A beautiful strangers-to-friends-to-lovers story -- 4.5 stars

Jennifer Arden, younger sister of the new Duke of Whilby (Remember Me), was crippled after a childhood disease left her with a twisted, shortened leg and foot. Deeply loved by her family, she is nonetheless an outsider rather than a participant in the ton, forced by her disability to sit quietly on the sidelines. She has cultivated a cheerful acceptance of her fate, but in her heart, she longs for romance, marriage, children… or simply to walk and dance like other young women.

Ben Ellis, the illegitimate son of the previous Earl of Stratton, knows all about being an outsider. Raised as a brother to the current Earl, Devin (Remember Love), and loved and accepted by his siblings and even their mother, Ben is nonetheless aware that his birth renders him ineligible to court any of the gently-born young ladies of his acquaintance.

On the surface, a match between Ben and Jennifer is impossible, but they are perfect for each other… if only they can find a way past the societal and family expectations that stand in their way.

Mary Balogh makes Ben and Jennifer’s journey to love and their families’ eventual acceptance both beautiful and moving. Their families’ objections arise out of their love for them both, but also from their unconscious beliefs regarding class and disability. Apart from one angry outburst by Jennifer’s brother Luc, both families’ opposition is quiet and caring, involving hints and subtle efforts to keep the pair apart. Their deep love for Ben and Jennifer enables their family members to eventually see and acknowledge how well-suited the couple are, and to gradually move from loving opposition to full support.

As her fans already know, Mary Balogh’s narrative voice is distinctive: quiet and more formal than most of the authors writing historical romance today. Her style suites the time period as much as it does the character-driven romances she writes. In Always Remember, she skillfully and sensitively depicts Ben’s complicated feelings about his parentage, his place in the Ware family, and his lack of knowledge about his birth mother. She is equally adept at unfolding Jennifer’s feelings about her disability and the effects of her family’s overprotectiveness. And the scenes showing Ben with his young daughter simply made my heart melt.

Both Ben and Jennifer love and appreciate their respective families, but each has consciously and unconsciously shaped themselves to fit their family’s expectations. The friendship between them develops because they are able to see and share with one another their hidden dreams, feelings, and needs. Jennifer and Ben see past not only the other’s social façade, but past the superficial obstacles—Ben’s illegitimacy, Jennifer’s disability—that initially kept them from noticing one another at all. As their friendship deepens, they encourage each other to acknowledge and explore their dreams: Jennifer’s for greater mobility and independence, and Ben’s to learn about and connect with his mother’s family. Ben’s approach to Jennifer’s disability is blessedly practical, figuring out ways to help her achieve more independence. Jennifer’s approach is more empathetic but equally helpful and insightful, given that Ben’s issues are more emotional and social than physical in nature.

I loved this strangers-to-friends-to-lovers story, and highly recommend it to Balogh’s fans and to lovers of well-written (and well-researched) historical romance generally. My only caveat is that the cast of secondary characters is enormous, and keeping track of them is made even more confusing by the use of titles or nicknames interchangeably with given names. For that reason, you should probably read the first two Ravenswood books before you read Always Remember; you will have a much easier time keeping track of who everyone is and how they are related. Even then, if you aren’t blessed with a genealogist’s memory for names and relationships, I suggest keeping a notebook handy to jot down the dramatis personae!

Mary Balogh is certainly one of the queens of regency romance and this latest series is no exception. I liked this one but it felt a bit too long and dithered a bit. The characters were wonderful, as usual, and I look forward to more in this series. I would certainly recommend this if you like regency romance!

Always Remember comes out next week on January 16, 2024 and you can purchase HERE.

Ben Ellis was on his way to Ravenswood. He sat comfortably with his arms folded across his chest, watching his daughter play with her dolls on the carriage seat across from him and pondering the issue that had been plaguing him for several months now. He had never been a ditherer. When a decision needed to be made, he considered all the options, made his choice, and acted upon it. But suddenly he had become a ditherer, and he was not at all happy about it. It felt like having a hive of bees buzzing inside his head.

The basic question and its answer were not the problem. He was ready to marry again, and the sooner he did it the better it would be.

