Simply Anna (Regency Romance)

by Jennifer Moore

[sstaley]

There is something wonderful about reading a sweet, clean romance; especially from this author, Jennifer Moore. I have loved the previous books written by her. In fact, one of my favorites from last year was her book, Becoming Lady Lockwood. Simply Anna is from the same "world" as the characters found in that book and the second book, Lady Emma's Campaign. Anna is a women of gentle birth, orphaned, who is now a lady's maid. She is accidentally thrown overboard a ship. Once found by the dashing Lord Philip Hamilton, Anna can't remember anything about herself or her accident. This is where the book took off for me.

There are so many great characters in this book. I love how Philip and Anna bring out the best in each other. Though they have never met before, they are destined to become best friends or more. The romance builds slowly, but it feels so right. Little things happen along the way where Philip sees the kindness and caring that makes Anna who she is. Then Anna sees what a noble man Philip is when he cares more about the lives of his slaves, than the crops he grows and the money it will bring to him. Some of the best secondary characters can be found in the young slave boy, Ezekiel whose smile and eagerness is described so well you can picture it perfectly in your mind. Then I loved Betty, one of the Black woman slaves at the plantation that fiercely protects Ezekiel, not her blood son, who also learns to love and trust master Philip and the ever kind Anna. Even the tough and fearsome slave, Malachi grows on you as he learns to trust Philip and Anna. I enjoyed the band of Pirates they meet up with and what happens because of their acquaintance. The bad guy,Horace Braithwaite, the cruel and evil former overseer of the plantation, is written well because you hate him from the minute you meet him. The final 25 pages in the book are exciting and keep you bouncing out of your seat wondering about the outcome.

This Regency Romance, is perfect for a quick read and a rainy afternoon. The closing scene between Philip and Anna actually made me cry, that's how sweet and romantic it was. This love story was thoughtfully written and will be one I will return to again in the future.