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!