Another great historical fiction from Mimi Matthews. I love all of her characters dearly and I am always excited to see where she takes them. I look forward to reading her next book!

Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for providing me with an arc for an honest review.

The Lily of Ludgate Hill by Mimi Matthews offers a captivating blend of romance and historical detail set against the backdrop of Victorian London. The story revolves around the rekindling of love between Anne and a man with a roguish charm, revealing deeper emotional layers as they navigate their past regrets. Matthews skillfully crafts a narrative filled with tension, heartfelt moments, and vivid descriptions, making it easy to get lost in the characters' journey. This novel is a delightful addition to the Belles of London series, perfect for readers who appreciate a well-written second-chance romance.

I have to admit, I haven't read the other books in this series. I picked this up as part of a reading committee I was a part of; I wasn't a huge fan. Maybe if I'd read the other books, I'd have a greater appreciation for the author or series. I wasn't invested in the characters and found the writing to be boring. There's no way this book needed to be 400 pages.

I am a fan of this series over all and this book was no excpetion. great lead chracters and great dialogue

The Lily of Ludgate Hill is slow burn second chance historical romance, third in Belles of London, that follows story of Lady Ann Deveril and Mr. Felix Hartford.

They both knew each other since childhood, they loved each other. Six and half years ago a day after Hart’s proposal for marriage to Anne, tragedy strikes Anne’s family that changed her life. Once the required mourning period ended and Hart returned from his exploration in India he thought they would get married but instead, they had a huge fight with bitter hateful words, breaking their heart and each other.

Anne and her mother have lived in never ending mourning ever since. Anne had put behind her dream of marriage or happily ever after but when her best friend Julia eloped with Captain Blunt, she has to put aside her animosity with Hart and ask for his help that takes them on road trip forcing them to confront their past, old, regrets, guilts and feelings that never died with their break up.

Writing is gripping and emotive with dual perspective as the previous books in the series but The Lily of Ludgate Hill was much slower than I expected. Setting of Victorian England is as captivating as the characters that are heart of the book.

The Lily of Ludgate Hill focuses on Anne and Hart, their life in past six and half years, and their feelings along with the theme of grief, forgiveness, familial duty, and growth. It is filled with society and fmaily drama, romance, emotions, friendship and romance.

The confident, feisty, fiery Anne I have come to know in previous books is shadowed by the vulnerability she was hiding inside her so far. It was heartaching to see her bearing the responsibility of her mother’s grief, trying to hold on to little family she has left leaving no room for her own grief along with the loneliness she felt and the looming trouble of her cousin- who inherited Arundel name, status, and estate after her father’s death- wanting them to move out of their London house.

I could understand why she felt Hart left her all those years ago not understanding her position and even now behaving the same way until she has to word them. She wasn’t wrong in her belief Hart failed to give her surety, support, and security when she knew nothing of what he was going through but at the same time, I felt she was too hard on him because of her own fear of losing not just her mother but also him.

Hart was careless, young, and lacked maturity six and half years ago. He did things for amusement but little anyone knew how he made his humor an armor to keep his vulnerability and burden of responsibility hidden. I loved him for his patience with not just Anne but also with his step-family. It made me angry on his behalf how they behaved after everything he had done for the past nine years and at the same time how society and his own family was saying about him.

He was that misunderstood hero who carried more baggage and suffered alone without confiding in a single person. He wasn’t wrong in blaming everything on Anne’s mother. At some points, I also felt how she couldn’t see the effects of her decision of perpetual mourning on Anne. I get her own wish to keep the mourning clothes but why wouldn’t she let Anne be free of it and why wouldn’t she want to find a husband for Anne?

But I liked how Hart had been honest about his thoughts and feelings from the beginning. I loved how he accepted his past mistakes with Anne and how he took one opportunity to right that wrong and never gave up on Anne now that he had hope of having her.

Romance is filled with angst, tension, banter, and pining for most of the book. Even though we can see they love each other their situation and past make their feelings so complex making push and pull quite enjoyable. The only thing that made me frustrated a little was the slow progress in their relationship. It can be both positive and negative depending on how you like your romance stories but for me it just made me want to flip the pages fast to reach the part of sweet, heartwarming moments that we finally get after 60% of the book.

I absolutely loved their stolen kisses and all the moments of Hart winning Anne back and not hiding it this time making it so plain it’s hard for Anne’s mother to ignore. I loved how that brought back Anne I used to know, how spending time with Hart made her confront her own grief and also talk about it with her mother. And that moment she finally discarded her blacks was epic. It was so great to see her in colors.

I was anticipating the drama near the end and thought it would be pretty serious but it turned out amusing. I loved how things turned out in Anne and Hart’s favor and they finally getting their happily ever after. Loved reading some of Victorian facts related to theme and layers of the story in author’s note in the end.

Overall, The Lily of Ludgate Hill is captivating and delightful, slow burn, second chance, friends-lover-enemies-lovers Victorian romance.

Mimi Mathews is one of my favorite writers to recommend at work. The romances and characters she crafts are lovely and unique and it's so easy to get swept up in her storytelling.

