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Ravenswood #5
Remember That Day
A soldier and a pacifist make the unlikeliest of pairs, but when attraction sparks, there’s nothing that can prevent their love from igniting.
Winifred Cunningham, the adopted daughter of a portrait painter, hopes that her new close friend, Owen Ware, will soon ask for her hand in marriage. But when Owen introduces Winifred to his elder brother Nicholas, the late Earl of Stratton’s second son, the slow burn of attraction between them begins.
Nicholas is a cavalry colonel—a hardened soldier whom Winifred at first despises. She finds him intimidating and cruel-looking, while he finds her strange and startlingly forthright. During a summer at Ravenswood, however, Nicholas and Winifred are unwillingly thrown together on several occasions, until they realize the passion that drives their disagreements is not due to dislike—it is because of attraction.
Winifred still awaits Owen’s proposal, and Nicholas has made his intention to marry his commanding officer’s daughter quite clear. With allegiances to other marriage prospects and brotherly bonds at risk, not to mention the age difference between them, Nicholas and Winifred know it would be wholly improper to pursue a romance...
And yet, romance is irresistible. Perhaps even inevitable.
Winifred Cunningham, the adopted daughter of a portrait painter, hopes that her new close friend, Owen Ware, will soon ask for her hand in marriage. But when Owen introduces Winifred to his elder brother Nicholas, the late Earl of Stratton’s second son, the slow burn of attraction between them begins.
Nicholas is a cavalry colonel—a hardened soldier whom Winifred at first despises. She finds him intimidating and cruel-looking, while he finds her strange and startlingly forthright. During a summer at Ravenswood, however, Nicholas and Winifred are unwillingly thrown together on several occasions, until they realize the passion that drives their disagreements is not due to dislike—it is because of attraction.
Winifred still awaits Owen’s proposal, and Nicholas has made his intention to marry his commanding officer’s daughter quite clear. With allegiances to other marriage prospects and brotherly bonds at risk, not to mention the age difference between them, Nicholas and Winifred know it would be wholly improper to pursue a romance...
And yet, romance is irresistible. Perhaps even inevitable.
368 pages, Hardcover
First published January 6, 2026
238 people are currently reading
4832 people want to read
About the author
Mary Balogh
193 books6,396 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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Displaying 1 - 30 of 114 reviews
February 28, 2026
I liked the first part of Remember That Day. I think Balogh handled the trope well at the start. Two people who are supposed to be courting other people end up falling for each other instead. That’s just messy and I'm all for it. Unfortunately, the story quickly becomes repetitive and, before long, a bit boring.
I really love the heroine, Winnifred. She is plain, an adopted daughter, and according to the standards of the time has absolutely nothing to recommend her. And yet she loves herself exactly as she is and wouldn’t change a thing. There was something quietly beautiful and inspiring about reading a heroine who refuses to apologise for existing.
Anyone familiar with Balogh knows she writes clean romance, but this one was cleaner than a nun’s diary. It felt almost sterile. And I do not just mean the lack of spice. The whole atmosphere felt oddly clinical. The characters themselves seemed emotionally muted.
I really love the heroine, Winnifred. She is plain, an adopted daughter, and according to the standards of the time has absolutely nothing to recommend her. And yet she loves herself exactly as she is and wouldn’t change a thing. There was something quietly beautiful and inspiring about reading a heroine who refuses to apologise for existing.
Anyone familiar with Balogh knows she writes clean romance, but this one was cleaner than a nun’s diary. It felt almost sterile. And I do not just mean the lack of spice. The whole atmosphere felt oddly clinical. The characters themselves seemed emotionally muted.
August 16, 2025
Less repetitive than the last book, and it is very nice to have the Westcotts around. I struggle to understand what Balogh is trying to do with this Ravenswood series -- it feels like an attempt to really lean into cozy romance? Is that a thing? There is some angst, but most of that is characters tepidly contemplating the honorable steps they will take, regardless of their changing personal realities, and then when the solutions to their problems occur, the books becomes a full-on celebration of the tiny everyday moments, the yearly festival, the family members, and the love that suffuses both the Wares and the Westcotts. It's like a meditation on not taking life or love for granted. In that sense, I find it very soothing. It also just lacks spark, for want of a better word. There is still a great deal of repetition and rehashing of previous storylines, so if you are looking for a return to Balogh's previous writing style, this is not it. If you're looking to spend some time with beloved characters from the past, pull up a chair.
Advanced Readers' Copy provided by Edelweiss.
Advanced Readers' Copy provided by Edelweiss.
January 17, 2026
What a snooze fest. Hard to believe this is the same author who wrote Slightly Dangerous and The Secret Pearl.
January 8, 2026
4.5 Stars
Twenty-one-year-old Winnifred Cunningham, adopted daughter of Lady Camille and portrait painter Joel Cunningham, knows how lucky she is to have been taken into such a warm, boisterous family. She’s never believed marriage was necessary for her happiness, until her easy friendship with Owen Ware, the Earl’s youngest son, makes her wonder if marriage could be a happy possibility.
Colonel Nicholas Ware, Owen’s older brother, is preparing to propose to Grace Haviland. At thirty-four, he’s ready for a settled life filled with love and children. Grace is beautiful, poised, and perfectly suitable, yet Nicholas can’t seem to imagine true happiness with her. Something essential is missing.
When Winnifred and Nicholas meet, the spark between them is immediate and undeniable. They’re hardly an obvious match, both are on the cusp of commitments to others, and their age difference, but fate keeps placing them in each other’s path. With every encounter, their connection deepens.
Remember That Day was an absolute delight! This is the fifth book in the Ravenswood series, and I think you could get by reading this as a standalone, but you’d get more reading them in order because there’s a history with the Ware’s, a devastating event that made a huge impact in their lives.
Mary Balogh’s writing shines as she breathes life into her characters, their hopes, fears, longings, and quiet moments of vulnerability. Both Winnifred and Nicholas dealt with internal struggles, yet their bond became a source of comfort and clarity. The secondary cast, especially the many children with their charming side stories, added warmth and joy to every chapter.
Winnifred and Nicholas’ journey to love was tender, thoughtful, and deeply satisfying. Their story touched my heart from beginning to end!
I voluntarily read an advanced readers copy courtesy of the publisher. These are my thoughts and opinions.
Twenty-one-year-old Winnifred Cunningham, adopted daughter of Lady Camille and portrait painter Joel Cunningham, knows how lucky she is to have been taken into such a warm, boisterous family. She’s never believed marriage was necessary for her happiness, until her easy friendship with Owen Ware, the Earl’s youngest son, makes her wonder if marriage could be a happy possibility.
Colonel Nicholas Ware, Owen’s older brother, is preparing to propose to Grace Haviland. At thirty-four, he’s ready for a settled life filled with love and children. Grace is beautiful, poised, and perfectly suitable, yet Nicholas can’t seem to imagine true happiness with her. Something essential is missing.
When Winnifred and Nicholas meet, the spark between them is immediate and undeniable. They’re hardly an obvious match, both are on the cusp of commitments to others, and their age difference, but fate keeps placing them in each other’s path. With every encounter, their connection deepens.
Remember That Day was an absolute delight! This is the fifth book in the Ravenswood series, and I think you could get by reading this as a standalone, but you’d get more reading them in order because there’s a history with the Ware’s, a devastating event that made a huge impact in their lives.
