Interview with Mary Balogh
This month we are fortunate to have the latest release of Mary Balogh “The Proposal” featuring Gwen’s story. Gwendoline, Lady Muir, has been a long time denizen of Balogh novels and there has been a great deal of speculation about who she would end up with and whether she would even get her own story. Ms. Balogh launched a brand new quartet of books beginning with Gwen’s romance with Hugo, Lord Trentham.
I absolutely adore Mary Balogh. She’s a writer who truly brings emotion to the page without skimping on historical accuracy. Her new title looks absolutely fantastic, but then I don’t recall ever reading one of her books and being disappointed.
Drop a note in the comments if you’d like a copy of The Proposal. Random House is sponsoring the book. Dear Author will cover the shipping for a book overseas. We’ll give one away.
THE PROPOSAL
Gwendoline, Lady Muir, has seen her share of tragedy, especially since a freak accident took her husband much too soon. Content in a quiet life with friends and family, the young widow has no desire to marry again. But when Hugo, Lord Trentham, scoops her up in his arms after a fall, she feels a sensation that both shocks and emboldens her.
Hugo never intends to kiss Lady Muir, and frankly, he judges her to be a spoiled, frivolous—if beautiful—aristocrat. He is a gentleman in name only: a soldier whose bravery earned him a title; a merchant’s son who inherited his wealth. He is happiest when working the land, but duty and title now demand that he finds a wife. He doesn’t wish to court Lady Muir, nor have any role in the society games her kind thrives upon. Yet Hugo has never craved a woman more; Gwen’s guileless manner, infectious laugh, and lovely face have ruined him for any other woman. He wants her, but will she have him?
The hard, dour ex-military officer who so gently carried Gwen to safety is a man who needs a lesson in winning a woman’s heart. Despite her cautious nature, Gwen cannot ignore the attraction. As their two vastly different worlds come together, both will be challenged in unforeseen ways. But through courtship and seduction, Gwen soon finds that with each kiss, and with every caress, she cannot resist Hugo’s devotion, his desire, his love, and the promise of forever.
Ms. Balogh agreed to answer a few questions written by Janine.
1) The traditional regencies you wrote for Signet in the 1990s are in the process of being reissued. Many readers find those books somewhat different from your more recent works. What do you think accounts for the differences?
I think there are two main differences:
(a) book length. The Signets were 75,000 words long, the historicals I now write, 100,000. I enjoy having the greater scope for the development of plot, character, and love relationship, but with the shorter length I had to make every page pack a wallop! As I write a book, I can feel its “shape,” (sorry, can’t think of a clearer word). A 25,000 word novella has a vastly different shape than a full-length book (I always say novellas are all beginning and ending with none of the pesky middle). I was thoroughly comfortable with the 75,000 word books. I knew just how long I had to keep winding them up before I could let go and allow everything to unravel toward the conclusion. It took some time to feel the shape of the longer books. I think I have it now, though!
(b) I am older now, and perhaps a little bit wiser (or not)? Sometimes I read one of my older Signets and would love to dive back into it to make changes. I may no longer feel or believe as I did when I wrote it. However, I always restrain myself. That book came from who I was then. It would be wrong to superimpose upon it who I am now. I tended to be far more introspective in the older books. There are long passages of interior monologue from the point of view of various characters. Now I tend to use more dialogue to bring out characters’ thoughts and feelings. Some of my older books were quite dark in theme. I tend to cringe away from too much darkness now. I use more humor and irony. This does not mean, however, that my current books are more fluffy. I still try to infuse meaning and passion into them. I just want my readers to feel happier as they read, not just at the end. I love it when a reader tells me that she (or sometimes he!) laughed aloud at some passages in a certain book.
2) You portray emotions like embarrassment and anxiety very powerfully. What is it that draws you to depicting your characters in moments of discomfort?
Nothing happens in moments of tranquillity and complaisance! Pleasant as those states may be, and much as we may desire to live out our lives in them, it can’t be done. Indeed, if we never suffered, we would develop and grow as sympathetic, compassionate persons far more slowly. One thing that often amazes me when I read other people’s romances is that “passion” is given only its sexual component. There is a great deal of sexual passion (and innuendo and activity) and not much else. I get easily bored with such stories because they miss all the rich complexity of life that should have a bearing on the main characters and their growing relationship with each other. Love is not just about sex! And passion is not just about sex. I want it all when I write. I want my stories and my characters to be real. I want my readers to live every moment of their lives with them and become so engrossed that they forget they are reading a book.
