1.5 stars.I’m so glad this wasn’t my first book by Mary Balogh because I don’t think I would’ve read anything else by her and this would be unfortunate! As it is, I’m a huge fan of the author (45+ books and counting). But this story! I don’t even know what to say, except, to defend this as the author’s earlier effort and to appreciate her later improvements.The beginning was very promising with shades of Persuasion in it. I was content and happy to immerse in the narrative. But it [...]

Well normally I love Mary Balogh, but this is one of her earlier books and just made me want to scream. As other reviewers have pointed out this is based on a big Misunderstanding, which makes absolutely NO sense whatsoever. The heroine Elizabeth Rossiter is working as a Companian to the 18 year old Cecily. The nearby manor is occupied by the owner and some guests. It turns out that one of those is the Marquess of Hetherington and that he and Elizabeth have a Past. The first 120 pages and so are [...]

Possibly the least overwrought long separation, big M(isunderstanding) HRs out there - none of the revenge nonsense that many of the other ones typically employ - but is still true to its type, which is why I like it.Not a 5 because the ending (last 10 or so pages) should have just been cut out. Which begs the question of what good is a story such as this without even a decent ending But I do like my share of angst, confusion, and (not real) betrayal, so I'm giving this a 3.5.

2.5 stars.Sigh. I hate to rate this book as low as I do because really, it is not a bad book. But it is definitely an infuriating one. I give Balogh a bit of a pass because this is one of her early books.The book starts in a smallish village where a Miss Elizabeth Rossiter is the governess/companion of a beautiful young lady. The village is abuzz because the owner of he largest, most prosperous property is coming for a stay and is bringing some sophisticated friends from London. As is usual in t [...]

Loved this one. Very fun read. I don't want to give too much away because it would ruin the story. Elizabeth and Robert have a past. They have not seen each other in 6 years. Elizabeth's heart was broken by him and she has spent the last 6 years trying to hide and avoid society. She took up a position as a governess/lady's companion 6 years ago. Now by a quirk of fate Robert has entered her life again and created havoc once more. Really good story.

Very unbelievable. Since the backstory is told through a series of rather annoying flashbacks, it wasn't until the end that I realized just how far-fetched the premise really was. I mean, I can understand paying off an unsuitable woman *before* she marries your nephew, but after? That would only make sense if they actually did get a divorce, but since they didn't (she was told they had a divorce, he knew better), the premise was utterly unfathomable.

Mary Balogh is usually a 'can't miss' author for me, but this one fell a little short of the mark. "A Chance Encounter" tells of two young lovers, the impoverished but titled Robert, and the genteel Elizabeth, who fall in love and marry without family approval. Events - that is, the evil uncle and father - conspire against them, and they are apart for six years, thinking the other person has abandoned them.This one should really be titled "The Great Misunderstanding." Truly a good conversation, [...]

This is early Mary Balogh and shows great promise for her longer form novels. It's a quick read because of length and because it pulls you into the dilemmas and mores of those times. The hero and heroine come face to face after being violently in love in the past. The scene is in the country but their relationship dates back to six years earlier during a London season.A mere governess and a titled noble can't escape their pasts and that past comes to light in an interesting way.Really enjoyed th [...]

"Chance Encounter" by Mary Balogh 1985The book I read was an old Culpeper County Library hardcover copy from Culpeper, VA. Isn't the cover unique.It is hard to review this book without putting spoilers in everywhere because as you read, Mary Balogh throws in information about the past that enlightens the reader.I will try now not to ruin this book for you but give you the basics.Mr. Mainwaring has inherited Ferndale Manor from his uncle and has decided to take up residency and will be bringing f [...]

I really enjoyed the romanticism of the second chance at love. It reminded me a little of Persuasion my favourite Jane Austen book, the passionate love, the long separation, the anger and resentment and finally the redemption. My only criticism is that I did feel like the ending was a bit rushed and we didn't get enough of the happily ever after part.

This was a very pleasant Balogh. It's obviously older and less skilled than her more recent works, but it was still fun. I love the no-nonsense heroine. I HATED what a dick the hero was. I really hoped the heroine would end up with the more pleasant friend. The whole big misunderstanding plot was obviously cliche, but I enjoyed this book anyway!

after reading one of my favorite authors, Mary Balogh's earlier writings, i realized she has improved through the years. This book may not have made my heart palpitate like her other books, but i appreciate her writings nonetheless. looking forward to more of her books!

