New York Times bestselling author Mary Balogh presents the first historical romance in the Westcott series, where the death of an earl reveals a most scandalous secret. Humphrey Westcott, Earl of Riverdale, has died, leaving behind a fortune and a scandalous secret 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 … 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.
more
Mary Balogh never disappoints. Her characters are always fleshed-out and three-dimensional. Her books, while set in time, are not cookie-cutter repeats of one another. I can always count on a witty, interesting read with some sizzle and a great deal of amusing reparte’ between the characters.
This one had lots of twists and turns and enjoyed it a lot. The suddenly discovered “daughter” turns out to be the legitimate daughter with her half brothers and sisters left out in the cold.
Mary Balogh is one of my favorite Regency writers. I have read more than 2000 Regencies so I feel some level of expertise in this genre. Georgette Heyer and true Regency aficionados would not approve of the physical contact that Mary writes about. However, they do not detract from the story.
The now-deceased Earl has left his family in quite a mess. He was married before and had a child. His second marriage, resulting in 3 children, has come into question. Read the book for the answers to these problems and to discover some fascinating characters and sub-plots.
I plan to read the next one in the series.
Don’t ask me why, but lately I’ve been reading a ton (excuse the pun!) of Regency romances. This however is the first time reading anything by this author. I confess I started with the fifth book in the Westcott series, and promptly downloaded the remainder on my Kindle and read them all in order.
Wonderful romances with each book delivering its own very satisfying HEA – even if getting there isn’t always easy! Though you can read each novel as a stand alone I urge you not to. It will be more satisfying to read them in order (I confess, I started with “Someone to Trust” before downloading the list and adding all to my Kindle.)
A well thought out series with unforgettable characters (I adore the Duke of Netherby!) imaginative story lines revolving around the Westcotts who are warm, loving, opinionated and frustrating – just like a real family! I highly recommend this series, and can’t wait for the next in the series.
This Mary Balogh serves up Regency Romance with an interesting new plot: an orphan discovers she’s actually been the daughter of an earl this whole time, and the ousted family deals with what that means. I’d read other books in this series before getting to this one, so I knew who Anna ended up with, but I enjoyed the parlor-room drama and the very unique character of Avery. The romance is understated but delicious 🙂
Balogh never fails. Great description of Regency times and mores. Good plot and characters who engage you.
If you like the most simplistic of historical romances, go ahead and read this one. If you want more character development, a plot that is believable, etc., look for something better.
One of my favorite books by this author (and that’s saying something, since I love all her books). Love the repartee between H and h. You may need a cheat sheet of all the characters. Book 1 of The Westcott series. This series must be read in order, like all her other series.
I think I’ve read just about everything by Mary Balogh, but this book truly stands out. The whole orphan-to-riches story here is masterfully done. You can’t help but root for her. And the series twists around in the most unexpected ways in the subsequent books. People who are on the top go to the bottom and vice versa. And the bewildering effects of all that are what make the Westcott series such compelling reads. Regencies can often feel over done and over troped. But this book feels like a true breath of fresh air. On my writer’s inspiration shelf!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. There are some unexpected twists and turns, and the characters are very heartwarming.
Nice happy ever after. Enjoy her books
Mary Balogh always writes a good romance.
Love everything she writes
Good book!!
Enjoyed the main characters!!!!
Excellent storytelling along with well written characters.
Mary Balogh brings another sensational read, filled with romance and amazing characters. Happily ever after just doesn’t get any better than this.
A very sweet story. I liked the story and the way it was written. An orphan finds out that she is a lady and inherits her fathers riches. I will read more of Ms Baloghs books.. I love regency books.
This is Mary Balogh’s first book in The Westcott series, with new ones coming on-line at regular intervals. I loved this first book. The unusual chemistry between the characters, both siblings and the love interest. Perfect escape reading for any reason. I have read 5 of the books in this collection so far. That tells you I love them and am willing to invest in the entertainment they provide. You won’t be disappointed.
The heroine in this story is so worthwhile of all the riches heaped on her. The hero is much more complex. I didn’t particularly like the hero, even though he, of course, does all the heroic things expected of him. However, I kept reading it and enjoying it.
Mary Balogh sets the bar high with Someone to Love, the first book in her Westcott Novel series. The story is a wonderful slide into Regency England and MB’s irresistible characters. Nobody does it better—the hidden character beneath—that the reader gets to enjoy as she reveals them in bits and pieces. Masterful.