Today’s team review is from Liz, she blogs here https://lizannelloyd.wordpress.com/
Liz has been reading A Modest Independence: Parish Orphans of Devon #2 by Mimi Matthews
This unusual Victorian romance tells the story of two people who do not plan marriage with anyone. At 28, Jenny Holloway is a spinster “past her prime” and after life as a drudge caring for her ungrateful father, her ambition is for independence and the opportunity to travel. Tom Finchley is a successful, London attorney whose lonely childhood has given him the drive to work long hours, with little time for pleasure. But as Jenny sets out to travel to British India with her legacy and two trustworthy servants, Tom finds himself compelled to accompany her. Soon, despite antagonism, they draw closer and begin an intimate friendship not normally possible for respectable single men and women.
Mimi Matthews has the ability to reveal her characters inner most thoughts even when they are deeply confused. The frank conversations between Tom and Jenny show that although they are strongly attracted to one another they are equally determined to keep their independence. The plot takes us on trains, ships and gharries to Egypt and on to India. The intense heat and tense atmosphere following the Indian mutiny is clearly described and the unfortunate early lives of Jenny’s Indian servants tells us much of the unfairness of colonial rule. This accurate picture of society’s expectations helps the reader to feel Jenny’s frustration at the entrapment of women within marriage, paralleled by the tight rigidity of her corseted costume. And the addition of passion and love, results in an irresistible tale I did not want to stop reading.
He Needed Peace…
Solicitor Tom Finchley has spent his life using his devious intellect to solve the problems of others. As for his own problems, they’re nothing that a bit of calculated vengeance can’t remedy. But that’s all over now. He’s finally ready to put the past behind him and settle down to a quiet, uncomplicated life. If only he could find an equally uncomplicated woman.
She Wanted Adventure…
Former lady’s companion Jenny Holloway has just been given a modest independence. Now, all she wants is a bit of adventure. A chance to see the world and experience life far outside the restrictive limits of Victorian England. If she can discover the fate of the missing Earl of Castleton while she’s at it, so much the better.
From the gaslit streets of London to the lush tea gardens of colonial India, Jenny and Tom embark on an epic quest—and an equally epic romance. But even at the farthest edges of the British Empire, the past has a way of catching up with you…
Rosie Amber 
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Loved reading your review. I have read one of Mimi Matthews’ work before. Her writing is capable of creating a realistic environment. I’ll give this book a read. Thank you for telling us about it.
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