Someone To Trust by Mary Balogh ~ a Review

by MK French

How it begins

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November 2018; Berkley; 978-0399586101
audio, ebook, print (384 pages)
Regency romance, holiday

Elizabeth Overfield had learned the hard way that marrying for love could have disastrous consequences, so she was determined to remain a widow. When she starts thinking about the possibility of remarrying, the last person she would have considered was Colin Handrich, Lord Hodges. He is her sister-in-law's brother and nine years younger than her, though he makes her laugh and the two are close. They initially are determined to find more suitable matches to marry, but crossing paths in London frequently makes that plan impossible.
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Elizabeth Overfield had learned the hard way that marrying for love could have disastrous consequences, so she was determined to remain a widow. When she starts thinking about the possibility of remarrying, the last person she would have considered was Colin Handrich, Lord Hodges. He is her sister-in-law's brother and nine years younger than her, though he makes her laugh and the two are close. They initially are determined to find more suitable matches to marry, but crossing paths in London frequently

This is a Westcott novel, but it really isn't necessary to have read prior novels in this series. The pertinent details of those novels are summarized as appropriate in the beginning of this one, woven into the musings on the family as they all gathered for Christmas. I actually enjoyed this kind of start to the novel, because we see nobility gathered for a family event, including playing in the snow and snowball fights. It's less formal than the usual Regency setting of London ballrooms and high society gossip, though that takes place soon enough.

Elizabeth and Colin have an easy camaraderie from the start, developing a friendship based on similar reactions to the family around them. As much as the age difference is mentioned several times and taken to be a huge stumbling block, their conversations with each other are natural and hardly stilted in the slightest. Elizabeth's age appropriate beau, on the other hand, has no sense of humor and turns out to have a sharp jealous streak. Colin does make a solid effort to find a younger girl to marry, but this own attempt is interrupted by his thoughts of and comfort with Elizabeth. In addition, his overbearing and narcissistic mother takes drastic steps to interfere, driving more wedges between the two.

In this case, it really pays to be stubborn and follow your heart. Though there could be bruises on it, eventually it will lead you on the path that feels most comfortable and welcome.

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Born and raised in New York City, M.K. French started writing stories when very young, dreaming of different worlds and places to visit. She always had an interest in folklore, fairy tales, and the macabre, which has definitely influenced her work. She currently lives in the Midwest with her husband, three young children, and golden retriever.

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