It’s been a while since I last sat down to write a full book review, and it’s no surprise that a Mimi Matthews novel is the inspiration. When you need a historical romance with depth and drama, Matthews always delivers. In The Work of Art, I’ve found another favorite — is it possible for all of an author’s books to be your favorite of their books? Asking for a friend.
Captain Arthur Heywood had no intention of finding a wife when he came to London on business for his father. Wounded during the war, he would much rather remain in solitude at his country estate, but his life is changed when he meets Phyllida Satterthwaite, a unique beauty threatened by sinister forces both known and unknown.
Marriage of convenience and friends to lovers are two of my favorite tropes, so it’s no surprise that a book combining both would capture my heart! Arthur and Philly are rich, sympathetic characters, and I immediately liked them as individuals and as a pair. Mutual trust and respect are the foundation of first their friendship and then their love, and they bring out the best in each other. Like every couple, they have their problems, but ultimately, they are always trying to protect and help each other, which sees them through every conflict.
The Work of Art has been on my TBR for some time, and if I didn’t get to it sooner, it’s only because I was savoring the anticipation. And it was worth the wait and the savoring! As you would expect from a Mimi Matthews novel, the historical setting is vivid and the emotions are powerful. I was swept away by the mystery and the romance, and I already know I’ll reread this again and again just to spend more time with these characters and in this world where villains are thwarted and love triumphs over all.
It was the upcoming release of the third book in the Somerset Stories that finally prompted me to stop anticipating and start reading The Work of Art. Keep an eye out for my reviews of the next two books, Gentleman Jim and Return to Satterthwaite Court!
–b
Book It With Becca 
Great review! I love marriage-of-convenience and friends-to-lovers romances and this one sounds great. I hadn’t heard of this author before but I’m keen to check this book out. 😃
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Dini!! If you like these – and especially marriage-of-convenience – Matthews is a must-read. She’s also a fan of this trope, and she does it so well!
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