Ben Ellis is the illegitimate son of the late Earl of Stratton and his mistress, but when his mother died, the Earl brought Ben to Ravenswood and raised him with his other children. Ben was accepted into the family and even called the Earl’s Countess mother, but despite the love they gave him, he never felt like he quite fit in. So when he returned from the peninsular Wars, widowed and with a young daughter, he decided not to live at Ravenswood Hall and bought his own home, Penallen. And now he has finished renovating his home, he has decided that it is time to find a wife. He has three perfectly acceptable ladies in mind, all of whom would suit him and would be a good stepmother to his young daughter Joy, but for some reason, his usual decisiveness has eluded him and he just can’t seem to decide which woman to pursue. Adding to this dilemma is the letter he receives from a man he has never met which offers some unexpected news that will require Ben to decide whether he wants to learn more, or if he should just ignore it. Bothered by his sudden inability to make a decision, he decides to put off these decisions until he returns from the fete at Ravenswood. This will be the first fete since that awful day eight years ago when he learned that his father, the late Earl of Stratton was not the man Ben always believed him to be, causing Ben to leave Ravenswood with his brother Devlin, and not return for six long years. Once at Ravenswood, he once again feels out of place and out of sorts, but a chance encounter with Lady Jennifer gives him a purpose, and soon the two form an unlikely friendship, one that quickly escalates to something more…and something impossible.

Lady Jennifer Arden, the sister of Lucas, the Duke of Wilby, is at Ravenswood for the fete too. Though they are in mourning, Lucas’ wife, Philippa, is part of the Ware family, giving them leave to attend the gathering. Jennifer is delighted to be at Ravenswood and to spend time with the Ware family, but seeing everyone with their families is a stark reminder to her of what she will never have. Jennifer was left crippled by a childhood fever and is confined to a wheelchair, but that doesn’t stop her from trying to walk, and with the aid of crutches, she is somewhat successful. It is during one of these attempts that she meets Ben, well they have seen each other before, but they have never interacted, due mainly to their uncomfortable awareness of each other’s perceived deficiencies, his illegitimacy and her physical limitations. They both feel awkward, but they share a meaningful conversation that leads Ben to try and help her move beyond her current limitations, she in turn offers him suggestions on how to handle his letter. Their friendship is frowned upon by their friends and families, but they can’t seem to let it go and when feelings grow deeper, it seems likely that hearts will be left broken. But even the threat of a broken heart isn’t enough to keep them apart or from wishing things could be different.

As usual, Mary Balogh delivers a well-written story of imperfect people finding their perfect someone. This book is what my mother calls a “gentle read”, meaning it isn’t overly dramatic, it isn’t filled with angst, it is not overly passionate yet is it not devoid of these elements, they just don’t overwhelm you. This story is a sort of opposites attract / class difference / best friend’s brother, all rolled into one touching love story. It is a sweet romance filled with wonderful characters, revelations, warm love scenes, lots of secondary characters, loving family members, acceptance, cute children, a bit of humor, a dash of heartache, and finally a HEA that didn’t seem possible until it was. I liked this story and would happily recommend it to my fellow HR readers, but in all honestly, I did feel that at times Ben and Jennifer’s romance got overshadowed by all the other things/characters in the book – there are A LOT of characters in this book and a lot going on, most of which is not related to their romance, causing the story to seemingly wander off the road to HEA. This is the third book in the series, but it could easily be read as a standalone title. I finished the book delighted for Ben, Jennifer, and Joy and looking forward to the next installment.

4 stars

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.*

Always Remember by Mary Balogh is the best book in the series so far. However, it does not quite reach the same caliber as the Bedwyn series, The Wescotts, or the Simply series.

Always Remember by Mary Balogh is the 3rd book in her wonderful Ravenswood series. I have been a big fan of Balogh and her wonderful Historical romances, especially the epic Westcott series. Always Remember focuses on Lady Jennifer Arden (sister of Lucas, Duke of Wilby from Remember Me) and Ben Ellis (half-brother to the Ware family, with Devlin, now the Earl of Stratton from Remember Love).

Ben, having become part of the Ware family at the age of three, when his mother died, and his father (the Earl of Stratton) brings him to Ravenswood, where he grew up with his wonderful half brothers and sister. Clarissa, his father’s wife, opened her arms and accepted him from the start, and his family all loved him. Now in the present time, Ben has a young daughter, as his wife died due to an illness, and he took care of Joy; he decides to go the Ravenswood, where his brother and best friend, Devlin and his wife are throwing a summer party; with all the Ware family, as well as the Wilby family.

