SOMEONE TO LOVE is book 1 in Mary Balogh's Westcott series. Anna Snow is an orphan. The world she has known growing up at, and later teaching at, an orphanage is far removed from the aristocratic life of the Westcott family. When Anna is found to be the secret, true legitimate offspring of the Earl of Riverdale, a lot of feathers are understandably ruffled. Over the course of SOMEONE TO LOVE, Anna finds both family and romance in the most unexpected ways.

It is inevitable that any orphan heroine will be compared to Charlotte Bronte's beloved character Jane Eyre. While differing in some respects, Jane and Anna both place a high premium on dignity and self-respect. It's no wonder that one of the things that first attracts Avery Archer, Duke of Netherby to Anna is an admiration for her integrity. Anna is clever, determined, and -- despite dreams of forming friendships with her half siblings -- pragmatic. Avery knows something of determination as well. As the story progresses, Mary Balogh reveals Avery's history and his hidden strength. Although Avery initially strikes Anna as being the typical aloof aristocrat when they first meet, it is not long before they both become hopelessly enchanted by each other. As Anna catches more glimpses of the real Avery, the attraction between them burns brighter. Even though Anna frequently calls him absurd, she is charmed by Avery's sophistication and witty retorts. I love how well-matched this hero and heroine are.

Two supporting characters in SOMEONE TO LOVE who very much intrigue me are Alexander Westcott and his widowed sister Elizabeth, Lady Overfield. Both characters were warm and welcoming to Anna when she first made the acquaintance of her new family, and when she very much needed as many friends as she could find. Alex impresses me because he seems like a man who is both kind as well as one who has a strong sense of responsibility. Elizabeth interests me because she is as kind-hearted as her brother, despite the pain and sorrow she has known in her life. I can't wait to read more about these two characters in future books.

SOMEONE TO LOVE has characters you will love, witty dialogue that dazzles, and a romance that will bring a smile to your face. Anna is the kind of strong and capable heroine I enjoy reading about. After mourning the end of Mary Balogh's superb Survivors' Club series, I am overjoyed to start another series that promises to be just as entertaining.