Fresh Fiction Blog | Mary Balogh | Gwen, Lady Muir, And The Survivors' Club

When I wrote ONE NIGHT FOR LOVE (1999), I meant it to be the first book in a trilogy--for Neville Wyatt, Earl of Kilbourne, his sister Gwen, the widowed Lady Muir, and their cousin, Lauren Edgeworth.

However, I changed editor after the first book, and my new editor would not let me write Lauren's story because she did not like her in the first book. I had to wait for an editor who would let me write her story--reader favorite A SUMMER TO REMEMBER (2002). That book, however, introduced the very haughty aristocratic family, the Bedwyns, and off I shot at a tangent and wrote the six SLIGHTLY BOOKS and then the related SIMPLY quartet. Poor Gwen languished as a minor character in a number of them. She was noticed, however. There was a mystery surrounding her. She limped heavily, as the result of a riding accident during her marriage--the same accident that caused her a miscarriage. And a year later her husband died after a fall in his own home. Readers wanted her story, and I wanted to write it. Finally the job is done! She finds her happily-ever-after in THE PROPOSAL, out in hardcover May 1, 2012.

The only trouble was that I was itching to start a new series. I love writing series with their linked characters and on-going stories as well as the individual, standalone love stories that are the focus of each book. Could I somehow combine Gwen's story with the start of a new series? The answer was, of course, yes! And so I set out to find a hero for Gwen, a man whose fate was somehow linked with that of a group of other people. I had done families before (the Bedwyns, the Huxtables, for example). I wanted something different. And gradually Hugo Emes, Lord Trentham, took shape in my mind--a dour giant of an ex- military officer, an acclaimed hero of the Napoleonic Wars who was still trying to cope with the trauma of his war experiences. He had, as he admitted to Gwen, gone clean out of his head in the Peninsula and had been brought back to England in a straitjacket.

And then I could see that his convalescence would have been a long and painful one, and that the chances were that it was done in company with other wounded officers. But where? Why not on the country estate of a wealthy aristocrat who had not himself fought in the wars but who had lost a son in them--an only son? And whose wife had committed suicide a few months later. And so was born George Crabbe, the Duke of Stanbrook, in my mind, a man suffering his own deep wounds. He is an older man--an opportunity to write a mature love story when his turn comes to have his story told!

I needed to people his convalescence home with other persons suffering various war wounds and facing various difficulties in resuming their lives. I created five others. Understandably, four of them are men, but I didn't want them all to be male. So one is a woman, Imogen Hayes, Lady Barclay, who was present in the Peninsula when her husband, a spy, was captured and tortured by the French. And she was there when he died! The others are the young Vincent Hunt, Viscount Darleigh, who was blinded during the first hour of his very first battle; Flavian Arnott, Viscount Ponsonby, whose head wounds left him with a stammer and an uncertain temper, and whose fiancee abandoned him to marry his best friend; Sir Benedict Harper, an active and athletic alpha male whose legs have been shattered; and the young Ralph Stockwood, Earl of Berwick, who sustained terrible injuries moments after watching his three best friends since his boyhood years get blown to bits.

The years of convalescence are over, but these seven people still meet for a few weeks each year on the duke's estate. They call themselves the Survivors' Club. Six men and one woman, all deeply scarred, all in need of a love story. Bliss!! I am going to thoroughly enjoy myself with this series. Next up will be Vincent, in THE ARRANGEMENT.

In the meantime, I hope readers will love THE PROPOSAL, a Delacorte hardcover with a gorgeous cover, released May 1, 2012.

Mary Balogh

www.marybalogh.com

www.facebook.com/AuthorMaryBalogh

THE PROPOSAL--May, 2012

THE SECRET MISTRESS--July, 2012

Let us know what you think about the new series and win a copy of THE PROPOSAL, US only

Comments

I can't wait to add this book to my collection of Mary Balogh books :D
(Janemarie Baza 8:07am May 1, 2012)

My bookcase is "yearning" for a "New series" by Mary Balogh.I have all the previous books & look forward to reading the Proposal & the following books. And hooray for mature love & positive tales for "survivors".
(Jean Merriott 1:02am May 2, 2012)

I love Mary's books! The new one looks intreguing. Looking forward to reading it!
(Sharlene Wegner 9:46pm May 3, 2012)

Hi, Mary, I'm very upset that as a Canadian I'm barred from winning one of your books. It's really strange because more and more authors are sending prizes to Canada again, while you, as a Canadian, can't--at least I'm assuming you still live in Canada. That saddens and upsets me a lot. As a senior single, I just don't have the finances to buy the books I'd like to. I guess I'll have to wait until I can get it second hand or as a discounted e-book.

