When Phyllida Satterthwaite’s grandfather dies, she has to leave her peaceful life at Fox Cross in country Devonshire behind, and move to noisy London. Her male cousin inherited her grandfather’s estate Satterthwaite Court, he lives in London, and he wants her to marry. He allowed her to bring her four dogs, Basil, Jasper, Dash and Fox with her, they annoy him and he’s keen to marry her off to an older man, the Duke of Moreland, and he has a sinister reputation and likes to collect things out of the ordinary.

Philly's concerned by the Duke's cold behavior, she has two different colored eyes and she's sure it’s the reason why he wants to marry her. Captain Arthur Heywood is the only person she knows in London, she contacts him and he offers to help her, and they quickly marry. Injured during the Peninsular War, he’s been left with a severely damaged leg and hand and uses a cane walk. Arthur lives a quiet life in Somersetshire, he’s withdrawn from society due to his injuries and he doesn’t think his condition will improve. Philly is the sweetest person, kind, compassionate, and she's sure she can help him recover.

Arthur and Philly settle into a marriage of convenience, he’s still concerned about the vengeful Duke of Moreland, he has a tendency towards seeking revenge and he's not sure if he will be able to protect his wife. The Work Of Art is a regency romance by Mimi Matthews, I haven't read one in years and I highly recommend this book. The handsome war hero, meets a beautiful woman in danger, he doesn't think he can offer her more than his name and he gives her everything she has ever wanted and more! I recived a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review, it's delightful, and five stars from me.

Miss Phyllida Satterthwaite has newly come to London, sponsored for a season with the understanding that she will make a suitable match, unaware that the match has already been decided upon - a duke with a fearful reputation who values her only for the uniqueness of her mismatched eyes.

Captain Arthur Heywood, struggling with the disabilities of war wounds and PTSD, is in town conducting business for his father when he first meets Philly's rescue dogs, and then the lady herself. More interested in Philly than he wants to admit, they soon become friends. And when she appeals to him for assistance on the basis of that friendship, he quickly leaps to her rescue with an offer of a marriage in name only - one which quickly becomes a marriage in truth, as they retire to his country estate.

While I admired the compassion she shows for his disabilities, and the deft way in which these aspects are the story are portrayed, it is the tender love story between Philly - the "work of art" of the title - and Arthur at the heart of this story that truly held me enthralled as a reader. Mystery, intrigue, and tension are skillfully laced through this novel as danger seems to stalk Philly, and the marriage is threatened in various ways, as Arthur begins to fear that he cannot keep or protect the woman he loves. Highly recommended and destined for a reread.

The Work of Art is a closed door Regency romance. This review refers to a digital galley I voluntarily read via NetGalley, courtesy of the publisher. A positive review was not required and these are only my own, honest opinions.

I have purchased everything Mimi Matthews has written for my collection. She always delivers a wonderful story, with interesting characters and great dialogue. The Work of Art is not exception and was an enjoyable read. While the ending was a bit unbelievable I still enjoyed the ride. Highly recommend.

I always approach a new-to-me author with trepidation; like Captain Wentworth, I am “half agony, half hope”. Matthews did not disappoint, however; au contraire, I may, with a heavy heart for my least favourite rom-heat-designation, “closed-bedroom-door,” have discovered another historical romance autobuy.

Reading Matthews’s The Work Of Art, I was pleasantly surprised, often delighted, definitely engaged, and intellectually stimulated. In a nutshell, for the most part, I loved it. The play on the heroine as a “work of art,” the “My Last Duchess” allusions, and the tropish-goodness of marriage-of-convenience drove me to request the title. What kept me reading, however, was everything Matthews did with it. The premise in and of itself is compelling: zoophilic, penniless, and orphaned heroine, Miss Phyllida Satterthwaite, is brought to London by her uncle and heir to her beloved grandfather’s estate, Mr. Edgar Townsend, to début and put on the aristocratic Regency ton’s marriage mart. A generous gesture on his part, perhaps. But Philly is a deeply introverted young woman who prefers walking her dogs (various injured and decrepit strays she rescued over the years), reading, playing pianoforte, and musing over balls and gossip. She finds a kindred spirit in one of her uncle’s guests, the hermetic former soldier, Captain Arthur Heywood, beloved second son, who keeps his own counsel, and still suffers physical and emotional war wounds.

