BOTM 1 - July 2020 - A Summer To Remember

[Joanna Loves Reading, Bluestocking of HR novels]

Discussion thread for the First BOTM of July 2020. Please remember to use the spoiler tags when necessary! (Please see 'some html is ok' for instructions.)

Happy Reading!


A Summer to Remember by Mary Balogh


Mary Balogh weaves a tantalizing web of wit and seduction in her new novel—an irresistible tale of two unlikely lovers and one unforgettable summer.

Kit Butler is cool, dangerous, one of London’s mostinfamous bachelors—marriage is the last thing on his mind. But Kit’s family has other plans. Desperate to thwart his father’s matchmaking, Kit needs a bride...fast. Enter Miss Lauren Edgeworth.

A year after being abandoned at the altar, Lauren has determined that marriage is not for her. When these two fiercely independent souls meet, sparks fly—and a deal is hatched. Lauren will masquerade as Kit’s intended if he agrees to provide a passionate, adventurous, unforgettable summer. When summer ends, she will break off the engagement, rendering herself unmarriageable and leaving them both free. Everything is going perfectly—until Kit does the unthinkable: He begins to fall in love. A summer to remember is not enough for him. But how can he convince Lauren to be his...for better, for worse, for the rest of their lives?

[Missy]

It was the first BOTM I participated back in June 2018. I don't plan to reread this book yet, so I won't be joining July's First BOTM.

[Jan]

I might join this one when July comes around. I recently reread and loved the whole Bedwyn series, of which this book is a prequel, so the characters will all still be fresh in my mind by July.

[Mariana]

Missy wrote: "It was the first BOTM I participated back in June 2018. I don't plan to reread this book yet, so I won't be joining July's First BOTM."

Yeah, even though it has been two years, I'm not yet ready to reread.

[Amy]

Will definitely join this one :)

[Radd Reader]

If I remember correctly, this is the start to the “slightly/bedwyn” series, but I really can’t remember the connection between this book and that series. However I will say that the Slightly series is still one of my all-time favorites

[Jan]

Radd Reader wrote: "If I remember correctly, this is the start to the “slightly/bedwyn” series, but I really can’t remember the connection between this book and that series. However I will say that the Slightly series..."

This is the back story of when Freyja Bedwyn was 'dumped' by Kit Butler. It's really Kit and Lauren's story, though.

[Radd Reader]

Jan wrote: "This is the back story of when Freyja Bedwyn was 'dumped' by Kit Butler. It's really Kit and Lauren's story, though."

That's right. I did remember that somebody got dumped, but couldn't remember who and what the connection was to the slightly series. Thanks for the reminder 👍

[Patti]

I used to read a ton of Mary Balogh, but I can't say that I remember reading this one, so I'll definitely be joining in.

[Midniteillusion]

Planning to be on time for July's reads. I can't recall if I've ever read Mary Balogh or not before.

[Mariana]

I love Balogh and enjoyed the entire Bedwyn Saga, but the two prequels were my least favorites.

Side note: One of my goodreads friends Andrea gave me a paper book copy of this book and the other prequel. With libraries closed, if anyone needs a copy for the book-of-the-month read, please message me. I would enjoy forwarding the love.

[Lindsay]

I am excited to be back reading HR regularly and to join in on this one after not having done a group read in a long time! I enjoyed Slightly Married when I read it, so I have high hopes for this one.

[Jan]

OK it's the first of July in Australia and I conveniently just finished another book so I'm starting this one today. I've read it before, way back in Jan 2017 according to GR, so I can remember it but not every detail.

I've just finished Chapter 1. I like the way Ms Balogh cleverly introduces her characters and quite a bit of their back stories, yet with a light touch. You don't feel as if it's an 'info dump'.

I like that Kit is not your classic 'tall dark and handsome'. He's described as medium height and slim (and fair-haired), but obviously fit and well-muscled from his active lifestyle. Makes a nice change not to have a tall hero. (view spoiler)[ I like the moment in the park when Lauren is shocked by seeing Kit (for the first time!) with a naked chest, and she thinks he's 'very splendidly and alarmingly male'. Nice.

The scene in Kit's rooms with his drunk friends sets up the story well. Kit wants to find a nice, boring wife, and his friends are happy to make a bet. But as a reader you already know that Lauren is not going to be as boring as Kit and everybody thinks. Yes, she is rather proper and a bit shy, but no doubt that's from her upbringing and inexperience. But she was already secretly kind of thrilled as well as shocked at the sight of Kit in the park. (hide spoiler)]

[Jan]

Chapter 2 quote (view spoiler)[ 'He was not outstandingly handsome. And he was no more than two or three inches taller than she.... Yet there was an aura of confident vitality about him that gave an illusion of extraordinarily attractive good looks.'