Will INDISCREET ever be republished?
(Sigrun Schulz 2:05am May 4, 2012)

I love reading about love and romance so I am looking forward to reading this book.
(Chelsea Knestrick 6:15am May 4, 2012)

I think this sounds like a great story and I would just love to win as I would like to read it. Keep on writing!
(Ann Thaxton 7:42am May 4, 2012)

I have see this book advertised all over and have been drawn to it...it looks like a great book and I can't wait to read it!!! Thanks for the chance.
(Bonnie Capuano 7:48am May 4, 2012)

Wow - what a series - it sounds absolutely great and I would love to read it - as if my TBR lists and piles aren't gigantic already - LOL - no matter, though! Thank you for the opportunity to win one of your books. :-)
(Felicia Ciaudelli 8:28am May 4, 2012)

i really love this kind of books i love jane austin books and
i really cant wait to read the proposal
(Denise Smith 8:28am May 4, 2012)

the Proposal sounds great. Thanks for the chance to win.
(Mary Hay 10:04am May 4, 2012)

I'm intrigued by the idea of a series featuring injured soldiers of the Napoleonic
War. There are a number of books about WWII so this time frame would be very
interesting. I'm looking forward to reading The Proposal and your follow-on
books. More great reading by Mary Balogh. What more could a reader ask for.
(Connie Fischer 10:21am May 4, 2012)

I've never read a Balogh book that I didn't love! Hope I win
this one!!
(Brenda Soules 10:21am May 4, 2012)

The Proposal sounds like a great book. I would love a chance to win a copy. Best of luck with it.
(Nancy Reynolds 10:24am May 4, 2012)

I've started re=reading other series as a lead-in to the next
book. I can't get enough of Mary Balogh. I truly enjoyed the
Bedwyns and the Simply series. She can't write fast enough for
me. This book - the Proposal looks to be juicy like all of the
others.
(Marian Pankey 10:29am May 4, 2012)

I am just finishing my doctoral program & have not had time to read much, but
Mary Balogh's books are at the top of my TBR pile. We've all been waiting for
Gwen's story and I am thrilled! I love the idea of a new series and one that
incorporates a character from another series (or two) is even better!
(Alicia Murphy 10:37am May 4, 2012)

I'm looking forward to it all. A Matter of Class is my No1 favourite book. cadw ysgrifennu!
(Philip Shaw 10:37am May 4, 2012)

I've been waiting for the story of Lady Muir and another series from Mary Balogh. Love to see some people from previous books.
(Cindy Kanavy 10:59am May 4, 2012)

Oh, I really love the idea of having the characters being
related to each other through bonds of firendship rather
than family ties (even though I enjoyed reading about
Bedwyns immensley). And other books - I keep re-reading them
when I have spare time :)

Since I'm not from the US (not even from that continent),
I'm not entering the contest. But good luck people anyways!
(Irene Mikhaylova 10:59am May 4, 2012)

Love Mary Balogh! Can't wait to read this one!
(Miriam Phillips 11:00am May 4, 2012)

Love the idea of a new series. The first regency I read was by Mary Balogh and I have loved them ever after.
(Jana Ferguson 11:15am May 4, 2012)

Thank you all for the lovely comments. I have noted, though, that readers
who are not from the U.S. are feeling a bit left out by the competition. Let me
offer amends. Leave a message here, leave the same message in a private
post in the guest book at my web site ( www.marybalogh.com ) with your
postal address, and I'll make a drawing tomorrow, May 5, for a signed copy of
the book. Note that this offer is open only to NON-U.S readers. And good
luck, everyone, with the draws!
(Mary Balogh 11:18am May 4, 2012)

I'm from the US, but I think it is so very gracious of you to offer fans from other countries a chance to win a copy of The Proposal.
(Anna Speed 11:52am May 4, 2012)

So eager to read The Proposal and begin a new series with Mary Balogh! Thanks for this opportunity to win a copy now!
(Sue Harrison 12:45pm May 4, 2012)

Hi Mary, I am looking forward to beginning a new series. I am excited about the prospect of winning a signed copy of The Proposal but even if I do not win, I will purchase my very own copy. I've enjoyed so many of your books over the years. Thank you for your stories and your dedication to writing for us.
(Annette Bower 1:06pm May 4, 2012)

