Susan F. (scoutmomskf) - , reviewed on 3/13/2024 + 2543 more book reviews

Helpful Score: 1

Good book. Anthony was a widower when he met Mary at a house party. She was the paid companion of an unpleasant old woman. They married quickly, but though she worshipped him, Mary never felt as though she belonged in his world. Meanwhile, thanks to the disaster of his previous marriage, Anthony kept himself back, reluctant to trust his feelings.

When Mary disappeared, Anthony believed the worst - that she had run away with another man - and wrote her off. In truth, Mary and the groom with her had been attacked by highwaymen. In the melee, Mary was injured and lost her memory. The story of what happened to her was heartbreaking, and her loss of memory was understandable. Three months later, after being taken in and cared for by a troupe of actors, Mary found herself back at her home with her memory returning. Anthony is shocked by her return and suspicious of her story. He is torn between throwing her out and taking her back.

I liked Mary very much. Because of her memory loss, her time away allowed her to develop skills and strength she'd never had before. No longer is she the meek, quiet, and biddable mouse she had been. She stands up to Anthony's suspicions and unwelcoming attitude. I ached for her and the hurt she felt when she discovered that he hadn't bothered to search for her when she disappeared. I enjoyed seeing her channel her "Perdita" identity as the countess.

I had a tough time liking Anthony. Though he began well by marrying Mary, who stirred unexpected feelings in him, his "I know best" treatment of her was too controlling. It was countered by him neglecting to help her fit in and oblivious to how others treated her. But I lost all respect for him when he didn't bother to look for her after she disappeared. Even after he had proof, his constant questioning of her story irritated me and hurt Mary. He redeemed himself somewhat at the end, and I liked seeing him finally admit his mistakes, but it will take work for him not to backslide.

#netgalley

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