Mary Balogh’s writing shines as she breathes life into her characters, their hopes, fears, longings, and quiet moments of vulnerability. Both Winnifred and Nicholas dealt with internal struggles, yet their bond became a source of comfort and clarity. The secondary cast, especially the many children with their charming side stories, added warmth and joy to every chapter.
Winnifred and Nicholas’ journey to love was tender, thoughtful, and deeply satisfying. Their story touched my heart from beginning to end!
I voluntarily read an advanced readers copy courtesy of the publisher. These are my thoughts and opinions.
January 27, 2026
Living right now seems hard, with the world seemingly full of endless cruelty, horror and pain so I needed to get lost in Balogh's familiar slow writing and guaranteed happily every after endings. Is there far too many characters in this book to keep track of? Absolutely? Did I care? Nope.
Winifred and Nicholas were cute and I really enjoyed the way they both fell for each other. Having the majority of this book take place during two weeks at Ravenswood, in which all the family and friends were there as well was a smart idea as it made it easy to see how both Winnie and Nicholas grew comfortable with each other other in such a short amount of time. They both saw how they were with their loved ones and friends. Yes, Winifred thought she was going to marry Nicholas' brother, her bff Owen, for like half of the book and Nicholas thought he was going to marry the prim and proper Miss Haviland so there is a bit of a quartet a times but it's really not that distracting. Nicholas and Winnie fall into a friendship, and later romance, quite easily and naturally.
It was nice to see all the couples of the previous books (I swear, everyone is somehow related to everyone else in this universe every time I open a new book of Balogh's), very happy and in love with each and their multitude of children. Is it a little too on the nose and perfect? Probably. But once again I did not care because the world feels incredibly hard right now and romance novels are keeping me sane. So bring on the cliches!
(But if Balogh could write Stephanie's and Bertrand's story next, I would really appreciate it. She's been teasing it out over the last few books and now that Steph is 25 and not the shy, 14 year-old utterly besotted with him, I think their story could be next. They had one interaction in this book that did not end well. So I am already hooked.
Winifred and Nicholas were cute and I really enjoyed the way they both fell for each other. Having the majority of this book take place during two weeks at Ravenswood, in which all the family and friends were there as well was a smart idea as it made it easy to see how both Winnie and Nicholas grew comfortable with each other other in such a short amount of time. They both saw how they were with their loved ones and friends. Yes, Winifred thought she was going to marry Nicholas' brother, her bff Owen, for like half of the book and Nicholas thought he was going to marry the prim and proper Miss Haviland so there is a bit of a quartet a times but it's really not that distracting. Nicholas and Winnie fall into a friendship, and later romance, quite easily and naturally.
It was nice to see all the couples of the previous books (I swear, everyone is somehow related to everyone else in this universe every time I open a new book of Balogh's), very happy and in love with each and their multitude of children. Is it a little too on the nose and perfect? Probably. But once again I did not care because the world feels incredibly hard right now and romance novels are keeping me sane. So bring on the cliches!
(But if Balogh could write Stephanie's and Bertrand's story next, I would really appreciate it. She's been teasing it out over the last few books and now that Steph is 25 and not the shy, 14 year-old utterly besotted with him, I think their story could be next. They had one interaction in this book that did not end well. So I am already hooked.
January 16, 2026
3 stars
I love Mary Balogh. I really do. But this is repetitive even by her standards, and devolves into just listing couples from previous books for a full chapter at the end.
Win and Nicholas had some cute moments (rowing to the island and exploring there), but overall, it didn’t feel like there was much to them.
I love Mary Balogh. I really do. But this is repetitive even by her standards, and devolves into just listing couples from previous books for a full chapter at the end.
Win and Nicholas had some cute moments (rowing to the island and exploring there), but overall, it didn’t feel like there was much to them.
January 8, 2026
DNF. This series has been a steady downward trend. The first two books were good. The rest have lacked any sizzle or intrigue. This is not the same quality as the Bedwin, Survivor, and Westcott series. It’s unfortunate. I wanted to like it, especially with the cross over characters. It just lacked any spark.
December 27, 2025
4.0 ⭐
[4:34pm — 27/12/2025]
First of all, I want to say this book couldn’t have come at a more perfect time. Genuinely couldn’t have. I want to thank LBBG, yourswithlovex, and the author for sending me a physical ARC of this book. I’m truly grateful!
Review time <3
Like I said, this book literally couldn’t have come at a more perfect time because I had no idea what regency book to read next. Genuinely thank goodness, because I lowkey might have stressed out a little too much on not finding a good regency book.
Despite this being the fifth book in the series, it can be read as a standalone (as I did) and I’ll probably go read the other books at some point.
Winifred. Oh my darling. Her backstory made me sob a little. She has the heart of an angel and is so chaotic in the best way possible. She reminded me a lot of Eloise & Billie Bridgerton in a good way, so if you were a fan of To Sir Phillip with Love & Because of Miss Bridgerton, this is a book you would enjoy!
Win’s personality is amazing. The stress of being the eldest daughter with young twin siblings, a defensive brother (justifiable) and a deaf brother? I understand her baggage. But the relationship she had with her siblings especially Andrew, (the deaf brother) warms my heart truly.
And I love how Nicolas was around Win’s siblings. He had the kindest, sweetest soul, I can’t. Nicolas had me in a trance. I love him. Wowzers. He was amazing, better than I expected. Truly. He had an incredible personality, which fitted perfectly with Win’s.
Nicolas and Winifred are stupid as hell though. Just a little. They kept dancing around the fire, pursuing two different people. Nick with Grace and Win with Owen (Nick’s brother) only for the guy’s to propose and get declined.
I feel like there were moments where it could have been more angsty. I’d love Nick moving away from Grace (mutually) and yearn a little from a distance watching Owen and Winnie, despite them not being in love romantically at all. That would have been entertaining.
My fav scene was when they were sat together and Nicolas telling Winnie to remember that day (perfect use of the book title) because it was genuinely so heartwarming. The vulnerability they shared together meant everything to me.
Overall, I genuinely loved this and it was my first Mary Balogh book. It was fun, sweet, interesting. Loved the characters and the plot. It felt quite cosy, but then again angst in this book would have been lovely.
[4:55pm — 27/12/2025]
[4:34pm — 27/12/2025]
First of all, I want to say this book couldn’t have come at a more perfect time. Genuinely couldn’t have. I want to thank LBBG, yourswithlovex, and the author for sending me a physical ARC of this book. I’m truly grateful!
Review time <3
Like I said, this book literally couldn’t have come at a more perfect time because I had no idea what regency book to read next. Genuinely thank goodness, because I lowkey might have stressed out a little too much on not finding a good regency book.
Despite this being the fifth book in the series, it can be read as a standalone (as I did) and I’ll probably go read the other books at some point.
Winifred. Oh my darling. Her backstory made me sob a little. She has the heart of an angel and is so chaotic in the best way possible. She reminded me a lot of Eloise & Billie Bridgerton in a good way, so if you were a fan of To Sir Phillip with Love & Because of Miss Bridgerton, this is a book you would enjoy!
Win’s personality is amazing. The stress of being the eldest daughter with young twin siblings, a defensive brother (justifiable) and a deaf brother? I understand her baggage. But the relationship she had with her siblings especially Andrew, (the deaf brother) warms my heart truly.
And I love how Nicolas was around Win’s siblings. He had the kindest, sweetest soul, I can’t. Nicolas had me in a trance. I love him. Wowzers. He was amazing, better than I expected. Truly. He had an incredible personality, which fitted perfectly with Win’s.
