Love love loved returning to this world. Work of Art is one of my comfort reads so was so excited to see Arthur and phillys story continue. It’s beautifully writtten although wraps up a little too quickly. All in all a good read.

Another lovely addition to the Somerset Stories series. Gentleman Jim will always be my favorite I think, but I loved this one as well. I loved the twist of Kate being the initial pursuer in the relationship. I also loved getting to see the main characters from books 1 & 2 again. I am so excited for more additions to this series!

I love, love, love everything Mimi Matthew writes, and this is not an exception. It was lovelly to return to the characters from past books (although it can be read independently). As always, funny, sweet and witty.

Mimi Matthews just never disappoints! Loved this "return" to her Somerset series (and I also loved that it helped tide me over until the next in her Belles of London series!). Sweet romance, fun banter and a lovely story overall!

I love this series from Mimi Mathew's, and this is no exception. We meet Kate and Charles who are the children of characters from the first two books. I recommend reading them in order as it gives more body to their characters. I enjoy following the children of people we have grown to know and Kate is every bit of her mother, confident and sure of her own worth. As others have mentioned Kate does the chasing which is a great feature. Charles is an ideal hero, a soldier and all round good guy. I can't wait to read Ivo and Megs story in Appointment in Bath. We'll done for another great story. My thanks to the publishers and Netgalley for the chance to read and review Return to Satterthwaite Court.

I'm not familiar with the particulars of the difficulties in the paths to happiness in the earlier "Somerset Stories", but I jumped at a chance to read this Mimi Matthews book, as I knew I'd fall for her protagonists and enjoy their road to happiness together.

Both this, and essentially its companion story, "Appointment in Bath", occur over the same few weeks, and are told from two different protagonists' points of view:
-"Appointment in Bath": Meg Burton-Smythe and Ivo Beresford
-"Return to Satterthwaite Court": Kate Beresford and Charles Heywood

Charles Heywood has resigned his naval commission, and is headed back home when he saves a muddy puppy from getting run over, and a beautiful young woman, Kate Beresford, is intrigued that he made such an effort to protect a dog. Kate wants to get to know him better, as he is nothing like all the men whom she's met during her first Season; she finds the possible suitors she's met to be tedious or odious.

Digging a little, she finds out who the stranger is, and with her family's help, pulls him and his family into their orbit. Sparks fly, of course, as Kate is no shrinking violet, and is not content to sit demurely and quietly when there is a man she wants to get to know better. She also assists him in getting closer to uncovering a secret in his family, and eventually ensures her future happiness with him.

I liked how Mimi Matthews made Charles, though seemingly stuffy, a sensitive, kind person who could not stomach injustice, while Kate is all forthrightness and kindness. I also liked just how much in love their respective parents still were.

I look forward to the next entry in this series.

Thank you to Netgalley and to Perfectly Proper Press for this ARC in exchange for my review.

The title is a mouthful, but the story is very enjoyable. I liked the author’s voice and ability to spin an enjoyable historical. She’s won a new fan. Her historical prose is so enjoyable.

Her novel was well-researched. Both the author and heroine buck tradition in a believable and humorous way at times, and I loved that aspect. Like when the heroine pursues the hero. (see summary above) Fun and funny! Anytime a strong, active, self-aware heroine plays lead in a historical, the resulting story is delightful for modern readers. She knows her own will and acts on it while readers cheer, "Brava!"

At times I was a little lost because I hadn’t read this author’s earlier books, so I’d recommend beginning with those first.

This strong, brave, adventurous heroine kept me turning pages. And it was a delight trying to unravel the hero’s mysteries as well.

This is a “clean” or “sweet” romance. Christian readers may remark a few wording choices that may make them flinch. Generally, I didn’t see much that was objectionable.

A great read!

I have yet to be disappointed in a Mimi Matthews book, and this one was no exception. Her character development is always amazing, and I appreciate the way she create such chemistry without taking things on page in the bedroom.

Give me all things Mimi Matthews, I am officially hooked! I adored seeing the children of characters I loved from previous books getting their own story, and this is the first time I've ever seen that done in the historical romance genre!

