The Escape

The Escape by Mary Balogh

Sir Benedict Harper was not made for an idle life, but that seems to be all he can manage since his dream of a military life was taken from him on the Peninsula, along with his ability to walk and dance.  His restlessness leads him to agree to help a recent widow escape from her late husband's family, and escort her on a mad dash to Wales where there may, or may not, be a cottage waiting for her.  As he fights his feelings of inadequacy he finds himself wondering if this fierce widow might understand him better than anyone else.

Samantha McKay has been trapped for six years.  First at the home of her tyrannical father-in-law for a year while her husband was at war and then taking care of her dying husband for five years.  Now under the threat of returning to a life of suppression and misery under her father-in-law, she concocts a plan to steal away in the middle of the night and make her way to Wales, where her mother was raised.  She enlists the help of Sir Benedict, her neighbor's brother and a man she has not always thought of fondly.  Can she keep their partnership purely business?  Or will she find herself once again falling into the arms of a wounded and demanding reminder of a war she wishes to forget.

I have read many books about Wales, but I honestly believe this one contains the most descriptive images of the country and atmosphere.  I have always thought of it as a foggy and craggy country (a lot like Wuthering Heights), where most Gothic novelists obviously find their inspiration.  This book, however, completely changed my perception.  The descriptions remind me a bit of the Pacific Northwest (where I live) and I found that charming and comforting.  The people seemed friendly, if a little hesitant to welcome visitors who look down on them.  I love that the musical aspect of the country was regaled upon, and the descriptor of the singing raising the roof of the church was memorable.

This the fourth story set in the world of the Survivors (The Suitor was a novella that occurred concurrently with The Arrangement), and the sixteenth story set in the world of the Bedwyns.  Starting with One Night for Love, the story that first introduced us to Gwen, Lady Trentham (formerly Lady Muir), this serial keeps getting better and better as it goes.  Ms. Balogh has managed to keep the stories fresh, while still finding a way to tug our heartstrings and make us smile simultaneously.  This story is a powerful reminder of her signature romantic trope, damaged heroes (or heroines) finding the power of love stronger than their own obstacles.

The characters in this story shine.  Ms. Balogh is an expert of creating memorable characters, whether they are in the forefront or the background.  Even the lawyer who handled Samantha's business and the owner of the inn rated important enough to actually have a personality.  This attention to detail really makes a difference in creating a captivating story, but so does knowing when to pull back and let the lead characters take center stage.  There seemed to be a seamless quality to this differentiation in this story.

Overall, I found this a pleasant and happy read.  It didn't make me laugh hysterically, or grit my teeth in suspense.  But not all books need to do that to be great.  Some books just need to tell a good story well with no distractions or additives.  That is exactly what this book did.  

 Ratings:

(1=unacceptable, 2=poor, 3=acceptable, 4=good, 5=excellent)

Continuity/Flow – 5

Sex – 4 

Language – 4

Storyline – 5

Overall – 5