3) Do you have a favorite or favorites among your books? Which one(s) and why?
Well, that is a little like asking a mother if she has favorites among her children. On the other hand, if a mother has close to 100 children, perhaps she would have favorites! I am particularly fond of SLIGHTLY DANGEROUS, MORE THAN A MISTRESS, THE NOTORIOUS RAKE, THE PROPOSAL because I love the heroes and got so much enjoyment out of creating them. If I am giving one of my books to someone who has not read me before, I tend to give A SUMMER TO REMEMBER because I like the interaction between hero and heroine and the way in which they bring healing to each other as well as love. I think there is perfect balance between the hero and heroine in that book, and that is not always easy to achieve And, of course, ASTR introduces the Bedwyn family and the whole of the SLIGHTLY series. THE SECRET PEARL and A PRECIOUS JEWEL are great reader favorites, and when I hear it I am reminded that I am very partial to those two. And… Well, I could go on until I have named close to 100 titles! Oh, oh, and SIMPLY LOVE is definitely one of my favorites. It brings together two terribly wounded people from previous books, and I loved working things out for them and giving them their happily-ever-after. Right, I’ll stop now. I am always very fond of a book as I write it. I couldn’t possibly send it in if I were not. I always have to feel that it is one of the best things I have ever written.
You can purchase The Proposal at your local bookstore or via one of these links:
I absolutely adore Mary Balogh. She’s a writer who truly brings emotion to the page without skimping on historical accuracy.
Her new title looks absolutely fantastic, but then I don’t recall ever reading one of her books and being disappointed.
Love, love, love Balogh. Looking forward to a four-title series.
Mary Balogh was one of my first favorite authors when I originally discovered romance books years ago. She is one of my few original author favs who has stood the test of time
Mary Balogh is one of my absolute favorite authors. She is one writer who has the knack for making her characters seem real to me, not just words on a page. I’ve been looking forward to Gwen’s story for years!
I am always fascinated by the back stories of authors…you know…”where did they come from” “what was their reasons for becoming an author…besides the predictable…I love to read or write”. And Mary is no different…love her!
“A Summer to Remember” is my all time favorite. So happy about Lady Gwen’s book. Thank you, thank you Mary Balogh.
Ms. Balogh is a master at characterization. I absolutely adore her writing. And for me, no hero anywhere has come close to Adam in The Secret Pearl. I can’t wait to see her new stories.
Yay! Gwen’s story. I’m not sure how I missed this upcoming release – thanks for posting about it and posting the interview. Interesting that Balough’s favorites include both my very favorite (A Summer to Remember – I love, love that book) and my very, very least favorite (More Than a Mistress – I cannot begin to express how much I hate this book). I can’t think of any another author where I feel such a range of emotions for their books (plenty of authors with books I love and books I think are meh or that I dislike – but to go from love all the way to hate – that says something about the power of Balough’s writing).
I already have The Proposal so please do not include me in the giveaway…but I needed to comment.
I have given Mary Balogh more 5-stars than any other author I’ve read. And it isn’t because of sheer numbers, but because her stuff is, on the whole, so great.
My favorites:
Indiscreet <—-second favorite M.Balogh
Snow Angel
Secret Pearl
Lady With the Black Umbrella <—-slightly daffy heroine/bemused exasperated hero was such a hoot and markedly different from what I had come to expect from her.
and of course….Slightly Dangerous. Hands down my super favorite of hers.
I’d love to get a copy of “The Proposal”. Mary Balogh is still an auto-buy. But I miss your older style, I liked the darker tone, and the internal monologue as well. I wish for more books (and authors) like that.
I idolize and love Mary Balogh. Slightly Scandalous and Slightly Dangerous are two of my faves. Oh, and I loved Notorious Rake. A couple of years ago I downloaded (does it count as pirating if they’re out of print? I mean, technically I know it is, but I don’t know how else to get ebooks of old titles. Oh well, I’m a horrible person) a bunch of her old Regencies and read them all in a matter of weeks. It was like binge reading.
