Review: A Holiday By Gaslight: A Victorian Christmas Novella by Mimi Matthews

About the Book

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.

Amazon / Goodreads

My Thoughts

I kept hearing how awesome Mimi Matthews' books were so when I happened upon A Holiday By Gaslight on sale, I had to give it a try. It did not disappoint. Set during the Victorian era, I was immediately sucked into the story and fully immersed in the time.

I instantly felt for Ned. He tried to do everything right and by the book, but it just wasn't working out. If he would've just been himself, no airs and no fronts, and shown his true genuine self, there would've been a lot less hassle. (And isn't that a lesson for us all!) I didn't know what to think of Sophie at first. She was quite blunt, but her authenticity shone through. She was being true to herself which I admired.

I had a wonderful time reading A Holiday By Gaslight. It's the perfect story to get you in the holiday spirit. Anyone who enjoys well-researched historical romance is sure to delight in this gem.

Four Stars