Given who Kate's mother is, we knew she was going to be a whole lot of spunk, and she definitely was! She was independant and resilient to the point where SHE was the one to pursue HIM in a time when that was unheard of. Despite his grumpy personality, Charles was such a sweetheart and I loved his strength of character. Throw in the mystery elements and I couldn't put this one down!

This book can *technically* be read as a stand-alone, but given the nature of their parentage and their role in the story, I would definitely recommend reading the others first!

Thank you to the author and Netgalley for my advanced copy, all thoughts are my own.

I chose to read Return to Satterthwaite Court by Mimi Matthews not realising that it was the third book in her Somerset Stories series. Fortunately, I had read the two previous books, but don’t think it would matter if you hadn’t. Charles and Kate are the grown-up children of the couples in The Work of Art and Gentleman Jim, and it is interesting to note the influence on both of them of their parents’ stable loving relationships, which were not always the case among the upper classes at this time.
This story is unusual for the genre in that it is Kate who is pursuing Charles and not the other way round. She possesses skills and qualities that were not appreciated at that time by men looking for a wife. They expected docility and freedom to spend their wife’s money as they pleased. Perhaps that is why Kate has not yet met anyone with whom she felt a rapport during her first season. She is looking for someone who can see beyond her looks and wealth.
She is in London and about to return home for Christmas when she encounters Charles who is chasing a runaway dog. He makes an impression on her, and when she discovers that his family home is also in Somerset, she makes a bold first move. Charles tries to buy his mother’s former family home, Satterthwaite Court, but encounters secrets from the past and wrongs that must be put right before he can achieve his goal. Somehow, Kate becomes involved in the ensuing mystery, which provides plenty of opportunities for her and Charles to get to know each other better.
The characters are well drawn, the period detail is spot on, and the romance between Charles and Kate is a joy to read. I always enjoy Mimi Matthews’ books and Return to Satterthwaite Court is no exception. It was over far too soon, but I have already downloaded the next one, Appointment in Bath, which features Kate’s brother Ivo. Thanks to Perfectly Proper Press and NetGalley for a digital copy that I review as a member of Rosie’s Book Review Team #RBRT

London 1843 Wonderfully delicious story with uppercrust social class and ancestral inheritance pressures. Kate and Charles are of course more grounded and love being in the country. Charles has just returned from resigning his commission in the navy. He becomes entangled with Kate when chasing a stray dog through the streets. Family pressures, secrets and mystery propel them into danger. I would love to see the dresses described throughout. Excellent read!

I received this book free from the author, publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
#NetGalley #ReturntoSatterthwaiteCourt #MimiMatthews #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #PerfectlyProperPress

Absolutely perfect! Mimi Matthews once again makes me fall in love with two characters and does it in a completely different way. Kate is so different from other Matthews heroines. She is fresh and stubborn and willing to go after what she wants. Who doesn't love that?? That makes Charles the more reticent one but he is just as heroic and noble as he needs to be. I cannot wait for the rest of the books in the series.

Mimi Matthews is always an auto-buy author for me. She never disappoints!

I loved this book! It was so fun to read about the next generation of The Earl of Allendale’s family. I love reading about headstrong females, and Kate filled that role perfectly!

I had mixed feelings about the content in first two books in the series, but I am so glad that I decided to pick this one up! There are less allusions to sex in this book than it’s two predecessors and fit the clean romance genre perfectly.

Return to Satterthwaite Court by Mimi Matthews revisits the setting and some of the characters of the previous two books in this series but is less engaging. The hero, Charles Heywood, is the most interesting character. His reasoning on resigning his commission in the navy is unusual and he is equally thoughtful in other parts of his life. The herione, Lady Katharine, tends to come across as immature and spoiled. This would be an okay recommendation for a clean romance.

Return to Satterthwaite Court by Mimi Matthews offers a delightful journey back to the enchanting world of Victorian England. With her impeccable attention to historical detail and engaging storytelling, Matthews once again proves herself as a master of the genre.

