As a lady’s companion, Clara Hartwright never receives much attention from anyone. And that’s precisely how she likes it. With a stormy past, and an unconventional plan for her future, it’s far safer to remain invisible. But when her new employer is invited to a month-long holiday at a remote coastal abbey, Clara discovers that she may not be as invisible as she’d hoped. At least, not as far as one gentleman is concerned.
Neville Cross has always been more comfortable with animals than people. An accident in his youth has left him with a brain injury that affects his speech. Forming the words to speak to his childhood friends is difficult enough. Finding the right things to say to a lovely young lady’s companion seems downright impossible. But Miss Hartwright is no ordinary companion. In fact, there may not be anything ordinary about her at all.
During a bleak Devon winter, two sensitive souls forge an unexpected friendship. But when Clara needs him most, will Neville find the courage to face his fears? Or is saying goodbye to her the most heroic thing he can do?
[Previewed in Eve Stano’s “Love for All,” Library Journal, p. 16–23.]
Reviews
An Instant USA Today Bestseller
One of Barnes & Noble’s Best Indie eBooks of 2020
“Fans of the ‘Parish Orphans of Devon’ series will adore this final installment, reuniting the orphans and their loves. Matthews sensitively portrays a neuroatypical protagonist facing ingrained prejudices, even from friends, and how such preconceptions limits a person’s potential.”
– Library Journal (starred review)
“Matthews once again delivers in her latest Victorian novel. Her love story is sweet and chaste, the characters well developed, and their relationship beautifully rendered.,,Her treatment of Neville’s brain injury is sensitively handled, and it’s a welcome change to encounter a knight in shining armor who isn’t defined by perfection.”
– Kirkus Reviews
“As usual, Matthews has done excellent research…The issues explored, moreover, remain as pressing as ever, especially prejudice against those who are marked as different and the casual assumption of privilege, regardless of its consequences. A worthy conclusion to a fine series. Highly recommended.”
– Historical Novel Society
“Yet another stellar romance from Mimi Matthews, whose talent for writing heartfelt stories with fully developed characters is awesome.”
– The Romance Reviews, top pick
“Matthews is a skilled storyteller who creates scenes through vivid description, allowing readers to experience not just the sights and sounds of the setting but also the inner workings of the protagonists…[Clara] challenges the limitations on the women of her day. Neville’s character is drawn with sensitivity and insight. An entertaining read.”
– Readers’ Favorite
“An ode to the Victorian era from all corners, stations and predicaments…Matthews adores the period, but doesn’t shy away from its restrictions. Perhaps it is her ability to paint it so wholly—for all its good and bad—that make the series one of the most addictive offerings in the genre in years.”
– Rachel McMillan, author of The London Restoration
“There are few things more satisfying than curling up with a Mimi Matthews’ novel. Deeply-felt and heart-lifting, The Winter Companion is no exception. Its sweet romance and generous spirit linger in the mind long after the last word is read.”
– Stephanie Barron, author of The Jane Austen Mysteries
“Mimi Matthews writes so beautifully I’ll happily follow her imagination anywhere.”
– Kate Pearce, New York Times bestselling author
“I didn’t want THE WINTER COMPANION to end. I love Mimi Matthews’ writing, and her characters are so unique and so interesting and so in need of love, and happy-ever-after. I teared up reading, and held my breath near the end…highly recommended!”
– Jane Porter, New York Times bestselling author
“This book was, to put it succinctly, a wonder…After seeing Neville in the previous three books as a minor character, I didn’t know how Mimi Matthews was going to make a romantic hero out of him, but once again, she proves that she is the mistress of proper Victorian romance, creating a love story for the ages that uplifts, inspires, and satisfies.”
– Rosanne E. Lortz, author
“Another charming, well-written Victorian romance from Mimi Matthews, with a unique hero and heroine who are made for each other….Curl up with this book, by the fire on a chilly winter evening – it really is the perfect ‘companion’.”
– Jayne Fresina, author of Once Upon a Kiss
“A FANTASTIC conclusion to the series! Once again, I was swept away by the romance, the atmosphere, and the wonderfully complex character development of a Mimi Matthews story. Neville and Clara are meant for each other. At the heart of this story is a tale of identity, the worth of dreams, and the courage it takes to overcome. I turned the last page with a happy smile and maybe a few tears.”
– The Green Mockingbird
“The Winter Companion was definitely sigh worthy. Brimming with endearing characters, flawless pacing, and a wonderfully romantic and hopeful story… [Matthews’] books are sheer perfection.”
– Buried Under Romance
“Yet again, Mimi Matthews delivers a deliciously addictive and wonderfully written love story…For me, reading this book was pure pleasure. Highly recommended!”
– Kim Talks Books
“A perfect way to end this superb series…Matthews’s prose is gorgeous, painstakingly researched, thoughtful, and poignant, making The Winter Companion another MUST READ.”
– The Quill Ink
“Mimi Matthews is, in my opinion, quite the best author of historical romance writing today…This is an excellent conclusion to the series, showing us love overcoming personal difficulties and a new future which might not have been possible without their mutual commitment.”
– Lost in a Good Book
“Oh how I loved Neville and Clara! If anyone deserved a HEA, it’s these two! I loved watching their relationship grow from friendship into something more…What an amazing ending to a fantastic series!”
– KJ’s Book Nook
“For the last of her Parish Orphans of Devon series, Mimi Matthews (A Convenient Fiction) gives us the story of Neville and Clara—a sweet romance and story of bravery and love overcoming fear and the restrictions that we place on ourselves…This was a sensitive and lovely book, and a definite must read.”
– BookWyrm Reader
“The Winter Companion completes this series with another gorgeous story of love and self-discovery…a satisfying and romantic conclusion to a much loved series I will enjoy many times over.”
– Relz Reviewz
“It takes a talented author like Mimi Matthews to allow Neville to shine as he does in her newly released The Winter Companion (Parish Orphans of Devon #4).”
– Austenprose
“Of all the Parish Orphans of Devon books, this one had me on the edge of my seat the most. Finally learning about Neville made even my heart skip a few beats and out of the gang of boys, he is my favorite. He might even be my favorite leading man ever.”
– Geek Mom
“I cannot say enough good things about The Winter Companion. There’s love, hope, adventure, and animals. What more could you want?”
– Bookish Rantings
“The Winter Companion is the perfect conclusion to the Parish Orphans of Devon series, with endless amounts of heart, love, and compassion. This is a must read series for historical fiction and romance fans.”
– Amy’s Booket List