Yup, we've all known people like that. I like that he's (physically) a non-traditional/non-cliche hero. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 6(view spoiler)[ The scene at Vauxhall Gardens. I like that Kit was man enough to confess his motives to Lauren, and that he felt genuine regret. He is starting to see her as a real person.

I think Lauren surprised herself when she accepted his offer. We are starting to see how inside, there is a very different woman than the one she appears to be. Yes, she is a genuine 'lady', but she also has a more impulsive side, and we are starting to suspect, a more sensual side too. (hide spoiler)]

I'm part way through Chapter 8 now. The story moves pretty quickly and just carries you along. (view spoiler)[ Kit and Lauren are starting to realise the wider ramifications of their impulsive decision. Kit has clearly hurt Freyja Bedwyn, although to be fair, he didn't know how far the marriage arrangements with her had been taken in his absence. I do feel it was unfair of Kit's father and the Duke of Bedwyn to act so overbearingly. I suppose these kinds of marriage arrangements were pretty common, though. (And I do actually love Wulfric Bedwyn. His book, Slightly Dangerous, is one of my fav HRs ever).

We are getting hints of Kit's back story with his wounded brother Sydnam, and clearly, all is not well. Kit's devil-may-care personality also hides some depths and some scars. (I have read Sydnam's book too, but it was a while ago).

Kit's grandmother seems nice. She seems to be on Kit and Lauren's side, and has craftily schemed to leave them alone together in the rose arbour. That's the point I'm up to now (hide spoiler)]

[Patti]

I read the whole book in one sitting! Lol!

I really enjoyed this. I like how you got to know the main characters slowly throughout the book. In fact, i wasn’t in love with either one at the beginning of the book, but boy did that change by the end. As different as Lauren and Kit seemed on the surface, they were really very similar in that their past hurts caused them to put up walls and create a persona for the outside world, he as a happy go lucky jokester and her as an icy perfect lady. I loved seeing how they broke through each other’s defenses to get to the real human inside.

[Jan]

I agree with your comments, Patti. Balogh is very good at writing characters whose deep inner selves are gradually revealed. It's one of the things I like about her best books. I'm not reading as quickly as you did, but I can see how you could do it at a sitting. It's an involving story. Glad you enjoyed.

I'm part way through Chapter 13 now.

Chapter 9(view spoiler)[ I loved how the swimming lesson helped Lauren start to overcome her inhibitions. Kit encouraged her but didn't force her. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 10(view spoiler)[ Lauren bravely goes with Kit to visit the Bedwyns. Freyja has been hurt and she lashes out at Lauren. She and Lauren are clearly two very different types of person. I like how Lauren is able to stand up for herself and behave with dignity. She puts Freyja in her place very decidedly. I do feel sorry for Freyja though. She loves Kit and can't see what he sees in Lauren. You feel that Wulfric respects Lauren's quiet strength and dignity. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 11(view spoiler)[Kit is really trying his best to challenge Lauren and give her a summer to remember, with some (for her) real adventures. Lauren would never ever have climbed a tree, but she manages it with Kit's help. They have a sensual moment and Lauren allows herself to enjoy it rather than tell Kit off for behaving improperly. She is starting to change. (hide spoiler)]

[Petra]

Can’t wait to start with this one. I’m patiently waiting on my hold from library

[Jultri]

I'm about 20% through. Must say I'm not so sure about Kit at this stage. He is a bit too outrageous in his behaviour, probably deliberately so, but I guess that will be explained later. As for Lauren, I haven't quite got a feel for her yet. It is a bit sad (view spoiler)[ that she could only allow herself to laugh in private, at the memory of his remark about her suitors (hide spoiler)]. Seems to me she needs encouragement to loosen up a bit and he could use some of her self-control. I understand her difficult situation, 26 years old and jilted and trying to find a place where she can fit comfortably and serve a purpose and not be a burden to anyone.

[Patti]

Jan wrote: "I agree with your comments, Patti. Balogh is very good at writing characters whose deep inner selves are gradually revealed. It's one of the things I like about her best books. I'm not reading as q..."

Yes, I'm with you on all of your comments, except Freyja. I could not stand her character. Even knowing intellectually that her behavior comes from a place of hurt, I could not forgive her. She just comes off as childish. I silently cheered when Lauren soundly put her in her place at the end of their visit. I don't think I can even bring myself to read Freyja's book; I disliked her so much. At least not for a very long time!