Lady Jennifer, has been disabled since being affected with a childhood illness, always needing a wheelchair to get around. She is blessed with a wonderful and loving protective family: always cheerful and outgoing, with everyone loving her, with her having a happy place in high society. One day, Ben notices that Jenny was trying to practice walking in private, and the next day Ben created a special cushion for Jenny to help her get around easier, as well as coming up with other ideas (special shoes, crutch and different wheelchair). In a short time, they both become friends, not to mention his daughter Joy adoring Jenny. I really enjoyed watching Ben teaching her how to drive a carriage, and many other things. The relationship between Ben and Jenny is a slow burn, since Ben knows the families are alarmed by their growing friendship, as a match between them is not considered acceptable.

What follows is Jenny finds herself becoming enamored by Ben, with his wonderful ideas, as well as becoming very close to Joy, who calls her Mama. Jenny knows that Ben is considering finding a woman to marry to help with Joy, and perhaps have more children; as she knew he was an amazing father. Ben was always charming, funny, kindhearted and would be the perfect husband for her. But will both families allow Ben to marry Jenny?

Always Remember was another great addition to this series, so very well written by Mary Balogh. I did love both Jennifer and Ben, rooting hard for them to find a way to be together; and adored Joy. I loved the all the wonderful Ware family, especially Devlin, Gwyn. Lucas, Stephanie, Pippa, Nicolas and Owen, as well as the many other members of the both the Ware/Wilby family. I will say that throughout a lot of the story, there were so many secondary characters, which was a bit overboard. Always Remember was a wonderful and emotional story. If you enjoy historical romances, you can never go wrong reading anything my Mary Balogh.

Mary Balogh's "Remember" series continues with Ben's story. Ben is the illegitimate son of the old Earl who was raised with his half-brother and sisters, part of the family but still always feeling othered. Lady Jennifer is the daughter of a duke who has been sheltered most of her life because of a disability caused by a childhood illness (probably polio). Both Ben and Jennifer are known for being calm, level-headed, and unflappable. Once they meet, one can't say that sparks fly, but embers alight and grow hotter throughout the narrative. This novel sees Balogh returning to many of her standard tropes, but the writing, characters, and plot are solid and enjoyable. Recommended for fans of Mary Balogh and the very slow burn.

I was so looking forward to Ben's story. Unfortunately, I found the use of so much modern language off-putting and it really took me out of the story.

"Always Remember" by Mary Balogh is a heartwarming conclusion to the Ravenswood series, focusing on Ben's story. As the illegitimate son of the late Duke of Stratton, Ben Ellis navigates the challenges of his social status, striving to find his place in a world that often places importance on birthright. When he encounters Lady Jennifer Arden, a spirited woman with a physical disability, their unlikely friendship blossoms into a heartfelt romance.

Balogh skillfully explores themes of love, societal expectations, and individual identity. Ben's character is a standout, showcasing his resilience, compassion, and the complexities of his relationships. The tender dynamics between Ben and his young daughter, Joy, add depth to the narrative, emphasizing the importance of family and unconditional love.

Lady Jennifer, facing societal constraints due to her disability, seeks independence and yearns for a love that defies conventions. The novel beautifully captures her journey of self-discovery and empowerment.

While the story delves into the challenges of social status and the limitations imposed by society, it also emphasizes the transformative power of love and acceptance. The romance between Ben and Jennifer is both poignant and heartwarming, offering a delightful escape into the Regency era.

Mary Balogh's storytelling prowess shines through, creating a captivating narrative that explores the intricacies of relationships and the pursuit of happiness. "Always Remember" is a compelling and emotionally resonant historical romance that will leave readers satisfied and uplifted.

In summary, "Always Remember" delivers a satisfying and beautifully crafted conclusion to the Ravenswood series, with a focus on love, identity, and the enduring strength of the human spirit. Mary Balogh's fans and historical romance enthusiasts alike will appreciate the warmth and depth of this enchanting tale.

Meh. Two chapters spent recounting the first two books wholesale, instead of finding a creative way of incorporating them into the story. Then a third about the disabled character with the most awful, insensitive rep. The premise already gave me pause, and I couldn’t take much more of the book itself.

