I read Return to Satterthwaite Court in a single sitting and enjoyed every page. The main characters are delightful and the snippets of the heroes and heroines from The Work of Art and Gentleman Jim were really lovely. Matthews continues to write the perfect books for cozying up with.

I'm such a fan of Mimi Matthews, her books are so well written with beautiful descriptions. Return to Sutterwaite Court is no different. I enjoyed it from start to finish. Charles and Kate are both hugely likeable characters. Kate was just the sweetest character as well as being such a strong female lead she was so considerate and feisty. Charles was very swoonworthy. The book is so romantic with a little bit of mysery. I'm hoping that James' and Hannah's story will be told soon.

Lady Katherine Beresford is not the typical lady of the Ton. She enjoys horse riding, shooting and wagering on just about anything. Kate just loves to win. I would love to meet her! However, after an unsuccessful marriage season in London Kate will return home to her family in Somersetshire for the Christmas holiday season. Just before she leaves London, she has an unfortunate run in with Lieutenant Charles Heyworth and his dog.

Charles has just resigned from the Royal Navy and is on his way home to see his family who also in Somersetshire. He is disillusioned after his time in the Navy seeing innocents within the firing line. Charles has finished seeking adventure and is ready to settle down. However, he has no immediate plans to marry.

When Kate sets her sights on Charles, they both need to discover what they really want in life. Is Charles just a conquest for Kate? Is Kate just an overbearing young lady and not for Charles? With family secrets being revealed they both learn how intertwined their families are and they must work together to solve the mystery.

I really enjoyed this book. I found the whole plot very enjoyable. I would have liked a little more character development but it was still a lot of fun. There was no spice, just kisses, but the tension was all there.

Return to Satterthwaite Court by Mimi Matthews, Somerset Stories book 3:

“He wordlessly offered her his arm. Kate took it, still smiling, as they walked from the stables. He was grumpy, to be sure. Grumpy, gruff, and occasionally disobliging. But he was going to be hers. She was determined.”

First of all, this cover is gorgeous. Second of all, this book is amazing! I loved Charles Heywood and Kate Beresford’s story. This story is unique and fun and I enjoyed every minute of it!

Kate is bold, spirited and beautiful. Charles is serious, broody and brave. I enjoyed their banter, attraction, sweet slowburn romance and their adventurous spirits and story!

Read for:
🤍She Pursues him first
🤍Opposites attract
🤍The meet cute
🤍Strong female lead
🤍Broody hero
🤍Wonderful glimpses into these two families that I love!
🤍Some mystery and suspense
🤍Beautiful setting
🤍Fun adventure
🤍Sweet romance

The romance was swoony, the mystery was intriguing, and the family was my favorite part! I loved seeing Arthur and Philly, St. Clare and Maggie from the previous books. Meeting their children and getting a glimpse into their family life was such a treat! I love both of these families and I can’t wait to read more of their stories!

*Content mild swearing (d and h word), mild innuendo, kisses only

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

Return to Satterthwaite Court by Mimi Matthews
Somerset Series #3

Wonderful Victorian romance with lead romantic characters that were perfect together. Having just reread a Georgette Heyer book that starred a dog, as this story did, I have to say I much preferred THIS book that Heyer’s.

What I liked:
* Lady Katherine Beresford “Kate”: spirited, bright, sister to three older brothers, daughter of parents who love one another, animal lover, good friend, adventurous, knows what she wants, and she wants Charles
* Lieutenant Charles Heywood: lieutenant in the Navy, loves adventure, disillusioned by what he has seen of empire building and the impact it has on others, protective, wise, loving son and brother, loves animals, and rather taken with Kate
* That both Kate and Charles have parents who love one another and that they aspire to having similar relationships with the people they marry
* Siblings of Kate and Charles – have a feeling that they will get stories of their own and I would like to read them.
* The backstory and mystery solved of Satterthwaite Courts inheritance and what really transpired
* That I could see Kate and Charles living a happy life together and building a family equal to the ones they both grew up in
* The tie-in to previous books in this series
* Looking forward to the next books in the series

What I didn’t like:
* Who and what I was meant not to like
* Elias Catmull, his mother and his deplorable ancestor(s)

Did I like this book? Yes
Would I read more in this series? Definitely

Thank you to NetGalley and Perfectly Proper Press for the ARC – This is my honest review.