Nicolas and Winifred are stupid as hell though. Just a little. They kept dancing around the fire, pursuing two different people. Nick with Grace and Win with Owen (Nick’s brother) only for the guy’s to propose and get declined.
I feel like there were moments where it could have been more angsty. I’d love Nick moving away from Grace (mutually) and yearn a little from a distance watching Owen and Winnie, despite them not being in love romantically at all. That would have been entertaining.
My fav scene was when they were sat together and Nicolas telling Winnie to remember that day (perfect use of the book title) because it was genuinely so heartwarming. The vulnerability they shared together meant everything to me.
Overall, I genuinely loved this and it was my first Mary Balogh book. It was fun, sweet, interesting. Loved the characters and the plot. It felt quite cosy, but then again angst in this book would have been lovely.
[4:55pm — 27/12/2025]
January 12, 2026
Loved it!!!
November 27, 2025
Reviewed for Dear Author.
Link to come.
Link to come.
February 18, 2026
I was so excited about this book because the FMC is Winifred from the second wescott book but honestly it was once again a cozy romance with not much plot (how much of the Ravenswood series has been)
Like I don’t need all the details of what everyone is doing at the Fate! So much of this book could’ve been cut out. The book rehashed what happened in book 1 several times. I get it! Nicholas is wounded.
I thought there might be an interesting conflict because Nicholas is in the military and Winifred is a pacifist but Mary Balogh unfortunately glazed over the resolution since “they love each other” which was very disappointing to me.
Where was the editing?! Mary Balogh has forgotten how to leap over unnecessary details. Her earlier books are much tighter.
And there was no bad sex! Ugh I love her bad sex scenes. Booooooooooooo
If you’re new to Mary Balogh do not start here. Read her earlier books.
Also for some reason the age gap icked me out. (13 years. She is 21 and he is 34).
Like I don’t need all the details of what everyone is doing at the Fate! So much of this book could’ve been cut out. The book rehashed what happened in book 1 several times. I get it! Nicholas is wounded.
I thought there might be an interesting conflict because Nicholas is in the military and Winifred is a pacifist but Mary Balogh unfortunately glazed over the resolution since “they love each other” which was very disappointing to me.
Where was the editing?! Mary Balogh has forgotten how to leap over unnecessary details. Her earlier books are much tighter.
And there was no bad sex! Ugh I love her bad sex scenes. Booooooooooooo
If you’re new to Mary Balogh do not start here. Read her earlier books.
Also for some reason the age gap icked me out. (13 years. She is 21 and he is 34).
January 10, 2026
I was thrilled to start the year with this wonderful story publishing! It was an amazing treat to have Westcotts and Wares come together to witness and then celebrate Nicholas’s and Winifred’s falling in love. They are both amazing original MCs. Nicholas is (true to the form) another honorable noble Ware, who is all but betrothed to a woman he does not quite want and who does not quite want him. Meanwhile Winifred is hoping for a proposal from Nick’s younger brother Owen. All is resolved and hea arrives before you know it, in this heartwarming story full of love, laughter, children and happy couples we have all read about previously and adore. Also how about that Bertrand and Stephanie set up? Now I cannot wait for that installment!
January 18, 2026
I think Remember that Day had some good moments, but overall I was not that engaged. While I love introspection, I needed a lot more romance. There were some thoughtful moments (the scenes with Andrew and Robbie and Grace), but Nicholas and Winifred needed more page time to develop their romantic relationship. I found that I was also irritated with Nicholas about not telling Winnifred about the house and his justification was that he didn't not say...
January 29, 2026
Sweet Story With Very Little Romance
I love Mary Balogh’s stories. However, this sweet story wasn’t up to her usual heartwarming romances. There was very little actual romance. I enjoyed the characters but didn’t really feel like I knew them or felt their love growing. For the majority of the book, they were with other people. The story was so bogged down with descriptions and names of other characters that I often skipped ahead. I’m so sad to even write this. It was actually a 3 star book for me but I added another star because I enjoy Mary Balogh’s writing. Overall, it was just a sweet story describing everything and everyone in tedious detail with the last few chapters throwing in a tepid romance. Even the epilogue was unsatisfactory. It was definitely not one of her best romances. Nickolas Ware was such a dynamic character in prior books that he deserved a more passionate love story. But I’m a loyal Mary Balogh fan and will always buy and read her stories.
I love Mary Balogh’s stories. However, this sweet story wasn’t up to her usual heartwarming romances. There was very little actual romance. I enjoyed the characters but didn’t really feel like I knew them or felt their love growing. For the majority of the book, they were with other people. The story was so bogged down with descriptions and names of other characters that I often skipped ahead. I’m so sad to even write this. It was actually a 3 star book for me but I added another star because I enjoy Mary Balogh’s writing. Overall, it was just a sweet story describing everything and everyone in tedious detail with the last few chapters throwing in a tepid romance. Even the epilogue was unsatisfactory. It was definitely not one of her best romances. Nickolas Ware was such a dynamic character in prior books that he deserved a more passionate love story. But I’m a loyal Mary Balogh fan and will always buy and read her stories.
January 7, 2026
This was a 3.5 for me.
Problems for me-
1. Too many characters. I thought about printing the family trees to have them in front of me as I read but realised that was almost as distracting as not knowing who people were. This led me to skimming lengthy passages when the vast cast intruded.
2. I didn’t need to be told quite so many times how plain Winifred was.
3. I was not very happy with the fact that essentially the hero would have married the OW even though he didn’t love her.
4. I all happened a little too quickly.
Problems for me-
1. Too many characters. I thought about printing the family trees to have them in front of me as I read but realised that was almost as distracting as not knowing who people were. This led me to skimming lengthy passages when the vast cast intruded.
2. I didn’t need to be told quite so many times how plain Winifred was.
3. I was not very happy with the fact that essentially the hero would have married the OW even though he didn’t love her.
4. I all happened a little too quickly.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 19, 2026
👒🐎👒🎩👒
Review:
She’s a pacifist; he’s a career soldier. They have established romance interests, but not with each other. A summer at Ravenswood will hold some surprises for them both.
Mary Balogh continues her Regency era Ravenswood series with a romance for second oldest son, Nicholas Ware. For fans of Mary Balogh’s Westcott series, we get a crossover because Winnifred Cunningham is the adopted daughter of the romance pair from Someone to Hold.
🌞In fact, Joel is hired by the Earl of Stratton (oldest Ware sibling) as a portrait artist which brings the Wares and Westcotts together for a time of summer ramblings and activities allowing Winnifred and Nicholas to enjoy the blushing confusion of attraction and connection while they are both determined to marry elsewhere – Nicholas to his general’s daughter and Winnifred to Nicholas’ younger brother, Owen.
💥I got a kick out of the bad first impressions set up and then the succeeding encounters that started changing their minds. I cheered them on as they individually came to terms with their pasts. The pace was gentle, the romance was tender, and the extended cast of family and friends gets equal time with the romance. My certificate in genealogy came in handy keeping all the relationships sorted out as I read. 😁 It didn’t hurt that I had previously read the Westcotts series and am caught up on the Ravenswood (Wares) series.
And, so, another comfy and relaxing low angst historical romance from a long-loved author. Not the place to start, but those who like gentle, less spicy romances with focus on slow-build relationships and family connections should slide Remember That Day (and the Ravenswood series) onto their reading stack.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I rec’d an eARC via NetGalley to read in exchange for an honest review.
