UK set book, where Justin's secretary advertises for a wife for his boss

I recently discovered Mimi Matthews when I read A Holiday by Gaslight. It was a short novella but I was really excited to delve into a longer novel of hers. The Matrimonial Advertisement is a enjoyable read. Solid 3 stars. I liked the main characters and the way their relationship develops. There were some funny lines. It could've been added half a star but it started to drag a little in the middle and the plot line about Giles seemed a bit too absurd for my tastes. I probably won't read the rest of the series. I didn't really like Jenny or Alex overly much to bother reading the next one and the two after that don't quite grab me. But I'll definitely keep my eye out for future Mimi Matthew releases. ( )

While this was pretty predictable historical romance, what I did like was that, for the most part, the two main characters didn't misunderstand or resent each other because of the stupid misinterpretations that keep characters apart in many books. Yes, there's an unnecessary "I'm-going-to-be-noble-and-let-you-go" bit at the end but it's not overly angsty and doesn't go on too long. ( )

Justin Thornhill is a broody ex-soldier returned from India, who lives in an old abbey located on steep cliffs in Devon with only a handful of staff, seeking isolation. His administrator persuades him that he needs a wife, so he places an advertisement in the newspapers.
Helena Reynolds was once one of the most popular women in London, but now she just wants to leave the city and find a husband to protect her, so she answers an advertisement that is well below her station.
Both Justin and Helena have not had it easy in life and agree that this is to be a marriage without feelings, but as the shadows from their pasts start hunting them, the arrangement is increasingly stirred up and they have to decide what is truly important to them.
Of course this plot is somewhat foreseeable, but I was engrossed by it. I liked the characters immediately, and I appreciated the thorough research that the author has done, as well as the many historical details that make the story more authentic and credible. Of course there is a lot of drama, but the focus is always on the feeling and development of the characters, and I enjoyed this slower pace and inner focus of the story-telling for a change.
Justine Eyre is a great narrator and I love her voice. Unfortunately, she does not narrate the second installment of the series, but I am still looking forward to it very much because I cannot wait to see what happens to Finchley and Jenny, Justin's solicitor and Helena's former companion, who will be the main characters of book 2. While book 1 can firmly stand alone, I like the idea that some plot lines will be carried over into a second book, but with a different focus. ( )

The characters got in their own way some, but overall I liked them and was entertained by their story. ( )