Mimi Matthews is a master at prose. I love how she develops wonderful, believable characters. The way she tackled depression in this book was inspirational. I would highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys regency fiction.

I wasn't able to download and read this book due to a bad flare up of lyme disease. I apologize to Netgalley and the publisher and author.

As always this Matthews book did not disappoint.

Reading about Beryl's affliction and how it was viewed in her lifetime was hard. But I loved how Mark was with her and I loved how they were with each other.

I received an advanced copy of this book through NetGalley. Then I purchased it for Kindle. This is my honest review.

Though I don’t read as much historical romance as I used to, Mimi Matthews is one histrom author whose books I’d never miss. They’re elegantly written, with finely-drawn characters, and thoughtful themes; her protagonists’ journey to the HEA is sigh-worthingly romantic. Her heroes and heroines are beautifully compatible, showcasing Matthews’s ability to match characterization to plausible future happiness. Her ethos agrees with mine and mine with hers.

Matthews’s novella, “Fair as a Star,” (“A Victorian Romance”) is a wonderful introduction to her work if you’ve yet to read her and thoroughly satisfying an addition if you have and are a fan. Matthews’s Victorian Era is neither idealized, nor villified; if the HEA is an argument for the idyllic over the realistic/pragmatic, this is why I read romance. To follow, verbatim, the blurb-ish summary of “Fair as a Star”:

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. 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?

Help her he does, over and over again. Beryl’s “mysterious Paris sojourn” is hardly mysterious to her family. Aunt Hortensia took Beryl to Paris hoping to see her recover from “melancholy”, an inexplicable sadness besetting Beryl. While in Paris, we learn Mark wrote to Beryl daily, letters of gentle humour, full of village happenings. They sustained Beryl and now Mark’s presence does so again. Matthews shows sensitivity in depicting what we would understand as Beryl’s depression. Mark’s friendship, care, and encouragement, neither diminishing nor putting off what Beryl feels, neither weakening nor infantilizing her, is one of the novella’s most powerful aspects. Matthews draws wonderful scenes and dialogue for our protagonists. In one of the earliest of these, Mark comes upon a crying Beryl by the riverside:

” … this sadness — I want you to leave it with me for a day or two.” Her chest constricted. She was grateful for his kindness. It was well meant, however wrong-headed. “It’s not something I can hand off at will. And even if I could … ” Her eyes met his. “You can’t fix this, Mark. You can’t fix me.” He gave her a brief, lopsided smile. “Of course not,” he said. “You’re not broken.”

Mark’s “you’re not broken” turns the entire novella around, from an impasse to a light at the end of a tunnel, for Beryl, for his unrequited love, and even for his brother, the stern, “I-know-what-is-best” brother and Beryl’s fiancé, Sir Henry. Before we come to the fiancé problem, Mark goes about helping Beryl. He brings her a journal to write in and a snaggle-toothed, undisciplined ball of dog-fluff to care for. Beryl saves “Ernest” and his dependence and adoration are a comfort, as is her journal, needlework, and involvement in the village fete preparations.

One of the things I loved best about Matthews’s novella was how Beryl found truth and strength to put her life on the course she truly wanted: Mark, their love borne of friendship, family, and community. Mark helps Beryl, but he doesn’t rescue her. She has to put things right with Henry, tell Mark how she feels, and understand what the aftermath may bring to a small village, given the revelations about their most beloved members. Beryl’s melancholy may stall her, halt her, but, in the end, it’s not the only thing that defines her. Mark helps her see that, but she has to help him too, see how she feels about him. Beryl isn’t the only one who has realizations, Mark too has to experience a turning-point. Matthews renders it beautifully:

He felt something fracture inside of him, Long-held beliefs about who was first and best in her heart. He misinterpreted things. Got them all backward. It wasn’t Henry she feared losing. It was him. The realization struck his composure a devastating blow.

And resulted in a magnificently “first-kiss” scene. As for the rest, Mark and Beryl are wonderful people, caring and careful of others and each other. Their HEA is a Julian “all shall be well, and all shall be well”, everyone where and with whom they belong and everyone belonging. Right and true, as is Matthews’s lovely novella.

