This was another delightful read from Mimi Matthews. The main characters are likable, and there is a colorful cast of fun supporting characters as well. Both Ivo and Meg have some immaturity to overcome since they are so young, and it was fun to see their character arcs. Matthews' writing is lovely, with lush descriptions of the setting and engaging dialogue.

I do not think you need to read the previous titles in the series to enjoy this book, as the backstory is explained in this book, but they're definitely worth reading too! While this book does not have the suspense and twists present in A Work of Heart or The Belle of Belgrave Square, there are still a few small surprises. I could also clearly see how this work is setting up for the next book in the series. Though this wasn't my absolute favorite of Matthews' books, it is still a charming story worth reading.

I received an electronic ARC through NetGalley, and was not required to provide a positive review. This review was posted on both NetGalley and Goodreads on 5/22/23.

Anyone picking up this gorgeous book and having their first experience reading a Mimi Matthews story will be swept away by this charming romance, with it's secret meetings, feuding families, and even a little adventure before a sweet conclusion. This is a Mimi Matthews book and she delivers when it comes to swoon-worthy stories. Those lucky enough to have read the first three books in the Somerset Stories series will be absolutely delighted to see the full details of Meg and Ivo's relationship develop after getting just a glimpse of the couple in the third book. (Hint hint, new reader, circle back to the beginning and enjoy!)

In Appointment in Bath, the acrimony between the Beresfords and the Burton-Smythes is now decades old, as the characters in the second book were their conflict started are now in their 50s and their children have become the main characters. Ivo Beresford and Meg Burton-Smythe meet while riding their horses in the woods and develop a friendship as their meetings become habit. Soon, deeper feelings form, but the conflict between the families, as well as Meg's difficult home life and Ivo's business ambitions get in the way of their relationship. The two appealing characters had me rooting for a happily ever after and while the book obviously delivers, it's not without heartache and angst.

This is yet another reminder of why Mimi Matthews is a "must read" for romance readers.

I was absolutely thrilled when Appointment in Bath showed up on NetGalley. I have been on pins and needles waiting for this book and it did not disappoint.

You don’t need to read the series but this book fits wonderfully. I highly recommend you start at the beginning with The Work of Art.

I loved the story of Ivo and Meg. Not as dramatic as the prior stories in the series, but a great novel that suits the characters.

Thank you to the publisher Perfectly Proper Press and NetGalley for this ARC.

I just reviewed Appointment in Bath by Mimi Matthews. #AppointmentinBath #NetGalley

This is the first Mimi Matthews book I've read and despite it being the 4th in a series, it does work as a standalone. A quick look in my Kindle shows that I actually have two others from this series in my queue so I'll have to move those up my TBR list.

I liked Ivo & Meg but didn't really like either of their families. This book is very Romeo & Juliet-esque with feuding families. Meg father is the worst. He was the worst toward Ivo's family and toward his daughter as well. She really is emotionally abused even if her physical needs are well met. My favorite part of this book was seeing Meg figure out that she could stand up to her father. She didn't have to fear him and behave like a mouse. Watching her come into her own was beautiful. I also loved seeing her learn to understand her father better. He is kind of partially redeemed through her. But only partly. He is still kinda awful.

I enjoyed watching Ivo and Meg mature as they learned through their experiences.

If you enjoy the feuding families trope then this is a good one to read.

Sex: no
Language: some
Violence: emotional abuse

5 stars

An excellent read. Continuing the saga between the Beresfords and the Burton-Smythes, Ivo helps Meg back onto her horse after it's thrown her and she's sprained her ankle. Our hero & heroine are quite young, 18 and 23, so a bit of a Romeo and Juliet Vibe. Ivo is very forward thinking and is not happy with the jealous rivalry that has taken place between the families. He realises how poorly Meg has been treated. Meg, who stammers, is starting to find her voice and realises that she needs to stand up to her belligerant and over bearing father. She has poor self esteem so it's a bit of an uphill struggle but she recalls the words of her governess and eventually decides to go off to Bath in search of respect and Love. This book is timed close to another in the series. I think the next one will be James's story.


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

I LOVED this one!!! I love that we get to see Gentleman Jim's children. We get to see his daughter in Return to Satterthwaite Court and now his son. This is also the bad guys daughter in Gentleman Jim! I loved that she pulled all this together!! Meg and Ivo were adorable! I love the way Mimi writes. The book just comes alive. I love how she writes her characters and how they feel. This one was just fun for many reasons,
This is a proper romance with no religion.

I really enjoyed this. Nothing will ever top Gentleman Jim in this series for me but this was different - I adored the heroine and wanted to protect her at all costs. Meg is so lovely but grew up in a family that took away any shred of self-confidence. Enter Ivo, a dashing young man whose heart only beats for the railway... and Meg. I was so happy to see characters from previous books make a few appearances and I can't wait to read the next novel in the series. I love Mimi Matthews, her books always deliver.

This was a sweet, easy romance. Meg and Ivo are a very young couple, so there was an immaturity to their dynamic that made them a less intense romantic pairing. It made sense for their ages, although the childish assumptions they both make about the other's feelings wasn't fun. I hadn't read any of the previous books, so the family feud drama didn't mean much to me. It was also resolved rather easily, which is kind of why I dislike this trope. But overall this was a nice read.

As expected, Mimi Matthews delivers another beautiful love story. Ivo and Meg are so young and so different and have decades of history standing in their way (though not of their own making), which makes their romance all the more satisfying. Simply lovely.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.