5 Stars

In Return to Satterthwaite Court, Charles Heywood is recently returned to the navy, and ready to settle down back in England. Lady Kate Beresford is an heiress who is looking for more than a husband who simply wants her on his arm, and her dowry in his pocket. Return to Satterwaithe Court revisits characters from two previously unconnected Mimi Matthews' novels, Work of Art and Gentleman Jim. It isn't necessary to read the prior novels to enjoy this historical novel, but it does add context; I did not reread before diving in. That said, please note that it jumps ahead to the future, featuring the children of the main characters of each prior novel.

This novel was a refreshingly change of pace, with Charles the reticent, stoic hero (which I admittedly always love), with Kate in pursuit of him, but not in a TSTL heroine way. She's thoughtful but determined. With Mimi Matthews, I can relax, knowing that the characters will not behave in very obvious, anachronistic ways, which unless done well have a habit of annoying me as a reader. This is a slow burn romance, with the chemistry very much there for me from the beginning. I enjoyed it, and am looking forward to the romance between Kate's older brother and Charles' younger sister (which looks like the third novel of this trilogy).

An ARC was provided by NetGalley in exchange for an unbiased review. All opinions are my own.

Return to Satterthwaite Court is the beautiful third book in the Somerset Stories series by Mimi Matthews. I fell in love with this author's writing the first time I opened one of her books. I was not aware the Somerset Stories were to be a series, but I squeeeeeeed when I heard this book was coming out! I can't get enough of Ms. Matthews' work.

Lieutenant Charles Heywood (son of the couple from The Work of Art, one of my favorite books) has resigned from the Royal Navy after he became disillusioned by what he observed in battle. Now he just wants a quiet life and to have an estate of his own. He has a particular property he's interested in: Satterthwaite Court, where his mother grew up. However, the place has a history of secrets, and he must uncover the truth in order to get what he wants.... Lady Katherine Beresford (daughter of the couple from Gentleman Jim), a twenty-year-old woman with a scandalous reputation, is as skilled on horseback and with pistols as any man, and there's no man she cannot win. But then she meets somber and seemingly disinterested Lt. Heywood. Intrigued by him, Kate, who's no shrinking violet, inserts herself into Charles' investigation of the property. After all, a faint-hearted miss can't get the man she wants if she just sits back and waits! Will they solve the mystery of the property, and will Kate's boldness get her what her heart desires?

This was such a lovely story, and it was a joy to reunite with the couples from the two previous books. Their offspring were definitely chips off the old blocks! I just loved the meet-cute of Charles and Kate, as Charles risks life and limb to save a stray pup, and the little guy (the dog, not Charles) bites her. Kate was touched at his kindness, and intrigued by his behavior. She seemed to know that right then and there Charles would be hers, NOT the odious suitor who's been trailing her. Kate was quite bold for Victorian England, out-shooting and riding better than most men. She wasn't one for sitting around and waiting to see if gruff Charles felt the same way about her. Charles seemed a rather somber man. He joined the Royal Navy for adventure, but after seeing innocents killed due to British Imperialism, he knew it was time to go home and make peace with his family. He was hesitant to get involved with Kate, so she took the decision out of his hands; I loved that she did that, and Charles was man enough to respect her choice. The attraction between them was immense, but it was a clean romance. I used to think that meant "boring", but Mimi Matthews taught me otherwise. The story focused on feelings, not sex. I truly enjoyed learning about their families. Charles' sister Hannah was a shy and sweet young miss, while Kate's brothers James, Ivo and Jack were as bold as she was. The mystery was interesting, but it was the wonderful characters who kept me glued to the pages (er, Kindle). I know there is an upcoming book featuring Ivo, and hope we're lucky enough to see Hannah, James and Jack find love. Time spent with a book by this talented author is never wasted!

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.

Mimi Matthews ALWAYS delivers, and her new book doesn't shy away from that promise. I do feel like you have to read the books in order to get a better experience because this book is based on the progeny of characters that have come before.

I loved seeing all the new characters that were introduced and the potential for future story lines for them, so I will definitely be continuing on with the series. My only problem was that I wish it was longer. Mimi could write a 500 page book and i'd read every page. I just wanted a little bit more romantic development so this just came up shy for me.

Once again she writes a book for animals lovers, and this in turn brings out a great meet cute. I loved seeing the old characters too that felt like revisiting old friends. All in all a great story and I can't wait to see what she does next!

