The Wescott family is having a Christmas party! Tis the season to be merry or to get married in this case. Mary Balogh is a master at writing historical romance and this one has a bit of a twist. It's not the typical boy meets girl story. The heroine, Elizabeth is a widow, who longs for the love and affection that was absent in her first marriage. Colin comes from the dysfunctional family and hopes to settle down with the life he's always dreamed about. They sound like the perfect couple don't they? So what's the problem... she's nine years older than him, in a society that frowns on anything that deviates from the norm. Balogh gives readers a story that reminds us what we are willing to sacrifice for love.


What I liked:


If you're a reader of the Wescott series, you've been waiting awhile to see Elizabeth get her happy ending. As a reader, I was really excited to get this book and dive into another one of Mary Balogh's proper English novels. I love description and reading about the scene and the parties and the places where the action of the book takes place. I want to know what the ladies were wearing and who was lurking around in the shadows watching the festivities. Balogh never disappoints in this area. She engages all of the readers senses with her amazing descriptions of the times, the culture, the clothing, the food and just about everything in between.


I thought this was a very sweet romance. It is a little slow to start and readers will likely find themselves wondering if these two will ever get together. But, these are not young debutantes or rogues. This is a seasoned couple who have a lot more at stake than just a good romp. I actually enjoyed that aspect of the story. I loved that Balogh writes to the beat of her characters. This one is a bit slower, a little less overtly sexual. It just really fit the tone of the characters she was writing about and added to the over all satisfaction of the book.


I liked the older woman, younger man trope here. Sometimes that is hard to pull off, but this isn't Balogh's first try at it and I thought she did a great job. Honestly, I think society still has a bit of trouble accepting this combination even today. Watching it play out against the background of a less forgiving society was interesting and proved that once again love comes in many shapes and sizes and it usually doesn't check to see if it fits everybody else's idea of what it should look like.


What I didn't like:


I felt like this one dragged a bit. The first part of the book was hard to get totally invested in. The couple seemed well suited for each other, and they obviously liked each other, but they were quick to move on and try to find more suitable partners. It was like it took them a little while to realize they were in love enough to buck convention. I liked the idea of the one dance per ball. That was romantic, but it put a damper on the action. It made things move a little too slow for my tastes, but otherwise I enjoyed the book very much.


Some readers will take issue with the fact that there isn't a lot of sexual tension or good old fashioned make out sessions. That doesn't usually bother me in a book even if it's a romance. If it fits the situation. Which in this case I felt like it did. But if that's what you are looking for in your romance books, this one might leave you a little wanting.


Bottom Line:


This is probably not the best book in the series. But, it is a good book. Definitely worth the read, especially if you are a fan of the series in general or the author. If you're looking for hot and sexy, maybe try something else. I liked the juxtaposition of the older woman, younger man. I loved the sweetness of it and the way it seemed to fit the characters. Lots to enjoy about the latest in the Wescott series.

I requested this title because I enjoyed "The Proposal," which I read a couple of years ago. I was aware that this "Someone to Trust" was the 5th book in the Westcott series, but I also know that Balogh's novels can be read as standalones. I did not find this to be the case in this instance. From the very beginning, there was an info-dump that was very hard to follow, even with the provided family tree. It would have been much more enjoyable had I known the intracacies of the Westcotts. I was so disenchanted by all the information that I had to keep track of just to read the first chapter that I think it influenced my feelings towards the rest of the novel. However, if I were to read the entire series in the correct order, I have no doubt that I would enjoy this one, as I do with Balogh's other titles.

Thank you Berkley Publishing Group, NetGalley, and Mary Balogh for sending me the eARC in return for an honest review.

This book was not my favorite from Mary Balogh. It got off to a very slow start for me, though it did improve once it finally got around to the romance. This is book five in the Westcott series, and I have read the previous four books. Even with the backstory I know, however, there are just too many characters for anyone to keep straight. For the first 10 chapters, I found myself tempted to keep flipping back to the birth chart at the beginning, and that’s no way to really lose yourself in a story.

