I thought this was a good story about a couple who finally had a chance to be together later in life. I liked that they were friends when they were young and although they loved each other life took them in different directions. I liked that they found their way back to each other and were able to be happy. I liked the maturity of their love and how they did what made them happy.

I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.

I had no idea that this was a republished version of an existing book. While I have loved books my Mary Balogh, this was not my favorite. I was annoyed by the fact that the FMC could not get over the fact that the MMC did not remember her.

Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and author Mary Balogh for providing an advance copy of Remember When. I'm so sorry--I thought I had reviewed this book but it appears not. So...here we go. This was an enjoyable read harking back to my early love of Regency romances. Except that in this case, the woman involved is not a "girl" and the romantic interest is not a young man nor even a dark-visaged stranger, but the man she might have chosen as a young woman had their fortunes not been so greatly different. I enjoyed the twist. Would it have happened this way in real life? Possibly not. Probably not. But... it was distinctly satisfying to read. If you enjoy historical romances, particularly one's with more mature characters, Remember When might be just what you are looking for. I'd suggest you give it a try.

1818. With family responsibilities discharged and her fiftieth birthday fast approaching, Clarissa Ware, Dowager Countess of Stratton, retires home for a quiet summer alone to ponder her future. Though they welcome her company and love her deeply, her family no longer really needs her. Might it be time to think of her own wishes, for a change? Perhaps renew her acquaintance with Matthew Taylor, her close childhood friend?

But though born a gentleman, Matthew has rejected his birthright and become a village carpenter, albeit of more than common artistic talent. The gap in their social status has widened, and the Regency era is oppressively hierarchical, especially at the higher levels. Can they span the gap? Do they want to? How will others react?

This is a second chance romance which confronts not only Clarissa and Matthew with challenges, but their families too. If they want to find true happiness and fulfilment, however, they must take risks: leave behind the comfort of their familiar pattern of life; recognize that ‘all humanity was flawed’ and acknowledge their own failings; forgive others and, most importantly, themselves. Not an easy journey, but one conducted with Balogh’s customary wisdom and grace.

Highly recommended.

I just loved this second chance romance! It was so much fun watching Clarissa and Matthew find their way back to one another!

Reading Mary Balogh is like sitting down with an old friend. Her stories are always full of love, family and second chances and this story was no exception.

At 51 and 50 respectively, Clarissa and Matthew are a little older than most regency hero and heroine's and they have both lived full lives full of love, sorrow, laughter and regret. I really appreciated Balogh having them both ponder and sit with what they wanted their life to look like now, while also wondering if an old friend could fit into their beginnings (Clarissa and Matthew were childhood friends until Clarissa got married at age 17 and have only seen each as acquintances in the years since). I will admit, I am getting a little tired of all of Balogh's extended family following the predictable plot line of years of estrangement fixed with a simple "It was just a misunderstanding!" and hugs. Life, and families, are not that easily fixed. That said, the real world is hard so if an author wants to fixed eveything with a magical wand, who am I to complain? And it made the pain that Matthew had been carrying around for years be diminished so I can't be too annoyed.

I liked Clarissa and Matthew and I'm happy they got choose a future for themselves. I am also very excited for Clarissa's daughter Stephanie's story because it has been teased a few times in the previous books (her big old crush on Betrand Lamarr from the Westcott series) so I hope it's coming soon. And not the least because we share the same name!

Mary Balogh gives us the fourth of her Remember series in Remember When, a splendid regency romance celebrating romance in the senior years.
The dowager countess of Stratton at age 50 has come back to the estate of Ravenswood. She re engages with her teenage friend Matthew Taylor, born a gentleman and currently a property owner who is living as the village carpenter. Families reconcile and romance wins over village and ton prejudices. Splendid reading.

Mary Balogh is truly a class apart when it comes to historical romance. No one else writes like her and truly no one else can capture such a tender and aching slow building romance like she does. I loved getting the matriarch romance and I LOVED that she was older than the typical 19! Another fantastic book from Mary!

