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Ravenswood #4
Remember When
Discover the beauty of second chances at love and life in this heartfelt new novel from New York Times bestselling author Mary Balogh.
The Dowager Countess of Stratton, Clarissa Ware, née Greenfield, has just presented her younger daughter to the ton, and the rest of her life belongs only to herself. She returns to Ravenswood, intending to spend the summer alone there. But the summer has other plans for her.
Born a gentleman, Matthew Taylor has chosen to spend his life as the village carpenter. Growing up, he and Clarissa were close—dangerously so, considering his family’s modest fortune. As a young man, he never would have been a suitable match for the daughter of the wealthy Greenfields. Clarissa married Caleb Ware, the Earl of Stratton, so Matthew married another, though he was widowed soon after.
Now everything is different—Clarissa has already lived the life expected of her by society. And Matthew is as attractive and intriguing as he was when they were young. As their summer friendship deepens into romance, they stand together on the precipice of change—essentially the same man and woman they remember being back then, but with renewed passion and the potential to take their lives in an entirely new direction.
The Dowager Countess of Stratton, Clarissa Ware, née Greenfield, has just presented her younger daughter to the ton, and the rest of her life belongs only to herself. She returns to Ravenswood, intending to spend the summer alone there. But the summer has other plans for her.
Born a gentleman, Matthew Taylor has chosen to spend his life as the village carpenter. Growing up, he and Clarissa were close—dangerously so, considering his family’s modest fortune. As a young man, he never would have been a suitable match for the daughter of the wealthy Greenfields. Clarissa married Caleb Ware, the Earl of Stratton, so Matthew married another, though he was widowed soon after.
Now everything is different—Clarissa has already lived the life expected of her by society. And Matthew is as attractive and intriguing as he was when they were young. As their summer friendship deepens into romance, they stand together on the precipice of change—essentially the same man and woman they remember being back then, but with renewed passion and the potential to take their lives in an entirely new direction.
362 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 7, 2025
360 people are currently reading
9326 people want to read
About the author
Mary Balogh
198 books6,323 followersMary Jenkins was born in 1944 in Swansea, Wales, UK. After graduating from university, moved to Saskatchewan, Canada, to teach high school English, on a two-year teaching contract in 1967. She married her Canadian husband, Robert Balogh, and had three children, Jacqueline, Christopher and Sian. When she's not writing, she enjoys reading, music and knitting. She also enjoys watching tennis and curling.
Mary Balogh started writing in the evenings as a hobby. Her first book, a Regency love story, was published in 1985 as A Masked Deception under her married name. In 1988, she retired from teaching after 20 years to pursue her dream to write full-time. She has written more than seventy novels and almost thirty novellas since then, including the New York Times bestselling 'Slightly' sextet and 'Simply' quartet. She has won numerous awards, including Bestselling Historical of the Year from the Borders Group, and her novel Simply Magic was a finalist in the Quill Awards. She has won seven Waldenbooks Awards and two B. Dalton Awards for her bestselling novels, as well as a Romantic Times Lifetime Achievement Award.
Mary Balogh started writing in the evenings as a hobby. Her first book, a Regency love story, was published in 1985 as A Masked Deception under her married name. In 1988, she retired from teaching after 20 years to pursue her dream to write full-time. She has written more than seventy novels and almost thirty novellas since then, including the New York Times bestselling 'Slightly' sextet and 'Simply' quartet. She has won numerous awards, including Bestselling Historical of the Year from the Borders Group, and her novel Simply Magic was a finalist in the Quill Awards. She has won seven Waldenbooks Awards and two B. Dalton Awards for her bestselling novels, as well as a Romantic Times Lifetime Achievement Award.
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January 5, 2025
This was and enjoyable fourth book in the series, second chance romance for an older couple, if you have been reading the series then you will know The Dowager Countess of Stratton, Clarissa Ware, nee Greenfield widowed for six years, mother, grandmother and she has just presented her youngest daughter to the ton, and now it is time for herself, Clarissa wants nothing more than to go home to Ravenswood and re-discover herself will that mean re-opening a friendship from years past and maybe finding love again?
Matthew Taylor is the village carpenter in Boscombe, although born a gentleman Matthew’s life changed when his best friend, Clarissa left to marry an Earl, he knew at the time that it was probably for the best but still his heart took a beating, he moved on travelled and became the wood carver and carpenter he is today never catching up with his family. Living in the village next to Ravenswood he did see Clarissa and her family through the years but now thirty three years later Clarissa has arrived at his home to request a crib.
This was at times a very soul searching story that dug deep into their emotions, and could be slow and a bit repetitive here and there, but overall a beautiful romance that saw an older couple find their way to a HEA, not without some opposition from family, friends and neighbours, I am looking forward to more in this series after all there are still three Ware children to find their HEA.
My thanks to the publisher Berkley and Netgalley for my copy to read and review.
Matthew Taylor is the village carpenter in Boscombe, although born a gentleman Matthew’s life changed when his best friend, Clarissa left to marry an Earl, he knew at the time that it was probably for the best but still his heart took a beating, he moved on travelled and became the wood carver and carpenter he is today never catching up with his family. Living in the village next to Ravenswood he did see Clarissa and her family through the years but now thirty three years later Clarissa has arrived at his home to request a crib.
This was at times a very soul searching story that dug deep into their emotions, and could be slow and a bit repetitive here and there, but overall a beautiful romance that saw an older couple find their way to a HEA, not without some opposition from family, friends and neighbours, I am looking forward to more in this series after all there are still three Ware children to find their HEA.
My thanks to the publisher Berkley and Netgalley for my copy to read and review.
February 15, 2025
Clarissa Greenfield and Matthew Taylor were next-door neighbors and childhood best friends. By the time Matthew was 18 and Clarissa 17, both were half in love with each other. Being “half in love” was apparently enough to break Matthew’s heart when Clarissa tells him she intends to marry Caleb Ware, the charming, charismatic Earl of Stratton, a virtual stranger.
If you’ve read the first three books of this series, you know how well that turned out for her. It didn’t turn out so well for Matthew either, who vented his disappointment by bedding a local tavern maid and marrying her when she became pregnant, his child or not. When the child was stillborn and the mother died shortly after, Matthew left on a multi-continent, 10-year spiritual journey, eventually returning to the village to live a modest, content life as a carpenter and wood carver.
Clarissa, now the dowager Countess of Stratton with six grown children who no longer need her, returns to that same village for some alone time to decide what to do with the rest of her life. First stop: the village carpenter to commission a crib for a new grandchild. Coincidence? I think not.
So begins Clarissa and Matthew’s renewed friendship. This novel has Balogh’s usual superb characterization, exquisite writing, microscopic examination of thoughts and feelings, some gobbledygook about different kinds of love, and slow but perfectly paced emotional evolution.
So why four stars instead of five?
Matthew knows he didn’t marry for love—he barely knew the woman he married because she was pregnant—and yet, late in the book, he stands over her grave thinking “I did love her.” Umm, no, you didn’t. Don’t lie to yourself. Don’t lie to the reader.
Clarissa lies to herself too. She repeatedly tells herself that she’s had a good life. That her husband had affection and admiration for her. That he was proud of her. Umm, no, he lied to you, brought his illegitimate oldest son home for you to raise when his mistress died, disrespected you by bedding a series of women during your marriage, and finally brought one of his mistresses to the village under your and your children’s noses.