Probably the first third of the book was spent reminding us who everyone was, how they were related, and why they were all together for Christmas. There was a great deal of narration and very little feeling from either main character. Basically, the only thing established was that Elizabeth and Colin thought well of each other but were nine years apart in age. Yes, this is an older woman younger man story. And it completely dominated the dynamic of their relationship.

Yes, I know it was unheard of for an older woman to snag a younger man back in the day, but it was such a tiresome thing for this to be repeated over and over and over again. Poor Elizabeth has been alone for years; her late husband beat her and eventually drank himself to death. Now she is considering marriage to a guy she doesn’t even love, just to start her life over again. And it’s one of the things that keeps the romance from taking off. Most of the book, she is pursuing a relationship with another man while Colin searches for a socially acceptable wife, ie. a younger woman. The dynamic between Elizabeth and Colin was subtle, hovering as something just a bit more than a friendship… until circumstances finally allow them to come together.

While Elizabeth’s issue is basically carrying around the burden of being 35, Colin’s conflict is found in his Whatever Happened to Baby Jane-type mom. The woman is super crazy and convinced she is a beautiful, young thing and is weirdly obsessed with Colin marrying someone equally as beautiful. He is working to repair his family relationships as his mom threatens to derail his future.

The book was at its best in the scenes where Elizabeth and Colin were together. This is a romance born of friendship and I believed in their feelings for one another. But this was never really a fiery or passionate joining. It was… sweet. Even the sex scenes were kind of summaries more than anything designed to make your heart beat faster.

It was nice to see an older heroine for a change. But I think I would have enjoyed this more if such a huge point hadn’t been made of it –and if there were about half as many characters. Not only were there a ton of adult relatives, but I was drowning in all the babies.

A satisfying ending on the romance front… though I do wish Colin would have gotten the answers he was looking for about his family and his own history.

Rating: B-

Unusually heartwarming!

Decidedly a romance with a difference! Widowed Elizabeth, Lady Overfield's story is a breath of fresh air in the regency romance genre. Elizabeth is nine years older than the man she becomes involved with in a plot that engenders several twists and where love blooms unexpectedly. This is a romance that could / should never be. (Yet, if the sexes were reversed and the age differences even greater, no one would even raise an eyebrow! I love the irony!) The subject of Elizabeth's reluctant feelings is Colin Handrich, Lord Hodges, recently come into his title. Colin has no trouble with their age difference. Elizabeth however is undone by her feelings, her problems with trust, and her and Colin's age difference!
What can I say? Love in the afternoon comes calling.
The action started off slowly in a pleasurable white Christmas environment, gradually filling out the back stories of Elizabeth and Colin, building to its crescendo, and with that progression I found myself hanging on every word.
I loved this contribution to the Westcott series.

A NetGalley ARC

3.5

Another strong entry in Balogh's Westcott series, and with an older heroine/younger hero pairing. At a Christmas family houseparty, widowed Elizabeth Overfield (35) befriends younger Colin Handrich, Baron Hodges (26), a relative newcomer to the extended Westcott family (his older sister has married her younger brother). Because of their age difference, no one, not even themselves, takes the prospect of a romance between them seriously, giving the two space to get to know one another and flirt without consequence. As Colin puts it, "There are certain people with whom one feels an instant affinity, a total comfort, an easy ability to talk upon any subject, even absurdities, without having to resort to the weather and the health of all one's acquaintances" (Kindle Loc 535). Both have suffered from trauma—Colin from a self-absorbed mother, Elizabeth from an abusive first husband—but both are determined not to wallow in suffering.

But the following spring, when the two meet again in town, their continuing friendship draws the ire of Elizabeth's recently betrothed, a former friend of her husband's. And when scandal erupts as a consequence, Elizabeth and Colin both have to decide whether friendship and attraction are strong enough to help them face their family, friends, and society's upset at the idea of an older woman wedding a younger man.