Philly, unaware what a rare beauty she is, indeed akin to “a work of art, relates to the sophisticates around her with diffident honesty and naïveté. Her socalled generous uncle has nefarious plans for her: he makes a “deal,” with great financial gain to himself, to marry her to one Duke of Moreland, aka The Collector, a connoisseur of fine art, an aesthete with a cruel streak. When Moreland takes Philly riding in the park, Philly is delighted by his two fine-bred dogs. When the dogs displease the Duke, he cuffs them. Philly is horrified. I was horrified. Philly realizes this is how he would treat anyone under this purview; as his wife, Philly is terrified of her fate. In desperation, she turns to the one person she connects with, Arthur.

When Philly refuses the Duke’s offer, she knows she must flee, or be forced to wed Moreland. Arthur offers to marry her. Though they both have stirrings of friendship, affection, and compatibility, Philly gratefully agrees to this marriage-of-convenience and Arthur, despite his dour demeanour, is glad. Arthur rescues the damsel and brings her to his Somersetshire estate where they grow close, find passion and care in the marriage-bed, and experience the growing pains of getting to know the person you’ve precipitously wed. In the background is Arthur’s fear of retaliation on the uncle’s, or spurned duke’s part. There are times when Arthur turns overprotective he-man and occasions when Philly borders on the TSTL where-angels-fear-to-tread distressed damsel. To Matthews’s credit, she threw a few red herrings in the plot and surprised me with her resolution.

What remained unwavering is a beautifully developped love between two admirable, interesting, deserving people. They never play coy, consistently admitting and discussing their feelings and enjoying each other’s company. They don’t always agree and they’re not always fully forthcoming, but they don’t stumble on the road with any Big Mises. Their dialogue is drollishly affectionate: they’re playful as much as they are serious and somber when occasion merits. There are lovely sequences where they care for each other’s bodies and they care for each other’s souls. Their marriage will contain friendship, difference, and compatibility. They love the outdoors, animals, and each other. They’re good stewards of the land and household. They will make good parents. They’re believable together and apart.

Lastly, Matthews is a lovely writer, elegant and subdued in places, like her characters, playful in others. Here are two samples I cannot resist sharing. The first brings Pemberley to mind. It recounts the moment when Philly first sees Arthur’s home: her response and his pride bode well for this marriage between two relative strangers:

“Do you like it?” Arthur asked. “Very much,” Philly said. “Very much indeed.” As the coach advanced smoothly up the expansive drive, she could see even more how the countryside had grown up around the massive house. It was as wild and rustic as a wilderness garden, lending Heywood House an air of enchantment, as if it had been untouched by human hands for several generations, frozen in time under some magic spell.

It is wonderful how Matthews twists the fairy tale trope: it is Arthur, broken by war and guilt, who’s lived in a fog of war these last few years. Philly’s love and care set him free, as they do her many strays.

Secondly, a passage that proves Matthews’s banter-ish know-how and makes Philly and Arthur utterly lovable:

Arthur bent his head and kissed her, “And yet you love them all regardless.” “So I do.” “Horses. Dogs.” His voice deepened. “Husbands.” “Especially husbands.” “Every moody, unpredictable last one of them.” Philly’s mouth lifted in a rueful smile. “Yes, well … you did say once that I had a particular fondness for disagreeable brutes.” Arthur returned her smile with a rare smile of his own. “A lamentable situation, to be sure” …

Is there a lovelier exchange? Teasingly affectionate, with a deep sense of knowing, loving, and appreciating each other? It was exchanges like these that saw me loving Matthews’s The Work Of Art and, with Miss Austen, saying here is “a mind lively and at ease,” Emma.

