Tag Archives: Westcott

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

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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8. Giveaway open to USA only

9.. Giveaway runs from November 8 to 12, 2017

 

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