SOMEONE TO TRUST is the fifth book in Mary Balogh's Westcott
series. Colin Handrich, Baron Hodges is my favorite type of
hero. Colin possesses an affable charm with an infectious
smile and good looks to match his sunny disposition. Lady
Elizabeth Overfield finds Colin irresistible, much to her
chagrin. Having been burned by love in the past, Elizabeth
is especially cautious about getting involved in any new
romantic entanglements. Colin being nine years younger than
her makes any possible long-term romance between them seem
almost impossible. Thankfully for readers, Elizabeth
overcomes her reticence and gives Colin a sporting chance.
And unexpected, yet magical, kiss at a Christmas celebration
sparks a wonderful love story.
Elizabeth and Colin have been two of my favorite supporting
characters in this Westcott
series, so I was giddy to learn that they would be matched
up in SOMEONE TO TRUST. I like stories in which the hero and
heroine have personalities that mesh well together, and
Colin and Elizabeth complement each other perfectly. While
Colin is attracted to Elizabeth's appearance and
personality, he was thoroughly seduced by her family.
Elizabeth's family is large, messy, boisterous, full of
quirky characters, and lots of love. Colin's family is
something of a mess, and something that he hopes to
strengthen in the future. His mother is a very self-centered
and vain woman who will stoop to Machiavellian lengths to
maintain the status quo and control over her family, and her
adoring court. In Elizabeth, Colin finds the antithesis of
his mother. Colin's mother is often casually, and seemingly
unconsciously, cruel while Elizabeth is kind and
compassionate. However, while she is generally
tender-hearted, Elizabeth has the type of strength needed to
deal with the many machinations presented by Colin's
devious mother. One of the things I love about this story is
the way this couple deals with problems together and treat
each other with a mutual respect and affection.
SOMEONE TO TRUST is superlative storytelling, with
charismatic characters, and an enchanting love story. Apart
from the romance, Mary Balogh showcases a strong heroine and
one who has learned from the past and therefore won't be
doomed to repeat it. Rather than do what people say she
ought to do, Elizabeth ultimately does what she wants to do
without succumbing to bullying or societal pressures. As
always, I eagerly await Mary Balogh's next sublime romance.
During a rare white Christmas at Brambledean Court, the
widow Elizabeth, Lady Overfield, defies convention by
falling in love with a younger man in the latest novel in
the Westcott series.
After her husband's passing, Elizabeth Overfield decides
that she must enter into another suitable marriage. That,
however, is the last thing on her mind when she meets Colin
Handrich, Lord Hodges, at the Westcott Christmas house
party. She simply enjoys his company as they listen to
carolers on Christmas Eve, walk home from church together on
Christmas morning, and engage in a spirited snowball fight
in the afternoon. Both are surprised when their sled topples
them into a snowbank and they end up sharing an unexpected
kiss. They know there is no question of any relationship
between them, for she is nine years older than he.
They return to London the following Season, both committed
to finding other, more suitable matches. Still they agree to
share one waltz at each ball they attend. This innocuous
agreement proves to be one that will topple their worlds, as
each dance steadily ensnares them in a romance that forces
the two to question what they are willing to sacrifice for
love. . . .
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