What do you think?
Rate this book
Daughters of Somerset #1
Miss Beresford and the Beast
A spirited Victorian beauty with a fondness for fairytales unwittingly falls under the power of a beastly, scandal-plagued nobleman in the first book in USA Today bestselling author Mimi Matthews’s new Daughters of Somerset series.
Charlotte Beresford has spent far too long under the iron rule of strict governesses and unflinching finishing school teachers. When she’s offered a brief window of freedom—an invitation to spend the summer with a recent acquaintance in a remote corner of Yorkshire, far from societal expectations—she jumps at the chance. Never mind that her new friend is odd, their chaperone questionable, and the village rumored to be cursed. Charlotte knows how to look after herself. All she must do is show a friendly face, keep her wits about her, and—above all—avoid the derelict manor house that stands on the edge of the moors…
Battle-scarred and bad tempered, Magnus Sterling never intended to return to England, let alone Yorkshire. But now he’s inherited the title, it’s his responsibility to settle his late father’s affairs. It should be simple enough to do without riling up the superstitious locals. Indeed, they don’t even need to know that the infamous son of the equally infamous Earl of Eversleigh is back on British soil. Magnus will keep to himself, and to the crumbling manor house, and for once in his miserable life avoid any cloud of scandal. A straightforward enough plan, or so he believes, until he catches sight of the bold, auburn-haired intruder infiltrating the grounds of his estate…
Charlotte Beresford has spent far too long under the iron rule of strict governesses and unflinching finishing school teachers. When she’s offered a brief window of freedom—an invitation to spend the summer with a recent acquaintance in a remote corner of Yorkshire, far from societal expectations—she jumps at the chance. Never mind that her new friend is odd, their chaperone questionable, and the village rumored to be cursed. Charlotte knows how to look after herself. All she must do is show a friendly face, keep her wits about her, and—above all—avoid the derelict manor house that stands on the edge of the moors…
Battle-scarred and bad tempered, Magnus Sterling never intended to return to England, let alone Yorkshire. But now he’s inherited the title, it’s his responsibility to settle his late father’s affairs. It should be simple enough to do without riling up the superstitious locals. Indeed, they don’t even need to know that the infamous son of the equally infamous Earl of Eversleigh is back on British soil. Magnus will keep to himself, and to the crumbling manor house, and for once in his miserable life avoid any cloud of scandal. A straightforward enough plan, or so he believes, until he catches sight of the bold, auburn-haired intruder infiltrating the grounds of his estate…
294 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 25, 2026
About the author
Mimi Matthews
24 books4,654 followersUSA Today bestselling author Mimi Matthews writes both historical nonfiction and award-winning historical romance, including Rules for Ruin, a Kirkus, NYPL, NPR, Library Journal, BookPage, and Marie Claire Best Book of 2025; The Siren of Sussex, a 2023 RUSA Reading List shortlist pick for Best Romance; Fair as a Star, a Library Journal Best Romance of 2020; Gentleman Jim, a Kirkus Best Book of 2020; and The Work of Art, winner of the 2020 HOLT Medallion and a 2021 Daphne du Maurier Award nominee. Her novels have received starred reviews from Publishers Weekly, Library Journal, Booklist, Kirkus, BookPage, and Shelf Awareness, and her articles have been featured on the Victorian Web, the Journal of Victorian Culture, and in syndication at BUST Magazine.
In her other life, Mimi is an attorney. She resides in California with her family, which includes an Andalusian dressage horse, a miniature poodle, a Sheltie, and two Siamese cats.
**I only rate the books I love.**
In her other life, Mimi is an attorney. She resides in California with her family, which includes an Andalusian dressage horse, a miniature poodle, a Sheltie, and two Siamese cats.
**I only rate the books I love.**
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
I want to thank Mimi for allowing me on her ARC team (as always). I always feel pleased as punch having an author trust me to give a read and give my feelings.
Mimi indicates in her acknowledgements that this was not meant to be a complex or plot heavy book, she wanted it focused on Magnus and Charlotte. This is also a Beauty and the Beast tale, but not the typical Beauty and the Beast tale where the story follows the events of the story beat by beat.
There is a deformity, but the deformity is not really on display. It's not focused upon, only the gossip that came from what happened in the past, the decay that came from Magnus' father's passing, and the darkness that has followed him. He finds him unable to love, and the deformity from his wounds in the navy seal the deal.
Charlotte is our Belle but she is not really like the Belle from the tale (or Disney tale), she has a family, she is wealthy, but she loves fairy-tales and tales of adventure (not to mention a prince or two). She is also kindhearted and the two of them meet when she is looking for a wounded dog on his property, not caring about the grounds that are said to be cursed.
There is a new addition - an injury she sustains causes her to forget who she is and, due to not wanting to traumatize her being in the house of someone she doesn't know, he goes along with the notion they are married. It is this 'marriage' that causes him to start falling in love with her, and the dog that seals the deal in bringing out the kindness in him when she is unable to keep it upon regaining her memories.
There is a mystery of his inheritance, which brings him to the estate once owned by his father, and allows her to come back willingly to find out what happened so long ago and form a friendship that turns into something more.
It's one of the more original Beauty and the Beast inspired tales I've read where there are shades of the story (in its many forms) that it doesn't quite follow it the way you think and you continue with the story to see where it ends up. You see characters from the previous series for a brief moment, and the possible next story maiden and what she is currently going through (those letters have me curious!).
All in all, I loved this one and I always trust Mimi to give me a story where the characters earn their love and their closure.
Mimi indicates in her acknowledgements that this was not meant to be a complex or plot heavy book, she wanted it focused on Magnus and Charlotte. This is also a Beauty and the Beast tale, but not the typical Beauty and the Beast tale where the story follows the events of the story beat by beat.
There is a deformity, but the deformity is not really on display. It's not focused upon, only the gossip that came from what happened in the past, the decay that came from Magnus' father's passing, and the darkness that has followed him. He finds him unable to love, and the deformity from his wounds in the navy seal the deal.
Charlotte is our Belle but she is not really like the Belle from the tale (or Disney tale), she has a family, she is wealthy, but she loves fairy-tales and tales of adventure (not to mention a prince or two). She is also kindhearted and the two of them meet when she is looking for a wounded dog on his property, not caring about the grounds that are said to be cursed.
There is a new addition - an injury she sustains causes her to forget who she is and, due to not wanting to traumatize her being in the house of someone she doesn't know, he goes along with the notion they are married. It is this 'marriage' that causes him to start falling in love with her, and the dog that seals the deal in bringing out the kindness in him when she is unable to keep it upon regaining her memories.
There is a mystery of his inheritance, which brings him to the estate once owned by his father, and allows her to come back willingly to find out what happened so long ago and form a friendship that turns into something more.
It's one of the more original Beauty and the Beast inspired tales I've read where there are shades of the story (in its many forms) that it doesn't quite follow it the way you think and you continue with the story to see where it ends up. You see characters from the previous series for a brief moment, and the possible next story maiden and what she is currently going through (those letters have me curious!).
All in all, I loved this one and I always trust Mimi to give me a story where the characters earn their love and their closure.
Want to Read
May 14, 2026I’m still not sure how I feel about third-generation books, especially since the second generation was a bit mid… But this cover is so gorgeous I can’t not add this to my TBR. Also, I love you, Mimi, but if anything happens to Grandpa Arthur 🔪🔪🔪 🫶
August 26, 2026
⋆.𐙚 ̊ 4 stars.
i felt a little emotional seeing arthur and philly in their old age. i really hope mimi stops at the third gen because i don't think i could handle losing my fav characters, especially the ones who started it all. anyway, i loved magnus and charlotte, and the other familiar characters at the end. it was so nice seeing them again.
i felt a little emotional seeing arthur and philly in their old age. i really hope mimi stops at the third gen because i don't think i could handle losing my fav characters, especially the ones who started it all. anyway, i loved magnus and charlotte, and the other familiar characters at the end. it was so nice seeing them again.
He raised her hand to his lips, pressing a reverent kiss to her knuckles. “I never dared dream at all until I met you,” he confessed huskily. She lifted her fingertip to stroke the edge of his jaw. “I daresay I’ve dreamed enough for the both of us.”
