SIMPLY MAGIC
Mary Balogh
Dell
ISBN: 0-440-24198-0
February 2008
Historical Romance

Mary Balogh transports readers into Regency England in SIMPLY MAGIC. School teacher Susanna Osbourne enjoys her career as a teacher, and she treasures her friendships. While visiting a dear friend, Susanna is introduced to Peter Edgeworth, Viscount Whitleaf. Immediately put off by Whitleaf’s flirtatious manner, Susanna distances herself from him. Staying with Raycroft to avoid his own mother’s latest matchmaking scheme, Peter is surprised by Susanna’s immediate dislike, and he believes she must be the most interesting young woman he has met in quite sometime. What ensues next in this entertaining battle of wills is an unexpected friendship. Neither Susanna nor Peter believe they can be more then friends, primarily because of social obligations and duty, but their friendship tugs at their heartstrings until they are both forced to acknowledge that theirs is much more than a simple friendship. Peter does not understand the depth of Susanna’s dislike of the Whitleaf name, and it may be that love will not be enough to maintain their special bond.

Told with a slow and romantic tone SIMPLY MAGIC is very different from most romances. Ms. Balogh has crafted a tale where the characters’ struggles are unique, yet universal, and the banter between Susanna and Peter is witty and entertaining. Readers will appreciate the “star-crossed-lovers” feel of the novel, and they will be left delighted by how the novel is resolved. The unusual connection between the Osbourne and Whitleaf names is completely unexpected, and readers will be proud of how both Peter and Susanna overcome their obstacles. SIMPLY MAGIC is highly recommended!

Reviewed by Angela Etheridge
Rating: 4