A Convenient Fiction
(Parish Orphans of Devon, Book 3)
"A well-crafted historical romance built on a marriage of convenience." —Kirkus
She Needed a Husband...
It's been three years since Laura Hayes's father died, leaving her and her invalid brother to subsist on the income from the family's failing perfume business. But time is swiftly running out. What she needs is a husband, and fast. A noble gentleman who can rescue them all from penury. When a mysterious stranger arrives in the village, he seems a perfect candidate. But Alex Archer is no hero. In fact, he just might be the opposite.
He Wanted a Fortune...
Alex has no tolerance for sentiment. He's returned to England for one reason only: to find a wealthy wife. A country-bred heiress in Surrey seems the perfect target. But somewhere between the village railway station and the manor house his mercenary plan begins to unravel. And it's all the fault of Laura Hayes—a lady as unsuitable as she is enchanting.
From the beaches of Margate to the lavender fields of Provence, a grudging friendship slowly blossoms into something more. But when scandal threatens, can a man who has spent his entire life playing the villain, finally become a hero? Or will the lure of easy riches once again outweigh the demands of his heart?
More Reviews:
"This was a fantastically easy read. I am an enormous fan of historical fiction anyway, but author Mimi Matthews' accurate and telling portrayal of life for women and men of some privilege in the early Victorian age was wonderful and compelling. A Convenient Fiction is beautifully written and flows incredibly well." —Readers’ Favorite
"[Matthews] once again highlights the injustices of rigid class structures in Victorian England, this time matching a hero of dubious character and a worthy, resourceful heroine. Readers who enjoy their historicals set in the country—or seaside and France or England will be in for a treat." —Library Journal
"It seems that I say each book that Mimi Matthews pens is her best writing, but it appears to be true. She just gets better, and is rapidly becoming one of my very favorite authors. A Convenient Fiction is a top favorite of books I've read this year, and I heartily give it my highest recommendation." —The Romance Reviews
Author Bio:
USA Today bestselling author Mimi Matthews 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.