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Liked It “Having read this series out of order, this is the third Simply book I have read, and without a doubt it is my favourite to date. |
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“Having read this series out of order, this is the third Simply book I have read, and without a doubt it is my favourite to date.
Anna C wrote this review Saturday, September 26 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
Having said that, I did have reservations at first, a disfigured war hero and a rape victim? Seemed too much, to me, but Balogh does simply wonderful job of making Sydnam and Anne both vulnerable and strong. This is not a typical romance, as the chemistry is muted due to both parties 'issues', there are no mad declarations of love here, no twee speeches, and IMO the story is stronger for it.
Anne and Sydnam fall in love in a realistic way, they are reluctant to speak their true feelings because they both have so much to lose, and they know that they have an awful lot of barriers in the way. Their relationship becomes deeper as they believe they will never see one another again, until events conspire to make them make their relationship work. I now some people feel that the passion was lacking, and were dissapointed with the fact that there were no fireworks during their first time in bed, but I found it endearing. I liked the fact that they couldn't communicate everything all at once. But I can people's point that it could seem that their relationship is a bit flat.
I think that the development for Sydnam was done very well, I adored the fact that Anne inspired him, but that ultimately it came from and for Sydnam himself. I cannot say the same for Anne's development, mainly because her intimacy issues were glossed over, I'm not even sure she did overcome them, as this is one of the less explicit books in the series. What saddened me is that Anne remained incredibly passive during sex, it was Sydnam making love to her, and whilst it was implied that she was able to orgasm, she did not once touch him in a passionate way, or make any effort to please him. I also found the scene with Anne's family difficult, as I do not believe they deserved her forgiveness, especially not so quickly! None of them said anything to justify their behaviour, or make me feel in anyway sympathetic to them, especially her nasty sister.
This was a beautiful book, but I feel that those with a more romantic bent may be dissapointed.”
“I did not wanted to read it at first because it seemed to me that it was so tragic, but actually is the best in the series of "Simply.." it shows that people can overcome their past and go on even in the worst.... well I just find it really good and the romance was deep and sweet.”
Stella D wrote this review Wednesday, August 19 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“Historical romance set in England. A single mother (shock horrors!) and a severely disfigured veteran find friendship, solace, and then eventually love.
RS wrote this review Thursday, July 16 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
Simply wonderful. There isn't a rip-roaring adventure in this story--just an elegant and touching tale of two souls who find each other at just the right time. I especially loved how the hero learns to overcome his fear and stubborness to never paint again (he felt he could not do it any longer due to his injuries). Mary Balogh understands a great deal about painting and the creative process, and she expresses it so wonderfully here. ”
“Sid Butler is injured in the war with his brother Kit. ”
Bren H wrote this review Tuesday, June 23 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“amazing, well done, hard to put down”
zzzangel wrote this review Saturday, March 21 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“I love the working of "Mary Balough". Loved this book which is in one of her series......EXCELLENT”
Joanne B wrote this review Saturday, September 20 2008. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“My favorite of the series so far. I was waiting to hear what would happen to Syd from the Slightly series and this is his story. I loved it!”
Lari wrote this review Friday, September 12 2008. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“guilty pleasure reading. its jane austen lite with a bit of spice.”
mary rc wrote this review Monday, September 1 2008. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“Wishlist book: Personal Keeper”
nikel27 wrote this review Sunday, April 27 2008. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
