Review: The Winter Companion

Review At a Glance

• Title: The Winter Companion
• My Rating: 4.5
• Genre: Historical Fiction, Romance
• Format: eARC*
• Publication Date: February 11, 2020
• Author: Mimi Matthews

Book Blurb

A winter reunion for the orphans brings romance for Neville Cross in Book 4 of Mimi Matthews’ USA Today bestselling Parish Orphans of Devon series.

She Needed to be Seen…

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.

He Wanted to be Heard…

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?

AMAZON | BARNES AND NOBLE | INDIEBOUND

My Thoughts

I want to preface my review by pointing out that I have read the previous books in the series, so I am particularly invested in the final installment in the Parish Orphans of Devon series. I cannot give any insight into whether this is a standalone novel, except to say that I think all of the pertinent information form past books is there.

As I said before, I am beyond emotionally invested. I have been hearing about the main character, Neville, for three full books. I have imagined him many times and came into this book feeling pity and sympathy for him. Finally, getting to read from his perspective did nothing to change those feelings.

From the opening of the book, the characters are introduced and are almost immediately likable. It helps that they are both trying to care for an elderly dog. It’s impossible to dislike someone that is sheltering an aging pup with vision problems. This is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Neville’s kindness.

As opposed to the other men, Neville is remarkable sweet. His brain injury makes him a man of few words, but his thoughts and feelings run extremely deep. I love that Clara recognizes this and appreciates it. She ends up being the perfect romantic pairing for him despite the bumps they go through for their HEA.

I loved getting updates about the other couples from the previous books. In showing all four couples, the reader can really appreciate Mimi Matthew’s ability to develop and represent personalities. Each couple seems to have a different identity, and each character has a distinct identity within that couple. It’s so hard to do well but seems to be accomplished flawlessly in these books.

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. Mimi Matthews is quickly becoming one of my favorite writers of the genre.

Giveaway