And now for something unexpected
Those of you who know me personally know that the past month has been one of the most challenging in my life. In the midst of all that, I received an advance copy of The Governess and the Rogue by author Mimi Matthews. Her Victorian romance was the perfect escape for me, and I read it twice in July and have picked it up again now.
As a musician I appreciate tremendously Matthews’ use of rhythm in her writing, as well as the fact that she keeps the narrative flowing by omitting everything irrelevant. That’s what I try to do as a composer! Everything necessary, nothing extraneous. I know I’ve written in the past how I spend a great deal of time “throwing notes away.” I’m not saying that Mimi Matthews has spent hours throwing words away — her writing flows too beautifully to assume that. But from the first word to the last of her newest book, there are neither detours nor distractions. I’m going to include my entire review below; and if it intrigues you, or you like to read romance, or you need the mini-vacation provided by reading something with lovely romance and a happy ending, here’s the Amazon link as well.
A down-on-her-luck governess encounters a roguish but slightly bitter Colonel of the British Army.
Fortunately both of their lives will improve through their meeting.
Probably.
And now for my “official” review:
I purely love The Governess and the Rogue by Mimi Matthews. This Victorian romance features two interesting, clearly drawn, and complex lead characters, both of whom we can admire and wish the very best for. I was fascinated by Bea from the first intriguing sentence of the novel and appreciated how the story really focuses on Bea and Jack. They are together in nearly every scene, so that we learn about them as they learn each other.
Matthews handles the fake-engagement trope in a fresh and very natural way. Both Jack and Bea have much to gain from pretending to be engaged — and much to lose as well, if their deceit is discovered. Watching their relationship grow, haltingly but inexorably, was a pleasure.
A few words about the writing itself: Matthews has a gift for rhythm in her writing, and a genius for the turn of phrase that captures our attention while advancing the story. Her narrative is both economical and sweeping; all the lovely words we need to understand the characters and the situation are included, and no extraneous words clutter up the stage. As a musician who tries to create music in that manner (all necessary notes, no extra notes), I appreciate the simplicity and flow of her writing.
Since being given an advance reader copy last month, I have read this book twice and am now reading it a third time. It is still completely engaging! I anticipate re-reading this story many many times in the future. I highly recommend The Governess and the Rogue to anyone who enjoys Victorian romance or romance in general; or indeed to anyone who would just like a refreshing mini-vacation from daily life.
PS: Thank you, Mimi Matthews, for the opportunity to read The Governess and the Rogue in advance. It improved last month tremendously!