelings to each other and who believe (the poor things!) that their individual longings are going to keep them apart.
So, the story revolves around this theme, and simultaneously, Ms. Matthews shows us historical gems about everyday life in the other part of the world. And about an amazing and terribly difficult journey to get to it. This is another of the author's strengths, she makes historical accuracy her priority, providing very relevant and interesting information about how things were and how they were done at the time.

And it is also one of the few times in which it is worth reading the historical notes at the end of the book. They are so interesting, an insightful bonus.

So, although it has not been a story that has left me "breathless" it is worth reading. I think it's among the best in HR we can find out there.

And now to wait for Neville's story. I am intrigued to know what Ms. Matthews will do with this character.
***
Esta autora se ha convertido en una de mis favoritas. La calidad de su prosa está muy por encima de la media. Sabe de lo que escribe y lo hace de una manera especial, y eso es algo de agradecer, ahora que cualquiera dice escribir una novela y nos castiga con un tormento.

En el caso entre manos, era difícil mejorar su antecesora, la magnífica y brillante "The Matrimonial Advertisement", mi favorita por ahora, pero aún así, la historia tiene su brillo propio. Ha sido algo más lenta, con poco drama y con una trama original que nunca antes había leído: dos personajes honestos hasta el límite, que no se cansan de reconocer sus sentimientos y que creen (¡qué ilusos, los pobres!) que sus anhelos personales no los van a dejar estar juntos. Así que, la historia gira en torno a este tema, y de camino, Ms. Matthews nos deja perlas históricas acerca de la vida cotidiana en la otra parte del mundo. Y acerca de un viaje asombroso y terriblemente difícil para llegar a ella. Este es otro de los fuertes de la autora, hace de la precisión histórica su objetivo principal, aportando información muy relevante e interesante de cómo eran las cosas y cómo se hacían en la época.

Y también es una de las pocas veces en las que merece la pena leer las notas históricas al final del libro. Son muy interesantes y siempre aportan un plus a la historia.

Así pues, aunque no ha sido una historia que me haya dejado "sin aliento" merece la pena leerla. Creo que es de lo mejorcito en HR ahí fuera.

Y ahora a esperar la historia de Neville. Me tiene intrigadísima saber qué hará Ms. Matthews con este personaje.

This was an immersive read full of adventure and romance. It was interesting to learn about the nature of Victorian travel. The exotic locations were beautifully described and really brought the story to life.

There's a LOT that I really, really loved about this book...even though I didn't love it quite as much as the first one in the series. (The Matrimonial Advertisement gave me all. the. feels.)

Although I tend to enjoy books more when they're set in one location, I did enjoy the travel in this book...we got to see so many places through the eyes of Jenny and Tom. Tom is a fantastic hero. And though I found it a little hard to relate to Jenny at times, I admired her strength and determination. The writing is superb and the emotional layering is wonderful.

I think what kept me from full-on adoring this one the way I did the first book in the series is that it felt like the heroine and hero kept going over and over the obstacle between them—which is basically the heroine's need for independence. I kept thinking, "Um, isn't there a pretty obvious solution here?" I appreciated the heroine's struggle! I really did. But it just felt repetitive after awhile...I think if the stakes had been raised at some point, maybe it wouldn't have bothered me quite so much.

But that said, there were some truly swoony romantic moments! The scene when Jenny's sick and Tom takes care of her... *heart flutters*

I'm excited for the next book in this series and super happy to have discovered Mimi Matthews. I've devoured her other books in the past few weeks!

Great story with great characters, book 2 in the Parish orphans series connects Tom Finchley the solicitor from book.1 and Jenny Holloway, Helena’s companion.

Jenny has had a large sum on money settled on her by Helena and is determined to go travelling and be an independent woman. She has to visit Tom to access her funds, although she is estranged from him, because of his deceptions in book 1. Rather than signing off her funds to her, Tom gets very involved with her plans, and suggests she travels with servants/companions. Jenny refuses, but Tom is determined to ensure her safety and comfort, and engages Indian servants for her, and schemes to go with her. Thrown together by these machinations, they become ever more attracted to each other.

Jenny is determined to look for the missing believed dead, Giles Reynolds, Earl of Castleford. Helena’s brother had gone to India more than 10 years ago, as was believed to have fallen in battle in the Indian Mutiny. Helena doesn’t believe he is dead, and Jenny is determined to look for him in recompense for her inheritance. Tom helps her, using his skills with organisation and bureaucracy, and sees to her comfor and safety as they travel. Jenny is inspired and invigorated by travelling, whereas Tom is less so, and they both assert their desires for their futures, Jenny wants to live abroad and be independent, she never wants to be controlled by a man again. Tom is comfortable with the security and respect he enjoys as an excellent solicitor, after is hideous life as an orphan, and doesn’t want to give it up. Despite this they agree to explore their relationship for a short time while they are travelling, and acknowledge that their acquaintance will end when Tom will leave to return to England. Stuck travelling as brother and sister, with many members of the “fishing fleet” watching them on their travels, will they be able to maintain the fiction, and not be ruined?