August 21, 2026
"Miss Beresford and the Beast" by Mimi Matthews is a charming "Beauty and the Beast" inspired romance! Mimi Matthews is one of my favorite authors, and this book did not disappoint. It had all my favorite elements, including Victorian Gothic and “Beauty and the Beast” vibes and a sweet animal companion! This book is connected to the author’s other series, “Somerset Stories,” but can easily be read as standalone. “Miss Beresford and the Beast” is a story about the third generation of the family in the “Somerset Stories.” It was so neat to see familiar characters from the previous series. There were also some “Sleeping Beauty” and “Hades and Persephone” vibes. Charlotte Beresford, our heroine, is a lover of animals and fairytales and she is curious and compassionate. I love that she meets our hero, Magnus Sterling, when she is trying to help a wounded dog. Magnus is scarred and grumpy, but Charlotte can see past that to his compassionate heart. I love Charlotte’s motto about not paying attention to what people tell you, but to what they do. The reader and Charlotte start to fall for Magnus when he helps and befriends a wounded dog and sparks fly. Will they be able to overcome their circumstances and find love? I highly recommend this book and cannot wait for the next book in the series!
Content: I give this book a low PG-13 rating. Some examples of the content: Lord’s name is taken in vain; mention of alcohol and someone was drunk in the past; the words “a*se,” “bloody,” “hell” and “da*n” are used.
TW: past emotional abuse; person possibly went mad in the past.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
Content: I give this book a low PG-13 rating. Some examples of the content: Lord’s name is taken in vain; mention of alcohol and someone was drunk in the past; the words “a*se,” “bloody,” “hell” and “da*n” are used.
TW: past emotional abuse; person possibly went mad in the past.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I saw that Mimi Matthews had written another Victorian romance and knew I needed to drop everything for it. All I knew was that it was highly structured around the Beauty and the Beast fairytale (YES PLEASE) and Mimi immediately snagged my attention within the first chapter. You have the most intriguing cast of characters; an idiot valet, scarred hero, mongrel dog, and amnesiac trespasser that somehow find themselves confined to the decaying tumbledown Moorcross Manor. I would encourage you too to go in blind because to say anything more plot-wise might be spoilery, except that this is a third generation book. If you have not read priors like me, you will have no trouble reading as this is a very insular world (however now I’m curious to travel back to the beginning).
Here’s what Mimi does so well. She is a fantastic storyteller and even though the connections to fairytales (I saw bits of Sleeping Beauty and even Snow White along with B&B) drive the story, they do so with the historical relevance of Victorian England and the fear mongering townspeople you’d expect to see in a gothic novel. The burdens of respectability and propriety lie squarely on the shoulders of women, so when misfortune hits Charlotte, it’s her reputation at stake, regardless of the circumstances leading up to it. Outwardly Magnus would seem a gruff and obtuse counter to Charlotte’s sweetness, but kindness and gentleness both physically and emotionally lie at the heart of his character and the way Matthews uses Charlotte to pry him open is a beauty to behold. If you love caretaking, truthfulness, a hero utterly confounded by his desire for the heroine, and a slowburn romance that builds between the two mains, then you’ll fall head over heels for this book as much as I have. Matthew’s has crafted a book full of joy and humor amidst characters whom have suffered heartbreak. Utterly unputdownabke. A five star read.
Here’s what Mimi does so well. She is a fantastic storyteller and even though the connections to fairytales (I saw bits of Sleeping Beauty and even Snow White along with B&B) drive the story, they do so with the historical relevance of Victorian England and the fear mongering townspeople you’d expect to see in a gothic novel. The burdens of respectability and propriety lie squarely on the shoulders of women, so when misfortune hits Charlotte, it’s her reputation at stake, regardless of the circumstances leading up to it. Outwardly Magnus would seem a gruff and obtuse counter to Charlotte’s sweetness, but kindness and gentleness both physically and emotionally lie at the heart of his character and the way Matthews uses Charlotte to pry him open is a beauty to behold. If you love caretaking, truthfulness, a hero utterly confounded by his desire for the heroine, and a slowburn romance that builds between the two mains, then you’ll fall head over heels for this book as much as I have. Matthew’s has crafted a book full of joy and humor amidst characters whom have suffered heartbreak. Utterly unputdownabke. A five star read.
August 25, 2026
4,5 rounded up to 5
Review published at:
https://frompemberleytomilton.wordpre...
Mimi Matthews has become one of my go-to authors, so I had been eagerly anticipating the release of Miss Beresford and the Beast for months. When I finally got the book, I devoured it in one day and absolutely loved the atmosphere she created in this new story. My favourite books from her remain The Belle of Belgrave Square, Gentleman Jim and The Matrimonial Advertisement, but this one is not far behind! The story follows Charlotte Beresford, a curious and brave young lady who is sent to spend some time in a remote Yorkshire village and ends up crossing paths with Magnus Sterling, a scarred and rather intimidating man who has inherited the crumbling estate nearby. Their first encounter is not a romantic one, but Charlotte is not the sort of woman to be put off by appearances or gossip, and the more time they spend together, the more she starts to see the man behind the rumours. What follows is a slow-burn romance that you won’t want to put down!
I was expecting to have a lot of Beauty and the Beast vibes with this novel, and while they are certainly present, Mimi Matthews surprised me with her rendition of the fairytale. She takes familiar elements, such as the beautiful young woman, the scarred and feared “beast,” and the isolated manor, but gives them her own twist, adding mystery, tragedy, gossip and changing some of the physical elements of the fairytale into more psychological ones. It wasn’t so much Magnus’s exterior scars that marked him, but the emotional scars left by a very difficult situation he went through as a young man. He has spent years being judged and ostracized because of what happened, and this has shaped the way he sees himself and the way he relates to other people. Changing the focus of the story in this way made this book more interesting and I absolutely loved it. The story felt familiar to Beauty and the Beast while still being different enough that I never felt I was reading the fairytale all over again.
Apart from the Beauty and the Beast vibes, I really liked the main characters. I appreciated Charlotte’s bold, adventurous and fiercely independent personality, but above all, I loved her resilience, the strength of her convictions and how deeply she loved Magnus. I also admired that she took matters into her own hands and was, in some ways, a heroine who could come to Magnus’s rescue. We usually see the male hero coming to the rescue, but in this book, the heroine also plays that part, and I loved it! Charlotte doesn’t simply accept Magnus for who he is, she sees his worth when other people only see his scars and his past, and she is willing to stand up for him when others would rather believe the rumours. Magnus is dour, intimidating and not very open to new people, but his honourable, caring and even insecure nature made his relationship with Charlotte seem very special. I really liked seeing her get through to him, going past his rough and cold exterior. Although his past has made him wary of others and accustomed to being judged, he learned to trust Charlotte, making his affection for her even more meaningful.
Which leads me to the other aspect of the book I loved! As much as I enjoyed Charlotte and Magnus individually, it was their relationship that really won me over. Their romance develops gradually, and I particularly enjoyed watching them go from an awkward first encounter to respect, friendship and, eventually, love. There is a lovely sense of tenderness between them, but also the certainty that they belong together and that they bring out the best in each other when they are together.
I also liked to see Magnus’s relationship with his father being explored in this novel. It was not only very important to better understand Magnus’ personality, and to empathize with him, but also added another emotional layer to the story, making it feel like more than just a romance between two characters.
Miss Beresford and the Beast was a wonderful addition to Mimi Matthews’s books, and I found it very easy to get completely absorbed in Charlotte and Magnus’s story. The atmospheric setting, the original take on the Beauty and the Beast, and, above all, the wonderful characters and their relationship made this an incredible book. If you enjoy historical romance with strong heroines, brooding heroes and a slow-burn romance built on trust and affection, I definitely recommend giving this one a try!
Review published at:
https://frompemberleytomilton.wordpre...