Since this is a companion book to the earlier SOMEONE TO WED (book #3 in the Westcott series), we have the reappearance of the sexist portrayal of Colin and Wren's mother, a woman not just selfishly but pathologically holding on to her youth at the expense of her children. In her other books, Balogh portrays physically and intellectually disabled characters with sympathy, even to the point of cloying sometimes, but she has little sympathy for the mother figure, who strikes me as mentally ill. Or perhaps a stand-in for the narcissistic U.S. President? Still, had to take half a star off for this troublesome aspect of the book.

I have a huge weak spot for holiday romances, and I have an even more substantial weak spot for Mary Balogh's romances. So this book is nirvana for me.

What makes Someone to Trust something unexpected is that the age differential is in our heroine's favor. Elizabeth, somewhat recently (and thankfully) widowed, and Colin (aka Lord Hodges) have known each other since his sister married Elizabeth's brother. If you are familiar with the Wescott series (I previously only read one book but now feel like an addict and must go read the others), then these two are familiar to you.

Elizabeth, however, is nine years older than Colin and, at thirty-five, considered positively ancient. Like Colin, she feels the need to get married, preferably to someone "suitable." She needs financial security and the chance at having a child, and he needs a wife and family to support him as he runs his family's estate. That they are drawn to each other is not convenient, yet Mary Balogh shows you that the heart wants what the heart wants. No one captivates or challenges Colin as Elizabeth does, nor does anyone do the same for her quite like he. Even more importantly, no one stokes their passionate embers like each does for the other. Colin wants Elizabeth. And she wants him.

Not that it does much good. She's too old, or so she thinks. Colin--and I LOVE that Mary Balogh does this--really could not care less.

Mary Balogh shows you the various societal blocks to Colin and Elizabeth's romance, even as she always lets you know that these two are meant to be together. She treats you to little stolen moments--a kiss here, a touch there--and you will love them.

Colin and Elizabeth are a couple you root for. Mary Balogh fills you with the warmth of romance--and a litlte holiday cheer as well.

I have a joint review with Kaetrin that appeared on our blog on November 27:

https://dearauthor.com/book-reviews/overall-b-reviews/joint-review-someone-to-trust-by-mary-balogh/

This is the latest volume in the marvelous historical romance Westcott series. The series as a whole deals with the consequences of the late Lord Humphrey Westcott’s bastardy. That bastardy was only in the metaphorical sense, but he certainly qualified. When it was discovered, upon his death, that his marriage to his still-living countess was bigamous – on his part – his family was forced to re-think their entire future. Not just his now illegitimate son and daughters whose futures were suddenly not what they thought they were, as they and his wife were ostracized by society, but also the lives of both his legitimate daughter, suddenly an heiress, and his cousin who has acquired a title that came with a neglected estate, a load of debt, and no money to deal with either.

What makes the series so marvelous is the way that each of the affected people deals with the sudden change in their circumstances. While it is not necessary to read them all to enjoy any one in particular, they are great stories. If you want the full tale of just how big a bastard Lord Humphrey is, start with Someone to Love, appropriately titled because the Westcott family, minus Lord Humphrey, is very lovable indeed.

Even though the overall story has not yet dealt with all of the late Lord Humphrey’s children (I suspect the story about his son Harry is going to be last) the family connections have expanded enough through marriage that we are able to get this delightful romance between two of those connections on the outer fringe of the group.

Elizabeth Overfield is still a relatively young widow at 35, and she has reached the conclusion that it is time for her to marry again and finally set up her own household now that her brother Alex has found the love of his life. (Alex and Wren’s story is in Someone to Wed)

But Alex and Wren’s marriage has brought Wren’s brother Colin into the Westcott fold. Because of the circumstances of Wren’s early life, as detailed in Someone to Wed, Wren is estranged from most of her family – and with good reason.

