"The Arrangement" by Mary Balogh is part of the Survivor's Club series and follows the story of Vincent Hunt, a blind member of the survivors' club who unexpectedly inherits a title and wealth. Vincent's family tries to manipulate him into a marriage, but he forms a practical and loving relationship with Sophia Fry, a poor relation known as the "mouse." Together, they navigate the challenges of their circumstances and grow closer, ultimately finding love and support in each other.

Characters:

The characters are nuanced and kind-hearted, with Vincent as the blind Viscount who is determined to live independently, and Sophia as the timid heroine who learns to assert herself.

Writing/Prose:

Mary Balogh's writing style is gentle and reflective, focusing on character emotions and internal struggles while maintaining a descriptive but concise narrative.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot revolves around a marriage of convenience between a blind Viscount and a poor relation, ultimately leading to a meaningful relationship that transcends initial intentions.

Setting:

The story is set in Regency-era England, particularly in the village of Barton Coombs, emphasizing social interactions and domestic life.

Pacing:

The pacing is moderate, emphasizing emotional depth and character development rather than fast-paced action or conflict.

When it became clear to Vincent Hunt, Viscount Darleigh, that if he stayed at home for the remainder of the spring he would without any doubt at all be betrothed, even married, before summer had prope...

Notes:

The Arrangement is the second book in Mary Balogh's Survivors' Club series.

The main characters are Vincent Hunt, a blind viscount, and Sophia Fry, a poor relation.

Vincent was blinded in battle during the Napoleonic wars at the age of seventeen.

The story explores themes of personal independence and emotional healing.

Vincent's family is overly protective, leading him to run away from their matchmaking efforts.

Sophia is initially treated as a 'mouse' by her family, largely ignored and undervalued.

The couple enters into a marriage of convenience with the intention of living separately after a year if desired.

Despite starting as a practical arrangement, the relationship develops into a deeper love.

The novel highlights the growth of both characters as they support each other's independence and self-esteem.

It presents a gentler kind of romance focused on emotional growth rather than dramatic conflict.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include themes of emotional neglect, familial pressure, and instances of panic attacks related to the characters' disabilities.

Has Romance?

Romance is a high focus of the story, with deep emotional connections developing between the protagonists throughout their marriage.

implied steam level

From The Publisher:

A mesmerising story of passionate awakening and redemption, Mary Balogh's new novel unites a war hero consigned to darkness with a remarkable woman who finds her own salvation by showing him the light of love.

Blinded by a cannon blast on the Napoleonic battlefields, Vincent Hunt, Lord Darleigh, needs time away from the well-meaning meddling - and matchmaking - of his family. But anonymity proves impossible, and soon another marital trap is sprung. Luckily, he is saved in time by a stranger with a captivating voice that stirs something deep inside. And when Miss Sophia Fry's intervention on his behalf finds her unceremoniously booted from her guardian's home, Vincent can see a solution to both their problems: marriage.

At first, quiet, unassuming Sophia rejects Vincent's proposal. But when such a gloriously handsome and heartbreakingly vulnerable man persuades her that he needs a wife of his own choosing as much as she needs protection from destitution, she agrees. Dare they believe a bargain born of desperation might lead them both to a love destined to be?

Ratings (10)

Incredible (2)
Loved It (3)
Liked It (2)
It Was OK (2)
Did Not Like (1)

Reader Stats (26):

Read It (10)
Want To Read (10)
Did Not Finish (1)
Not Interested (5)

2 comment(s)

leibud629

Loved It

1 month

The whole thing was amazing! The only complaint I could possibly have is it's too short, I could have read for a few more hours!

twarex024

Did Not Like

3 months

Very boring.

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The Arrangement

Mary Balogh

Book 2 in the series:The Survivors' Club