Set in the picturesque English countryside, the story centres around Katherine Beresford, a rather usual young Lady who after a failed social season dreams of meeting a husband who will fulfil her dreams of adventure, intrigue and mutual respect. She meets Charles Heywood by chance: when he rescues a stray dog on a London street and they begin a correspondence and then a friendship which uncovers family secrets and misunderstandings.
One of the standout features of Matthews' writing is her ability to create vivid and multi-dimensional characters. Charlotte is a relatable and admirable protagonist, possessing intelligence and wit even whilst she can be rather naïve.

The supporting characters in Return to Satterthwaite Court are equally well-drawn and add depth to the narrative. Charles’s sister highlights events and movements one does not normally associate with the Victorian period. She is a vegetarian who rescues sick, stray and injured animals. Her and other characters moments of levity, humour and poignancy.
Each character feels distinct and contributes to the overall richness of the story.
Matthews' meticulous research is evident in the authentic period details that permeate the narrative. Including descriptions of obscure legal customs and the historical backdrop for Charles experiences in the navy. The author's attention to historical accuracy is commendable and adds an extra layer of immersion to the reading experience.

The pacing of the novel is steady, allowing the plot to unfold gradually while maintaining a sense of intrigue. However, there are moments when the story's momentum slows down slightly, but I don’t see that as a bad thing.

Return to Satterthwaite Court is a splendid addition to Mimi Matthews' repertoire, showcasing her talent for crafting engaging and heartfelt historical romances.

Content warning for my Inspy Followers for some foul language.

I requested this title from Perfectly Proper Press on Netgalley. This did not influence my opinion and all opinion expressed are my own.

I loved this book. It brought together the first two books and tied them together in this one. It was well written with great characters, twists and turns and an adventure you are bound to enjoy!!

Thank you to NetGalley and Matthews for an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review.

This is the third book in a series and brings together the children from the couples featured in the first two books. While you won’t get lost reading it standalone, you will get a richer experience if you’ve read the first two books.

Lieutenant Charles Heywood has returned from war a changed man. He knows he needs to settle down, but he isn’t sure what his next steps in life are going to be. On his way home, he saves a stray dog, but in doing so, he meets Lady Kate Beresford. She’s finished her London Season and also isn’t sure of the next steps in her life, until she meets Charles. Deciding not to wait for him to pursue her, she makes plans to visit Charles and show her interest. He doesn’t seem to share her regard, however—or so it seems. Her confidence and vulnerability slowly begin to tear down the walls he’s built around his heart, but their journey to romance definitely isn’t smooth. While attempting to buy a property, Charles comes across a decades-old family mystery and both Charles and Kate can’t resist trying to solve it.

There were so many things to love about this book, the humor, the flirting, the siblings and family relationships, and of course the love of all animals. Charles is a hero that has a lot on his mind and the last thing he is expecting is to ever have feelings for Lady Kate Beresford. Kate is definitely a forward-thinking woman for the time period, and I loved seeing how her fear of being “boxed in” was tempered by her love and kindness for those around her and the circumstances they find themselves in. The pursuit of Charles has several laugh out loud moments and readers will enjoy seeing two souls find a love they weren’t sure they would ever be able to find. Ms. Matthews has created a vivid world with characters that will feel like old friends. And the mystery surrounding the family estate links previous books and characters to this one, providing a captivating story thread that ties the series together A can’t-miss read for fans of romantic mysteries.

If you haven't read the first two in the series, go do so before starting this one as there are a lot of recurring names and characters! I didn't gel with the heroine, but that was probably my fault. As always, beautiful writing, but the story was not for me.

So cute! I just loved Charles and Lady Kate. They always have the best kind of mischief and fall into the funniest kind of trouble. A delightful read all around!

