SOMEONE TO TRUST is the fifth book in Mary Balogh's Westcott series. Colin Handrich, Baron Hodges is my favorite type of hero. Colin possesses an affable charm with an infectious smile and good looks to match his sunny disposition. Lady Elizabeth Overfield finds Colin irresistible, much to her chagrin. Having been burned by love in the past, Elizabeth is especially cautious about getting involved in any new romantic entanglements. Colin being nine years younger than her makes any possible long-term romance between them seem almost impossible. Thankfully for readers, Elizabeth overcomes her reticence and gives Colin a sporting chance. And unexpected, yet magical, kiss at a Christmas celebration sparks a wonderful love story.

Elizabeth and Colin have been two of my favorite supporting characters in this Westcott series, so I was giddy to learn that they would be matched up in SOMEONE TO TRUST. I like stories in which the hero and heroine have personalities that mesh well together, and Colin and Elizabeth complement each other perfectly. While Colin is attracted to Elizabeth's appearance and personality, he was thoroughly seduced by her family. Elizabeth's family is large, messy, boisterous, full of quirky characters, and lots of love. Colin's family is something of a mess, and something that he hopes to strengthen in the future. His mother is a very self-centered and vain woman who will stoop to Machiavellian lengths to maintain the status quo and control over her family, and her adoring court. In Elizabeth, Colin finds the antithesis of his mother. Colin's mother is often casually, and seemingly unconsciously, cruel while Elizabeth is kind and compassionate. However, while she is generally tender-hearted, Elizabeth has the type of strength needed to deal with the many machinations presented by Colin's devious mother. One of the things I love about this story is the way this couple deals with problems together and treat each other with a mutual respect and affection.

SOMEONE TO TRUST is superlative storytelling, with charismatic characters, and an enchanting love story. Apart from the romance, Mary Balogh showcases a strong heroine and one who has learned from the past and therefore won't be doomed to repeat it. Rather than do what people say she ought to do, Elizabeth ultimately does what she wants to do without succumbing to bullying or societal pressures. As always, I eagerly await Mary Balogh's next sublime romance.

Book Summary

During a rare white Christmas at Brambledean Court, the widow Elizabeth, Lady Overfield, defies convention by falling in love with a younger man in the latest novel in the Westcott series.

After her husband's passing, Elizabeth Overfield decides that she must enter into another suitable marriage. That, however, is the last thing on her mind when she meets Colin Handrich, Lord Hodges, at the Westcott Christmas house party. She simply enjoys his company as they listen to carolers on Christmas Eve, walk home from church together on Christmas morning, and engage in a spirited snowball fight in the afternoon. Both are surprised when their sled topples them into a snowbank and they end up sharing an unexpected kiss. They know there is no question of any relationship between them, for she is nine years older than he.

They return to London the following Season, both committed to finding other, more suitable matches. Still they agree to share one waltz at each ball they attend. This innocuous agreement proves to be one that will topple their worlds, as each dance steadily ensnares them in a romance that forces the two to question what they are willing to sacrifice for love. . . .