Colin would prefer not to have much to do with his mother and his other sisters himself, not after hearing Wren’s full story, but he doesn’t have much choice. Colin is Lord Hodges, the head of his family, and he needs to do something to keep his narcissistic mother both in line and out of his business. It’s going to be an uphill battle – especially as it’s a battle he’s avoided since he gained the title several years ago upon the death of his father. Colin is now 26 and it’s past time for him to take up all his responsibilities – including finding a wife and continuing the family.

Colin and Elizabeth meet at the Westcott family Christmas party, the first of what will clearly be an ongoing tradition at her brother Alex’s partially updated family pile. (He’s working on it, and it needs a LOT of work)

As people who are both a bit outside the central family circle, Colin and Elizabeth gravitate towards each other, and discover that they like each other’s company very much indeed. More than either of them is willing to admit to the other – or even to themselves.

Elizabeth is 9 years older than Colin, so any relationship between them other than friendship seems impossible. She can’t believe he would be interested in a woman so many years older, and he can’t believe she’d be interested in someone so callow and immature.

Except, of course, they’re both wrong. And so very right for each other.

Escape Rating A-: I love it when an older woman/younger man romance does it right, as Someone to Trust certainly does. I also hate it when it’s done wrong or for laughs, which never happens in this story.

While the time and place are different, the thoughts running through Colin’s and especially Elizabeth’s heads are very real and ring true to life. My life. I’m 20 years older than my husband, so when this trope works for me, it really works. When it doesn’t, it grates like sandpaper.

No sandpaper in this romance.

This series in general has been terrific. Each of the people affected by Lord Humphrey’s mess are affected differently, and their reactions, while different, have felt realistic. Harry joined the army. His older sister gets a job. His mother retreats. His cousin tries to find a woman he can love who also happens to have a fortune so he can handle the responsibilities he’s just been saddled with.

Colin and Elizabeth are less directly affected by Lord Humphrey’s shenanigans, but they have plenty of issues of their own. Elizabeth’s late and totally unlamented husband was an alcoholic who beat her during his drunken rages. She married him because she loved him, and doesn’t trust herself to fall in love again. Once burned, twice shy, and with good reason.

Colin’s family, with the exception of his sister Wren, is a piece of work. Especially his mother, who fits the classic definition of a narcissist, whether the term was known or not in the 19th century. Just because there’s no word for something doesn’t mean the phenomenon doesn’t exist. The scary thing about his mother is that she’s real. I’ve met people like that, even to that degree although it manifested differently. And they are every bit as frightening as his mother because they live in their own little world and do entirely too good a job of manipulating the rest of the world into conforming with their self-centered views – because they can’t hear or see anything else.

One of the issues with any age gap romance, whichever direction it goes, is to deal with closing the emotional/maturity/experience gap. This is all too often glossed over when the gap goes in the traditional direction, but it’s always there.

In this story, it’s handled well. Colin’s experience with his parents, particularly his mother, would result in him growing up early. When the parent is the child, the child becomes the parent. It works.

And so does the rest of this story, as Colin and Elizabeth meet in the middle, and realize that in spite of all of the outside voices that say they couldn’t possibly love each other or have a successful marriage, the still, small voices inside their own hearts are very, very sure that they can and they will.

Balogh writes the most exquisite romances, bringing sincere emotion to the forefront as she creates characters building strong and sincere relationships. Her latest novel has two wonderful characters who deserve a loving relationship and who strive to build one in the face of societal and familial pressure.

Classic Mary Balogh — warm, clever, emotional without being saccharine. Just lovely, and sure to please her many fans.

Title: Someone to Trust
Author: Mary Balogh
Publisher: Berkley Publishing Group
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Four
Review:

"Someone to Trust" by Mary Balogh

My Thoughts....

I enjoyed this historical romantic fiction that featured Lady Overfield and Colin Handrich, [Lord Hodges]. With Elizabeth being a widow and nine years a senior to Colin it will be quite a interesting read how these two find their way to each other and to think they met at a family Christmas holiday. What will happen when Colin and Elizabeth start to have feelings for each other?