Mimi Matthews’s The Work Of Art is self-published. It was released on July 23rd and may be found at your preferred vendors. I received an e-galley from the author, via Netgalley.

Mimi Matthews most recent standalone novel is a little different from her other stories, since its set in the Regency rather than the Victorian period. I enjoyed it for a couple of reasons: first off, it provides an interesting twist on the marriage of convenience trope that's so common in Historical Romances.

Also, Phyllida and Arthur were both genuinely interested and unusual characters. Characterization is this author's strong-point, and hers tend not to be cliched or act like automatons. They're strong without being anachronistic, or unrealistic.
So Arthur is not the stereotypical rakish nobleman. He's a wounded war hero, who has all but cut himself off from society because of the injuries that left him crippled,and severe mental health issues that would now be identified as PTSD. Everyone thinks he's either mad or or dangerous.
Phyllida is drawn to him over a mutual love of animals, especially horses, and the fact that he's one of the only people who seems to be prepared to accept her pack of rescued dogs which accompany her everywhere. 'Philly' as she was known, is a kindhearted and compassionate young woman, but also shy and thoughtful, and very much out of her depth during the London season.
Partly because of her sheltered upbringing, raised by her grandparents in the country, and just not being used to the mercenary intentions of many members of the Ton. She's a strong and intelligent character, but a little naive and not very experienced in the ways of the world.

To save herself from an unwanted betrothal to a man she dislikes and distrusts, Phyllida plans on running away after finding a safe home for her dogs, but ends up accepting an unexpected proposal of marriage from Captain Heywoood.
The second half of the book is really about their blossoming relationship. The marriage is usually where stories like this end, so its interesting to have it less than halfway through. and see what will happen afterwards.

The two protagonists grow together, and it was sweet to see Philly bringing out her husband's best side, but not treating him with pity or condescension, and honestly, I just appreciated the way this story deals with some unusual subjects like disability and mental health. Having characters in these scenarios makes them more human and allows for a serious yet compassionate consideration of the subject matter.

My only complaint was that towards the end Philly acted in a manner that was really quite silly and was too easily fooled by a man whose nefarious intentions were patently obvious.

Like Mimi Matthews other books The Work of Art is clean, but its a General Market title. Although there are a couple of scenes which are bordering on detailed. The elements of mystery reminded me of some of Julie Klassen's work. Recommended for lovers of Regency and slow burn Romance..

Thanks to the Publisher for approving my request to read an ARC of this title. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own.

An average looking woman.
Not so average plot.
Beautiful writing.
Great character development.
Spectacular description of the area and time period covered.
Romance, romance, romance.
That all and more makes this book a delight to read.
Loved it!

I've only recently discovered the stories of Mimi Matthews and I can't read them fast enough! I was thrilled to see that a new one was releasing this summer. I loved the vivid characters and the unique plot that made the story fresh and interesting. Marriage of convenience is one of my favorite tropes, and this one did not disappoint! There is an element of suspense as Arthur protects Philly from her mercenary uncle and the eccentric duke, which only continues as the danger follows them to their country estate. The genuine friendship they share blossoms into attraction, love and romance, with lovely chemistry. I appreciated that they share in each other's vulnerabilities and provide true encouragement and support. Philly's dogs are a fun addition to the story and play a vital role in the plot, as well as various society friends. A vibrant, well-rounded Regency!

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)

The Work of Art by Mimi Matthews is about a slightly older than usual young lady who has lived in the country entering into society for the season. She is not considered particularly attractive, however, she has an unique feature which causes her to become of great interest to society. While she gains the attentions of a Duke, she is much more interested in having conversations with an injured Captain.

