In The Lily of Ludgate Hill, the warm and witty third installment in her Belles of London series, historical romance author Mimi Matthews explores the tension between duty and love--and the allure of taking risks in both areas. Since her father's death six years ago, Lady Anne Deveril has remained in mourning alongside her mother. While Anne is known among the ton for her assertiveness and skill with horses, she's hiding a few secrets, such as her failed almost-romance with ne'er-do-well gentleman Felix Hartford. When she's forced to ask Felix for a favor to help a friend, the two must confront their complicated history and their longstanding feelings for one another.
Meanwhile, Felix has problems of his own: unbeknownst to most people, he's been supporting his late father's secret family, including a son with a penchant for gambling. He's also enjoying success in a graphite mining operation but fears the revelation of his being in trade--plus his father's past sins--would upset his elderly grandfather. Matthews (The Belle of Belgrave Square) deftly skewers the deep prejudices of Victorian London society, while still acknowledging what her characters stand to lose if they break too many rules. Readers of Matthews's previous novels will enjoy cameos by Julia, Stella, and Evelyn, Anne's fellow equestriennes, as well as whip-smart banter and crackling romantic tension. Ultimately, Matthews's characters must face their own fears as well as society's criticisms. The leaps they take--on horseback and off--prove rewarding as well as entertaining. --Katie Noah Gibson, blogger at Cakes, Tea and Dreams