This was such a sweet and fun romance! I absolutely love how Mimi Matthews is able to weave together historical facts with a delightful fiction. Matthews writing takes the time and care to really establish the world. By rooting the romance with historical elements of the time there is a really nice level of authenticity that is built. Matthews' writing is well paced and beautifully developed, her characters are full-fledged and multi dimensional. I was absolutely swept up into this story and so taken with our characters that I was rooting for their romance as soon as they met eyes!
This novel focus on Ahmed and Evelyn and their developing romance. Ahmed is half-Indian and a tailor, his passion lies in making beautiful clothing for women which really highlight the features of the wearer. Evelyn is at heart an equestrian and has heard that she must seek out the tailor for the Pretty Horsebreakers for a riding habit. When Evelyn and Ahmed meet they are both charmed and enchanted with each other and as they get to know each other better they learn to respect the other and fall in love.
I absolutely loved Evelyn and Ahmed, they were perfect for each other. I feel like they both could truly respect the passion and artistry that they each had for their own special vocations. I really love how softly and sweetly their attraction grew to chemistry and ultimately a deep and abiding love. Evelyn and Ahmed always approached each other from a respectful place and a deep appreciation and understanding of passions. I love how Ahmed found a muse in Evelyn and was able to embrace that and take courage in truly growing his business. I love that Evelyn sees Ahmed as a man who she loves and respects and will do anything for. She is not afraid of what society may think, she knows that she must learn things on her own and that all she can do is love and respect Ahmed. I think their was such a wonderful balance between these two that they felt like real partners and people who could truly count on the other. Their relationship is softly sensual, with low steam but it is done so beautifully and with great respect that the chemistry between them grows strong and their romance is absolutely endearing.
Another element that I truly love that was established throughout this novel is the careful descriptions of clothing that we get through Ahmed and his thoughts. I have a career as a Costume Designer for theatre and this novel really embraces a love for clothing and the fit of clothing and the functionality of clothing is such a glorious way. Matthews has definitely done her research and I so highly respect this. The passion and detail that is described when Ahmed is fitting Evelyn really helps to establish their chemistry and growing infatuation with each other.
This is definitely a novel not to be missed! Mimi Matthews takes care in establishing her world, with the people that embody it and the story she wants to tell. I am so delighted to watch where and how this series with grow and develop!
Thank you so much to Berkley Publishing, Laurel Ann Nattress and Mimi Matthews for providing me with a copy of this book, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
