I consider myself a Mary Balogh fan. No, I don't love everything she writes, but almost every book has something that brings me back to it again and again. Her characters are always well-written, unique, and described in detail. I have never known her characters to be mysteries. The readers always know why someone in her books act the way they do.
Ms. Balogh continues this in her latest story, The Proposal. Hugo and Gwen are marvelous main characters who have traumatic histories. They meet and fall in love but are unsure if they would truly suit in the long-term. Most of the story is about their journey to happiness. I really loved the premise of this story. Because the characters are older, they really do want to look before leaping into a lifetime of potential unhappiness. I think more people, real and make believe, should make this journey.
So why the three stars? Well, I think I am guilty of comparing this story to all her others so it may be harsh, but right now it is how I feel. So, the problems I had are the following:
- Hugo really needed to stop telling Gwen that he wants a wife so that he can have sex all the time without paying for it. He needs to stop thinking it too.
- I was really getting tired of Hugo's endless conflicts...his step-mother who ran him into the army, the soldier who spit at him all the time, the nasty viscount who also happened to be the bane of Gwen's existence. Also, we never really find out what happened to that dirty dish.
- I had suspected since first meeting Gwen all those books ago that her marriage wasn't as rosy as she pretended, but I am still confused as to why she hid it from her family.
- I think it was clear from the beginning these two were kindred souls, I just wish Hugo hadn't strung her along for as long as he did. I mean, I am glad he was honest with her about his concerns, but sometimes it really sounded almost like a game to him.
There are some great things in this book too:
- The members of the Survivors club are great. I am looking forward to the next stories.
- The families were nice, and supportive. I like to read about nice people.
- The writing was terrific, especially the dialogue.
So, I would recommend this book. It is good:)
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