Always Remember

November 1, 2023
Two people living on the periphery of their families take center stage in each other's life. Continuing her Ravenswood series, Balogh puts the focus on Ben Ellis, the widowed, illegitimate older brother of the Earl of Stratton, and Lady Jennifer Arden, the mobility-impaired sister of the earl's new brother-in-law, the Duke of Wilby. Introduced in the previous novels in the series, the protagonists have already been established as kind, family-oriented people who keep their dissatisfactions buried. Ben wants to provide a loving mother to his young daughter even as he hides his childhood grief over losing his own mother. Conscious of his outsider status, he has also accepted that his marital aspirations must be lower than those of his aristocratic family. When he notices Lady Jennifer Arden struggle to walk with crutches, he intends only to assist her in gaining more independence of movement. Yet their stilted acquaintance morphs into a deeper understanding of each other, and sexual desire starts to disturb the resignation they had both felt about their socially prescribed limitations. Their un-courtship progresses over passages of Lady Jennifer acquiring new mobility aids tailored to her body's abilities, culminating in a moving dance scene. The incorporation of a differently abled protagonist into the love plot without a savior narrative or magical transformation makes for a welcome departure from the genre's tradition of pairing romance with normative bodies. On the other hand, the narrative is bogged down by a great deal of detail about numerous minor characters and an uncharacteristically clumsy info dump about Ben's past. Balogh's power in dramatizing the inner life, with meditations on the complexity of human emotions and connections, compensates for this weakness to some extent. A slow-paced Regency romance that reflects on bodily diversity and inclusivity.

COPYRIGHT(2023) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

November 1, 2023

Lady Jennifer Arden, who is unable to walk due a childhood illness, and Ben Ellis, the born-out-of-wedlock son of the Earl of Stratton, have long avoided one another for fear of offending the other regarding their circumstances. Though loved and accepted, they have both always felt like outsiders. When, at a gathering of family and friends, Ben and Jenny finally have a chance to become better acquainted, they realize that neither is in need of pity nor panacea. Together, they help each other accept that they are worthy of, and able to attain, more than they ever imagined. In the third installment of her "Ravenswood" series (after Remember Me), Balogh invokes immersive, engaging detail to craft a compelling, character-driven Regency romance. High-emotion and low-heat, the story is a touching tale of casting aside expectations and taking destiny into one's own hands. As ever, the series' intricate interpersonal relationships will leave readers anticipating further Ravenswood romances. VERDICT This book will appeal to those seeking a heartwarming historical romance about overcoming obstacles and realizing one's true worth. Recommended for fans of Sophie Irwin, Stephanie Laurens, and Eloisa James.--Lauren Hackert

Copyright 2023 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

November 27, 2023
Bestseller Balogh again demonstrates her skill for writing nuanced individuals who find fulfillment as a couple in her satisfying third Ravenswood historical romance (after Remember Me). The extended Ware family congregates in Hampshire to enjoy a summer fete, among them Ben Ellis, bastard son of the late Lord Stratton, who arrives with his three-year-old daughter in tow. Though brought up with the Wares, Ben has always been cognizant of his lower status. When he meets Lady Jennifer Arden, sister to the Duke of Wilby, who has been unable to walk since she was a girl, he finds she is the only person in the busy household he can confide in about his late wife and disgraced mother. In turn, Jennifer reveals her frustration at not being able to get around easily, spurring the ever-inventive Ben to create improved mobility devices for her. Both families discourage their growing connection, citing his low birth and her disability, but the opinions of outsiders can’t stop attraction from blossoming. Balogh’s talent lies in her adroit characterizations, allowing her protagonists to grow and change as a result of their relationship. The intense and intimate conversations between the leads make the depth of their connection clear while a gossipy village provides the perfect backdrop for their tender romance. Balogh’s fans will not be disappointed.

December 1, 2023
Lady Jennifer Arden knows her family loves her. She just wishes they would listen to her. After a childhood illness severely restricted her ability to walk, Jennifer does her best to cheerfully adapt to a carefully constructed way of life. But a chance encounter at a family gathering with Ben Ellis proves transformative when Ben not only listens to what Jennifer is saying but offers some practical ideas for small but important changes in her life. However, when the slowly blossoming friendship between Ben and Jennifer takes an unexpected romantic turn, it threatens to shake up not only their lives but those of everyone close to them. In the latest splendidly satisfying addition to her Ravenswood series, Balogh (Remember Me, 2023) continues to elegantly expand the world of Regency romances with two captivating and compelling protagonists who deal with the challenges life presents them with resolve and resilience and a subtly powerful plot that deftly underscores the immeasurable importance of being seen and being heard no matter who you may be.

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