Tag Archives: Mary Balogh

A Matter of Class by Mary Balogh – a Review

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A Matter of Class by Mary Balogh – a Review

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Description:
Reginald Mason is wealthy, refined, and, by all accounts, a gentleman. However, he is not a gentleman by title, a factor that pains him and his father within the Regency society that upholds station over all else. That is, until an opportunity for social advancement arises, namely, Lady Annabelle Ashton. Daughter of the Earl of Havercroft, a neighbor and enemy of the Mason family, Annabelle finds herself disgraced by a scandal, one that has left her branded as damaged goods. Besmirched by shame, the earl is only too happy to marry Annabelle off to anyone willing to have her.

Though Reginald Mason, Senior, wishes to use Annabelle to propel his family up the social ladder, his son does not wish to marry her, preferring instead to live the wild, single life he is accustomed to. With this, Reginald Senior serves his son an ultimatum: marry Annabelle, or make do without family funds. Having no choice, Reginald consents, and enters into a hostile engagement in which the prospective bride and groom are openly antagonistic, each one resenting the other for their current state of affairs while their respective fathers revel in their suffering.

So begins an intoxicating tale rife with dark secrets, deception, and the trials of love—a story in which very little is as it seems.

 

 

Review:

A Matter of Class by Mary Balogh was a sweet historical standalone novel.  Reginald Mason is wealthy, refined, and, by all accounts, a gentleman. He is the son of a wealthy coal merchant, with his father not considered to be part of the regency society. Reginald has made friends in the society, using money and gambling for his fun.  Mr. Mason is not thrilled with Reginald’s constant playboy fun, and he is determined for Reginald to get married and have children. The Masons and the Ashtons have been neighbors for 20 years, but do not speak or interact in any way.

Annabelle is the daughter of nobility, well known for her incredible beauty, but after being caught running away with a carriage man, in a compromising position with all of her beaux having withdrawn their proposals, leaving her in a disgrace with no dowry available.    Upon hearing about Havercroft’s daughter’s disgrace, Mr. Mason goes to Lord Havercroft to offer a solution; he will marry his son to Annabelle, with a sizable dowry and redemption from her fall from grace.

There are a number of flashbacks, when Reggie and Anna would occasionally meet by the lake between the two homes.  It started when Anna was around 8, and the banter between them even at a young age was cute. As they get older and years pass, they would accidently see each other again; with both talking or bickering about their lives. I got a kick out of their distant entertaining friendship, that no one knew about.  I did like both mothers, who like each other, but the fathers were never willing to talk, even though they wanted Reggie and Anna to marry.   Both Reggie and Anna consent to the marriage, even if they are somewhat antagonistic to each other.  As the wedding approaching, I really did care about both of them, as they slowly learned to accept the marriage. 

A Matter of Class was a very good historical story, with a wonderful couple, even though the families were distant to each other.  Reggie and Anna were great, and after the wedding, some secrets are revealed; I loved the ending.  A Matter of Class was very well written by Mary Balogh.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

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Always Remember by Mary Balogh – Review & Giveaway

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Always Remember by Mary Balogh – Review & Giveaway

 

 

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Description:
Lady Jennifer Arden and Ben Ellis know that a match between them is out of the question. Yet their hearts yearn for the impossible.

Left unable to walk by a childhood illness, Lady Jennifer, sister of the Duke of Wilby, has grown up to make a happy place for herself in society. Outgoing and cheerful, she has many friends and enjoys the pleasures of high society—even if she cannot dance at balls or stroll in Hyde Park. She is blessed with a large, loving, and protective family. But she secretly dreams of marriage and children, and of walking—and dancing.

When Ben Ellis comes across Lady Jennifer as she struggles to walk with the aid of primitive crutches, he instantly understands her yearning. He is a fixer. It is often said of him that he never saw a practical problem he did not have to solve. He wants to help her discover independence and motion—driving a carriage, swimming, even walking a different way. But he must be careful. He is the bastard son of the late Earl of Stratton. Though he was raised with the earl’s family, he knows he does not really belong in the world of the ton.

Jennifer is shocked—and intrigued—by Ben’s ideas, and both families are alarmed by the growing friendship and perhaps more that they sense developing between the two. A duke’s sister certainly cannot marry the bastard son of an earl. Except sometimes, love can find a way.