Mimi Matthews has become one of my go-to authors, so I had been eagerly anticipating the release of Miss Beresford and the Beast for months. When I finally got the book, I devoured it in one day and absolutely loved the atmosphere she created in this new story. My favourite books from her remain The Belle of Belgrave Square, Gentleman Jim and The Matrimonial Advertisement, but this one is not far behind! The story follows Charlotte Beresford, a curious and brave young lady who is sent to spend some time in a remote Yorkshire village and ends up crossing paths with Magnus Sterling, a scarred and rather intimidating man who has inherited the crumbling estate nearby. Their first encounter is not a romantic one, but Charlotte is not the sort of woman to be put off by appearances or gossip, and the more time they spend together, the more she starts to see the man behind the rumours. What follows is a slow-burn romance that you won’t want to put down!
I was expecting to have a lot of Beauty and the Beast vibes with this novel, and while they are certainly present, Mimi Matthews surprised me with her rendition of the fairytale. She takes familiar elements, such as the beautiful young woman, the scarred and feared “beast,” and the isolated manor, but gives them her own twist, adding mystery, tragedy, gossip and changing some of the physical elements of the fairytale into more psychological ones. It wasn’t so much Magnus’s exterior scars that marked him, but the emotional scars left by a very difficult situation he went through as a young man. He has spent years being judged and ostracized because of what happened, and this has shaped the way he sees himself and the way he relates to other people. Changing the focus of the story in this way made this book more interesting and I absolutely loved it. The story felt familiar to Beauty and the Beast while still being different enough that I never felt I was reading the fairytale all over again.
Apart from the Beauty and the Beast vibes, I really liked the main characters. I appreciated Charlotte’s bold, adventurous and fiercely independent personality, but above all, I loved her resilience, the strength of her convictions and how deeply she loved Magnus. I also admired that she took matters into her own hands and was, in some ways, a heroine who could come to Magnus’s rescue. We usually see the male hero coming to the rescue, but in this book, the heroine also plays that part, and I loved it! Charlotte doesn’t simply accept Magnus for who he is, she sees his worth when other people only see his scars and his past, and she is willing to stand up for him when others would rather believe the rumours. Magnus is dour, intimidating and not very open to new people, but his honourable, caring and even insecure nature made his relationship with Charlotte seem very special. I really liked seeing her get through to him, going past his rough and cold exterior. Although his past has made him wary of others and accustomed to being judged, he learned to trust Charlotte, making his affection for her even more meaningful.
Which leads me to the other aspect of the book I loved! As much as I enjoyed Charlotte and Magnus individually, it was their relationship that really won me over. Their romance develops gradually, and I particularly enjoyed watching them go from an awkward first encounter to respect, friendship and, eventually, love. There is a lovely sense of tenderness between them, but also the certainty that they belong together and that they bring out the best in each other when they are together.
I also liked to see Magnus’s relationship with his father being explored in this novel. It was not only very important to better understand Magnus’ personality, and to empathize with him, but also added another emotional layer to the story, making it feel like more than just a romance between two characters.
Miss Beresford and the Beast was a wonderful addition to Mimi Matthews’s books, and I found it very easy to get completely absorbed in Charlotte and Magnus’s story. The atmospheric setting, the original take on the Beauty and the Beast, and, above all, the wonderful characters and their relationship made this an incredible book. If you enjoy historical romance with strong heroines, brooding heroes and a slow-burn romance built on trust and affection, I definitely recommend giving this one a try!
August 25, 2026
Freaking out! I love Mimi’s Domerset series and I am so excited to see the third generation of humans. I loved James and Hannah and hope to see some more of them as parents and partners!
This book was so good! I only wish it was longer.
This book was so good! I only wish it was longer.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
"I have nothing to offer you, Charlotte. No fortune. No grand life in town. Only a worthless title and this ruin of an estate."
She looked back at him tenderly. "You have yourself."
A lump formed in his throat. He swallowed hard. "I'm a ruin too."
She touched his face, regarding him with a smile. "Not to me."
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Mimi Matthews has the monopoly on writing swoony love declarations and heart-melting moments in historical romance. Miss Beresford and the Beast is definitely no different than all her other glorious novels.
I was very fortunate to receive an advance copy of Miss Beresford and the Beast by NetGalley and I'm so grateful for it! Mimi has a gift for writing stories that you get lost in and, as corny as it sounds, every time life gets overwhelming and difficult, her stories always pull me out of a rut.
Now, on to the characters & story!
Charlotte
Charlotte was the perfect combination of bold, no nonsense personality from her grandmother Maggie Honeywell, and the sweetness, spirit, and advocate forthrightness of her mother Hannah Heywood. It was a really refreshing combination! Charlotte was no push over, but she was also no hellion either. She was the perfect combination of her parents and grandparents and I loved how she wasn't afraid to tell Magnus of her feelings when the time came. She also stood up for him when he was being maligned in the village and by the awful gossipy harpy who cannot seem to mind her own business. (Looking at you Mrs. Kitteridge!) In short, Charlotte was wonderful and the perfect foil to Magnus' gruffy, grumpy nature.
Magnus
Ahhh Magnus. My poor, misunderstood, wounded bear! Magnus was grudgingly likeable from the beginning (and I mean that in the best possible way!). He snarled a lot and lost his temper, but he was so gentle with Charlotte, even when he had every reason not to be. Then, after the air's been cleared, his walls started to come down more and more because, how can you not with Charlotte around? He fell fast and he fell hard. I absolutely loved the fact that he wasn't your run of the mill "I'm no good for you so you better go find someone else who is." That trope can drag on ON AND ON AND ON, and Mimi made sure that it didn't. He certainly did feel unworthy of her, but he also wasn't going to deny Charlotte and her happiness either. He also recognized that he wasn't as unworthy of love and happiness as he thought he was (of course, thanks to Charlotte!).
Magnus didn't move. Couldn't speak. He could only look back at her steadily, feeling the inexorable pull of his own destiny. A force that had been drawing them closer, inch by perilous inch, ever since he'd first locked eyes with her as she'd balanced atop his garden wall.
"What are you doing?" she asked. Her heated cheek was smooth as silk under his palm.
Magnus bent his head to hers. He was tired of fighting it. "Sealing my fate," he answered.
I'll let you read the rest on your own to find out what happens 😉
In short, Mimi wrote another triumphant love story and I'm over the moon delighted that she's continuing with the grandchildren of her original Somerset Stories! I love Arthur and Phyllida & Nicholas & Maggie, as well as their children, so much! So it's lovely to be able to revisit these beloved characters again, even if they're older now.
If you loved her Work of Art, Gentleman Jim or any of her novels featuring the children of Somerset, this will be a wonderful continuation of their stories!
Big thank you to NetGalley, Rel Mollet and Mimi for the advance reader copy!! It made my week!
She looked back at him tenderly. "You have yourself."
A lump formed in his throat. He swallowed hard. "I'm a ruin too."
She touched his face, regarding him with a smile. "Not to me."
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Mimi Matthews has the monopoly on writing swoony love declarations and heart-melting moments in historical romance. Miss Beresford and the Beast is definitely no different than all her other glorious novels.
I was very fortunate to receive an advance copy of Miss Beresford and the Beast by NetGalley and I'm so grateful for it! Mimi has a gift for writing stories that you get lost in and, as corny as it sounds, every time life gets overwhelming and difficult, her stories always pull me out of a rut.
Now, on to the characters & story!
Charlotte
Charlotte was the perfect combination of bold, no nonsense personality from her grandmother Maggie Honeywell, and the sweetness, spirit, and advocate forthrightness of her mother Hannah Heywood. It was a really refreshing combination! Charlotte was no push over, but she was also no hellion either. She was the perfect combination of her parents and grandparents and I loved how she wasn't afraid to tell Magnus of her feelings when the time came. She also stood up for him when he was being maligned in the village and by the awful gossipy harpy who cannot seem to mind her own business. (Looking at you Mrs. Kitteridge!) In short, Charlotte was wonderful and the perfect foil to Magnus' gruffy, grumpy nature.
