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  • The Work of Art

  • Somerset Stories, Book 1
  • By: Mimi Matthews
  • Narrated by: Alex Wyndham
  • Length: 9 hrs and 27 mins
  • 4.4 out of 5 stars (121 ratings)

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The Work of Art

By: Mimi Matthews
Narrated by: Alex Wyndham
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Summary

"Matthews weaves suspense and mystery within an absorbing love story. Readers will be hard put to set this one down before the end." (Library Journal, starred review)

An Uncommon Beauty....

Hidden away in rural Devonshire, Phyllida Satterthwaite has always been considered more odd than beautiful. But in London, her oddity has made her a sensation. Far worse, it’s caught the eye of the sinister Duke of Moreland - a notorious art collector obsessed with acquiring one-of-a-kind treasures. To escape the duke’s clutches, she’s going to need a little help.

An Unlikely Hero....

Captain Arthur Heywood’s days of heroism are long past. Grievously injured in the Peninsular War, he can no longer walk unaided, let alone shoot a pistol. What use can he possibly be to a damsel in distress? He has nothing left to offer except his good name.

Can a marriage of convenience save Philly from the vengeful duke? Or will life with Arthur put her - and her heart - in more danger than ever?

©2019 Mimi Matthews (P)2019 Audible, Inc.
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What listeners say about The Work of Art

Average customer ratings
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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Fabulous story

Great narration. Fast moving action story likeable characters. A first for me but will read many more

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Loved it

This book was a joy from start to finish. A love story wirh no excessive sex scenes, just a story of love over adversiry.
Alex Wyndham and Mimi Matthews wereva perfect combination

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Such a wonderful saving of love and mystery

Never sure if or who the villain is, you subtly fear the passionate love that the two main characters have for one another is constantly being threatened. Whether it be through Arthur’s protectiveness of Philly or the other sinister men who want her I was guessing till the very end.

I don’t think I’ve encountered two characters I liked more really. Philly is sweet, true, and humble and Arthur is strong of will, honorable and kind. It is such a sweet and real love story. Matthews weaves together an excellent story of possession and love, mystery and intrigue, and depicts two characters to perfection and Wyndham brings it to life impeccably (as he always does). Truly Philly’s voice is so feminine and gentle, it’s hard to leave it isn’t a ladies! Highly recommend and can’t wait for more Matthews x Wyndham collabs. More more more!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Wonderful story! Exciting and well written

I never thought I would find a regency author to match Georgette Heyer but I think Mimi Matthews comes a very close second

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Lovely story

When I first started to listen to this I thought that I wouldn't like it. The narrators voice was a bit 'breathy'. I read the other reviews and decide to go on with the book. I am so glad I did, I got used to the narrator and even came to love his voice.The story was a lovely romance, not in the usual way, and the ending was a surprise.

I have never listened to this authors work before but will search out another title to listen too.

I have been listening to 'heavy' books lately so this was a pleasant change.

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3 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Good story

Good story which kept me guessing. It flagged a bit at 3/4s but the characters kept me interested.

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    2 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    3 out of 5 stars

Ok. Inoffensive. Not a page turner.

Fairly interesting. Didn't like the narrator style of reading. A bit clipped and unconversational. Spoilt it for me so I didn't bother to finish it.

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    3 out of 5 stars

First Class performance, ok story

I would have given for 4 stars for the story if the heroine would not have been so incredibly stupid at the end. Alex Wyndham is a great narrator! I actually choose this book while searching by narrator.

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3 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

A most enjoyable book

I originally bought the kindle version last year and enjoyed the story so much that I wanted to try the audio book. Alex Wyndham was an excellent narrator, simply brilliant. He brought the story and characters to life with such passion. I read a lot, mostly regency romance and Mimi Matthews is one of my favourite authors.

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

“Dr Ratcliffe’s Restorative Jelly”

If you know what I’m referring to, then you know…

Suffice to say, this story starts off in an easy going manner - just a book to pass the time - until THAT PHRASE comes up in conversation! Well!

My ears prick up from that moment, because I’m momentarily cast back to a very favourite (top 3) Heyer novel. I started to pay closer attention and was drawn into this very credible story (although for its time, perhaps not).

The lady is naive but truthful. If she didn’t understand something, she asked. She is unafraid to challenge actions, conversations or inaction. In turn, he reciprocates - not fully to begin with - and thus we are spared the tedious plot dragging misunderstandings. This is very refreshing.

I don’t believe that I have read Ms Matthews’ work previously, but she seems to be the 2nd contemporary author who can handle Regency Romance without making it twee. The Queen, of course, is Georgette Heyer, but a close second (story, humour, romance and intrigue), is Stella Riley.

In terms of narration, Alex Wyndham is one of the best in this genre, although on this occasion, I wasn’t as impressed. Still good, but not on top form.

I shall read/listen to more from Ms Matthews.

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2 people found this helpful