Tag Archives: Mary Balogh

Someone to Honor by Mary Balogh – Review & Giveaway

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Someone to Honor by Mary Balogh – Review & Giveaway

 

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Description:
Abigail Westcott’s dreams for her future were lost when her father died, and she discovered her parents were not legally married. But now, six years later, she enjoys the independence a life without expectation provides a wealthy single woman. Indeed, she’s grown confident enough to scold the careless servant chopping wood outside without his shirt on in the proximity of ladies.

But the man is not a servant. He is Gilbert Bennington, the lieutenant colonel and superior officer who has escorted her wounded brother, Harry, home from the wars with Napoleon. Gil has come to help his friend and junior officer recover, and he doesn’t take lightly to being condescended to—secretly because of his own humble beginnings.

If at first Gil and Abigail seem to embody what the other most despises, each will soon discover how wrong first impressions can be. For behind the appearances of the once-grand lady and the once-humble man are two people who share an understanding of what true honor means, and how only with it can one find love.

 

 

Review:

Someone to Honor by Mary Balogh is the 6th book in her wonderful Westcott series.  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 characters that she has created in the Westcott family.

I have waited awhile for Abigail Westcott’s story, as she is the youngest sister of the family that lost all of their inheritance, when they discovered their father was legally married to someone else.  Abby is a wonderful heroine, who was sweet, outgoing and loyal to her family; as well as accepting her situation at losing her inheritance.  After seeing her sister change her life and marry, she decides to accept the offer from Anna (step sister who inherited everything), giving her 1/3 of the inheritance, since Camille (Abby’s sister) had done the same when she married.  The family, which incudes Abby, Camille, Harry and their mother have come to love Anna, which took them a few years to move on and welcome themselves back into the huge Westcott family. When Harry returns home from the war, after suffering serious injuries, Abby decides to go back to their original home (Hinsford) to live; even though Harry has brought with him a friend from the war days.

Gil Bennington, was Harry superior officer and friend, who decides to help Harry recover and together they arrive at his home (which Anna gave back to him).   Gil does not know how long he will stay, since he has things at his own home he needs to address.  Seems that when Gil took some time off after his wife died to check on his new born daughter, he was blocked from seeing her by his wife parents.  Gil had hired lawyers to fight for his right, while he was away fighting for his country. 

Abby and Gil start off on the wrong foot, and do not get along; with both displeased that the other is also staying to help Harry.  Abby is determined to build a life for herself and help Harry, with no pressure from her family to marry.   Gil is desperate to find a way to get his daughter back.  In a short period, they get past their initial reaction to one another, and become friends, especially in helping Harry.  It is Harry to pushes them together, to help each other.  With a court case on the horizon, and the need to prove he is a good fit for his daughter, Gil will propose to Abby.

This is a slow build romance, that becomes even more after they marry. It was fun to watch them both slowly fall in love.  I loved how Abby faced her family after marrying Gil, and not telling them.  It was a great as this wonderful Westcott family comes together to help Gil, despite his determination to keep his distance from Abby’s family (which is easier said than done lol ).  I do love this family, and enjoyed how Balogh gave us such a great happy ending; and I also loved Beautiful, Gil’s dog.   I will note that for at least half way through the book, I thought Abby deserved better than the bitter Gil, but all ends well.

Someone to Honor was a great read. As always, it is wonderful to see all the Westcott’s 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 Honor 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 HONOR 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.

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7. Please follow The Reading Cafe on Tumblr

8. Giveaway open to USA only

9.. Giveaway runs from July 3 to 7, 2019

 

 

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Someone to Trust by Mary Balogh – Review & Giveaway

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Someone to Trust by Mary Balogh – Review & Giveaway

 

 

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Description:
During a rare white Christmas at Brambledean Court, the widow Elizabeth, Lady Overfield, defies convention by falling in love with a younger man in the latest novel in the Westcott series.

After her husband’s passing, Elizabeth Overfield decides that she must enter into another suitable marriage. That, however, is the last thing on her mind when she meets Colin Handrich, Lord Hodges, at the Westcott Christmas house party. She simply enjoys his company as they listen to carolers on Christmas Eve, walk home from church together on Christmas morning, and engage in a spirited snowball fight in the afternoon. Both are surprised when their sled topples them into a snowbank and they end up sharing an unexpected kiss. They know there is no question of any relationship between them, for she is nine years older than he.