However, Elizabeth will accept a proposal from another Lord but after this fiancée verbally treats her badly she breaks that proposal. Why was Colin so determined to make Elizabeth his wife after all of the Society gossiping that was going on about her? Will Elizabeth give into her feeling even though Society just didn't approve of a older woman marrying a younger man?

I loved how these two kindred spirits even though this age thing that was taboo at this time were able to get beyond that situation. I will say there were quite a few relatives in this read so you will have to keep up with all that is going on. It seems like Elizabeth had some wonderful relatives and friends that were with her but it seems like for Colin, well it was quite the opposite for his family. I really didn't care for them [Colin's mom and sister] at all! Well, to get it all you will have to pick up "Someone to Trust" to see how this story will all come out. At the end I was left wondering a little about who was Colin's father. This was indeed a good read of how one must learn that trust and true feelings is what happiness is all about.

Thank you NetGallery and Berkley for the read.

ARC received for an honest review.

A 4 star read in the usual Mary Balogh fashion. Characters that felt like real people with problems that you don't generally find in romance books. Elizabeth and Colin are friends - related through marriage. They have a bit of a crush on one another, but both believe that the 9 years between them makes the other not attracted to them.

I thought it was frustrating in a fun way to watch Elizabeth and Colin each look for love while it was staring them in the face. The potential suitors and ladies were believable and interesting. You could see why Elizabeth/Colin would perhaps go for something easier rather than a relationship that felt like an uphill battle. I loved the natural progression of their attraction and how they ended up together.

There was a kind of slow subplot. And there are so many characters in this book - a commonality throughout this series. There must be 75 people in the Westcott family - and at some point over half of them trot through any book. It can be confusing and aggravating. I mostly gloss over the description of how the people are related, but I know that other readers can't get over it.

I've ready plenty of Balogh before. You can check out my reviews. You'll see that I find her a solid, comfortable and smart author with strong heroines and readable plot lines. This was no exception.

<a href="http://www.alleskelle.com/"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1471716947r/20097901.jpg?v=1471716951482"width="400"></a>

Since her husband's passing, Elizabeth Overfield has been thinking that she is about ready to enter into another suitable marriage. However, after she meets Baron Colin Handrich, Lord Hodges, at the Westcott Christmas house party she wishes she weren’t so old. Elizabeth 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 both realize that any relationship between them, would be fruitless for she is nine years older than he.

Returning tp London the following Season, both were dedicated to find more suitable matches, but they also agreed 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.

As is with all books by Mary Balogh I immediately fell in love with Lady Elizabeth who is portrayed as the kindest and warmest kind of person whom I would want to be her friend. And Colin, of course, was the sweetest and most charming of characters so kind and caring. Bittersweet at times but really the best kind of tome to curl up with and savor the romance.

Marilyn Rondeau

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.

It’s not often that I read a historical romance where the woman is older than the man, I guess I don’t read that many in contemporary romances either. That’s telling, right? I think there’s still a bit of a stigma with that combination even in the present, and I have to say I’m guilty of being just a little hesitant to pick up a book when I know the man is younger than the woman. However, whenever Elizabeth and Colin were together on the page, I forgot their ages and just longed for them to find a way to be together.

Elizabeth, a thirty-five-year-old widow, feels blessed in her life with a large and loving family, but lately, she’s lonely and longs for the love and companionship a husband would offer. While the offer she receives doesn’t make her heart race like Colin does, it’s one that society wouldn’t look down on.

Colin, Lord Hodges, is twenty-six and feels the need to settle down and provide an heir pressing on him even though none of the female prospects stir anything in him like Elizabeth does. He’s drawn to her inner and outer beauty, and the delight she seems to always find in life.

Someone to Trust is part of a series, but it can be read as a standalone. Previous characters show up, but this story is all Elizabeth and Colin. I will say that the Westcott brood is growing with every book, and that I loved the unconditional love and support they provide to each other. Here they all rally around Elizabeth when she needs them most.

