'Someone to Love' by Mary Balogh follows the story of Anna Snow, an orphan who discovers that she is the legitimate heir of a wealthy aristocrat, completely changing her life. As she navigates her newfound identity and family, she finds herself drawn to Avery, a Duke who initially appears disinterested and uncaring. Their relationship evolves as they both struggle with their own inner conflicts and past traumas. The plot is filled with twists and turns, introducing a wide array of characters who play significant roles in shaping Anna and Avery's journey towards love and self-discovery. The writing style of Mary Balogh weaves together historical romance, family drama, and personal growth, creating a compelling narrative that explores themes of identity, courage, and love.

Characters:

The characters are dynamic, with Avery's unique portrayal defying typical hero stereotypes, while Anna embodies resilience and strength amidst adversity.

Writing/Prose:

The prose is intricately detailed, emphasizing character development and regency-era nuances while balancing humor with deeper emotional themes.

Plot/Storyline:

The book revolves around Anna Snow's unexpected transformation from an orphan to an heiress, intertwining her fate with Avery Archer, the Duke of Netherby, amid complex family dynamics.

Setting:

The Regency-era setting enriches the narrative, contrasting societal expectations with personal struggles and transformations.

Pacing:

While the pacing starts slow due to extensive character setups, it gains momentum as the romantic and familial dynamics unfold.

Despite the fact that the late Earl of Riverdale had died without having made a will, Josiah Brumford, his solicitor, had found enough business to discuss with his son and successor to be granted a fa...

Notes:

The hero, Avery Archer, is described as beautiful but not conventionally handsome, being of average height and slight build.

Avery carries a jeweled snuff box and quizzing glass, which he uses to intimidate others.

The heroine, Anna Snow, discovers at 25 that she is the legitimate daughter of an earl and inherits his fortune.

Anna grew up in an orphanage and has longed for a family all her life.

The story reveals a scandal involving bigamy, as Anna's father had married her mother before remarrying his second wife.

Avery is named as the guardian of the new earl, a responsibility he inherited from his father.

The Duke takes interest in Anna to help her adjust to her new life and fend off her relatives' expectations.

There is an unexpected romance between Anna and Avery, characterized by a slow build-up.

The book has many characters, potentially setting up future stories in the series.

Mary Balogh's writing style combines humor with deep character exploration.

Has Romance?

The book features a medium level of romance, gradually developing the relationship between the main characters, Avery and Anna.

implied steam level

From The Publisher:

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 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.

Ratings (6)

Incredible (1)
Loved It (1)
Liked It (2)
It Was OK (2)

Reader Stats (17):

Read It (6)
Want To Read (7)
Not Interested (4)

What can you read after
Someone to Love?

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About the Author:

Mary Balogh grew up in Wales and now lives with her husband, Robert, in Saskatchewan, Canada. She has written more than one hundred historical novels and novellas, more than forty of which have been New York Times bestsellers. They include…

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Someone to Love

Mary Balogh

Book 1 in the series:Westcott