I really just can't stand stories where a simple meeting and a discussion would clear everything up

I LIKED IT. FIGHT ME.

This whole book is based around lack of communication which aggravates me deeply, but I did like that there were hints of Persuasion happening.

I like the covers o the re-release better. Not that we would dream of judging a book that way. I hadn't realized just how long Balogh had been writing. Glad to find these new-old books by her.

One big, long oft repeated misunderstanding.

CharmingWhat a story of misunderstanding and conniving relatives?!? Robert is the perfect romantic hero, angry, handsome, wealthy, and duped by circumstances. Elizabeth is angry, stubborn, beautiful and afraid to be hurt. Thank goodness for happy endings.

What a sweet story!

It pains me to speak poorly of Balogh. I admire her immensely and am generally able to keep from having to say anything negative about her books by avoiding the ones I can tell I wouldn't like. This one is almost-great - until you take five seconds to think about the actual plot and relationship dynamics and it all falls apart.

I was so frustrated with this book. It is essentially a book surrounding a "big lie or misunderstanding" and if the two had actually had an open adult conversation, there would have been no real conflict.I found Elizabeth's emotions to be somewhat understandable but I did not agree with her actions at all and had a hard time watching her essentially string another man along. She appears to be relatively intelligent except when it comes to Robert. Why would he go out of his way to help her if he [...]

A new ebook edition of one of Balogh's earliest (1985) Signet Regencies, with a young lovers parted through misunderstanding thrust unexpectedly together again plotline. Balogh does a great job of holding back the exact nature of the relationship between twenty six-year-old governess/companion Elizabeth Rossiter and Robert, Marquess of Hetherington, giving short flashbacks of their previous encounter, creating good tension so the surprise reveal mid-book is really a suprise. I usually don't have [...]

A story with an interesting premise that started out well but then turned frustrating.Both Elizabeth and Robert trusted the wrong, despicable and manipulating people (view spoiler)[his uncle and her father (hide spoiler)] and have been miserable for years because of it, yet when they meet again, neither one confronts the other, but prefer to avoid their problems and allow their pride to blind them.And then of course Elizabeth had to have her moment of intense stupidity towards the end that made [...]

A heroine who is so fickle with her resolutions and so intent on playing the noble idiot - with no sound motivation given for the idiocy apart from vague inclinations to be independent - she leaves you wondering what the good Mr. Denning ever saw in her. Mr. Mainwaring was nothing more than a stupid, glaringly obvious contrived plot device. For people who proclaim to love each other ardently and passionately, they are quite easily persuaded of the other's vices and quick to believe the worst of [...]

A country neighborhood is thrown into arrears when the lord of the manor comes at last, bringing with him a married couple, an elegant yet stern gentleman, and an elegant sister who looks down her nose at everybody and believes she is the best match for the stern gentleman. Yet, a somewhat plain but witty woman named Elizabeth is the true object of his affections, which becomes increasingly evident when bad weather during a walk forces her to stay in the manor house for a bit.Sound familiar?Ok, [...]

Very short story. However I'm not sure how it could have been longer.I liked the description of the village environment and its local gentry. I really liked the introduction to all characters. The progressive discovery of Elizabeth & Hetherington's secret was nicely done at first, though I believed it could have been quicker, had Elizabeth not been so stubborn in refusing to think about it.I am in general quite fond of misunderstandings creating rifts between H/h. In this case, I got upset a [...]

The beginning reminded me a lot of Pride and Prejudice. As I read on, I found out that this book had an identity of it's own and was not just another copycat. I liked and loved it. For sure, it will stay on my keeper shelf because it tells a beautiful story of love between two unforgettable characters. :D

Very average fare told in a less than elegant fashion and rather emotionally detached despite the contrived would-be angsty plot. While I have been going through and enjoying Ms Balogh's back catalogue, this book might have been too far back, before she truly developed her flare to captivate with her storytelling.

I have gloomed every book Mary Balogh has published. Mary Balogh create's 3 dimensional hero 's and heroine's. Her stories make you feel all the awkwardness and intense chemistry of her character's physical attraction to each other. In this story two likable people are separated by the greed of her father. A great story of redemption.

Early (1985) Balogh and thus simpler, less actual sex. Strong female character but she took a little too long to come to the logical conclusion about what happened 6 years before. Still, better than many I've read.-- Karen, Merrillville Branch