Magnus
Ahhh Magnus. My poor, misunderstood, wounded bear! Magnus was grudgingly likeable from the beginning (and I mean that in the best possible way!). He snarled a lot and lost his temper, but he was so gentle with Charlotte, even when he had every reason not to be. Then, after the air's been cleared, his walls started to come down more and more because, how can you not with Charlotte around? He fell fast and he fell hard. I absolutely loved the fact that he wasn't your run of the mill "I'm no good for you so you better go find someone else who is." That trope can drag on ON AND ON AND ON, and Mimi made sure that it didn't. He certainly did feel unworthy of her, but he also wasn't going to deny Charlotte and her happiness either. He also recognized that he wasn't as unworthy of love and happiness as he thought he was (of course, thanks to Charlotte!).
Magnus didn't move. Couldn't speak. He could only look back at her steadily, feeling the inexorable pull of his own destiny. A force that had been drawing them closer, inch by perilous inch, ever since he'd first locked eyes with her as she'd balanced atop his garden wall.
"What are you doing?" she asked. Her heated cheek was smooth as silk under his palm.
Magnus bent his head to hers. He was tired of fighting it. "Sealing my fate," he answered.
I'll let you read the rest on your own to find out what happens 😉
In short, Mimi wrote another triumphant love story and I'm over the moon delighted that she's continuing with the grandchildren of her original Somerset Stories! I love Arthur and Phyllida & Nicholas & Maggie, as well as their children, so much! So it's lovely to be able to revisit these beloved characters again, even if they're older now.
If you loved her Work of Art, Gentleman Jim or any of her novels featuring the children of Somerset, this will be a wonderful continuation of their stories!
Big thank you to NetGalley, Rel Mollet and Mimi for the advance reader copy!! It made my week!
Review of advance copy received from Author
An absolutely triumphant start to Mimi Matthews new series, The Daughters of Somerset, taking place in the same world as two of the previous Somerset series, but absolutely accessible to new readers. For those of us who’ve read the previous books, we get a glimpse of some of the beloved characters in the epilogue, and a bit of Charlotte’s parents James and Hannah Beresford near the end of the book. This is a Beauty and the Beast tale but with Matthews’ own distinct spin and is now one of my favourite retellings.
The book blurb explains the main set up, but essentially, Charlotte’s own curiosity, Magnus’s wish for privacy, and an injured feral dog, lead to an accident that sees Charlotte suffer a hard fall and injuring her head. Magnus and his valet, the only two currently in residence at the dilapidated Moorcross Manor, are forced to care for her for a couple of days while she tries to recover her memory. I loved this set-up because we learn so much about both characters right from the start.
Magnus is a scarred war hero, but the reason he’s not welcomed by the townspeople is due to his role in a scandal eleven years before the start of the story. Now 27-years-old, Magnus has returned to his family’s home after the death of his father and his own inheritance of the dilapidated earldom. He only hopes to recover the family wealth that his father has hidden on the estate and then plans to slip away unnoticed. His physical scars are nothing compared to the emotional scars his father and the town gave him. His time at war has left more than physical damage as well. He is grumpy and misunderstood and just wants to be left alone.
Charlotte, on the other hand, is talkative, imaginative, and wants to know everything about Magnus. Her ability to draw Magnus out of his shell and his deep concern for her well-being lay the basis for a friendship and eventual attraction. In a nice reversal, it’s Charlotte who uses her wealth to gift things to Magnus, her care that eventually melts his icy demeanour, and her view of him that allows him to see himself differently than the way he’s done up until now.
I loved how Matthews sets up realistic dialogue between them, shows the mores of the time, and provides an ending that fits the story and the characters. In her author’s note, she mentions her intent to keep the story pared down in the number of characters and to keep a focus on the main couple. She executed that brilliantly while still giving us a rich world, interesting side characters, and limited appearances of characters from previous novels. Turner, Magnus’s valet, provides some gentle humour through his whinging which reminded me of the Nurse from Romeo and Juliet. The town gossip is drawn with perfection, and Lucy is given a three-dimensional character when it would’ve been so easy to make her into a stereotype to serve some plot points.
Overall, this was a deeply satisfying read that had me devouring it in just two days. I loved every page and am looking forward to more in this new series.
The book blurb explains the main set up, but essentially, Charlotte’s own curiosity, Magnus’s wish for privacy, and an injured feral dog, lead to an accident that sees Charlotte suffer a hard fall and injuring her head. Magnus and his valet, the only two currently in residence at the dilapidated Moorcross Manor, are forced to care for her for a couple of days while she tries to recover her memory. I loved this set-up because we learn so much about both characters right from the start.
Magnus is a scarred war hero, but the reason he’s not welcomed by the townspeople is due to his role in a scandal eleven years before the start of the story. Now 27-years-old, Magnus has returned to his family’s home after the death of his father and his own inheritance of the dilapidated earldom. He only hopes to recover the family wealth that his father has hidden on the estate and then plans to slip away unnoticed. His physical scars are nothing compared to the emotional scars his father and the town gave him. His time at war has left more than physical damage as well. He is grumpy and misunderstood and just wants to be left alone.
Charlotte, on the other hand, is talkative, imaginative, and wants to know everything about Magnus. Her ability to draw Magnus out of his shell and his deep concern for her well-being lay the basis for a friendship and eventual attraction. In a nice reversal, it’s Charlotte who uses her wealth to gift things to Magnus, her care that eventually melts his icy demeanour, and her view of him that allows him to see himself differently than the way he’s done up until now.
I loved how Matthews sets up realistic dialogue between them, shows the mores of the time, and provides an ending that fits the story and the characters. In her author’s note, she mentions her intent to keep the story pared down in the number of characters and to keep a focus on the main couple. She executed that brilliantly while still giving us a rich world, interesting side characters, and limited appearances of characters from previous novels. Turner, Magnus’s valet, provides some gentle humour through his whinging which reminded me of the Nurse from Romeo and Juliet. The town gossip is drawn with perfection, and Lucy is given a three-dimensional character when it would’ve been so easy to make her into a stereotype to serve some plot points.
Overall, this was a deeply satisfying read that had me devouring it in just two days. I loved every page and am looking forward to more in this new series.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Mimi does it again. I was completely swept away by this beautiful story with such exquisite characters.
Beauty and the Beast retellings are always my favourite so it was not my first time reading one and certainly not my last. That being said, I really admire what Mimi Matthews did in this story. The focus wasn't on Magnus' physical appearance but more so on his reputation. While he does have some scar, the plot never was about that and I appreciated it a lot.
Right from the start, Mimi did a beautiful job at giving our characters a perfect encounter that really showcased both their personality. On one side there's Charlotte who is looking for a wounded dog and will do anything to reach and save him, and on the other side we have Magnus who is on the defensive and very distrustful. Which brings us to the accident that made everything oh so interesting!
Seeing Magnus being forced into taking care of a stranger was such a delight. Add to this his valet that always made me laugh with how lazy he was and always suggesting things that made Magnus dejected. And then, there's a bit of memory loss that added a fun twist to the situation. I did enjoy it a lot and how Magnus was trying his best to act respectfully but felt so lost. He was super cute.
Magnus really let his past define him in a way and I do enjoy seeing a character that is broken find its love for living back. Charlotte was the perfect touch of sunshiny personality to bring Magnus out of his shell. She is impossible not to fall for with such a beautiful way of seeing life, she's compassionate, full of kindness and doesn't let people's thoughts define her impressions. She really tried to understand Magnus better and didn't abandon no matter what people were saying or how Magnus had trouble opening up.
This wasn't a story with a heavy plot, it was a comforting tale with so many swoony moments where you really follow our two characters closely and see all the evolution in their relationship. It makes it easy to understand how they can fall in love. In the end we get to see previous characters of the series which is always nice, but most of the story is really focused on our main characters, pretty much alone, and it was a perfect way to let the reader experience this relationship fully. Our characters really earned their happiness and I loved being there for every second of it!
Huge thanks to Mimi Matthews and Rel Mollet for the early copy. All opinions are my own.
Beauty and the Beast retellings are always my favourite so it was not my first time reading one and certainly not my last. That being said, I really admire what Mimi Matthews did in this story. The focus wasn't on Magnus' physical appearance but more so on his reputation. While he does have some scar, the plot never was about that and I appreciated it a lot.