I’ve been enjoying Mary Balogh’s Westcott series! No matter that these characters live in a different time period, that’s all forgotten when I start reading and these characters come to life; their doubts and fears, their joy and yearning, and the absolute contentment and happiness they feel when all finally works out!

Elizabeth, Lady Overfield had a horrible marriage. Her husband abused her to the point that her family actually not only took her in, they kept her. Something unheard of in their time. But she's relatively happy where she is. In her mid-thirties, she can't ask for much more.
Colin Handrich, Lord Hodges, is twenty-six. And he decides to use the holiday house party to start looking for a wife. He's known Elizabeth from previous parties and has always been inspired by her quite confidence. She may not be a raging beauty but she is striking and has a pull. When circumstances make it so that they are sort of forced into marriage, he's not upset.
In most Balogh stories, I feel like there is so much character development, which we do see here, and so much romance building, which I missed.

Three stars
This book came out November 27
ARC kindly provided by NetGalley; Opinions are my own

Whoops. This is the 5th book in the series. But alas, HR books usually work out fine reading out of order. I feel this did decently well. I missed some references and everyone was new to me so I missed out on the fun reunions. Oh well. Overall it did fine as a standalone.



The story follows Elizabeth who is a widow and old (*cough* 30s *coughs*). She is looking for a new, kind husband. Colin is the young 20-year-old who needs a bride. The two meet at a Christmas deal and they accidentally kiss. What makes it worse is that they get along quite well, but egags Elizabeth is 9 years older than him so they deem it is not a good idea. They return to London and make a deal to help each other find suitable matches. They decide to share one waltz at each ball so they can still talk. Things happen and they fall in love.



Poor Elizabeth. She really isn't that old, but back then she was ancient and widowed. Two strikes in the ton's eyes. Damn the ton. Colin's father just died and he has now received the title so he needs a suitable wife who can stand his mom. Ugh his mom made me want to scream. Get over yourself woman!!!!



Not a bunch of drama in this. Lots of talking and everyday drama like Colin's crazy mom. The biggest drama (next to mama dearest) was the age gap. Sighs. Age is a number people.



This was quick and easy. I enjoyed reading this all cuddled up while it snows. A nice historical romance. It was light compared to others. Just normal dramas that you know this couple will get over.



I breezed through this and I liked the ending. Overall very sweet and a good Xmas book even though Xmas time was only half of the story. I like Elizabeth and I liked Colin. I'll give this 4 stars.

I just finished reading Someone to Trust. This is a beautifully crafted love story from the first page to the last. I have long been a huge fan of Mary Balogh, and she does not disappoint with her latest novel. This is the fifth book in her new A Wescott Novel series. Thanks go to the publisher, via Net-Galley, for the opportunity to read and review an advance copy. My opinions are my own and are not influenced in any way.

Someone to Trust pulled at my heart-strings. This is a different romance since there is almost a ten-year difference between the hero and the heroine with Elizabeth being the elder of the two. That is not a common occurrence with a Regency romance. I enjoyed the book a great deal. This story does start out a bit slow but picks up in the second half.

The chemistry between this pair is strong and only grows stronger as the story progresses. The sexual tension builds from a tiny flame to a roaring blaze by the end. I thoroughly love it when that happens and what I expect in a Regency romance. Although these lovers should not fit, they do extremely well.

If you want to become enmeshed in the Regency world and find characters that will warm your heart, then I highly recommend Someone to Trust. I am loving these great stories and suggest you read the other books to fully appreciate this amazing series. Happy reading!

I’ve had a mixed experience with the books in the Westcott series—some I liked, some I didn’t care for as much. This one falls on the plus side.

The plot centers on the siblings of the H/h from Someone to Wed, Elizabeth (Alex’s sister) and Colin (Wren’s brother). They get to know each other through their family connection, and while Colin is immediately smitten, Elizabeth thinks she’s too old for him, given that she’s nine years his senior. They settle into a comfortable friendship, but circumstances and their own feelings eventually conspire to push them into something deeper.

