Join the virtual book tour of JOHN EYRE: A TALE OF DARKNESS AND SHADOW, Mimi Matthews’ highly acclaimed Bronte-inspired Gothic romance, July 12-25, 2021. Thirty-five popular on-line influencers specializing in historical fiction, Gothic romance, and paranormal fiction will join in the celebration of its release with an interview, spotlights, exclusive excerpt, and reviews of this new Victorian-era novel set in Yorkshire, England.
- Title: John Eyre
- Author: Mimi Matthews
- Publisher: Perfectly Proper Press on July 20, 2021
- Genre: Gothic Romance/Paranormal Fiction
- Pages: 364
- Formats Available: Hardcover, Paperback, Audiobook, & Digital
- Rating: 5/5
Trigger Warnings: Murder, Fire, Graphic Effects of Violence, Graphic Death Evidence
Many thanks to Mimi Matthews for providing me with a paperback copy of John Eyre with a request for an honest review. I also wish to thank Laurel Ann from austenprose for allowing me to participate in this tour and for providing me with all the materials needed to make this post.
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About John Eyre
Yorkshire, 1843. When disgraced former schoolmaster John Eyre arrives at Thornfield Hall to take up a position as tutor to two peculiar young boys, he enters a world unlike any he’s ever known. Darkness abounds, punctuated by odd bumps in the night, strange creatures on the moor, and a sinister silver mist that never seems to dissipate. And at the center of it all, John’s new employer—a widow as alluring as she is mysterious.
Sixteen months earlier, heiress Bertha Mason embarked on the journey of a lifetime. Marriage wasn’t on her itinerary, but on meeting the enigmatic Edward Rochester, she’s powerless to resist his preternatural charm. In letters and journal entries, she records the story of their rapidly disintegrating life together, and of her gradual realization that Mr. Rochester isn’t quite the man he appears to be. In fact, he may not be a man at all.
From a cliff-top fortress on the Black Sea coast to an isolated estate in rural England, John and Bertha contend with secrets, danger, and the eternal struggle between light and darkness. Can they help each other vanquish the demons of the past? Or are some evils simply too powerful to conquer?
Provided by austenprose for Tour Use
My Review
There is a good reason why Mimi Matthews is one of my favorite authors. She can do anything! Romance is her specialty, but John Eyre, in all its gothic glory, is just as spectacular! When austenprose approached me to review this novel, I jumped at the opportunity. I knew it would be too good to pass up, and I was right.
A classic twist on Jane Eyre, Matthews plunges us into a dark trip to Thornfield Hall. John is a schoolmaster with a lot on his conscience. John comes to the Hall as a tutor to Mrs. Rochester’s two wards, Stephen and Peter. However, once he arrives at Thornfield, he realizes something isn’t right within the home. There is a terrible mist that consumes the house as well as the neighboring villages. John hears strange noises, yet he is happier at Thornfield than he has been anywhere. Will John remain happy, or will all the strangeness push him away?
John is one of my all-time favorite characters. I’ve not read anyone like him before. He seems weak from the beginning. You see, his addiction to laudanum makes him vulnerable. Though, in truth, John is kind and full of love. He takes to Stephen and Peter right away. He helps them to grow and feel safe in their new surroundings. Under his care, the boys flourish.
Bertha is a strange character. It wasn’t until I read her later letters to Blanche that I finally took to her. Her mercurial moods led me to believe she was up to something sinister. But I couldn’t have been more wrong. Bertha is a wonderful woman held tightly to her past. She wishes nothing more than to escape the horrors placed upon her by Mr. Rochester, who is not as he seems.
I couldn’t see myself in the landscape of this story. The darkness that surrounds Thornfield is enough to scare anyone away. Especially when one starts seeing specters in the night. The Hall itself held no joy for me either. Between the box beds and the sinister sounds throughout the house, I would never want to live there. Even though I could see it in my mind’s eye, it is not a place I would ever want to find myself.
It is with great joy that I award John Eyre a full 5 out of 5 stars. Mimi never fails to bring the best stories to life. If you enjoy dark gothic novels, this is the book for you. It is dark and a little bit spooky. But even with my poor disposition toward anything horrific, it wasn’t too scary or disgusting. If you get the chance to pick this one up, please let me know what you think. I found it wonderful and unique!
See my review for my favorite romance book of 2020, Gentleman Jim, also by Mimi Matthews
About the Author – Mimi Matthews
USA Today bestselling author Mimi Matthews writes both historical nonfiction and award-winning proper Regency and Victorian romances. Her novels have received starred reviews in Library Journal and Publishers Weekly, 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 a Sheltie, and two Siamese cats.
Lovely review, Kimberly. I am so glad you enjoyed it too. Best, LA
Thank you so much for letting me join the tour. ?
I’ve been looking forward to your review of this book as it looks so interesting to me. I just went to GR and added this to my TBR. Thanks, your review convinced me that this one is worth reading.
I’m so glad to help! It is really good!
This sounds like a really fun twist on a classic! I love Jane Eyre, so am intrigued by this one. The next time in the mood for a classic, I’ll probably pick this up instead.
I highly recommend it. ? There is another classic mixed with this one but I’m not going to say as it’s a big spoiler. ?
I’m intrigued. This is definitely on my TBR now!
I’m so glad!!!
Oh! This looks like exactly the kind of book that I would love. Great review!
Thank you. It is excellent. I have already put it on my reread shelf. ?