Right from the start, Mimi did a beautiful job at giving our characters a perfect encounter that really showcased both their personality. On one side there's Charlotte who is looking for a wounded dog and will do anything to reach and save him, and on the other side we have Magnus who is on the defensive and very distrustful. Which brings us to the accident that made everything oh so interesting!
Seeing Magnus being forced into taking care of a stranger was such a delight. Add to this his valet that always made me laugh with how lazy he was and always suggesting things that made Magnus dejected. And then, there's a bit of memory loss that added a fun twist to the situation. I did enjoy it a lot and how Magnus was trying his best to act respectfully but felt so lost. He was super cute.
Magnus really let his past define him in a way and I do enjoy seeing a character that is broken find its love for living back. Charlotte was the perfect touch of sunshiny personality to bring Magnus out of his shell. She is impossible not to fall for with such a beautiful way of seeing life, she's compassionate, full of kindness and doesn't let people's thoughts define her impressions. She really tried to understand Magnus better and didn't abandon no matter what people were saying or how Magnus had trouble opening up.
This wasn't a story with a heavy plot, it was a comforting tale with so many swoony moments where you really follow our two characters closely and see all the evolution in their relationship. It makes it easy to understand how they can fall in love. In the end we get to see previous characters of the series which is always nice, but most of the story is really focused on our main characters, pretty much alone, and it was a perfect way to let the reader experience this relationship fully. Our characters really earned their happiness and I loved being there for every second of it!
Huge thanks to Mimi Matthews and Rel Mollet for the early copy. All opinions are my own.
August 26, 2026
I loved Mimi Matthews's Somerset series!!! And I love that we have a third generation series starting!!! I couldn't wait to start reading this one and loved every minute of it! Beauty and the Beast is one my favorite fairy tales and I loved that this was a retelling of that! So combine the moody character, Victorian and gothic feel of the book, a bright and hopeful heroine, and I felt transported to Yorkshire and was there in this old run down manor and experiencing the budding friendship and love between Charlotte and Magnus! I couldn't help but cheer for Charlotte in her attempts at bringing Magnus out of his broodiness. And how she became part of his "adventure" throughout the book. And yes, there is definitely a grumpy first meeting! Hahaha! It causes quite the scare for Charlotte and is a great catalyst for these two being forced into each other's company for a time.
What's worse than waking up not in your bed? Waking up not in your bed and having amnesia! Poor Charlotte. I couldn't help but giggle at some of the conversations that came about during those scenes. Especially with Magnus's surliness and trying to move Charlotte along out of his house but also trying to be a gentleman and trying to protect himself. He's had some hard moments in life and especially in connection to this manor house. He just needs to find what he came for, get this beautiful miss out of his house, and pack up and leave the memories and everything behind! Poor Magnus has another thing coming and he doesn't even know it!
I loved it all! There was a great combination of humor, dark and brooding (not that dark-just the time period), sweetness, coming to know the other person and truly seeing them, healing, caring for another, finding love, and all the things! It was very well written! Mimi Matthews is a favorite author of mine and I just can't help but be drawn to her stories every time! I hope if you haven't read her books and you like this genre and time period, you take a chance and pick up this one or another one of her books! I can't wait to listen to the audiobook of this one and see who the narrator for Magnus will be. Definitely someone with a very deep and brooding voice!
Content: Clean. Nothing more than a few kisses.
I received a copy from the author. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Happy Reading!!!
What's worse than waking up not in your bed? Waking up not in your bed and having amnesia! Poor Charlotte. I couldn't help but giggle at some of the conversations that came about during those scenes. Especially with Magnus's surliness and trying to move Charlotte along out of his house but also trying to be a gentleman and trying to protect himself. He's had some hard moments in life and especially in connection to this manor house. He just needs to find what he came for, get this beautiful miss out of his house, and pack up and leave the memories and everything behind! Poor Magnus has another thing coming and he doesn't even know it!
I loved it all! There was a great combination of humor, dark and brooding (not that dark-just the time period), sweetness, coming to know the other person and truly seeing them, healing, caring for another, finding love, and all the things! It was very well written! Mimi Matthews is a favorite author of mine and I just can't help but be drawn to her stories every time! I hope if you haven't read her books and you like this genre and time period, you take a chance and pick up this one or another one of her books! I can't wait to listen to the audiobook of this one and see who the narrator for Magnus will be. Definitely someone with a very deep and brooding voice!
Content: Clean. Nothing more than a few kisses.
I received a copy from the author. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Happy Reading!!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
All those tender feelings, that warmth, that quiet joy that always seem to fill my heart when I read a Mimi Matthews book showed up in a big way with this beautiful story.
This delightfully well-written beastly tale drew me in from the very beginning with two main characters who were impossible not to root for. Their story was wonderfully twisty, layered with historical details and just the right touch of whimsy woven into their personalities. And then, of course, add an animal in dire straits, and suddenly I was completely invested. There was simply no putting this one down.
What I especially loved was that, while the epilogue welcomed us back to past heroes and heroines and brought everyone together like the prettiest red bow on a gift, this story never relied on those familiar characters to carry it. It stood beautifully and completely on its own, allowing these new characters and their journey to shine.
No one brings the Victorian era to life quite like Ms. Matthews. Her storytelling and emotional depth pull you effortlessly into the heart of the story, while her impeccable pacing, atmospheric scenery, and wonderfully crafted dialogue keep you turning the pages. There is just something about a Mimi Matthews book that makes me feel as though I’ve stepped into another time, lived alongside these characters, and become completely wrapped up in their world.
Beautiful, charming, emotional, and utterly unputdownable, this was another reminder of exactly why her books hold such a special place in my heart.
This delightfully well-written beastly tale drew me in from the very beginning with two main characters who were impossible not to root for. Their story was wonderfully twisty, layered with historical details and just the right touch of whimsy woven into their personalities. And then, of course, add an animal in dire straits, and suddenly I was completely invested. There was simply no putting this one down.
What I especially loved was that, while the epilogue welcomed us back to past heroes and heroines and brought everyone together like the prettiest red bow on a gift, this story never relied on those familiar characters to carry it. It stood beautifully and completely on its own, allowing these new characters and their journey to shine.
No one brings the Victorian era to life quite like Ms. Matthews. Her storytelling and emotional depth pull you effortlessly into the heart of the story, while her impeccable pacing, atmospheric scenery, and wonderfully crafted dialogue keep you turning the pages. There is just something about a Mimi Matthews book that makes me feel as though I’ve stepped into another time, lived alongside these characters, and become completely wrapped up in their world.
Beautiful, charming, emotional, and utterly unputdownable, this was another reminder of exactly why her books hold such a special place in my heart.
August 26, 2026
3.5 rounded to 4
Mimi is and will continue to be my auto-buy author. I love her books, even ones like these that leave me a little wanting.
Yays 👍
- As always with Mimi, full of feels, swoony, tender moments and great characters.
- Loved seeing James St. Clare as a protective papa and staying true to his character
- There is so much heart in this book, friends, servants, animals everyone is treated with kindness and compassion even when they're not at their best. These are the kinds of stories and people we need to read about
- Story is very realistic too, amnesia element was just right and not outlandish
- Epilogue and the hints to the mistaken identity letter writer for Agatha's story was as much of a gift as seeing the grandparents Heywood and Beresfords still enjoying their HEAs
Nays 👎
- Having read all Mimi's work this one felt very similar to the Viscount and Vicar's daughter in the separation and reunion aspect
- The reunion and separation felt a bit rushed and that's where the story lost its pacing --as well as the 1.5 points-- for me
- The story overall felt too easy maybe due to immediate return of feeling from both FMC and MMC or the ease of finding the treasure; but overall the end didn't feel satisfying. Possibly aslo due to the point above
Verdict 🪒
Lovely, historically accurate HEA with lots of heart and great prose. Things that are a given in Mimi's stories. This one while missing a little something for me, still has a lot to offer to fans of the genre and Somerset stories. Recommended reading.
Mimi is and will continue to be my auto-buy author. I love her books, even ones like these that leave me a little wanting.
