They challenge and support each other to overcome the barriers preventing them from being truly happy. Although their past traumas are different in nature, it has given them a unique insight into the other, and they instinctively understand aspects in the other's character that others do not. They both have self-esteem issues and think themselves not good enough for the other. They both have to face uncomfortable truths which they have not in the past been strong enough to confront. Are they alone, or are they lonely? The development of the relationship between Anne and Sydnam is slow, painful and realistic. However, when they meet, they challenge each other's supposed contentment, and each begins to question whether they really are happy with the lives they have made for themselves. After the turbulence of their pasts, they are contented to live uneventful, safe, quiet lives, alone. Both Anne and Sydnam had suffered greatly in their past, and had worked hard to provide themselves with peace and stability. Unlike many in the genre, this book did not revolve around a 'misunderstanding', but real psychological problems resulting from severe traumas. I am delighted that my worries were for nought. I found the lead characters in that story boring and irritating (and all too forgettable), and I worried that this book too would not live up to my expectations.

Accordingly I started with the first in the Quartet series, Simply Unforgettable, and it is still languishing in my 'Did not finish' pile. I had wanted to listen to this book for a while, but I try not to start in the middle of a series.

This is a wonderfully touching book that is unwaveringly focused on the relationship of Anne and Sydnam, without much drama or action to distract from the main story. 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 found myself invested in what happened to these two characters to the point of depriving myself of sleep to listen. 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 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. She is beautiful while injuries sustained in the war have marred his physical appearance. I loved the variation in Anne and Sydnam's story. 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. Enjoy Mary Balogh books and Roslayn Landor never disappoints.

Simply love by mary balogh