Mimi Matthews’s “Fair as a Star” is self-published. It was released in July 2020 and may be procured, and I encourage prompt procurement, at your preferred vendor. I received an e-galley, via Netgalley.

This short novel is a beautifully written, traditional Victorian romance with all the drama and feels of the genre. Set in rural England around 1864 it's the story between Mark, a curate and Beryl (loved the traditional names), his best friend of 10 years. Beryl has been away for a year in Paris with her aunt and she returns back home to the village three months before her wedding to Mark's brother Henry, a baronet. Mark has been secretly in love with her for a long time, but she has no idea. The unrequited love is beautifully handled.

Historical details re clothing, travel etc are excellent and the writing feels right for the period in which the book is set. Note that there are no sex scenes or even any hot and heavy steamy scenes, so if you need those to complete your story then you will be disappointed. I will point out that this story doesn't need them, as you feel the connection between the H/h right throughout the story. The character development is good. It's a sigh worthy, completely romantic read, and I give it 4.5 stars. My thanks go to NetGalley and the publisher for gifting me the e-arc in return for my honest opinion.

Beautifully written gentle Victorian HR, about Beryl Burnham, eldest daughter of a genteel but impoverished widow, in the village of Shepton Worthy. She is betrothed to local Squire Henry Rivenhall, she left the village just after Jack Rivenhall, Henry's middle brother had died and has just returned from a year in Paris with her Aunt Hortensia. Beryl may seem to have the perfect mix of beauty, intelligence and kindness, but she also suffers from clinical depression, which was very much misunderstood at the time.

As soon as Beryl returns, with her bridal trousseau in tow, she is the subject of nasty gossip and innuendo, and when she has an episode of melancholy, she needs support, and Mark Rivenhall, the local curate and Henry's younger brother shows her the compassion and understanding she doesn't receive from any one else.

As her feelings change from friendship and affection to love, how can she manage her feelings and extricate herself from her betrothal, so they can find their HEA.

This was beautifully done, with Beryl's interactions with most people showing how this illness was so misunderstood, even by doctor's at the time, and how women who suffered in particular, had to endure horrible treatments and attitudes from the general population about how they should just snap out of it, and how childbirth or other occupation would 'cure' them. In the character of Mark, and his lovely quoting from The Pickwick Papers we have a balance and counterpoint to the misunderstandings and lack of compassion that Beryl faces, and a lovely romance to boot.

Just Lovely.

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

Reviewed on Chicks, Rogues and Scandals Blog.

I say the same thing every single time I pick up a Mimi Matthews book, but when you have an author who consistently writes the most beautiful, romantic, charming and deeply emotional stories time after time, you tend to fall into a repetitive review writing, after all, there is only so many words you can use to describe perfection, it really is no secret how much I admire Mimi Matthews writing, she is one of the most gifted romance authors of the day, and it is always such a joy to be able to read one of her books.
This is easily my favourite of all of Mimi Mathews’ work, she is never afraid to broach some difficult and in some ways taboo subjects in her books, this is no different in fact I think by creating a lead character who is suffering from clinical depression, or as it was referred to then; being a little melancholic is such a brave step to take especially with this being a historical romance, personally I think Beryl’s character with all her anxiety’s, and periods of sadness and low spirits and mood is what this genre has needed.
Fragile, vulnerable yet compassionate; Beryl has returned home to her little village in Somerset after year in Paris which did leave many speculations over her speedy trip to France, she is now home to resume her life and get ready for her wedding to Henry. But, she has a secret one that her cold fiancé will like nor understand, her only confidant is the local curate who happens to be Henry’s brother; Mark. He listens like no other ever has listened to her before. He never puts her down or pity’s her, their talks are full of sensitivity and compassion and they both share a passion for wanting do live peacefully and loving their families and community.
I really took Beryl into my heart, her depression is sensitively and beautifully written by Mimi, she hasn’t overdone anything with Beryl’s state of mind and her bouts of anxiety and melancholia it is very grounded, very relatable and you feel an instant connection to her, your heart goes out for her, you are willing her on and wanting her to have the happiness she so sourly deserves.
Mark is the perfect man, kind, caring, loyal, compassionate and more than anything incredibly good. He is a real sweetie, but there is a loneliness and a pain he keeps hidden, he is and has been in love with Beryl for a long time. There is some really touching moment between them that shows just how worthy of her affections he is, his compassion and forward-thinking is commendable. It’s very rare I stray from my usual hero type of the baddies and rogues, but there is something about this decent man that really tugs at the heartstrings.
I have always spoken very openly about how mental health illness awareness has always been close to my heart, seeing someone very close suffer from a mental health illness isn’t pleasant and talking about it is even less pleasant but it is a discussion everyone needs to have. We all need to move past this subject being a taboo and start bringing this matter to everyday life. So I want to take this moment to not only applaud Mimi for writing this story and having such a brave woman as the main character, but also thank her for not only bringing awareness to this subject, but also showing how this illness was looked upon in the Victorian era and ultimately how it is looked upon now. So, Thank you!!
This is a beautiful and very tender story, which at times you will either read with a huge sentimental grin on your face or sniffing back the tears. It’s full of sensitive understanding of the subject matter, heart-rending, poignant and utterly captivating. Mimi has created the most atmospherically moving and genuinely uplifting story, one that will forever stay buried deep into this little bookworm’s heart.
Thank you to Amy at HFVBT and Mimi for the advanced copy which I voluntarily reviewed as apart of this blog tour.