Yays 👍
- As always with Mimi, full of feels, swoony, tender moments and great characters.
- Loved seeing James St. Clare as a protective papa and staying true to his character
- There is so much heart in this book, friends, servants, animals everyone is treated with kindness and compassion even when they're not at their best. These are the kinds of stories and people we need to read about
- Story is very realistic too, amnesia element was just right and not outlandish
- Epilogue and the hints to the mistaken identity letter writer for Agatha's story was as much of a gift as seeing the grandparents Heywood and Beresfords still enjoying their HEAs
Nays 👎
- Having read all Mimi's work this one felt very similar to the Viscount and Vicar's daughter in the separation and reunion aspect
- The reunion and separation felt a bit rushed and that's where the story lost its pacing --as well as the 1.5 points-- for me
- The story overall felt too easy maybe due to immediate return of feeling from both FMC and MMC or the ease of finding the treasure; but overall the end didn't feel satisfying. Possibly aslo due to the point above
Verdict 🪒
Lovely, historically accurate HEA with lots of heart and great prose. Things that are a given in Mimi's stories. This one while missing a little something for me, still has a lot to offer to fans of the genre and Somerset stories. Recommended reading.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Mimi Matthews newest novel, Miss Beresford and the Beast is a delightful Victorian era Beauty and the Beast retelling. What I loved in this story is that it took some elements from the well-loved fairytale, but evolved into its own original storyline. It does not mimic the plot but focuses more on the characters.
Ms. Matthews is a go-to author for Victorian era romance. I loved the chemistry between the two main characters. I found Charlotte Beresford to be absolutely charming. A young woman who is bold, full of adventure. Yet despite her youthful innocence, she has the discernment to look past the outside and look within a person, past their flaws and sees their strengths. And the gruff, inscrutable hero, the Earl of Eversleigh's past is full of mystery. The atmospheric setting of the abandoned estate had me immersed in the story. Add a village full of gossip-mongers and I was thoroughly invested in how they would overcome his scandal plagued past to reach their own happy-ever-after ending.
Ms. Matthews can be relied upon to pen stories rich in historical detail, engaging characters and sizzling but clean romance. While this has been marketed as a third generation book of well-loved characters, it can totally be read and enjoyed as a standalone.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher. I was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Ms. Matthews is a go-to author for Victorian era romance. I loved the chemistry between the two main characters. I found Charlotte Beresford to be absolutely charming. A young woman who is bold, full of adventure. Yet despite her youthful innocence, she has the discernment to look past the outside and look within a person, past their flaws and sees their strengths. And the gruff, inscrutable hero, the Earl of Eversleigh's past is full of mystery. The atmospheric setting of the abandoned estate had me immersed in the story. Add a village full of gossip-mongers and I was thoroughly invested in how they would overcome his scandal plagued past to reach their own happy-ever-after ending.
Ms. Matthews can be relied upon to pen stories rich in historical detail, engaging characters and sizzling but clean romance. While this has been marketed as a third generation book of well-loved characters, it can totally be read and enjoyed as a standalone.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher. I was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
August 26, 2026
3.5 stars
I enjoyed this historical romance, as I enjoy most of this writer's books. It was a nice, quiet story, with the only villain being a vile gossip. Most of the book is about a growing affection between Charlotte and Magnus (Miss Beresford and the beast from the title), and I smiled faintly almost the entire time I read it. The pacing was decent, both leads sympathetic, their chemistry obvious, and the writing professional.
My only complaint was the timing. The majority of the story consisted of the protagonists' original meeting and the next week or so afterwards, to let their relationship develop. Then, in the chapter before last, Charlotte's father arrived and ordered our lovers to take a clean break for 6 months, so they would be sure of their feelings. Magnus promptly agreed, and nobody asked Charlotte. Well, it was a Victorian romance, and in those times, nobody asked women anything. The last chapter and the epilogue (and the inevitable HEA) happened 6 months later.
It was a strange decision on the writer's part to leave all the transformations Magnus experienced during those 6 months, all the changes in his life and fortune, off the pages of the novel. Frustrating doesn't even cover it. I would really want to know what actually happened to him during those 6 months. How he dealt with the village gossip. How he overcame his father's disturbing actions. But even that profound lack didn't dim the pleasure of reading this short and sweet novel.
I enjoyed this historical romance, as I enjoy most of this writer's books. It was a nice, quiet story, with the only villain being a vile gossip. Most of the book is about a growing affection between Charlotte and Magnus (Miss Beresford and the beast from the title), and I smiled faintly almost the entire time I read it. The pacing was decent, both leads sympathetic, their chemistry obvious, and the writing professional.
My only complaint was the timing. The majority of the story consisted of the protagonists' original meeting and the next week or so afterwards, to let their relationship develop. Then, in the chapter before last, Charlotte's father arrived and ordered our lovers to take a clean break for 6 months, so they would be sure of their feelings. Magnus promptly agreed, and nobody asked Charlotte. Well, it was a Victorian romance, and in those times, nobody asked women anything. The last chapter and the epilogue (and the inevitable HEA) happened 6 months later.
It was a strange decision on the writer's part to leave all the transformations Magnus experienced during those 6 months, all the changes in his life and fortune, off the pages of the novel. Frustrating doesn't even cover it. I would really want to know what actually happened to him during those 6 months. How he dealt with the village gossip. How he overcame his father's disturbing actions. But even that profound lack didn't dim the pleasure of reading this short and sweet novel.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Another Beauty and the Beast tale! If you've read Mimi before, you'll know that there are a few of her other books that have a take on Beauty and the Beast. BUT, also, if you know Mimi, then you'll believe me when I say, this has a unique spin on the story we all know and love.
The cast of characters for this one is small. But that was done intentionally so that we could focus on these characters and their relationship with each other and those with whom they come in contact. There were some surprises with their relationship that were just delightful. The dog (is it even a Mimi book without a dog or cat or horse or all 3?!) was such a reflection of Magnus. And his valet was cracking me up.
It was also interesting to see Hannah and James (from Lady of Conscience) through the eyes of Charlotte. As well as all of the grandparents. And some siblings and cousins. The cameos at the end were so rewarding.
There were a few moments near the end that I wish we could have delved into a little deeper. No surprise that I would be wishing for 50 or 100 or even 200 more pages. Pretty sure I'd read Mimi's grocery list at this point. :)
Stars: 4.5
Content: kisses, mentions of previous deaths
Thanks to the author for an advanced reader's copy. All thoughts are my own.
The cast of characters for this one is small. But that was done intentionally so that we could focus on these characters and their relationship with each other and those with whom they come in contact. There were some surprises with their relationship that were just delightful. The dog (is it even a Mimi book without a dog or cat or horse or all 3?!) was such a reflection of Magnus. And his valet was cracking me up.
It was also interesting to see Hannah and James (from Lady of Conscience) through the eyes of Charlotte. As well as all of the grandparents. And some siblings and cousins. The cameos at the end were so rewarding.
There were a few moments near the end that I wish we could have delved into a little deeper. No surprise that I would be wishing for 50 or 100 or even 200 more pages. Pretty sure I'd read Mimi's grocery list at this point. :)
Stars: 4.5
Content: kisses, mentions of previous deaths
Thanks to the author for an advanced reader's copy. All thoughts are my own.
August 26, 2026
Ok so when I read that this was going to be a Beauty and the Beast retelling I was a little skeptical as fairytale retelling aren’t typically my favorite. But I shouldn’t have doubted! Mimi Matthews is a favorite author of mine (the Parish Orphans of Devon is my favorite series of hers) and Miss Beresford and the Beast was so well done! I loved that Magnus was more grumpy and haunted but kind and thoughtful rather than harsh or mean as can be the case in Beauty and the Beast retellings. The emphasis on overcoming past mistakes and the judgment & unkindness of others (and his own unforgiveness /guilt towards himself) on Magnus’s part, and seeing past the small town gossip to the character underneath on Charlotte’s part, was a unique spin on the Beauty and the Beast story that I enjoyed. It was also great to see all the past characters of the Somerset Series again! Charlotte is the daughter of James and Hannah whose story we get in A Lady of Conscience. And Arthur and Philly from The Work of Art and Nicholas and Margaret from Gentleman Jim also make a brief appearance which was sweet. All the stories in the series were woven together in such an interesting way, and this newest addition/start to the next generation’s stories was no exception!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Miss Beresford and the Beast by Mimi Matthews is a classic Beauty and Beast retelling with tension, mystery, and deep conversations galore.