[Jan]

Patti wrote: "Yes, I'm with you on all of your comments, except Freyja. I could not stand her character. Even knowing intellectually that her behavior comes from a place of hurt, I could not forgive her. She just comes off as childish. I silently cheered when Lauren soundly put her in her place at the end of their visit. I don't think I can even bring myself to read Freyja's book; I disliked her so much. At least not for a very long time!"

I understand. Freyja was pretty unpleasant, wasn't she? But in her own book, you do see a different side of things. She was deeply hurt and confused by what had happened. Her reaction was perhaps immature and certainly OTT, but I did enjoy her book in the end. I guess she grew up a bit.

[Jan]

I'm up to Chapter 19. Can really see the changes in Lauren and some other key characters. Lauren has been like a catalyst for positive change in this family. It's lovely to see the growth in Lauren herself, and the way Kit wants to help her.

Chapter 18(view spoiler)[ 'Kit's thoughts: [Lauren] was not happy. She had lived behind the mask for so long...that the mask was the reality. Perhaps he [Kit] was the only person on this earth who had seen the eager, vital, laughter-loving, sensual, truly beautiful woman who was the real Lauren Edgeworth.'

Oh yeah, Kit's done like a dinner. he's deeply in love with Lauren now LOL.

The scene with Lauren's grandfather Baron Galton, where we find out what really happened to her mother, is quite interesting.

By coincidence, I have recently been doing some reading about India during the British rule, and the story rings true to me. There were many, many British men working in India, and very few British women available for them to have a relationship with or marry. Many of the men had liaisons with local Indian women, and in some cases married them. It was an open secret that it was a pretty promiscuous world these men were living in, beneath the 'proper' British surface. For a woman who liked her freedom, as Lauren's mother apparently did, her actions in India are very believable.

It's sad but also believable that Lauren's male relatives kept her mother's letters from her, with the best of intentions.

The scene between Lauren and Sydnam is interesting, and gives an insight into his relationship with Kit. I like that Lauren can see how important it is for both of them to talk about the past to each other. (hide spoiler)]

[Jan]

I finished today. It moves quickly and doesn't drag. I liked it and gave 4 stars.

Chapter 24 (view spoiler)[I liked how the final scene was a kind of reenactment of Lauren's abandonment at the altar (from the previous book, One Night For Love), and she was understandably nervous, but she pushed through it. (hide spoiler)]

Lauren showed enormous personal growth in this book, and I enjoyed seeing her come out of her shell as the book progressed.

[Mikayla]

I absolutely loved this book! I really liked that Lauren was more of your traditional lady of the ton. This story really had me hooked from beginning to end, 5 stars from me! Great pick! I’m going to start reading the Bedwyn series now, I really enjoyed this authors writing.

[Jan]

Mikayla wrote: "Great pick! I’m going to start reading the Bedwyn series now, I really enjoyed this authors writing.."

I agree this ended up being a great pick for BOTM.

Now you have a treat ahead of you, Mikayla, especially the final book, Slightly Dangerous, one of my fav ever HRs. Don't forget there's also Sydnam Butler's story in Simply Love. There is also a lovely follow-up novella for the series in Once Upon A Dream. Enjoy!

[Jan]

Darbella wrote: "Chapter 2 through 12 The pace has been awesome in this one.
Wager: [spoilers removed]
Lauren in London: [spoilers removed]
Lauren in the country: [spoilers removed]
Lauren again: Kind, but smart. ..."

Agree with your all of your spoilers, Darbella.

[Lindsay]

Started this afternoon! At 10% currently. I haven't read a Balogh in a while, and I'm reminded of how much I love the fluidity of her writing. Kit is fun right off the bat- love the introduction we get to him. Lauren (Was a that a name women had in Regency times? Kind of takes me out of the story a bit.) seems a bit stuffy, as she's meant to, but I'm optimistic that that will change.

[Jan]

Good point abut the name 'Lauren', Lindsay. If it was around at that time, it was certainly unusual. It usually annoys me when HR characters have anachronistic names (e.g. I once read a Regency about a Charlene LOL) but I have to say I didn't notice it in this book.

But after reading your comment, I agree, it's a pretty unlikely name. This is rare for Balogh - she's usually reliable and correct on all historical features, more so than many other HR authors, actually. It's one of the things I like about her books.

Oh well. Hope you enjoy the rest of the read.

[Joanna Loves Reading, Bluestocking of HR novels]

Yeah, from what I can tell, Lauren was a masculine name, though it had been around for awhile or at least versions have been. That’s a good catch.

[Jultri]

Yes, I just looked it up and apparently it was a more masculine name initially until the actress,who became known as Lauren Bacall adopted it as her stage name. A rare anachronistic mistake by Balogh indeed.

