Simply Love

The Simply Quartet, Book 2

By: Mary Balogh

Narrated by: Rosalyn Landor

Length: 10 hrs and 58 mins

Publisher's summary

She spies him in the deepening dusk of a Wales evening - a lone figure of breathtaking strength and masculinity, his handsome face branded by a secret pain. For single mother and teacher Anne Jewell, newly arrived with her son at a sprawling estate in Wales, Sydnam Butler is a man whose sorrows - and passions - run deeper than she could have ever imagined.

As steward of a remote seaside manor, Sydnam lives a reclusive existence far from the pity and disdain of others. Yet almost from the moment Anne first appears on the cliffs, he senses in this lovely stranger a kindred soul, and between these two wary hearts, desire stirs. Unable to resist the passion that has rescued them both from loneliness, Anne and Sydnam share an afternoon of exquisite lovemaking. Now the unwed single mother and war-scarred veteran must make a decision that could forever alter their lives.

Contains mature themes.

©2006 Mary Balogh (P)2016 Tantor

Great Story and Performance

I rated the performance a 4 because Rosalyn Landor did not use voices she previously had for Jerves and Freya. She had such strong voices throughout the Bedwyn novels and most of them were used, but these two very distinct ones were not. the reason I look for her recordings is because she never forgets voices. that being said, there were a lot of characters in this book. you must read the Bedwyn books before this one to avoid being confused by all of the relationships, but it is an amazing book of you have.

What a lovely book

This book kept me listening and had me sighing in satisfaction at the lovely conclusion. I highly recommend this book!!

Wonderful story!!

This series and this author do not disappoint. It's the tale of two people who find each other after thinking they would forever be alone. One physically damaged, the other socially ruined. They come together to heal and refine themselves. Love love love 💘

A Beautiful Story

Those who enjoyed the Bedwyn series will love this story. The Simply series is a spin-off of Bedwyn, though unlike Book 1 of Simply, it goes far beyond the mere reference and mention of some of the Bedwyn characters. The Bedwyn family is central to the plot, and it is satisfying to visit favorites once more. There are some continuity problems with character voices. Gervais has apparently lost his French lilt, but his book did mention that he spoke with more of an English accent when he was in England, so that fact may explain why he sounded almost cockney.

This is a beautiful love story about two broken souls who courageously find the healing power of love. Alone, they lead half a life. Together, they become happily whole. This is definitely a favorite. Balogh is not afraid to explore difficult complexities of human nature. She does a decent job of writing the nuances of flawed character in order to illustrate the dark imperfections of wounded hearts. Well done!

I couldn't stop listening!

Enjoy Mary Balogh books and Roslayn Landor never disappoints. In most of the Balogh books I have read the woman is not beautiful but not unattractive, and there is something about her situation that makes her ineligible or less than desireable; and the male is usually very attractive but a bit of a rake to start. I loved the variation in Anne and Sydnam's story. She is beautiful while injuries sustained in the war have marred his physical appearance. I find that most of the challenges that face Balogh's relationships could be easily overcome if people just said what they meant, and some at times feel trivial or forced. While poor communication was a factor in this story to a degree, there were additionally legitimate internal struggles with both protagonist that I found very intriguing. I found myself invested in what happened to these two characters to the point of depriving myself of sleep to listen. Anne was not only half of a romantic pairing but she was also a mother, which in my opinion made her decisions and struggles all the more interesting. I would read this book again!

Great Second Installment

This is a nice story for Anne, but Sydnam pulled my heartstrings. I am very sensitive when it comes to soldiers and the trials they faced in battle and when they return home. They are never the same.

Two Lonely Souls that found each other

This is probably my 8th listen. I finally remembered to review. I really loved this one. Sydnam Butler was severely injured during the war. Anne Jewell have scars of her own. The two meet in Wales while vacationing with the Bedwyns for the summer. They soon realize their attraction to each other. Their passion leads to other consequences. Will they both finally accept themselves and each other. This book is very well written. Rosalyn Landor did an excellent job narrating brought each character to life. It's worth a credit.

Great book

Love this series. I have listened to other books by this author.

This series ties to the other series.

Simply a lovely story

I love the narration. I love how simply and yet dignified and engaging all these characters develop. I love that the resolution was not the usual resolution. I love that these characters jump out at you and make you want to be like them. And as I said in the title of my critique- s simply a lovely story.

Surprise gem

I never right reviews, but thought this book deserved one. This was one of the most superbly written and performed books I’ve read in a long time. The story was engaging and original; no cookie cutter approach here. It kept my interest from beginning to end without being trite and predictable. I am rearranging my reading list to read the next one immediately. Well done!