Mary Balogh brings her trademark humor and engaging characters to her new romance The Secret Mistress. Lady Angeline Dudley is waiting for her brother’s arrival at an inn when she encounters Edward Ailsury, earl of Hayward, and decides on the spot that he is the man she will someday marry. However, Edward and Angeline are complete opposites–Angeline lives life with passion and excitement and Edward lives under the burden of his responsibilities to his family and his position. Both are finely drawn, believable characters with depth and warmth. The supporting cast of characters–Lord Windrow and Miss Eunice Goddard among others–are ones that appear in other books in Balogh’s Mistress series–No Man’s Mistress and More than a Mistress. As their families and friends recognize that Angeline and Edward are meant to be together, the two must overcome their insecurities and misunderstandings before they can allow themselves to acknowledge their love for each other. Follow Edward and Angeline on their journey towards happiness–it is one you will enjoy sharing with them!!