 

 

Review:

Always Remember by Mary Balogh is the 3rd book in her wonderful Ravenswood series.  I have been a big fan of Balogh and her wonderful Historical romances, especially the epic Westcott series. Always Remember focuses on Lady Jennifer Arden (sister of Lucas, Duke of Wilby from Remember Me) and Ben Ellis (half-brother to the Ware family, with Devlin, now the Earl of Stratton from Remember Love).  

Ben, having become part of the Ware family at the age of three, when his mother died, and his father (the Earl of Stratton) brings him to Ravenswood, where he grew up with his wonderful half brothers and sister. Clarissa, his father’s wife, opened her arms and accepted him from the start, and his family all loved him.   Now in the present time, Ben has a young daughter, as his wife died due to an illness, and he took care of Joy; he decides to go the Ravenswood, where his brother and best friend, Devlin and his wife are throwing a summer party; with all the Ware family, as well as the Wilby family.

Lady Jennifer, has been disabled since being affected with a childhood illness, always needing a wheelchair to get around.  She is blessed with a wonderful and loving protective family: always cheerful and outgoing, with everyone loving her, with her having a happy place in high society. One day, Ben notices that Jenny was trying to practice walking in private, and the next day Ben created a special cushion for Jenny to help her get around easier, as well as coming up with other ideas (special shoes, crutch and different wheelchair). In a short time, they both become friends, not to mention his daughter Joy adoring Jenny. I really enjoyed watching Ben teaching her how to drive a carriage, and many other things. The relationship between Ben and Jenny is a slow burn, since Ben knows the families are alarmed by their growing friendship, as a match between them is not considered acceptable. 

What follows is Jenny finds herself becoming enamored by Ben, with his wonderful ideas, as well as becoming very close to Joy, who calls her Mama.  Jenny knows that Ben is considering finding a woman to marry to help with Joy, and perhaps have more children; as she knew he was an amazing father.  Ben was always charming, funny, kindhearted and would be the perfect husband for her.  But will both families allow Ben to marry Jenny?

Always Remember was another great addition to this series, so very well written by Mary Balogh.  I did love both Jennifer and Ben, rooting hard for them to find a way to be together; and adored Joy.  I loved the all the wonderful Ware family, especially Devlin, Gwyn. Lucas, Stephanie, Pippa, Nicolas and Owen, as well as the many other members of the both the Ware/Wilby family. I will say that throughout a lot of the story, there were so many secondary characters, which was a bit overboard. Always Remember was a wonderful and emotional story.  If you enjoy historical romances, you can never go wrong reading anything my Mary Balogh.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

Mary Balogh’s publisher is graciously offering a paper copy of ALWAYS REMEMBER to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe

1. If you have not previously registered at The Reading Cafe, please register by using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

2. If you are using a social log-in, please post your email address with your comment.

3. Please LIKE and Follow Mary Balogh on Facebook

4. LIKE us on FACEBOOK and then click GET NOTIFICATION under ‘liked’ for an additional entry.

5. Please LIKE us on Twitter for an additional entry.

6. Please FOLLOW us on GOODREADS for an additional entry.

7. Please follow The Reading Cafe on Tumblr

8. Giveaway open to USA only

9.. Giveaway runs from January 16th to 20th, 2024

 

 

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Remember Me by Mary Balogh – Review & Giveaway

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Remember Me by Mary Balogh – Review & Giveaway

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Description:
Can Lady Philippa Ware forgive the man who once shattered all her youthful dreams? 
 
Philippa, elder daughter of the Earl of Stratton, grew up eagerly anticipating a glittering debut and a brilliant marriage. Then her brother caught their father out in a clandestine affair and denounced him publicly. The whole family was disgraced, and Philippa’s hopes grew dim, then were fully shattered when she overheard the dashing, handsome Marquess of Roath viciously insult her upon learning of her father’s identity. Only years later does Philippa find the courage to go to London at last to meet the ton . She is an instant success and enjoys a close friendship with the granddaughter of a duke. Only one man can spoil everything for her, but surely he will not be in London this year.

The Duke of Wilby is nearing death and has tasked his grandson and heir, Lucas Arden, Marquess of Roath, with marrying and producing a son before it is too late. Lucas, who usually shuns London, goes there early in the Season in the hope of finding an eligible bride before his grandparents come and find one for him. He is instantly attracted to his sister’s new friend, until that young lady asks a simple question: “Remember me?” And suddenly he does remember her, as well as the reason why the daughter of the Earl of Stratton is the one woman he can never marry—even if his heart tells him she is the only woman he wants.

