My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐.5
Series: Belles of London

Hey fellow book lovers! Ready to dive into the past? Today I’m taking you to the world of Mimi Matthews’ latest novel, “The Lily of Ludgate Hill”? So settle in because I’ve got some thoughts to share about this historical romance that had me alternating between swooning and scratching my head.

So friends, first things first, I’m a fan of Matthews’ series, and I’ve devoured each novel. So, when I cracked open “The Lily of Ludgate Hill,” my expectations were riding high, but reality didn’t quite match the excitement of previous adventures.

I’m giving it a solid 3.5 stars. Why? Well, let that’s what I am here to tell you.

The story centers around Lady Anne Deveril, If you read the earlier books you already know our lady in mourning. She’s a woman with a penchant for equestrian pursuits and a talent for staying cool in the face of society’s expectations. She’s the kind of lady who doesn’t scare easily, and I appreciate her strength. However, Anne’s journey into love and daring favors didn’t captivate me as much as the escapades of previous characters in the series.

Then there is Mr. Felix Hartford, a roguish gentleman with a past, and the chemistry between him and Anne is like that of your best guy friend that you developed a crush on. The book promises us a holiday house party, unrequited feelings laid bare, and hidden depths. While these elements were present, the romantic sweep I craved from Matthews’ previous works didn’t quite hit the mark for me in this installment.

Now, don’t get me wrong, there were delightful moments that made my heart flutter. Hart is, as one reviewer aptly put it, “delicious,” and I found myself rooting for this unique couple to find their way. I am glad they did, it was a story of second-chances with a slow-burn romance. I just wish I felt more of that heat. The book didn’t feel as sweepingly romantic as its predecessors, but the attention to detail in Anne and Hart’s journey is commendable. It’s like Matthews crafted a bespoke story just for them.

Speaking of characters, some readers may have issues with Anne. She might not be the most lovable character friends, but I appreciated her journey of self-discovery. It’s a reminder that not every protagonist needs to be universally adored to make a story compelling.

In the end, “The Lily of Ludgate Hill” might not have held my interest as tightly as the previous novels, but I’m still eagerly anticipating the next installment in the series. Matthews’ creativity and brilliance shine through, and I’m hopeful for more captivating tales from her in the future.

So, my friends, if you’re a fan of historical romance with some complexity and a lot of heart, give this one a shot. There’s something magical about Matthews’ storytelling that keeps us coming back for more. Pick it up from your local Library or bookseller and settle in your comfy chair with a warm beverage for a bit of old fashion romance. Happy reading!