Mary Balogh
Full Name and Common Aliases
Mary Jenkins Balogh, commonly known simply as Mary Balogh, is a celebrated author in the realm of historical romance novels. Her name is synonymous with the Regency and Georgian eras, where her stories are predominantly set.
Birth and Death Dates
Mary Balogh was born on March 24, 1944. As of the latest available information, she is alive and continues to contribute to the literary world.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Mary Balogh is a Welsh-Canadian author. She has made a significant mark as a novelist, particularly in the genre of historical romance. Her works have captivated readers worldwide, earning her a place among the most respected authors in her field.
Early Life and Background
Mary Balogh was born in Swansea, Wales, where she spent her formative years. Her upbringing in a small Welsh town imbued her with a love for literature and storytelling. After completing her education, she moved to Canada on a two-year teaching contract. It was in Canada that she met her husband, Robert Balogh, and decided to settle down. Her early career as a high school English teacher provided her with a deep understanding of language and narrative, which would later influence her writing style.
Major Accomplishments
Mary Balogh's career as a novelist began in the early 1980s, and she quickly established herself as a formidable voice in historical romance. Her first novel, "A Masked Deception," was published in 1985 and set the stage for a prolific writing career. Over the years, she has published more than 60 novels and numerous novellas, many of which have become bestsellers. Her ability to weave intricate plots with rich character development has earned her numerous accolades, including the Romantic Times Career Achievement Award.
Notable Works or Actions
Among Mary Balogh's most notable works are her series such as the "Slightly" series, the "Simply" series, and the "Survivor's Club" series. These books are celebrated for their depth of emotion, historical accuracy, and the strong, relatable characters that populate their pages. Her novel "Slightly Dangerous," part of the "Slightly" series, is often highlighted as a quintessential example of her storytelling prowess. Balogh's works are known for their exploration of themes such as love, redemption, and the complexities of human relationships, set against the backdrop of Regency England.
Impact and Legacy
Mary Balogh's impact on the genre of historical romance is profound. She has been instrumental in shaping the modern landscape of romance novels, particularly those set in historical contexts. Her dedication to authenticity and her ability to create compelling narratives have inspired countless readers and aspiring writers. Balogh's legacy is not only in the books she has written but also in the way she has elevated the genre, proving that romance novels can be both entertaining and intellectually engaging.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Mary Balogh is widely quoted and remembered for her insightful exploration of human emotions and relationships. Her ability to capture the nuances of love and the intricacies of societal norms during the Regency era has resonated with readers across generations. Her quotes often reflect themes of love, honor, and personal growth, making them timeless and universally relatable. Balogh's work continues to be a source of inspiration and reflection, ensuring her place in the annals of literary history.
In conclusion, Mary Balogh's contributions to literature, particularly in the historical romance genre, have left an indelible mark. Her stories continue to enchant and inspire, making her a beloved figure among readers and a respected name in the world of romance writing.
Quotes by Mary Balogh
Mary Balogh's insights on:
Miss Fry had been borne off, as planned, Hugo reported, to be outfitted from head to toe for her wedding and her new life. His wife had gone with her, and so had the Countess of Kilbourne, her sister-in-law. Vincent hoped Sophia would not feel overwhelmed. “They will look after her, lad,” Hugo assured him as though he had read Vincent’s thoughts. “Woman power or something hideous like that. It is better to stay far away from it and let them do what they must do.
It is the human condition. No one escapes, even those who may appear to others to live charmed lives. But we all have the choice of whether to be defined by the negatives in our lives or to make of our present and future and our very selves what we want them to be.
It is hard, is it not,” he said, “to have one’s life develop quite differently from what one expected and to feel not fully in command of it?
Life was very sad if there were not – and unbearably so if one’s experience with romantic love turned one into an incurable cynic.
I like your voice. That sounds ridiculously lame, I know. But when you cannot see, Miss Fry, sound and the other senses become far more acute. Normally one likes the look of someone to whom one feels attracted. I like the sound of your voice.
The comforting thing about difficult days, Chloe had learned from experience, was that the sun rose at the start of them and set at the end just as it did on any other day. And there was always the assurance of better days ahead.
I suppose,” he said, his voice harsher than he had intended it to be, “you want marriage again.” “No,” she said quickly. “No, never that. Not again. Why would any woman willingly make herself the property of a man and suffer all the humiliation of submerging her character and her very identity in his?
You have love all wrong, Gwendoline. It is not all give, give, give. It is taking as well. It is allowing the other one the pleasure and joy of giving. Let me love you.