The Work of Art

GIVEAWAY
RANDOM RETRO READ DAY!

MATTHEWS, MIMI

THE WORK OF ART

An Uncommon Beauty...

Hidden away in rural Devonshire, Phyllida Statterthwaite has always been considered more odd than beautiful. But in London, her oddity has made her a sensation. Far worse, it's caught the eye of the sinister Duke of Moreland -- a notorious art collector obsessed with acquiring one-of-a-kind treasures. To escape the duke's clutches, she's going to need a little help.

An Unlikely hero...

Captain Arthur Haywood's days of heroism are long past. Grievously injured in the Peninsular War, he can no longer walk unaided, let alone shoot a pistol. What use can he possibly be to a damsel in distress? He has nothing left to offer except his good name.

Can a marriage of convenience save Philly from the vengeful duke? Or will life with Arthur put her -- and her heart -- in more danger than ever?

My Review:

published in 2019

Winner of the 2020 Holt Medallion

I'm in a twitterpated state of the vapors after being swept away by this exceptionally extraordinary Regency Romance. I mean, I'm not even sure I can formulate a review, I'm that Regency rattled. But I'll give it a valiant try. Here goes...

Utterly charming and beguiling. I mean even the subtle nuances pack a punch. Every measured word and clever plot twist breathed life into these characters and left me completely enthralled.

It's a classic trope in historical fiction (though this story is anything but ordinary) -- a young lady of limited means left at the mercy of a guardian who does not have her best interests at heart. The hero is wounded -- both physically and mentally -- and is struggling to find meaning and purpose in his altered life. Circumstances draw them together and events conspire to draw them closer still. What follows is sheer bibliophile delight!

Brush off your fainting couch and practice your safe swooning techniques because they'll sure come in handy during this read. I can't even...As far as wounded heroes go, Captain Haywood is one of the best I've ever met within the pages of a book. Truly sigh-worthy. And the way the author develops the romance...mercy! You better grab a fan or two or three or an even dozen. The dialogue -- banter and frank conversation -- are divine! 

But don't get too comfy on that fainting couch because there's something sinister afoot. Diabolical plotting and villainous deeds bring action and adventure to this story as well.

Quite simply, unputdownable.

Please note: While this isn't a Christian Fiction selection, it is a clean read.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a paperback or ebook copy -- winner's choice

If you would like a chance to win a copy of The Work of Art, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it's easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winners announced on Saturday March 6 2021. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck!