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reading_historical_romance's review
emotional
hopeful
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
“We can become obsessed with a part of ourselves we consider imperfect,” Jennifer said. “In our minds it becomes the whole of ourselves, and we believe that it is the only thing people see when they look at us.”
Ben Ellis should be one of the most desirable gentlemen in England, as he is a wealthy farm owner, widower, and doting father of precocious three year old Joy. But he is also the bastard son of the late Earl of Stratton. Although he grew up surrounded by the love of his father, stepmother, and half-siblings on the Earl’s vast country estate of Ravenswood, and was never treated as less than equal, Ben has lived with the stigma of illegitimacy all of his life. His struggle to make peace with his identity and his place within his family is only complicated further when he meets Lady Jennifer Arden, daughter and sister of a Duke. The same Duke who married Ben’s sister Philippa, who also happens to be Lady Jennifer’s best friend.
I love everything about this book, a true Mary Balogh novel in all of the best ways that her novels can be. The quiet, peaceful vibe, the wistful angst running throughout the narrative. The large, loving, real family with multiple generations all playing an important part in each other’s lives. The fated romance that you’re rooting for from page one between the strong, gentle, and devoted single father Ben, and the equally strong and gentle Jennifer. The dreams they inspire in one another, and how they bring out the very best in their families. The lush English countryside, and the luxurious park, gardens, and interior of the Ravenswood estate. The way that all of the characterizations and dialogue are so genuine and true to life that you can see and hear every scene in your mind like you’re watching it unfold before your eyes. The many interwoven themes, like the development of self-worth and identity, the many forms and facets of love, what really makes a family, finding true happiness, and the healing power of forgiveness.
Some specific highlights for me were the first kiss between Ben and Jennifer; the moments that Devlin has with Ben, and the way this book shows us the manner of man he has become since marrying Gwyneth; the sensuality of the scene in the summerhouse; and the scenes with Nicholas and Owen so we get to know them better. I'm most intrigued by Nicholas!
Honestly, this novel is simply beautiful, and so soft and flowing that the words wrap around you and suspend you in that otherworldly place that can only be found within a Mary Balogh book. Her storytelling is pure magic.
Tropes: Regency romance, forbidden love, single dad, slow burn, hurt/comfort
Content Warnings
Minor: Alcoholism, Sexual content, Ableism, Death of parent, Domestic abuse, and Pregnancy
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