The Lily of Ludgate Hill (Belles of London Book 3)

The Lily of Ludgate Hill is a stunning second chance romance with a wonderfully written cast of characters and the best of happily ever afters! Hartford is a relentless hero pining for his second chance with Anne, and his pursuit of her is sweet and swoony all at once! This is a different sort of romance than the rest of the series, because Anne is a different sort of heroine. Rather than falling in love as part of an exciting new romance, Anne and Hart rekindle past sparks and build back trust. Anne is trapped in the familiar and obligatory, and few know the burdens she shoulders. As she allows herself to find happiness and true love, she transforms through a reawakening of her true self. This story is as much about finding yourself as it is about finding romance, and this lily blossoms as she finds her happily ever after! Both hilariously comedic and thoughtfully deep, this lighthearted book still manages to depict realistic grief and emotional hardship. Mimi Matthews has created some of her best multi-faceted characters in this book, who juggle multiple emotions as they grieve, protect, yearn, fight, and fall in love. Every character in this story was depicted with a realistic mix of emotions and a fantastic character arc, and the thought behind all main characters and secondary characters is evident! Mimi Matthews has delivered another literary gem in The Lily of Ludgate Hill, and it makes the perfect addition to the captivating and entertaining Belles of London Series!

Mimi Matthews continues her Belles of London series with a rousing new addition, The Lily of Ludgate Hill. Like the other Belles, the titular character of Lady Anne Deveril is an accomplished horsewoman who must also overcome challenges within her society and family. As she mourns the loss of her father, she must also tend to her grieving mother and face the prospect of eviction from her home. Mr. Felix Hartford, a former love interest returns to her social circles, and the enduring chemistry between them more than complicates matters. What follows is a dance of two strong yet vulnerable individuals who have loved and have been hurt, but are tentatively willing to consider another waltz together.The relationship between Lady Anne and Felix Hartford is very similar to the lead characters in the television program Miss Scarlet & the Duke. Like the lead pair in that enjoyable mystery series, Anne and Felix have known each other for several years, prior to full adulthood. Both have strong personalities and are prone to bicker and spar with one another. However, beneath the contentiousness lies a connection that will forever tie them together. As Anne wrestles with troublesome issues within her family, Felix has familial struggles of his own. Yet despite all they have weathered, Mr. Hartford in particular is persistent in fully winning the heart of this admirable and beautiful young lady. Through sacrifices that they both must make, there is the possibility of a conclusion that will not only satisfy them both, but surprise many around them.As has been the case with other works by Mimi Matthews, I highly enjoyed The Lily of Ludgate Hill. Like characters in Jane Austen’s Persuasion, Anne and Felix wrestle with unrequited love and the opportunity for a second chance in a way that is quite delicious. Each individual must learn to compromise and consider the other on more than one occasion. Their flirtations are sweet, with a slight edge at times. They seem to be truly sparring, although they simultaneously support the success of the other. Felix is saddened to see Anne shackled by the mourning state of her mother, which has affected Anne’s ability to move on with her life. Anne’s growing awareness of Felix’s burdens not only increases her affection for him, but allows her to stand by his side to support him as well. Between the challenging situations they face individually and the romantic issues they tackle together, Anne and Felix’s narratives combine to produce a compelling work of fiction.For those who are interested in the content within the novel, The Lily of Ludgate Hill does not become overly steamy or rife with colorful adult material. That said, Matthews’s writing is powerful and still presents a compelling tale. She simply does not have to rely on ripped bodices, extensive violence, or pervasive harsh language in her work. Adult themes are indeed mentioned though. A persistent, illicit affair by a “righteous” person plays a key role in one family’s history. Anne’s mother is very interested in spiritualism, which was a common pastime in Victorian England. That said, there are no seances or gothic scenes shared. There are a few moments of violence, but they are tempered. Matthews focuses on the lives and loves of her main characters in a way that can be recommended to all audiences.I particularly appreciated the opportunities for forgiveness and redemption given to multiple characters. Mistakes are made, but the narrative illustrates a worldview allows for new beginnings. The inherent imperfection of the human condition was poignantly addressed in the following passage (edited to withhold spoilers), as Anne discusses a seemingly righteous person who had moral failings: "He idolized [him] that much?""If he didn't while he was alive, he certainly does now. ... The snow-white reputation of the esteemed moralist...has only grown after his death. He was, apparently, a man too good for this world.""No human being is that good," Anne said."Some are.""Nonsense. If we didn't make any mistakes, we'd have no need to be forgiven." (p.332)The Lily of Ludgate Hill is a fine addition to the Belles of London series. Although it could feasibly stand alone, the enjoyment of the novel would be enhanced if the reader is familiar with the previous two works. Characters and plot points from both The Siren of Sussex and The Belle of Belgrave Square are mentioned on several occasions. In fact, several scenes from Belgrave and Ludgate overlap in such a fashion that I actually pulled out my copy of Belgrave to compare and contrast the simultaneous experiences of the characters. It was an interesting experiment! Matthews also plants the seeds for the next title The Muse of Maiden Lane, which will focus on the character of Stella. Like the women who came before her, Stella seems to be an interesting woman, and I look forward to seeing where Mimi Matthews takes her next. The Lily of Ludgate Hill was a diverting ride, and I wait in expectation for more adventures to come.