👒🐎👒🎩👒
#RememberThatDay #MaryBalogh #Ravenswood #HistoricalRomance #BerkleyRomance #RegencyRomance
My full review will post on my Instagram Page, @sophiarose1816 on 1.19.26.
Review:
She’s a pacifist; he’s a career soldier. They have established romance interests, but not with each other. A summer at Ravenswood will hold some surprises for them both.
Mary Balogh continues her Regency era Ravenswood series with a romance for second oldest son, Nicholas Ware. For fans of Mary Balogh’s Westcott series, we get a crossover because Winnifred Cunningham is the adopted daughter of the romance pair from Someone to Hold.
🌞In fact, Joel is hired by the Earl of Stratton (oldest Ware sibling) as a portrait artist which brings the Wares and Westcotts together for a time of summer ramblings and activities allowing Winnifred and Nicholas to enjoy the blushing confusion of attraction and connection while they are both determined to marry elsewhere – Nicholas to his general’s daughter and Winnifred to Nicholas’ younger brother, Owen.
💥I got a kick out of the bad first impressions set up and then the succeeding encounters that started changing their minds. I cheered them on as they individually came to terms with their pasts. The pace was gentle, the romance was tender, and the extended cast of family and friends gets equal time with the romance. My certificate in genealogy came in handy keeping all the relationships sorted out as I read. 😁 It didn’t hurt that I had previously read the Westcotts series and am caught up on the Ravenswood (Wares) series.
And, so, another comfy and relaxing low angst historical romance from a long-loved author. Not the place to start, but those who like gentle, less spicy romances with focus on slow-build relationships and family connections should slide Remember That Day (and the Ravenswood series) onto their reading stack.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I rec’d an eARC via NetGalley to read in exchange for an honest review.
👒🐎👒🎩👒
#RememberThatDay #MaryBalogh #Ravenswood #HistoricalRomance #BerkleyRomance #RegencyRomance
My full review will post on my Instagram Page, @sophiarose1816 on 1.19.26.
January 6, 2026
I absolutely adored this story! Winifred was such a breath of fresh air - happy and lively, despite the trauma she'd been through early in life. Colonel The Honorable Nicholas Ware is the exact opposite of Winnie. He's a second son and born to be a military man. However, they find that they are slowly falling in love.
The only issue? (Well, not nearly the ONLY issue...) They are both spoken-for as they are falling for one another.
I will also mention that their is an author's note at the front of this novel noting that she is merging two families here. I have only read a few of Balogh's books here and there, so I was a bit intimidated going in once I read this, but I shouldn't have worried. The story was written in such a way that I had a good understanding of who fit where, at least for the most part. And it was so enjoyable overall that I wasn't worried about knowing each and every character, other than wanting to go and read some of their stories now!
This was one of those books that is just such a pleasant read that you want to sit in the sun and bask in the joy of it all afterward. It won't be long before I pick up another Balogh novel!
The only issue? (Well, not nearly the ONLY issue...) They are both spoken-for as they are falling for one another.
I will also mention that their is an author's note at the front of this novel noting that she is merging two families here. I have only read a few of Balogh's books here and there, so I was a bit intimidated going in once I read this, but I shouldn't have worried. The story was written in such a way that I had a good understanding of who fit where, at least for the most part. And it was so enjoyable overall that I wasn't worried about knowing each and every character, other than wanting to go and read some of their stories now!
This was one of those books that is just such a pleasant read that you want to sit in the sun and bask in the joy of it all afterward. It won't be long before I pick up another Balogh novel!
January 17, 2026
I think the author was aiming for a cozy romance, but instead it was tedious, boring, and bland. The last third of the book was mostly a list of characters from the other books in the series. Skip this one.
February 14, 2026
I was sent a free copy of this book by the publishers in exchange for an honest review. I chose to read the earlier 4 books in the “Ravenswood” series to ensure I could fully appreciate this one. I don’t think it could be really read as a standalone as it ties two of Mary Balogh’s book series together with a conveniently contrived love match and unless you’ve read both series already all the way through it wouldn’t be a very gripping read. There is a lot of repetition, name dropping and info-dumping about the companion series, the “Westcotts”. I think this was a bit of a tricky crossover novel and got away from the author a bit which is a shame. It’s a nice idea to tie the two storylines together but it makes it hard to keep track and was ultimately detrimental to the plot. It’s a cosy enough read and I grew to like our hero, Nicholas Ware, but he was annoyingly stupid at times and there just seemed to be an overall lack of spark. Winifred was a good heroine but I wish I had some prior knowledge of the “Westcott” series so her backstory made more impact on my enjoyment of the read. Some of the crossover characters from those books felt a bit flat because I’ve not read about them before. I’ve gone 3.5 stars (rounded up to 4 on Goodreads) because I still think it was fairly enjoyable and it was nice and cosy for this time of year, but a bit of a let down as I’d heard such good things about this author before. Perhaps I need to read some of her earlier books.
February 28, 2026
This was a book without a plot without likable characters, and if the repetition of names and events had been taken out, there wouldn’t have even been a novella left. I was so bored. I begin skimming the pages that repeated over and over the same memories. Then I began, skimming all the names of all the people who were there; every one of them was mentioned at least five times in the book. If you took everything away, that was repetitious there was no story even left that couldn’t have been written as an inadequate short story. Since I have read everything this author has written, it is very disappointing to me to write this review. As a special ed teacher for 30 years, why wasn’t some effort made amongst all of these intelligent people to give the child a method of communication. I realize there was no ASL at the time, but he could have been taught to do basic reading which would have given him the ability to communicate. It could have been done with just pictures. Having worked with children who were deaf and could not learn to read, they could use pictures to communicate. The whole family was so accepting of his hearing impairment and delighted in his silent world, and how wonderful it must be that they did not attempt to make him a method of communication. This might have been excusable with a different family, but the fact that his parents were both teachers, I found it totally unacceptable.
March 6, 2026
This book was not up to the standards that I'm used to with a Mary Balogh book. It's hard for me to pinpoint exactly what was wrong. She often writes house parties and excels at it. She often brings back former characters as side characters. I think that there were actually too many former characters. And these aren't even new people either. But unless I'm going to read the two series again, and I haven't, it's just a lot to bring back SO many people from about 15 total books. It's too much!
January 20, 2026
3.75✨
This was an endearing story that was a total family affair.
I was not feeling the romance aspect of the story as a lot of the focus is on the family. The pacing was slow and there was some redundancy.
Overall, it is a sweet story about two people who seem unlikely to be a couple, falling in love.
This was an endearing story that was a total family affair.
I was not feeling the romance aspect of the story as a lot of the focus is on the family. The pacing was slow and there was some redundancy.
Overall, it is a sweet story about two people who seem unlikely to be a couple, falling in love.
January 8, 2026
Huge thank you to @berkleypub and @netgalley for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
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If you are waiting for Bridgerton to get your regency romance fix look no further than this one! Winifred isn’t sure what her future holds but there’s no way she could have guessed that a solider would be her future, especially since she’s a pacifist. Winifred was expecting a proposal from the soldier’s brother but instead little by little finds herself drawn to Nicholas instead of his brother. I enjoyed this large cast of charming characters and the world created in this book. This one is out today.