Unfortunately for Philippa and Lucas, the autocratic duke and his duchess have other ideas and believe them to be perfect for each other. They will simply not take no for an answer. Telling Philippa the full truth is the hardest thing Lucas has ever faced, and the discovery of it will change them both before they discover the healing power of love.

 

 

 

Review:

Remember Me by Mary Balogh is the 2nd book in her Ravenswood series. I have been a big fan of Balogh and her wonderful Historical romances, especially the epic Westcott series. Remember Me focuses on Lady Philippa Ware, sister to Devlin (previous book hero), now the Earl of Stratton; and Lucas Arden, the Marquess of Roath and heir to the Duke of Wilby. 

Philippa, being the eldest daughter, looked forward to her debut, but after her father’s scandal, as well as hearing a nasty insult from the handsome Marquess of Roath (Lucas), she decided she would not go to London.  A few years later, she finds the courage to attend the ball and meet the ton; and becomes an instant success, with many suitors enamored by her.  Philippa also develops a close friendship with Jenny, the granddaughter of the Duke of Wilby; determined to avoid the Marquess, as she has never forgotten his insult.  At dinner, with members of the Wilby and Dare family, she ends up sitting next to Lucas, and decides to whisper ‘Remember me’. Looking at Philippa, Lucas tries to remember her; but then realizes a terrible comment he made a few years ago to a friend, and did not know she overheard the insult. Lucas apologizes to Philippa, realizing those hurtful words he uttered then, was not the man he is today; however, she goes out of her way to not spend any time with him.  Lucas will visit Philippa at her home, to make amends, and he explains where that nasty comment came from; she learns the truths about the scandal.

Pippa and Luc found it hard to stay away from one another, especially with his grandfather pressuring him that Philippa was the right woman for him; with his grandfather helping him find a way to woo her.  Luc finds himself fully attracted to Pippa, and they end up attending many events, with both families and friends. Pippa finds herself becoming very close to Jenny, and the entire Wilby family; especially the autocratic duke and duchess; who are determined that she is the perfect wife for Lucas.

It was wonderful to see them find their way to a possible love; when the Duke falls sick, Philippa agrees to accept the marriage proposal to Lucas. I really loved them together, especially after Lucas explained what happened four years ago.   

Remember Me was another great addition to this new series, so very well written by Mary Balogh.  I did love both Philippa and Lucas, rooting hard for them to find a way to be together.  I loved the both the Ware family members, especially Stephanie, Pippa, Ben, Nicolas and Owen, as well as the many members of the Wilby family. Remember Me was a wonderful and emotional story.  If you enjoy historical romances, you can never go wrong reading anything my Mary Balogh.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

Mary Balogh’s publisher is graciously offering a paper copy of REMEMBER ME to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe

1. If you have not previously registered at The Reading Cafe, please register by using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

2. If you are using a social log-in, please post your email address with your comment.

3. Please LIKE and Follow Mary Balogh on Facebook

4. LIKE us on FACEBOOK and then click GET NOTIFICATION under ‘liked’ for an additional entry.

5. Please LIKE us on Twitter for an additional entry.

6. Please FOLLOW us on GOODREADS for an additional entry.

7. Please follow The Reading Cafe on Tumblr

8. Giveaway open to USA only

9.. Giveaway runs from June 20th to June 24th, 2023

 

 

 

 

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Remember Love by Mary Balogh – Review & Giveaway

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Remember Love by Mary Balogh – Review & Giveaway

 

 

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Description:
The handsome and charismatic Earl of Stratton, Caleb Ware, has been exposed to the ton for his clandestine affairs—by his own son.

As a child, Devlin Ware thought his family stood for all that was right and good in the world. They were kind, gracious, and shared the beauty of Ravenwood, their grand country estate, by hosting lavish parties for the entire countryside. But at twenty-two, he discovered his whole world was an elaborate illusion, and when Devlin publicly called his family to account for it, he was exiled as a traitor.

So be it. He enlisted in the fight against Napoleon and didn’t look back for six years. But now his father is dead, the Ware family is broken, and as the heir he is being called home. It’s only when Gwyneth Rhys—the woman he loved and then lost after his family banished him—holds out her hand to help him that he is able make the difficult journey and try to piece together his fractured family.