Worst, though, and something I haven’t been able to forgive since book 1 of this series, Clarissa banished her oldest son from the home because he dared to call out his father’s perfidy and disrespect.
“I sent my beloved son into exile rather than confront the real cancer at the heart of my marriage,” she said. “I put appearances before love.”
Her beloved son could have easily been killed in the war thanks to her actions, yet even after his return and their reconciliation she still skims over the wrong her husband did his family in her haste to justify her choices. I know she had to remain his wife and be a mother to their children in spite of his infidelity and betrayal, and I’m glad she was able to look upon those children and the comfortable home and the friends she made as Countess of Stratton as blessings. But if she had felt some righteous anger at Caleb, if she had admitted just once that her 17-year-old self had chosen flash over substance, if she had allowed herself to compare Caleb and Matthew and found Caleb weak in comparison, then I might feel the weight and joy and inevitability of Clarissa’s and Matthew’s love story.
Without Clarissa acknowledging the truth of her marriage, the relationship between Clarissa and Matthew feels incomplete.
If you’ve read the first three books of this series, you know how well that turned out for her. It didn’t turn out so well for Matthew either, who vented his disappointment by bedding a local tavern maid and marrying her when she became pregnant, his child or not. When the child was stillborn and the mother died shortly after, Matthew left on a multi-continent, 10-year spiritual journey, eventually returning to the village to live a modest, content life as a carpenter and wood carver.
Clarissa, now the dowager Countess of Stratton with six grown children who no longer need her, returns to that same village for some alone time to decide what to do with the rest of her life. First stop: the village carpenter to commission a crib for a new grandchild. Coincidence? I think not.
So begins Clarissa and Matthew’s renewed friendship. This novel has Balogh’s usual superb characterization, exquisite writing, microscopic examination of thoughts and feelings, some gobbledygook about different kinds of love, and slow but perfectly paced emotional evolution.
So why four stars instead of five?
Matthew knows he didn’t marry for love—he barely knew the woman he married because she was pregnant—and yet, late in the book, he stands over her grave thinking “I did love her.” Umm, no, you didn’t. Don’t lie to yourself. Don’t lie to the reader.
Clarissa lies to herself too. She repeatedly tells herself that she’s had a good life. That her husband had affection and admiration for her. That he was proud of her. Umm, no, he lied to you, brought his illegitimate oldest son home for you to raise when his mistress died, disrespected you by bedding a series of women during your marriage, and finally brought one of his mistresses to the village under your and your children’s noses.
Worst, though, and something I haven’t been able to forgive since book 1 of this series, Clarissa banished her oldest son from the home because he dared to call out his father’s perfidy and disrespect.
“I sent my beloved son into exile rather than confront the real cancer at the heart of my marriage,” she said. “I put appearances before love.”
Her beloved son could have easily been killed in the war thanks to her actions, yet even after his return and their reconciliation she still skims over the wrong her husband did his family in her haste to justify her choices. I know she had to remain his wife and be a mother to their children in spite of his infidelity and betrayal, and I’m glad she was able to look upon those children and the comfortable home and the friends she made as Countess of Stratton as blessings. But if she had felt some righteous anger at Caleb, if she had admitted just once that her 17-year-old self had chosen flash over substance, if she had allowed herself to compare Caleb and Matthew and found Caleb weak in comparison, then I might feel the weight and joy and inevitability of Clarissa’s and Matthew’s love story.
Without Clarissa acknowledging the truth of her marriage, the relationship between Clarissa and Matthew feels incomplete.
January 14, 2025
Clarissa Ware (née Greenfield), Dowager Countess of Stratton, decides to go home to Ravenswood by herself for the summer. While home, she reignites her old (old, so old y'all) friendship with Matthew Taylor, the neighbor/gentleman/carpenter from her youth (and childhood). This reignition results in a low simmer that escalates to—avert your eyes, innocents—hand holding in public the absolute AUDACITY. Then every child Clarissa ever had descends upon her in order to ensure she isn't being TAKEN ADVANTAGE OF.
1. So this is very much a Balogh: it's sedate and introspective and Matthew (OF COURSE) reconciles with his estranged family and the leads find themselves in love quietly and carefully. So. Yeah.
2. But the thing is: I think I would have liked this a lot more if Matthew and Clarissa hadn't been in love / somewhat in love / halfway in love with one another as teenagers? And if, instead, they had perhaps known one another and restarted their friendship, but without the whole "I HAVE LOVED YOU SINCE YOU WERE SEVENTEEN (17) AND NOW YOU ARE FIFTY (50) AND WE ARE SO OLD AND SO CHANGED" thing. Because it doesn't do anything except make the actual romance between two middle aged (their words) adults really, really mushy. They have clearly evolved and changed and become different people in the 33 years since they last knew one another, and they never truly had a "first chance" at romance, so ...
It also bothered me because they were both so aware of the fact that they did love one another, which feels................I'm not sure. It just really sat wrong in my teeth and overshadowed their reintroduction.
2. Which I did (mostly) like! They do talk to one another, about their perspectives on their world; about what has changed for them and how they feel about those changes; about challenges they're facing; about the world around them—I thought that these sections did a decent job of portraying how this couple could do romance together.
HOWEVER, I say it again: I think the impact of this bit was undercut by the aforementioned pre-existing feelings.
3. I was confused by the handling of Clarissa and Matthew as sexual beings. I.e., they are clearly adults. Who have had sex. Allegedly, they are sexually interested in one another. But here's their progression of physicality: they kiss, chastely; and then have one surprisingly hot kiss; Matthew takes a cold swim; more chaste kisses; he proposes—THEY HAVE SEX OUTSIDE. I MEAN?
First: they are BOTH ADULTS. WHO HAVE HOUSES??? GO INSIDE???? Second: talk about ESCALATING QUICKLY. I'm not saying that romance novels need to progress linearly through sexual acts, but there's at least usually some level of awareness of their partner, some feeling, some throbbing, some tingling—but instead Clarissa and Matthew are too busy circling their common themes: age, reputation, friendship, solace, family.
4. And on that note: this is SO REPETITIVE. I think Balogh was attempting to demonstrate how ~similar Clarissa and Matthew were, and how they were clear ~made for each other. But it didn't really succeed in doing anything other than making me wonder if sections had been copy/pasted chapter to chapter in order to ... fill page space? But, seriously, there is so much navel-gazing about aging, about reputation, about friendship, about solace, about family—round and round and over and over until we're all exhausted.
4.5 ONE MORE THING: You know what WASN'T cyclical and repetitive? Clarissa's thoughts on marriage! Talk about a non-linear mess: she is unsure if she will ever remarry, and then....accepts Matthew's proposal. DO NOT PASS GO; DO NOT MAKE SENSE. Absolutely infuriating.
5. So, yeah. I wanted to like this but I did not. I do plan to read Stephanie's book! I might even read Ben's book, someday!
1. So this is very much a Balogh: it's sedate and introspective and Matthew (OF COURSE) reconciles with his estranged family and the leads find themselves in love quietly and carefully. So. Yeah.