Remember When by Mary Balogh is the 4th book in her Ravenwood series, with this being Clarissa’s Story. Clarissa will soon turn 50, as she is now The Dowager Countess of Stratton; Devlin’s mother. Clarissa returns to Ravenswood, after spending time in London, where she presented her youngest daughter, Stephanie. Clarissa is happy to return to Ravenswood, giving herself quiet time alone, as well as peace.
Clarissa goes to see Matthew Taylor, and old childhood friend, as she commissions him make a crib for Ben and Jennifer. Matthew is a fantastic carpenter, with people becoming fascinated by his work. It’s been many years (30) since they have met again, as they were best friends, but Clarissa decided to marry the Earl of Stratten, and Matthew later married another woman. 30 years later, their friendship deepens into a possible romance, as they begin to enjoy spending the summer going on long walks

Clarrisa enjoys her private time alone, but her children keep visiting her, as they worry about her. Rumors start of her growing friendship with Matthew, with her family learning about these rumors. Clarissa dreams of having her own cottage on Ravenswood land, but closer to the river. Both spend a lot of time together, and Matthew enjoys helping Clarissa on what the cottage would look like. Matthew and Clarissa become closer with renewed passion and the chance to change their lives in a new direction.

When Devlin visits his mother, he agrees with what she wants, as he will pay for it, but she will pay for what is inside the cottage; Clarissa is thrilled. Matthew also learns some thoughts from his younger years, as his older brother (previously estranged), now becoming very close again, visiting his family. I really loved seeing so many of the previous families, especially when they all get together for the epilogue, where Clarissa and Matthew marry.

Remember When was a sweet second chance romance, with them finding their renewed love. Remember When was so very well written by Mary Balogh. If you are a fan of this series, you should read this book.

Balogh's Ravenswood series around the Ware family and it's matriarch Clarissa's turn to find love.

Before she married the Earl of Stratton, Clarissa was a Greenfield and her best friend was Matthew Taylor. Matthew was the younger son of a nearby land owner so their friendship was a little over the line considering how wealthy her family was but nothing scandalous. Though they loved each other, Clarissa had a chance to marry the catch of the season and she loves him too. Was that a mistake? Now in her early fifties, she is wondering that fact. But she doesn't think so. Though she and her husband did not have a true love match, they did love each other. But he's gone and Matthew is still here. What could that mean for them?
Matthew was heartbroken when Clarissa married. He also married but his wife died in childbirth. He left to travel the world but returned to the place where he grew up. Now, he's the village carpenter, making beautiful furniture. That's the reason Clarissa stops by, to request a cradle for her coming grandchild.

Three and a half stars
This book comes out January 7, 2025
Ravenswood #4
Follows Always Remember
ARC kindly provided by Berkley Publishing Group
Opinions are my own

I love Mary Balogh's historical romances. I discovered her a couple of years ago and was thrilled to realize she has a large back catalog, which I've been working my way through. 

Remember When is her newest book, and it's an absolute delight. It features two older protagonists. And by older, I don't mean a 27-year-old wallflower and a 35-year-old widower. Here the heroine is 49 and the hero 50.

Clarissa and Matthew were childhood friends who were beginning to fall in love, but life took them in different directions. Clarissa married an earl, and now she's a widow with five children and a growing number of grandchildren. Matthew was born a gentleman, but he's estranged from his family and he's taken on a profession that's considered to be below his station (he's a carpenter and a very talented woodworker).

Clarissa has come to her country estate to figure out her next steps, as she's in a bit of a midlife crisis. Her youngest child is out in society, her daughter-in-law runs the estate, and Clarissa needs to figure out what she wants from the rest of her life. Her journey is realistic and pretty timeless, as women are still figuring out the same things now.

This romance has a major class difference. When they were children, Clarissa and Matthew were both from landed gentry families. Her family was more prominent, but the difference wasn't a big one. Then she married into the aristocracy and moved up a class, while Matthew left his original life behind and became working class (he still has an estate he inherited from his grandmother, so he has the option of going back to his original position, but instead he rents the estate out and remains as a carpenter).

This story is very sweet and well done, and I felt that the characters' motivations really made sense. I definitely recommend this one if you're in the mood for a gentle romance.

My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this early review copy.

I was excited to read this, I usually love Mary Balogh's romance, and this one features a protagonist who, like me, is in her mid-50s and entering the next stage of her life now that her children are grown. This is also a second-chance romance, which I generally enjoy. All signs pointed to greatness.

Alas ...

This was approximately 90% internal monologue (or exposition), much of it repeated, and only 10% actual dialogue or action. This needed to be a novella, not a full-length novel. As it is now, it is tedious, a long slow slog of tell rather than show. I expect better of Ms Balogh than that morass. A firm editor should have stepped in and highlighted every time information was repeated, and then cut all of it away.

