A Modest Independence (Parish Orphans of Devon Book 2) Kindle Edition

Mimi Matthews balances charm, adventure, and romance amidst vividly painted exotic locales in this Victorian novel. It matches a spunky and daring heroine to her perfect complement of a hero whose thoughtful nature and intelligence make their story one of friendship and familiarity not often plumbed within such an era– and their romance all the more meaningful for its resilience and selfless nature.There are so many things I love about this novel that make it one of my favorites in its Victorian niche: the layers of the story, the wonderful world travel, the smart friendship between Jenny and Tom, the important secondary characters, the romantic tension (that. is. always. there.), and the fact that their romance is apart from the course of their lives.I love that Jenny’s sense of identity never changes. She is a strong character whose journey is not about “finding herself”, but about her dreams changing and how the surprise possibility of love makes her see herself and choices differently without diminishing the value of her initial stance. She and Tom face their romance head-on, which I also appreciated, fully sharing their feelings and doubts in a straightforward manner. Tom, in turn, grows and reconciles his childhood and some of his past choices because he bends to see life through Jenny’s eyes.While I’m on the subject of Tom Finchley, let’s just talk about how his intelligence is SO attractive. I mean, his demeanor + the era make the simplicity of being on a first name basis just downright intimate. In various situations, he goes above and beyond to see after Jenny, all while respecting her abilities and wishes.With A Modest Independence, Mimi Matthews has established herself as a must-read author when it comes to historical romance. Her practiced and timeless style is proves her to be a contemporary of a Victorian voice. I am eager for what’s next in this series!!!Content note: overall a clean read, especially concerning the romance element, but there are some very mild expletives, mostly uttered by the characters in the company of gentlemen. 🙂

I gave this 4 stars because Mimi Matthews does excellent research and it shows in all her stories. She has a command of the era. She is able to paint a picture so I imagine myself there. She is very skilled at her craft. This was true for this book as well. Her stories are complex with lots of layers to them. I have some mixed feelings about the h and parts of the stroy that fell more to a 3-3/12. Though the h wasn't my favorite. I was able to see where she was coming from and saw how she came to be. I found I liked the H more though he was pretty flawed as well. I felt he grew and matured. I don't think the h ever truly gave up her man hating ways. I made notes as I read that said how bitter and unforgiving she was. She had a lot of pride and would paint all men with one broad brush. Perhaps this part of her character is to show how women didn't have very many rights back then. I felt she kind of used the H a bit and was on the self centered side during their travels. Some people complained the story is a bit drawn out because most of the book is with them on their travels. I could see how other readers felt it a bit slow. I was able to focus on the budding relationship so that didn't really become a problem for me. Their romance seemed more physical attraction and passionate kissing than a connection with heart and mind. I do appreciate the no bedroom scenes. I would say the heat rating is pg-13 with the kissing and description. Also, the wedding night does get a mention but no description. The h said it started in the afternoon and he was an attentive lover. I could do with out all that was previously mentioned but thankfully nothing was detailed & we're never led up to the bedroom door so to speak. I do like the flow of Mimi's stories and dialgoue. I really enjoyed book #1 and her other books. Hopefully, this mixed review is a one off. I'm really interested in finishing the series.

In A Modest Independence Mimi Matthews gives us more of a glimpse of how a woman’s life during this time in history is curtailed by who she is tied to; a husband, brother, or father. In this case Tom decides to join Jenny on her journey as her “brother” as it would not be correct for a man and woman to travel alone, despite his having hired two Indian servants to join her. Their attraction for each other grows due to the close confines, the question is how or if they will do anything about it and the societal rules that would be broken if they did. I’ll admit to finding that fascinating.Another glimpse behind how people lived during this time is provided through Ahmad and Mira the two half Indian cousins that Tom hired as Jenny’s servants on the journey. As they are half British and half Indian, how are they treated? There are plenty of moments that show their inequality and provide great context to this time as well as help us get to know these two characters who are in A Siren in Sussex.As an aside, part of the novel takes place in Egypt, which I am currently vacationing in and found fun to read and see through our heroine‘s eyes the sites and sounds of a Cairo That is much different than it is today.I am again fascinated by this author’s writing style and the realism that she imbues into her story. I’m not sure I would have enjoyed this novel so much without the moments of inequality, conflict, and concerns that our heroine would retain her independence. I loved Tom Finchley’s bravery in the face of this type of woman and loved that they found a way to be together. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❣️

I really enjoyed this book. I liked both the H nd the h and cared about what happened to them. I loved the premise of the book and the history the dharacters shared. I can only give it three stars, though, because I think it went on a little bit too long. The dharacters repeated the same conversation over and over. They have great chemisrty, but there was too much conversation about nothing. I noticed that this book is over 100 pages longer than the other books in the series. I did enjoy it, though, and think that it's good to read this book before reading book #3 in the series.

I loved this story, its a very nice regency romance with a cool twist and lovable heroes.