2. But the thing is: I think I would have liked this a lot more if Matthew and Clarissa hadn't been in love / somewhat in love / halfway in love with one another as teenagers? And if, instead, they had perhaps known one another and restarted their friendship, but without the whole "I HAVE LOVED YOU SINCE YOU WERE SEVENTEEN (17) AND NOW YOU ARE FIFTY (50) AND WE ARE SO OLD AND SO CHANGED" thing. Because it doesn't do anything except make the actual romance between two middle aged (their words) adults really, really mushy. They have clearly evolved and changed and become different people in the 33 years since they last knew one another, and they never truly had a "first chance" at romance, so ...
It also bothered me because they were both so aware of the fact that they did love one another, which feels................I'm not sure. It just really sat wrong in my teeth and overshadowed their reintroduction.
2. Which I did (mostly) like! They do talk to one another, about their perspectives on their world; about what has changed for them and how they feel about those changes; about challenges they're facing; about the world around them—I thought that these sections did a decent job of portraying how this couple could do romance together.
HOWEVER, I say it again: I think the impact of this bit was undercut by the aforementioned pre-existing feelings.
3. I was confused by the handling of Clarissa and Matthew as sexual beings. I.e., they are clearly adults. Who have had sex. Allegedly, they are sexually interested in one another. But here's their progression of physicality: they kiss, chastely; and then have one surprisingly hot kiss; Matthew takes a cold swim; more chaste kisses; he proposes—THEY HAVE SEX OUTSIDE. I MEAN?
First: they are BOTH ADULTS. WHO HAVE HOUSES??? GO INSIDE???? Second: talk about ESCALATING QUICKLY. I'm not saying that romance novels need to progress linearly through sexual acts, but there's at least usually some level of awareness of their partner, some feeling, some throbbing, some tingling—but instead Clarissa and Matthew are too busy circling their common themes: age, reputation, friendship, solace, family.
4. And on that note: this is SO REPETITIVE. I think Balogh was attempting to demonstrate how ~similar Clarissa and Matthew were, and how they were clear ~made for each other. But it didn't really succeed in doing anything other than making me wonder if sections had been copy/pasted chapter to chapter in order to ... fill page space? But, seriously, there is so much navel-gazing about aging, about reputation, about friendship, about solace, about family—round and round and over and over until we're all exhausted.
4.5 ONE MORE THING: You know what WASN'T cyclical and repetitive? Clarissa's thoughts on marriage! Talk about a non-linear mess: she is unsure if she will ever remarry, and then....accepts Matthew's proposal. DO NOT PASS GO; DO NOT MAKE SENSE. Absolutely infuriating.
5. So, yeah. I wanted to like this but I did not. I do plan to read Stephanie's book! I might even read Ben's book, someday!
December 18, 2024
Rekindling friendship with the one who got away, so to speak, is a wonderful plot and story in this particular book. They’re both in a transitional age and at a point in their life where they are ready to value their personal life as family members are raising their own family.
There are some wonderful pieces and points within the story that I can definitely relate to since the main characters are turning 50. It brings to mind how those around that age point want to look back in the past, slow down a bit, and find their peace. I loved that whole portion of the story.
I also love the rekindling of the friendship and the growing carefree love. Both of the characters were so sweet and I love their interactions and the love story between them. It was something that had never gone away. I am a sucker for a second chance at romance.
But there were some parts that really got to me in terms of a lot of repetition. Age was pounded into our heads. Family drama over the fact that the main female lead wanted to find her own space was a major part of the story. The number of characters tended to be close to overwhelming, especially since I had not read prior stories.
There was some family drama with Matthew and misunderstandings that need to be corrected and I simply loved the ending where everything came together. Balogh is a genius in the slow, comfortable romance growth, full of sweetness and caring.
If you read this series, you’re probably going to love this ending story. Remember When will spark that “what if” internal dialogue and that can be a good thing.
~~~
* I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
* Full review - https://amidlifewife.com/remember-whe...
There are some wonderful pieces and points within the story that I can definitely relate to since the main characters are turning 50. It brings to mind how those around that age point want to look back in the past, slow down a bit, and find their peace. I loved that whole portion of the story.
I also love the rekindling of the friendship and the growing carefree love. Both of the characters were so sweet and I love their interactions and the love story between them. It was something that had never gone away. I am a sucker for a second chance at romance.
But there were some parts that really got to me in terms of a lot of repetition. Age was pounded into our heads. Family drama over the fact that the main female lead wanted to find her own space was a major part of the story. The number of characters tended to be close to overwhelming, especially since I had not read prior stories.
There was some family drama with Matthew and misunderstandings that need to be corrected and I simply loved the ending where everything came together. Balogh is a genius in the slow, comfortable romance growth, full of sweetness and caring.
If you read this series, you’re probably going to love this ending story. Remember When will spark that “what if” internal dialogue and that can be a good thing.
~~~
* I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
* Full review - https://amidlifewife.com/remember-whe...
January 8, 2025
Check out all my reviews at: https://www.avonnalovesgenres.com
REMEMBER WHEN: Clarissa’s Story (A Ravenswood Novel Book #4) by Mary Balogh is a historical, mature, second chance at love story in this continuing Regency romance series featuring the Ware family. This novel is easily read as a standalone romance, but I have enjoyed reading the series in order.
Clarissa Ware, the Dowager Countess of Stratton, returns to Ravenswood for the summer for the first time without any of her children or other obligations. She is turning fifty and feels adrift in her personal life. Six years a widow, all her children grown, and her daughter-in-law assuming all the duties of being the Countess of Stratton, she wishes for solitude to decide on her future, but fate intercedes.
Matthew Taylor was born a gentleman and second son of landowners but is spending his life as the village carpenter and master woodworker. As a young man, he was a neighbor of Clarissa’s family and they were the closest of friends from childhood to seventeen years of age, but he knew he would never be suitable for her, and she accepted the proposal of the Earl of Stratton.
When Clarissa seeks out her old friend, they discover the attraction is still there. Clarissa has always upheld all expectations from society and her family. Can their renewed friendship and mature attraction overcome society’s restraints and family concerns and turn into something more?
I always look forward to returning to the Ware family of Ravenswood. This mature romance did not disappoint, and I was very happy that Clarissa finally found herself, not just what was expected of her. This is a slow burn romance due to the time period, society’s rules, and the side plot which has Matthew having to resolve his own old family issues to move on. That said, there is also a bit too much repetition especially in the beginning of the story, but I feel the romance and HEA are satisfying overall. I am looking forward to reading more of the remaining unattached siblings’ stories in the future.
An enjoyable historical, mature, second chance romance addition to this series.
REMEMBER WHEN: Clarissa’s Story (A Ravenswood Novel Book #4) by Mary Balogh is a historical, mature, second chance at love story in this continuing Regency romance series featuring the Ware family. This novel is easily read as a standalone romance, but I have enjoyed reading the series in order.
Clarissa Ware, the Dowager Countess of Stratton, returns to Ravenswood for the summer for the first time without any of her children or other obligations. She is turning fifty and feels adrift in her personal life. Six years a widow, all her children grown, and her daughter-in-law assuming all the duties of being the Countess of Stratton, she wishes for solitude to decide on her future, but fate intercedes.