Will they succumb to their attraction? Will they find Giles? Will travelling be everything Jenny hoped for? Can they compromise and find happiness with each other?

I loved the characters in this book, how damaged they were by their earlier experiences, and how they were stronger because of them, how they were direct and open about their feelings for each other, but it was not all insta love then HEA. They had to work through their differences, rise above their early lives and be brave in their love for each other.

The descriptions of travelling and India were well done, the romance believable and overall it was a very satisfying read. I was less sure of the characterisation of the servants, Ahmed and Mira, as the author did start to flesh them out, and then stopped. Also I am not sure they would have been so unremarked in India itself, dressing like Europeans and speaking English etc., however, that might be my lack of knowledge of the era in India.

Highly recommended, and I am keen for the next in the series to come out. Please Ms Matthews hurry up, and also maybe we could have a book about Ahmed and Mira?

I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book and all opinions are my own.

The second book of the Orphans of Devon series, "A Modest Independence" centers on the orphan Tom Finchley, and Lady Helena's former companion, Jenny Holloway, a spinster of 28(?!). Jenny's desire for adventure leads her to India in search of Lady Helena's brother, Giles. Mr. Finchley insists on accompanying her, along with two servants. What an adventure they have, indeed. The description of the scenery, be it of an Egyptian bazaar, the vistas of northern India, or Delhi, hot and teeming with people, is lush and evocative. The historical details are interesting, informative and accurate.

The characters are well-drawn, and their backstories explain much of their thoughts and actions. I just loved Jenny and Tom. Their banter was intelligent and witty. Their love develops slowly, and the respect and regard they have for one another is deep and profound. Thankfully, there is no insta-love here!

Ms. Matthews writes beautifully, and the novel is well-edited. I look forward to the next installment - Alex Cross, maybe?

"A Modest Independence" is a romance set in 1860 and follows a couple as they travel from England to India and then around India. This is the second book in a series, but it can be read as a standalone. The author has clearly deeply researched the time period and about traveling along this route. She wove this information into the story, creating a distinct sense of time and place.

The characters were complex and reacted realistically to events. Things that happened in Jenny's and Tom's childhood now stand in the way of their getting married. Jenny no longer trusts men with control over her life, so she's determined to remain unmarried even if that means fighting her attraction to Tom. Tom grew up an orphan. He's reluctant to leave England, where he now has contacts, influence, and some control over his life. Still, he accompanies Jenny to India, using his knowledge and protection to help her track down information about the missing Earl.

Tom respected Jenny's desire to have control in her life and tried to protect her reputation by claiming to be her half-brother. They still found ways to do a lot of intense kissing, which nearly got them in trouble – both their reputations and with things nearly going further than they intended. There were no sex scenes. There was some bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this story, especially if you're interested in the history or setting.

I’m not sure I can properly put into words how much I loved this book. (I feel like I say that about every Mimi Matthews book). The premise is actually rather simple: two friends go on an adventure and fall in love. But make it a male/female couple set in Victorian England, Egypt, and India, with strict societal morality, and attempting to discover what happened to a friend declared dead - and all of Tom and Jenny’s emotional baggage! - and the story takes on a life of its own.

There is sooooo much angst and heartbreak here, but Matthews remembers to also give Jenny and Tom moments of joy, so it’s not entirely doom and gloom. I can understand why some reviewers may feel this book is one drawn out argument as to why Jenny and Tom can’t marry, but these characters talk to each other. They explain themselves as best they’re able. They share confidences and trust one another. They both go on this adventure with their eyes open, and not without some naïveté, but it’s their communication that makes the story so heartbreaking. They understand each other’s reasoning. Ugh, life.

There were some secondary characters and storylines that I felt were left unresolved, so I now eagerly await the next book in the series!

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

3 Stars

Mimi Matthews is the master of the slow burn. She doesn't have ridiculous plots, silly plot devices or use old premises.

Instead, she creates real characters with real personalities, fears and desires. The only thing completely unrealistic about the book is the lack of sexual interaction between two fully grown adults who have been chaste for far too long. It also would have given this book some much needed tension and enhanced a very simple plot.

