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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5stars for Ms Balogh’s writing style. I liked this story more than the others in this series.
I love Mary Balogh books, wonderful characters and heartwarming stories. This book was exactly that.
During a rare white Christmas, the widow Elizabeth, Lady Overfield, defies convention by falling in love with a younger man in the latest novel in the Westcott series by Mary Blough. Of Course we know how this one ended, the journey was worth the read.
I love the series by Mary Balogh. Victorian romance at it’s best.
Mary Balogh is one of the best romance writers. Her characters and their circumstances are believable with excellent storylines.
Nobody writes romance that touch my heart like Mary Balough. I just finished Someone to Trust, the 5th book in her Westcott series. It’s the story of Colin and Elizabeth. Their love is doomed because she is 10 years older. As an older woman myself that hooked me immediately. But of course true love rules and there is a happily ever after. But along the way you will laugh, get angry, and almost cry and fall in love again with Mary Balogh and her wonderful stories.
I have sought to read everything Mary Balogh has written, and always enjoy her work. Unlike some writers, she seems to actually like her characters, who are complex and wounded and ultimately loveable. I like how she has built imaginary societies in which so many of her characters are connected.
Mary Balogh always delivers and I loved SOMEONE TO TRUST because it had all the traditional Regency elements, and yet she’s delivered a twist, pairing an older heroine with a younger man and I so enjoyed the something different with the classic setting and memorable characters and love story.
Can’t go wrong with Mary Balogh
Can’t go wrong with a Mary Balough book. Her characters are lovely, displaying vulnerability and strength in equal measures, and the pacing is delightful.
One of my all-time favorite authors. Mary Balogh is the reason I read historical romances. She takes me to another time and place with un paralleled skill. She isn’t simply a must read, she’s a must read again and again.
Very slow start to this low energy Regency romance. It’s Mary Balogh so even if you don’t like the plotline at least you have a well-written book.
The hero is a fairly young beta hero, brother to poor Wren from Someone to Wed who was shuffled from the family for not being perfect. Her little brother was the only one who mourned her as he was told she was dead, and apparently there was a confrontation in the last book between Wren and her vile mother. Luckily for us, Vile Mother makes an appearance here or else we would have very little drama.
The heroine is nine years older than the H. That would raise an eyebrow today, but I can only imagine what it would be like in Regency times.
S-L-O-W burn romance where they H and h may be attracted to each other or may be friends. The h gets engaged to another less worthy swain which is promptly canceled.
It’s not until the H’s mother arrives on the scene in her fancy coach in four with masked outsiders does it climb from a boring two star to three stars. Mother Dearest is a case. If you’ve read Salt Bride, she and the evil OW in that book could be, if not sisters under the skin, close cousins. Rumor, slander, manipulation and cloying emotions are the mother’s weapons of choice, and it is quite entertaining. At least it was entertaining until the H and h soft soap how they will deal with her once they marry. Banishment to Russia would be best, but they consider building a dower house if she gets out of control. Here’s your hammer.
I have concerns about their lackluster drive to be together, but I’m just going to have to trust MB.
Yes, there is a HEA, and it is quite believable if a little slow. Despite my low rating, definitely readable especially if you have been invested in the Westcott series as all the other characters make an appearance.
I Love this book & author!
Mary Balogh comes closer to Jane Austen than anyone else writing today. Her characters are intelligent, articulate, and given to philosophical conversations. But she also writes terrific villains and compelling stories. This is another in her Westcott series, and one of my favorites.
I always know I’m in for a great read by any Mary Balough book. Sometimes all the sub characters can get confusing as to who is who but still I always get any of her books knowing they will be enjoyable
I have loved all the books in the Westcott Series. This was a very good, too. The characters were kind and selfless. The descent into a nasty, gossipy scandal felt so real and tense (and true to modern times.) Younger man/older woman is one of my favorite tropes–and it was done well. I sighed with relief when they got their happy ending.
I am delighted that Avery made another appearance in this story. He is among my favorite historical heroes of all time. Original, intriguing, sexy, and intense. I may need to go back and read his book again.
Not as good as other Mary Balogh books, but worth reading if you have read the other books in the series.
Mary Balogh was the first historical writer I enjoyed. Her Bedwyn, Huxtable & Survivor Series are my favorites. However, the Westcott series disappointed me, except for the first book. But the story of Elizabeth was wonderful. Maybe because I was in her situation I found it inspiring to see how Elizabeth did her best to not wallow in misery of her past, but start again. It is hard to fathom a time when it was acceptable for man to abuse woman. Thankfully she had Alex her brother and true champion. The 9 year age difference between Colin and Elizabeth means nothing and would have been a barrier if they allowed it. I especially enjoyed the confrontation at the engagement ball – mostly Elizabeth’s response to Geoffrey’s apology and the response of her brother Alex and Avery! It certainly helps when you are surrounded with people who love and care for you. The attraction of Colin and Elizabeth was apparent from Christmas – yet only her spinster cousin Matilda saw it. Colin’s family was another added distraction that they both overcame. In all, I thought this was the best of the series – so far. The desire to start anew and put the past to rest, the desire to love and be loved, and to trust when society says ‘no’ – is the thread throughout this wonderful story. To not do nothing means nothing will ever change – it must start with you! Thank you for an enchanting and inspiration story!!
I really enjoy all of Mary Balogh’s books!
Love that Elizabeth Overfield and Colin Handrich got their own story. May-December romance.
Both are struggling to deal with big changes in their lives.
Elizabeth is scared of loving someone nine years younger then her and being hurt again.
Finding trust and love again with Colin, who coming to terms with his parents lies and finding his sister’s alive after his parents being told everyone she died as a child.