It is Gwyneth’s loyalty, patience, and love that he needs. But is Devlin’s war-hardened heart even capable of offering her love in return?

 

 

Review:

Remember Love by Mary Balogh is the first book in her new Ravenswood series.  I have been a big fan of Balogh and her wonderful Historical romances, especially the epic Westcott series.  Remember Love was a bit slow at the start, which is normal in historical or fantasy, as we get introduced to all the main characters and the lands. 

Ravenswood is the family home, where Caleb Ware is the Earl of Stratton; with the entire family living in a happy environment on their country estate, always kind and gracious, as well as helping everyone in the countryside, including lavish parties.  Devlin Ware is the oldest son, and the heir, with his father teaching him everything, to prepare him for when he would assume the title of Earl.

Devlin finds himself attracted to Gwyneth Rhys, and to his surprise, he learns she has always had a crush on him, even though his brother Nicholas was best friends with Gwyn.  He asks Gwyn to marry him, and at one of the lavish parties, Devlin is walking with Gwyn, and discovers his father with another woman.  All hell breaks loose, with Devlin causing a ruckus and the family being torn apart, with his family banishing him; he leaves the next morning to join the army, along with Ben, his step brother.  Poor Gwyneth is shocked, as Devlin does not say goodbye to his mother nor Gwyn.

With the death of his father, Devlin will return home 6 years later, a changed man, who was a highly respected officer in the wars.  Devlin struggles with his emotions, as he tries to resume his broken relationships with his mother and siblings.  After 6 years, Devlin runs into Gwyn, surprised she is not married, though she is close to someone; Devlin is nice to Gwyn, but cold and unemotional; tells her to not count on him, as he is incapable of love. Will Gwyn, once she realizes she still loves Devlin, be able to open his heart again?

Remember Love was another great start to this new series, so very well written by Mary Balogh.  I did love both Gwyn and Devlin, rooting hard for them to find a way to be together.  I loved the Ware family members, especially Stephanie, Pippa, Ben, Nicolas and Owen, just to name a few.  Remember Love was a wonderful and emotional story.  If you enjoy historical romances, you can never go wrong reading anything my Mary Balogh.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

Mary Balogh’s publisher is graciously offering a paper copy of REMEMBER LOVE to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe

1. If you have not previously registered at The Reading Cafe, please register by using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

2. If you are using a social log-in, please post your email address with your comment.

3. Please LIKE and Follow Mary Balogh on Facebook

4. LIKE us on FACEBOOK and then click GET NOTIFICATION under ‘liked’ for an additional entry.

5. Please LIKE us on Twitter for an additional entry.

6. Please FOLLOW us on GOODREADS for an additional entry.

7. Please follow The Reading Cafe on Tumblr

8. Giveaway open to USA only

9.. Giveaway runs from July 12th to July 16th, 2022

 

 

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Someone Perfect by Mary Balogh – a Review

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Someone Perfect by Mary Balogh – a Review

 

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Description:
As a young man, Justin Wiley was banished by his father for mysterious reasons, but now, his father is dead, and Justin has been Earl of Brandon for six years. A dark, dour man, he, nonetheless, takes it as his responsibility to care for his half-sister, Maria, when her mother dies. He travels to her home to fetch her back to the family seat at Everleigh Park.

Although she adored him, once, Maria now loathes Justin, and her friend, Lady Estelle Lamarr, can see, immediately, how his very name upsets her. When Justin arrives and invites Estelle and her brother to accompany Maria to Everleigh Park to help with her distress, she begrudgingly agrees, for Maria’s sake.

As family secrets unravel in Maria’s homecoming, Justin, too, uncovers his desire for a countess. And, while he may believe he’s found an obvious candidate in the beautiful 25-year-old Lady Estelle, she is most certain that they could never make a match…

 

 

 

 

Review:

Someone Perfect by Mary Balogh is the 9th book in her fantastic Westcott series. I usually do not read a lot of Historical romances, but I love the Westcott stories and have read every single book in this series.  Though we do not get to see too many of the Westcott family in this book, (they will make appearance nearer to the end), but Balogh once again gives us a fantastic slow burn romance. 