I liked this book, but it could have been a hundred times better. There isn't enough going on in the book to hold the reader's interest. Mostly it's the two characters refusing to marry over and over again. That gets really old. This book took me over a week to finish. I read about three books a day, so taking a week screams that something is missing and in this case, it was a reason to keep reading. You could skip 60% of this book and miss nothing.

I am disappointed simply because I really love Mimi Matthews. I hope the next book is better.

I have previously read at least 3 of Mimi Matthews books, loved all of them, giving each of them 5 star reviews. I'm sorry to say but that is not the case here.
I really liked her 2 main characters in Tom and Jenny. I was immediately immersed in the book. Started reading it and couldn't put it down. But it seemed to be the journey that would never end. I know that Miss Matthews actually was trying to show the reality of what the journey to India entails. But it was too long, too wordy, too repetitive. I mean how many times are you going to say, I want you but won't ruin you.
The story itself I liked. But as I said it took too long to get there.
I look forward to Archer's story.

This is my third book by the author and I loved the first two. This book did not work for me quite as well, It might have helped had I read the first book in the series. It took me longer to get into the book and acquire a feel for our main characters. Once I did though, things never really picked up for me. There were beautifully tender moments interspersed but the entire book seemed overly long and tedious. I do have a copy of the copy of the first book in the series already waiting for me on my ereader so I will give it a try based on how much I adored Matthews' other books. This book may prove to be the exception that proves the rule.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Thanks again to Netgalley for providing me with an ARC for review purposes!

“One grows tired of waiting for knights in shining armor. Sometimes nothing will do but to rescue oneself.”

To get the bad out of the way: Like some others, I didn’t enjoy this novel of Mimi’s as much as others. The main romantic pairing was less interesting to me than the pairing of the first Orphans installment; Tom was at times almost seedy, and yes, I understand it was due to his unfortunate background like the other orphans, but I was fairly off-put with him as a romantic lead. Of course, his potential rival, Giles, was an awful character, so if I had to choose, well.

Also, I just found it odd that they wanted to sort of throw social propriety out the window on their journey – but were simultaneously so concerned about reputations? It resulted in a weird, slow-burn-but-not relationship that annoyed me. There wasn’t as much skinship as the first book, for example, which she could’ve included in all their private moments without compromising honor. There was a cute moment where she took off his glasses as he slept, and I couldn’t help but wish for more moments like that throughout the book. They were instead busy arguing about her staunch need for independence! And how that didn’t mean she’d settle down matrimonially, and really didn’t intend to! It got old.

Jenny was very annoying at times; unfortunately, as she was supposed to be representing a more modern and independent woman, she surely should have been more refreshing – if she’d been a little less reliant on Tom’s help in the book. But she had some good lines, like the one I opened my review with. Still, I’d expected maybe some more good lines, some poignant social commentary. Also, she is very firm on her decision to go abroad and stay; but in the end, compromises her own dreams to run back to a man. That disappointed me greatly; I thought Tom would make the sacrifice.

The Good: First off, I binged right through the book, so it was good enough to keep going; the mystery of the lost Earl, Helena’s brother from the first book, had me wondering until almost the end. It was educational in some aspects, such as showing me the difference between barristers and lawyers, something I had no clue about – or regarding the methods needed to get across India in this time period, a lot of which was clarified in the author notes. She put a lot of research into itineraries and methods of travel.

I found the inclusion of Indian servants really nice; it showed their division between worlds, the India they were born in and the London they were raised in. That pair was actually almost more interesting than the mains, so perhaps I am simply tired of white leads. Perhaps the multicultural aspects, the colonial examination, and other societal commentary simply covered up much of the romance for me in this one; it was all important inclusions otherwise. It was very cute how they had a matching cravat pin and bangle, though.

I'm strongly hoping this was just an off-book for me; I loooove Mimi's previous books and her levels of research therein, so....The next installment appears to be aimed at finding the lost orphan Archer, who sounds intriguing, so I am still excited for the next book.

Thank you net galley for the advance reader copy of this novel. This author delivered yet another amazing historical fiction! The chemistry between Jenny and Tom was amazing but never crossed the line to immoral. The Victorian era characters and rich detailed journey the pair take from England to Delhi was well researched and had me reading late into the night. I can't wait for the next novel about Archer and loved seeing Helena and Justin a bit in this novel. A firm 5 stars!!!!!