They return to London the following Season, both committed to finding other, more suitable matches. Still they agree to share one waltz at each ball they attend. This innocuous agreement proves to be one that will topple their worlds, as each dance steadily ensnares them in a romance that forces the two to question what they are willing to sacrifice for love. . . .

 

 

Review:

Someone to Trust by Mary Balogh is the 5th book in her wonderful Westcott series.  I have loved every single book in this wonderful series, and I couldn’t wait for Elizabeth’s story.  She has always been the one person who was there to give support to each heroine, and now it was time for her own happy ever after.

When the last book left off, there was a last minute wedding (Viola & Marcel) at the Earl of Riverdale’s mansion, and we pick up at that point, where the entire Westcott family was in attendance. It is Christmas time, and everyone was enjoying the festivities.  Elizabeth Overfield, our heroine, helps Wren (Alexander’s wife) make sure everything goes right, including greeting all the guests.  She meets Colin Handrich (Lord Hodges), Wren’s younger brother, who does not know the many Westcott family members.  Elizabeth takes it upon herself to welcome and befriend Colin, and together a friendship develops, with them enjoying the festivities and their company.

Elizabeth, who is a widow, has decided the time has come for her to possibly accept another marriage proposal, as she is now 35, and time is running out.   Colin, is just stepping into the responsibility of being Lord Hodges and taking over their mansion, knows he has to start thinking about marriage, as he is 26 years old.

What follows is the friendship between Elizabeth and Colin grows, as each talk about their prior issues with relationships; such as her deceased ex abusive behavior, and Colin’s treatment by his family in his younger days.   At the balls, Colin always makes sure Elizabeth saves him the first waltz.  This was a very charming and fun story, as both Elizabeth and Colin begin to have feelings for each other, but continue to evade any possibilities because of the 9 year age difference.  Elizabeth accepts a proposal from another Lord, but when her prospective fiancée verbally treats her badly, Colin and Alexander come to her rescue, and Elizabeth breaks up with the other man. 

Elizabeth must endure the bad word of mouth gossip, and Colin is determined to make Elizabeth his wife, despite their age difference.  Will Elizabeth give in to her feelings Colin, and ignore that Society does not approve of an older woman marrying a younger man.

 I loved Elizabeth and Colin together (one of the best couples in this series), and enjoyed the fun and exuberance they had together. Colin was great, but I adored Elizabeth, as she was a great heroine, being fun, sweet, always helpful to others, and delightful.

It was wonderful to see all the Westcott’s again.  This is a big family, and we get to see many of them in each book.  The romance between  Elizabeth & Colin was wonderful to watch, with so many emotions, both sad and sweet.

I do not read a lot of historical romances, but I will read 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 Trust 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 TRUST 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 November 27 to 30, 2018

 

 

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Someone to Care by Mary Balogh – Review & Giveaway

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Someone to Care by Mary Balogh – Review & Giveaway

 

 

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Description:
Once the Countess of Riverdale, Viola Kingsley throws all caution to the wind when adventure calls in the form of a handsome aristocrat. . . .

Two years after the death of the Earl of Riverdale, his family has overcome the shame of being stripped of their titles and fortune–except for his onetime countess, Viola. With her children grown and herself no longer part of the social whirl of the ton, she is uncertain where to look for happiness–until quite by accident her path crosses once again with that of the Marquess of Dorchester, Marcel Lamarr.

Marcel Lamarr has been a notorious womanizer since the death of his wife nearly twenty years earlier. Viola caught his eye when she herself was a young mother, but she evaded his seduction at the time. A prize that eluded him before, she is all the more irresistible to him now although he is surprised to discover that she is as eager now for the excitement he offers as he is himself.

When the two defy convention and run away together, they discover that the ties of respectability are not so easily severed, and pleasure can ensnare you when you least expect it.

 

 

Review

Someone to Care by Mary Balogh is the 4th book in her wonderful regency Westcott series.  I do not read a lot of historical romances, but I will read every book in this series, which is very well written by Balogh and the wonderful characters she has created from the Westcott family.  Someone to Care is different as instead of the children finding happiness, the heroine and hero in this one are an older couple around 40.

