Blog Blitz Celebration: Mary Balogh's REMEMBER ME.

Hi and welcome to my blog stop for Mary Balogh's Remember Me!  A big thanks to the publisher & Netgalley for the complimentary e-ARC. All opinions provided are my own.

Summary. 

Can Lady Philippa Ware forgive the man who once shattered all her youthful dreams? Discover the passionate and heartwarming new novel on the redemptive power of love from New York Times bestselling author Mary Balogh.

Philippa, elder daughter of the Earl of Stratton, grew up eagerly anticipating a glittering debut and a brilliant marriage. Then her brother caught their father out in a clandestine affair and denounced him publicly. The whole family was disgraced, and Philippa’s hopes grew dim, then were fully shattered when she overheard the dashing, handsome Marquess of Roath viciously insult her upon learning of her father’s identity. Only years later does Philippa find the courage to go to London at last to meet the ton. She is an instant success and enjoys a close friendship with the granddaughter of a duke. Only one man can spoil everything for her, but surely he will not be in London this year.

The Duke of Wilby is nearing death and has tasked his grandson and heir, Lucas Arden, Marquess of Roath, with marrying and producing a son before it is too late. Lucas, who usually shuns London, goes there early in the Season in the hope of finding an eligible bride before his grandparents come and find one for him. He is instantly attracted to his sister’s new friend, until that young lady asks a simple question: “Remember me?” And suddenly he does remember her, as well as the reason why the daughter of the Earl of Stratton is the one woman he can never marry—even if his heart tells him she is the only woman he wants.

Unfortunately for Philippa and Lucas, the autocratic duke and his duchess have other ideas and believe them to be perfect for each other. They will simply not take no for an answer. Telling Philippa the full truth is the hardest thing Lucas has ever faced, and the discovery of it will change them both before they discover the healing power of love.

[ID: Jess’s white hand holds the ebook in front of a slate-colored brick wall with a blue & yellow butterfly painted on it.]

​My review. 

The fact that I am a new-ish Mary Balogh fan hasn’t stopped me from collecting her books like it’s going out of style. Remember Me is my third book by the author & once again, I’m reminded of how much I enjoy the character-driven romances MB writes & how thoughtful & measured they are.

As the book opens Marquess Lucas is tasked by his grandfather the Duke to marry, marry well, & marry soon for the sake of their family line.
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He agrees & travels to the London season where a beautiful woman catches his eye. Unfortunately, that woman is also the person who overheard him insulting her at a party years previous.

This story has so many of the things I’ve come to associate with MB—a sedateness with passion roiling underneath, a lot of emotion & consideration of feelings.

& while I enjoyed those things here, the angsty bits dragged on a bit too long for me. I also found some of the language used in the book to describe disability & virginity to be outdated &/or even offensive.

This one wasn’t my favorite Mary Balogh I’ve read—& it seems somewhat lacking at moments in its sensitivity & progressiveness—but I plan on continuing my Mary Balogh journey because of glowing recs for past series.

3.5⭐️. Out today!

Please read a list of additional CWs from a trusted reviewer.

​About the author. 

Mary Balogh has written more than one hundred historical novels and novellas, more than forty of which have been New York Times bestsellers. They include the Bedwyn saga, the Simply quartet, the Huxtable quintet, the seven-part Survivors’ Club series, and the Westcott series. Learn more online at marybalogh.com.

Is this one on your TBR? Are you a Mary Balogh fan? Let me know what you think and thanks for stopping by! 

Happy reading!