So looking forward to this! I have yet to find a Mary Balogh book I don’t love, and Simply Love may be my favorite of all times.
I have been reading her books since the Signet Regencies were newly published. For a couple of books I thought her single titles too angst but that probably meant that I was too caught up in the story. I love her writing.
Ms. Balogh – I started my romance reading career reading your books and you are still on my auto-buy list. My all-time favorite series is the Huxtable books. I smile, laugh, cry and always end with that happy sigh that you only get when you’ve read a great romance.
Thank you for the hours of escape your books have provided.
LOVE Mary Balogh so flippin’ much. Am really excited for this one!
Yay, that is exactly what I wanted to know!
The cover of The Proposal reminds me strongly of Masterpiece’s 2010 broadcast of Emma starring Romola Garai.
My Mother-in-law introduced me to Mary Balogh’s books. I love that her characters have such interesting (and difficult) lives. Plus, I find Ms. Balogh’s voice to be unique. You always know when you’re reading one of her books, which is unusual these days.
I enjoy all of Mary Balogh’s books, but if I had to choose a few favorites, I’d pick A Summer to Remember and A Matter of Class. I also like her Christmas Signets.
I wonder if Mary Balogh still likes writing for a publisher or if she ever envisions trying her hand at self-publishing. Even though I have an e-reader, I’m still partial to holding an actual book.
I love Mary Balogh books and have been looking forward to reading Lady Muir’s book! Slightly Dangerous and Simply Love have a permanent place on my nightstand for frequent re-reading.
If I had to pick my favorite books by Mary Balogh, they would be
Slightly Dangerous
The Secret Pearl
The Notorious Rake
I’m looking forward to her new series, especially reading Gwen’s tale.
>>That book came from who I was then. It would be wrong to superimpose upon it who I am now.
No! No it wouldn’t! I’d love for you to go back and tinker with some of the older books (not that I’ve read them all, because I haven’t), like Temporary Wife or Plumed Bonnet.
Of the 12 or so Baloghs I’ve read, my very, very favorite is More than a Mistress. J’adore.
I also really enjoyed Precious Jewel (must remember to read Secret Pearl some day). I guess I’ll have to locate A Summer to Remember, it sounds great.
Simply Love was good, but the funny thing is, it absolutely grew on me more and more after I had finished it. Like, it went from being “not bad” in my mind to “really good” upon more reflection.
A nice thing about a lot of these Balogh books is that, because there’s some character development, I often think about the H/h and give them an “epilogue” (or several epilogues) in my mind after finishing the book. This is easy to do for all of the books I’ve mentioned above.
I love Mary Balogh’s books, both old and new. She is still an auto-buy for me. I really appreciate how she brings a little bit of gritty reality into a lot of her books.
I love Mary’s books! The first books I’ve read of her were the books of the Simple series and they’re still my favourites. As I was pretty late to the party, I’ve had quite a backlist to discover. And finally Gwen’s story, I can’t wait to read it!
Yes please! Mary Balogh is my favorite author. I’m trying to find all her older books and automatically buy her new ones. Thanks for the great interview.
Count me among those who have wanted Gwen’s story for years. Hope to read it soon.
I loved those old Signets. IMO Balogh rocked the 75,000 word novel. However, A Summer To Remember is also one of my favorites. Also adore her twisty books like _No Man’s Mistress_ and _A Matter of Class_.
Back when I was in grad school and rediscovering romances, I somehow ended up with a copy of Slightly Married. I love the rest of that series, but, sorry SD fans, Slightly Married is absolutely my fave. I always cry when Agnes wallops the bad guys, and Aidan hugs her!
MB always has interesting details and the accuracy of the historical data is pretty close to spot on. Yes, there’s a little flexibility so that contemporary readers are too put off by the realities of the era, but I always learn something from reading her books. In other words, a good read, good plot, and learning stuff, too!!
I am such a big fan of Mary Balogh. Her books almost always land on the keeper shelf.
I love most of her books. I have really been looking forward to the Proposal but my favorite book so far has been Slightly Dangerous.
