Someone to Wed (The Westcotts #3) by Mary Balogh
Non-Austen Reads for Austen Readers is something I started a while back for fans of Jane Austen who after reading all her works are looking for something new to read.
There are numerous variations of Jane Austen’s works, but while those adaptations are fun, sometimes you don’t always want to read the same story. Sometimes you want Austen-like works, but not exactly the same as Austen’s works. But what can you read instead?
That’s why I started this series. I will be reviewing books that have components of what we love about the Austen novels, but are not just another retelling, but their own unique story.
I was gifted book four, Someone to Care, in the Westcott series years ago and always meant to read the rest of the series but just hadn’t gotten around to it. When I spotted book one available on the Libby app I decided to give it a try and found it to be something I would recommend to Jane Austen fans.
This is a regency historical fiction romance that does have some spicy scenes. It’s very mild so if spice isn’t for you, you can easily skip those pages and move on to the rest of the book without losing too much of the plot, or if you are a fan of a spice in your romances this will easily satisfy you.
In the first book it turns out that the late Earl of Riverdale, the Westcott patriarch, never divorced his first wife making his marriage to Lady Viola and their three children by her completely illegitimate. Not only that, but his daughter, Ana, from his first marriage, which he deposited in an orphanage, inherited everything. His daughter, Ana, comes into society and has a lot to learn along with trying to bond with her newly discovered family.
Book two, Someone to Hold, is from the point of view of the second eldest Westcott, Camille, who has been rendered illegitimate, has lost her fiancé, been sent from her home to her grandmother’s in Bath, and has just been hired to be a teacher in the very same orphanage that Ana grew up. I didn’t care for that book and decided not to include it.
This brings us to book three, Someome to Wed. When the Westcott children were determined to be illegitimate, the heir Harry lost the title of Earl and it was instead transferred to their cousin Alexander.
Unlike Pride and Prejudice, Alexander is described as a Prince Charming lookalike. Alexander did not want to become the Earl as he finally managed to get his home and property in order as when his father died he inherited a ton of debts and problems. Now saddled with even more tenants and property ignored by the former Earl, he is uncertain on how he will deal with them.
Wren Hayden is in her thirties and tired of living alone; having lost her aunt and uncle who were her adopted parents. Being the very, very wealthy heiress of a glassware company she is determined to find a husband and have children. The only problems, she never leaves her home. Born with a large birthmark on her face and told by her mother she was hideous, a mother who also locked her away in a room; she believes herself to be a monster on the level of The Phantom of the Opera.
Her uncle and aunt tried to convince her otherwise but Wren never lets any but those two see her face and wears a veil or veiled hat whenever she goes out.
But money can buy lots of things and she goes shopping for a man who needs money and would agree to a marriage of convenience.
When Wren propositions Alexander she has no idea what she is getting herself into. Alexander isn’t just a man to just take any wealthy woman; after working so hard to get himself out of debt and take care of his tenants; he’s been hoping to marry someone that he cares, respects, and loves. At first he is disgusted by the way Wren treats him, making him feel ashamed for his lack of money to fix the Earl’s debts; but when he gets to know her more and realizes this image she has of herself, that she has built a wall around herself, something reaches into his heart and he wants to help her, see if they suit each other, and possibly marry her.
Wren knew the moment she saw this handsome fairytale prince of a man she never should have continued her plan. How could someone who looks like him want her? But after they spend time together she starts falling for him and realizes that she can’t have him on the terms she had proposed. He deserves to be married to someone he loves. She releases him from the agreement and is determined to never see him again.
However, Alexander’s invitation to come to London for the season has made her curious l to go see the different things she has read about. The two run into each other and once Alexander has her back in his life he will not let her go, dterkined ones to marry her and help her see herself for who she truly is.
A cute story that I really enjoyed and anyone who has ever had body image issues will be able to relate to Wren.
So why would I recommend it to Jane Austen fans? First of all the character of Wren is capable, determined, and stubborn; reminding me of Emma. Like Emma, Wren has been in charge of her home (and the family business) and it has given her a sense to fully charge ahead and causes her to not easily listen to others when she believes she is right.
Alex is her perfect match being her Mr. Knightley trying to help Wren see the truth of who she is, not the lies her mother told; and helps her become a full person instead of the half type recluse she has become.
A terrible parent who makes things difficult for their children is something that these characters also have in common with the Austen characters. None of the Austen characters had a mother as terrifying as Wren’s mother; but Mr. Dashwood, Mr. Bennet, and Sir Walter Elliot are similar to the type of parent that Alexander grew up with. Like the Dashwood sisters, Bennet sisters, and Elliot sisters; Alexander has had to deal with his father’s poor planning.
Alexander also reminds me of Mr. Darcy as he loves his sister and would do anything to keep her safe; having sheltered her when her late husband was abusing her. He also puts his tenants first, sacrificing his plans and trying to make sure they are taken care of and self-sufficient.
Definitely worth a read for Austen fans.
For more by Mary Balogh, go to Someone to Love
For more Non-Austen reads for Austen Readers, go to Land of My Heart
For more historical fiction, go to Dangerous to Know (Lady Emily Ashton Mystery #5)
For more books set in the Regency Era, go to Sense and Second-Degree Murder
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