Di questa autrice ho acquistato tutti e quattro gli audiolibri della serie Parish Orphans of Devon perché mi ha convinto la voce dell'attore che legge e per imparare meglio l'inglese.Il protagonisti principali di questo secondo volume della serie sono due personaggi secondari che abbiamo conosciuto nel libro precedente: Tom Finchley, un avvocato e Jenny Holloway una dama di compagnia.Tom è uno dei quattro trovatelli cresciuti in un Orfanotrofio del Devon di cui al titolo della serie e questa è la sua avventura.Si tratta del classico romanzo di viaggio. Siamo nel 1860 e Jenny, che ha finalmente ricevuto da Lady Helena una somma in grado di garantirle l'indipendenza, per ripagare tanta generosità decide di partire per l'India in cerca di notizie circa il fratello di Helena, dato per morto due anni prima nel corso delle rivolte indiane.L'avvocato Finchley che gestisce la rendita di Jenny, e l'aveva conosciuta del libro precedente restandone colpito, decide di partire con lei perché convinto che Jenny non sia in grado di cavarsela da sola in un viaggio di questa portata. E non ha torto.Ecco, devo dire che all'inizio nessuno dei due protagonisti risulta molto simpatico: Jenny perché ostinatamente convinta di poter fare da sola nonostante la sua ovvia impreparazione ad affrontare gli ostacoli di un tale viaggio e Tom, perché con tutte le migliori intenzioni, è un manipolatore di prim'ordine.Il buono del romanzo è che entrambi matureranno e impareranno a fidarsi e a superare le paure della giovinezza aprendosi alla possibilità di amare sul serio.E' chiaro che l'autrice ci sa fare: i suoi personaggi in questo caso (tranne uno di loro) sono persone di una classe sociale modesta e si sono fatti da soli fra mille difficoltà materiali ed etiche. La trama in questo caso è del tutto funzionale al loro sviluppo e alla loro crescita e tuttavia alcune descrizioni dell'India e dell'Egitto e dei mezzi di trasporto dell'epoca impreziosiscono la vicenda e la rendono molto godibile.Il lieto fine è un viaggio faticoso che entrambi i protagonisti dovranno fare prendendosi il tempo necessario.Sono rimasta soddisfatta.

A Modest Independence is the second book in Mimi Matthews’ Parish Orphans of Devon series. Both the hero, Thomas (Tom) Finchley, and the heroine, Jenny Holloway, had important roles in The Matrimonial Advertisement. Tom was Justin’s solicitor and Jenny, Helena’s distant cousin and companion.I found it refreshing that Tom is not your stereotypical hero. He is neither titled nor is there is anything exceptional about his appearance. However, with hard work and determination, he has risen above his humble beginnings in the orphanage to become a solicitor. Tom has always been in control of every aspect of his life and is totally dedicated to his work and the clients he represents are sometimes less than honourable.At the age of twenty-eight, Jenny has always been at someone else’s beck and call - first as little more than a drudge for her drunkard of a father and her selfish brothers, and then as Helena’s companion. She has always longed to be independent and fulfil her dreams of travelling and when she receives the money from Helena, I can understand why she is so determined to embrace her newfound freedom.In The Matrimonial Advertisement, while helping Helena, Tom and Jenny formed a close friendship and it seemed possible that it might have developed into something more. Unfortunately Tom’s actions created friction between them, but the long journey to India allows the strong attraction to flourish and turn to love.I like how they come to confide in each other and talk openly about their feelings and why they can never be together. Ms. Matthews captures their emotional turmoil so well that, even though I knew that there would be a Happy Ever After, it seemed an impossibility because they both want very different things from life. Jenny is unwilling to give up her independence while Tom has built a life for himself in London and has clients who depend on him.Tom has his faults but ultimately he proves to be a true hero. He is willing to let Jenny go to pursue her dreams regardless of the heartbreak it causes him. For me such self-sacrifice shows the depth of his love for her. I like how he took a long hard at himself and the choices he had made in his career and resolved only to represent those who truly deserved his help.Jenny now has her freedom but realises that she is alone and has no one to share her adventures with. She has been afraid to trust anyone because her family has always let her down. Jenny loves Tom and, in her heart, she knows that she can marry him and not lose her independence.The journey forms a interesting and colourful backdrop to the romance and Ms. Matthews’ research is evident in the fascinating details she incorporates into the story, bringing to life the vibrant sights and sounds of the places they visit.The mystery surrounding Helena’s brother Giles, the social and political commentary and the secondary characters all add to the story.There is a charming Epilogue which also paves the way for the next book, A Convenient Fiction which is Alex’s story.Once again, Ms. Matthews delivers a beautifully written, emotionally satisfying and meticulously researched Victorian romance.

Fiquei muito decepcionada com o primeiro livro da série, e embora este tenha se perdido um pouco, amei a construção das personagens e maior parte do enredo. Algumas escolhas da autora não me agradaram, mas essa é a prerrogativa dela.

I always enjoy Mimi Matthews' romances in the same way I enjoy old movies: the chemistry and the sexual tension is there, but it's mostly subtext. That is a refreshing change in our tell-all social media culture. I also appreciate that this novel brings to light issues of race, gender, class, and other cultural themes of the time period, without being didactic, but simply in the storytelling and the empathy of the characters. It adds a dimension for the modern reader. And a request: I would like Mira & Ahmed to get their own book(s) :)