Limecello’s review of Simply Unforgettable (The Simply Quartet, Book 1) by Mary Balogh
Historical romance published by Dell on 25 Jul 06

Simply Unforgettable is the first novel in a quartet of books about teachers at a girls’ school finding love, and a happy ending. I’ve been meaning to read this book ever since I read Simply Love which I enjoyed very much. It helps that I don’t mind reading series out of order. Mary Balogh is a wonderful author of a number of historical romances, and I’ve liked every book of hers (that I’ve read). Simply Unforgettable is an extremely well written novel- everything flows naturally and is very believable.

Frances Allard may be one of my most favorite romance heroines ever.She’s smart, and sensible. She goes after what she wants, has a life plan, and sticks to it. I loved that she turned the hero down three separate times. Not to be a jerk, or out of cruelty, simply because it was what she believed was the best course of action for all involved. And Frances was right.

I liked that she was honest with herself, especially in regards to her emotions, but let her mind take precedence over her heart throughout the majority of the novel. Frances is an incredibly well written, and well developed character. I not only felt that I understood her personality, but also that I admired it. She’s someone you’d like to have as a friend – if you could be so lucky. I also liked how human she was. Frances gets frustrated, has regrets, and strong emotions, but she doesn’t let that turn her into a fluff brain or a sniveling idiot. At the same time, she doesn’t ruthlessly quash all emotions just for the sake of plot. (After all, Frances agrees to marry Lucius, even though it’s not the most sensible thing to do.)

Lucius Marshall is an excellent hero. Lucius is a good man, and good-natured. However, he’s bratty, and Frances knows it. She also lets him know it. Lucius is someone that does not look before he leaps, and so acts as a wonderful foil for Frances. I liked how Ms. Balogh got into Lucius’s head. He gets mad at Frances, and is bewildered by her, but his reactions are fitting. He doesn’t fall into cliches or some excess of emotion just to create drama. I also felt that Lucius grew as a person throughout the novel, and that was nice to see. I found Lucius’ actions and feelings exactly how a man in love for the first time would be – especially one who up to this point, has been catered to his entire life. Although Lucius can be selfish at times, he’s so earnest that his flaws (and there truly aren’t that many) are easy to dismiss.

Oftentimes I read a book, and regardless of how I feel about it (generally they’re ones I enjoy a lot), there will be one line that jumps out at me. A line that I want to remember forever, and incorporate into my normal every day conversations.  What better way to keep it than memorializing it in a review? Accordingly, I’m sharing it with you. This is immediately after another minor conflict between Frances and Lucius.

But sometimes, he thought, love could feel remarkably like hatred.
This was one of those times.

It was perfect right there, and conveyed well… everything. Simple Unforgettable is a character driven novel, and that’s what I love most about romances. The people, their emotions, and how they go about dealing with them. It was also nice to see a number of secondary characters that have appeared in previous novels, as well as those that will have their own stories told in the Simply series.

I really liked this novel, but I’m beginning to think that I can’t read Ms. Balogh’s novels in rapid succession. I tried picking up Simply Perfect the same night I finished Simply Unforgettable, but it didn’t really hold my interest. I’m pretty sure it’s not the books, because the same thing happened with The Secret Pearl – which I tried to read after Simply Love. (Likely it’s that and my mood which is making this review less effusive than it might otherwise be.) What I think is great is that Ms. Balogh’s books – even the ones in series, can be read out of order as they can stand alone. In fact, I’m going to buy Simply Unforgettable. (The copy I read and reviewed was provided by my wonderful local library.)

I recommend this book to all of Ms. Balogh’s fans [if you’ve already read it, why not read it again? 😉 ], as well as anyone who enjoys historical romance. Or even someone looking to try historicals.

Grade: A-

Summary:

Frances Allard is returning to Miss Martin’s School for Girls in Bath, where she is the French and music teacher, after spending Christmas with her great-aunts in Somersetshire. She hoped for snow all over the holiday, and it has finally come–when she no longer wants it. The journey, in her great-aunts’ ancient traveling carriage, with their elderly coachman at the ribbons, is soon made very difficult indeed by the worsening conditions.

Read an excerpt here.

Other books in the series (these are the mass market paperback releases of the original hardcovers):