VERDICT From the best-selling author of the “Paris Orphans of Devon” series comes a compassionate treatment of a heroine with a condition not commonly addressed in the historical romance subgenre. This, combined with Mark’s romantic gestures toward Beryl, results in a kindhearted love story that will delight anyone who longs to be loved without limits. Highly recommended.

Fair As A Star is a sweet Victorian Romance novel. At only 180 pages, its also a quick read if you don't want anything too long or taxing. However, that doesn't mean it does not pack an emotional punch.

Beryl was a great character, but Mark is simply dreamy. Wonderful. Not the typical vicar in a Victorian Romance novel though. He's compassionate and genuinely devoted to his faith, but also actively defends the oppressed and helpless

The story of a woman being betrothed to one brother whilst loving anther could have been awkward, but the story is well written enough that it's not. Mark was in a sense, Beryl's true love long before his brother. They just would not acknowledge their love because of familial loyalty and duty.

Thanks to the Publisher and Netgalley for approving my request for this title. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my pwn.

4 Stars - I recommend if you enjoy proper historical romance.

I absolutely loved this story! Beryl is a complex character, one that makes sense for the time, but she's dealing with issues that are very prevalent to modern day readers. As an anxiety sufferer I appreciate the way Matthews represented mental illness, and how to support those who struggle with it. I admired Beryl's perseverance very much. Mark was so sweet, and I thought that his treatment of Beryl was absolutely perfect. He's so patient, kind, and understanding. I loved Beryl and Mark's friendship, and seeing how their relationship progressed. I thought that the swoony moments were very satisfying, and I like the way that everything turned out for the characters in the book. Overall I really enjoyed this book, it was just the right thing to read during a dark time.

I enjoyed the writing style of this books but the subject matter is a bit heavier for a romance. With that being said, it is still a beautiful story. I am happy that there is a romance that address mental illness and how it was handle in the Victorian era.

I would highly recommend this book -just be warned that it is not a light-hearted sweep the heroine off her feet type of story. This has grit and heart.

Thank you to Netgalley for the advance copy. All opinions are my own.

I love Mimi Matthews’ writing. She is one of my favorite historical romance authors. She has a way of writing that exudes knowledge of the time period without being pretentious or condescending to the reader.

Fair as a Star is a quiet romance between two very gentle souls. Mark and Beryl are both very memorable characters and their story was a joy to read.

Thank you to Netgalley and Perfectly Proper Press for this eARC.

Mimi Matthews has given us a beautiful and brave Victorian heroine in Beryl Burnham, a young woman who has spent a year in Paris and now returns to her village of Shelton Worthy. She should be thrilled with her engagement to Sir Henry Rivenhall, but life seems to have lost its sparkle for her, She also renews her friendship with Mark, the village curate, who happens to be Henry’s younger brother. Mark has secretly loved Beryl for years, but would never do anything to hurt his brother. Both Beryl and Mark seem to be people of integrity and faith, and Mark’s love for Beryl was romantic and charming.