My first Balogh was The Secret Pearl and have been hooked ever since. She is a great writer!
Oh, this sounds so fun. I always enjoy Mary Balogh’s books. :)
I love books by Mary Balogh and would love to get a copy of The Proposal. It sounds like a fun read! Thanks for sharing this interview with us!
Would love to have The Proposal!
I love Mary Balogh’s books. I’ve read several of her novellas as well, and I’m surprised at how much emotional depth they provide in relatively few pages. For some reason, Balogh’s writing makes me feel like I’ve “come home,” so to speak.
I’ve never read any of Mary Balogh’s books, but I’ve heard wonderful things about them. I own a few that I’ve picked up in paperback as well as a digital copy of at least one of her books. The Proposal looks like a great book!
I’d love a copy of a book. I haven’t read her, but would like to try her out.
Love love love Mary’s books. I can’t wait to read her new one.
I love Maary Balogh’s books. My favorite is (not sure about the title) The Woman with the Gray Umbrella. Oneof the traditional regencies. I’ld love to read them all again!
thanks for a lovely interview! I’ve just started reading Mary’s books and I love them! Can’t wait to catch up and read the newest :)
I enjoy reading Ms Balogh’s books and can’t wait to read this book.
Mary Balogh’s books have a sweet poignancy to them that draws me in every time. Despite their outward behavior, her alpha heroes have an innate decency which makes them difficult to forget. MORE THAN A MISTRESS and THE SECRET PEARL are my favorites, but all of Ms. Balogh’s books are gems!
Love most of Ms. Balogh’s books! Excited for the release of this one :)
I started reading Mary Balogh with her Signet Regencies, and she is still a favorite author of mine. The Notorious Rake is probably my favorite, though I’m fond of the Welsh books Longing and Truly as well. I look forward to The Proposal.
Ah, this is perfect timing, as I’m on a library-fueled backlist glom of Balogh’s books right now. It took me awhile to get to her books, but she’s already shaping up to be one of my favorite historical romance authors.
I recently started reading Mary Balogh’s books, thanks to some good reviews here and other places. I am looking forward to reading more.
Just finished reading The Temporary Wife and loved it – am looking forward to reading The Proposal
I’ve been looking to read a Mary Balogh for a while and this seems like a great opportunity to start!
It’s been awhile since I read one of Mary Balogh’s books, I believe it’s time to go grab a couple!
I too love Slightly Married. The hero of this new book sounds similar to Aidan. Can’t wait to read it.
Mary Balogh is my all time favorite! I’m half-way through The Proposal and loving it. I’ve always wondered about Lady Muir and remember her appearing in the Slightly Series and Kit’s story. I’m with Miss Balogh and some of the posters above – Wulfric and Aiden were two of my favorite heroes ever.
Mary Balogh is one of my most-favourite romance authors – whether a book is one of her more light-hearted ones or a more melancholy one, I always find them emotionally more engaging than just about anyone else out there.
I can’t wait to read The Proposal
Somehow, I haven’t read any Mary Balogh, but I’d like to change that. I recently picked up Slightly Married at the local library’s used book sale. I’m glad to hear people like it. I’ve got high hopes.
Slightly Married and Slightly Dangerous are two of my favorite romance novels of all time.
Thanks for a great interview.
This is definitely on my must have list. I have it on my Amazon wish list to remind me to order it as soon as it is offered at the PB price (assuming I don’t win a copy here, which is a pretty safe bet).
I’ve been re-reading the Bedwyn books recently. And I like that some of the other older titles are now being re-issued in their original form.
I love Mary Balogh – I reckon she could write a shopping list and I’d be entertained reading it. Just think how excited I get about a new book!!! :D
I read and enjoyed several Mary Balogh books years ago. Winning this one would be a great excuse to try her again.
Love Balogh’s work – I have most of her backlist. Thanks for the opportunity; I would love to have a copy of this one!
Mary Balogh’s favorites are also my favorites of her work. I am slowly reading my way through her backlist after being introduced to her novels several years ago. I would love to win a copy of The Proposal!
I would love to read this one!
I have enjoyed many of Ms Balogh’s previous works, and I’m indeed one of those readers who has been waiting to see if Lady Muir would ever get her story. I’m glad to see the day has come!
