The Work of Art

Somerset Stories, Book 1

By: Mimi Matthews

Narrated by: Alex Wyndham

Length: 9 hrs and 27 mins

Publisher's summary

"Matthews weaves suspense and mystery within an absorbing love story. Readers will be hard put to set this one down before the end." (Library Journal, starred review)

An Uncommon Beauty....

Hidden away in rural Devonshire, Phyllida Satterthwaite has always been considered more odd than beautiful. But in London, her oddity has made her a sensation. Far worse, it’s caught the eye of the sinister Duke of Moreland - a notorious art collector obsessed with acquiring one-of-a-kind treasures. To escape the duke’s clutches, she’s going to need a little help.

An Unlikely Hero....

Captain Arthur Heywood’s days of heroism are long past. Grievously injured in the Peninsular War, he can no longer walk unaided, let alone shoot a pistol. What use can he possibly be to a damsel in distress? He has nothing left to offer except his good name.

Can a marriage of convenience save Philly from the vengeful duke? Or will life with Arthur put her - and her heart - in more danger than ever?

©2019 Mimi Matthews (P)2019 Audible, Inc.

Loved it!

Great, intriguing plot, wonderful love story, strong but feminine heroine, fabulous narration! This novel was thoroughly enjoyable!

Woah! Misunderstandings are nonstarters!

Surprisingly sweet. And a couple that openly talks about what’s troubling them and addressed the misunderstanding without wallowing in misery? What a novel concept .

Alex & Mimi are a perfect duo

This book was a perfect combo of romance and mystery. I'm pretty good at figuring out whodunnits, but was surprised at the end. The characters were nicely developed....rich and likeable (some of them). Others were rich and unlikable.
Alex Wydham is my most favorite narrator and he did a great job on this one Mimi Rogers is one of the best story tellers I've read. This book goes in my "listen again and again" category.

Extremely Captivating

Extremely well written. From the first chapter I was captivated. Oddly enough as soon as I finished, I proceed to re-listen to the entire book again. Great author!!! The Matrimonial Advertisement is excellent as well.

Philly and Arthur

I actually loved the sweet nature of Philly and how protective her animals and her husband. A great story of the healing power of love.

The narrative isn’t great but the story is good

I’m not into romance stories but the s story had more to offer and wasn’t just a romantic one. The narrator is not the best but once you get into the book it doesn’t matter.
I did have to listen twice as I had fell asleep in the middle and certain things happened at the end which I felt I needed to hear and I’m glad I did. The story does have a richness to it and I love period movies and books so this was one that I enjoyed.

Loved this book!

I really enjoyed this story. I felt like the characters had better communication skills than most characters in regency romance novels. It was refreshing. I didn't love the way the narrator did the voices of the main characters. I think if I read the book on my own the voices would have sounded way different in my mind. Other than that I really loved this book!

Action packed suspense wrapped in romance

The narrator was delightful. The banter was clever and amusing. The mystery kept me on the edge of my seat. The characters are well defined. The cultural references are accurate. The love story is heartwarming.

Sweet and dramatic

Just the right amount of Drama without being overdone. Sweet main character and good character growth. A nice surprise ending as usual.

Finally, a great romance story!

I was so happy to have finally found a romance book in which main characters are behaving and communicating in a normal, rational manner!
There were no forced misunderstandings - just two love thirsty people finding each other. Thank you Mimi Matthews!
I get it (from the comments by other readers) that not all of us out here look for the same in romance books, but to me - this book - that’s it!! Sweet and exciting story that is not insulting one’s intelligence. Perfect!

Narrator was not quite to my liking - I mean he has a great (really great!!) deep voice but he should work on not having so much of that whispering, questioning tone to the narration parts. He does voices (dialogues) otherwise well and I could thoroughly enjoy his reading if only he could tone down his monotonous rhythm a bit more (actually I think it did not bother me this time so much as it did in Parish Orphans of Devon series ;-) so - on a good way there!)
I am sure I will be listening to this story again and I can heartily recommend it to all Victorian novels’ lovers!