When a gentleman rescues a dog gone-a-muck on Bond Street, Lady Katherine Beresford's found a hero. What might have been with some other gentlemen in London, is put aside for the gentleman with the initials CH. Kate is determined to find out more about the gentleman. Lieutenant Charles Heywood has sold his commission in Her Majesty's Navy and returned to London. The brief encounter with the lady impressed him, but he hasn't time to find out who she is, he's leaving for his home in Somersetshire. Can a young lady be more forward than to invite herself to your home in the country? A mysterious letter sets off a chain of events related to the past with far reaching results in the present.
A clean romance with a young lady who loves adventure.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

Return to Satterthwaite Court picks up with the next generation, when Lady Katherine Beresford and Lieutenant Charles Heywood meet by chance. The encounter could have been nothing, easily forgotten, if not for Kate’s determination to make it something more. Her pursuit draws her into a mystery surrounding the Heywood family, and soon, she and a reluctant Charles are investigating partners. But will he be as reluctant with his heart?

First off, I so enjoyed that Kate took the initiative pursuing Charles. She courts him in a very traditional way, just as a gentleman would court a lady: paying attention to his family, finding opportunities to spend time with him, and being clear about her intentions. It’s unusual but not truly scandalous or overbearing, and it was fun to see how she went about it and how Charles reacted to it. Their interactions together are great, sometimes romantic, sometimes funny. And like the soulmates they debate, they’re well-matched to bring out the best in each other.

It was also good to see their parents again, too, and be back in this world, where there’s as much room for romance and thrilling heroics as there is for quiet reflections on personal honor. Charles’s concerns about British imperialism and his naval career, in particular, added a nice depth. I appreciated the conversation with his father, which showed just how much one’s experience with military service (and the ethical implications of it) does and does not change from generation to generation, conflict to conflict.

Overall, this is a truly lovely romance, with just enough mystery to add suspense, and it’s a worthy successor to The Work of Art and Gentleman Jim. A fourth book, Appointment in Bath, is set to release this summer, and based on the glimpses of the leads we got in Return to Satterthwaite Court (and knowing their families’ troubled history together), I’m excited to read it! Basically, I can’t get enough of Somerset Stories — and Mimi Matthews books in general!

My thanks to NetGalley and Perfectly Proper Press for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

In the last couple years, I have been reading quite a few historical romance novels and Mimi Matthews is one of my favourite authors. I love her writing style that keeps me engrossed in the pages of the story and I love her protagonists from the very beginning.

Return to Satterthwaite Court is the third book in the Somerset Stories series, but it can also be easily read as a stand-alone. Set a couple of decades after the events of the first two books, we see again the protagonists from The Work of Art and Gentleman Jim and we are introduced to their children.

Lieutenant Charles Heywood has chosen a career in the Navy, against the wishes of his family, especially his father. But, after eight years, he’s become disillusioned with it and its politics, and he returns to England to settle down, possibly somewhere near his family in Somerset. Lady Katherine Beresford has had an unsuccessful first season in London, mostly because men, while they find her beautiful, are looking for a dutiful and obedient wife and she’s definitely not that. Kate is convinced she’ll never find a man that meets her expectations, a hero, a man of noble character and firm convictions, until she meets Charles Heywood. Their meeting on a London street involves a vivacious dog and a bite on the hand, but Kate is instantly fascinated by the Navy hero and she’s determined to find out more about him. And when Charles receives a mysterious letter involving a secret and the sale of a house, Kate helps him to uncover the truth.

I loved all the books in the Somerset Stories series, but I think that Return to Satterthwaite Court is my favourite so far. I was thrilled to see the return of the protagonists of The Work of Art and Gentleman Jim, but I was much more excited about Charles and Kate’s story. I adored these two characters from the very beginning and I was so engrossed in their lives that I found it very difficult to put the book down. Charles is the silent, strong, sulking hero who, initially, may appear rude, while Kate is fierce, smart, and determined to get what she wants, including choosing a husband of her own free will.

Entertaining, immersive, and beautifully written, Return to Satterthwaite Court is one of those books that will stay on my mind for a very long time thanks to a cast of amazing characters, lots of animals, and a beautiful romance and I already can’t wait to read the sequel, Appointment in Bath, of which we already got quite an interesting glimpse.

She did it again! You can’t go wrong with Mimi Matthews. And with „Return to Satterthwaite Court“ we get the perfect mix of a beloved series and a new era.

