Happy Monday! To kick off the holiday season, today I have a review of A Holiday by Gaslight by Mimi Matthews! Thanks to Amy Bruno at HFVBT for the invitation and to the author for the copy of the book. Take a look at that cover! 👀 🎄 Please make sure to read all the way to the bottom for a chance to win a copy!
My Thoughts:
When I saw that gorgeous cover, I wondered if the words inside would suit, and I’m thrilled to report they did. A Holiday by Gaslight is a delightful Victorian novella perfect for the holidays.
It’s no secret during Victorian times one had to marry within her class, and not doing so came with some risks. So is the story of industrious Sophie Appersett as she is courted by Mr. Edward Sharpe. Sophie’s baggage is that, while her family is titled and accepted as upper class, her father has lost the family fortune with carelessness trying to keep up with the newest technology.
Mr. Sharpe’s baggage is that he is not titled and is a new money merchant, but he seeks to climb socially, and a marriage to Sophie would enable that.
But do these two even like each other? And at a time when people were beginning to make “love matches,” would Sophie and Ned find one with each other?
A Holiday by Gaslight is an atmospheric, well-told, sweet Victorian romance. It’s also a spirited read for this time of year, transporting you to to the charms of the holidays in 19th century England. There are some fun North and South/Elizabeth Gaskell references and a well-developed historical backdrop. I highly recommend this delightful novella, and I plan to check out other works from Mimi Matthews.
Once again, thank you to HFVBT for the invitation to read and review A Holiday by Gaslight and to the author for the book. All opinions are my own.
Synopsis:
A Holiday by Gaslight
by Mimi Matthews
Publication Date: November 13, 2018
Perfectly Proper Press
eBook & Paperback; 172 Pages
Genre: Historical Romance/Christmas/Novella
A Courtship of Convenience
Sophie Appersett is quite willing to marry outside of her class to ensure the survival of her family. But the darkly handsome Mr. Edward Sharpe is no run-of-the-mill London merchant. He’s grim and silent. A man of little emotion–or perhaps no emotion at all. After two months of courtship, she’s ready to put an end to things.
A Last Chance for Love
But severing ties with her taciturn suitor isn’t as straightforward as Sophie envisioned. Her parents are outraged. And then there’s Charles Darwin, Prince Albert, and that dratted gaslight. What’s a girl to do except invite Mr. Sharpe to Appersett House for Christmas and give him one last chance to win her? Only this time there’ll be no false formality. This time they’ll get to know each other for who they really are.
Available on Amazon
Praise for A Holiday by Gaslight
“Matthews includes all the required elements of a cozy English Christmas and a classic Victorian love story. Matthews’ novella is full of comfort and joy—a sweet treat for romance readers that’s just in time for Christmas. A very merry tale of romance that’s perfect for the holiday season.” -Kirkus Reviews
“Matthews (The Matrimonial Advertisement) pays homage to Elizabeth Gaskell’s North and South with her admirable portrayal of the Victorian era’s historic advancements in addition to courtship struggles arising from societal castes. Revealed incrementally throughout are family circumstances molding the characters of both Sophie and Ned, allowing their genuine identities to evolve naturally, just like their sincere and sweet romance…Readers will easily fall for Sophie and Ned in their gaslit surroundings.” -Library Journal, starred review
“A Holiday by Gaslight is a real delight. Completely satisfying as a graceful love story, it also doubles as a family drama and an authentic presentation of the 1860s that reads with the simplicity and visual gusto of a period movie…It’s a sweet tale filled with believable characters…Fun to read and fun to read again, this book is one of my favorites now.” -Readers’ Favorite
“This is magical, it beautifully entwines a gorgeous Victorian Christmas, social prejudices of the era and the most marvellously different cast of characters that you would ever want in a historical romance…[A] wonderfully charming and vividly rich romance, that will have the readers swooning with absolute delight. Perfect!” -Chicks, Rogues and Scandals
“A perfect holiday treat for Victorian-loving romantics. Sophie and Ned’s sweet romance is sure to steal your heart.” -Lena Goldfinch, bestselling author of The Unexpected Bride
“This is the epitome of what historical romance is all about. Like all of Mimi Matthews’ books, her characters are full-bodied and evenly matched; the details are historically accurate, coloring the pages with vibrancy. Sure to warm your heart–perfect read for the holiday season!” -Christina Boyd, The Quill Ink
About the Author
Mimi Matthews (A Victorian Lady’s Guide to Fashion and Beauty, The Lost Letter) writes both historical non-fiction and traditional historical romances set in Victorian England. Her articles on nineteenth century history have been published on various academic and history sites, including the Victorian Web and the Journal of Victorian Culture, and are also syndicated weekly at BUST Magazine. In her other life, Mimi is an attorney. She resides in California with her family, which includes an Andalusian dressage horse, two Shelties, and two Siamese cats.
For more information, please visit Mimi Matthews’ website and blog. You can also connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, BookBub, Pinterest, Google+, and Goodreads.
