My The Matrimonial Advertisement Book Review - No Spoilers
Plot Summary
The Matrimonial Advertisement by Mimi Matthews is the first book in the Parish Orphans of Devon series, set in 1859 England. Helena Reynolds is desperate to flee her troubled life in London and answers a mysterious ad for a wife, traveling to the brooding coastal estate of Greyfriar’s Abbey. There, she meets ex-army captain Justin Thornhill. Scarred by years of hardship and the trauma of torture in an Indian prison, Justin has returned home with fortunes made and wounds unhealed. He seeks a practical marriage—a wife who can bridge his isolation from local society and help him run the estate. What follows is a marriage of convenience between two people hiding secrets and haunted by their own pasts. As threats from outside and inside the Abbey test them, Helena and Justin must decide if their “arrangement” can become something more, or if shadows and secrets will tear them apart.
Why I Love This Book
I love the tension and depth in this story—it’s romantic, yes, but also soaked in atmosphere and emotion. Watching Helena and Justin circle each other—each suspicious and hurting—kept me hooked. The marriage of convenience trope works perfectly here, full of slow-burn chemistry, rich character backstory, and plenty of longing glances across drafty halls. I’m drawn to Justin’s gentle strength, how his hard-won honor hides real vulnerability, and I rooted for him at every turn. Helena’s courage—her refusal to let the world break her, even with everything pressing down—is inspiring. The writing brings the Victorian era alive; the social constraints, shadows of danger, and details about daily life and gender roles made me feel like I’d stepped into another world. I especially enjoyed how the book handles trauma, shame, and trust without rushing to easy resolutions. The romance is earned—brimming with mutual respect, soft moments of care, and the kind of longing that aches. The ending left me sincerely moved and satisfied, and hungry for the next book in the series.
Who Will Like This Book
If you enjoy historical romance with dark edges, complicated characters, and a true slow-burn vibe, you’ll love this book. Fans of the marriage of convenience trope and “wounded hero” stories will find a lot to savor. The gothic, windswept setting is perfect for readers who like their love stories atmospheric and a bit brooding. If you appreciate clear consent, subtle chemistry, and a romance that builds on real trust, this is for you. Content warnings include references to trauma, PTSD, attempted abuse, menace from family members, and Victorian asylum practices. While romance is the heart of the book, it doesn’t shy away from heavier topics or historical reality, but treats both with sensitivity and care.
Tagged As
historical romance, Victorian, marriage of convenience, slow burn, wounded hero, gothic romance, brooding hero, strong heroine, trauma recovery, mental health, consent, secret past, open-door romance, emotional healing, family drama, small town, found family, series, indie romance, standalone, kindle unlimited
Steam Level
This is a mild, “open-door but not explicit” romance. There’s romantic tension, longing, and a few tastefully written intimate scenes—never gratuitous, always character-driven. The focus is on emotional connection and healing, with just enough steam to keep the stakes high and the payoff sweet.
