by Mary Balogh
Part of The Survivors' Club, book 1
First published 2012
Gwendoline, Lady Muir, has built a peaceful existence after losing her husband. The young widow surrounds herself with friends and family, determined never to remarry. When she takes a fall, Hugo, Lord Trentham, sweeps her into his arms. The contact awakens feelings she thought buried forever. Hugo earned his title through battlefield courage, not birthright. The merchant's son turned war hero prefers working his land to navigating society's expectations. Now duty demands he find a wife. He never intended to pursue Gwen, but her genuine laughter and natural grace prove irresistible. The stern former officer must learn to woo rather than command. Gwen finds herself drawn to this unlikely suitor despite her reservations. Each stolen kiss and tender touch pulls her deeper into Hugo's orbit. He offers not just passion but the possibility of lasting love.
Genres: historical-fiction, adult-fiction, historical-romance, 19th-century
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: enemies-to-lovers, found-family
Setting: Muir, Trentham
Period: 19th-century
320 pages · Hardcover · Delacorte Press