Remember Me: A Ravenswood Novel (Book 2), by Mary Balogh

From the desk of Sophia Rose:

A Matchmaking Duke puts a pair of secret enemies on a collision course for the London Season.

BOOK DESCRIPTION

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.

MY THOUGHTS

A Prickly Meet Cute

Picking up the story of the next Ware sibling after Devlin and Gwyneth got their story in Remember Love, Lady Philippa ‘Pippa’ Ware has taken her older brother’s words to heart and plans to get on with the challenge of living her life and not hiding away on the country estate. Pippa is determined to find affection and respect in a marital partner and she won’t settle for less.

Lucas Arden, the Marquess of Roath, once delivered an insult that was like a dagger thrust to a young Lady Phillipa, but he is in fact a tender and caring person who spoke hastily and regrettably. His determined grandparents have settled on that very beautiful, charming and intelligent lady for his bride. The secret he carries and her rightful refusal to want anything to do with him are a huge complication.

Strong Story Elements

Like all Mary Balogh books, the surrounding cast of friends and family play a larger role in the story, so it feels more like a family saga than simple historical romance. We meet them all through Pippa and Luc’s alternating narration perspectives. I appreciate how there is an organic flow of encounters and events through Mary Balogh’s writing.

Another great feature of her writing is that she’s not afraid to have characters of different abilities and struggles like Luc’s younger sister Jenny who had a debilitating childhood illness that left her in a wheelchair, or Pippa’s sister Stephanie who is plumper and more scholarly than is fashionable at the time. Nor is Mary Balogh shy of presenting the effects of the Napoleonic war or how the culture of the day affects her characters. Thus, the historical background is deep and rich.

Engaging and Humorous

Remember Me is not epic in scope and does seem to be lacking a strong impetus that drives the story like in the first book. However, the gentle character-driven plot with the slow burn romance taking them from hostility to friendship and matchmaking machinations of the duke and duchess were still very engaging, humorous, and easily kept my focus from start to finish. It was obvious to everyone this pair were meant for each other, but they had to get past the barriers they both thought prevented them from having a future.

A Sparkling Regency Era Series

It’s a good time for historical romance fans to jump in on a sparkling Regency-era family-oriented series while there are only the first two books and the much anticipated third novel, Always Remember, releasing on January 16, 2024.

4 out of 5 Stars