Someone to Trust: Elizabeth's Story (The Westcott Series Book 5)

Colin Handrich, Lord Hodges, meets the widowed Elizabeth Overfield at a Christmas party and they develop a deep friendship that they believe can be nothing more due to her being nine years older than him. When they meet again later in London, despite their obvious attraction to each other, they seek other spouses until they are forced the acknowledge their feelings for each other.I liked this story. It was enjoyable to watch Colin and Elizabeth’s friendship grow. There were a few times the narrative plodded a bit, but watching the protagonists finally take control of their lives and find happiness together is satisfying.

Review of Someone to TrustBy Mary BaloghMary Balogh has written another outstanding story in the Westcott family saga. This time the story centers around Elizabeth, Lady Overfield, and Colin Handrich, Lord Hodges. Elizabeth is the sister of Alexander Westcott, the current Earl of Riverdale, who is married to Wren Heyden, the sister of Colin. (There is an extremely helpful family tree at the beginning of the book that shows all the relationships between the various members of the Westcott family.)Elizabeth and Colin first met at the Christmas gathering held at Alexander and Wren’s estate. Both immediately enjoyed the other’s company and really clicked when they waltzed at the Boxing Day celebration. They promised to dance a waltz together at every ball which they both attended. However, the biggest impediment to their growing feelings for each other was the fact that Elizabeth was 9 years older than Colin.The author really delves into the support shown for an individual from other family members and there’s no family I’ve ever read about with stronger family ties. It makes me wish I had been born a Westcott! It goes without saying that the character development is superb in this book. The world building is basically the “ton” and how many of the people react to events in the book.I have thoroughly enjoyed each one of the books in this series thus far. Each has had a unique plot, but the family support is present in each story. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to read a good heartwarming story and a beautiful romance.My Rating: 5 Stars

FINAL DECISION: This is a gentle sweet romance that takes its time developing the characters relationship. This is grand passion restrained in true Mary Balogh fashion.THE STORY: At Christmas, Elizabeth, Lady Overfield decides that it is finally time to remarry after a disastrous first marriage. This time she wants stability and trust. Colin Handrich, Lord Hodges, also decides that he wants to marry to establish a family as close as the Westcotts after a childhood with a highly dysfunctional family. Elizabeth and Colin enjoy one another’s company but since Elizabeth is nine years older than Colin they know there can be nothing but friendship between them. They do agree, however, to dance a waltz together at every ball during the season.OPINION: This is a quiet slow developing story based completely on the relationship between Elizabeth and Colin. I really enjoyed how the two of them build a friendship. There is always an underlying attraction between the two, but the two fight against it believing that a relationship is impossible.I very much enjoy these stories. By the time these two marry, I completely believe that the two of them can build a lasting relationship. Those looking for big passionate romances might not enjoy this book, but I appreciated that these two have a quiet romance but one built on laughter and friendship and yet still the passion of falling in love.The sexual content was also dialed way back in this one which completely fit the characters. Respect, friendship, companionship and trust all come before the sex in this story which was a nice change.My one complaint is that I wish I had gotten to see some glimpse of their future. I’m sure we will see more of them in future books in the series, but I missed some confirmation that their marriage will manage to work for both of them and they will achieve their mutual goals.WORTH MENTIONING: I loved seeing Avery who has a vital role at critical points in this story.CONNECTED BOOKS: SOMEONE TO TRUST is the fifth book in the Westcott series. The romance here is self-contained and thus it can be read as a standalone. However, new readers should be aware that the book is filled with characters from the prior books and knowledge about them is largely assumed so this book is probably better read as part of the series.STAR RATING: I give this book 4 stars.NOTE: I received an ARC of this book via Netgalley which was used to prepare this review. I was not required to write a review or to write a positive review. All opinions contained herein are my own.

This is book 5 of 10 of the Westcott family series. This book has an audio file and is whisper-synced. The narrator is Rosalyn Landor, who is very skilled. If anything, the book sounds better than it reads! Mary Balogh is skilled at prose and telling a story. However, this story has lots of introspection, lots of “he/she didn’t really mean it”, lots of “woe is me” thoughts.Elizabeth, Lady Overfield, aged 35, has been a widow for several years. She has terrible taste in men, being drawn to bullies. Her husband was an abusive alcoholic, so the marriage had not been a good one. After her husband died, she decided not to remarry, but now, with the years, she is reconsidering this.Colin Handrich, Lord Hodges, aged 26, is the brother of Lord Riverdale’s wife, and therefore, an almost brother-in-law to Elizabeth, which is how they meet. Colin’s mother is selfish and domineering. “His mother. Her voice. Her endless vanity. Her way of maneuvering people and events so that she almost always got her way.”“You may write to Codaire or not. It is none of my business. It is yours. You do not ever need to ask me to whom you may write. Or with whom you may waltz. Or converse. Or laugh. You are going to be my wife, not my possession.” This point in the narrative is very interesting to me. Are married couples a team or are they two planets with complimentary orbits? This scene made me thoughtful. Of course, each marriage is different, so each reader may have a different perspective.I think Mary Balogh likes her stories and characters so much she hates to write “The End”. This book has 55 pages of wrap-up. For my money, you can stop reading at the end of Chapter 20.

Amo esta série , leitura gostosa e suave ! Sem mega dramas romance real

Honestly one of my faves. Some people would argue their love was more like brother and sister, but i really really enjoyed the slow romance that slowly creeps up on the characters and it is truly touching. Love without the soaring passion is underrated and Balogh really shows it in this book. The way the characters support each other, learn about trust and grace (the latter mainly towards colins mother) it is beautiful. I did maybe expect a bit more... Intense drama? But i feel that the intensity of the drama that is presented reflects the gentle nature of the characters and the way they choose to handle the issue. I like that not everything ended perfect with the family which made this so much more real. The complicity between them is what made this book one of my favorite along side some of the slightly books, simply perfect and some of her novellas. Enjoy!

I have read as many of Mary Balogh books as I have been able to get my hands on. There is always some special message in her books.

This was another excellent book in the series - it kept me turning the pages until finished. But would like to know about their future story e.g. children. Very good descriptions of the time and places. The characters become very real.

Am loving the Westcott series. Anything that Mary Balogh writes I always enjoyable in its own way.