SOMEONE TO HOLD is book two in Mary Balogh's Westcott
series. This book is my favorite of the series so far.
Most of the stories I've read involving a reversal of
fortune theme have been about men. In SOMEONE TO HOLD,
Mary Balogh tells an engaging story about a woman who has
her world turned upside down due to the revelation that
she and her two siblings are illegitimate, and therefore
not rightful heirs of their wealthy late father. I really
love, and am amazed by, how SOMEONE TO HOLD is such a
captivating character-driven romance, as well as a book
that explores themes such as a woman's place in society,
the true meaning of happiness, and questions regarding
identity. It is imperative to read the previous book in
this series before starting this one, because they are
companion books. SOMEONE TO
LOVE tells of a woman who
gains a fortune and family, and SOMEONE TO HOLD is about
a woman who believes she's lost both to varying degrees.
Camille is a very different woman in SOMEONE TO HOLD than
she was in the previous book, for many reasons. Change is
a little unsettling to Camille, but the one thing she's
certain of is that she must rely almost exclusively on
herself to change her situation and maintain self-
respect. I love Camille's struggle to remain independent
and self-reliant without being self-pitying. This is a
heroine who is flawed, and is aware of those flaws, while
trying to discover who she is at her core. There is a
resiliency that makes Camille very appealing to both the
reader and the hero.
This is a great book for readers who want to watch a hero
and heroine grow to like each other, and gradually and
very organically fall in love, rather than experience an
instantaneous attraction. When orphan and talented artist
Joel Cunningham first lays eyes on Camille, he is still a
little sweet on his friend Anna, and a little displeased
to find Camille taking Anna's place as a fellow teacher
at the local orphanage. For her part, Camille is busy
trying to figure out who she is and who she wants to
become rather than giving much thought to romantic
concerns. I like how Camille and Joel empathize with each
other the more they get to know one another, and the
wonderful sense of connection they have. Both main
characters are going through a period of transition and
they give each other the space they need, as well as an
ear to listen, and a shoulder to lean on. It's amusing to
watch frustration and sexual attraction on both sides,
turn into something deeper as the book progresses.
SOMEONE TO HOLD is a dazzling romance between a resilient
heroine and a charming hero. The Westcotts are proving to
be just as delightful as the Huxtables, and just as
formidable as the Bedwyns. Like with other books by Mary
Balogh, in SOMEONE TO HOLD the author explores what
happiness means and the nature of love. I'm excited to
read Alexander's book next!
A reversal of fortune befalls a young woman in the latest Westcott novel from the New York Times bestselling author of Only a Kiss and Someone to Love.Humphrey Wescott, Earl of Riverdale, has died, leaving behind a fortune and a scandalous secret that will forever alter the lives of his family—sending one daughter on a journey of self-discovery... With her parents’ marriage declared bigamous, Camille Westcott is now illegitimate and without a title. Looking to eschew the trappings of her old life, she leaves London to teach at the Bath orphanage where her newly discovered half-sister lived. But even as she settles in, she must sit for a portrait commissioned by her grandmother and endure an artist who riles her every nerve. An art teacher at the orphanage that was once his home, Joel Cunningham has been hired to paint the portrait of the haughty new teacher. But as Camille poses for Joel, their mutual contempt soon turns to desire. And it is only the bond between them that will allow them to weather the rough storm that lies ahead...
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