Justin Wiley, our hero, became the Earl of Brandon, 6 years ago, upon his father’s death; after having been banned from his home years ago, he sent his father’s widow and his half-sister (Maria) to live in another one of their estates.  Upon the death of Maria’s mother, Justin feels as her guardian, it is his responsibility to bring his sister back home to Everleigh Park estate.  Maria currently hates Justin, especially since he sent them away 6 years ago; but she has accepted that she must return to the family estate in Everleigh.

Lady Estelle Lamarr, our heroine, lives at nearby estate with her twin brother, Bertrand, with each being close friends with Maria.  Knowing that his sister may need some familiar friends to help her adjust, Justin asks Estelle and Bertrand to come to his home for a few weeks to help acclimate Maria to her new home.  Justin, trying to bring the family together, invites relatives to their estate to get to know Maria. Will Maria open up to Justin and all the relatives she hardly knew?

Estelle and Bertrand having reconciled a few years ago with their Marquess father, after he married Viola, one of the Westcott matriarchs’, with both being friendly with many of the Westcotts. They both decide to accept the invitation, though they feel Justin is somewhat dark and dour; but their concern is for Maria.

What follows is a wonderful story with realtives from both sides of the family, spending time with Maria, including the gossip and rumors of that past.  At first, Maria resents Justin, thinking that he was banned because he stole her mothers jewelry, which she will learn was a lie by her mother; as much as she loved her mother, Maria learns from the elders many truths, and beginning to realize that she still loves Justin.  While all the many family members enjoy their stay at Everleigh, Estelle spends time with Justin to learn about his hardship when his father banned him.  Slowly, they become closer, but though she begins to see nicer side to him, Estelle is not interested in getting married. As truths are revealed, Estelle begins to have strong feelings for this new Justin.   Will Justin be able to convince Estelle to become his Countess?

Someone Perfect was a great slow build romance that with many revelations, bringing together an unlikely couple to find love and happiness.  Mary Balogh gives us some wonderful new secondary characters, including Maria, Bertrand, and all the relatives who came to meet Maria.  Though it was off to a terrible start, I ended up loving Estelle and Justin together.  I can’t say enough about Mary Balogh’s writing, as she has another winner in Someone Perfect. If you enjoy regency romance with great couples and secondary characters, you should be reading Someone Perfect; which was another fabulous fun heartwarming story.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

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Someone to Cherish by Mary Balogh – a Review

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Someone to Cherish by Mary Balogh – a Review

 

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Description:
When Harry Westcott lost the title Earl of Riverdale after the discovery of his father’s bigamy, he shipped off to fight in the Napoleonic Wars, where he was near-fatally wounded. After a harrowing recovery, the once cheery, light-hearted boy has become a reclusive, somber man. Though Harry insists he enjoys the solitude, he does wonder sometimes if he is lonely.

Lydia Tavernor, recently widowed, dreams of taking a lover. Her marriage to Reverend Isaiah Tavernor was one of service and obedience, and she has secretly enjoyed her freedom since his death. She doesn’t want to shackle herself to another man in marriage, but sometimes, she wonders if she is lonely.

Both are unwilling to face the truth until they find themselves alone together one night, and Lydia surprises even herself with a simple question: “Are you ever lonely?” Harry’s answer leads them down a path neither could ever have imagined…

 

 

 

Review:

Someone to Cherish by Mary Balogh is the 8th book in her wonderful Westcott series. I have read every single book in this series, and each time I have loved it.  I loved Someone to Cherish, as Balogh once again give us a fantastic wonderful romance.  Just when you think she can’t do better than the previous books (and they are all great), I become enthralled once again, unable to put the book down.  Make no mistake, I absolutely love this series, love the Westcotts and Balogh’s fantastic writing

Someone to Cherish revolves around Harry Westcott, our hero, as we have waited a long long time for his story.  Harry resides in the mansion he lived when his family was still there, though he still refuses to allow his half-sister, Anna (she inherited the entire fortune – read the first book) to give him the ownership of the mansion.  Harry has been through a lot in his young life (going on 30), losing his earlship when his father died & the terrible bigamy situation that the entire family lost their home, titles and money.   He also suffered serious injuries during the war, but now he is content staying at a family estate. Though he is still somewhat of a loner, he has friends in town, and does make appearances, as everyone likes him. 