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If you are waiting for Bridgerton to get your regency romance fix look no further than this one! Winifred isn’t sure what her future holds but there’s no way she could have guessed that a solider would be her future, especially since she’s a pacifist. Winifred was expecting a proposal from the soldier’s brother but instead little by little finds herself drawn to Nicholas instead of his brother. I enjoyed this large cast of charming characters and the world created in this book. This one is out today.
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December 19, 2025
I received an ARC of this book, and enjoyed it immensely.
January 13, 2026
Nicholas from the Ravenswood series and Winifred from the Westcott series cross paths in a story that blends both families’ worlds. Their first glimpse of each other comes at the Trooping the Colour parade, where Colonel Nicholas Ware cuts a striking figure in full dress uniform, leading the cavalry. Winifred attends with Owen Ware—Nicholas’s younger brother and her close friend—who she quietly hopes might one day propose.
They meet properly at Winifred’s come‑out ball. Nicholas enjoys dancing and talking with her and immediately understands why Owen is so fond of her. At thirty‑four, Nicholas has decided it’s time to marry and believes Grace Haviland, the beautiful and impeccably mannered daughter of his commanding officer, would make a suitable wife. Yet Grace is still grieving the loss of two former suitors, and Nicholas is unsure of her true feelings.
Winifred “Winnie” Cunningham, adopted by Camille and Joel Cunningham after being left at the orphanage as a baby, has grown up in a lively, loving household. Joel, a celebrated portrait artist, is invited along with his family by the Earl of Stratton to Ravenswood to paint his mother’s portrait. Grace and her parents are also invited—per Nicholas’s request. Over the two weeks leading up to the Ravenswood summer fête, Nicholas and Winifred spend increasing time together. As he gets to know her, Nicholas begins to see her quiet beauty, warmth, and honesty, and he finds himself unexpectedly envious of Owen.
Winnie, meanwhile, is startled by her immediate attraction to Nicholas. Their first conversation goes poorly—she impulsively equates soldiering with murder, leaving her mortified. She tries to make amends by promising him a dance at her ball, but the evening only reinforces the impossibility of anything between them. Nicholas is courting Grace, and Winnie reminds herself she wants Owen. Yet when her family is invited to Ravenswood for the fête, she realizes her feelings for Nicholas run deeper than she imagined.
Nicholas, convinced he should propose to Grace, arranges for her family to attend the fête so he can make his intentions known. But the more time he spends with Winnie, the more he questions his plans. She is too young for him and not conventionally beautiful—and she seems to dislike him. None of it explains why he can’t shake the sense that choosing Grace would be a mistake.
Winnie, twenty‑one and content with her place in her adoptive family, has never believed marriage essential to happiness. Her friendship with Owen has made her wonder if it could be, but she isn’t certain she loves him. Nicholas, with his noble background and military career, seems entirely out of reach. Still, the spark between them is undeniable, and every encounter at Ravenswood deepens their connection despite their best efforts to ignore it.
The romance unfolds slowly, shaped by two intertwined love triangles and the expectations pressing on both characters. Nicholas feels honor‑bound to Grace; Winnie believes she should marry Owen. Yet fate keeps pushing them together.
The story includes a few kisses and a single mention of the wedding night, which takes place behind closed doors. As with other books in both series, the large cast of secondary characters can feel overwhelming, and the extended descriptions of the summer fête—children’s races, music, maypole dancing, and the grand ball—are far more detailed than necessary. I would have preferred fewer festival activities and significantly fewer characters in order to focus more on the central romance.
Ultimately, this was probably my least favorite book in the series. It felt as though very little happened until nearly three-quarters of the way through, and I found myself repeatedly setting it aside in search of something more engaging. Honestly, if this had been written by almost any other author, I likely wouldn’t have finished it. I did appreciate the happy ending, but given how much I loved the earlier books in both series, this may be where I stop.
Read all my reviews: https://stacyalesi.com/
They meet properly at Winifred’s come‑out ball. Nicholas enjoys dancing and talking with her and immediately understands why Owen is so fond of her. At thirty‑four, Nicholas has decided it’s time to marry and believes Grace Haviland, the beautiful and impeccably mannered daughter of his commanding officer, would make a suitable wife. Yet Grace is still grieving the loss of two former suitors, and Nicholas is unsure of her true feelings.
Winifred “Winnie” Cunningham, adopted by Camille and Joel Cunningham after being left at the orphanage as a baby, has grown up in a lively, loving household. Joel, a celebrated portrait artist, is invited along with his family by the Earl of Stratton to Ravenswood to paint his mother’s portrait. Grace and her parents are also invited—per Nicholas’s request. Over the two weeks leading up to the Ravenswood summer fête, Nicholas and Winifred spend increasing time together. As he gets to know her, Nicholas begins to see her quiet beauty, warmth, and honesty, and he finds himself unexpectedly envious of Owen.
Winnie, meanwhile, is startled by her immediate attraction to Nicholas. Their first conversation goes poorly—she impulsively equates soldiering with murder, leaving her mortified. She tries to make amends by promising him a dance at her ball, but the evening only reinforces the impossibility of anything between them. Nicholas is courting Grace, and Winnie reminds herself she wants Owen. Yet when her family is invited to Ravenswood for the fête, she realizes her feelings for Nicholas run deeper than she imagined.
Nicholas, convinced he should propose to Grace, arranges for her family to attend the fête so he can make his intentions known. But the more time he spends with Winnie, the more he questions his plans. She is too young for him and not conventionally beautiful—and she seems to dislike him. None of it explains why he can’t shake the sense that choosing Grace would be a mistake.
Winnie, twenty‑one and content with her place in her adoptive family, has never believed marriage essential to happiness. Her friendship with Owen has made her wonder if it could be, but she isn’t certain she loves him. Nicholas, with his noble background and military career, seems entirely out of reach. Still, the spark between them is undeniable, and every encounter at Ravenswood deepens their connection despite their best efforts to ignore it.
The romance unfolds slowly, shaped by two intertwined love triangles and the expectations pressing on both characters. Nicholas feels honor‑bound to Grace; Winnie believes she should marry Owen. Yet fate keeps pushing them together.
The story includes a few kisses and a single mention of the wedding night, which takes place behind closed doors. As with other books in both series, the large cast of secondary characters can feel overwhelming, and the extended descriptions of the summer fête—children’s races, music, maypole dancing, and the grand ball—are far more detailed than necessary. I would have preferred fewer festival activities and significantly fewer characters in order to focus more on the central romance.
Ultimately, this was probably my least favorite book in the series. It felt as though very little happened until nearly three-quarters of the way through, and I found myself repeatedly setting it aside in search of something more engaging. Honestly, if this had been written by almost any other author, I likely wouldn’t have finished it. I did appreciate the happy ending, but given how much I loved the earlier books in both series, this may be where I stop.
Read all my reviews: https://stacyalesi.com/
February 24, 2026
Realme Neo8 màu hồng có hợp mệnh Hỏa không? Giải đáp chi tiết theo phong thủy
Khi chọn mua smartphone, ngoài cấu hình và giá bán, yếu tố màu sắc hợp phong thủy ngày càng được nhiều người quan tâm. Một trong những câu hỏi phổ biến hiện nay là: Realme Neo8 màu hồng có hợp mệnh Hỏa không? Bài viết dưới đây sẽ giúp bạn hiểu rõ và đưa ra lựa chọn phù hợp nhất.
Mệnh Hỏa hợp màu gì theo ngũ hành?
