Someone to Love
Westcott, Book #1
By Mary Balogh
ISBN: 9780451477798
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Una
Synopsis:
Humphrey Wescott, Earl of Riverdale, has died, leaving behind a fortune that will forever alter the lives of everyone in his family—including the daughter no one knew he had…
Anna Snow grew up in an orphanage in Bath knowing nothing of the family she came from. Now she discovers that the late Earl of Riverdale was her father and that she has inherited his fortune. She is also overjoyed to learn she has siblings. However, they want nothing to do with her or her attempts to share her new wealth. But the new earl’s guardian is interested in Anna…
Avery Archer, Duke of Netherby, keeps others at a distance. Yet something prompts him to aid Anna in her transition from orphan to lady. As London society and her newfound relatives threaten to overwhelm Anna, Avery steps in to rescue her and finds himself vulnerable to feelings and desires he has hidden so well and for so long.
Review:
I absolutely loved this story. It is the first in the Westcott series and if this book is any indication of what the others are like I will be lining up to get them. Mary Balogh gives a well thought out story with lots of historical setting and memorable characters to entice the most avid of historical fiction readers.
Anna is an orphan who like many has wanted to belong to a family. Her life in the orphanage was sponsored by the late Earl of Riverdale. She has always been content with her life as is so it comes as a great surprise when she is summoned to London to find out that not only is she the legitimate child of the Earl but has amassed a small fortune. Her new found siblings however want nothing to do with her in spite of her reaching out and wanting to share her wealth. They are angry at their “illegitimate” state and feel they will be snubbed by the Ton. Anna decides early that wealth won’t change her and she will keep the values she has always believed in. She is taken under wing by Avery who feels the need to protect her and teach her the ways of a lady. The chemistry between them becomes obvious and Avery finds that he has to make choices.
A well written and quick moving story I found myself immersed in the setting and the characters. Someone to Love is a great read for a fall afternoon curled up in your favorite chair. I personally can’t wait for the next book in the series.
