Historical Romance Book Club discussion

Discussion thread for the second BOTM for August 2024. Please remember to use the spoiler tags when necessary! (Please see 'some html is ok' for instructions.)

Join us in reading this HR that features the theme Working Class. Happy reading!


A Modest Independence by Mimi Matthews

Synopsis:

He Needed Peace…
Solicitor Tom Finchley has spent his life using his devious intellect to solve the problems of others. As for his own problems, they’re nothing that a bit of calculated vengeance can’t remedy. But that’s all over now. He’s finally ready to put the past behind him and settle down to a quiet, uncomplicated life. If only he could find an equally uncomplicated woman.

She Wanted Adventure…
Former lady’s companion Jenny Holloway has just been given a modest independence. Now, all she wants is a bit of adventure. A chance to see the world and experience life far outside the restrictive limits of Victorian England. If she can discover the fate of the missing Earl of Castleton while she’s at it, so much the better.

From the gaslit streets of London to the lush tea gardens of colonial India, Jenny and Tom embark on an epic quest—and an equally epic romance. But even at the farthest edges of the British Empire, the past has a way of catching up with you…

I read this one not that long ago so will pass on this one.

I have downloaded a sample of this on my Kindle and so far I am keen to keep reading. However, I feel like there is a whole plot that I am missing. Should I read the first book in the series? I feel like I could read this without it, but that my enjoyment would be enahnced by reading book 1. Any thoughts?

Susan, I was going to ask the same thing. I didn't know if I needed to read book 1. MM books tend to be better in order, I think

I am trying to remember as I have read both. I don't think you need to read the first as this is a road trip book. But if anyone has a better recollection chime in.

I decided to read book 1 and I am really glad that I did. It was fabulous - and now I am keen and ready for book 2.

Finchley and Jenny do feature quite a bit in the first book and there is also some background regarding the Earl of Castleton and the situation with regards to to India - however I am sure that you could read the second book without having read book 1. But I think if you have the time and resources to read book 1 first I think it would be worth it.

I am now half way through this book - and it is a little boring, The journey itself (through France, Egypt and now India) is really interesting, however I am finding the romance a bit dull and I am am not invested in it. I will continue and hopefully it gets a bit better.

Interestingly I has a similar experience with the only other Mimi Matthews books I have read. I read 'The Work of Art', book 1 in the Someset series and was keen to read book 2 - I made it to 50% in the second book and gave up.

I will also say - while Finchley and Jenny do work for a living (well, Jenny did - but now she has her 'modest independence') and Finchley has dragged himself out of the orphanage, they are relatively wealthy, so the travel is all first class, they employ servants and hobnob with parts of the aristocracy - no working class living here.

I read this a couple of years ago and found the travel part to also be slow.

I have finished the book. It does get more interesting at about then 75% mark. That coincided with the point where I wanted to throttle the heroine....

Anyway - all finished - never need to worry about Tom and Jenny again! For some reason I am now keen to read on to book 3. Hmmm

I want to read all three August books of the month. I haven't stated any of them yet, and I am running out of time. Still.... I've decided to go back and read the first in this series beforehand. I prefer to read a series in order. Since Susan was glad she did, that decided it. Starting The Matrimonial Advertisement tonight, and then I'll be back for this one.

I read the first book as well because generally I like to read the books in order as well. I have enjoyed the series, I actually enjoyed the fact that this is a clean romance. The characters Tom and Jenny have a lovely connection, although I did find the development of their relationship a bit drawn out, I agree with Susan on that point, it does get better about 2/3rds in. I actually found the travelling components quite interesting from a historical point of view, I think I enjoyed it slightly more than the relationship part for the most part. I found the travelling and how they travelled on the trains and ships fascinating as well as the description of the places they visited.

Overall, I liked the book. I probably would give it a 4 out of 5. Mimi Matthews is a new author for me, and I will definitely read more of her books. The stories are well written, are genuinely lovely relationships that I could relate to.

I just finished book one and loved it! Justin is my kind of hero. Not only am I glad I read it because I enjoyed the story, it also gave a great introduction to Mr. Finchley and Jenny. Planning to start this one tomorrow. I also think I might add the series to my challenge and read the last two books. I want to read Neville's story.

I have now completed this one. I agree with both Susan's and Clarissa's comments. The travel was interesting, but it was a bit slow in the middle. Some harpy gossips are not as villainous as an evil uncle who wants to lock you away. I also got frustrated with Jenny. It took her long enough to trust Tom. He was a wonderful hero. I definitely plan to finish the series.

I've read the first one and loved it! I want to read this one, but I have another MM's series on going. She is one of my favourite authors! I'm glad you all liked this one!