Monday 7 November 2016

Review & Giveaway: Someone to Love by Mary Balogh

Someone to Love (Westcott #1) by Mary Balogh
Publisher: Signet
Publication date: November 8th 2016
My rating: 4 stars 
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25644437-find-her
Humphrey Westcott, Earl of Riverdale, has died, leaving behind a fortune 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 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.



My Thoughts:
Even though Anna Snow grew up mostly happy in the orphanage that was her home the last twenty years, she’s always longed for a family to call her own.  Finding out she has a fortune in addition to a family sounds like a dream come true.  Unfortunately, Anna’s immediate family wants nothing to do with her and transitioning into the life of a lady is overwhelming.  Anna’s used to freedom and independence, hardly possible for a society woman caged in by all of the expectations of the ton.  Anna’s determined to keep her identity intact, though.

To Avery Archer, the Duke of Netherby, Anna is unexpected and unlike any other woman he’s known. Usually bored by the trivialities of London society, Avery is surprised that he feels compelled to help Anna navigate her new life.  She’s so unlike any other woman he’s been attracted to, but there’s something about her that fascinates him. 

I liked that Anna had a mind of her own and yet a soft heart. She could’ve been very bitter over the way her family treated her when they found out who she was, but instead Anna continually worried over their situation and tried to help when she could. I’m very interested in their future stories.

As for the romance, the pull between Anna and Avery was immediate; they just seemed tuned into each other.  Once it was acknowledged things moved pretty fast, but I liked that.  There was no dancing around the subject of will they or won’t they, which allowed time to explore the mystery behind how Anna ended up in an orphanage to begin with, and the feelings that brought up. 

Mary Balogh has become one of my favorite historical romance writers.  Her stories are moving with interesting and complex characters.  Someone to Love kicks off what I expect to be a wonderful series, and I’m already eagerly anticipating Camille and Joel’s story! Even though Camille didn’t leave me with the best impression here, I can definitely understand her feelings and reactions.  





Connect with Mary Balogh:






The lovely people at Signet graciously provided a Paperback Copy of Someone to Love to one Readers Den Follower.  The giveaway is open to US and CA residents only.  Fill out the rafflecopter for a chance to win.


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7 comments:

Joy said...

This sounds like a lovely romance, Rachel. While I haven't tried my hand at Historical Romance, I'm always on the look out for a good recommendation. I'm definitely adding this to my pile!

Alyssa said...

This sounds sweet! I have one of Mary's books (Only Enchanting, I think?) but I have not read it yet. I've seen such positive comments on her stories! The romance between Avery and Anna sounds especially lovely. =)

Great review, Rachel!

Alyssa @ The Eater of Books!

Eva @ All Books Considered said...

Great review Rachel! Mary Balogh is one of my favorites for HR too. I can't wait to read this

Heidi@Rainy Day Ramblings said...

I have so struggled with historical lately, maybe this is one that would rekindle my love for it?

Roxy said...

I used to read tons of historical romances, but haven't in quite some time. Outlander was always a favourite, but I also enjoyed most of Judith McNaught's books, too. Never tried a Mary Balogh title, so thanks for the chance to win!

Ksenia said...

I haven’t read anything by this author yet, mostly because I don’t often pick up Historical Romance. Someone to Love sounds lovely, and I probably should put aside my resistance for this genre. The premise is interesting, and I really glad to hear there wasn’t any unnecessary drama and angst between main characters. Lately I find myself gravitating toward angst-free books. Wonderful review, Rachel!

Carina Olsen said...

Gorgeous review Rachel :D I'm glad you liked this one. <3 Seems like an interesting book :) But gah. I'm missing summer, looking at this cover :) Only snow here. Rude.

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