Following the second-chance romance between almost 23 year-old Anne Deveril and 29 year-old Felix Hartford, The Lily of Ludgate Hill is a meditative historical romance about grief, self-identity, and love. Mimi Matthews’ beautiful prose takes us from Anne and Felix’s initial secret and broken engagement (6 years before the book begins) to the gradual romance that is rekindled between them. Both immature during their first romantic relationship, which followed on the heels of their childhood friendship, both characters are impacted by various obstacles at the time of the engagement; Anne’s father dies the day after Felix’s proposal, and Felix then leaves for a year-long journey to help his grandfather. Anne’s mother never really recovers from her grief, and she and Anne stay in mourning in the years that follow. We eventually learn about their troubled reunion which explains why they didn’t get married upon Felix’s return.

I love the way Matthews keeps this story centred on the two main characters. Although it seems that not a lot happens in terms of the plot, we do get to truly understand the characters and their relationship. There is a lot of prejudice in the way that Anne and Felix view each other, and I appreciated the way that Matthews develops the growing understanding that eventually leads to their reconciliation. There is some excellent witty banter as the two dance around their sort-of-enemies status until things heat up for them. There is an emotional depiction of the yearning each character tries to manage, and I so enjoyed how engrossing that was. The more mature love that develops is gratifying to see, and I liked that the courtship is detailed and takes place over several months. I loved the grand gestures each character makes, and the way that they become more equal as the story progresses. I really loved both characters and Matthews explicitly and implicitly shows us that they belong together.

We also get some time with the characters from the previous books in this series, and I loved seeing what they were up to. There’s also an excellent teaser that sets up the next book focusing on Stella and Teddy. So intriguing! As always, Matthews meticulous research creates a fully realized Victorian setting. The author’s note at the end is well worth a read.
I highly recommend this book to readers who love a great character-focused novel that is emotional, has witty banter, exquisite writing, and a perfect ending. The book could be read as a standalone, but it’s more satisfying to read the previous two books before reading this one (and they’re both excellent!). I can’t wait to read the fourth book!

Will Mimi Matthews <i> ever </i> cease to surprise and impress me? I highly doubt it. I have read EVERY SINGLE one of her works and every doggon one has been absolute perfection. The Lily of Ludgate Hill is no exception.

The fact that Mimi can take 2 of my <b> least </b> favorite tropes: 1. The second chance love trope &
2. The miscommunication/blow up fight trope and somehow make it not only readable, but an engaging and heartfelt read (without being overly sentimental) is a testament to the fact that Mimi Matthews can do no wrong. If she wrote a romance featuring all of my romance pet peeves, I would STILL be the first one to pre-order the shiz out of that.

But let me get back to Lily & why I loved it.

We have Anne and Hart (or Felix) who were engaged (though never officially announced) at a very young age. After Anne's father tragically passed, her mother was in a very bad way. Hart comes back from India after a long excursion, expecting to immediately marry Anne but is extremely agitated to find that Anne needs more time because of her unwell mother. Harsh words were said from both of them and the engagement ends abruptly due to hurt feelings and rash words said by two very young, very immature individuals.

Their argument, which both Anne and Hart remember vividly and ponder during the course of the book, is very believable, especially when you consider how young they are and how deeply Anne is grieving her father/under incredible stress as well as Hart always being a bit impetuous & wanting what he wants right when he wants it. It isn't a typical miscommunication/misunderstanding that could've been resolved with a few simple, calm questions. It's much more complicated owing to the fact that Anne is blindsided by grief and burdened with responsibility for her emotionally fragile mother, and Hart's single mindedness to marry Anne and take her away (in such a possessive, manly way that can be problematic in situations that need a <i>little</i> more introspection and patience to sort out). Either way, much of the first half of the book is both Anne and Hart fighting their feelings for each other as well as their resentment.

We have a wonderful subplot involving Hart's family that I really appreciated, especially since we don't get to see many Victorian/Regency romances featuring unconventional families, and it was wonderful to see that Hart's extended family weren't brushed to the side or part of some insidious plot to hurt Hart or steal his fortune (as sooooo many historical romances have). They're just an imperfect family in a very uncomfortable & difficult situation with no one to rely on except Hart. It also uncovered another layer of Hart that I adored--namely that he isn't selfish or purely concerned with himself and his appearance. He truly will step up and do the right thing and I loved how honorable he was!


All in all, Mimi delivers (yet again) with a wonderful story of a mature second chance love, where the couple doesn't repeat the same mistakes from the past (which was ENORMOUSLY relieving) and of course find their happily ever after.

Highly highly recommend this to add to your TBR for the year if you love historical romance, second chance love stories, feisty heroines who are secretly vulnerable, self-assured/cocky heroes hiding a wounded heart & plenty of lovely Victorian references.

Really enjoyed seeing the couples from previous books in Anne and Felix's story. This series is as much about romantic love as it is about the bond and love of friends❤️. Definitely recommend this sweet romance. Also series has the best covers!