Theo phong thủy ngũ hành, mệnh Hỏa tượng trưng cho năng lượng, sự nhiệt huyết và sáng tạo. Những gam màu phù hợp với mệnh Hỏa bao gồm:
Màu bản mệnh: Đỏ, hồng, tím
Màu tương sinh (Mộc sinh Hỏa): Xanh lá
Màu nên hạn chế: Đen, xanh đậm (thuộc hành Thủy – khắc Hỏa)
Trong đó, màu hồng được xem là một trong những màu sắc mang năng lượng tích cực, giúp người mệnh Hỏa tăng sự may mắn và cảm giác thoải mái khi sử dụng lâu dài.
Mệnh Hỏa hợp màu gì theo ngũ hành?
Realme Neo8 có màu hồng không?
Trên thực tế, Realme Neo8 không có phiên bản màu hồng chính hãng. Nếu bạn đang thắc mắc Realme Neo8 giá bao nhiêu thì mức giá sẽ tùy thuộc vào từng phiên bản bộ nhớ và thời điểm mở bán. Sản phẩm hiện được phân phối với 3 màu chính gồm:
Tím – gam màu thời thượng, trẻ trung
Trắng – tinh tế, dễ phối phụ kiện
Đen – sang trọng, mạnh mẽ
Màu sắc Realme Neo8
Vậy trong trường hợp này, câu trả lời cho “Realme Neo8 màu hồng có hợp mệnh Hỏa không?” sẽ được mở rộng theo hướng lựa chọn thay thế thông minh hơn.
Gợi ý cho người mệnh Hỏa yêu thích màu hồng
Nếu bạn là người mệnh Hỏa và yêu thích sắc hồng, vẫn có cách để dung hòa phong thủy và thẩm mỹ:
Chọn ốp điện thoại màu hồng
Sử dụng ốp lưng màu hồng cho Realme Neo8 giúp:
Giữ được yếu tố phong thủy hợp mệnh Hỏa
Tạo điểm nhấn cá tính, trẻ trung
Dễ dàng thay đổi phong cách theo sở thích
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ốp điện thoại Realme Neo 8 màu hồng
Ưu tiên phiên bản màu Tím
Trong 3 màu của Realme Neo8, màu Tím là lựa chọn gần nhất với tông hồng, vừa hợp mệnh Hỏa vừa mang lại vẻ ngoài nổi bật.
Kết luận: Có nên chọn Realme Neo8 cho người mệnh Hỏa?
Dù Realme Neo8 không có màu hồng, nhưng với các phương án linh hoạt như dùng ốp hồng hoặc chọn máy màu Tím, bạn hoàn toàn có thể yên tâm về yếu tố phong thủy. Quan trọng hơn, điện thoại Realme Neo8 vẫn là lựa chọn đáng mua nhờ hiệu năng ổn định, thiết kế hiện đại và mức giá dễ tiếp cận cho nhiều đối tượng người dùng.
Khi chọn mua smartphone, ngoài cấu hình và giá bán, yếu tố màu sắc hợp phong thủy ngày càng được nhiều người quan tâm. Một trong những câu hỏi phổ biến hiện nay là: Realme Neo8 màu hồng có hợp mệnh Hỏa không? Bài viết dưới đây sẽ giúp bạn hiểu rõ và đưa ra lựa chọn phù hợp nhất.
Mệnh Hỏa hợp màu gì theo ngũ hành?
Theo phong thủy ngũ hành, mệnh Hỏa tượng trưng cho năng lượng, sự nhiệt huyết và sáng tạo. Những gam màu phù hợp với mệnh Hỏa bao gồm:
Màu bản mệnh: Đỏ, hồng, tím
Màu tương sinh (Mộc sinh Hỏa): Xanh lá
Màu nên hạn chế: Đen, xanh đậm (thuộc hành Thủy – khắc Hỏa)
Trong đó, màu hồng được xem là một trong những màu sắc mang năng lượng tích cực, giúp người mệnh Hỏa tăng sự may mắn và cảm giác thoải mái khi sử dụng lâu dài.
Mệnh Hỏa hợp màu gì theo ngũ hành?
Realme Neo8 có màu hồng không?
Trên thực tế, Realme Neo8 không có phiên bản màu hồng chính hãng. Nếu bạn đang thắc mắc Realme Neo8 giá bao nhiêu thì mức giá sẽ tùy thuộc vào từng phiên bản bộ nhớ và thời điểm mở bán. Sản phẩm hiện được phân phối với 3 màu chính gồm:
Tím – gam màu thời thượng, trẻ trung
Trắng – tinh tế, dễ phối phụ kiện
Đen – sang trọng, mạnh mẽ
Màu sắc Realme Neo8
Vậy trong trường hợp này, câu trả lời cho “Realme Neo8 màu hồng có hợp mệnh Hỏa không?” sẽ được mở rộng theo hướng lựa chọn thay thế thông minh hơn.
Gợi ý cho người mệnh Hỏa yêu thích màu hồng
Nếu bạn là người mệnh Hỏa và yêu thích sắc hồng, vẫn có cách để dung hòa phong thủy và thẩm mỹ:
Chọn ốp điện thoại màu hồng
Sử dụng ốp lưng màu hồng cho Realme Neo8 giúp:
Giữ được yếu tố phong thủy hợp mệnh Hỏa
Tạo điểm nhấn cá tính, trẻ trung
Dễ dàng thay đổi phong cách theo sở thích
[image error]
ốp điện thoại Realme Neo 8 màu hồng
Ưu tiên phiên bản màu Tím
Trong 3 màu của Realme Neo8, màu Tím là lựa chọn gần nhất với tông hồng, vừa hợp mệnh Hỏa vừa mang lại vẻ ngoài nổi bật.
Kết luận: Có nên chọn Realme Neo8 cho người mệnh Hỏa?
Dù Realme Neo8 không có màu hồng, nhưng với các phương án linh hoạt như dùng ốp hồng hoặc chọn máy màu Tím, bạn hoàn toàn có thể yên tâm về yếu tố phong thủy. Quan trọng hơn, điện thoại Realme Neo8 vẫn là lựa chọn đáng mua nhờ hiệu năng ổn định, thiết kế hiện đại và mức giá dễ tiếp cận cho nhiều đối tượng người dùng.
January 10, 2026
3.5 to 4 stars. A pleasant if not particularly outstanding addition to the Ravenswood series, but it's also a crossover with the Westcott series. The MMC, Nicholas, is a younger son of the late, infamous Earl of Stratton (from the Ravenswood series). The FMC, Winifred, is an adopted daughter of Camille from the Westcott series, now happily married to artist Joel. (The main couple from Someone to Hold). I thought the Westcott series was finished, but I guess this is kinda a next-gen addition. There are nice revisits with Joel and Camille and their assortment of children, too. It could be read as a standalone though, I guess.
This is a slow-burn romance between two very different personalities. Nicholas is a 34-year-old cavalry colonel. He fought during the Peninsular War and at Waterloo, but now works in a London-based military role. Win first sees him in full dress uniform on his enormous black horse at the grand Trooping of the Colour parade. They soon meet face-to-face, and before too long end up staying at the same summer house party.
Unlike Nicholas with his noble background, 21-year-old Win is a 'nobody'. Abandoned as a baby, she will never know who her biological family was, but she has made a happy life with her adoptive parents. No beauty, she accepts herself for who she is. Outspoken, unpretentious, a 'straight-shooter', she lives life fully and happily.