I am a die hard Mimi Matthews fan, discovering her first with her strong indie historical romances, which are so original, and truly superb, and I've enjoyed her traditionally published Victorian romances because they're NOT traditional and are beautifully crafted, with fully realized characters with lives, goals, and dreams that matter. Every story resonates, and I read this one slowly, savoring every page.

There are few things in life as wonderful as discovering a new author you love. I have read most of Mimi Matthews' novels and I cannot stress how well written they are, not how rare this is. Historical novels based in England, written by non- English authors, are usually quite giggle-inducing, but hers are always entirely correct as well as being just wonderful stories. I have read and re-read every one, and I hang around impatiently waiting for the next in each series. Each one is impeccably researched and each stars strong, believable women. I believe she is master (or mistress?) of her craft.

What can I say, every book Mimi Matthews writes is amazing, and this book is no exception. Facing grief, romance, healing, friendship, reconciliation, all these themes and more grace the pages of Anne and Felix's story.Lady Anne Deveril, leader of her band of equestriennes, scorns any fanciful notions love and marriage, and is particularly irked by Mr. Felix Hartford, who loves to tease her whenever he can. No one understands why Lady Anne retreated from society and all romantic pursuits, but when Felix Hartford is drawn into a scheme of hers to help a friend, and they are thrown into each other's company - and Felix isn't so sure his youthful love for the Lady Anne is quite extinguished. Lady Anne also isn't quite sure what to make of her own unrequited feelings. Will they give their hopes another chance, or has time lost them any hope of love?I'm not one to usually love a second chance romance, but Mimi Matthews' beautiful prose, compelling character growth, emotional depth, and poise, had me convinced. You could just watch the careful layers to the story unfold into a rich tapestry of vibrancy. Anne and Felix truly are perfect for each other, especially once they have matured. Of course, each side character and story seamlessly add not only to the story, but to show both Anne and Felix for who they are and not who they portray for society. The public and the private really play a role as to why the two were initially on the outs, and why they eventually come back together. This is especially true for Felix's story. I really thought him one of Mimi Matthews' best heroes (though I probably day that about each one 😂). I also really appreciated the beauty and grace with which Mimi portrayed grief and loss. Each character is affected differently, and yet their reactions play such a pivotal role in the story. This novel so beautifully portrays the juxtaposition and paradox that is life: that we cannot have the joy without some measure of pain. It is just such a beautiful novel. And I highly recommend you read it (and the rest of the series and everything Mimi Matthews writes).This is a closed door romance.

The Lily of Ludgate Hill is the third book in Mimi Mathew's Belles of London series, this time following the story of Lady Anne Deveril and Felix Hartford. Their charged interactions in the previous two books has certainly hinted that there was more between them than met the eye, however, now the true nature of their past relationship is revealed, and what has led to the current state of tension between them.This second-chance romance was another solid addition to the series. As well as following Anne and Hartford's rocky path to a happy ending, we catch up with Evelyn and Mr Malik, as well as Julia and Captain Blunt, and are given a hint of what lies in store for Stella.Anne and Hartford, we learn, have a complicated past together, and whilst it is clear throughout this book that they still have feelings for each other, it is also clear there is a lot of hurt between them. It was a joy to watch them both mature, and reflect on their past mistakes where the other was concerned, as well as endeavour to learn from those mistakes. The chemistry between them was palpable throughout, be it when they were at each other's throats, or in more tender scenes between them, and as the story went on the genuine care between them was sweet to see in the way they supported each other though their own troubles.As well as the central romance between Anne and Hartford, the story also focuses on their own private familial troubles. The relationship between Anne and her mother is a complex one, both of them never really having recovered from the loss of Anne's father. Meanwhile, Hartford is burdened by having to support his father's secret family, determined to avoid the scandal coming out.I do think the story could feel a little repetitive and dragged out at times, particularly as the only real obstacle between Anne and Hartford was their own stubbornness. Some of the side-plots too were a bit drawn out, for instance whilst I appreciated the social commentary on attitudes towards those in trade, I'm not sure we needed so much of the intricacies of Hartford's business dealings.Overall whilst not my favourite, this was still another solid addition to the series. Looking forward to Stella's story.

Enjoyable characters , well- researched and a great story that keeps you hooked . What more do you want?

After rating the first two books in this series 5 stars, I was so excited to read Anne’s book.I was, unfortunately, a little disappointed.I should preface by saying that second chance romance is my least favourite trope. That being said, I can enjoy it when it’s done well.Unfortunately in this book, I just felt like the romance was overshadowed by the other subplots. There was too much happening in the background that distracted from the romance, and I didn’t have the same achy butterflies that I did in the first two books.I also wish Anne’s mother had had more of a reckoning for her behaviour. She treated Anne so poorly and was so selfish through pretty much all of the book.All in all, was it enjoyable? Yes. But definitely not my favourite.I would still highly recommend this series, and Mimi Matthews as an author!