ABOUT THE BOOK:
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. . . .
READ AN EXCERPT:
MY REVIEW:
Someone to Trust by Mary BaloghMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
Someone to Trust by Mary Balogh is a 2018 Berkley publication.
A winter romance that will warm your heart!
While attending a Christmas Party at the Wescott’s which also doubled as a wedding, the widow Elizabeth Overton and Colin Handrich, Lord Hodges, spend some easy going and friendly time together. However, they are both aware of a little something extra simmering just below the surface. Although they are both convinced it is time for them to marry, it most certainly would not be to one another. For starters, Elizabeth is nine years older that Colin! What a scandal that would be!!
As the London season approaches, Elizabeth and Colin plan to join in, albeit, solo… but, they have promised to share at least one set of dances together at each ball they attend… and not just any dance- a waltz!
This one got off to a very sluggish start unfortunately. In fact, I had intended to read this one around the holidays but put it aside because it just wasn’t working for me right then.
But, because Mary Balogh is one of my favorite historical romance authors, I was determined to give it another try. I am glad I stuck with the book, as it turned out to be a beautiful and heartwarming love story.
As the title suggests, there are some trust issues involved, especially for Elizabeth, who is determined not to give in to romantic love as she had with her first husband, which ended in disaster.
“ I want my own home. I want to be a part of a couple so that I do not have to feel lonely at events like family Christmases. I want- I hope for- children.”
Your need is emotional, he said, yet you look for safety and dependability. My need is practical, yet I dream of love. I would like to be in love with the woman I marry. But there are so many other considerations that I suppose are more important. I dream of perfection, Elizabeth. You do not dream at all.”
Can Colin convince Elizabeth she can have trust, stability and romantic love or will she break his heart?
Once this story finally got moving, I was glued to the pages, loving every conflicted and emotional moment.
Overall, this one isn’t the strongest book in the series, but despite the slow start, I ended up thoroughly enjoying Elizabeth and Colin’s story. I’m happy they defied convention, despite the odds, and fulfilled their dreams of a happily ever after.
*If you haven’t read the previous installments in the series, I wouldn’t suggest starting out with this one. While reading the series in order is always ideal, at the very least read the fourth book before starting this one.
GET YOUR COPY HERE:
https://www.amazon.com/Someone-Trust-Westcott-Novel-Book-ebook/dp/B07B78CVNY/
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/someone-to-trust-mary-balogh/1128106240
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Mary Jenkins was born in 1944 in Swansea, Wales, UK. After graduating from university, moved to Saskatchewan, Canada, to teach high school English, on a two-year teaching contract in 1967. She married her Canadian husband, Robert Balogh, and had three children, Jacqueline, Christopher and Sian. When she's not writing, she enjoys reading, music and knitting. She also enjoys watching tennis and curling.Mary Balogh started writing in the evenings as a hobby. Her first book, a Regency love story, was published in 1985 as A Masked Deception under her married name. In 1988, she retired from teaching after 20 years to pursue her dream to write full-time. She has written more than seventy novels and almost thirty novellas since then, including the New York Times bestselling 'Slightly' sextet and 'Simply' quartet. She has won numerous awards, including Bestselling Historical of the Year from the Borders Group, and her novel Simply Magic was a finalist in the Quill Awards. She has won seven Waldenbooks Awards and two B. Dalton Awards for her bestselling novels, as well as a Romantic Times Lifetime Achievement Award.