The plot line is a triangle, or perhaps two triangles, or even a rectangle! Nicholas wishes to marry, and after giving up on finding love, has found a suitable bride, Grace. His new attraction to Win is put aside, as he feels honour bound - everyone expects him to offer for Grace.
Win has formed a friendship with Owen, Nicholas' younger brother. They like each other a lot. She's not sure whether she's in love, but she hopes Owen will propose.
As a reader, I don't usually like this kind of setup. Too much potential for confusion and angst. But luckily, Balogh handles the plotting well, and the relationships are untangled without too much drama. Win and Nicholas' romance is convincing enough, but it's definitely a slow-burn though, and, unusually for Balogh, it's also pretty much a clean read. A few kisses, and one mild, non-descriptive/non-explicit sex scene on the wedding night.
As with other books in this and the Westcott series, there are at times just way too many secondary/minor characters floating around. Balogh does acknowledge this somewhat by giving a list of characters for reference. Personally I'd prefer that a few of these characters just dropped out. They don't need to pop up in every book.
There's also a bit too much description of all the fun to be had at the summer festival. Too much detail for me - I'd prefer a bit more development of the romance and storyline rather than read about all of the fun events and who participated in each one.
But still, it was overall an enjoyable read, with interesting characters and a plot that wasn't just the usual cliche. The romance was low-key but sweet. Not my fav Balogh book, but still worth the read.
This is a slow-burn romance between two very different personalities. Nicholas is a 34-year-old cavalry colonel. He fought during the Peninsular War and at Waterloo, but now works in a London-based military role. Win first sees him in full dress uniform on his enormous black horse at the grand Trooping of the Colour parade. They soon meet face-to-face, and before too long end up staying at the same summer house party.
Unlike Nicholas with his noble background, 21-year-old Win is a 'nobody'. Abandoned as a baby, she will never know who her biological family was, but she has made a happy life with her adoptive parents. No beauty, she accepts herself for who she is. Outspoken, unpretentious, a 'straight-shooter', she lives life fully and happily.
The plot line is a triangle, or perhaps two triangles, or even a rectangle! Nicholas wishes to marry, and after giving up on finding love, has found a suitable bride, Grace. His new attraction to Win is put aside, as he feels honour bound - everyone expects him to offer for Grace.
Win has formed a friendship with Owen, Nicholas' younger brother. They like each other a lot. She's not sure whether she's in love, but she hopes Owen will propose.
As a reader, I don't usually like this kind of setup. Too much potential for confusion and angst. But luckily, Balogh handles the plotting well, and the relationships are untangled without too much drama. Win and Nicholas' romance is convincing enough, but it's definitely a slow-burn though, and, unusually for Balogh, it's also pretty much a clean read. A few kisses, and one mild, non-descriptive/non-explicit sex scene on the wedding night.
As with other books in this and the Westcott series, there are at times just way too many secondary/minor characters floating around. Balogh does acknowledge this somewhat by giving a list of characters for reference. Personally I'd prefer that a few of these characters just dropped out. They don't need to pop up in every book.
There's also a bit too much description of all the fun to be had at the summer festival. Too much detail for me - I'd prefer a bit more development of the romance and storyline rather than read about all of the fun events and who participated in each one.
But still, it was overall an enjoyable read, with interesting characters and a plot that wasn't just the usual cliche. The romance was low-key but sweet. Not my fav Balogh book, but still worth the read.
January 18, 2026
“What is it that ties you to the earth?” he asked her.
A strange question. He spoke softly, and for a few unguarded moments she allowed tears to trickle down her cheeks while she hugged her legs more tightly.
“I have no wings,” she said.
This for me is a snippet of how profound Mary Balogh went with this book as is the custom with her. The reader find himself Remember that day too which can be more than one 😉.
I have loved all the conversations that felt as real as the characters she people the book with, per usual, again. I was expecting a dashing, even arrogant hero, knowing that Nicholas from the onset took much after his father. But I have to say that his personality and Winnifred’s made for a great story nonetheless. And of course there is a reason for that that readers of previous books might suspect. I have only praise to give to Winnifred’s character. She is very credible, in the sense that she is a bit of everyone of us, grateful for many things in her life, but hoping for others too 🙂. Also, if you’ve read her before, you know that MB is undaunted to tackle impossible situations as she did in this story, however, I would not have been against a little of « more » splash instead of tame and sorry but amiable resolution … she has done so marvellously well in her earliest publications after all 🙆♀️
Now for the intimacy! I would gently request that Mary Balogh and co expand more in upcoming romances. We need to read about the culmination of the longing, the wait and dare I say the lust that the heroes definitely feel for one another. In fact, I have great expectations for Stephanie and Bertrand (Goodness, what a hanger that was !! ) and I would not keep quiet if there is not at least 3 sex scenes 🫣
And I am sensing a romance between Owen and Grace. Am I wrong? If I am, that would be splendid, she has a lot of potential, much to unravel with her .
And since the Wares of Ravenswood and Boscombe mix so well with the Westcott, should we dare to wish for the Bedwyn’s offspring (at least Wulfric and Christine’s children - pretty please) to make an appearance???🤭
Is Sarah a worthy enough candidate for the heir to the ducal seat of Bewcastle or Netherby. Might I be so bold as to suggest even the seat of Tresham or Ridgeway? Hahaha, MB, you owe us on that last one, we did not have a bare crumb of an epilogue of Adam and Fleur’s story, one of my ALL TIME favourites by yours truly !
Thank you for this gem, very inspiring for would be authors as humble me :)
A strange question. He spoke softly, and for a few unguarded moments she allowed tears to trickle down her cheeks while she hugged her legs more tightly.
“I have no wings,” she said.
This for me is a snippet of how profound Mary Balogh went with this book as is the custom with her. The reader find himself Remember that day too which can be more than one 😉.
I have loved all the conversations that felt as real as the characters she people the book with, per usual, again. I was expecting a dashing, even arrogant hero, knowing that Nicholas from the onset took much after his father. But I have to say that his personality and Winnifred’s made for a great story nonetheless. And of course there is a reason for that that readers of previous books might suspect. I have only praise to give to Winnifred’s character. She is very credible, in the sense that she is a bit of everyone of us, grateful for many things in her life, but hoping for others too 🙂. Also, if you’ve read her before, you know that MB is undaunted to tackle impossible situations as she did in this story, however, I would not have been against a little of « more » splash instead of tame and sorry but amiable resolution … she has done so marvellously well in her earliest publications after all 🙆♀️
Now for the intimacy! I would gently request that Mary Balogh and co expand more in upcoming romances. We need to read about the culmination of the longing, the wait and dare I say the lust that the heroes definitely feel for one another. In fact, I have great expectations for Stephanie and Bertrand (Goodness, what a hanger that was !! ) and I would not keep quiet if there is not at least 3 sex scenes 🫣
And I am sensing a romance between Owen and Grace. Am I wrong? If I am, that would be splendid, she has a lot of potential, much to unravel with her .
And since the Wares of Ravenswood and Boscombe mix so well with the Westcott, should we dare to wish for the Bedwyn’s offspring (at least Wulfric and Christine’s children - pretty please) to make an appearance???🤭
Is Sarah a worthy enough candidate for the heir to the ducal seat of Bewcastle or Netherby. Might I be so bold as to suggest even the seat of Tresham or Ridgeway? Hahaha, MB, you owe us on that last one, we did not have a bare crumb of an epilogue of Adam and Fleur’s story, one of my ALL TIME favourites by yours truly !