Matthew Taylor was born a gentleman and second son of landowners but is spending his life as the village carpenter and master woodworker. As a young man, he was a neighbor of Clarissa’s family and they were the closest of friends from childhood to seventeen years of age, but he knew he would never be suitable for her, and she accepted the proposal of the Earl of Stratton.
When Clarissa seeks out her old friend, they discover the attraction is still there. Clarissa has always upheld all expectations from society and her family. Can their renewed friendship and mature attraction overcome society’s restraints and family concerns and turn into something more?
I always look forward to returning to the Ware family of Ravenswood. This mature romance did not disappoint, and I was very happy that Clarissa finally found herself, not just what was expected of her. This is a slow burn romance due to the time period, society’s rules, and the side plot which has Matthew having to resolve his own old family issues to move on. That said, there is also a bit too much repetition especially in the beginning of the story, but I feel the romance and HEA are satisfying overall. I am looking forward to reading more of the remaining unattached siblings’ stories in the future.
An enjoyable historical, mature, second chance romance addition to this series.
November 14, 2024
Clarissa is looking forward to the peace and quiet at Ravenswood. She meets Matthew who she was friends with when they were younger. I liked the chemistry between them.
August 20, 2024
Uhhhhh. If you felt that the last book in the series was just a constant repeat with very little plot movement, skip this — it’s an intensified version of that. How many times do the readers need to hear that Clarissa and Matthew were friends when they were kids? And that it’s probably the right thing that they didn’t marry even though they were at least a tiny bit in love with one another? Crap, now I’m doing it. You’re welcome, that’s at least half the book.
If you want something like a meditation on love in later life and finding yourself and coming to grips with changes when you are happy but things are changing, this might be the book for you.
The things that are lovely about it are the sweet moments, the incredible lack of conflict from family or even local gossip, the gentleness of time passing and the dream of a beautiful thatched cottage and garden. Also the zen of archery.
Advanced Readers Copy provided by edelweiss
If you want something like a meditation on love in later life and finding yourself and coming to grips with changes when you are happy but things are changing, this might be the book for you.
The things that are lovely about it are the sweet moments, the incredible lack of conflict from family or even local gossip, the gentleness of time passing and the dream of a beautiful thatched cottage and garden. Also the zen of archery.
Advanced Readers Copy provided by edelweiss
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 5, 2025
Regaining love!
Eighteen year old Matthew Taylor is shocked when his best friend Clarissa Greenfield, all of seventeen, tells him she’s going to marry Caleb Ware, Earl of Stratton.
Matthew’s always felt rejected by his family and now his secret love and friend will be out of his life. Clarissa words cut.
Fast forward thirty years. Clarissa Ware is now fifty and Dowager Duchess of Stratton. Some years ago the family was dealt a stunning blow when the Duke brought his mistress to the village installing her in the Inn as a widow looking for somewhere to settle down. Prior to this Caleb had kept his parliamentary life and country life separate. His son Devlin confronted him in front of the villagers at the local ball.
Clarissa has now been a widow for six years. Having done her duty she decides to retreat to Ravenswood to think about her future.
It is here she is reacquainted with Matthew after thirty three years. In the interim Matthew has travelled to far off lands, found his passion, and peace.
He is a talented wood carver. His descriptions about discovering the beauty of sculpture as he gazed at Michelangelo’s Pietà in Rome is quite beautiful.
Naturally Clarissa’s family send various members to visit her, trying to determine what’s going on with their mother.
A heart felt story of loss, of acceptance, of searching for a future; of families reacquainted, and of finding love and forgiveness in later years. The tale has a gentle quality, although it’s unashamedly confronting. It is like floating down a river becoming occasionally entangled or foundering for a while on the shoals but being drawn inextricably on.
I really enjoyed it.
A Berkley Group ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
Eighteen year old Matthew Taylor is shocked when his best friend Clarissa Greenfield, all of seventeen, tells him she’s going to marry Caleb Ware, Earl of Stratton.
Matthew’s always felt rejected by his family and now his secret love and friend will be out of his life. Clarissa words cut.
Fast forward thirty years. Clarissa Ware is now fifty and Dowager Duchess of Stratton. Some years ago the family was dealt a stunning blow when the Duke brought his mistress to the village installing her in the Inn as a widow looking for somewhere to settle down. Prior to this Caleb had kept his parliamentary life and country life separate. His son Devlin confronted him in front of the villagers at the local ball.
Clarissa has now been a widow for six years. Having done her duty she decides to retreat to Ravenswood to think about her future.
It is here she is reacquainted with Matthew after thirty three years. In the interim Matthew has travelled to far off lands, found his passion, and peace.
He is a talented wood carver. His descriptions about discovering the beauty of sculpture as he gazed at Michelangelo’s Pietà in Rome is quite beautiful.
Naturally Clarissa’s family send various members to visit her, trying to determine what’s going on with their mother.
A heart felt story of loss, of acceptance, of searching for a future; of families reacquainted, and of finding love and forgiveness in later years. The tale has a gentle quality, although it’s unashamedly confronting. It is like floating down a river becoming occasionally entangled or foundering for a while on the shoals but being drawn inextricably on.
I really enjoyed it.
A Berkley Group ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
January 7, 2025
REMEMBER WHEN, the fourth book in Author Mary Balogh's Ravenswood Series, highlights two characters facing midlife crisis's while deciding what to do with their remaining years. It's a book about self-discovery, second chances and choices. It's a sweet love story.
The Dowager Countess of Stratton, Clarissa Ware Greenfield, has returned home to Ravenswood after the last of her children left the nest, launching happy lives of their own. Clarissa seeks solitude in which to contemplate her life choices, both good and bad, and decide what to do as a soon-to-be fifty-year-old widow on her own for the first time in many years. Who is she now that she's no longer a wife and her children don't need her? Her thoughts turn to her childhood friend, Matthew Taylor, and what might have been if she'd made different choices all those years ago. Matthew left the country for ten long years after the death of his wife and newborn child, eventually returning to become the town's carpenter even though he's a gentleman's son. He's content with his low-key life and has no desire to claim his heritage. Clarissa hopes to resume a friendship of sorts with Matthew and uses the excuse of commissioning him to build a crib for her grandchild in order to speak with him. As talks about the crib turn to long walks around Ravenswood, a reconnection of hearts, souls and desires occurs leaving the two with a big decision. Neither knows what the future holds, but self-reflection reveals the answer...if they're brave enough to embrace it.
Author Mary Balogh has rendered another heartfelt love story that tugs on readers' hearts with REMEMBER WHEN. As always, characters are well-developed and worthy of our empathy. The self-reflection/discovery journey traveled by both Matthew and Claire allows readers a front row seat to the turmoil and need for resolution felt by both characters. Strong support characters round out a cast filled with family and friends. Balogh honors the traditions and setting of the small-town time period, and I love that the main characters refuse to be cowered by expectations any longer. Fans of second chance, mature relationship, heartfelt historical romance will enjoy this one!
Special thanks to Berkley Publishing for a complimentary arc of this title. Opinions expressed are my own. This review is available on my blog Cross My Heart Reviews.
