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Someone to Trust

Book 5 in the series:Westcott

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"Someone to Trust" by Mary Balogh is a historical romantic fiction that centers around the characters Lady Elizabeth Overfield and Lord Colin Handrich. The story unfolds at a Christmas gathering where the two characters meet and develop a deep friendship despite the significant age difference between them. As they navigate society's opinions and their own doubts, their relationship evolves into a slow-burning romance filled with trust, companionship, and mutual support. The plot delves into themes of family ties, trust, and the challenges of finding love in a society where age differences are frowned upon.

Characters:

The characters are well-developed, embodying relatable struggles with love, trust, and societal pressures.

Writing/Prose:

The prose is gentle and emotive, emphasizing character growth and the intricacies of relationships.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot focuses on a romance challenged by an age gap and societal expectations, as Elizabeth and Colin navigate their feelings amidst family dynamics.

Setting:

The setting reflects a historical context that enhances the romance and societal themes of the narrative.

Pacing:

The pacing is initially slow but gradually builds intensity as the characters' relationship evolves.
Brambledean Court in Wiltshire was the scene of just such a gathering for the first time in many years. All the Westcotts were gathered there, from Eugenia, the seventy-one-year-old Dowager Countess o...

Notes:

The story is set during Christmas at Brambledean Court, where a wedding is celebration.
Elizabeth Overfield, the widow, is the older woman at age 36, while Colin Handrich is 26 years old.
Elizabeth is Alexander Westcott's sister, and Colin is Wren's brother, connecting them through family.
The plot focuses on their attraction despite the societal taboo regarding their age difference.
The characters promise to share the first waltz at each ball during the London season, creating a sweet ritual.
Elizabeth is motivated to find stability and love after experiencing a difficult marriage in the past.
Colin is determined to find true love, despite pressure to marry for status.
The book explores themes of trust, companionship, and societal expectations in romantic relationships.
The relationship develops slowly, highlighting emotional support and overcoming past traumas.
Mary Balogh's writing style captures a gentle, yet profound love story that contrasts with typical passion-driven romances.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Triggers include themes of emotional abuse from a previous relationship, societal judgement regarding age differences, and personal grief.

Has Romance?

The book features a high level of romantic relationship development as the characters navigate their feelings for one another amid personal and societal challenges.

From The Publisher:

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, 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. . . .

Reader Stats (3):

Want To Read (2)
Not Interested (1)

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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