Simply Unforgettable (Simply Quartet)

Very sweet story about one of the teachers at Miss Martin's School for girls that is introduced to us in the Bedwyn series. Though this book doens't actually have any of the Bedwyns in it- it is still a wonderful book and well worth the read.

It just goes to show you, different strokes for different folks. I almost didn't buy the book because of some of the negative reviews but I'm glad I did. I loved it and sat up all last night anxious to get to the happy ending... then I was sorry it was done. I'm always sad when I finish a great book. I loved Lucius. He was the ideal male romantic figure, in my opinion. He loved her enough to give her the space she needed to work things out for herself. He wasn't arrogant, domineering and rough as some of the romantic characters. I liked him a lot. I think we have all known a Frances in our lives. A sweet, quiet little Italian girl with big brown eyes that can melt the coldest of hearts. Mary has outdone herself with this book. I was able to understand the thinking of the characters, their motives but for the life of me I was totally baffled about her secret. The author tied all her strings together to make one wonderful book. I would also like to congratulate the author for the beautiful covers on her books. I know that an established writer has a lot of input as to the covers and I absolutely refuse to buy a book with a sexy, vulgar cover. Your books are all tastefully packaged.

If you enjoy Historical Novels, then you will certainly enjoy Mary Balogh's books. All of them that I have read are unforgettable and I will buy more and more of her books as they become available.

I felt it important to write a review to offer some balance to other perspectives from other reviewers. This was the first novel I've read by Mary Balogh, and I am relatively unfamiliar (since high school days) with either Romance or Regency genres of literature. Approaching this book with no expectations from previous Balogh books or other writings in the genre, I was pleasantly surprised by the warm feelings inspired for the well-drawn characters through the acute and intelligent writing style. The subtlety and complexity of what drew each character to the other reflect the essence of the paradox of falling in love, where the silliest and least consequential characteristics can endear others deeply to us. There was a nobility in each character which had little to do with "birth," and much with developed values--both refreshing and admirable to see portrayed. There were also several passages so true and lyrical--as describing the purity and depth expressed by the heroine's profound musicianship that deepened the love between the characters--which brought tears to my eyes (and I am not excessively romantic). This was a moving book about unusually vibrant characters, people who seemed truly to have been brought to life from the page. The author's restraint and subtlety likely set her apart from most writers in her genre, one of the reasons I do not generally read or enjoy books in this area. But a good story, about quality people I wish to have known, is always captivating, and can live on in the imagination for many years. It is also rare and refreshing these days to read about characters admirable for their virtue and character. This book touched me as few have in recent memory. Many thanks to the author for her vivid characterizations and ability to touch on true-life dilemmas--of independence, duty vs. individual happiness, and prudent vs. intuitive living--relevant even today.