"A Holiday by Gaslight" by Mimi Matthews is a Christmas novella set in Victorian times, following the story of Sophie, a daughter of a noble family facing financial ruin, and Ned, a wealthy businessman courting her. The plot revolves around their courtship, filled with miscommunications and family pressures, as they navigate the expectations of their society. The writing style is described as charming, engaging, and delightful, capturing the essence of a Victorian romance with traditional Christmas atmosphere.
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Has Romance?
The romance is a significant and central element of the story, presenting the emotional journey of the protagonists.
From The Publisher:
A Dutiful Daughter
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. After all, even a dutiful daughter has her limits.
A Taciturn Tradesman
Ned has come a long way since his days working as a draper's assistant. He's wealthy, ambitious, and eager to take a wife. But the courtship advice issued in The Gentlemen's Book of Etiquette isn't all it's cracked up to be. Though he's followed it to the letter, Miss Appersett still doesn't wish to see him again. Frustrated and hurt, he's more than happy to oblige her.
A Christmas Courtship
Severing ties with her former beau 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 the annual Christmas party at Appersett House and give him one more chance to win her? But this time there'll be no false formality. This time they'll get to know each other for who they really are. more
Ratings (2)
Loved It (1) | |
Did Not Like (1) |
Reader Stats (5):
Read It (2) | |
Want To Read (1) | |
Not Interested (2) |
2 comment(s)
Two-star rating are usually negative for me, but in this case it's simply that I thought this novella was just OK. There was nothing terribly fun or engaging about it, and I didn't care very much for any of the characters. Perhaps that's due to the short length, but there it is.
I still really enjoy Mimi Matthews as an author—This book just wasn't for me.
It's been a while since I've read anything and this was the perfect way to ease back in. Sophie and Ned were both adorably awkward but they muddled through to genuinely find they liked each other. After a false start they both made an effort to be honest and straightforward and share with each other their pasts, desires, dreams, wants, etc and in the process found they were a great team. I really liked the emphasis Ned put on find himself an equal, a partner who would stand by him and help him to achieve their dreams. And I really liked both characters and their story. It was sweet.
What can you read after
A Holiday by Gaslight?
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