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The Dowager Countess of Stratton, Clarissa Ware Greenfield, has returned home to Ravenswood after the last of her children left the nest, launching happy lives of their own. Clarissa seeks solitude in which to contemplate her life choices, both good and bad, and decide what to do as a soon-to-be fifty-year-old widow on her own for the first time in many years. Who is she now that she's no longer a wife and her children don't need her? Her thoughts turn to her childhood friend, Matthew Taylor, and what might have been if she'd made different choices all those years ago. Matthew left the country for ten long years after the death of his wife and newborn child, eventually returning to become the town's carpenter even though he's a gentleman's son. He's content with his low-key life and has no desire to claim his heritage. Clarissa hopes to resume a friendship of sorts with Matthew and uses the excuse of commissioning him to build a crib for her grandchild in order to speak with him. As talks about the crib turn to long walks around Ravenswood, a reconnection of hearts, souls and desires occurs leaving the two with a big decision. Neither knows what the future holds, but self-reflection reveals the answer...if they're brave enough to embrace it.
Author Mary Balogh has rendered another heartfelt love story that tugs on readers' hearts with REMEMBER WHEN. As always, characters are well-developed and worthy of our empathy. The self-reflection/discovery journey traveled by both Matthew and Claire allows readers a front row seat to the turmoil and need for resolution felt by both characters. Strong support characters round out a cast filled with family and friends. Balogh honors the traditions and setting of the small-town time period, and I love that the main characters refuse to be cowered by expectations any longer. Fans of second chance, mature relationship, heartfelt historical romance will enjoy this one!
Special thanks to Berkley Publishing for a complimentary arc of this title. Opinions expressed are my own. This review is available on my blog Cross My Heart Reviews.
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January 10, 2025
4.5 Stars
Clarissa, the Dowager Countess, is at a pivotal time in her life. Her children are grown and mostly settled, and her daughter-in-law has taken over the countess responsibilities. After a season in London, Clarissa returns home to Ravenswood and looks forward to the quiet and tranquility of being alone to reflect who she is as a person and what she wants in this next chapter of her life. There’s another thing Clarissa plans to do: renew her childhood friendship with Matthew Taylor.
Matthew Taylor lives a contented life as the village’s carpenter even though he was raised as a gentleman. His younger years were filled with strife railing against strict parents that didn’t understand him. The only one who listened and gave him comfort was Clarissa. He was half in love with her by the time they were teenagers, but things didn’t work out and they married others. Matthew was widowed soon after. He spent many years coming to peace with his past and has led a quiet, contented life until Clarissa comes back to town.
Loved the way Matthew and Clarissa just picked up again after so many years. They just got each other so well. Of course, their friendship was noted right away and there was talk since their societal positions were so different, but I’m happy with how it was all handled. They both had wonderful family and friends to support them!
Remember When was low angst and heartwarming! The characters and the situations they faced felt real-to-life and relatable. Neither Clarissa nor Matthew led a problem-free life, but each were mature and okay on their own. Finding romance was an unexpected joy for them and their story filled my heart with happiness!
I voluntarily read an advanced copy courtesy of the publisher. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.
Clarissa, the Dowager Countess, is at a pivotal time in her life. Her children are grown and mostly settled, and her daughter-in-law has taken over the countess responsibilities. After a season in London, Clarissa returns home to Ravenswood and looks forward to the quiet and tranquility of being alone to reflect who she is as a person and what she wants in this next chapter of her life. There’s another thing Clarissa plans to do: renew her childhood friendship with Matthew Taylor.
Matthew Taylor lives a contented life as the village’s carpenter even though he was raised as a gentleman. His younger years were filled with strife railing against strict parents that didn’t understand him. The only one who listened and gave him comfort was Clarissa. He was half in love with her by the time they were teenagers, but things didn’t work out and they married others. Matthew was widowed soon after. He spent many years coming to peace with his past and has led a quiet, contented life until Clarissa comes back to town.
Loved the way Matthew and Clarissa just picked up again after so many years. They just got each other so well. Of course, their friendship was noted right away and there was talk since their societal positions were so different, but I’m happy with how it was all handled. They both had wonderful family and friends to support them!
Remember When was low angst and heartwarming! The characters and the situations they faced felt real-to-life and relatable. Neither Clarissa nor Matthew led a problem-free life, but each were mature and okay on their own. Finding romance was an unexpected joy for them and their story filled my heart with happiness!
I voluntarily read an advanced copy courtesy of the publisher. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.
May 27, 2025
What? Two stars for Mary Balogh from me, her huge fan?
When the book is going this bad I usually don’t finish it however I did persevered with this one hoping something will happen. Then I started skimming and still I didn’t miss anything.
There was no romance in this book. Clarissa after 30 or so years just invites her childhood friend over because she wants to find herself and without any anguish without any surprise they just hit it off. Even though they lived near each other for many years they never interacted because it would not be proper for perfect Clarissa, the duchess. 🙄
But alas he is considered lower social class and she has children who want to be involved in her romantic life.
So few of these wrinkles get straighten out and then they get married.
But the main couple has no chemistry. Mathew no matter how many years he spend learning archery at the Asian monastery is very bland and Clarissa is as proper as it gets, bordering on self involved.
This was like reading a diary of a person that nothing ever happens to.
When the book is going this bad I usually don’t finish it however I did persevered with this one hoping something will happen. Then I started skimming and still I didn’t miss anything.
There was no romance in this book. Clarissa after 30 or so years just invites her childhood friend over because she wants to find herself and without any anguish without any surprise they just hit it off. Even though they lived near each other for many years they never interacted because it would not be proper for perfect Clarissa, the duchess. 🙄
But alas he is considered lower social class and she has children who want to be involved in her romantic life.
So few of these wrinkles get straighten out and then they get married.
But the main couple has no chemistry. Mathew no matter how many years he spend learning archery at the Asian monastery is very bland and Clarissa is as proper as it gets, bordering on self involved.
This was like reading a diary of a person that nothing ever happens to.
January 19, 2025
2 Stars
Opinion Breakdown
The Good: The different premise and the characters.
The Not-So-Good: The lack of romantic connection or chemistry (past friends).
The Bad: The repetition, especially in the inner dialogue (not literal repetition, but saying the same sort of thing over and over and over)
Overall: This was interesting to me because the idea of an older 2nd chance historical romance isn't something I had read before. Unfortunately, it didn't work for me. I didn't feel a connection past friendship. I felt zero chemistry, and that's not only because we don't have steamy scenes either. I felt like it dragged and I'm honestly surprised I made it through the whole book. I kept on thinking, "surely something will happen" but it really didn't. We had a lot of repetitive inner dialogue and a few encounters, but other than that, there was not much. I liked their friendship, don't get me wrong, but not enough to make up for my other struggles with the book. It might've helped if I had read the other books in this series, but I really don't feel all that motivated to read this author for a long time after this book...
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Clarissa and Matthew's story. They were childhood best friends that when she is 17 and he is 18 start crossing the line into loving each other when Clarissa accepts an offer of marriage to an Earl. They realize that they cannot remain the best of friends due to her marriage and they become mere acquaintances for ~30 years. After sending her youngest child out into society, Clarissa comes to the realization that she is about to be 50 and doesn't know her true self or true wants. She returns to her country home alone, much to the dismay of her grown children, to self reflect. She reaches out and proposes friendship with Matthew that eventually becomes more. There are some class challenges, some family drama, and some sweet scenes...and they get a HEA ending.