I am happy to say that, with Return to Satterthwaite Court, I’m still of the mind that Mimi Matthews can’t write a bad romance. I am not damning with faint praise, merely noting how adept, how moving, how delightful I found Satterthwaite Court, no less for being the cute-meeting, courtship, and HEA to the progeny of two of Matthews’s most angst-ridden and, for this reader, most beloved romance couples, in The Work of Art and Gentleman Jim. And how lovely to see those two couples, who endured so much to win the right to be together, now grown old still in love, still happy, and wonderful parents. These are the charms of Satterthwaite Court, and while you may enjoy it without having read the first two, you may achieve greater reading pleasure by returning to the series’ first two romances and enjoying the series’s breadth. As for Satterthwaite Court, let’s go with the blurbish bits to orient us:

Lieutenant Charles Heywood has had his fill of adventure. Battle-weary and disillusioned, he returns to England, resolved to settle down to a quiet, uneventful life on an estate of his own. But arranging to purchase the property he desires is more difficult than Charles ever imagined. The place is mired in secrets, some of which may prove deadly. If he’s going to unravel them, he’ll need the assistance of someone as daring as he is.

At only twenty, Lady Katherine Beresford has already earned a scandalous reputation. As skilled with pistols as she is on horseback, she’s never met an obstacle she can’t surmount—or a man she can’t win. That is, until she encounters the infuriatingly somber Lieutenant Heywood. But Kate refuses to be deterred by the raven-haired soldier’s strong, silent facade. After all, faint heart never won handsome gentleman.

From the wilds of rural Somersetshire to the glittering ballrooms of early-Victorian London, Charles and Kate embark on a cross-country quest to solve a decades’ old mystery. Will the greatest danger be to their hearts—or to their lives?

While the blurb suggests the mystery surrounding the estate is the romance’s centre, it is Charles and Kate (and their wonderful families) who dominate and make the romance a joy to read. A droll scene opens the novel when Charles, in pursuit of a doggie gone amok, snatches him from wreaking havoc with a lady’s skirts. The lady, Kate, doesn’t escape unscathed, as pooch takes a nip of her finger. And the meet-cute is complete as Kate sparkles with wit and beauty and Charles is annoyed, dour, and darkly handsome. I was like the cat with the cream reading: yes, I like this much. As “much” as Kate likes Charles, the fact of which, for me, makes Matthews’s romance an “original”, a lovely little twist on the conventional romance hero pursuing the heroine to its delightful reverse; Kate sets her heart on Charles and wins him: “Charles Heywood wasn’t just any man. He was the fellow she’d chosen all on her own. The one she’d pursued and was very near to catching.” And this sets the romance’s lighter tone (lighter that is than the angst-o-rama of the first two books; Charles thinks he’s returned from the maelstrom of battle “to settle down to a quiet, uneventful life.” And runs smack into the maelstrom that is Kate Beresford, “…her season at an end, Kate was still unmarried. Still ungovernable.” She dances him a merry tune of antics and humour and banter. He’s a grump to her light, but cannot help but be, at first, charmed, and then, won over, heart-on-sleeve smitten. Dee-light-ful.

Satterthwaite Court doesn’t have the scope of the Work of Art or Gentleman Jim: yes, Charles and Kate do tackle the mystery of the court and, in so doing, resolve some threads left from the first book. There’s a villain, but he’s foiled, not easily, but well and truly and not with too much heart-stopping danger to our hero and heroine. It is a “slighter” book, but as wide and engaging a romance. Charles, reticent and upright, meets Kate, kind and generous, lively and confident. As opposites, yet attracted, it takes a wonderful push-and-pull to bring Charles to Kate and then, to see Charles bring his love and honour and a beautiful ring to Kate. I was never worried for them, but it didn’t make me any less interested in their romance, thanks also to the part played by the secondary characters. And those secondary characters are The Work of Art‘s Philly and Arthur and Gentleman Jim‘s Beresford and Maggie: and how can Charles and Kate experience an angst-o-rama on their way to the HEA when they have the love, advice, and support of their wonderful, loving parents? I’m going to add some love for Charles’s sister, Hannah, and Kate’s brothers, James, Ivo, and Jack. I hope Matthews gives us romances for them too. The interactions and conversations among the characters make this romance novel. In a nutshell, though, read the whole series: Matthews is a wonderful writer and she never fails to move and delight. With Miss Austen, we agree Return to Satterthwaite Court offers “real comfort,” Emma.

Mimi Matthews’s Return to Satterthwaite Court is self-published and was released on April 11. I received an e-ARC, via Netgalley, which doesn’t impede the honest expression of my opinion.