Remember When by Mary Balogh: Review

As we age, there can be a lot of thinking about the past that goes on through our heads during the quiet times, especially in times of transition. Maybe thinking about an old love and wondering “what if” or remembering the great times.

This book is a part of a series and I have not read this author in years and years so I thought I would jump in the middle of it so to speak. Check out my thoughts on this new book about renewing old friendships below.

Remember When by Mary Balogh
Series: Ravenswood #4
Publisher: ‎ Berkley (January 7, 2025)
ISBN-13: ‎ 978-0593638415

SYNOPSIS:
The Dowager Countess of Stratton, Clarissa Ware, née Greenfield, has just presented her younger daughter to the ton, and the rest of her life belongs only to herself. She returns to Ravenswood, intending to spend the summer alone there. But the summer has other plans for her.

Born a gentleman, Matthew Taylor has chosen to spend his life as the village carpenter. Growing up, he and Clarissa were close—dangerously so, considering his family’s modest fortune. As a young man, he never would have been a suitable match for the daughter of the wealthy Greenfields. Clarissa married Caleb Ware, the Earl of Stratton, so Matthew married another, though he was widowed soon after.

Now everything is different—Clarissa has already lived the life expected of her by society. And Matthew is as attractive and intriguing as he was when they were young. As their summer friendship deepens into romance, they stand together on the precipice of change—essentially the same man and woman they remember being back then, but with renewed passion and the potential to take their lives in an entirely new direction.

Remember When by Mary Balogh Review

I know a lot of times in my life I have wondered about what if or whatever happened to… Maybe even rekindling past friendships or past loves when you’re at a particular point in your life.

This book is the last book in a series and dives into the mother’s story. While there are a lot of characters, you can easily follow the story, just realize you may get lost a time or two.

Rekindling friendship with the one who got away, so to speak, is a wonderful plot and story in this particular book. They’re both in a transitional age and at a point in their life where they are ready to value their personal life as family members are raising their own family.

There are some wonderful pieces and points within the story that I can definitely relate to since the main characters are turning 50. It brings to mind how those around that age point want to look back in the past, slow down a bit, and find their peace. I loved that whole portion of the story.

I also love the rekindling of the friendship and the growing carefree love. Both of the characters were so sweet and I love their interactions and the love story between them. It was something that had never gone away. I am a sucker for a second chance at romance.

But there were some parts that really got to me in terms of repetition. Age was pounded into our heads. Family drama over the fact that the main female lead wanted to find her own space was a major part of the story. The number of characters tended to be close to overwhelming, especially since I had not read prior stories.

There was some family drama with Matthew and misunderstandings that need to be corrected and I simply loved the ending where everything came together. Balogh is a genius in the slow, comfortable romance growth, full of sweetness and caring.

If you read this series, you’re probably going to love this ending story. Remember When will spark that “what if” internal dialogue and that can be a good thing.

3.5 STARS!!

Disclaimer: Chris has personally reviewed the product listed above. She has not received any monetary compensation for her review but did receive a free ebook so she could evaluate and use it for this post. Her thoughts & opinions in this review are unbiased & honest and your opinions may differ.