Ms. Matthews is an extremely gifted writer, and her books somehow have a lovely feel of quiet and depth to them. However, I did find the villains in the story a little too evil, which did detract from the story.

An Advanced Reader Copy was provided by the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Very well written. Keeps you emotionally on edge right to the end. Sweet, clean romance.
Philly is an orphaned young lady, put under the mercenary care of the male heir who inherited her Grandfather's estate. She was forced to go to London, only allowed to take her dogs, where she was to be presented. She meets a veteran of war who had been wounded, and also came under the attention of a powerful, wealthy Duke called The Collector. She had two different color eyes and was beautiful, getting her the nickname of the work of art. The Duke was ruthless in acquiring what he wanted - unusual things - like Philly. Slow tones of romance with building danger keep you engaged, making it hard to put down. It only takes a short time to feel for this damsel in distress and wish only for her simple happiness. She's strong, capable and practical, seeing the heart of every situation, animal and man.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. 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.”
#TheWorkOfArt #NetGalley #MimiMatthews #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout

After losing her grandfather, Phyllida Satterthwaite’s uncle treats her to one Season in London to find a suitable husband. Her unique looks quickly make her the talk of the town, but Philly discovers her uncle’s generosity is nothing more than a plan to wed her to the highest bidder, the cruel Duke of Moreland, a collector of rarities, who sees Phyllida as yet another work of art he must possess. Capt. Arthur Heywood, a wounded war veteran touched by Philly’s kindness toward him, concocts a plan to thwart the duke by marrying her first and spiriting her away to his country estate. Unfortunately, strange things begin happening in the country that place Philly in danger. While Arthur is frustrated with his disability and desperate to protect Philly, she is patient and caring (her concern for animals is another endearing quality), and their tender affection builds into a genuine love that will melt readers’ hearts.
VERDICT In her sixth historical romance, Matthews (The Pug Who Bit Napoleon; A Victorian Lady’s Guide to Fashion and Beauty) weaves suspense and mystery within an absorbing love story. Readers will be hard put to set this one down before the end. Highly recommended to historical romance and/or mystery buffs and especially animal lovers.
Reviewed by Eve Stano, Ball State Univ. Muncie, IN , Jun 20, 2019
This review was originally published in Library Journal Romance Reviews, June 20, 2019.

I loved this book! I was very curious about the title and how it would play out, and once again, Mimi does a thorough job of weaving together intriguing and fascinating plot lines. The creative look of an art collector, dominating the art world and collecting all rare pieces and this said rare piece, looking for safety in a marriage of convenience. Of course it is predictable because it is a Regency marriage of convenience, but oh, how I loved the unfolding of Philly and Arthurian's love story. I was captivated by Arthur's pursuit of Philly and her desire to bring healing and comfort to those around her. Her heartfelt compassion and his brave love for his new wife made for a sweet, engaging love story. A must read for all Mimi Matthews and Regency fans.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. All comments, thoughts, and opinions are my own.

Each new foray into historical England (and beyond!) with author Mimi Matthews is an immersive cultural and literary experience, brimming with historical accuracy to make any history nerd happy and a swoony romance to satisfy the heart. The Work of Art, Matthews’ first Regency novel, does this wonderfully as the unlikely friendship between Captain Arthur Heywood and Miss Philly Satterthwaite shifts into something more by necessity.

I absolutely loved witnessing these two characters shape each other and deepen their friendship. In particular, the way Arthur’s support gives Philly the security and happiness she has always wanted and the way she draws him out from what he sees as his inadequacies. The swoony moments in this story are thanks to Arthur’s protectiveness and care of her. He is a man of few words but oh, when Philly gets him to share, it is apparent that he feels deeply. His declarations of devotion are even more wonderful because his actions prove him to the true and faithful. *cue the heart eyed emoji*

The Work of Art is a Regency masterpiece to be appreciated. It has “much to recommend”, like its vividly portrayed setting, horseback rides, a pack of canines that prove the best of companions, gossip and the vanities of the social class, one heart-melting carriage ride, and a romance born of friendship and trust. I can highly recommend it to fans of clean historical fiction, mystery, or stories in the vein of the classics (think Austen with a few more kissing scenes, of course).

