Bath and London, England – Regency Period

Miss Claudia Martin, owner and head mistress of Miss Martin’s School for Girls, is having a hectic day. It is further complicated by a visitor, the Marquess of Attingsborough, who arrives with a letter from Claudia’s friend and former teacher, Susanna Whitleaf. Knowing that Claudia and two of her students have business in London in two days time, the marquess suggests that he take her and her two young charges in his carriage. Uncomfortable in his presence, Claudia can think of no way to refuse his generous offer, and therefore feels she must acquiesce. In the letter, Susanna highly recommends the handsome and charming marquess, and invites Claudia to stay in London and enjoy a few entertainments before she returns to Bath.

The marquess’, father, the duke, is not in robust health and wants his son, Joseph, to marry and set up his nursery. The duke has been talking to Portia Hunt’s family with a possible marriage in mind for his son. At thirty-five years of age, Joseph knows it is time for him to wed.

Claudia does not like the aristocracy; she is an independent woman, somewhat straight laced, and determined to go her own way. She intrigues Joseph, who is used to people deferring to him. Although Claudia is an attractive woman, she makes no effort to be glamorous or appealing to the opposite sex. At first, she is disdainful of Joseph, but because of his innate kindness, she soon finds herself attracted to him and liking him very much. He enjoys Claudia’s intelligence, trusts her, and soon reveals some of his secrets, hoping for her help. Claudia’s first love, Charles, shows up in London, much to her chagrin -- will she forgive him for his desertion eighteen years ago?

With Mary Balogh’s usual excellent writing, sparkling dialogue, and delightful characters, readers will visualize themselves in the Regency period with ladies, dukes and others of the aristocracy. Claudia, who was disappointed in love at an early age, is now in her middle thirties and trying to make a difference by taking charity girls into her school, giving them guidance and schooling. If she is somewhat stern, it only hides a warm and caring heart. Joseph is charming, easy going, and kind, usually with a smile on his handsome face.

Readers will be pleased to revisit characters from the previous “Simply” books. A warm-hearted and feel-good story, Ms. Balogh manages to put a lot of emotion in her tales, and SIMPLY PERFECT is no exception. Readers will want to add this wonderful story to their collection -- is it any wonder that Ms. Balogh’s Regencies are on the endangered list and almost impossible to find? SIMPLY PERFECT is another must-read from this talented author, and a Perfect 10.

Marilyn Heyman