'The Temporary Wife' by Mary Balogh is a historical romance novel that follows the story of Charity Duncan, a governess who agrees to a temporary marriage with Anthony Earheart in order to secure financial support for her family. The plot revolves around the unexpected complexities that arise in their relationship, as Charity and Anthony navigate their mock marriage while dealing with their own personal struggles and family dynamics. Balogh's writing style is described as calm and engaging, with a focus on developing three-dimensional characters and intricate relationships that keep the readers invested in the story until the satisfying resolution at the end.

Characters:

The characters are richly developed, with the heroine portrayed as strong yet compassionate, while the hero grapples with family dynamics and personal struggles.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is characterized by emotional depth and a mature tone, focusing heavily on character development.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot centers around a false marriage where both characters seek personal gain, leading to unexpected emotional outcomes and family dynamics.

Setting:

The story is set mainly in an aristocratic country estate, reflecting the social dynamics of the Regency period.

Pacing:

The pacing balances swift plot initiation with deeper exploration of character relationships as the story unfolds.

"How many children do you have, Staunton?" Harold Price asked him at White's the morning of the advertisement's first appearance. "Would it not be more appropriate to hire a schoolteacher? One capable...

Notes:

The Temporary Wife is one of Mary Balogh's earlier works.

The story features a woman marrying under false pretenses to help her impoverished family.

Charity Duncan, the heroine, agrees to a temporary marriage with Anthony Earheart for financial support.

Anthony is the Marquess of Staunton and later revealed to be the son of a Duke.

He seeks a plain woman for revenge against his father, believing Charity to be meek and shabby.

Charity is actually more capable and stronger than Anthony initially realizes.

The setting mainly takes place on a country estate with character-driven emotional depth.

The novel includes themes of family dynamics and healing broken relationships.

Charity's character is very mature and caring for her siblings, which some readers found unrealistic.

The relationship develops slowly, creating genuine emotions and connections.

Has Romance?

Romance is a vital aspect of The Temporary Wife, showcasing an evolution in the relationship between the protagonists as they navigate their initial arrangement.

implied steam level

From The Publisher:

Miss Charity Duncan has no illusions when she agrees to the marriage proposal of Lord Anthony Earheart. The arrogant aristocrat makes it painfully clear what he wants from her. Will Charity agree to be the wife he needs to enrage the father he hates? Of course. Will Charity then depart from his life in return for the money she and her family desperately need? Of course. Is Earheart as heartless as he is handsome and as remorseless as he is rich? Of course.

It is only when Charity enters into this mockery of a marriage that she discovers that things are not as simple as they seemed at first. For when the libertine lord takes her in his arms, it is not only their contract that threatens to be broken, but her heart as well.... more

Ratings (5)

Incredible (1)
Loved It (3)
It Was OK (1)

Reader Stats (11):

Read It (7)
Want To Read (3)
Not Interested (1)

1 comment(s)

Reads4Lot

It Was OK

3 months

3.5 Enjoyable.

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The Temporary Wife

Mary Balogh