So seven books in I have finally finished the Survivors’ Club series by Mary Balogh. As the final book was just published last week it appears I timed this out quite well in the reading of these over the past few months. The series, as a whole, has had some ups and downs, but overall it’s definitely a winner (especially if you’re in the mood for more conversation as romance and less saucy times).
Our final book is the story of George, Duke of Stanbrook and a widower, and Dora, spinster older sister of Agnes (Only Enchanting’s heroine). These two met in Agnes’ story, but this is a year later now. George, having a troubled past: his only son died in the wars, wife committed suicide as a result, he opened his home to wounded young men and one woman to heal. He is all loving kindness now, and very carefully hides his past. Dora gave up her chance to be married in order to care for her little sister, Agnes, after their mother ran away from their father’s disparaging remarks. Dora has made a life for herself as a spinster music teacher. George decides after all of his fellow Survivors’ are married that he is lonely and in need of a wife. He goes to find Dora, and the story unfolds from there.
What I loved about this one was the ages. It’s not often you get a historical romance between a 39 year old woman and a 48 year old man. They were adults in every way, they had both lived full lives before meeting and knew exactly who they were. They were, therefore, an incredibly respectful relationship. There were no petty jealousies or purposely misconstruing statements. So refreshing. The dark traumas of their pasts felt real, but also resolvable. Overall it was a wonderful love story.
My only complaints, while minor, are the repetitive writing and the climax. At the start of most books in a series the author needs to lay out the previous groundwork in case one hasn’t read earlier books. In this one she repeats almost word for word the layout in the first two chapters. She also then repeats it more throughout the book. It turns all of the previous heroes and heroines into flat, two dimensional people with only one or two defining characteristics. That resulted in a lot of skimming for me. Also, at the climax of the story Dora behaves what felt out of character in some ways to me. I think Ms. Balogh was trying justify Dora’s actions because of her naivete and lack of some life experience, but overall it felt a little off for such a grounded, sensible character.
To wrap up a wonderful series Ms. Balogh does an admirable job. There’s very little tension in this one, but it’s okay. It’s two adults deciding to build a life together after building separate lives apart. I definitely recommend reading the series in order, and while I liked more than others, I think there’s a little something for everyone in these. Also this last one has bonus Flavian! Always a delight when a previous favorite reappears.
I also just finished Only Beloved and agree with your review. I enjoyed it, but it was a bit repetitive. I think I wasn’t quite as enchanted with Flavian because I read Flavian and Ralph’s stories back to back and there was so much similarity. Great review.
I get tired of it when Balogh has to reintroduce everyone in every novel. I get it, but she writes huge series and the reincorporation can be repetitive.
I did really like this sweet romance about lovely, sensible people falling in love. George is the nicest man. No one beats Flavian though. He’s one of my all-time favourites.