With The Lily of Ludgate Hill, Mimi Matthews returns to her Belles of London series, featuring four socially awkward friends in Victorian London who bond over their love of riding.

Six years after her father’s death, Lady Anne Deveril still lives in perpetual mourning to placate her grief-stricken mother, who has turned to spiritualism for comfort. Felix Hartford, who had been hoping to propose to Anne around the time her father died, still has feelings for her. But Anne’s desire to support her mother hasn’t changed, and neither has Hart’s short fuse, which sees him snapping when he feels frustrated or hurt.

Anne is a caretaker heroine, and when we first meet her, she is orchestrating a plot to get her mother to travel to Yorkshire so Anne can check on the wellbeing of her friend, Julia because, in the version of the events of the previous book (The Belle of Belgrave Square) that Anne has heard, Julia, an heiress, was kidnapped from her family home by an impecunious soldier. Anne’s scheme involves convincing Hart, who secretly writes a column in a spiritualism magazine, to call, in his writing, for people to visit Yorkshire. I enjoyed this version of Anne, who seems like her mother’s passive shadow but is in fact pulling strings to get what she wants. Unfortunately, as the book progresses, we see less of this Anne and more of an Anne who is convinced that she has agency, but who we, and Hart, can see is actually subordinate to her mother’s plans and whims.

In previous books in this series, Hart has been a pigtails-in-the-inkwell type of hero who teases and devils the heroine because he can’t show his heart. He is also described as someone who, in the past, was a reckless risk-taker. We do see glimpses of this here, but for most of the book, Hart is solid and dependable. Perhaps excessively so, as Hart takes on the responsibility of supporting his late father’s secret second family, which includes covering his reckless half-brother’s gaming debts. His father was revered as a moralist, and the revelation of his hypocrisy could crush Hart’s grandfather and ruin the political career of his conservative uncle.

My biggest complaint is that both Anne and Hart are unsustainably martyring themselves for family members who are not showing any signs of growth. Hart pays through the nose to cover up father’s past, even as Anne tells him that this can’t continue indefinitely. Meanwhile, Anne has supported her mother unwaveringly as she demands that they wear black, renounce sugar, and obsessively consult mediums and spiritualists, yet her mother is not only showing no signs of moving forward, she has even backslid into taking laudanum. Surely a heroine as smart as Anne is supposed to be should take a look at this situation and realize that ‘support’ and ‘enabling’ are two different things.

I would feel differently if these were character arcs, if Hart and Anne came to realize that they cannot set themselves on fire to keep other people warm. But while each clearly sees it in the other, neither sees it in themselves. It’s unsatisfying that both of them ultimately take action only because they are forced into it, not because they have grown.

Still, this book is incredibly readable. Part of this comes from the fact that Mimi Matthews is, at the sentence level, an extremely competent writer (although the metaphors here, such as the titular lily, are very heavy-handed). But it’s also due to the fact that, during my first read-through, I didn’t know how these issues would be resolved. If they had been resolved through growth instead of forced hands, the book would probably have landed in DIK territory.

I love a detailed and realistic setting, and Matthews always excels at that. Here, we see a meticulous, but never boring, depiction of Hart’s foray into trade, which permits him to support his ne’er-do-well relatives. He has purchased the exclusive rights to a patent in England for manufacturing a particular graphite-based type of crucible, which can be used to produce the pure metals needed for other industrial processes in the UK. In the epilogue, Matthews tells us about the real company she based this on and I love that she chose such a quirky and specific industry. She also makes Hart a compassionate mine owner who demands working conditions that are as safe as possible, and who restricts child labor in his graphite mines. Yet unlike in some stories, where the authors pat their altruistic heroes on the back and explain that clearly, their well-paid and safe workers work so much harder that the hero still turns a great profit, Matthews explores the costs of Hart’s concern for his workers. His fellow company directors push back against Hart’s values and call for him to mine overseas, where suffering people would be a) out of sight, out of mind and b) not white.

Overall, I’m glad to see that this book is much stronger than Matthews’s previous release, Appointment in Bath, but it’s not back to her peak yet. Still, Mimi Matthews remains an author I’ll always seek out. Good and competent historicals are thin on the ground, so even if it’s not a book you will come back to time and again, The Lily of Ludgate Hill is worth a read.