However, this is where Mimi Matthews takes this story to another level, and separates it from other Victorian fiction you might read.: Beryl suffers from “melancholy”. Today she would be diagnosed as clinically depressed. I liked how the author has Beryl deal with her depression. Beryl acknowledges it; realizes there’s no cure for it; and lives her life in the best way she knows how looks for ways to be of service to others. The author treats this subject with grace and kindness, allowing us to see it as another reason that Beryl is an outstanding, caring young lady. If you love reading clean, sweet fiction set during this time period, you’ll love Mark and Beryl’s story. I’ve officially become a Mimi Matthews fan after reading this book.

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

An excellent, well-written read and a great romantic story. Loved this one!

Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for my ARC. All opinions are my own.

Mimi Matthews has become an auto-buy author for me. She does such a great job making me care about her characters and their stories.

Typically when you hear of someone taking a year-long vacation in historical fiction, the character has gone off to have a baby without anyone in their home town knowing to protect their reputation. That wasn't the case for Beryl. She struggles with what we now know as depression. Yet the characters didn't have the benefit of knowing what we've since learned about mental health and depression. And from my reading of the topic within this genre, the methods of dealing with the mind during this time were as extreme as they were harmful rather than helpful. Beryl doesn't understand her sadness any more than I do. I don't deal with depression, so I'll be the first to say that I just don't understand it. Beryl didn't understand it either.

I appreciated that Mimi Matthews knew that the love story between Beryl and Mark wasn't there to "fix" Beryl. Instead, Mark simply accepted Beryl as she was even while doing what he could to provide her with coping mechanisms.

Sir Henry was a struggle for me. He was so cold and set in his view of the world. I couldn't decide if Winifred was going to be the one to change his heart or if she and Dr. Black were going in that direction. Obviously, I could see more by the end. I'm interested to see if Mimi Matthews chooses to write Winifred's story at some point. Or even Sir Henry's story. He has to find someone to soften him eventually. One would hope anyway.

Favorite quote:
-“Loving someone isn’t a weakness,”

I do have to say that Fair as a Star isn't my favorite Mimi Matthews book. I appreciated the look at mental health from this time period, but this isn't the first book I've read that addressed this within the genre. And personally, I found it harder to relate to Beryl than other female leads. Mark was easy to like, but I didn't always fully support his actions either. Fair as a Star gets 3.5 Stars. Have you read Fair as a Star? What did you think? Let me know!

Wonderfully romantic! A perfect reading escape for a long summer day. I am a huge fan of Mimi Matthews and her gorgeous prose, she has taught me much as a writer over the years. Fair as a Star is my new favorite of hers--the emotional depth she delivers in dealing with anxiety/depression is so well done! (And of course her romance tops the charts!) Matthews is a master storyteller and an easy one-click author for me. Highly recommend!

This author’s stories are always a delight to read, even when she tackles difficult themes. Her characters are so vibrant, and I find myself completely immersed. I love the friendship between Mark and Beryl, and the way he thoughtfully supports her unconditionally. He is in such a hard position, divided between loyalty to his brother and his own romantic feelings. His relationship with his brother is complex, and it was interesting to see bits and pieces emerge that gave deeper understanding to the dynamic. Beryl struggles with frequent bouts of melancholy, what we know today as depression. The author was delicate in her portrayal as she explored the ways it affected Beryl’s well-being, her otherwise golden personality, and how she managed to cope with the symptoms, despite the misunderstandings in the medical field at the time. What I especially loved was the overall feeling of hopefulness as Mark learns of her condition and becomes her champion- listening, understanding, and encouraging. It was such a contrast to the others in her life who were trying, but didn’t know where to find the answers or how to “fix it.” Beryl is going through a season of self-discovery, and I loved her strength and kindness as she learns more about herself and what she truly wants for her future. Highly recommend!!!

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

I learned that if Mimi Matthews wrote it I’m almost guaranteed to love, she is a master of crafting the sweetest of love stories and here I was once again not disappointed. So as I said if she wrote it I’ll read it.

