#NetGalley Book Review: Someone to Honor by Mary Balogh

I found this delightful! (Read in two days!).
Someone to Honor
by Mary Balogh

File Size: 2288 KB
Print Length: 396 pages
Publisher: Berkley (July 2, 2019)
ASIN: B07NK4K5L2
Genre: Historical Romance, Regency
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0.

First appearances deceive in the newest charming and heartwarming Regency romance in the Westcott series from beloved New York Times bestselling author Mary Balogh.
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:
Abigail Westcott’s life changed dramatically when her wealthy, titled father died, and it is discovered that he was already married when he married Abigail’s mother. The family rallied together but it still left Abigail, her mother, elder sister, and brother trying to find their places in the finicky Regency society. Six years later Abby is still trying to determine who she is as she avoids society that would snub her even though her extended family is more than ready and able to support her in social circles.

Abby arrives with family to see her brother, Harry, who has returned to their childhood home injured from the war. Behind the house, Abby comes upon a man chopping wood without his shirt. Abby still has the aristocratic response to scold the man, whom she assumes is a servant, for not donning his shirt in front of a lady.

Gil, a lieutenant colonel, is Harry’s superior officer who has traveled home to care for and support his friend. Gil might be the first to acknowledge that he is not really a gentleman, but that doesn’t stop him from taking umbrage with the haughty young woman who has upbraided him.

Although the two didn’t get off on the right foot, they soon state their apologies and begin to see their common interest in caring for Harry. Slowly Abby and Gil share time and discussion which draws them closer. When circumstances indicate that Gil needs a wife to help him in efforts to gain custody of his daughter, Abby is willing to step into the role with Harry’s encouragement. Abby has her own reasons for agreeing to the marriage and Gil is willing to accept her help while pledging to honor her and to be a good husband. The couple might be able to find their way without too much trouble until they have to face Abby’s mother and the rest of her Westcott and other titled family. Now there is increased tension between the newlyweds in addition to the stress of the upcoming custody trial. Will the stresses tear them apart or pull them closer?

I really liked both of these characters who have to walk a tight rope with their damaged backgrounds in a society that can be ruthless. Their initial opposition turned to friendship was well developed. The court custody trial was also a delight for me. The Judge has a certain irascible attitude mixed with humor that made the event fun reading.

Mary Balogh is a “go-to” author for me for her engaging historical romances. She creates interesting characters and provides plausible plots that are navigated with a touch of humor. I have read several of the books in the series and although they read fine as standalones, I think reading them in order helps understand the characters better as the stories proceed. I highly recommend this book, the author and the series.

Source: 2019 NetGalley. This qualifies for 2020TBR, 2020 NetGalley and 2020Alphabet goals.

Audio Book Review: Someone to Care by Mary Balogh

As usual, I enjoyed this Historical Romance by Mary Balogh.

Someone to Care
Written By: Mary Balogh
Narrated By: Rosalyn Landor

Publisher: Recorded Books
Date: May 2018
Duration: 11 hours 25 minutes
Genre: Historical Romance,Romance
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.25.

Summary:
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:
Viola Kingsley has been dealing with the revelation on the death of her husband the Earl of Riverdale, that her marriage was invalid and her children were born out of wedlock. Although the Earl’s true heir is willing to share the estate fortune, Viola has stayed apart and quiet. Her eldest daughter has made a new life and marriage that she is happy with. Her son has taken a commission in the army and her youngest daughter, soon of age to enter society, is still at home with Viola. After a family gathering Viola has a private meltdown. She takes off on her own, not even taking one of the family carriages.

When the rented conveyance results in her being stranded at a nondescript country inn, Viola is surprised to see someone she knows across the room. Marcel Lamarr had flirted with Viola 15 years before but she had told him to go away. Her first marriage was arranged by her father and there was no love between Viola and the Earl but Viola has always been proper and stayed in her duties and circumstances. Viola has accepted that she may not be destined to have a “happy ever after.”

Marcel is a rake who doesn’t believe he is entitled to a normal married life. Marcel sends his brother on home without him so that he can approach Viola. He proposes that they ‘run away’ for a few weeks and to his surprise she agrees.

Marcel isn’t the easiest character to like but Viola is able to pull him out of his shell. I enjoyed their growing relationship and the dilemma they find themselves in when their families discover their tryst. Although these characters flout convention, as usual, Balogh creates a situation of conflict that resolves into a HEA. I recommend this author and this story to those who enjoy historical romance.

Audio Notes: Rosalyn Landor is a wonderful narrator for this genre. Her accents fit the characters and she is able to give each one a voice and fitting personality. I enjoyed listening to this novel.

Source: July 2019 Audiobooks.com two for one credit. This qualifies for 2019Audiobook goal.

#NetGalley Book Review: Someone to Trust by Mary Balogh

This is an interesting historical where the female character is older than the male.

Someone to Trust (A Westcott Novel Book 5)
by Mary Balogh

File Size: 2448 KB
Print Length: 377 pages
Page Numbers Source ISBN: 0399586105
Publisher: Berkley (November 27, 2018)
ASIN: B07B78CVNY
Genre: Historical Romance, Holiday, Regency
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

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:
Elizabeth, Lady Overfield, is an elegant widow who is surrounded by loving family for a warm, Westcott Christmas. As the family gathers to celebrate with a Christmas wedding, Elizabeth, in her mid 30s, begins to think that maybe she should remarry and have children before it is too late. Her first marriage was for love but didn’t turn out well. This time she is inclined to move forward with a suitable, reliable husband whom she can trust.