I skimmed all of the monologuing morass and read the parts with active dialogue. It's not a bad story if read that way.

She does a good job of briefly describing the joy of mellowing with age:
<blockquote><i>
One thing age has taught me, however, is that one ought not to be deceived when one is at an extreme into believing that it is permanent. The worst unhappiness fades, as does the brightest happiness. One learns to flow with life’s ups and downs if one is to know a pervading contentment.</i></blockquote>

I DO like that the cover art depicts a very pivotal moment in the story. It's so nice when the cover art actually follows the plot!!! Well done to the cover designer!!

An empty-nester dowager countess returns to the quiet of the home estate after the last of her children is presented and on her way. With no obligations or duty to others, she is at a loss. Is a second chance with a youthful first love a possibility or has the time for that passed? Mary Balogh’s soft reflective tone of writing was perfect for this middle-aged second chance romance.

Remember When is the fourth book in a strongly connected Regency era series which reads best in order to follow all the family and friend connections present in the book.

I felt this one had something of a fairytale touch to it or a governess- aristocratic employer gender swap. A pair of old childhood friends who went their separate ways putting them in two distinct social classes, now have come back together after living completely disparate lives. They reconnect strongly and pick up a friendship where they left it on the cusp of adulthood. A Dowager Countess and a village carpenter who had been the wild second son of a gentleman with small estate is quite the social gap. I like fairytales so I went with it wondering just how much conflict from her grown children, their extended families, and friends would come of it.

Like others from this author, Remember When took its time. It lagged in places and repeated itself, but it also developed the characters and plot with amazing complexity so their thoughts and feelings were real to me. I felt no strong pull to tear through it quickly, but to visit it as a comfy, gentle read. Remember When was nostalgic and family-oriented with the romance coming along after the reader is brought up to speed with their separate pasts, and sorting out their individual present concerns like Matthew finally dealing with the long estrangement he had with his own family and Clarissa getting her children and extended family used to her turning a corner in her life.

All in all, this was a historical with romance being one of its elements albeit a strong one rather than the only focus. The characters were engaging, attractive and well-placed in a carefully drawn world and Regency country estate- village setting. Those who enjoy old-school Regency Romance should definitely give this series a try.

Mary Balogh returns the family matriarch to the Ravenswood estate for first summer on her own after seeing to the launch of her last daughter into the ton. Now Clarissa Ware, the Dowager Countess will take time to reevaluate and take stock of her life after 30 years of marriage and motherhood have taken priority over herself.

Step one: rekindle old friendships!

Claire and Mathew were the best of friends until her marriage to the earl. Now with his death six years ago, she decides to see if there’s something still there.

Matthew Taylor isn’t the rebellious gentleman that he used to be, he is now the local carpenter and a tradesmen just lives above the blacksmith shop.

How can Clarissa and Mathew after all these years reach across the divide of their now stations to rekindle a friendship… or maybe even more without scandalizing their friends, family, and neighbours?

Another absolutely beautiful story full of love, family and hope as these two mature characters find a second chance at love and the strength to fight past society expectations to choose their own happiness.

It was definitely worth the wait for Clarissa and Matthew - classic Mary Balogh! This is an extreme slow burn romance that was beautiful to read in Balogh’s style, but did feel like it could have been anovella. A few elements felt like they were repeated unnecessarily but overall, it was a lovely romance, and I loved seeing the parents find their HEA before the last book of the series making it not feel like an afterthought.

I enjoyed seeing main characters of a certain age finding love again, and the ending was sweet. However, parts of the book felt bogged down by too many references to characters from past stories, which slowed down the plot. It’s a closed-door romance, so the focus stays on the emotional connection of the main characters.

If you've been reading this series, you already know the details of Clarissa's marriage and subsequent widowhood. If you haven't, Balogh weaves them into this book in a such a way that you won't be lost or confused if this is your first foray to Ravenswood.

I love second chance, reunion romances, especially those between childhood friends who reconnect later in life. But this one has an added layer of challenge. Matthew and Clarissa are from different stations in life, even more significant now that she is a dowager duchess and he is town's carpenter/wood carver. The difference was enough to not cross the line between friendship and love in their youth and is now sure to set tongues wagging when they're observed holding hands on long walks through the park. But they are no longer 17 and 18. They're a mature couple on the cusp of fifty and they know what they want although they are not unaware of the challenges that will need to be conquered to achieve it.