[Joanna Loves Reading, Bluestocking of HR novels]

Funny how it’s changed to being more feminine.

Lauren was what made this story for me, when I read it about 3 years ago with this group. So regardless of name she is a good character.

[Patti]

I, too, found the name Lauren to be a little jarring and out-of-place in a Regency-era heroine. It wasn't enough to take me out of the story, though. I guess an author can only write about oh-so many Charlottes and Elizabeths before she starts looking for inspiration elsewhere. ;)

[Patti]

Darbella wrote: "Chapter 2 through 12 The pace has been awesome in this one.
Wager: [spoilers removed]
Lauren in London: [spoilers removed]
Lauren in the country: [spoilers removed]
Lauren again: Kind, but smart. ..."

All good points!

[Jan]

Darbella wrote: "Jan, I loved Charlene's story in How the Duke Was Won by Lenora Bell. But I can see how a nod to Charlie and the Chocolate Factory would not be your cup of tea. Every time you would read her name you would be thinking-- impossible name for that time period. LOL "

Exactly. Funnily enough I never worried about the name Lauren in ASTR though.

[Jultri]

I finished. Also 4.5 from me, same as my original read six years ago, I think. I really wasn't sure where Balogh was going with Kit after the first few chapters, but his character really improved a lot. I can't say that he grew as a character. It was more that he hid the deeper, tortured side of him with this rakish facade. Lauren, I understood and empathised with from the start. She is so stoic, quietly strong and dignified. Her words slay any naysayers more effectively than any overt insult Freyja threw her way. Now she definitely underwent a lot of personal growth and self-discovery along the way. It's a great slow-burn story.

[Jan]

Jultri wrote: "I finished. Also 4.5 from me, same as my original read six years ago, I think. I really wasn't sure where Balogh was going with Kit after the first few chapters, but his character really improved a..."

Glad you enjoyed, Julia.

[Jultri]

Jan wrote: "Jultri wrote: "I finished. Also 4.5 from me, same as my original read six years ago, I think. I really wasn't sure where Balogh was going with Kit after the first few chapters, but his character re..."

I did very much so, although I had not been able to get on to my desktop to leave comments while reading it.

[Ana]

I really liked this book. My start to Mary Balogh was not great - I read The Arrangement and was completely annoyed by it. Then a fellow historical romance group reader suggested I try the Bedwyn series. I read and enjoyed Slightly Married and that is probably why I don't resent Freya. Yes, she is mean and tries to win Kit back but it's because she is hurt, in love and genuinely believes that Lauren is a very bad match for the tempestuous Kit. I plan to read the whole series (can't wait to get to the last book as it is said to be the very best)

[Jultri]

Ana wrote: "I really liked this book. My start to Mary Balogh was not great - I read The Arrangement and was completely annoyed by it. Then a fellow historical romance group reader suggested I try the Bedwyn s..."

Yes, The Arrangement wasn't one of her greater efforts in my opinion either. Some of the Survivor books were a bit too saccharine for my taste. I prefer Balogh a bit edgier (her older books) although I wouldn't describe this book as edgy at all. It's just lovely and character based.

[Jan]

I agree with your thoughts, Ana and Jultri. Although Balogh has written some of my all time fav HRs, she can be hit or miss for me too. Sometimes, yes, too saccharine, and sometimes, sadly, even boring. But when she's on her game, she's a wonderful writer.

[Amy]

I have just finished the book myself and I have to say that I really,really have enjoyed it.It was my first one from Mary Balogh.
She really goes deep with characters,which can get a bit tired sometimes with too many descriptions and inner thoughts,but still I did appreciate the evolution of them and their depth.

A bit more OF dialogues would have made the book more vivid and enjoyable

I am so happy for this BOTM!
I liked the way Lauren was set free and started living.I loved everything about her.Her demons and her personality.She was so realistic and maybe a bit of betahero which I always appreciate in a book.
Kit was a good Hero too but nothing outstanding in my opinion.

I think I am going to read the next one from Mary Ballogh and see how the storyline goes on!Slightly Married is it?

[Ana]

Amy wrote: "I have just finished the book myself and I have to say that I really,really have enjoyed it.It was my first one from Mary Balogh.
She really goes deep with characters,which can get a bit tired some..."

Yes, Slightly Married is the first in the Bedwyn series - I liked it quite a lot. I intend to go through all of them, including the other prequel "One Night for Love" as I am curious about Neville and Lilly. Since Balogh can be a bit lyrical though, I'm going to alternate other reads in between :)

[Petra]

I finally got this book from library and I’m so looking forward to this. When I first discovered Mary Balogh, I was on the most ideal summer vacation and now it’s summer again... and I love this discussion about it.

