It’s been three years since Laura Hayes’s father died, leaving her and her invalid brother to subsist on the income from the family’s failing perfume business. But time is swiftly running out. What she needs is a husband, and fast. A noble gentleman who can rescue them all from penury. When a mysterious stranger arrives in the village, he seems a perfect candidate. But Alex Archer is no hero. In fact, he just might be the opposite.
Alex has no tolerance for sentiment. He’s returned to England for one reason only: to find a wealthy wife. A country-bred heiress in Surrey seems the perfect target. But somewhere between the village railway station and the manor house his mercenary plan begins to unravel. And it’s all the fault of Laura Hayes—a lady as unsuitable as she is enchanting.
From the beaches of Margate to the lavender fields of Provence, a grudging friendship slowly blossoms into something more. But when scandal threatens, can a man who has spent his entire life playing the villain, finally become a hero? Or will the lure of easy riches once again outweigh the demands of his heart?
Reviews
An Instant USA Today Bestseller
“Matthews’s third book in the ‘Parish Orphans of Devon’ series once again highlights the injustices of rigid class structures in Victorian England, this time matching a hero of dubious character and a worthy, resourceful heroine. Readers who enjoy their historicals set in the country- or seaside and France or England will be in for a treat.”
– Library Journal
“Matthews’ storytelling skills remain rock-solid, and she spins a lovely romantic tale…As always, the background historical details are impeccably researched; in particular, Laura’s trip to the seaside at Margate provides readers with a captivating glimpse into Victorian culture…A well-crafted historical romance, built on a marriage of convenience.”
– Kirkus Reviews
“A Convenient Fiction beautifully mixes Georgette Heyer with Victoria Holt. Part gothic romance, part family story with a tiny sprinkling of humor thrown in, it’s a lovely, spooky heartbreaker of a novel that sinks its claws right into you, then kisses the wound it leaves behind.”
– All About Romance (Desert Isle Keeper)
“Readers who appreciate character-driven, slow-burn romance, flawed heroes, and a firm sense of time and place will enjoy this one.”
– Smart Bitches Trashy Books
“It seems that I say each book that Mimi Matthews pens is her best writing, but it appears to be true. She just gets better, and is rapidly becoming one of my very favorite authors. A CONVENIENT FICTION is a top favorite of books I’ve read this year, and I heartily give it my highest recommendation.”
– The Romance Reviews, top pick
“Mimi Matthews does it again–A CONVENIENT FICTION is utterly engrossing with characters I love. Her books are classics and remind me of Georgette Heyer and Mary Balogh…simply wonderful.”
– Jane Porter, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author
“A sumptuous and instantly readable addition to what has become one of my favourite series…Brimming with intelligence and pitch-perfect dialogue…I cannot wait to return to Devon again. Nor to Matthews’ inimitable magic — she owns this period!”
– Rachel McMillan, author of the Herringford and Watts mysteries
“I love Mimi’s work and this has to be my favourite so far. Her characters are multi-dimensional, truly likeable, memorable, and have great chemistry. Dropped into situations that don’t feel forced or unlikely, you can’t help but cheer for them to get their happy ending.”
– Jayne Fresina, author of Once Upon a Kiss
“A delight to read! I was invested in Alex and Laura’s story from page one to the end. A lovely, satisfying romance with characters you can’t help but love.”
– Lena Goldfinch, author of The Unexpected Bride
“Mimi Matthews’ accurate and telling portrayal of life for women and men of some privilege, in the early Victorian age was wonderful and compelling…I can highly recommend it to all.”
– Readers’ Favorite
“A truly beautiful story of second chances, of moving from your past and embracing the future, it will enchant you from the moment you open the first page.”
– Chicks, Rogues and Scandals
“Matthews’ elegant, deft storytelling and likable, well-developed characters has proven why she has quickly become one of my all time favorite historical romance authors.”
– The Quill Ink
“A guilty indulgence that you don’t actually have to feel guilty about! Everything is so richly satisfying—the characters, the dialogue, the romance, the setting; it’s like a feast for the historical romance lover’s heart, especially if you enjoy romances that develop emotional intimacy really well.”
– Fiction Aficionado
“Every book Mimi Matthews writes has a Midas-like touch of Victorian perfection. Exquisite historical detail, endearing and layered characters, the perfect touches of humor, and swoon-worthy romances — sometimes began in surprising ways — all combine in her novels for an immersive and simply DELIGHTFUL reading experience.”
– The Green Mockingbird
“A Convenient Fiction by Mimi Matthews is a brilliant example of the perfect Historical Romance. Intriguing characters that leap off the pages, along with vibrant historical details makes this a perfect addition to your bookshelf.”
– Gwendalyn’s Books
“Every time I read the next book in this series, I call it my favorite. That didn’t change here…A Convenient Fiction is romantic, complex, thrilling, sad, and hopeful and I loved every minute of it.”
– Bookish Rantings
“I loved Alex & Laura. Alex is like a broody Rhett Butler, and Laura is rather like a livelier version of Elinor from ‘Sense and Sensibility’… And of course, seeing several of the lead characters from the other books was absolutely icing on the cake. This will be on my ‘Best of 2019’ list along with Mimi Matthews’s ‘The Work of Art’!”
– The Compulsive Reader