What a delicious, well-sketched slow burn romance. "Always Remember" is deeply invested in its characters and their development. It's a quiet, beautiful book that deftly handles the disability of its heroine and how she finds agency through mobility aids. I suspect I'd have had an easier time remembering the details of its large cast of characters if I'd read the earlier books in the series, but the many names of extended family members didn't take away from my enjoyment.

In Always Remember by Mary Balogh, the third installment of the Ravenswood series, a heartwarming Regency-era love story unfolds between Lady Jennifer Arden and Ben Ellis. Despite societal constraints, Ben, the practical and caring bastard son of an earl, is drawn to Jennifer, who, confined to a wheelchair by a childhood illness, yearns for independence. Balogh skillfully navigates their evolving connection against the backdrop of the Ware family's reconciliation, adding depth to the narrative. While the abundance of secondary characters and perspectives occasionally muddles the plot, the adorable tale resonates with warmth and authenticity. Balogh's signature storytelling style, reminiscent of Grace Burrowes, creates characters that evolve and endear, leaving readers eagerly anticipating more from the Ravenswood family.

Mary Balogh is one of my all-time favorite authors and I’ve made no secret of this. Her writing is heartfelt and warm, her stories diverse and engaging, and her characters flawed and imperfect but ultimately, entirely lovable. And that’s as true of Always Remember as any of my most-loved books from her.

I said in my review of the first book in the Ravenwood series, Remember Love, that Ben Ellis was a favorite of mine, and I was particularly looking forward to his story. Well, it’s here, and it was just as wonderful as I hoped it would be. Ben is a surprisingly charming hero—stoic and stolid as he seems at times, he is also loving and funny and kind-hearted. An amazing father and a good friend, but also a man who struggles with his origins and his history. I don’t think I could love him more if I tried. There is no question that he now ranks as one of my top Balogh heroes.

He met his equal in the lovely Lady Jennifer Arden, whose outlook on life was both relatable and just a bit heartbreaking. She was resolved to keep her pain and dreams to herself, and seeing her blossom under Ben’s friendship and care was so very enjoyable. As was seeing her with Ben’s little one, Joy, who was a cute addition to the story. I smiled through almost all of her scenes, except the ones where I was tearing up.

Warmth permeated this story from start to finish, as the Ware family continued to grow back together after the rift that opens this series, and the way they included, enfolded, and learned to understand Ben was as much a love story as the one that slowly but surely develops between Ben and Jennifer. Honestly, I could probably gush over it and them for some time to come, but I will leave it with this: I will Always Remember (🥁) how much I enjoyed reading this book, and look forward to more from this family and series—including, I hope, a crossover presaged by an unexpected but very welcome cameo…

What is there to say?! Mary Balogh is just the best!

If you love historical romance, all of her books are a must-read. This one was so good and so sweet. Highly recommend!

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for an arc. All opinions expressed are my own.

I've been enjoying this series quite a bit. In this installment, Ben Ellis, the bastard son of the Ware family and Jennifer Arden, sister in law Pippa Ware get to know each other during a house party and fair.

Ben was widowed and has a young daughter. He feels a bit out of place even though the family has treated him as a full sibling since he moved in with them.

Jennifer was disabled after a childhood illness and needs a wheelchair to get around. She and Ben happen to be in the same place, and he gives her encouragement and ideas as to how she might be able to get around more with some help and new tools (fancy shoes for her damaged foot, a new crutch and wheelchair).

The two of them become close, and Ben's daughter takes a liking to Jennifer. The families think they shouldn't be together because of class issues but they discover how in love the two are and change their minds.
The book is mostly about the two of them, Jennifer is given hope and inspiration and Ben is given a chance to feel like a real part of both his father's and his mother's family.

There were some periods in the book where I got confused because there were *so* many people, even though I"ve read the rest of the series. I did like the different points of view sometimes of the same scene. Seeing one of the days through Joy's eyes was especially cute.

I intend to keep reading the series, and I guess the next book would be about Stephanie and Bertrand, her brothers' friend?!

I received an advanced copy and am giving an honest review.

I was excited to read this book because I haven’t read a ton of books in this time period. I was put off almost immediately by the writing, but I tried to remind myself that the time was different and that’s just how things were “back then”. But then it just got worse….and worse and I couldn’t continue.

