ONLY BELOVED is Book 7 and the final installment in Mary Balogh's superb "Survivors' Club" series. Dora Debbins is the sister of the heroine from ONLY ENCHANTING. I don't believe that reading all the previous books in this series is absolutely necessary in order to enjoy ONLY BELOVED, but doing so would give the reader some context, and all the books in this series are worthwhile reading and a treat.

George, the Duke of Stanbrook, makes an impromptu marriage proposal at the opening of ONLY BELOVED to Miss Dora Debbins. Even though George and Dora are not that well-acquainted, they almost immediately fall into an easy friendship that makes reading their love story a delight. From that friendship fairly quickly yet very organically develops a true romance. I like Dora and George so and cheer them on until the very end. There is still a little magic and moonlight even though the hero and heroine didn't marry out of a blinding passion, and are a mature couple. Both George and Dora enter their marriage with realistic expectations of becoming friends with benefits, and surprise themselves by getting and giving a little more.

ONLY BELOVED has everything I love about a Mary Balogh book, but with enchanting gothic undertones. This is a story that shows how people, and not just houses, can be haunted. There are aspects of ONLY BELOVED that are evocative of Daphne Du Maurier's classic novel REBECCA -- the first wife's death under suspicious circumstances, a sudden wedding and a wife with moments of uncertainty, and things that are not quite the way they appear to be. There is no sinister and oppressive Mrs. Danvers in ONLY BELOVED, but there is a villain waiting in the wings. The age difference isn't as pronounced between the hero and heroine as in REBECCA, and I like the Duke of Stanbrook a lot more than I like Maxim de Winter. These gothic elements enhance an already wonderful story.

ONLY BELOVED is a heavenly historical with a well-matched couple and gothic delights scattered throughout. This is why Mary Balogh is one of my favorite authors of historical romance. ONCE BELOVED is a deeply satisfying cap to an exceptional series that will be greatly missed by fans.

Book Summary

From the legendary New York Times bestselling author of Only a Kiss and Only a Promise comes the final book in the rapturous Survivor’s Club series—as the future of one man lies within the heart of a lost but never-forgotten love...

For the first time since the death of his wife, the Duke of Stanbrook is considering remarrying and finally embracing happiness for himself. With that thought comes the treasured image of a woman he met briefly a year ago and never saw again.

Dora Debbins relinquished all hope to marry when a family scandal left her in charge of her younger sister. Earning a modest living as a music teacher, she’s left with only an unfulfilled dream. Then one afternoon, an unexpected visitor makes it come true.

For both George and Dora that brief first encounter was as fleeting as it was unforgettable. Now is the time for a second chance. And while even true love comes with a risk, who are two dreamers to argue with destiny?