Point Of View (POV): This alternated between focusing on Clarissa and Matthew in 3rd person narrative.
Overall Pace of Story: Slow. I'm honestly surprised I didn't skim, but I didn't.
Instalove: No, they've loved each other since before the story when they were children.
H (Hero) rating: 3.5 stars. Matthew. I liked him but I wanted him to communicate with his family better.
h (heroine) rating: 4 stars. Clarissa. I liked her. I appreciated her strength and how she didn't care about the class difference, but cared for the H.
Sadness level: Low, no tissues needed
Push/Pull: Not really, since they both understood the challenges of class differences they were facing
Heat level: N/a or very mild.
Descriptive sex: No
OW (Other Woman)/OM (Other Man) drama: Mild
Sex scene with OW or OM: No
Cheating: No
Separation: Yes
Possible Triggers: Yes
Closure: This ends in a good place but I really would've liked a jump ahead epilogue to see their HEA on page even though I would wall it a HEA
Safety: This one should be Safe for most safety gang readers
Opinion Breakdown
The Good: The different premise and the characters.
The Not-So-Good: The lack of romantic connection or chemistry (past friends).
The Bad: The repetition, especially in the inner dialogue (not literal repetition, but saying the same sort of thing over and over and over)
Overall: This was interesting to me because the idea of an older 2nd chance historical romance isn't something I had read before. Unfortunately, it didn't work for me. I didn't feel a connection past friendship. I felt zero chemistry, and that's not only because we don't have steamy scenes either. I felt like it dragged and I'm honestly surprised I made it through the whole book. I kept on thinking, "surely something will happen" but it really didn't. We had a lot of repetitive inner dialogue and a few encounters, but other than that, there was not much. I liked their friendship, don't get me wrong, but not enough to make up for my other struggles with the book. It might've helped if I had read the other books in this series, but I really don't feel all that motivated to read this author for a long time after this book...
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Clarissa and Matthew's story. They were childhood best friends that when she is 17 and he is 18 start crossing the line into loving each other when Clarissa accepts an offer of marriage to an Earl. They realize that they cannot remain the best of friends due to her marriage and they become mere acquaintances for ~30 years. After sending her youngest child out into society, Clarissa comes to the realization that she is about to be 50 and doesn't know her true self or true wants. She returns to her country home alone, much to the dismay of her grown children, to self reflect. She reaches out and proposes friendship with Matthew that eventually becomes more. There are some class challenges, some family drama, and some sweet scenes...and they get a HEA ending.
Point Of View (POV): This alternated between focusing on Clarissa and Matthew in 3rd person narrative.
Overall Pace of Story: Slow. I'm honestly surprised I didn't skim, but I didn't.
Instalove: No, they've loved each other since before the story when they were children.
H (Hero) rating: 3.5 stars. Matthew. I liked him but I wanted him to communicate with his family better.
h (heroine) rating: 4 stars. Clarissa. I liked her. I appreciated her strength and how she didn't care about the class difference, but cared for the H.
Sadness level: Low, no tissues needed
Push/Pull: Not really, since they both understood the challenges of class differences they were facing
Heat level: N/a or very mild.
Descriptive sex: No
OW (Other Woman)/OM (Other Man) drama: Mild
Sex scene with OW or OM: No
Cheating: No
Separation: Yes
Possible Triggers: Yes
Closure: This ends in a good place but I really would've liked a jump ahead epilogue to see their HEA on page even though I would wall it a HEA
Safety: This one should be Safe for most safety gang readers
January 10, 2025
Clarissa is a very selfish MC .
Matthew deserves so much better than the ever selfish , self centered, weak Clarissa .
Maybe I will change my opinion a few days later .
But right now I dislike her .
Matthew deserves so much better than the ever selfish , self centered, weak Clarissa .
Maybe I will change my opinion a few days later .
But right now I dislike her .
May 12, 2025
Beautiful and heart clenching second-chance romance with characters one doesn't see enough of in historical romance: an older hero and heroine. Refreshing!The most memorable, page-turning book of this series (so far)...I loved it! As always Balogh's writing is exquisite. Highly recommend, perhaps could even be read as a stand-alone. Definitely a keeper.
January 24, 2025
I read all books in this series
They were all good except this one. It is boring, absolutely not worth your time.
They were all good except this one. It is boring, absolutely not worth your time.
February 7, 2025
An empty-nester dowager countess returns to the quiet of the home estate after the last of her children is presented and on her way. With no obligations or duty to others, she is at a loss. Is a second chance with a youthful first love a possibility or has the time for that passed? Mary Balogh’s soft reflective tone of writing was perfect for this middle-aged second chance romance.
Remember When is the fourth book in a strongly connected Regency era series which reads best in order to follow all the family and friend connections present in the book.
I felt this one had something of a fairytale touch to it or a governess- aristocratic employer gender swap. A pair of old childhood friends who went their separate ways putting them in two distinct social classes, now have come back together after living completely disparate lives. They reconnect strongly and pick up a friendship where they left it on the cusp of adulthood. A Dowager Countess and a village carpenter who had been the wild second son of a gentleman with small estate is quite the social gap. I like fairytales so I went with it wondering just how much conflict from her grown children, their extended families, and friends would come of it.
Like others from this author, Remember When took its time. It lagged in places and repeated itself, but it also developed the characters and plot with amazing complexity so their thoughts and feelings were real to me. I felt no strong pull to tear through it quickly, but to visit it as a comfy, gentle read. Remember When was nostalgic and family-oriented with the romance coming along after the reader is brought up to speed with their separate pasts, and sorting out their individual present concerns like Matthew finally dealing with the long estrangement he had with his own family and Clarissa getting her children and extended family used to her turning a corner in her life.
All in all, this was a historical with romance being one of its elements albeit a strong one rather than the only focus. The characters were engaging, attractive and well-placed in a carefully drawn world and Regency country estate- village setting. Those who enjoy old-school Regency Romance should definitely give this series a try.
I rec'd an eARC via NetGalley and finished print via Berkley Romance to read in exchange for an honest review.
My full review will post at The Quill Ink 1.16.25.
Remember When is the fourth book in a strongly connected Regency era series which reads best in order to follow all the family and friend connections present in the book.
I felt this one had something of a fairytale touch to it or a governess- aristocratic employer gender swap. A pair of old childhood friends who went their separate ways putting them in two distinct social classes, now have come back together after living completely disparate lives. They reconnect strongly and pick up a friendship where they left it on the cusp of adulthood. A Dowager Countess and a village carpenter who had been the wild second son of a gentleman with small estate is quite the social gap. I like fairytales so I went with it wondering just how much conflict from her grown children, their extended families, and friends would come of it.
Like others from this author, Remember When took its time. It lagged in places and repeated itself, but it also developed the characters and plot with amazing complexity so their thoughts and feelings were real to me. I felt no strong pull to tear through it quickly, but to visit it as a comfy, gentle read. Remember When was nostalgic and family-oriented with the romance coming along after the reader is brought up to speed with their separate pasts, and sorting out their individual present concerns like Matthew finally dealing with the long estrangement he had with his own family and Clarissa getting her children and extended family used to her turning a corner in her life.
All in all, this was a historical with romance being one of its elements albeit a strong one rather than the only focus. The characters were engaging, attractive and well-placed in a carefully drawn world and Regency country estate- village setting. Those who enjoy old-school Regency Romance should definitely give this series a try.