Looking forward to reading the Proposal. One Night for love and Summer to Remember are two of my favorites. Love the character of Lauren in both the books. Strange that the editor did not like her character! Cannot wait to read Gwen's story.
(Prema Venkataraman 1:11pm May 4, 2012)

I love your connected books, even the older ones without "series titles" And your characters are the best in Regency!
(Fresh Fiction 1:35pm May 4, 2012)

This is such a great thread for interconnected books. Write faster!
(Lisa Elwood 2:27pm May 4, 2012)

Oh I love your books and am looking forward to this series!
(Colleen Conklin 2:43pm May 4, 2012)

Oh, Boy! Another Mary Balogh series! Happy days!
(Diane Sallans 3:28pm May 4, 2012)

I have been waiting for this book!!! Doing the Happy Dance!!!
(Lizabeth Rodriguez 3:29pm May 4, 2012)

Thank you for a fun post! I live under a rock and have just
discovered Mary's books. The nice thing about starting late is
that I have a lot of books to read :) Can't wait to work my
way up to this newest book!
(Erin Fender 3:51pm May 4, 2012)

I am so excited to read this! Congratulations on your new book!
Penney
(Penney Wilfort 3:59pm May 4, 2012)

You are my absolute favorite author!! "A Chance Encounter" was the first book I read of yours. I picked it up from the library read it staight through and then read it again. I've been hooked ever since. Thank you for such wonderful stories. What a gift.
(Pamela Crets 4:53pm May 4, 2012)

I love series like this that tie together. Thanks for sharing your wonderful tales.
(Patti Paonessa 5:14pm May 4, 2012)

This will be a series I will enjoy. Wounded heroes make the best kind. There is
so much room for love, healing, and growth for the characters involved. I will be
looking for it.
Good luck with the release of THE PROPOSAL. I hope it does well for you.
(Patricia Barraclough 5:39pm May 4, 2012)

Would be nice to have a signed copy of the proposal, but I will buy it if I don't win. I met you in person years ago at a Romantic Times convention in Nashville, and to this day, my favorite book has been The Notorious Rake. Sounds like your new series just might knock it off the top of the pedastal.
(Roanne Motley 6:21pm May 4, 2012)

I love reading books in series. I love getting to anticipate stories for secondary characters and getting a more in depth image of their world.
(Sharon D 6:31pm May 4, 2012)

I do like stories of people who have suffered but survive and find happiness.
(Maureen Emmons 6:35pm May 4, 2012)

Oooo, I hadn't heard of this book or series before this post. I am really intrigued. They will definitely go on the wish list. I love the ideas you shared in the your post. The only son dying. The wife committing suicide. The hero inheriting title and money but he wants to work the land instead. This sounds wonderful!
(Jennifer Beyer 7:38pm May 4, 2012)

I can hardly wait to read "The Proposal". And your new series sounds exciting as well. Looking forward to it.
(Judy Reynolds 8:17pm May 4, 2012)

Wait no more. Rush to the store! This book is GREAT! I love this new series. A
few minutes ago I finished reading The Proposal. I highly recommend it. I
honestly can't wait for the next book in the series. Enjoy!!
(Sandra Spilecki 8:20pm May 4, 2012)

These are the types of books I thrive on!! First of all, any books that have to do with people who have been through the war, is a plus in my book. If they have been wounded, my heart goes out to them. When you couple that with a love story, you have my undivided attention, and I have a feeling that your book is going to be one that I won't be able to put down. I'm always the person that roots for the underdog, and you have all of the ingredients for a book that is going to have me sobbing, I'm sure, due to pure joy!! I can't wait to get my hands on this book, and I'm sure I'll be passing it on to someone else to read, and telling my friends who are out of state to read it as well. The cover is tasteful, yet classy. Congratulations!!
(Peggy Roberson 9:43pm May 4, 2012)

So very glad you found the right publisher, I would have sorely missed out on some great books!!!! Thanks
(Joy Gifford 9:47pm May 4, 2012)

Wow, what an impressive plan for the new series. I always greatly enjoy the fact that your books are connected and look forward to starting a new series filled with more of your memorable characters. Thank you for the giveaway and good luck with the new release.
(E Felder 9:53pm May 4, 2012)

