New York Times bestseller Mary Balogh starts a new Regency romance series, Ravenswood, beginning with REMEMBER LOVE. This book feels more like the old Balogh that I knew and loved in years past, although it still feels a little lighter and clichéd as compared to her best works of a decade or more ago. I’m pleased to have some of her old spark, back.
The first half of the book occurs in 1808, before the event that so dramatically affected our hero Devlin and heroine Gwyneth. This part of the book is more well-written, in my opinion. Sure, everyone is painted in glowing terms, and no one seems to have any significant faults or personality flaws. But despite the too-perfect world, the characters feel more real and engaging. Devlin Ware is the eldest son of the Earl of Stratton. He grew up thinking his family was kind and gracious, but discovered to his dismay that his family’s happiness was an elaborate illusion. When he decried this duplicity, he was banished from the family and left to become a solder in the fight against Napoleon.
The second half takes place six years later. Devlin returns once the war is over, a full two years after his father died. Devlin returns with a heavy heart to take up his duties as the new earl. He discovers to his great shock that Gwyneth is still unmarried. Gwyneth and Devlin each nursed a years-long tendre for each other growing up, and only discovered this and declared their love for each other the day before Devlin was booted from the family’s bosom. I love Gwyneth- she’s self-actualized but not anachronistic. I love how she sticks up for herself and for others.
Gwyneth’s family is also a delight, as are Devlin’s siblings. The well fleshed-out cast of characters contribute to the success of this story. Sure, I can see how Balogh is positioning a number of them for future books in the series, but that’s no surprise to readers, I’m sure! Devlin and Gwyneth fumble their way back into their second chance at love, providing a pleasing Happily Ever After for this romance lover. Fans of Balogh will be glad to see her back in the game with REMEMBER LOVE.
As a child, Devlin Ware thought his family stood for all that was right and good in the world. They were kind, gracious, and shared the beauty of Ravenwood, their grand country estate, by hosting lavish parties for the entire countryside. But at twenty-two, he discovered his whole world was an elaborate illusion, and when Devlin publicly called his family to account for it, he was exiled as a traitor.
So be it. He enlisted in the fight against Napoleon and didn’t look back for six years. But now his father is dead, the Ware family is broken, and as the heir he is being called home. It’s only when Gwyneth Rhys—the woman he loved and then lost after his family banished him—holds out her hand to help him that he is able make the difficult journey and try to piece together his fractured family.
It is Gwyneth’s loyalty, patience, and love that he needs. But is Devlin’s war-hardened heart even capable of offering her love in return?
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