This was my first Mimi Matthews book to read, and I enjoyed her writing quite a lot. The characters were rich and multifaceted, and the plot kept me intrigued. I love a good historical British love story, so this definitely fell into that category. I also loved that we missed this couple's "we're adults who can't talk about our issues" phase and went straight to their "let's be adults and share our issues with one another so we can support each other instead of being irrationally angry when one of us behaves in an unexpected way" phase. If you read historical romances at all, you know what I am talking about. I wish it had been a little spicier, but if you have read Matthews before, you probably know what you're getting in that department.

This was a nice story. I really enjoyed it.

It’s simply impossible for Mimi Matthews to write a book I won’t adore! The Lily of Ludgate Hill continues Matthews’ Belles of London series with Anne and Hart’s story, and trust me when I say it’s not to be missed. It’s a unique second chance romance set against the backdrop of Victorian England, grief and spiritualism, and discovering one’s identity. Although I haven’t been in the exact position as either of these characters, I found myself easily relating to and empathizing with them. Matthews always captures me with her romantic, thoughtful, and exciting stories, and I’m so excited to read about Stella and Teddy next! 4.5/5 stars

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I've really enjoyed other books by this author, but sadly this wasn't one of them. Felix is absolutely besotted with Anne the entire time, and while that makes for a great real-life relationship it does make for a bit of a boring book. Especially when I have no idea why Felix likes her so much.

The author's note at the end does explain the real life inspiration for this story, but I think the author missed the mark when she chose to make Anne wear black for six years. What could have been a touching story about how a daughter is willing to set aside her own grief to support her mother is instead now a story about how a daughter is continually choosing to be a doormat to her mother out of fear of losing her. It makes Anne appear weak and her mother to appear uncaring, and makes it hard to see why Felix would want anything to do with either of them.

I will still absolutely read other books by this author and the hint of Stella and Teddy being the next couple in this series does intrigue me.

Hello book lovers!


Mimi Matthews continues her Belle’s of London series in her third book, The Lily of Ludgate Hill. In this novel, readers will continue the Victorian Era story featuring Lady Anne Deveril, an Earls daughter, who seems to have two options: become a spinster and live out her days with her eccentric mother, or come to terms with her feelings for the dashing friends-to-lovers-to-enemies-to-lovers Mr. Felix Hartford.

Authors have a challenging task of bringing to life, human feelings and emotions. Giving their characters the humanity we see in ourselves. One aspect of life is the loss of a parent. And for some, that type of grief can be harrowing. Regardless of our relationship with our parents, they are the people who cared for us since infancy, keeping our lead strings tied snug and safe. An echo of those strings keep us connected, even into adulthood. But when a parent dies, the connection is severed, leaving some unmoored. Unable to find purchase on a ground that is soaked in salt water, and limbs that feel leaden with the wait of that grief.

And Matthews paints that grief in shades of midnight and sable, showing us why Lady Anne has found it so difficult to find a way to happiness. It’s in that journey, pulling herself out of her pain and the shadow of her mother’s own heartache, where she’s capable of shedding her mourning garb, that she's able to redefine her own future and rediscovering love and joy in a man who she once loathed.

Romance readers, definitely add this one to your TBR!

Happy Reading ~ Cece

Enthusiastic fist-pump to the air for a strong heroine of the Victorian Era!! It takes so much courage to admit when you're wrong and need to change - and when characters go from driving me CRAZY to making me want to give them a hug - I know the author did their job well. Our heroine, Lady Anne Deveril, exemplifies everything I want to see in a woman who realizes the fallacy of her thoughts and owns up to them!

I loved this so much that I immediately ordered the second book in the series (another friend had already bought me the first one)!

P.S. I'm reading the first book, The Siren of Sussex, now and I don't feel that the books have to be read in order. I truly have no idea what's going to happen based on The Lily of Ludgate Hill! (I prefer series like this sometimes...makes it so easy just to pick up a historical romance and enjoy it for what it is!!)

**Thank you to Berkley & NetGalley for the advanced reader copy. I received this book for free, but all thoughts are my own. – SLR 🖤

I've always loved Matthews ’books ever since the first one I've had read, and I love how she delivers again with this one. It was a perfect amalgamation of sweet. charming and one unforgettable romance!

After a tepid response to the first book and an exceeds expectations reaction to the second, I was hoping this book would continue the upward momentum. But I really struggled to stay interested in Anne and Hart. They didn't have much notable chemistry; Anne could only huff at him and Hart just mooned over her for no convincing reason. The writing also seemed lackluster. DNF at 35%.