Viola Kingsley, the former Countess of Riverdale, is attending another gathering of the large Westcott family.  Viola and her three children lost their inheritance when her deceased husband was found to be a bigamist. Two years has passed, and though her children have adjusted (Camille found happiness in the 2nd book, her other daughter and son seem to be content in their lives), Viola is still embarrassed and feels tainted from the scandal, even though everyone in the family treats her well and cares about her and her three children.  Watching everyone in the party enjoying themselves, Viola decides to leave early.

Marcel (Marguess of Dorchester) is considered a womanizer, and a man that puts the fear in others.  When Marcel lost his wife years before, he changed and became more of a loner.  He had put his son and daughter in the care of his sister in law, and rarely sees his children.  When his carriage breaks down, Marcel is stuck at an inn overnight.  While leaving the restaurant, he notices a familiar face; he remembers the woman he was beginning to fall for 14 years ago and was rejected, since she was married at the time.  Viola also staying overnight at the same inn, recognizes Marcel looking at her.  Marcel approaches Viola, and they reminisce about the old days, and her embarrassment over losing the title and fortune in her now defunct marriage. Since they are stuck over night, they decide to take a walk around the town, join some festivities. A slow build romance between former friends will begin. 

What follows is sweet romance between two people who are basically quiet lonely life.  They decide to run away and have some fun, eventually becoming lovers.  It was nice and fun to see how they were both enjoying each other’s company, as well as their hot chemistry.  After a couple of weeks, both Viola and Marcel’s family begin to worry, and each begins to look for them.   Just when Viola decides she needs to go home, so her daughters don’t worry, they are found.  Marcel will automatically go on the defensive and protect Viola, as he tells the family members that they are betrothed, which shocks Viola.  Unfortunately, this will slowly cause Viola and Marcel unhappiness to be in a situation they never intended.

When they are home with both families coming together for a betrothed party, both Viola and Marcel are at odds, each thinking the other doesn’t care.  The wedding will be called off, and the two go back to their lives.   Marcel came off as a rake, causing the Westcott family to dislike him.   Will Marcel and Viola find a way to be happy again?

 It was wonderful to see all the Westcott’s again.  This is a big family, and we get to see many of them in each book.  Marcel’s son and daughter were very nice too.

The romance between  Viola & Marcel was wonderful to watch, with so many emotions, both sad and sweet.  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 an adult couple, you should be reading this one.  Someone to Care a  heartwarming story, great characters, and a wonderful couple.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy Provided by Publisher

 

Mary Balogh’s publisher is graciously offering a paper copy of SOMEONE TO CARE 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 May 1 to 6, 2018

 

 

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Someone to Wed by Mary Balogh – Review & Giveaway

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Someone to Wed by Mary Balogh – Review & Giveaway

 

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Someone to Wed
Westcott series – Book #3
by Mary Balogh
Release Date : November 7. 2017

Someone To WedAmazon / B&N / Kobo / BAM / Book Depository

Description:
When Alexander Westcott becomes the new Earl of Riverdale, he inherits a title he never wanted and a failing country estate he can’t afford. But he fully intends to do everything in his power to undo years of neglect and give the people who depend on him a better life. . . .
A recluse for more than twenty years, Wren Heyden wants one thing out of life: marriage. With her vast fortune, she sets her sights on buying a husband. But when she makes the desperate—and oh-so-dashing—earl a startlingly unexpected proposal, Alex will only agree to a proper courtship, hoping for at least friendship and respect to develop between them. He is totally unprepared for the desire that overwhelms him when Wren finally lifts the veils that hide the secrets of her past. . . .

 

 

Review:

Someone to Wed by Mary Balogh is the 3rd book in her wonderful Regency Westcott series. I enjoyed the first two books in this series, and Someone to Wed is as equal or even better.  I like some regency or historical romances on occasion, but I will not miss a book from the Westcott series.  Mary Balogh amazes me how she gives us wonderful romances with unlikely couples, and we totally fall in love with them, as well as the fantastic family group.

