Someone to Cherish

Wescott, Book 8

By: Mary Balogh

Narrated by: Rosalyn Landor

Length: 11 hrs and 38 mins

Publisher's Summary

Is love worth the loss of one's freedom and independence? This is what Mrs. Tavernor must decide in the new novel in the Westcott series from New York Times best-selling author Mary Balogh. 

When Harry Westcott lost the title earl of Riverdale after the discovery of his father's bigamy, he shipped off to fight in the Napoleonic Wars, where he was near-fatally wounded. After a harrowing recovery, the once cheery, lighthearted boy has become a reclusive, somber man. Though Harry insists he enjoys the solitude, he does wonder sometimes if he is lonely. 

Lydia Tavernor, recently widowed, dreams of taking a lover. Her marriage to Reverend Isaiah Tavernor was one of service and obedience, and she has secretly enjoyed her freedom since his death. She doesn't want to shackle herself to another man in marriage, but sometimes, she wonders if she is lonely. 

Both are unwilling to face the truth until they find themselves alone together one night, and Lydia surprises even herself with a simple question: "Are you ever lonely?" Harry's answer leads them down a path neither could ever have imagined....

©2021 Mary Balogh (P)2021 Recorded Books

A let down.

We waited for so long for Harry to have his story, but this was a let down. The characters and the story were not well developed. It almost seems like someone else wrote it. The writing was too repetitive, almost like a student was writing a report about the Wescott saga and summarizing it in this book. There did not seem to be a lot of chemistry developed between these two characters either. I wished for something more substantial. The dog, Snowball, was a well developed character though and I fell in love with her. Rosalyn Landor is always an amazing performer, but I even felt her dosing off in this one. Try again Mrs. Balogh.

it just drags on and on

the story just kept dragging on and on and on. I had to force myself to finish listening to the book.

nothing happens

I listened through the end primarily because of Ms. Landor's flawless narration. The story was extremely disappointing. hardly any plot! chapters after chapter of repetitive dialog. I used to enjoy Mary balogh's books, but lately it seems that she just fills up pages with fluffy dialogs. This is my last book from this author.

Painfully Boring

This book was unbelievably boring and evidently written for someone that has reading comprehension difficulties. I was going to return it immediately but kept hoping it would get more interesting. Don’t waste your money or time.

BEST story yet in the series!

I love this entire series and this was the best so far! I only listen to books narrated by Rosalyn Landor as well. She is the best narrator and truly understands each character. Thank you Mrs. Balogh for allowing Mrs. Landor to narrate. This book visited the entire family and reminded us of each previous romance. I wish the Bedwyns could meet the Wescotts!!

Well written, but unsatisfying.

Her character development as always was rich, and the small details help to bring the story alive. I was however very disappointed in the ending. I waited for over 11 hours for Lydia to finally find the satisfaction she was denied only to have it alluded to and skipped over. Like eating my meat and potatoes and being denied dessert.

Long wait for a pleasant HEA for Harry!

Seems we waited a long time for Harry Westcott's story but I'm happy to see him get a pleasant HEA. Harry was stripped of the title Earl of Riverdale when it was uncovered that his father had committed bigamy when he married Harry's mother for her money. He also had another child from his first marriage who became his only legitimate daughter. This was the cause of Harry and his mother and sisters being named as illegitimate in the eyes of the law and this left them destitute. Harry went off to join the war and survived a near-fatal wound. He became somewhat reclusive and lonely. Lydia Tavemor is a widow who had been married over five years to a somewhat zealous clergyman. Because of his strong beliefs, she is considered a "helpmate" and not a wife. During all these years together they never had sex and this leaves Lydia a virgin when she meets Harry. She approaches Harry and asks him to be her lover with no strings attached. She thinks this is the way to keep her freedom to live on her own and lose her virginity. She does not want to marry again and have a man make all her decisions. At first, Harry is offended by her offer, then he changes his mind. He had never really noticed Lydia because she was so quiet and keep herself in the background. Once he really looks at her, he sees she is very attractive and he becomes interested in having an affair. He finds that she is a virgin after they sleep together the first time and finds it hard to believe. They come together in a nicely paced story with just a small amount of angst. Lydia turns out to be perfect for our Harry and you come away knowing they fit the Westcott family to the tee!

Ms. Balogh does a wonderful job with this addition to the series and Rosalyn Landor is perfect!

I love Mary Balogh but.....

This book had no plot, and the characters were boring. I finished it but it was hard to do so and I'm glad it's over.

very long retelling

i was disappointed and struggled to get through it. it was a constant retelling of previous books. very disappointing since I already listened to them and knew the stories. it wasn't enough to retell a story once, but several times throughout the book. I actually fast forward through several parts and didn't miss a thing. This story could have probably been told in 10 chapters and been much better. Was going to listen to the next one but have now decided against it. Listen only if you have not listened to the previous books. If you haven't listened to previous books, here is the Cliffnotes version plus a new story to go with them.

Everyone needs someone to cherish.

This one is one of my favorites in the series. I love the way it brings all the love stories of the siblings and their mother together. A true love story that brings it all together. I’m truly glad I found this author and Rosalyn Landor brings it every time. She truly brings the book to life.

Again a delight ….

Another charming addition in the Family saga !

Most important to those who aren’t familiar with this author or saga
EACH BOOK IS IN ITSELF COMPLETE and can be listen to individually!! Which I love - as I choose and select by my favourite family members 😃😃😃

A dashing hero, a tedious courtship,with a happy conclusion.

Another story of the endless Westcott family, and though I love Mary Balogh’s books, I deplore Rosalyn Landor’s reading of them. I almost avoided buying this book because it was read by Landor.
She reads all of the books with a plummy, slightly sugary tone, with no emotion, range of voice, depth of emotion, she is too bland.Such a shame when Baloghs books are so well written.

Just the best

I’ve been waiting for ages for this book and like all the others in the series I cried and laughed ! In equal measure such lovely stories and I am sure I will listen ment times to this as I do to all the others . Writer and narrator in perfect harmony. More of the same if you please

Good story

What a lovely culmination to the Westcott stories. Once again a wonderfully read by Rosalyn Landor

easy listening

another great story in the wescott series, thoroughly enjoyed it, cant wait for more 5 stars