[Petra]

Jan wrote: "Chapter 2 quote 'He was not outstandingly handsome. And he was no more than two or three inches taller than she.... Yet there was an aura of confident vitality about him that gave an illusion of e..."

Hi Jen yes I appreciated it also that Kit is not usual tall and dark hero. Yes I've met few people like him. I think Balogh wrote of someone else like that. Can't remember who...

[Petra]

Darbella wrote: "Chapter 2 through 12 The pace has been awesome in this one.
Wager: [spoilers removed]
Lauren in London: [spoilers removed]
Lauren in the country: [spoilers removed]
Lauren again: Kind, but smart. ..."

Wager: (view spoiler)[ I loved how Lauren was up to him suspecting him all correctly. However when Kit confessed it was good but also deeply deflating to the story and Lauren. (hide spoiler)]

About Lauren in country (view spoiler)[ I have also appreciated Lauren being able to hold her ground so gracefully. everyone loved her. Very refreshing to see. (hide spoiler)]

[Petra]

Jultri wrote: "Ana wrote: "I really liked this book. My start to Mary Balogh was not great - I read The Arrangement and was completely annoyed by it. Then a fellow historical romance group reader suggested I try ..."

yes I agree with The Arrangement being little snoozy. It put me off from Balogh for a while.

[Petra]

Just finished reading it. I regret a little that I didn't have a chance to stop by here during reading it but the week was pretty busy and I was just sneaking moments here and there to read this book.
I enjoyed it. It was simple, good feel book but I felt that there was potential for way more passion and adventure that simply just didn't take place.
I loved Lauren so much. (view spoiler)[ Love that whole idea that people are different as they appear on the outside and sometimes they want more from their life. This is what Lauren was attracted to when she saw Kit, I think but then it all gets downplayed and I didn't know why she liked him. I understood they become friends and partners throughout their secret collaboration. Also I got the strong feeling that Lauren liked Kit as a sort of project that she needs to fix. Almost as if she felt sorry for him and that became her love. Of course everything gets neatly fixed by her and by Kit and everyone is HEA. (hide spoiler)]
About Kit. (view spoiler)[ He was so great at the beginning and as the story continues he looses flavor and the vitality that was so praised at the beginning. I felt that we just didn't see more inside his character. He was not as flashed out (hide spoiler)]

About Freyja - I've read maybe half of Bedwyn series. I didn't read Freyjas and Allenye (I might be terribly misspelling their names, excuse me) story so I knew what happened to Freyja. She is definitely portrayed as a force of nature and I'm now interested to read her story.

[Jan]

Petra wrote: "Hi Jen yes I appreciated it also that Kit is not usual tall and dark hero. Yes I've met few people like him. I think Balogh wrote of someone else like that. Can't remember who..."

The hero in Heartless, Luke, is only just above the heroine in height. He's a wonderful hero, one of my favs in all HR books, although very different from Kit. Love that book. Must reread yet again some time.

[Jan]

Darbella wrote: "Petra, I really enjoyed reading your thoughts on this story.
I liked Freyja's story. She seemed not as mean as she was in Lauren's and Kit's romance. She was straight out rude to Lauren in this on..."

Me too. Very interesting comments from Petra on both Lauren and Kit's characters. Thinking about it, I agree that Kit (view spoiler)[ did lose some of his charm as the book went on, but we did see deeper into what lay beneath the surface, which I liked. Although I did enjoy this book, I do feel that the relationship didn't have the intensity of some of Balogh's best books like Heartless, Slightly Dangerous and Irresistible. (hide spoiler)]

I also liked Freyja much better in her own book, and yes, it is great when authors take a previously unlikeable character from one of their books and then we grow to like them when we see their own story.

[Petra]

Jan wrote: "Petra wrote: "Hi Jen yes I appreciated it also that Kit is not usual tall and dark hero. Yes I've met few people like him. I think Balogh wrote of someone else like that. Can't remember who..."

Th..."

Jan wrote: "Petra wrote: "Hi Jen yes I appreciated it also that Kit is not usual tall and dark hero. Yes I've met few people like him. I think Balogh wrote of someone else like that. Can't remember who..."

Th..."
Yes Hearthless. Luke is so adorable thank you Jen.

[Petra]

Darbella wrote: "Petra, I really enjoyed reading your thoughts on this story.
I liked Freyja's story. She seemed not as mean as she was in Lauren's and Kit's romance. She was straight out rude to Lauren in this on..."

I am definitely interested in Freyja story now. I hope it will be a good one.