I LOVED this book. Beauty and the Beast is my favorite fairy tale and this one does it just. A big scary, scarred man, and a pretty and adventurous bookish girl? Sign me up. We got loving and caring, gentleness, and fierceness. I had no idea where and how this book would go but I loved every page of it. Will Magnus and Charlotte be able to fight past societal expectations and to fight the curse of the village?
🌹Beauty and the Beast
🌹Grumpy vs. Sunshine
🌹Animal Companions
🌹Forced Proximity
🌹Trespassing
I loved seeing the characters from Mimi's old series, and I loved the familial relationship. I also loved the trust, the passion, and truth each character had with each other. The strength they had in believing one another, when usually there is more strength in rumors. What it meant for both Magnus and Charlotte to fall for one another. Beautiful.
If you want a good and beautiful Victorian Era novel, this is the one for you.
Thank you Mimi Matthews for the free book.
I LOVED this book. Beauty and the Beast is my favorite fairy tale and this one does it just. A big scary, scarred man, and a pretty and adventurous bookish girl? Sign me up. We got loving and caring, gentleness, and fierceness. I had no idea where and how this book would go but I loved every page of it. Will Magnus and Charlotte be able to fight past societal expectations and to fight the curse of the village?
🌹Beauty and the Beast
🌹Grumpy vs. Sunshine
🌹Animal Companions
🌹Forced Proximity
🌹Trespassing
I loved seeing the characters from Mimi's old series, and I loved the familial relationship. I also loved the trust, the passion, and truth each character had with each other. The strength they had in believing one another, when usually there is more strength in rumors. What it meant for both Magnus and Charlotte to fall for one another. Beautiful.
If you want a good and beautiful Victorian Era novel, this is the one for you.
Thank you Mimi Matthews for the free book.
August 26, 2026
A mysterious decrepit manor house. Suspicious villagers. Rumors of curses. Missing treasure. Yet, in this ghastly and intriguing setting, love blossoms in this absolute masterpiece of a Beauty and the Beast retelling! Masterfully written by Mimi Matthews, the story is captivating, the romance is swoony and beautifully written, and the hard-earned happily ever after is wonderful. But what I loved most about this story is the depth in the retelling of the Beauty and the Beast fairytale. Specifically, that Magnus’s scarring is not the focus of his beastliness, but rather what Charlotte must see beyond is his tragic past and misconstrued reputation. And the greatest character depth of all is that Magnus must forgive himself, see his value, and grapple with the real truth about himself despite the opinions of others. Deep and emotionally engaging, this story has many layers and is rich in lessons of forgiveness, real abiding love, steadfastness, and throwing off the misguided and viscous opinions of others. I adored every minute of this story because it was not only a retelling of one of my favorite fairytales, but it had real craftsmanship in character development. I loved every second, and read it in one sitting! I highly recommend this, and am excited for what comes next in this new series!
I received a copy of this book for review purposes. My thoughts are my own though, I really did love it!
I received a copy of this book for review purposes. My thoughts are my own though, I really did love it!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is the first of a new series, Daughter of Somerset, by Mimi Matthews. Miss Beresford and the Beast is a romantic tale with some similarities to the classic fairytale Beauty and the Beast. I read this book in 2 days! I wanted to make it last but it’s hard to stop reading. Her characters are always so compelling. Charlotte Beresford is a rather sheltered daughter of a noble family, and she meets our hero by accident when she tries to rescue a stray dog. Magnus Sterling is considered a beast by the villagers due to a tragic incident in his past. After having left his home as a young adult to escape his past, he returns over a decade later to find his hidden inheritance. Poor Magnus is quite maligned by the villagers, but Charlotte sees his truly good nature despite his curmudgeonly exterior. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and it was also fun to see Charlotte’s family who have their own stories in her Somerset series. This book can be read as a standalone without any problem, but for fans of her Somerset series, it is a delight to meet the next generation.
Review of advance copy received from Author
"This was different than being drawn to a man for his mystery or for his handsomeness. This was being drawn to him because of his character. A far more powerful lure, and one Charlotte was completely unaccustomed to."
"She trusted him. Magnus didn't take it lightly. Indeed, as he kissed her sweet mouth once more, he was possessed by the unshakable conviction that, even if he lived to be one hundred and ten, having earned the trust and affection of Charlotte Beresford would remain, until his dying day, the greatest honor of his life."
"She didn't want Magnus to change in order to be worthy of her. She preferred him exactly as he was."
I loved this return to the third generation of Beresfords and Heywoods! As implied by its title, this is a Beauty and the Beast-type story, but with some creative twists. Charlotte is a bold and independent heroin who takes a tumble and loses her memory on Magnus's property, placing her in a compromising position in a village rife with gossip. Magnus is dour and scarred, ostracized by his community over a past tragedy and seeking to draw as little attention as possible. He begrudgingly cares for Charlotte, only to find she not only is unrepulsed by his appearance but continues to see past his gruff exterior to the heart and character beneath.
This was a sweet and unique story with layers of mystery, tragedy, humor, healing, tenderness, deep relationships, and romance. I loved Charlotte and Magnus, their characters and dynamic, their slow-growing respect, friendship and love. Charlotte was an indomitable young woman with a fierce sense of justice who would not be cowed by any obstacle or person, but with the kindest heart. Magus was a man of honor through and through and an overcomer despite what life threw at him. I loved their story and can't wait for the next!
"She trusted him. Magnus didn't take it lightly. Indeed, as he kissed her sweet mouth once more, he was possessed by the unshakable conviction that, even if he lived to be one hundred and ten, having earned the trust and affection of Charlotte Beresford would remain, until his dying day, the greatest honor of his life."
"She didn't want Magnus to change in order to be worthy of her. She preferred him exactly as he was."
I loved this return to the third generation of Beresfords and Heywoods! As implied by its title, this is a Beauty and the Beast-type story, but with some creative twists. Charlotte is a bold and independent heroin who takes a tumble and loses her memory on Magnus's property, placing her in a compromising position in a village rife with gossip. Magnus is dour and scarred, ostracized by his community over a past tragedy and seeking to draw as little attention as possible. He begrudgingly cares for Charlotte, only to find she not only is unrepulsed by his appearance but continues to see past his gruff exterior to the heart and character beneath.
This was a sweet and unique story with layers of mystery, tragedy, humor, healing, tenderness, deep relationships, and romance. I loved Charlotte and Magnus, their characters and dynamic, their slow-growing respect, friendship and love. Charlotte was an indomitable young woman with a fierce sense of justice who would not be cowed by any obstacle or person, but with the kindest heart. Magus was a man of honor through and through and an overcomer despite what life threw at him. I loved their story and can't wait for the next!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I loved this Victorian twist on Beauty and the Beast! Charlotte is a spirited young woman, who definitively knows her own mind, spends the summer with a friend from school. While they are as different as can be, I appreciate the balance and concern her friend demonstrates while attempting to keep her grounded. Charlotte finds herself at the mercy of the gruff and surly Earl of Eversleigh and his assistant. I love her ability to see past the anger and pain that Magnus projects and despite not having all of her memories or understanding of the situation, she remains kind and calm and manages to burrow under his rough exterior. She is genuine and curious and consistently pushed for more information, drawing him out. As the reality becomes clearer, she doesn’t back down. I love her offer and presentation of friendship despite Magnus trying to push her away. There is a good mix of humor as well which serves as a neutralizer the level of irritation demonstrated by Magnus. Seeing him slowly thaw and come around to Charlotte’s warm and sunny disposition was so well done that I was easily pulled into all their bantering and relationship development. The number of misunderstandings as well as the appearance of her own esteemed family was brilliant and kept me fully engaged. The addition of the dog was just an extra endearing touch.The ending was just perfect! I cannot begin to convey how much I enjoyed Charlotte and Magnus together and their story.