I rec'd an eARC via NetGalley and finished print via Berkley Romance to read in exchange for an honest review.
My full review will post at The Quill Ink 1.16.25.
January 8, 2025
I wouldn't call this book a "romance", more a "woman's fiction" book. The only romance is in the last chapter or two of the book. The entire book is both main characters analyzing their lives up to that point.
This series follows the Ware family, and this book was I believe supposed to give us the background on Clarissa, the mother, who in book 1 had been embarrassed by her son outing her husband for having had affairs during their marriage. The husband is now dead and Clarissa is at a crossroads in her life.
When she was 17, Clarissa had a best friend, Matthew, who was in love with her. She was "half in love with him" but surprisingly to him, expected and enjoyed a proposal from Caleb Ware. After she got married, Matthew married a local woman, and she and her baby died in childbirth. He then left the area for a number of years and traveled, finally settling back in Ravenswood as the local carpenter.
I felt Clarissa for at least some of the book was really entitled, and then when they finally have their "moment" all of a sudden she's always loved him? I generally love second chance books, and this book clearly tried to be Jane Austen's Persuasion, but in my opinion failed miserably.
This series follows the Ware family, and this book was I believe supposed to give us the background on Clarissa, the mother, who in book 1 had been embarrassed by her son outing her husband for having had affairs during their marriage. The husband is now dead and Clarissa is at a crossroads in her life.
When she was 17, Clarissa had a best friend, Matthew, who was in love with her. She was "half in love with him" but surprisingly to him, expected and enjoyed a proposal from Caleb Ware. After she got married, Matthew married a local woman, and she and her baby died in childbirth. He then left the area for a number of years and traveled, finally settling back in Ravenswood as the local carpenter.
I felt Clarissa for at least some of the book was really entitled, and then when they finally have their "moment" all of a sudden she's always loved him? I generally love second chance books, and this book clearly tried to be Jane Austen's Persuasion, but in my opinion failed miserably.
December 12, 2024
I love a good second chance romance and I wish I could say I love this book more, but l just didn’t. This was way too slow paced, there wasn’t much of a point of conflict, the angst level was low, and the steam level was low. I think it’s nice that it featured older characters in their 50s, but I wish there was more meat to this, no matter how true to life it may be. This might have been better as a novella but 269 pages was alot. Nice for those who want closure on the Ravenswood saga.
January 30, 2025
Skimmed to finish. This book was SO boring.
I also hate when authors use anachronisms in historical fiction. Either get the tone of the Regency right, or choose another time period. The fact that Clarissa thinks in "self-love" terms is absolutely ludicrous!
I also hate when authors use anachronisms in historical fiction. Either get the tone of the Regency right, or choose another time period. The fact that Clarissa thinks in "self-love" terms is absolutely ludicrous!
January 8, 2025
3 Stars
Just finished. Here's the thing, I wasn't even sure if I wanted to continue with this series. I haven't loved the previous books. Don't get me wrong, they're not terrible (this is Balogh after all). They have all been...mild...tame IMHO. I am not sure how to articulate it. The books in the past several years haven't had the same intensity of emotion, passion and conflicts. Or humor. What happened to the witty/interesting dialogue? There's some, a little just not what I am used to. These recently books have been serious, and heavy and bogged down with conflicts that aren't really conflicts and too many family-members/friends to keep track of. Of course, the repetition is still there though I wasn't as annoyed by it as I have been previously.
Our heroine, Clarissa is a widow of a certain age. She had been married for about 27 years or so to Caleb. Who she married when she was only 17 or 18. It was a seemingly happy union. She loved him and he had AFFECTION for her. By all account he was a great guy aside from being a notorious philander. But he has been dead six years. She has moved on. She has a significant b-day coming up and it has made her reflective. I get it. She wants, no needs time to think without the distraction of her large (but loving) family. So, she goes (escapes?) home alone to Ravenswood. C
Our hero, Matthew, is also a widower. He is Clarissa's childhood friend, has lived nearby for many years. (Except for a 10/12-year absence. Her marriage ended their friendship and turned them into friendly acquaintances. However, Clarissa quickly instigates the reestablishment of their friendship.
Anyway, this book was okay. It is mild and slow paced. Like the last few books its VERY family centered. I liken it to reading about a family reunion. (Over and over again.) Like in some of the previous books, family abounds. On both sides. Every single family member is mentioned some way/somehow, and the majority show up at some point or another.
Again, did I love it? No. But it was alright. I am not even going to say I won't read the next book--if there is one--because I probably will.
Contents:
Just finished. Here's the thing, I wasn't even sure if I wanted to continue with this series. I haven't loved the previous books. Don't get me wrong, they're not terrible (this is Balogh after all). They have all been...mild...tame IMHO. I am not sure how to articulate it. The books in the past several years haven't had the same intensity of emotion, passion and conflicts. Or humor. What happened to the witty/interesting dialogue? There's some, a little just not what I am used to. These recently books have been serious, and heavy and bogged down with conflicts that aren't really conflicts and too many family-members/friends to keep track of. Of course, the repetition is still there though I wasn't as annoyed by it as I have been previously.
Our heroine, Clarissa is a widow of a certain age. She had been married for about 27 years or so to Caleb. Who she married when she was only 17 or 18. It was a seemingly happy union. She loved him and he had AFFECTION for her. By all account he was a great guy aside from being a notorious philander. But he has been dead six years. She has moved on. She has a significant b-day coming up and it has made her reflective. I get it. She wants, no needs time to think without the distraction of her large (but loving) family. So, she goes (escapes?) home alone to Ravenswood. C
Our hero, Matthew, is also a widower. He is Clarissa's childhood friend, has lived nearby for many years. (Except for a 10/12-year absence. Her marriage ended their friendship and turned them into friendly acquaintances. However, Clarissa quickly instigates the reestablishment of their friendship.
Anyway, this book was okay. It is mild and slow paced. Like the last few books its VERY family centered. I liken it to reading about a family reunion. (Over and over again.) Like in some of the previous books, family abounds. On both sides. Every single family member is mentioned some way/somehow, and the majority show up at some point or another.
Again, did I love it? No. But it was alright. I am not even going to say I won't read the next book--if there is one--because I probably will.
Contents:
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 13, 2025
Mary Balogh returns the family matriarch to the Ravenswood estate for first summer on her own after seeing to the launch of her last daughter into the ton. Now Clarissa Ware, the Dowager Countess will take time to reevaluate and take stock of her life after 30 years of marriage and motherhood have taken priority over herself.
Step one: rekindle old friendships!
Claire and Mathew were the best of friends until her marriage to the earl. Now with his death six years ago, she decides to see if there’s something still there.
Matthew Taylor isn’t the rebellious gentleman that he used to be, he is now the local carpenter and a tradesmen just lives above the blacksmith shop.
How can Clarissa and Mathew after all these years reach across the divide of their now stations to rekindle a friendship… or maybe even more without scandalizing their friends, family, and neighbours?
Another absolutely beautiful story full of love, family and hope as these two mature characters find a second chance at love and the strength to fight past society expectations to choose their own happiness.