This is such a lovely, endearing novel. I really enjoyed watching Matthew and Clarissa rediscover their friendship and in doing so, rediscover themselves. Clarissa, especially, learns who she is and what she wants - and deserves - outside of being a mother. I love how she begins to take control of her life and how much she - and her relationships with her children - grow as a result. Matthew has no surfeit of growth himself. I enjoyed watching the positive evolution of his relationship with his family, due in no small part to Clarissa's encouragement and support. These two are so good for each other. I loved the caring, joy, fun, and eventually, deep, lasting love that developed between them. I laughed, I cried, and I turned the final page of their novel with a deep, happy, heartfelt sigh.

4.5 stars
ARC received from publisher. Fair and unbiased review.

Book Review: Remember When by Mary Balogh

Clarissa, the Dowager Countess, is at a pivotal time in her life. Her children are grown and mostly settled, and her daughter-in-law has taken over the countess responsibilities. After a season in London, Clarissa returns home to Ravenswood and looks forward to the quiet and tranquility of being alone to reflect who she is as a person and what she wants in this next chapter of her life. There’s another thing Clarissa plans to do: renew her childhood friendship with Matthew Taylor.

Matthew Taylor lives a contented life as the village’s carpenter even though he was raised as a gentleman. His younger years were filled with strife railing against strict parents that didn’t understand him. The only one who listened and gave him comfort was Clarissa. He was half in love with her by the time they were teenagers, but things didn’t work out and they married others. Matthew was widowed soon after. He spent many years coming to peace with his past and has led a quiet, contented life until Clarissa comes back to town.

Loved the way Matthew and Clarissa just picked up again after so many years. They just got each other so well. Of course, their friendship was noted right away and there was talk since their societal positions were so different, but I’m happy with how it was all handled. They both had wonderful family and friends to support them!

Remember When was low angst and heartwarming! The characters and the situations they faced felt real-to-life and relatable. Neither Clarissa nor Matthew led a problem-free life, but each were mature and okay on their own. Finding romance was an unexpected joy for them and their story filled my heart with happiness!

Ah! Whenever I need a romance reset, I reach for a Mary Balogh book. They never disappoint!

This one was so refreshing with MC's reaching 50 years old.

One thing I would note, is that this book is not very dialogue heavy. Be prepared for long stretches of the characters deep in their own thoughts. It was a little slow at times but not in a bad way. I enjoyed the way it made me slow down and savor the story.

Never hesitate to read a Mary Balogh romance.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an arc. All opinions expressed are my own.

Reading one of Mary Balogh's novels is like sinking into a warm bath or sipping the perfect cup of tea - her novels are emotionally powerful with thoroughly developed characters and relationships. I also enjoy that she brings happy endings to all of her characters, not just the younger generation.

REMEMBER WHEN: Clarissa’s Story (A Ravenswood Novel Book #4) by Mary Balogh is a historical, mature, second chance at love story in this continuing Regency romance series featuring the Ware family. This novel is easily read as a standalone romance, but I have enjoyed reading the series in order.

Clarissa Ware, the Dowager Countess of Stratton, returns to Ravenswood for the summer for the first time without any of her children or other obligations. She is turning fifty and feels adrift in her personal life. Six years a widow, all her children grown, and her daughter-in-law assuming all the duties of being the Countess of Stratton, she wishes for solitude to decide on her future, but fate intercedes.

Matthew Taylor was born a gentleman and second son of landowners but is spending his life as the village carpenter and master woodworker. As a young man, he was a neighbor of Clarissa’s family and they were the closest of friends from childhood to seventeen years of age, but he knew he would never be suitable for her, and she accepted the proposal of the Earl of Stratton.

When Clarissa seeks out her old friend, they discover the attraction is still there. Clarissa has always upheld all expectations from society and her family. Can their renewed friendship and mature attraction overcome society’s restraints and family concerns and turn into something more?
I always look forward to returning to the Ware family of Ravenswood. This mature romance did not disappoint, and I was very happy that Clarissa finally found herself, not just what was expected of her. This is a slow burn romance due to the time period, society’s rules, and the side plot which has Matthew having to resolve his own old family issues to move on. That said, there is also a bit too much repetition especially in the beginning of the story, but I feel the romance and HEA are satisfying overall. I am looking forward to reading more of the remaining unattached siblings’ stories in the future.

An enjoyable historical, mature, second chance romance addition to this series.