This is a smart end to a charming series. Mimi Mathews is a talented writer and veritable historian- with abundant research and historical accuracy in her books. 

There is so much to like about this book, but the aspect that may stand out for readers, as both novel (unfortunately) and informative, will be Teddy’s use of a wheelchair. 

Teddy lost use of his legs five years ago after contracting scarlet fever. 

This book so articulately describes the emotional and logistical challenges facing a young man with a wheelchair in the Victorian era. The author didn’t shy away from the sad finality of Teddy’s circumstances, nor did she make him a focus of pity. The depiction of Teddy, and his romance with Stella, is as an important and beautiful example of inclusive representation in historical romance. 

One shortcoming for me was that I didn’t feel like I knew Teddy quite as deeply as some of the heroes in the author’s other books. While we are given so much insight into Teddy’s feelings about the limits to the use of his legs, I felt there were other aspects of him that didn’t feel fully fleshed out for me. 

That said, there is so much to cherish about Teddy and Stella. I commend Mimi Mathews on a singular finish to a smart series and recommend this book. 



Thank you to @netgalley and to the publisher for providing an advanced reader copy of this book.