During a rare white Christmas at Brambledean Court, the widow Elizabeth, Lady Overfield, defies convention by falling in love with a younger man in this historical romance 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, … 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. . . .
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Another wonderful tale by Mary Balogh. Elizabeth Overfield had fled to her brother after years of physical abuse at the hands of her alcoholic husband. A year later he died, and enjoying her freedom, she had decided to remain a widow. However, during a unusually snowy Westcott Christmas celebration, she changes her mind when she observes the four recent love matches of her relatives, and rethinks her position. She also befriends her sister-in-law’s brother, Colin, who has also come to the conclusion that it is time for him to look for a bride. They make a pact that they will dance the first waltz together of every ball they find themselves both at back in London. An old beau asks for Elizabeth’s hand, but he is not Colin, not do any of the young misses have the joy and backbone of Elizabeth. However, the obstacle standing in their way- she is not 9 years old than him.
Although I have read all the previous books, it was difficult for me to keep track of who is whom, despite the family tree at the front of the book. Which is why I always reread these books once the final book in the series has been released.
Always enjoy Mary Balough. On a quest to read everything she’s ever written.
I’m not usually a fan of this trope (older woman, younger man). Don’t know why, but I never have been. This is the first Mary Balogh book in years that I haven’t been waiting for in breathless anticipation. I should have known better – this author has yet to let me down. This book was wonderful. I love the Westcott family. I love their closeness, the way they always band together (to share happy occasions and to give comfort on less-then happy times). Elizabeth has earned her HEA. I love reading about previous characters, and seeing how their lives are progressing. I can’t wait to see what happens to the remaining 3 (Abigail, Jessica & Harry). I just hate that we have to wait an entire year for the next installment!!!
Could not put it down. Characters expertly woven together with surprises everywhere.
This is an author where I’ll get the book just because she wrote it. An enjoyable read from start to finish.
More than half way through with this wonderful book. I’m thoroughly enjoying it! I’ve read the other books in this series, which helps with some of the characters who reappear in this book, but is not totally necessary. Mary does a good job of explaining who everyone is, however I do recommend the previous books. They are all worth reading. Not many authors write like Mary Balogh!
Mary Balogh is a terrific author. I recommend starting with the first in this series and reading in order. I also recommend reading all her other series. She is fantastic at character development. I really love hearing the thoughts of her characters as they have their doubts and slowly change their perceptions. She has quite a knack for understanding how people really think, behave and respond. Good dialog, as well.
During a rare white Christmas at Brambledean Court, the widow Elizabeth, Lady Overfield, defies convention by falling in love with a younger man. 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.
The author is a must read for me, I think I’ve read nearly all of her books & I’m thoroughly enjoying the Westcott series. This is the fifth book in the series & I personally feel that it could be read on its own but if like me you love series then I’d definitely recommend reading from the start as it will increase your enjoyment of this book also make the first part of the book easier. This is the second book I’ve read recently where the heroine is older than the hero in fact, she is nine years older than him. I really liked that she was older, the attraction was apparent from the start, I liked both Colin & Elizabeth & their characters had plenty of depth. I’m normally drawn into the author’s books from page one but it took some time for me to be captivated by this book but once I was after a good fifteen percent of the book I couldn’t put it down. Whilst I thoroughly enjoyed the book it’s not one of favourite Balogh books but still a lot better than a lot of romances
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read