In Someone to Wed, Alexander Westcott is our hero, whom we met in the earlier books.  Alex is the Earl of Riverdale, which he inherited from the deceased Earl, whose children would have been heirs, but because he was a bigamist, Alexander becomes the legitimate heir.  Alex loves his own estate, and is not thrilled to now have to take over the Riverdale estate that is in ruins, since he cannot afford the big repair expenses. To better understand all of this, I suggest you read my reviews of the first book or better yet, go buy book 1 & 2.  You will not regret it.

Wren Heyden, our heroine, is a modern woman, who excels in her business holdings and is very wealthy. Wren, who has a purple birthmark on almost half of her face, has been a recluse for twenty years.  With her aunt and uncle now deceased, Wren wants to find someone to wed, to have children and some semblance of a life, and plans on buying a husband.  Enter Alex, who as the Earl of Riverdale was called to visit the unknown Ms. Heyden.  He is shocked when he meets Wren, who wears a veil to cover her face, and hears her proposal.  When she explains that she is considering him to become her husband, and will help him with the expenses to restore Riverdale.  Alex becomes insulted, but he asks her to remove the veil, and sees her birthmark.  Alex is not disturbed by it, much to Wren’s surprise, but he leaves and says if she is serious, he will invite her to a tea he will have for neighbors.  Can she find the courage to attend?

Alexander finds himself a bit curious about Wren, and sees under her surface about her past hardships, lack of confidence and her fears that made her a recluse.  Wren is very independent and tends to be cold and unsocial, as she has never experienced dealings with people other than in business .  When Alex tries to get her to open up more, and meet his family, he is surprised when she accepts, but her fears will force her to turn him away.  But Alex has a wonderful mother and sister, who make friends with Wren, and she becomes comfortable with them, allowing her to learn more about Alex. 

What follows is a slow build romance that will at first be friendship, and slowly they will both find love.  What I really loved about this story was watching Wren begin to change and see those she has come to know not paying attention to her blemish.  She begins to open up and have fun, and Alex slowly helps her build her confidence removing her veil completely and attend events.   I also loved this family that we have met over these three books, which was so insurmountable in changing Wren, as well as healing the family ties that had been broken by previous Earl of Riverdale’s death. 

The romance between Alex and Wren was wonderful to watch, with so many emotions, both sad and sweet.  I can’t say enough about Mary Balogh’s writing, as the Westcott series is a ‘do not miss’.  If you enjoy a pure romance, even if you don’t like historical/regency, you should be reading this one.  Someone to Wed is a wonderful heartwarming story, great characters, and a fantastic couple. 

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

giveaway

Mary Balogh’s publisher is graciously offering a paper copy of SOMEONE TO WED 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 November 8 to 12, 2017

 

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Someone to Love by Mary Balogh – a Review

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Someone to Love by Mary Balogh – a Review

 

Someone to LoveAmazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / BAM / The Book Depository

Description:
Humphrey Wescott, Earl of Riverdale, has died, leaving behind a fortune that will forever alter the lives of everyone in his family—including the daughter no one knew he had…
 
Anna Snow grew up in an orphanage in Bath knowing nothing of the family she came from. Now she discovers that the late Earl of Riverdale was her father and that she has inherited his fortune. She is also overjoyed to learn she has siblings. However, they want nothing to do with her or her attempts to share her new wealth. But the new earl’s guardian is interested in Anna…
 
Avery Archer, Duke of Netherby, keeps others at a distance. Yet something prompts him to aid Anna in her transition from orphan to lady. As London society and her newfound relatives threaten to overwhelm Anna, Avery steps in to rescue her and finds himself vulnerable to feelings and desires he has hidden so well and for so long.

 

 

Review:

Someone to Love by Mary Balogh is the 1st book in her new Westcott series.   This was a very well written Historical romance by Balogh, with a great premise.  Anna Snow is our heroine, whom we meet early on.  Anna is an orphan, who has spent all of her life at the orphanage, and is now a teacher.  She receives a letter summoning her to attend a meeting, and discovers that she is has inherited the fortune of the Earl of Riverdale, who was her father and the man who dropped her off at the orphanage.  Anna finally has siblings, which she always wanted, but they want nothing to do with her; but she is welcomed by her family (grandmother, aunts, cousins, etc) who feel the need to train our Anna, how to act and dress as a titled lady of society.