The book came across as fairly low on drama for me, which I didn’t mind, given that I don’t always need a high angst factor to enjoy a romance novel. It’s not that the main characters don’t have things to be upset about, either. Elizabeth had an abusive drunkard of a husband whose behavior has shaped her present life, and Colin had a neglectful father and still has to deal with a narcissistic mother. (It’s mostly his mother’s machinations that complicate the plot.) But both Elizabeth and Colin are sensible, good-natured people who mostly prefer to be cheerful, and their attitude keeps the book lighter than the subject matter might otherwise suggest.

I don’t think anyone reads Balogh’s romances for the naughty bits, but this one is particularly low on steam. Colin and Elizabeth only share a few kisses until they are married, which occurs near the end of the book.

Overall, though, the book is a typical Balogh novel, with likeable main characters and an emphasis on the importance of family, all written in her very distinctive style. If you are a fan of her books, you’ll probably enjoy this one, too.

A copy of this book was provided through NetGalley for review; all opinions expressed are my own.

Someone to Trust is the fifth installment of Mary Balogh’s Wescott series, and what a charming story this was! I fell in love with this from the very beginning - the camaraderie between Elizabeth and Colin was sweet and genuine, and their instant chemistry was swoonworthy. But beneath the sweetness of this story, Elizabeth and Colin are both battling demons, even if Elizabeth’s are more prominent. After a disastrous marriage, Elizabeth has given up hope of ever finding love again, but it’s worth the sacrifice to instead feel safe. Colin grew up in the fold of a dysfunctional family with terrible secrets, and it’s all hidden behind his charming smile. One of the things that makes this story so special is that while both of these characters have a lot of scars, they are fully functional and for the most part, happy go lucky people. Elizabeth is resistant to Colin’s seemingly off-handed charm, and when Colin realizes it’s time for him to settle down, and he gives it an honest try, immersing himself in society and spending time with the ‘right’ young women. If you’re a fan of slow burn romance, you’ll be happy to know that Colin and Elizabeth are deeply ensconced in their friendship, neither ready to admit what is really going on between them but also unable to push their feelings aside. And it’s a long time before they finally admit it. This gives them plenty of time to open up to each other, and their friendship really does defy convention; Colin asks Elizabeth some deeply personal questions, and they’re about a part of her life that, in those days, one shouldn’t talk about. I loved the way they were so easily able to share with each other and learn to trust each other. It really was the foundation of their entire relationship. The age gap was addressed wonderfully in this story - Elizabeth’s doubts and fears were credible, and I could understand why she was so hesitant and tried to keep her feelings hidden. But Colin was just too persistent to let Elizabeth’s age be a stumbling block for them.

As far as the secondary characters go, they really were wonderfully written. Elizabeth’s family, both sides, are close and quick to close ranks when one of their own is on display for ton fodder. They were so willing to show affection with each other, and I just loved the way they banded together. I would say, though, that there were times it got a bit overwhelming and confusing with the family members (I didn’t need to know exactly where every one of them were standing or sitting in a room, or what each one was doing when they were outside participating in winter activities,) and for this reason, I would suggest reading these books in order, as I think it would be easier to keep them straight. But, I picked up this book having read only one of the previous from the series, and it completely swept me away. So while I suggest it, it’s not one hundred percent necessary. Colin’s family, on the other hand, was not kind at all (with the exception of Wren,) but they were written very well and there were definitely some surprises in store with them.

I would be remiss if didn’t mention how stunning these covers are; I feel like they capture the gentle nature of this series perfectly. Someone to Trust was a beautiful story about there being no bounds to love, and I think Mary Balogh fans, and Historical Romance fans in general, are going to love this one. And there are so many more stories within this family to tell! I really hope this isn’t the last we’ve seen of the Wescotts.