Lydia Tavernor, our heroine, is widowed (she was married to Reverend Tavernor), and is content living in a quaint cottage, with her small dog, Snowball; with no servants, doing everything herself.  Lydia is very independent, determined to never marry, and enjoy her peaceful life.  She has friends and is also well liked in town.  During a town event, Harry will offer to walk Lydia home, and to his surprise, he never really knew anything about her, only that her late husband seemed to overshadow her. As he walks her to her door, getting a kick out of Snowball growling, he says goodnight, and Lydia to her own surprise impulsively asks him ‘are you ever lonely’. When he gets home, Harry starts thinking if Lydia was propositioning him, and at the next event, he walks her home again.  He makes an effort to kiss her gently, and she does respond, but Lydia tries to back off saying she was wrong, but they could be friends. He totally understands her predicament, but after a bit staying away, he finds himself thinking about her.  They will both succumb to their feelings, with a one-night stand, which both found satisfying.  But again, Lydia pulls away, as she wants no commitments, and later Harry will realize that her relationship with the Reverend was not as expected.

What follows is a wonderful slow build romance between Harry and Lydia, with the entire Westcott family forcing themselves on Harry to celebrate his birthday, as well as try to find him a wife. To his and their dismay, a scandal is brewing, because a young boy and his mother put Lydia in a bad situation, having been kissed by Harry. Of course, the fabulous Westcott family works wonders with the town to alleviate the scandalous situation.  It is always wonderful to see the Westcott family again, and how they all stick together.   Over the years, we have gotten used to the Westcott clan to protect their own, as well push themselves into each other’s’ lives.

Someone to Cherish was a wonderful story, bringing together an unlikely emotionally damaged couple to find love and happiness, with both knowing that they each needed to find someone to cherish.  Again, I can’t say enough about Mary Balogh’s writing, as the Westcott series is a ‘do not miss’.  If you enjoy regency romance with great couples and secondary characters, you should be reading this one.  Someone to Cherish was another fabulous fun heartwarming story, possibly the best one yet.  

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

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Someone to Romance by Mary Balogh – a Review

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Someone to Romance by Mary Balogh – a Review

 

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Description:
Lady Jessica Archer lost her own interest in the glittering excitement of romance after her cousin and dearest friend, Abigail Westcott, was rejected by the ton when her father was revealed to be a bigamist. Ever practical, however, once she’s twenty-five, she decides it’s time to wed. Though she no longer believes she will find true love, she is still very eligible. She is, after all, the sister of Avery Archer, Duke of Netherby.

Jessica considers the many qualified gentlemen who court her. But when she meets the mysterious Gabriel Thorne, who has returned to England from the New World to claim an equally mysterious inheritance, Jessica considers him completely unsuitable, because he had the audacity, when he first met her, to announce his intention to wed her.

When Jessica guesses who Gabriel really is, however, and watches the lengths to which he will go in order to protect those who rely upon him, she is drawn to his cause—and to the man.

 

 

Review:

Someone to Romance by Mary Balogh is the 8th book in her wonderful Westcott series. As I have said before, I do not read a lot of Historical Romance, but I can’t say enough of Mary Balogh and this fabulous series, as she just continues to give us fantastic wonderful romances in each and every book of this series.  Just when you think she can’t do better than the previous books (and they are all great), I become enthralled once again, unable to put the book down.  Make no mistake, I absolutely love this series, love the Westcotts and Balogh’s fantastic writing. 

In Someone to Romance, Lady Jessica Archer, our heroine, is the sister of Avery (previous book hero), and best friends with her cousin, Abby (another previous book heroine).  At one time both were content to never find a husband, but now that Abby is happily married, Jessica decides it’s time for her to find someone to marry, even if she never finds love.  Jessica heads home to prepare to attend the balls to find herself a husband. 

Gabriel Thorne, has returned home to England, after 13 years making his fortune in America.  He is forced to go home, as a dear friend needs his help, and it was time for him to claim his inheritance, as well as right some wrongs.

When Jessica is traveling home, on an overnight stop, she is given a suite in the hotel.  Turns out the suite had been promised to Gabriel, but since Jessica is the sister of the Duke of Netherby, the hotel gave her the suite.  Neither was impressed with each other, and went their own way, until she met up with him during one of the balls in England; especially since he tells her he intends to marry her, which totally turns her off of him. 