Jenny Holloway has spent her life striving for independence since the burden of caring for her family fell to her at a young age. When her father took the only thing of value from her to pay his drunken debts, she vowed she would never allow herself to fall subject to a man’s rule. She learnt to keep a low profile when she worked as a ladies companion but now she has gained enough funds to pursue the adventures she has dreamed of. She just needs to persuade her attorney to release her funds to travel to India in pursuit of news of her best friends missing brother. Tom Finchley has admired Jenny since they first encountered each other but has always wanted a steady quiet life after the chaos of his early childhood. He feels powerless to prevent her plunging headlong into her adventures and thus away from him. I really enjoyed this rich and intriguing story. I loved the detail and intensity of the build up, can’t wait for Alex’s story. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Tom is a solicitor who doesn’t have much of a life outside of work. Jenny was a companion to Lady Helena and has a nice sum of money thanks to her former employer. Jenny now has the means to travel and be independent which is her priority in life. She never wants to give up her independence by marrying. She uses the excuse of searching for Helena’s lost brother to travel to India and spreading her wings. Tom is her solicitor with mutual friends and they have formed a mutual attraction. When Jenny departs for India, Tom insists on coming along as her “brother “ to protect her. The descriptions of the places they traveled to, the various methods of travel, and the people they meet along the way were interesting - more interesting than the main characters who came across as humorless and all talk.

This is the second book in the series which I I gave five stars and was looking forward to Tom’s story. Unfortunately this book is a bit of a disappointment.

Thanks to NetGalley for an advanced copy.

Following the marriage of Lady Helena, Jenny Holloway is no longer needed as a lady's companion. Jenny receives a "modest independence" of five thousand pounds and determines to never give up that independence by marrying. She makes plans to travel to India to locate a longlost cousin, but when she alerts her solicitor, Mr. Finchley, of her need for funds, he balks at the idea of a single woman traveling alone. Before she knows it, she is on a whirlwind trip to Egypt, Calcutta, and Delhi, with Mr. Finchley at her side. 

Tom Finchley is a solicitor with secrets, secrets so powerful that he can bend or break members of the aristocracy with a mere word. Taken from the orphanage and trained by an unscrupulous solicitor, Tom practices cutthroat tactics to get his clients what they want--but it turns out that the one thing Tom wants most is his client Jenny Holloway. Taking a leave of absence from London, Tom escorts Jenny across the Mediterranean and the overland passage to India, helping her search for a man whom he fears to be his rival and loving her despite the knowledge that she is dead set against marrying. 

This book shows how hopelessly romantic a competent man can be, a man who can order train tickets, reserve hotel rooms, push through paperwork, bribe the locals, commandeer food, calculate arrival times, and see to the comfort of the lady in his care. To protect Jenny's reputation, Tom obtains two servants to travel with them and avers that Jenny is his half-sister. The charade wears thin, however, when the growing attraction between them causes gossip among the other travelers in their party. 

The Victorian atmosphere and the sights and sounds of Egypt and India were described beautifully. One could feel the stomach-churning pitch of Jenny's first boatride as well as the stifling heat of the climate around the equator. The book did drag on a little too long--some of the twists and turns of both the characters' emotions and the lengthy travel could have been shortened for a tighter plot. 

In the end, both Tom and Jenny must decide if their "fondness" for each other is enough to surmount the different plans that each has in life. Tom is a London man, through and through, with a longing for a home, a wife, and children; Jenny wants nothing to do with the prosaic aspects of domesticity, yearning instead for a life of adventure. I enjoyed the way this quandary was resolved, and most of all, I enjoyed Tom Finchley, a romantic hero who shines not because of athleticism or good looks, but because of unflagging industry, unflappable demeanor, and unabashed confidence in his own ability to manage things. 

This book is the second in the Parish Orphans of Devon series. It could be read as a standalone, but why would you want to miss the story of Justin and Helena in The Matrimonial Advertisement? 

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

A Modest Independence, Mimi Matthews' follow-up to The Matrimonial Advertisement, is a slow-burn romance spread across continents. Thomas Finchley, an unprepossessing solicitor, decides spontaneously to accompany his client, Jenny Holloway, in her search for a friend's missing brother in India. This premise was set up in the The Matrimonial Advertisement.

With nothing more to go on than her friend's assertion that she just knows her brother is alive, Jenny sets out to find him. She wants an adventure somewhere different without relying on anyone but herself. This is where the story bogs down. Without Thomas' help, I'm not sure she could have gotten out of London. Thomas planned the itinerary, bought the passages, hired the servants, managed her money, and in general, made the decisions, all the time saying Jenny is doing it.

Jenny's character development is admirable and she matures from start to finish. Her development was retarded by her past, but she finally grows up. Thomas' doesn't change quite as dramatically, but he at least gets out of the office. Jenny's understanding of what love is, takes the entire book; Thomas seems to have known all along.

I was impatient with both of them at various times (don't get me started on Giles). The end is quite satisfactory. I don't think we have heard the last of them, there are plenty of breadcrumbs for the next Parish Orphans of Devon.

Thanks to NetGalley for allowing me to review this book.