Thank you for this gem, very inspiring for would be authors as humble me :)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 25, 2026
The problem with writing a love-quadrangle story is that it doesn't actually give the main characters much, if any, time to actually develop their romance. Winnifred and Nicholas are fine enough characters--though they both lean a bit one-dimensional--but they spend barely any time at all together. Two supper dances, a couple conversations in a garden, and one afternoon's riding lesson, plus a few assorted moments in groups that are so unimportant as to only be briefly mentioned in passing, if I'm remembering right. They spend far more time obsessively thinking about each other than actually conversing.
I'm sorry, but that is not a good enough basis for a romance. Even by the standards of Regency romance, where a single man and single woman being alone together simply isn't done, it's just not enough to go on. Which Balogh knows, based on her previous writing. Elizabeth and Colin in Someone to Trust are each pursuing other people as well, but Balogh still finds ways to make the majority of the book focus on their connection with each other. The only real drawback there is the subplot with Colin's creepy af mother.
In all honesty, there were parts of this that made me wonder if Balogh had either been replaced by or leaned heavily on AI. There were the Balogh hallmarks of emphasising family, forgiving shitty family members who never admitted they did anything wrong (one of my key points of contention with her), and sticking to a tone more in line with Jane Austen than virtually any other modern Regency writer, but also a fair bit that felt off. The level of repetition, in particular, was excessive even in comparison to Balogh's usual style, and there were none of the conversations that tend to characterise her work. Add to that a slight tone shift to feel more in line with Christian romance than Regency, and I just can't help but be a bit suspicious.
And, look, Balogh is nearly 82 years old. I would not be surprised if she was not up to writing at the pace she has previously set, or the pace that the modern romance world expects. The last full-length book that truly felt like Balogh at her best was probably the above-mentioned Someone to Trust, nearly a decade ago. That said, the later books up until about the beginning of this series did at least still feel like Balogh had written them, or at least had a firm hand in their editing to match her vision. The Ravenswood series as a whole, and this book in particular, don't quite meet that standard.
I'm sorry, but that is not a good enough basis for a romance. Even by the standards of Regency romance, where a single man and single woman being alone together simply isn't done, it's just not enough to go on. Which Balogh knows, based on her previous writing. Elizabeth and Colin in Someone to Trust are each pursuing other people as well, but Balogh still finds ways to make the majority of the book focus on their connection with each other. The only real drawback there is the subplot with Colin's creepy af mother.
In all honesty, there were parts of this that made me wonder if Balogh had either been replaced by or leaned heavily on AI. There were the Balogh hallmarks of emphasising family, forgiving shitty family members who never admitted they did anything wrong (one of my key points of contention with her), and sticking to a tone more in line with Jane Austen than virtually any other modern Regency writer, but also a fair bit that felt off. The level of repetition, in particular, was excessive even in comparison to Balogh's usual style, and there were none of the conversations that tend to characterise her work. Add to that a slight tone shift to feel more in line with Christian romance than Regency, and I just can't help but be a bit suspicious.
And, look, Balogh is nearly 82 years old. I would not be surprised if she was not up to writing at the pace she has previously set, or the pace that the modern romance world expects. The last full-length book that truly felt like Balogh at her best was probably the above-mentioned Someone to Trust, nearly a decade ago. That said, the later books up until about the beginning of this series did at least still feel like Balogh had written them, or at least had a firm hand in their editing to match her vision. The Ravenswood series as a whole, and this book in particular, don't quite meet that standard.
February 23, 2026
Nicholas Ware and Winifred Cunningham were on the verge of getting engaged to different people.
Obviously, spoiler alert. If you call that spoiler at all.
Grace Haviland, and family, and Joel Cunningham, and family, were invited to the Earl of Stratton's home. Grace Haviland, because of Nicholas. Joel Cunningham, because he was to paint portrait of Nicholas' mother. Joel's family, because of Owen Ware. Then they went on and on, full of angst, about how they felt or did not feel for over 200 pages, followed by another 80 or so pages before they finally got it all figured out. The book, however, kept going on for more than 60 more pages before it went "The End."
In summary, there is basically no substance to this book, all 350 pages or so of it. Even Winifred's and Nicholas' emotional baggage was just swept under the rug at the end. Their personalities are pretty much bland. Nicholas was supposed to be charming, but I didn't notice the charms. What I noticed is that he seemed to like children and he paid attention when he was introduced to people. It did kind of bother me how fast he pivoted from Grace to Winifred, while still acting like he should stay with Grace. I guess he was lucky that Grace was a nice person. I really thought that it would at least cause some friction. But yes, there was no real friction, either.
I think we got to the point that we should've moved on to a series with different set of people. With the combination of the Ravenswood and the Wescott, we got so many characters and relationships that the book required a glossary and a couple of diagrams to describe them. Honestly, every time someone's mother was mentioned, it took me a while to figure out which mother the author was referring to: Matthew's wife (Nicholas' mother), Joel's wife (Winifred's mother), or the Marchioness (Winifred's mother's mother). Then there was the Countess, which took me a while to think that it was Gwyneth, not Matthew's wife (Dowager Countess), nor Joel's mother-in-law (was Countess).
A couple of notes:
1) I remember that the sex in Balogh's novels seemed to be a lot more explicit. This time it was mostly just "they made love". Has Balogh stopped writing anything beyond..."they closed the door...the next day...."?
2) A bit disturbing that the heroine of this story was the granddaughter of a heroine not too long ago
Obviously, spoiler alert. If you call that spoiler at all.
Grace Haviland, and family, and Joel Cunningham, and family, were invited to the Earl of Stratton's home. Grace Haviland, because of Nicholas. Joel Cunningham, because he was to paint portrait of Nicholas' mother. Joel's family, because of Owen Ware. Then they went on and on, full of angst, about how they felt or did not feel for over 200 pages, followed by another 80 or so pages before they finally got it all figured out. The book, however, kept going on for more than 60 more pages before it went "The End."
In summary, there is basically no substance to this book, all 350 pages or so of it. Even Winifred's and Nicholas' emotional baggage was just swept under the rug at the end. Their personalities are pretty much bland. Nicholas was supposed to be charming, but I didn't notice the charms. What I noticed is that he seemed to like children and he paid attention when he was introduced to people. It did kind of bother me how fast he pivoted from Grace to Winifred, while still acting like he should stay with Grace. I guess he was lucky that Grace was a nice person. I really thought that it would at least cause some friction. But yes, there was no real friction, either.
I think we got to the point that we should've moved on to a series with different set of people. With the combination of the Ravenswood and the Wescott, we got so many characters and relationships that the book required a glossary and a couple of diagrams to describe them. Honestly, every time someone's mother was mentioned, it took me a while to figure out which mother the author was referring to: Matthew's wife (Nicholas' mother), Joel's wife (Winifred's mother), or the Marchioness (Winifred's mother's mother). Then there was the Countess, which took me a while to think that it was Gwyneth, not Matthew's wife (Dowager Countess), nor Joel's mother-in-law (was Countess).
A couple of notes:
1) I remember that the sex in Balogh's novels seemed to be a lot more explicit. This time it was mostly just "they made love". Has Balogh stopped writing anything beyond..."they closed the door...the next day...."?
2) A bit disturbing that the heroine of this story was the granddaughter of a heroine not too long ago
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