Second chance romance set in Victorian England!? Yes, please! This was an entertaining novel with meddling family members, secrets, broken hearts, and fabulous world building. I felt as if I, too, was on the streets of a bygone era, and I loved every second of it. What a wonderful story with memorable characters that will fully draw you in.

I've not yet read the other books in this series, and it wasn't an issue as the author provided just enough backstory for the supporting characters. My interest is certainly piqued to begin with book one and see how these ladies achieved their friendships and how the matched ones fell in love.

I received a free copy of Mimi Matthew's book Lily of Ludgate Hill from Netgalley. This is a second chance romance between Anne Deverill and Felix Hartford. This is the 3rd in a series entitled the Belles of London. Anne is worried about her friend Julia who we met in the second book and Hartford takes her and her mother to see her as he still is in.love with Anne. What does get tiring is Anne calling him Dear boy and Felix calling her old thing. While gone Felix tells her his dad cheated on his mother and that he has siblings abd the one is causing difficulty. Meanwhile, Felix has other problems on his plate. Anne is still mourning her dad after 7 years and to support her mother wears black. She eventually starts to breakout of her grieving when they are forced to move to Ludgate Hill which symbolizes her rebirth. Everything comes to a head by Christmas time. There are no scenes of sex but there is violence of assault

If you enjoy reading historical romance genres with slow burn tropes, then you will love reading it. I just wish it wasn't much of a slow burn in historical romance books. I tend to lose focus when I read them. I need a little more tense or banter between the characters.

This was such an enjoyable addition to the Belles of London series! Anne and Hartford’s story had a lot of fun tropes - second chance romance, slow burn - and didn’t feel formulaic at all to me. They were both interesting, well developed characters and I really enjoyed reading about them overcoming their own hang ups and stubbornness and ending up together. Her books are closed door, which I usually don’t prefer, but these are just written so well that I find I don’t mind.

"I don't want the world," she informed him. "Your friendship will suffice." She paused. "And your kisses, too, if you're so inclined." He flashed her a scorching glance. "I'm always inclined where you're concerned."

I’m utterly besotted with the London Belles, my favorite four horsewomen furies.

Filled with forgiveness, longing and romantic tension, Lily of Ludgate Hill was a wonderful read, that left me with forever lessons. Caring for others is the strongest thing you’ll ever do. Also, enjoy life, let yourself be a little ridiculous at times, always search for happiness. For a life filled with color and light.

All the stars for Anne and Hart’s slow burn, swoony second chance romance. I simply cannot wait for Stella’s story.

✨ALL THE THINGS✨
•England 1862
•Second chance romance
•Forced proximity
•Anything for you!
•I’ll tell you my deep dark secret if you tell me yours
•Campaigning for her through newspaper articles
•Hurt/comfort
•Banter and so much longing

I love this series so much, the female characters are so strong and loveable. I love a second chance romance and this one was done so well. I love this author so much. She writes regency so well and it's always super engaging.

Anne was sixteen when her father died. She had secretly accepted Hart's proposal of marriage but when he returned from being away for awhile expecting to be married, she felt she couldn't leave her grieving mother. Both being young and immature they fought and parted ways. Now 6 1/2 years later, Anne is still wearing black, obedient and meek to her overbearing mother. She accuses Hart of being irresponsible, not knowing he's had to take on financial responsibility for his deceased father's secret family and is running a business. Because you know - by-blows and tradesmen, not respectable in an upper crust family. Hart has been in love with her all this time, while Anne is a little hard to take. There is a short excursion to check on Julia from book two but mostly it's them reconnecting as adults and dealing with grief. This is a zero steam, closed-door romance.

I enjoyed the dynamic between Anne and Hart, especially with all of the unrequited longing and pining that Hart went through before Anne asked for his help. Eris the kitten stole the show, and the way that both Anne and Hart opened themselves up to each other and shared their most carefully kept secrets made me super happy. The miscommunication that occurred in their past was painful, but I really liked how they both earned from that mistake, recognized what each other’s coping mechanisms were and did better the second time around after they realized they both still had feelings. I also thought that there could have been more romantic tension between them, as the romance element felt a bit flat at certain points, but overall I really liked the plot and characters!

The Lily of Ludgate Hill is a second chance historical romance with opposites attract. It's closed door and the slow burn is almost painfully slow. This book is the third in a series. I liked the first two books better than this one. While the writing was lovely, I found that the book didn't have much of a plot. It lacked true conflict and I didn't necessarily see a lot of character growth. The audiobook was well done and I did enjoy the narrators.

The Lily of Ludgate Hill is Lady Anne Deveril's story. I have enjoyed the previus books in the Belles of London series but I think this is my favourite so far. It's a great read --- Matthews writes clearly and with great with and enthusiasm. I love how fully immersed I was in Anne and Hart's story. They had a great rapport and both characters were expertly crafted and written. I can't wait for the fourth book in the series! Highly recommend to all historical romance fiction fans.

One of my favorites! I absolutely adore this book. I have newborn twins at home right now and still managed to find the time to read this because I love the writing so much. I like that this hero was a bit funnier than some of Matthews other male characters. Lots of wit, but heartfelt moments. Perfect romantic writing.