Avery Archer, our hero, is the Duke of Netherby and the guardian of the now disposed heir to the Earl of Riverdale.  Avery has always been the person whom both families relied on to oversee everything.  He is not only gorgeous, but he in his own right is wealthy and an aristocrat. 

What follows is an amazing story of how Anna must change her life style, learn all about her relatives and become part of what she is expected to be; she also must attend balls for her coming out. Avery finds himself interested in everything Anna does, and slowly discovers that is beginning to have feelings for her.   Anna from the start found Avery attractive, but his standoffish demeanor kept her at a distance.   She soon began to rely on Avery’s assistance, and slowly their romance was inevitable. 

I really liked many of the secondary characters, whom I am sure will be featured in future stories of this series. I hope to find out more about Elizabeth, Alex, and even her siblings, who want nothing to do with Anna.   I did enjoy this book, but I also felt that some parts were a bit tedious, giving us too much details.  Overall it was a great story, with wonderful characters.  I look forward to the next book in this series.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

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Only Enchanting by Mary Balogh – a Review

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Only Enchanting by Mary Balogh – a Review

 

Only Enchanting
Survivors’ Club series – Book #4
by Mary Balogh
Release Date: October 28, 2014

Only Enchanting

Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / The Book Depository / BAM

Description:
The Survivors’ Club: Six men and one woman, all wounded in the Napoleonic Wars, their friendship forged during their recovery at Penderris Hall in Cornwall. Now, in the fourth novel of the Survivors’ Club series, Flavian, Viscount Ponsonby, has left this refuge to find his own salvation—in the love of a most unsuspecting woman…

Flavian, Viscount Ponsonby, was devastated by his fiancée’s desertion after his return home. Now the woman who broke his heart is back—and everyone is eager to revive their engagement. Except Flavian, who, in a panic, runs straight into the arms of a most sensible yet enchanting young woman.

Agnes Keeping has never been in love—and never wishes to be. But then she meets the charismatic Flavian, and suddenly Agnes falls so foolishly and so deeply that she agrees to his impetuous proposal of marriage.

When Agnes discovers that the proposal is only to avenge his former love, she’s determined to flee. But Flavian has no intention of letting his new bride go, especially now that he too has fallen so passionately and so unexpectedly in love.

 

 

Review:
Only Enchanting by Mary Balogh is the 4th book in her Survivors’ Club series. I have not read this series, but Balogh does a good job giving us details along the way of this friendship of survivors that drives the story. Only Enchanting is a historical romance that takes place in England. This book belongs to Flavian Arnott, Viscount Ponsonby, one of the 7 survivors, and Agnes Keeping, our heroine.

Agnes is a widow, who lives with her sister. She is best friends with Sophia, who is the wife of Viscount Darleigh, one of the 7 survivors. The Survivors club meet annually and this year due to the birth of their child, the club comes to the Darleigh mansion for their two week vacation. It is here that Agnes will meet Flavian, whom she finds strange, yet very attractive. Agnes, has led mostly a sheltered life, with a marriage that was considered safe and somewhat dull. She does not believe in true romance, nor passion. This is about to change, once Flavian begins to show interest in her.

Flavian also has his own issues. Before he miraculously recovered from his war injuries, his then fiancée left him for his best friend. Flavian, who has trouble maintaining his temper, also does not believe in love. Slowly, the two of them find themselves feeling safe with each other, and in a fast time the attraction grows. Flavian feels safe, not to mention attracted to Agnes. When he finds out his ex-fiancée, whose husband is now dead, is returning to his town; he asks Agnes to marry him, and a flustered Agnes says no…at first, wondering why, since they do not know each other that long. When he is persistent, she finally agrees, as she knows she has fallen in love with him.

What follows is a nice story, of two people, who have never known true love, as they embark on a journey that will take them to London and their home in Ponsonby, while they must face Flavian’s shocked family; the ex-fiancee, who is determined to win him back at any cost; and the scandal that threatens their marriage. Will love prevail for Flavian and Agnes? I did like Flavian and Agnes. I thought the story had a lot of detail that sort of slowed things down early on. But they were a charming couple, and Agnes becomes a very strong heroine. If you like Historical romances, I suggest you read Only Enchanting.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

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