Review: Only Beloved (The Survivors' Club #7) by Mary Balogh

Title: Only Beloved
Series: The Survivors' Club #7
Author: Mary Balogh
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?

I’ve read the “Survivors Club” series since book 1 was published and we met them all. This was the perfect story for Geroge. I’m so happy Mary Balogh gave him a book, and not any book, but one befitting him.

We meet the heroine, Dora, in Flavian and Agnes’ book. She’s the older, spinster sister that has an amazing musical talent. From then on, from the 1st time Dora and Geroge meet, I hoped they’ll end up together. Dora is quiet character, she doesn’t explode of the page with energy, but with her compassion, musical talent and no-nonsense ways she captures your interest and your heart.

Geroge is the unofficial father of the Survivors. He’s the one that always listens, doesn’t interrupt and doesn’t bombard you with unwanted advice. He knows how to make everyone comfortable and has a way of making you want to unburden yourself to him. From the 1st book he gave me the sense that he was hiding some deep pain, even though he was content and even happy with the life he led now.

Dora and George are perfect for each other. He doesn’t let her hide from her feelings, and she helps him heal. I loved seeing the other characters and how their lives evolved. All in all this was a fitting ending to the series.

I received an ARC through Penguin's First To Read program.

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