Mimi Matthews – författare

What did a Victorian lady wear for a walk in the park? How did she style her hair for an evening at the theatre? And what products might she have used to soothe a sunburn or treat an unsightly blemish? Mimi Matthews answers these questions and more as she takes readers on a decade-by-decade journey through Victorian fashion and beauty history.Women's clothing changed dramatically during the course of the Victorian era. Necklines rose, waistlines dropped, and Gothic severity gave way to flounces, frills, and an abundance of trimmings. Sleeves ballooned up and skirts billowed out. The crinoline morphed into the bustle and steam-moulded corsets cinched women's waists ever tighter.As fashion was evolving, so too were trends in ladies' hair care and cosmetics. An era which began by prizing natural, barefaced beauty ended with women purchasing lip and cheek rouge, false hairpieces and pomades, and fashionable perfumes made with expensive spice oils and animal essences.Using research from nineteenth century beauty books, fashion magazines, and lady's journals, Mimi Matthews brings the intricacies of a Victorian lady's toilette into modern day focus. In the process, she gives readers a glimpse of the social issues that influenced women's clothing and the societal outrage that was an all too frequent response to those bold females who used fashion and beauty as a means of asserting their individuality and independence.

A silver-haired equestrienne and a charismatic artist turn a scandalous bargain into a vibrant portrait of love. Stella Hobhouse is a brilliant rider, stalwart friend, skilled sketch artist—and completely overlooked. Her outmodish gray hair makes her invisible to London society. Combined with her brother’s pious restrictions and her dwindling inheritance, Stella is on the verge of a lifetime marooned in Derbyshire as a spinster. Unless she does something drastic…like posing for a daring new style of portrait by the only man who’s ever really seen her. Aspiring painter Edward “Teddy” Hayes knows true beauty when he sees it. He would never ask Stella to risk her reputation as an artist’s model but in the five years since a virulent bout of scarlet fever left him partially paralyzed, Teddy has learned to heed good fortune when he finds it. He’ll do anything to persuade his muse to pose for him, even if he must offer her a marriage of convenience.   After all, though Teddy has yearned to trace Stella’s luminous beauty on canvas since their chance meeting, her heart is what he truly aches to capture….

The sizzling historical romance perfect for fans of Bridgerton and Jilly Cooper'A page-turner that swept me off fairytale-style and kept up the enchantment right through to the end' 5* READER REVIEW'Swooningly romantic! From the moment I picked it up, I was hooked' 5* READER REVIEW'No one writes historical romance like Mimi Mathews. I just can't get enough' 5* READER REVIEWA marriage of convenience. An unlikely couple. Sparks will fly in the English countryside . . .__________Captain Jasper Blunt requires a rich wife to ornament his isolated ruin, and he has his sights set on the enchanting Julia Wychwood.Julia finds navigating London's high society torture. So she decides to swap the ballrooms for the countryside - she'll marry the Captain. In exchange for her dowry and her hand, the Captain must promise to grant her freedom. This is to be no marriage of love, and Julia is determined to keep it that way. But the more she learns of the beastly former hero, the more intrigued she becomes and soon she finds her resolve beginning to fade and her heart opening. __________'A beautifully written story that stayed with me long after I had turned the last page' 5* Reader Review'Poignant characters and brilliant storytelling. Mimi Matthews is the best historical romance writer right now' 5* Reader Review'Gorgeous historical romance. Wonderful, moving and beautifully crafted' 5* Reader Review

A sizzling historical romance perfect for all fans of Bridgerton and Jilly CooperFortune favours the bold. But is Lady Anne daring enough to accept a favour from a wicked gentleman?Lady Anne Deveril has voluntarily renounced any fanciful notions of love and marriage. And yet, fate now puts Anne back into the entirely too enticing path of Mr. Felix Hartford. The youthful torch Hart once held for Anne has long since cooled. Or so he keeps telling himself. But now Anne needs a favour. Hart will play along with her little ruse - on the condition that Anne attends his grandfather's country estate.Away from society, Anne makes the tantalising discovery that beneath the roguish exterior is a man with hidden depths, scorching passions - and a tender heart.A fun, romantic slow-burn love story that you won't be able to put down, The Lily of Ludgate Hill is one of the Belles of London tales readers can't help falling in love with.

Bridgerton meets Jilly Cooper in this feminist historical romance that will have you swooning!'Unflinching, tender and moving.' EVIE DUNMORE'A rare treat to enjoy and savour.' KATE PEARCE'A moving love story and a vivid recreation of Victorian life.' Anna Campbell The marriage mart is calling, and Evelyn must answer . . . Evelyn Maltravers longs for her perfect match. But with her family tumbling toward ruin. Her only hope is to distinguish herself is on horseback and to succeed she'll need a habit-maker who's not afraid to take risks. Ahmad Malik have always made women beautiful - but no one compares to Evelyn. Her unbridled spirit enchants him, awakening a depth of feeling he never thought possible.But pushing boundaries comes at a cost and not everyone is pleased to welcome Evelyn and Ahmad into fashionable society. The indomitable pair must decide which hurdles they can jump and what matters most: Making their mark or following their hearts?___________'A well written and innovative story . . . Fascinating characters and a captivating romance' 5* Reader Review'Mimi is the indisputable Queen of writing Victorian and Regency novels. A delightful read' 5* Reader Review'This is a beautiful novel about self-discovery and the power of pure love' 5* Reader Review

DISCOVER FOURTH AND FINAL BOOK IN THE ENCHANTING BELLES OF LONDON SERIESMixes the steaminess of Jilly Cooper with the feminism of Bridgerton 'No one writes Victorian Romance like Mimi Matthews, and her Belles of London series just keeps getting better!' Kate Quinn ---A silver-haired equestrienne and a charismatic artist turn a scandalous bargain into a vibrant portrait of love.Stella Hobhouse is a brilliant rider, stalwart friend, skilled sketch artist – and completely overlooked. Her outmodish gray hair makes her invisible to London society. Combined with her brother’s pious restrictions and her dwindling inheritance, Stella is on the verge of a lifetime marooned in Derbyshire as a spinster. Unless she does something drastic…like posing for a daring new style of portrait by the only man who’s ever really seen her.Aspiring painter Edward “Teddy” Hayes knows true beauty when he sees it. He would never ask Stella to risk her reputation as an artist’s model, but in the five years since a virulent bout of scarlet fever left him partially paralysed, Teddy has learned to heed good fortune when he finds it. He’ll do anything to persuade his muse to pose for him, even if he must offer her a marriage of convenience. After all, though Teddy has yearned to trace Stella’s luminous beauty on canvas since their chance meeting, her heart is what he truly aches to capture . . .---READER PRAISE FOR THE BELLES OF LONDON SERIES‘Transporting and swoony, just why I read historical romance’ ***** Reader Review ‘Can't stop thinking about Anne and Hart and their yearning!’ ***** Reader Review‘So sweet and tender . . . unforgettable’ ***** Reader Review