This is the 3rd book in the Somerset Series and connects the first two books, because we follow Charles Heywood (son of the protagonists in „The Work of Art“) and Catherine Beresford (daughter of the protagonists in „Gentleman Jim“).
They are absolute opposites and I just love the similarities AND differences with their parents‘ stories.

I highly recommend reading them in order for full effect, but it‘s a great book on its own, especially if you like the grumpy/sunshine trope!!

I won‘t say to much to what‘s happening in this book, but it‘s full circle and so beautifully crafted! I can‘t wait for more books in this series. She introduces amazing new characters and if you love family dynamics and wholesome stories, this is the perfect read for you!!

Thank you #netgalley for approving my request. It was a delight!

A second generation novel. This book can be read as a stand alone but it would be better to read the two previous books as they are about the parents of the two main characters. This story is about Kate the daughter of Lord and lady Allendale. Charles is the son of Arthur and. Philly Heywood.
Charles has just returned from the war, a retired Navy officer. Kate is in her first season. They meet accidentally on the street while Charles is trying to save a stray dog from being run over. The dog goes after Kate's skirts and bites her on her hand as she tries to pet him.
Kate is beautiful, exhuberent, intelligent, outspoken. Everything a lady shouldn't be. She is being courted mostly by fortune hunters. But when she meets Charles, she feels he is different and wants to know more about him.
This leads to her doing some very unexpected things.
As usual Mimi Matthews created an thinking outside the book heroine.
Charles is a by the book hero. But he is enthralled with Kate and comes to her aid many times over. A true hero.
5⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I want to thank Netgalley for the opportunity to review this book.

Victorian Annie Oakley and a mystery...

This novel is bright and witty, filled with Victorian hijinks and jam packed with cleverness.
Charles is seeking a quiet life after the navy. He is not going to achieve that with a mystery to solve and Katherine, a Victorian Annie Oakley, who can shoot and ride her horse. Though she is young, she is very different from Charles. Kind a a bit of Victorian grumpy/daredevil sunshine.
Mimi Matthews does not disappoint.
Recommend.

RETURN TO SATTERTHWAITE COURT(SOMERSET STORIES BOOK THREE)

Release Date: 04/11/23
Kindle Unlimited: [ ]YES [X]NO
Stand-alone: [X]YES [ ]NO
Author: Mimi Matthews
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Spiciness rating: 🚫 (it’s a clean romance)
POV: Dual, third person
Main Characters: Kate & Charles
Genre: Historical Romance
Tropes: opposites-attract; brooding hero

Review:

I love all the books im this series and this one was certainly a great addition to it. Kate was such a great FMC! She was extremely bold, outspoken, determined, qualities that were not appreciated in women from that period. Not every man would choose to marry and, if they did, respect, her personality, but Charles did. It was, in fact, the reason he started liking her.

It was also refreshing for the heroine to be the one to pursue the hero, in a historical romance was a first for me. Add to it the fact that Charles was a grumpy brooding, but also respectful and noble man and you have all my attention.

*** I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. ***

With a perfect blend of history, romance, and mystery, Return to Satterthwaite Court by Mimi Matthews is sure to satisfy those who enjoy Victorian historical fiction. The writing is superb, the characters engaging and memorable, and the story is enthralling. From the entertaining meeting of Lieutenant Charles Heywood and Lady Katherine Beresford on the streets of London to their escapades in the Somersetshire countryside, their tale is a delight. Kate is feisty, capable, and independent, and Charles is tired of adventure and ready to find a quiet estate of his own and settle down. Although I doubted Kate was going to be relaxing and quiet for Charles, when Kate set out to win him he didn’t have a chance. I totally enjoyed their witty and humorous interactions and seeing their relationship grow and change.

Readers who enjoy Victorian stories full of intrigue, suspense, romance, and British atmosphere will want to read this. I’ve read most of Mimi Matthews’s books and loved them all. This is definitely one for the keeper shelf.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy through the author, publisher, and NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Author Mimi Matthews has done it once again. Of course she has. At this point I would expect nothing less. What a gifted author writing in this regency genre. Her ability to weave stories with characters of depth and connect me to it all, is amazing.