Content note for my blog audience: this book is a clean romance with some instances of very mild profanities.

Thank you to Netgalley and HF Virtual Book Tours for the review copy. This is my honest review.

I really enjoyed this story. Mimi Matthews is fast becoming one of my favorite authors.
This story was about 2 wounded people who truly needed one another.
Arthur is a recluse who came back from the war damaged both emotionally and physically.
Phyllida (Phillly), is an orphan. She has been taken in by a distant relative, Mr Edgar Townsend. Because of her unusual looks, he decides to sell her off on the marriage mart.
Arthur is sent by his father to handle a business transaction with Mr. Townsend. This is where he meets Philly.
What I love about this book is that you see the relationship build between Philly and Arthur. You knew when Philly was in trouble where she would turn.
This book is romantic with a bit of mystery.
I thoroughly enjoyed it and fully recommend it.

Once again, Mimi Matthews takes my breath away! There may be familiar tropes in this Regency romance (greedy uncles, forced arrangements, marriage of convenience, vindictive former paramours), but Matthews writes with such skill and ease as to make it all feel new. Hers are the stories where, eventually, the hero and heroine actually talk to one another, sharing their thoughts and misgivings. It’s a beautiful thing, and The Work of Art is a beautiful story.

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

i waffled back and forth between 3 and 4 stars for this one and eventually settled on 3. this is why we need half stars goodreads, gosh darn you! because this is a 3.5 star book for me.

it was my first by this author. i would definitely read another, but i don't know if i would jump to read another, if that makes sense. it came highly recommended from 2 of my friends and i do not regret reading it at all.

it was well written. it was super cute. it was super sweet. the little mystery was well done, i didn't guess what would happen. i liked the characters. i do feel like it was a wee bit long, the pacing seemed a bit off. it felt like both way too soon for them to get married/fall in love and way too long to get through those first few chapters of her in london and being pursued by the duke. i kind of wanted to shake philly a time or two. but other than that, there was nothing that jumped out at me as bad or wrong or annoying, it passed the time more than fine and was enjoyable. i just didn't *love* it. which is fine! it was cute and sweet and i recommend if it sounds like your jam.

The Work of Art by Mimi Matthews is an impressively written Regency romance with a realistic plot and plenty of memorable moments. Phillida has been brought to London from her late grandfather's country estate by Edgar Townsend with the understanding that the goal is a good marriage. Captain Arthur Heywood is in town solely to explore a business deal with Townsend, arriving at his home to pursue that end. He meets Philly when she comes racing into the library in pursuit of one of her four dogs. During the following weeks it become painfully clear that it is not just any marriage her uncle is arranging for her but one to Duke Moreland, "the Collector." After two awkward meetings with the Duke, he informs her that they are betrothed. She replies that she will not consider the offer. The Duke lets her know she has no option, that she is bought and paid for. She has nowhere to turn. Townsend threatens her precious dogs and she has already seen how the Duke treats his dogs so she arranges a meeting with Captain Heywood for the express purpose of requesting her care for her dogs. He goes a step further and offers for her in an attempt to keep the wedding from the Duke from happening.

The Work of Art is an absolutely lovely book with no complicated, strained plot, instead a simple, realistic one with twists and turns and red herrings. Each of the main characters is a complicated, real human with faults and problems. Arthur has been damaged in war and has returned home disabled and shell-shocked. Philly is a lovely, kind girl who has lived a simple life and asks for nothing; both, nicely written characters. There are people who figure in their lives who are both good and bad, some just kind of useless. They provide color and red herrings as well as support for both Arthur and Philly. There are so many Regency romances available. This is a gentle and endearing alternative for someone who is looking for a well-written novel. I recommend it. Any reader would have several very pleasant afternoons.