While this book was a big miss for me, I implore you to make your own decisions.

Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for this honest review.

"Lady Jennifer Arden and Ben Ellis know that a match between them is out of the question. Yet their hearts yearn for the impossible. Discover a new heartwarming story from New York Times bestselling author and beloved "queen of Regency romance" Mary Balogh.

Left unable to walk by a childhood illness, Lady Jennifer, sister of the Duke of Wilby, has grown up to make a happy place for herself in society. Outgoing and cheerful, she has many friends and enjoys the pleasures of high society - even if she cannot dance at balls or stroll in Hyde Park. She is blessed with a large, loving, and protective family. But she secretly dreams of marriage and children, and of walking - and dancing.

When Ben Ellis comes across Lady Jennifer as she struggles to walk with the aid of primitive crutches, he instantly understands her yearning. He is a fixer. It is often said of him that he never saw a practical problem he did not have to solve. He wants to help her discover independence and motion - driving a carriage, swimming, even walking a different way. But he must be careful. He is the bastard son of the late Earl of Stratton. Though he was raised with the earl's family, he knows he does not really belong in the world of the ton.

Jennifer is shocked - and intrigued - by Ben's ideas, and both families are alarmed by the growing friendship and perhaps more that they sense developing between the two. A duke's sister certainly cannot marry the bastard son of an earl. Except sometimes, love can find a way."

This is what I'm looking for, more diverse representation in books from the Queen of Regency Romance!

As always Mary Balogh has nailed another story. This one has so much emotion in it as the main male character sets all of his trepidations aside to fall for the heroine. The heroine wins your heart with her bravery and perserverence to overcome some very adverse physical limitations. This is a hearwarming story from beginning to end.

Always Remember
by Mary Balogh
Pub Date: 16 Jan 2024
☆☆☆☆

Left unable to walk by a childhood illness, Lady Jennifer, sister of the Duke of Wilby, has grown up to make a happy place for herself in society. Outgoing and cheerful, she has many friends and enjoys the pleasures of high society—even if she cannot dance at balls or stroll in Hyde Park. She is blessed with a large, loving, and protective family. But she secretly dreams of marriage and children, and of walking—and dancing.

When Ben Ellis comes across Lady Jennifer as she struggles to walk with the aid of primitive crutches, he instantly understands her yearning. He is a fixer. It is often said of him that he never saw a practical problem he did not have to solve. He wants to help her discover independence and motion—driving a carriage, swimming, even walking a different way. But he must be careful. He is the bastard son of the late Earl of Stratton. Though he was raised with the earl’s family, he knows he does not really belong in the world of the ton.

Jennifer is shocked—and intrigued—by Ben’s ideas, and both families are alarmed by the growing friendship and perhaps more that they sense developing between the two. A duke’s sister certainly cannot marry the bastard son of an earl. Except sometimes, love can find a way.

Maybe the bloom has gone off the rose for Mary Balogh and me, because this series has been disappointing me. The first one was enjoyable, and I was really looking forward to Ben's story, but the second one really let me down and this one is no exception.

Class differences?? Really? This family is engaging in classism in their own damned backyard? I didn't feel that Jenny was infantilized in earlier books, but reading this I definitely did. I did not like how people were telling these two grown people not to be together. I liked that they were initially uncomfortable around each other, I liked that they had weird moments and an aversion to being in company. I also liked him falling in love with her spirit, and helping her without trying to fix her. I liked her falling in love with him as a father.

But it makes me mad mad mad to see two grown adults (and her almost an old maid, for the time) being told they cannot be together. Jenny has had every opportunity to marry men of her class! Ben would not expect her to chose him if she was not inclined to! And then they are expected to have a lengthy engagement during which they are kept separate? I do not like that at all. But I have a thing against managing families.

I did like how Ben's birth mother came in, and I like some post mortem redemption for their philandering father. I think he was a dick, but he didn't necessarily have to be the devil, just a not so great guy. Overall, not a win for me, but not the worst I've read.

I love Mary Balogh historical romance books! They always have so much detail. Always Remeber is a part of a series. I have only read one other book from this series and I was able to keep up with what was going on in this book. This is Ben's story with Jennifer and it was perfect!