Fair as a Star is the brilliant first novella in the Victorian Romantics series by Mimi Matthews. Yes, I do fangirl gush about her books, but I just can't help myself! I seriously consider her on par with other historical romance greats such as Mary Balogh, Grace Burrowes and Lisa Kleypas. This book was particularly special to me, the reason for which I will shortly reveal.

Beryl Burnham was on a long trip to Paris with her aunt, and she has finally returned home to Shepton Worthy, where she was soon to be married to the wealthy Sir Henry Rivenhall. Her family hopes she is no longer "glum" and will be excited about her wedding preparations. Things are not as they seem with Beryl, however. When she needs a sympathetic shoulder to lean on, Mark Rivenhall, the village curate - and brother to Sir Henry - is there for her. They have always been friends..but apparently there is something more in their secret hearts. When an issue arises between Beryl and Sir Henry, can things be resolved without all three of them becoming lost and miserable?

Beryl was a totally unique heroine: she suffered from clinical depression. That was an especially scary malady during Victorian times, with such brutal "treatment" methods being used. Beryl did her best to try to be normal so those treatments would not be used on her. She was a sweet and loving young woman who did her best to hide her struggle with "melancholia" . Mark was a perfect hero for her. He didn't judge her or think she was crazy. In her low moments he would read her favorite books to her. He recommended journaling to help her deal with her issues and give her an outlet to let them go. He gave her a nasty, ugly little dog that didn't seem to like most people but who adored Beryl. But most meaningful of all, he told her to give him her problems so he could shoulder them for a day or two for her. It was simply a beautiful romance.

Why was this story so meaningful to me? I suffer from clinical depression and anxiety, and have for most of my life. People who don't have it often don't understand it. You're not depressed due to a situation...you just ARE. These days treatment is so much easier. Even then you still suffer from it, but the bad times become shorter and less severe. I journal, like Beryl. I don't have an ugly little dog, but cats. What was wonderful about this book was the way Miss Matthews beautifully put into words how it FELT. You could feel Beryl's darkness. I never read depression being so perfectly explained. Miss Matthews truly has a gift.

I received an ARC of this book courtesy of the publisher and NetGalley. I received no compensation for my review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Review excerpted from my blog post over at FanSciHist Romance Reviews (https://fanscihist.wordpress.com/2020/07/27/fair-as-a-star-by-mimi-matthews/):

My Rating: 4.5 stars

Library recommendation: Recommended for public library historical romance collections.

Warning: Hereafter, you chance spoilers. I will try never to reveal major plot points, but to review any book, you must reveal some parts of the story. 


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Number of titles I have read by this author: 9

Love story speed: Medium burn

Relationship dynamics: Friends to Lovers ; The Compassionate Village Curate (H) / The Melancholic Gentlewoman (h)

Physical descriptions: Mark: tall and broad, with dark hair and blue eyes ; Beryl: dwarfed by tall men (no other mention of stature), with golden blonde hair and blue-green eyes


Sexual content: None. Only vaguely alluded to.

Triggers: Frank discussion of depression and historical medical treatments for it and opinions of it; frank discussion of domestic violence

Grammar/Editing: This ARC had a lone typo (your/you're).

Review: This evenly paced novel is set in a vivid village setting in Somerset, 1864. As usual, the research and writing execution is superb - Matthews is one of my "must-read" authors for that very reason.

Mark and Beryl are the main characters in this novel. Never have I read two characters who understand each other so well and accept each other so unconditionally. Mark and Beryl are #couplegoals personified and their story will make you feel. This may seem to suggest that there would be inadequate tension in the novel, but that is not the case. It is more than sufficient, but never caused by anything insurmountable. Most of the supporting characters have the depth that I have come to expect from Matthews - they are very well developed and contribute to the overall story as far more than props or simple catalysts, which can often happen in short novels. Even Ernest the dog, "messy" as he is, had an endearing development of character. I am definitely hoping to see some of the supporting characters from this novel in future books in the series.

On a related note, I also can't wait for Gentleman Jim. The sneak peak that was included in my ARC was fabulous.




Full disclosure: I received a free advance review copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.