Colin Handrich, Lord Hodges, has joined the Christmas festivities to be with his recently found sister, Wren, who has married into the Westcott family. Colin and Wren were separated when young and he doesn't remember having a warm family Christmas after that. Now that he sees what loving family looks like he decides that perhaps he is ready, at age 26, to start looking for a bride to start a home and family of his own.

Colin admires Lady Overfield as a serene, confident example of womanhood. They begin to build a friendship as they discuss the potentials of the young ladies at the house party. Colin challenges Elizabeth to join in the outside activities, including snowball fights and sledding. A tumble from their sled leads to a surprise kiss. They are both embarrassed, but their thoughts wander even though they think that a relationship is not likely. After they share a magical waltz during the Christmas ball, they agree to share a waltz at the balls when they are back in London for the ton season.

Spring finds them in London keeping their promise to share a waltz. Colin has made it apparent that he is bride looking so there are plenty of matrons introducing their young debutantes. Meanwhile Elizabeth is being courted by a suitor she left waiting the previous year. Although there is no spark with the man, Elizabeth is inclined to think he is stable and suitable.

Trouble steps forward in the form of Colin’s mother who wants to perpetually be viewed as a young beauty. She will only allow other young beauties around her, so she has picked out the most beautiful of the debutantes to be Colin’s wife. Lady Hodges will do whatever it takes to squelch the rumors that Colin and Elizabeth may have a developing relationship.

I quickly was pulled in by the primary characters, Elizabeth and Colin, and their teasing friendship. Ms. Balogh does a good job developing their vulnerabilities as well as their strengths. Although Elizabeth is an older woman, she is not a cougar character. I enjoyed Balogh's usual sweet romance building, but the story seemed to be drawn out unnecessarily. I think the story could have been shortened and the tension between the couple might have been stronger. I am glad the potential scandal later in the story and the conflicts with Colin’s mother pulled the interest back. I do recommend Mary Balogh’s work as she is one of my favorite Historical Romance authors.

Source: 2018 NetGalley; NetGalley Challenge.

Book Review: Someone to Hold (A Westcott Novel) by Mary Balogh

Ms Balogh succeeds once again with strong, natural characters in a different situation.
Someone to Hold (A Westcott Novel)
by Mary Balogh

File Size: 1774 KB
Print Length: 396 pages
Page Numbers Source ISBN: 0451477804
Publisher: Berkley (February 7, 2017)
ASIN: B01H17U9E6
Genre: Historical Romance
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

A reversal of fortune befalls a young woman in the latest Westcott novel from the New York Times bestselling author of Only a Kiss and Someone to Love.
Humphrey Wescott, Earl of Riverdale, has died, leaving behind a fortune and a scandalous secret that will forever alter the lives of his family—sending one daughter on a journey of self-discovery...
With her parents’ marriage declared bigamous, Camille Westcott is now illegitimate and without a title. Looking to eschew the trappings of her old life, she leaves London to teach at the Bath orphanage where her newly discovered half-sister lived. But even as she settles in, she must sit for a portrait commissioned by her grandmother and endure an artist who riles her every nerve.
An art teacher at the orphanage that was once his home, Joel Cunningham has been hired to paint the portrait of the haughty new teacher. But as Camille poses for Joel, their mutual contempt soon turns to desire. And it is only the bond between them that will allow them to weather the rough storm that lies ahead...

Review:
Lady Camille is a young woman who was raised as an earl’s daughter; a young lady preparing to do her duty in life. She was not concerned about controlling her life nor seeking happiness. She was only concerned with being a perfect lady, to always do what was expected of her position; to marry a man suitable to her station and to fulfill her duties as the lady of the house. Her life is turned upside down when her father dies leaving his wealth to a daughter born before he married Camille’s mother. It would be one thing if that woman was illegitimate but instead it is discovered that the earl was previously married and the marriage to her mother was bigamous, making Camille, her brother, Harry, and sister, Abigail, the illegitimate children.

Their elder half-sister, Anna, offers to share the fortune she has inherited but Camille and her full siblings refuse. The money will not change their fallen place in society, nor the fact that Camille’s fiancé spurns her with utter disdain and disgust. Their mother retreats to her brother’s home while Camille and her sister move to Bath to live as mere Misses with their Grandmother.

Camille, feeling compelled to redefine herself, takes a job as a teacher at the very orphanage where Anna grew up. Camille has no real idea what she is doing but she also has no idea who she is anymore.

Joel is an artist who was raised at the orphanage and now comes twice a week to teach art to some of the students. Camille isn’t familiar with the ‘common’ man but she is drawn to this rustic man who presents a rough version of a gentleman.

Joel resents Camille’s attitude toward his childhood crush, Anna. Yet his respect for Camille grows as he watches her creative handling of the children while struggling to sort her own self-identity. Slowly Joel and Camille develop a friendship seeking comfort in the form of ‘someone to hold’.

This story started out a bit slowly with Camille as a character who was not so easy to like. Fortunately, her character grows as the story progresses. I loved her experiences learning to feel emotions – pain and love – and the possibility of finding happiness. I also enjoyed the twists that occur in Joel’s circumstances that add a good element of irony.

Ms. Balogh succeeds in making this a delightful read with her strong, natural characters in a new, different, situation. I enjoyed this second book in the series even though I had not read the first book, Someone to Love, which is Anna’s turnabout of fortunes. I am always comfortable recommending Mary Balogh books especially to those who enjoy historical romance with strong characters without graphic sex.

I received this title through NetGalley. It qualifies for my 2017 NetGalley Challenge.