Please put my name in the virtual hat for the giveaway.
Please count me in. I like the maturity of Gwen and Hugo that they have a life that has shaped their present when they meet.
Mary Balogh is my favorite (living) romance author — she writes stories that feel historically authentic and pack a real emotional punch. I had left the romance genre for years but the review here of Balogh’s A Christmas Promise (discovered when reading the review of CS Harris’s Ct. Cyr book published last year) prompted me to give romance another try and I have since glommed MB’s extensive back list and discovered some other talented writers (through this and other romance websites). Slightly Dangerous is probably my favorite but Simply Love, A Summer to Remember, the Secret Mistress, and First Comes Marriage are way up there as well. As an aside, I would also like to add that I love the cover of this book. So much more better then the headless ladies in gowns from the wrong era!
Too many favorite Balogh book! Looking forward to Gwen and Hugo’s story.
Looking forward to reading this one.
I love Mary Balogh’s writing. Thanks for posting an interview.
I think I first read Mary in a Signet Christmas collection and knew I wanted MORE so began my hunt to collect and read all of her books.
Thanks to Mary for all those wonderful stories, complex emotions and development done so well it is hard to name just one or a few favorites as so man of them are top reads for me.
A Summer to remember was the 1st of hers I read – I agree, good choice for a new Balogh reader. Loved it, those mentioned, and more. Excited about the new series.
Hello! Nice to see a new book.
I only discovered Balogh last summer. After reading First Comes Marriage and Slightly Married I glommed on her stuff. Looking forward to reading this one!
I read anything Mary Balogh writes and enjoy them all. I wanted a story about Gwen Muir from the first time she appeared. Guess good things really do come to those who wait, yes?
Who wouldn’t want to read a new Balogh? ;)
Mary Balogh is queen of the chest ache for me – I love her writing. The Secret Pearl and Wulfric’s story are two of my faces, but I also love Simply Love and Irresistible. Can’t wait to read this. In fact, I think I might be behind on a few releases. Which means I have a few treats in store…
Even though I read The Secret Pearl ages ago and have read thousands of books since, SP remains in my top 10 all-time favorites.
The new books sounds very interesting, and I’d love to check out.
Ahhhhh wonderful! I love Mary Balogh and I can’t WAIT to read the new book!
I have been looking forward to Gwen’s book ever since I read A Summer to Remember, my favorite Balogh book. Can’t wait to read this!
I do like Mary Balogh’s stories and this looks like a good one.
I’ve read about 30 Balogh books and rated virtually all of them 4 or 5 stars. I’d love to win a copy of The Proposal, since the publisher has raised the Kindle price from (the standard) $7.99 to $12.99.
Looking forward to reading this on the first day after exams!!
My favourite Mary Balogh book has to be Slightly Dangerous. It’s a comfort read for me. A great romance.
Interesting that Ms. Balogh mentions passion, because one of the reasons I like her books so much is how well she uses passion, both physical and emotional, to show the developing relationship between the hero and heroine. I’m with Sarah Mayberry in that I love “Irresistible”, and like lots of others I adore “The Notorious Rake”. I read the latter early in my romance-reading and was shocked, shocked I tell you, by the sex so early in the book at a time when Edmund and Mary don’t even particularly like each other. But then I also loved “The Temporary Wife”, “A Summer to Remember”, “A Secret Affair” — the list goes on. I’m happy to hear that Gwen will get her HEA and look forward to reading it.
Great interview! Love Mary Balogh, vintage and new. Favourite’s got to be No Man’s Mistress. Had such a great plot twist!
Oh I would love a copy! Mary Balogh got me hooked on historical romances!
Love love LOVE me some Balogh!! Also, she’s a Saskatchewanite as am I. Go, Saskatchewan! ;p
I love Mary Balogh and I’m looking forward to reeding The proposal. By the way, the cover is truly gorgeous.
I love Mary Balogh’s books. My favorite is “The Secret Pearl”.
My favorite is Simply Love. Mary Balogh is a favorite author of mine. I would love to win this book.
I love Mary Balogh’s books! I especially loved the Slightly series.
I LOVE Mary Balogh’s works. They are reliably good.