This book was absolutely everything I hoped it would be when it was announced. The second generation characters brought me back to the people and places I loved in previous books. Honestly, you really should read the to previous books (The Work of Art and Gentleman Jim) before reading this one. I wouldn't say you HAVE to but it will deepen your connections and make the story richer if you do.

I adored Lady Katherine. She was so bold while still maintaining poise and kindness. It was sort of one and done once she encountered Charles. She pursued him, so determined to catch his attention and devotion. I just have to love a woman from any generation that knows who she is and what she wants.

Of course Charles is amazing too. His soft heart for family and animals tops the list of his charming qualities. It takes him a little bit longer to settle into the idea of forever with Kate but he gets there. I loved how once he was in, there was no going back.

There is a bit of intrigue, wrongs of the past that need to be put right, secrets and of course, growing love. I was invested from beginning to end. Love, love, love.

Content: mild peril, kissing

- I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

New to me historical romance author!!!

I am so happy to find a new to me historical romance author! I just loved this book! It reminds me of reading Georgette Heyer romances when I was a teenager. This book, Return to Satterthwaite Court, is #3 in a series, but I found no issues reading it stand alone. We have strong characters, an interesting plot, and a nice romance, without gratuitous sex and violence. I have now started on Ms. Matthew's backlist! Highly recommended!

Thank you to the publisher who lent me a time-constrained e-arc via Netgalley. This review is optional an my own opinion.

Loved this book so much and found myself quickly sneaking in a few minutes reading here or there. Loved how Kate was the one pursuing Charles which was very unheard of but also fits so well with the Beresfords reputation. Can’t wait for the next book in the series glad it comes out soon!

Since I first read Mimi Matthews’s “The Matrimonial Advertisement” in 2018, I have been one of the first in line to read her historical romances set in the Georgian and Victorian eras. I’ve been eager to read “Return to Satterthwaite Court” as it is a sequel, of sorts, promising favorite characters from both her “The Work of Art” and “Gentleman Jim” novels.

Charles Heywood has left Her Majesty’s Navy, and he’s ready to start a quiet life as a country squire. However, he needs to make amends with his family—the disagreements left with his father plague him still. His mission: repair relations, look for a place of his own, and perhaps marry. On his way home to Heywood House in Somersetshire, he delays in London only long enough to buy presents. After rescuing a stray dog from being run over in a busy street, Charles encounters a lovely young woman.

“There was an air of strength in the winged arch of her mink brows and the firm line of her jaw. It was softened only slightly by the voluptuous curve of her mouth and the fetching cleft in her chin. A cupid’s thumbprint, he’d sometimes heard it called. The sign of a bold and sensuous nature.” —Chapter 1

Despite the immediate attraction, Charles hurries home to the country, taking the half-starving street dog with him.

After spending another unsuccessful Season in Town, Lady Katherine Beresford encounters the only gentleman to pique her interest. Her family name carries a certain degree of rumor, and her parents hope that an agreeable match might temper some of the whispers. Nevertheless, Kate longs to marry for love.

“I’m tired of playing society’s rules. They weren’t designed for a lady’s happiness.” –Chapter 9

And this handsome stranger seemed heroic and not at all interested in London airs—making him all the more attractive to her. A bit of investigation and she discovers his name is Charles Heywood, who his people are, and that his family's estate is not far from her own. Once at home for the Yuletide, she decides to put herself in his way.

“‘I promise,’ Kate said, ‘to do nothing more scandalous than what might have done yourself when you were my age.’

Her mother’s mouth curved in a dry smile. ‘That, my darling girl, is precisely what I’m afraid of.’”—Chapter 9.

When Charles greets her cooly, she discovers he received a menacing letter, and he believes she sent it. Kate is determined to aid Charles in discovering who sent the letter and why, all the while with a mind to win his affection, even if she must pretend to be his wife while they immerse themselves in the intrigues of his ancestral home of Satterthwaite Court.

“Kate impulsively reached up to smooth his hair from his brow. He stilled at her touch, but he didn’t object to it. ‘A wife’s privilege,’ she said.” –Chapter 13

Though several favorite characters are included from her previous novels, “Return to Satterthwaite Court” stands on its own. An exemplary read—tight plot, clever dialogue, and light-hearted humor. USA Today’s bestselling novelist Mimi Matthews shines with her latest release and proves why her “Somerset Stories” series are the pinnacle of sophistication in historical romance. So many sweet, poignant moments from the first to the last pages, leaving me with a happy heart. Read sooner than later.