I love a good redemption story and second-chance romance, and The Lily of Ludgate Hill nails it. Lady Anne and Felix Hartford were childhood friends and eventually sweethearts. Youth, a devastating loss, and distance cause them to hurt each other dreadfully. After avoiding him for six years, Lady Anne finds herself in need of Felix’s unique skills. What starts as a small favour escalates, and magic happens.
Book Information
Publisher: Penguin Publishing Group
Imprint: Berkley
First Published: Jan 16 2024
Format: ebook
Source: Library
Genre: Historical Romance
Series: Belles of London #3
I adore a steadfast, even-keeled, patient lead character, especially when paired up with a character who is chaotic, unconventional and a whirlwind. The dynamic between Anne and Felix is sharp and witty. They have a mountain of past hurt to overcome, and the process is approached slowly and thoroughly. Sometimes, a story will gloss over past wrongs without the characters acknowledging their mistakes and atoning. In The Lily of Ludgate Hill, it’s handled masterfully. While Anne is walled off and reluctant to be vulnerable again, Felix slowly works to regain her trust. The newspaper stories, which play a significant role, were so wonderful.
The pair face some small struggles together but also have their own problems. Hartford’s story is rich and made my heart squeeze with empathy. Both characters make sacrifices for their families, often putting themselves in difficult or even miserable situations. Yet, their resilience and determination shine through, making their triumphs all the more satisfying.
Anne’s friends, who played a significant role in book one of the Belles of London series, had a diminished presence in books two and three. I had eagerly anticipated more of their stories and was left wanting. This reflects my personal expectations, not a flaw in the Lily of Ludgate Hill’s narrative.
As a fan of historical romance, The Lily of Ludgate Hill was a delight to read. The Second Industrial Revolution setting was a fun backdrop, and I was pleased with how it was seamlessly woven into the story. The second-chance romance between Lady Anne and Felix was beautifully executed, and I found myself rooting for their reunion. Felix, in particular, stood out as a favourite character, his journey of redemption and love resonating with me. Mimi Matthews did a wonderful job with these characters.
Links
Belle of London Reviews
#1 – The Siren of Sussex
#2 – The Belle of Belgrave Square
thestorygraph
Mimi Matthew’s Website
