The Lily of Ludgate Hill

By: Mimi Matthews

Narrated by: Samuel Roukin, Elizabeth Knowelden

A BookBub Best Romance of Winter 2024!

Fortune favors the bold—but is a confirmed spinster daring enough to loosen the reins and accept a favor from the wicked gentleman who haunts her dreams?

Lady Anne Deveril doesn’t spook easily. A woman of lofty social standing known for her glacial beauty and starchy opinions, she’s the unofficial leader of her small group of equestriennes. Since her mother’s devastating plunge into mourning six years ago, Anne voluntarily renounced any fanciful notions of love and marriage. And yet, when fate puts Anne back into the entirely too enticing path of Mr. Felix Hartford, she’s tempted to run…right into his arms.

No one understands why Lady Anne withdrew into the shadows of society, Hart least of all. The youthful torch he once held for her has long since cooled. Or so he keeps telling himself. But now Anne needs a favor to help a friend. Hart will play along with her little ruse—on the condition that Anne attend a holiday house party at his grandfather’s country estate. No more mourning clothes. No more barriers. Only the two of them, unrequited feelings at last laid bare.

Finally free to gallop out on her own, Anne makes the tantalizing discovery that beneath the roguish exterior of her not-so-white knight is a man with hidden depths, scorching passions—and a tender heart.

Great narrator and interesting well developed plot

Storyline was a bit repetitive and predictable but author is an accomplished storyteller - my interest was held until the end,

Another grat read from Mimi Matthews

Some people complain that the book is boring and lacks a strong plot, but I heartily disagree. This is a character-driven, second-chance romance. It’s about two people growing up, owning their past mistakes, and reevaluating their lives and feelings for one another. Both characters are very likeable and relatable in their struggles to make amends and understand each other better—especially Hart. He is quite adorable.
The book also explores themes of grief, duty to one’s family, and rediscovering joy after heartbreaking loss.
On the downside, I didn’t enjoy the male narrator. There’s nothing wrong with the narration itself; I just didn’t care for the sound of his voice. I found it too rough and unpleasant—for my ears, at least. It simply didn’t match how I imagined the main character. The female narrator, however, was perfect. So 4.5 for narration from me.
All in all, I loved every moment I spent with this novel. I love and recommend the whole series.

A lovely second chance romance!

In the third book of The Belles of London series, Mimi Matthews pens a thoughtful and poignant tale of love, duty to family, and second chances set in Victorian England. Additionally, The Lily of Ludgate Hill gently explores the relationship between grief and healing in a romantic context. Anne’s loyalty to her friend, Julia (Belle of Belgrave Square), sends her on a road trip to Yorkshire with Felix Hartford, the man who broke her tender heart six years ago. Despite the long separation and disappointment, there remains a lingering attraction, undying love, and hope for reconciliation. Luckily, the journey to Yorkshire presents Anne and Hart with the opportunity to view each other with fresh lenses and confront their unresolved past.

The Lily of Ludgate Hill is the quintessential second chance romance that delivers on the angst, yearning, banter, and a heartwarming happily-ever-after. If you love Jane Austen’s Persuasion, you will savor Anne and Hartford’s slow burn romance. “Skeptical she might be. Uncertain she was. But not immune. Not to him.” And if you need more inducements, one or two Parish Orphans make a cameo appearance in this book!

I always enjoy Elizabeth Knowelden's narration and Samuel Roukin did a good job, too.

Compassion and strength

After losing a husband, a child does take on a more mature role in the relationship between a mother and a daughter. Lady Ann was illustrated as a very strong, yet compassionate woman towards her mother, and her respect of the relationship between her mother and father. This was a beautiful story. Miss Matthews never ceases to amaze me in her writing abilities. I would recommend all of her books as I have all of her books.

Great historical romance story!

Another great story combined with actual events - love reading Mimi Matthews’ books. On to book #4.