I was given a free ARC of The Work of Art. All opinions and interpretations contained herein are solely my own. #netgalley #theworkofart

What a riveting read this was! I just had to keep reading until the end. The main characters were so likeable. Phyllida Satterthwaite, was such a kind hearted lady who loved her animals and put their comforts before her own. Captain Arthur Heywood has changed due to his war experiences and his injuries. I enjoyed the way they talked together and got to know each other. This was such an endearing romance and there was a mystery to solve. I will look for more books by this author. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

The gothic suspense overtones are done well. Murky threats appear with just enough credence to keep Arthur worried and overprotective. It was the era when men took charge and had annoying tendencies to shield women without telling them the nature of what might be lurking. Yes, well that does come back to bite him. There’s a bit of PTSD (as if Arthur didn’t have enough war related issues) tacked on that seemed more rote than organic though.

I did like the slow way that the relationship between Philly and Arthur evolved. From friendship to a physical (mostly off screen) marriage (the convenience doesn’t last long) to a growing love, the story takes its time as we see Arthur not saying ILY but (typical man) doing almost everything to show his growing feelings. Philly knows where her heart lies but out of uncertainty of Arthur refrains from saying much. But I do like how they talk even before making their declarations.

The setting is well handled though I thought that marriages at this time still had to be conducted in a church even with a special license. Philly’s tenderhearted willingness to try and mend fences no matter what impressed me when she was facing up to a potential rival but I had to agree with Arthur in the end when Philly muses about what could have led the villain astray. No Philly – he was going to try and kill you. I also thought there might have been one attempt too many on her as the last one had me muttering “not again.” But I liked Philly’s strength without turning Regency Ninja and watching Arthur want to become a better man for her. B

Perfection. Yes, that describes this story of the heart that won me over quickly. This is the second story I have read by this author and I truly did not think it could top the other. But I am beginning to understand her writing has so much depth in her characters and insight into the emotions she builds on, I will always read her stories going forward!
A lady that needs saving from a marriage to an evil man and a hero who at first thinks he is not good enough for anyone. A washed up wounded soldier who could not possible come to the aid of a lady. But oh, he does and an amazing friendship develops which smoothly falls into a romance for the heart.
A stunning, emotional dance filled with suspense, a marriage of convenience and a sigh worthy couple that exhibit all that is good in matters of the heart. I highly recommend this book and thank the publisher, Perfectly Proper Press and NetGallery for letting me read and review.

When Philly's grandfather died, her uncle inherited the estate and was kind enough to take Philly back to London with him to give her a season. But things are not always what they seem. Her first ball is specifically chosen to be an event that the Duke of Moreland, 'The Collector', will be attending, and it gradually becomes clear that Philly's unique eyes, one blue and one amber, are intended to attract the duke, who is known to pay highly for anything unique - and to take vengeance on anyone who thwarts him in a desired object. But very little time spent with the duke shows Philly that the man is heartless and at times vicious to those in his power, and she decides that she must escape. One of her uncle's business partners, Captain Arthur Heywood, is the only man she feels comfortable with in London, and she begs him for help - only to be astonished when he offers a marriage of convenience, as the only way of escaping from the duke. But will their marriage really keep her safe? And is Arthur's past destined to keep them forever apart?

I really enjoy this author's writing, and this did not disappoint. The characters felt real, as did their struggles, and the bit of mystery fitted in well without feeling overdone or forced. All in all, this would have been a five-star book for me but for a couple of pages which, though I'd probably still call them clean, gave me a bit more information than I was quite comfortable with about Arthur and Philly's marriage night. No, there was no problem with their actions, but I don't really want to know even that little. Most people probably won't be bothered by it, and some will doubtless be disappointed at how little information is given, but I would have been happier with less. Other than that, though, I really enjoyed the book.

Note that I received an ARC from NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my personal opinion of the book.