Blog Tour Schedule
Tuesday, November 13
Review at Confessions of an Avid Reader
Wednesday, November 14
Review at Proverbial Reads
Feature at Tea Book Blanket
Feature at The Caffeinated Bibliophile
Friday, November 16
Review & Excerpt at The Book Junkie Reads
Feature at View from the Birdhouse
Monday, November 19
Review at Passages to the Past
Tuesday, November 20
Review at A Darn Good Read
Review & Excerpt at Clarissa Reads it All
Wednesday, November 21
Review at Amy’s Booket List
Friday, November 23
Review at So Many Books, So Little Time
Monday, November 26
Review at Jennifer Tar Heel Reader
Wednesday, November 28
Review at Donna’s Book Blog
Friday, November 30
Review at The Lit Bitch
Giveaway
During the Blog Tour we will be giving away a signed copy of A Holiday By Gaslight! To enter, please enter via the Gleam form below.
Giveaway Rules
– Giveaway ends at 11:59pm EST on November 30th. You must be 18 or older to enter.
– Giveaway is open to US residents only.
– Only one entry per household.
– All giveaway entrants agree to be honest and not cheat the systems; any suspect of fraud is decided upon by blog/site owner and the sponsor, and entrants may be disqualified at our discretion.
– Winner has 48 hours to claim prize or new winner is chosen.
What a stunning book cover, I love a good historical romance.
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Adele, that cover really drew me in, too! It’s lovely! And I’ve found some wonderful holiday romances from your reviews!
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This sounds like a great read right before Christmas – great review Jennifer! ☺️
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Thank you, LP! It was the perfect holiday read! ♥️
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Yes, I have read this novella and enjoyed it so much. Love the cover and your pretty picture and great review. Happy Monday!🎄💕📚
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Thank you, Virginia! That’s so exciting you’ve read this charming story, too, and I’m happy you enjoyed it! ♥️ I hope you had a wonderful monday!
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This definitely puts me in the holiday spirit, looking at that cover!
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It just screams holiday, doesn’t it, Tammy! 😊
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Oh what a beautiful cover Jen! Awesome review my friend! Have a great and relaxing week!😊💗💕
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Thanks, Sus! I think you’d enjoy his sweet little story! I hope your week is wonderful too! ♥️
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I’m a sucker for these type stories and that gorgeous cover helps seal the deal, along with your lovely review, Jennifer! Off to find it.
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Thank you, Jonetta! It is a charming story worthy of that beautiful cover!
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Sounds wonderful! I want!
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I think you’d love it, Holls! ♥️
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What a lovely review! You are right, that cover is so stunning, I immediately wanted to know more when I saw your photo! 💕
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Thanks, Mack! The cover draws you in, doesn’t it? I enjoyed this one! ♥️
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Lovely review for lovely book!❄️✨
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Thank you, Berit! It’s a charmer!
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Ooh, Victorian romance, sounds like a perfect Christmas read!
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It’s a lovely read to kick off the holiday season, Rylee! ♥️
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I adore the cover of this one. I have a friend who sadly DNFd the book. It sounds lovely to me! Anne – Books of My Heart
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I love that cover, too, Anne! I found this one well-written and charming. If you end up giving it a shot, I hope you enjoy it too. ♥️
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Lovely review! The book sounds delightful! Makes me think a bit of Georgette Heyer’s Regency romances, but I actually like the Victorian era more. And I want that dress!!
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Thanks, FF! Yes, that dress!!! It was definitely a delightful read, and while I’ve not read Heyer yet (I’m not much of a romance reader, but I’ve read so many wonderful things!), I can see the comparison in the simplicity based on what I’ve heard.
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What a lovely festive cover! Your review has really sold me on the book so I’m going to add it to my Christmas reading list. 🙂
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Yay, Hayley! I hope you enjoy it, too! That cover is so special!
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I can’t wait to read this one!!! The cover is what drew me immediately, but having read several reviews about this book, I really need to get to it asap. Great review!!!
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Thank you! I hope you enjoy it, too! It was a lovely story! I’ll be watching for what you you think! ♥️
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This does sound like a very sweet read, Jennifer. Very seasonal too! 🙂 Great review.
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Thanks, Chrissi! It was both those things and quite charming!
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I love the setting, and the cover is just perfection!
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I think so, too, Angela! Just beautiful inside and out, this one!
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Oh I am looking for Christmas books for Dec – this one looks gorgeous!!
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It’s a love of a read, Sassy! I hope you get a chance to read it! ♥️
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I need to write this down before I forget!
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I do like the Victorian period Jenni but am not a huge fan of romances if they’re a bit too sappy? 🤔😂 How does this one measure up? Fantastic review!
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Thanks, Beth! I don’t think it’s too sappy, but it is a sweet romance rather than a steamy one. It feels like a romance, though, so this may not be the best match for you, my friend. ♥️
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That cover is gorgeous and the books sounds pretty good as well.
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It was a lovely read, Marialyce! Pretty cover, too!
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Lovely review, Jennifer. This sounds like a good story. I love the fact that both MCs come with baggage hence creating some sort of conflict.
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Thank you, Diana! You are so right- that definitely added interest for the storyline.
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Oh Jennifer…. what a gorgeous cover. And a delicious story too. I entered the giveaway. Fingers crossed! Lol
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Oh, I have my fingers crossed, too, Nina! I could see you enjoying this one, and yes, that cover!
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I keep reading great reviews of this book, I need to get to it. Wonderful review Jennifer.
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Thank you, Carla! It’s a wonderful, charming read. I hope you love it, too, and I’ll be waiting to see what you think.
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