The Proposal. Mary Balogh

The Proposal
Mary Balogh
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Date: 2012
Format: Kindle ebook
Pages: 321
Genre: Historical romance
Source: Own book

Gwendoline, Lady Muir, has seen her share of tragedy, especially since a freak accident took her husband much too soon. Content in a quiet life with friends and family, the young widow has no desire to marry again. But when Hugo, Lord Trentham, scoops her up in his arms after a fall, she feels a sensation that both shocks and emboldens her.

Hugo never intends to kiss Lady Muir, and frankly, he judges her to be a spoiled, frivolous—if beautiful—aristocrat. He is a gentleman in name only: a soldier whose bravery earned him a title; a merchant’s son who inherited his wealth. He is happiest when working the land, but duty and title now demand that he finds a wife. He doesn’t wish to court Lady Muir, nor have any role in the society games her kind thrives upon. Yet Hugo has never craved a woman more; Gwen’s guileless manner, infectious laugh, and lovely face have ruined him for any other woman. He wants her, but will she have him?

The Proposal is the first book in the Survivor's Club books by Mary Balogh.  Obviously I have come late to this series, and was hooked in by the reviews of the most recent book to look up the first one and read it.  I hate reading books out of order - even ones that are probably very loosely related.

Gwen - Lady Muir has been married and lost both an unborn child and a husband in two different accidents.  She lives 'happily' with her mother and nearby family and friends.  She carries within her burdens from her past, however she does not let them prevent her from enjoying her family and visiting others in need.  When she meets up with Hugo all that begins to change - there may be a possibility of a relationship - even love.

Hugo is an interesting character.  He has come from a middle class background, been a hero in the Napoleanic wars, and returned from them to reconcile with his father who had not wanted his only son to go to war.  When his father dies he takes over the very wealthy business.  However he needs a year to himself first to mourn and goes to the country.  Before, when returning from the war he had become part of a group of people who were all dealing with the wounds - inner and outer - of war. It is while he is visiting with these friends that Hugo meets Gwen.

They are obviously attracted to each other but can Hugo over come what prevents him from seeking Gwen's hand in marriage.  They come from a different class of society, even though Hugo was made a Lord on return from the war because of his excellent leadership and gains for the country.

The story moves along quietly and steadily and if you enjoy a really well written regency historical that is sensual but not full of big sexual scenes then Mary Balogh is your author.  There was an amount of wisdom shared in this book, not obtrusive but there.  

 I really enjoyed The Proposal and I look forward to reading the next few in this series.