The new series sounds great, and it's wonderful that you are starting with Gwen's
story. Can't wait to read it!
(Nancy Barber 10:11pm May 4, 2012)

Finally, Gwen's story at last. She has been a character that keep popping from one book to another. It would be very interesting to find out more about her.
(Kai Wong 10:34pm May 4, 2012)

I've enjoyed your other series; this sounds like a good one, too. Looking forward to it.
(Janie McGaugh 11:33pm May 4, 2012)

I agree with many here...I'm really looking forward to Gwen's story and am glad your literary path has led you back to her. Your characters always have so much heart, which of course is reflective of you. I hope you have much success with this new series.
(Roxann Breazile 11:42pm May 4, 2012)

These sound really good and I can't wait to get my hands on them.
(Denise Boyd 11:57pm May 4, 2012)

Wow!!! The new series sounds wonderful and I soooo look forward to start reading it!! I'm sure I will not be dissapointed, Mary is one of the best. She was the first Romance author that got me hooked with Historical romance from the first book and never let me down!!! Unfortunately, I live in toronto and I'm from Argentina...
(Cynthia Morrison 8:14am May 5, 2012)

I have loved all your series and that you get to keep with a
family for several books!! I read the Huxtables first and
then the Bedwyns and a few unconnected books and I cannot wait
for the next!!! Thank you!!
(Jessica Smith 10:46am May 5, 2012)

Mary -

Congratulations on the release of The Proposal!

When I read A Summer to Remember Gwen was a character that I
definately remembered when I finished the story and kept
hoping to "see" her again when I read the Slightly and
Simply stories.

I'm thrilled that we will be "meeting" her again when the
Survivor's Club series is released. I love to read books
where characters, whether they are the hero and heroine or
simply a secondary character re-appear in later books. I
fall in love with your characters and must admit that I
often wonder what happened next in their lives!

Thanks for all the wonderful hours of reading you've shared
with me and all your readers. Also please thank your new
editor for seeing your vision because we know that we will
always recognize that when you have a new book releaed that
we will be reading a story written by one of the grand dames
of historical romance!
(Jeanne Miro 12:38pm May 5, 2012)

For me, frankly, all a book has to have is Mary Balogh's name on it, and it goes on my TBB (To Be Bought) list soonest!!

But seriously, having had my father survive WWII, and never talk about it much, reading about a place like this, even if it's fictional, helps me to understand more of what he went through during the last year of the war from D-Day on.

Later,

Lynn
(Lynn Rettig 1:34pm May 5, 2012)

Sounds like a really good book!! Thanks for the chance to win!
(Natasha Donohoo 4:26pm May 5, 2012)

I am looking forward to reading a new series. The Proposal sounds really good and I'm anxious to read it!! I know I'll
enjoy it! Thanks.
(Linda Luinstra 5:52pm May 5, 2012)

your books sounds great; looks like I have some back books to delve into. thanks for the drraw.
(Barbara Studer 8:05pm May 5, 2012)

Mention Mary Balogh and I automatically write down the title of her book to come; at the same time, I am still hunting down her earliest gems. Truly one author I can count on to touch my heart every time.
(Dolores Feagin 9:54pm May 5, 2012)

I have been thankful for Mary's wonderful books for many years. I so much enjoyed THE PROPOSAL (which I read on my NOOK), but I would love to win a print copy. I look forward to the the next book and to the reprint CHRISTMAS BRIDE AND CHRISTMAS BEAU in the fall.
(Rebecca Elswick 4:12pm May 6, 2012)

This sounds wonderful. I am new to reading Mary Balogh's book, and I feel so lucky I still have so many more to read.
(Winnie Pang 5:09pm May 6, 2012)

I love series that have a group of "wounded" people. Sounds
really good!
(Sharyn Lewis 5:43pm May 6, 2012)

I'm glad you found an editor who lets you "talk" or your characters to talk amongst themselves. It must have been difficult to wait for the atmosphere to bend and the story lines to be all right with the world. I like the part of convalescence and anyone with family and friends knows how much support it takes to get better and get along with living.
(Alyson Widen 8:06pm May 6, 2012)

Love Mary's books and very excited for thevne series. Mary does tortured
heroes and hotlines so well!
(Diane Cole 5:12pm May 7, 2012)

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Mary Balogh | Gwen, Lady Muir, And The Survivors' Club

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December's delights are here! Thrilling tales, romance, and magic await you.

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Mary Balogh | Gwen, Lady Muir, And The Survivors' Club

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