As Jessica begins to get courted, she is surprised when Gabriel also plans on courting her, and she responds that he will need to do so in a romantic way; which he begins by sending her a rose every day.  Even though Jessica is now being courted by two men, she finds herself learning more about Gabriel and begins to suspect the truth, that he is the real Earl, who is presumed dead. 

What follows is a wonderful slow build romance that has Jessica accepting a possible marriage to Gabriel, even if she is not sure of love.  But she plans to help him get his inheritance, as well as clear his name.  It is always wonderful to see the Westcott family again, and how they all stick together when they learn the truth about Gabriel and the need to help him regain what is his.  The ending was very exciting as we raced to the finish.   I love when the family plots together.  I also loved watching Gabriel and Jessica slowly realize that they are falling in love.  Very nicely done.

Someone to Romance was a great read. As always, it is wonderful to see all the Westcott’s again. Again, I can’t say enough about Mary Balogh’s writing, as the Westcott series is a ‘do not miss’.  If you enjoy regency romance with great couples and secondary characters, you should be reading this one.  Someone to Romance is another fabulous fun heartwarming story in this fantastic series.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Someone to Remember by Mary Balogh – Review & Giveaway

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Someone to Remember by Mary Balogh – Review & Giveaway

 

 

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Description:
Matilda Westcott has spent her life tending to the needs of her mother, the Dowager Countess of Riverdale, never questioning the life of solitude she has spun for herself. To Matilda, who considers herself the aging spinster daughter, marriage is laughable–love is a game for the young, after all. But her modest, quiet life of order unravels when a dashing gentleman from her past reappears, threatening to charm his way into her heart yet again.

Charles Sawyer, Viscount Dirkson, does not expect to see Matilda Westcott thirty-six years after their failed romance. Moreover, he does not expect decades-old feelings to emerge at the very sight of her. When encountering Matilda at a dinner hosted by the Earl of Riverdale, he finds himself as fascinated by her as he was the first day they met, and wonders if, after all these years, they have a chance at happiness together. Charles is determined to crack the hard exterior Matilda has built for over three decades or risk losing her once again…

 

 

Review:

Someone to Remember by Mary Balogh is the 7th book in her wonderful Westcott series. I have said this before, I love this series, even though I do not read a lot of historical romances, but this is very well written by Balogh, with wonderful recurring characters that we get to revisit in the Westcott family.

Matilda Westcott, our heroine, is considered a spinster by her family, due to her spending most of her life caring for her unappreciative mother.  Matilda, who is now 56 years old, has never forgotten the man she loved and gave up 36 years ago.

Charles Sawyer (Viscount Dirkson), our hero, was surprised when Matilda came to visit him (in previous book) to plead for his help for his illegitimate son.  Once he stepped forward to help, Charles did not expect to run into Matilda again.  But the Westcott family is huge, and since Charles did help Gil and Abby, they invited him to a dinner hosted by the Earl of Riverdale.   Charles unexpectedly finds himself feeling his attraction to Matilda reemerging, and begins to make an attempt to win her back after all those years.  Will 36 years of no romance allow Matilda to open her heart to Charles again?

After the dinner is over, the young adults of the family plan an excursion, but the family insists they have chaperones.  Charles agrees to serve as chaperone, as long as Matilda also comes to help. After a little pressure from the young family members, Matilda agrees and they end up spending a lot of time enjoying themselves, as well as ruminating about the past.   What follows is a beautiful sweet story that brings Charles and Matilda together in a slow build rediscovery of a love that never left.  I really enjoyed watching Charles convince Matilda that he still loves her, and Matilda allowing herself to finally give in to her love for Charles.

It was wonderful to see all the Westcott’s again, especially the younger members of the family.   This is a big family, and we get to see many of them in each book, which is always fun.  The romance between Charles and Matilda was wonderful to watch, with so many emotions, both sad and sweet.  I always thought Matilda’s mother was too hard on her over the years, but it was great to see the change; especially with her mother now being very supportive of her and Charles.

I do not read a lot of historical romances, but I plan on reading every book in this series. I can’t say enough about Mary Balogh’s writing, as the Westcott series is a ‘do not miss’.  If you enjoy regency romance with great couples and secondary characters, you should be reading this one.  Someone to Remember is another fabulous fun heartwarming story in this fantastic series.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

Mary Balogh’s publisher is graciously offering a paper copy of SOMEONE TO REMEMBER to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe

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