I received a complimentary copy from the author and all opinions expressed are solely my own, freely given.
I received a complimentary copy from the author and all opinions expressed are solely my own, freely given.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Miss Beresford and the Beast is the first book in the Daughters of Somerset series by Mimi Matthews, and it is an absolutely dreamy book. Charlotte Beresford sees the best in people and craves adventure. She has been strictly watched most of her life and is now visiting a school mate in a remote part of Yorkshire on a school break. Magnus Sterling has been through many battles on and off the battlefield. He is aggravated he inherited a title with a missing fortune and as the Earl of Eversleigh he is hiding at his estate. He is so annoyed when Charlotte intrudes on him.
My heart is filled with the love and joy that only a Mimi Matthews story can bring to me. This swoon worthy tale was filled with beautiful romance, engaging characters, a delightful retelling and a story that drew me in from the beginning. Charlotte and Magnus were engaging characters that I adored and I was so invested in their love story. The banter, chemistry, and their conversations were so authentic and charming.
The author immersed me in the Victoiran time period. I could picture Eversleigh Manor in my head as I read the story. The themes of friendship, second chances, and seeing the best in people resonated deeply with me. (I also loved the animal friends in the book)
I very highly recommend Miss Beresford and the Beast by Mimi Matthews. The story has wonderful engaging characters you will be invested in, great romance that sizzles while being closed door, and is immersive in the time period. This will be a 2026 favorite for me. I highly encourage you to get a copy!
I was gifted a copy and not required to write a positive review.
My heart is filled with the love and joy that only a Mimi Matthews story can bring to me. This swoon worthy tale was filled with beautiful romance, engaging characters, a delightful retelling and a story that drew me in from the beginning. Charlotte and Magnus were engaging characters that I adored and I was so invested in their love story. The banter, chemistry, and their conversations were so authentic and charming.
The author immersed me in the Victoiran time period. I could picture Eversleigh Manor in my head as I read the story. The themes of friendship, second chances, and seeing the best in people resonated deeply with me. (I also loved the animal friends in the book)
I very highly recommend Miss Beresford and the Beast by Mimi Matthews. The story has wonderful engaging characters you will be invested in, great romance that sizzles while being closed door, and is immersive in the time period. This will be a 2026 favorite for me. I highly encourage you to get a copy!
I was gifted a copy and not required to write a positive review.
August 26, 2026
Mimi does it again! I read through this in one day, bought it the second I found out it published and I'm currently on the last few pages. The story follows Charlotte and Magnus. Magnus is conflicted about his past, both guilt-ridden and wrongly villiefied by the villagers. All he wants is to find his inheritence and retreat into solitude, his character has that "dark", "lone-wolf" feeling without being too cringy. Matthews is great at using tropes and cliches in plots and characters in a way that doesn't feel as dramatic, theatrical or 'corny' as most books you read. Charlotte is very like her mother and grandmother, loves animals, determined and sees Magnus for who he is. Only thing I didn't like about this book is that it felt slightly rushed. It would've been nice to have more interactions between them to build up the romance and the ending felt a little fast paced and convenient. But that might be up to personal opinion as I just simply wished to read more of them.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Beauty and the Beast is my all-time favorite fairytale, and I have somewhat high standards for retellings of this powerful, romantic story. I’m happy to say that Miss Beresford and the Beast not only thoroughly satisfied my expectations, but is also fresh and unique in its parallels to the classic story. Mimi Matthews also happens to be one of my all-time favorite authors, so I wasn’t shocked at all that I adored this book!
Magnus and Charlotte are both relatable characters, and their struggles and triumphs are easy to appreciate. Of course, I always love seeing familiar characters in Mimi’s books, so I think this series about third-generation family members of characters I love will be simply epic. Miss Beresford and the Beast is an amazing start! 4.5/5 stars
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Magnus and Charlotte are both relatable characters, and their struggles and triumphs are easy to appreciate. Of course, I always love seeing familiar characters in Mimi’s books, so I think this series about third-generation family members of characters I love will be simply epic. Miss Beresford and the Beast is an amazing start! 4.5/5 stars
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
August 25, 2026
I loved the forced proximity aspect to this story, as Magnus worked to tend to Charlotte after she was injured in a fall on his property. I also appreciated how intuitive Charlotte was as she began to understand that there must be much more to Magnus’s tragic backstory than what the villagers gossiped about.
These two may have seemed like opposites at the beginning, but it soon became clear to me that they were both individuals who cared deeply. The difference was that Magnus was emotionally wounded and had carried those scars within him for years. It was sweet to see Charlotte break down his walls.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
These two may have seemed like opposites at the beginning, but it soon became clear to me that they were both individuals who cared deeply. The difference was that Magnus was emotionally wounded and had carried those scars within him for years. It was sweet to see Charlotte break down his walls.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
Review of advance copy received from Author
If you love a Beauty and the Beast retelling, this is definitely the book for you.
This is very much focussed on the characters of Magnus and Charlotte with some slightly bonkers plot lines leading to them meeting and falling in love.
This is a really interesting treatment of the Beauty and the Beast story and Matthews has really played with different ideas of “beastliness”, asking us who really is the beast of the story.
This is the first of a third generation series, and I'm sure readers of the previous series will enjoy cameos from some familiar characters. However, you can certainly read this as a standalone, as I did.
I received an advance copy of this book at no charge. This is my honest and voluntary review.
This is very much focussed on the characters of Magnus and Charlotte with some slightly bonkers plot lines leading to them meeting and falling in love.
This is a really interesting treatment of the Beauty and the Beast story and Matthews has really played with different ideas of “beastliness”, asking us who really is the beast of the story.
This is the first of a third generation series, and I'm sure readers of the previous series will enjoy cameos from some familiar characters. However, you can certainly read this as a standalone, as I did.
I received an advance copy of this book at no charge. This is my honest and voluntary review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was a wonderful story! Beauty and the Beast is my favorite fairy tale and I am always up for reading a retelling of B&B. I have been very excited for this one since Mimi announced it, and I could not read this quick enough when I received my ARC copy. I loved the story. It did take me just a bit to get into it, but once I did I was ALL in. The premise was intriguing and I liked the differences between this story and the basic B&B story. I also loved getting to see the familiar faces from previous series that I absolutely adore. I will be ordering a paperback of this copy once they’re available!
I received this ARC from the author and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my honest opinion.
I received this ARC from the author and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my honest opinion.
August 26, 2026
I have been looking forward to this book for months. I get the newsletter and read each chapter that was released in advance. So, I am a fan. I have read every book this author has put out except for one. I started it and just need to finish it.
This book was fine. There were several things that I thought were glossed over and/or not addressed. It just threw me off a little but that’s a ‘me’ thing and I won’t get into details.
Content:
Intimacy: A little kissing only. Maybe 2-3 times. (Hmm…well there also was a scene with some clothing removal but it was not sexy times.)
Violence: None (Well, a tragic event from the past was referenced and described a little, not sure if it counts.)
Language: Yes, some light swearing.
This book was fine. There were several things that I thought were glossed over and/or not addressed. It just threw me off a little but that’s a ‘me’ thing and I won’t get into details.
Content:
Intimacy: A little kissing only. Maybe 2-3 times. (Hmm…well there also was a scene with some clothing removal but it was not sexy times.)
Violence: None (Well, a tragic event from the past was referenced and described a little, not sure if it counts.)
Language: Yes, some light swearing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I absolutely love first books in a series. Meeting Charlotte Beresford was a delight. She is confident, stubborn and is an excellent judge of character. The initial meeting of Charlotte and Magnus Sterling was intriguing, but more than that was the interpretation that Turner, Magnus’s valet, gave after reading Charlotte‘s letter. This is just the beginning of a charming, delightful, romantic adventure. The storyline resembles the Beauty and the Beast fairytale. As the story digs deeper into the characters hearts and lives, then what is on the surface. I highly recommend this engaging and intriguing read. I received a complimentary copy of this book, and a positive review was not required.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews