Someone to Wed by Mary Balogh

Someone to Wed (Westcott, #3)

by Mary Balogh

The new Earl of Riverdale, Alexander Westcott, inherited a title and property without the money to support them, but he refuses to consider marrying an heiress merely for her bank account. When Wren Heyden, a wealthy young widow, shocks him with a marriage proposal, Alexander will only consider it if she consents to exploring their compatibility with a proper courtship. But Wren is a virtual recluse due to the purple birthmark covering half her face, and she resists opening herself up to potential ridicule from society. She only proposed in a desperate attempt to experience marriage and gain a family, not having considered the public duties expected of a countess. As Alexander gets to know Wren, he realizes that her physical veil is matched by the veil around her heart, hiding the pain of loneliness and shame. His efforts to convince her that love sees past appearance will appeal to series fans.

Reviewed by wyvernfriend on

4 of 5 stars

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As I was growing up one of our neighbours had a port-wine stain on her skin and one of my class-mates had one too, I only found out about the classmate much later in my acquaintance, she had it almost always covered by makeup. I know how stressed she was if her makeup wasn't covering it. But my neighbour never covered hers, she was a shy woman and I don't believe she ever married, this story was what I wished could have happened to her, a nice marriage to a man who stopped seeing her difference and a lot of compassion shown by people to her. Wealth hath it's privelidges. I saw the stares and comments by people during the 20th Century, they were not good. Wren Hayden knows what it's like to be rejected by people. Her parents gave her to her aunt who provided her with a loving household to grow in. Her uncle gave her purpose in the glass-works and she now wants something more, she realises that her face will not induce anyone to propose, but her fortune might. She approaches Alexander Westcott with an idea, he marry her and she gives him the funds to help his failing country estate, but Alexander wants more than a business arrangement.
I liked the story and the characters and how he supported her. Charming and fun read.

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Reading updates

  • Started reading
  • 8 March, 2018: Finished reading
  • 8 March, 2018: Reviewed