It was definitely worth the wait for Clarissa and Matthew - classic Mary Balogh! This is an extreme slow burn romance that was beautiful to read in Balogh’s style, but did feel like it could have been anovella. A few elements felt like they were repeated unnecessarily but overall, it was a lovely romance, and I loved seeing the parents find their HEA before the last book of the series making it not feel like an afterthought.
Remember When by Mary Balogh is available today!
Thanks to Berkley Romance for my e-book review copy. Opinions are my own.
Step one: rekindle old friendships!
Claire and Mathew were the best of friends until her marriage to the earl. Now with his death six years ago, she decides to see if there’s something still there.
Matthew Taylor isn’t the rebellious gentleman that he used to be, he is now the local carpenter and a tradesmen just lives above the blacksmith shop.
How can Clarissa and Mathew after all these years reach across the divide of their now stations to rekindle a friendship… or maybe even more without scandalizing their friends, family, and neighbours?
Another absolutely beautiful story full of love, family and hope as these two mature characters find a second chance at love and the strength to fight past society expectations to choose their own happiness.
It was definitely worth the wait for Clarissa and Matthew - classic Mary Balogh! This is an extreme slow burn romance that was beautiful to read in Balogh’s style, but did feel like it could have been anovella. A few elements felt like they were repeated unnecessarily but overall, it was a lovely romance, and I loved seeing the parents find their HEA before the last book of the series making it not feel like an afterthought.
Remember When by Mary Balogh is available today!
Thanks to Berkley Romance for my e-book review copy. Opinions are my own.
December 28, 2024
The Dowager Countess of Stratton, Clarissa Ware, née Greenfield, has just presented her younger daughter to the ton, and the rest of her life belongs only to herself. She returns to Ravenswood, intending to spend the summer alone there. But the summer has other plans for her. Born a gentleman, Matthew Taylor has chosen to spend his life as the village carpenter. Growing up, he and Clarissa were close but Clarissa married Caleb Ware, the Earl of Stratton, so Matthew married another, though he was widowed soon after.
As their summer friendship deepens into romance, they stand together on the precipice of change.
The fourth book in the series & it’s easily read on its own. Another very well written book with strong characters & a story that is more like an afternoon stroll than a mad dash. I loved both Matthew & Clarissa & loved their second chance romance. They are an older couple, which I love & I loved how they rekindled their feelings from more than a quarter of a century earlier. There were a couple of misunderstandings but this was just a gentle delightful romance which I loved
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
As their summer friendship deepens into romance, they stand together on the precipice of change.
The fourth book in the series & it’s easily read on its own. Another very well written book with strong characters & a story that is more like an afternoon stroll than a mad dash. I loved both Matthew & Clarissa & loved their second chance romance. They are an older couple, which I love & I loved how they rekindled their feelings from more than a quarter of a century earlier. There were a couple of misunderstandings but this was just a gentle delightful romance which I loved
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
March 23, 2025
i relate way more to 50 year olds than 18 year olds at this point in my life
January 15, 2025
5 stars
Can definitely see this becoming a comfort read. Incredible sweet, low stakes, full of love and friendship and community.
Can definitely see this becoming a comfort read. Incredible sweet, low stakes, full of love and friendship and community.
Read
January 16, 2025Just the idea of a romance book written about a 50 year old woman is delightful
December 16, 2024
I love the way Balogh brings her characters together to remind us of past books, and manages to make each story fresh.
The book begins with Clarissa, age 17 (who will become the mother of the characters in previous books) meeting for the last Matthew Taylor, 18. They have been best friends throughout childhood and are a little in love, but Clarissa tells him she will be married to the Earl of Stratten.
30 years pass and we have seen the in many of the books. We learn Matthew's 'fascinating backstory.
Clarissa has been a widow for 6 years, and all her children are grown. She comes back to her estate to find herself as she turns 50. This is the second or third older couple book in the series, and as an older woman I appreciate these stories.
Clarissa is trying to be alone, but her children keep visiting, not quite believing her. Once rumors of her growing relationship with Matthew get back to her children, they try to convince her even more to come visit.
Mathew and Clarissa have always understood each other and this understanding is needed for both of them, as it seems they are at a crossroads in their lives.
Balogh is always a slow, comfortable read full of love. I have been reading her for years and truly appreciate her thoughtful writing.
I highly recommend this series.
I received an EARC from Netgalley and the publisher. This is my honest review.
The book begins with Clarissa, age 17 (who will become the mother of the characters in previous books) meeting for the last Matthew Taylor, 18. They have been best friends throughout childhood and are a little in love, but Clarissa tells him she will be married to the Earl of Stratten.
30 years pass and we have seen the in many of the books. We learn Matthew's 'fascinating backstory.
Clarissa has been a widow for 6 years, and all her children are grown. She comes back to her estate to find herself as she turns 50. This is the second or third older couple book in the series, and as an older woman I appreciate these stories.
Clarissa is trying to be alone, but her children keep visiting, not quite believing her. Once rumors of her growing relationship with Matthew get back to her children, they try to convince her even more to come visit.
Mathew and Clarissa have always understood each other and this understanding is needed for both of them, as it seems they are at a crossroads in their lives.
Balogh is always a slow, comfortable read full of love. I have been reading her for years and truly appreciate her thoughtful writing.
I highly recommend this series.
I received an EARC from Netgalley and the publisher. This is my honest review.
January 12, 2025
I love much of the premise of this book but I found it a frustrating read. It felt almost removed emotionally- I didn’t find the central romance as compelling as it should have been. The journey of Matthew and his family and life story had much more of an emotional punch than Clarissa or his relationship with her. She was so content, in some ways frustratingly so, given the way her late husband had treated her. I needed more depth from her, and more clarity on why exactly she and Matthew were coming back together as a couple. At 85% in I could have easily seen an ending where they just meet each other for tea occasionally and call each other friends. That’s not what I want when reading a romance novel!
January 24, 2025
I love Mary Balogh, but this was definitely not one of my favorite of her books.
Yes, the setting is lovely and described to perfection.
Yes, the main protagonists are likable. It was a pleasure to be reacquainted with them.
Yes, I don’t typically mind slower slice-of-life stories. I don’t need a lot of conflict, prefer no bad actors, in fact.
Yes, it is a gentle tale of affection and love.
HOWEVER, this story is almost unbearably slow. Nothing happens for 3/4 of the book. There is nothing unpredictable at all. There is a surfeit of repetition.
Yes, the setting is lovely and described to perfection.
Yes, the main protagonists are likable. It was a pleasure to be reacquainted with them.
Yes, I don’t typically mind slower slice-of-life stories. I don’t need a lot of conflict, prefer no bad actors, in fact.
Yes, it is a gentle tale of affection and love.
HOWEVER, this story is almost unbearably slow. Nothing happens for 3/4 of the book. There is nothing unpredictable at all. There is a surfeit of repetition.
April 16, 2025
While the book was absolutely wonderful the man chosen as Matthew on the cover was horrible and off-putting, and not anything like described. I chose to ignore it and still enjoy the story which is a favorite in the series only eclipsed by Ben and Jen's tale which was near perfection. I had been in a bit of a reading slump but as always a Mary Balogh book rapidly rescued me as her books always do.
February 16, 2025
Reviewed for Dear Author
3 5 stars
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3 5 stars
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