Mimi Matthews is a must-read for Jane Austen fans! The third book in the Belles of London series focuses on Lady Anne Deveril. Anne's story is a second-chance romance that will have readers anxiously anticipating her reunion with Felix Hartford.

It’s simply impossible for Mimi Matthews to write a book I won’t adore! The Lily of Ludgate Hill continues Matthews’ Belles of London series with Anne and Hart’s story, and trust me when I say it’s not to be missed. It’s a unique second chance romance set against the backdrop of Victorian England, grief and spiritualism, and discovering one’s identity. Although I haven’t been in the exact position as either of these characters, I found myself easily relating to and empathizing with them. Matthews always captures me with her romantic, thoughtful, and exciting stories, and I’m so excited to read about Stella and Teddy next! 4.5/5 stars

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

The Lilly of Ludgate Hill was a pleasant surprise. Prior to this book, I hadn't read anything from author Mimi Matthews. I can honestly say that this book got me hooked on her writing. As of writing this review, I have now marathoned my way through the first two books in this series and her work does not disappoint. If you are like me didn't read The Siren of Sussex or The Belle of Belgrave before picking up Lilly of Ludgate, make sure to read those first because that will definitely enhance your reading experience and lead to fewer spoilers for the earlier books.

Lady Anne Deveril immediately captured my attention as a heroine, even without having the background of reading the first two books in this series. She reminds me in a lot of ways of Kate Sheffield/Sharma from Bridgerton. She is a sort of older sister to her friends and is fiercely protective of the members of her group of equestrians. Anne is a stubborn, headstrong leader who is more than willing to butt heads with Hartford, the romantic lead. Longtime readers of the books may be surprised to learn that Hart is the male lead for this book, given his history with Lady Anne, but it becomes clear over the course of the story that they have unresolved tension. Said tension and unresolved business allows us to see a more vulnerable side of Anne and Hart.

This book did follow some of the standard romance tropes, including the expected miscommunications that eventually bring the main characters closer together. I can honestly say that there were times when I hated Hart, because he didn't seem to have any sort of understanding, empathy, or patience for the way in which Lady Anne leaned on her relationship with her mother in order to feel some control over her life. He eventually understood and came to respect her decisions by the end of the book, redeeming him in my eyes, but fans of Anne will be in for a bit of a bumpy ride in trying to overcome Hartford's thick headedness.

Despite that, this book was thoroughly enjoyable and I loved seeing the character growth for both main characters, and seeing them open up to one anther was the best part of this book. I also liked the easter eggs sprinkled throughout for Miss Stella Hobhouse's story in the next book. Fans of the series will not be disappointed with the Lilly of Ludgate and I also cannot wait for Stella's story to come out.

All of my favorite tropes: second chance romance, unrequited love and strong interesting characters. Misunderstandings propel this delightful Victorian romance, I can't wait for number 4 in the series.

Mimi Matthews has done it again. I was utterly enchanted by Anne and Hart’s story. I’m not usually a fan of second chance romance (despite Persuasion being one of my favorite books). But this was just exquisite, and not without a few beautiful similarities to Persuasion in the way that Anne and Hart part the first time. Their banter and arguments as they get reacquainted are just so fiery! There’s so much hurt to work through on both sides, and the development of their relationship is just so gorgeous and real. There’s also a great exploration or grief and duty woven throughout.
It’s always a delight too to see the rest of the Belles. We get glimpses of Julia’s and Evelyn’s HEAs. Not to mention a tantalizing preview of what might be in store for Stella! I am just so excited for Stella’s book!
In the meantime, please read this one! You won’t regret it, and you might even shed an emotional and happy tear.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Berkley for the advanced read! All opinions are my own.

This was the sweetest book. Its everything you could want in a Victorian romance. While it is the third in a technical series, you don't seem to NEED to read the two that come before this, even though the characters intermingle. Matthews does a good job of introducing everyone enough so that you know who all the players are and feel comfortable with the dynamics.

This book is perfect for anyone who loves a good period piece, with all of the manners in tact. I loved the slow build up and the longing between the characters, loved that there was such history between them that they were still drawn to each other, but there were pieces of their lives and their characters that needed to be filled in for the other. It gave the story something to strive for.

As with any story that is heavily rooted in the upper class in this time period, due to the strict rules of society and manners and just a Victorian inclination to misunderstand and misinterpret, there were some repetitive parts to the story, but Matthews seemed to build on those repetitions each time they happened, lending a sense that the characters were learning from past mistakes, not just repeating them.

I particularly liked that this book lacked spice. That's not to say there are not swoon-worthy moments, but this is not Bridgerton and I enjoyed it more because of that.

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for this arc in exchange for an honest review!

4.5 stars

I was so excited when I was approved for this arc! I've loved this series so far and think it deserves far more interest than it has received so far. They're getting better as they go, and I'm sure the last will follow that pattern.

I loved Hart and Anne's relationship and their second chance romance. I don't really remember any specific interactions with them in the first two books, but you'll get the gist of it seeing them interact at the beginning of this one.

Hart was a big ol' softy and I loved how he poked at Anne; someone had to give her some shit! I really felt for Anne's situation and trying to take care of her mother, but seven years way a looooong time to be stuck as she was. But I enjoyed her progression throughout and realizing she'd been stagnant and wanted to do something more with her life.

I'd highly recommend this series, especially for those who are Bridgerton fans. Maybe not quite as much drama as those but still incredibly enjoyable.

4/5 ⭐️
This book came to me right at the perfect time. I just finished this dramoine fanfic that took place in Regency England and had Draco secretly pinning for Hermione for years. When I finished it, I was mourning the fact it was over, but this book was the perfect thing for me to jump right into. It takes place in Victorian England and the love interest also had been pinning for the female main character for years. But it also was like Jane Austen’s Persuasion with the fact the two characters had a failed engagement at a young age but get this second chance. And obviously the time period and some of the family drama made me think of North & South, Doctor Thorne, and Belgravia. So I definitely think this is perfect for historical romance fans, especially if you liked the Bringing Down the Duke series.
I only have two complaints. First, it was just a tad heavy on telling. It wasn’t terrible where it was distracting and annoying, but enough to feel like someone was slyly pressing a finger down on the scale. My other complaint is the ending. Maybe it was me, but it just came across as a little cheesy the wrap up? Like it felt just a little like you can feel the author’s presence, like she’s the wrap it up music during Oscar speeches.
However, I still absolutely adored this book and plan on going back and reading the other two in this series.
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for providing an advance reader copy of this book for my honest review.

I kind of jumped in the middle of this series without reading any of the previous books, but other than having curiosity about some of the other character's stories, it didn't hinder my enjoyment of this one.

I really enjoyed Felix. I loved his sense of humor, and I was slightly confused why everyone gave him such a hard time for it. He was incredibly patient with Anne and while I don't see what made him fall for her, it is always nice to see a gentleman be steadfast and perseverant. And the truth is Anne really did bug me for a lot of the book. I felt that she was just as much at fault as Felix was, but it seemed to brush aside her need to repent as much as Felix. I felt that a lot of the issue between them could have been solved with some basic communication skills.

The story was enjoyable for the most part though at times it did seem to drag a little. I was also not a fan of the mentioning of the Spiritualist/cultish stuff even though nothing ever went into a lot of detail there.

For my readers who care to know, there is at least a couple passionate kisses.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher for promotional purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest opinions.

Mimi Matthews has a real gift for writing excellent sexual tension while still never having sex on the page. Wooboy. I so enjoyed Hart and Anne's second chance love story. There's such great character growth here, where we see Hart and Anne realizing things about each other and their own past actions, and then proving that they've learned from those experiences and become a better partner. It's such a mature story, filled with healthy communication and genuine care. This series has been an all-around winner, and this is the perfect addition to it. Also, the set-up for the fourth book has my full interest; I can't wait to see what happens!

Oh. My. Hart. No, that isn't a misspelling 😉

I loved every moment in this book. Hartford and Anne were so wonderfully written. Their characters were flawed and broken, but working to overcome everything they'd suffered and lost. This was the best of second chance romance. Their banter and even their arguments were so full of tension that it lept off the pages.

The writing was rich (as always with Ms. Matthews writing) and there was so much depth to the characters and their backstories.

This may be up there with my favorite MiMi Matthew book, Gentleman Jim (but it's been a while so maybe I need to reread that one to be sure).

**I would note that there is a lot of talk of speaking to the dead and spiritualism within the book though the main characters view it as ridiculous nonsense. Otherwise, an amazing clean historical romance that delivers on all of the angst and tension.

Mimi Matthews is my comfort author. I have read every single one of her stories 2-3 times. The way she writes Victorian England romances is so fresh, so nuanced. This one is a great follow up to The Siren of Sussex and The Belle of Belgrave Square. 5 stars