The last book of the Simply series by Mary Balogh, Simply Perfect tells of the story of Miss Claudia Martin, owner and headmistress of Miss Martin's Academy for Girls. The three previous stories revolved around teachers at the school and this one is the closer for the series. Through the connection of one of her former colleagues to Joseph, Marquess of Attingsborough, Miss Martin and two of her charity girls travel to London with him. Joseph has learned that his father is ill and wants him to marry as soon as possible and to that end, has arranged for Joseph to court a certain young woman. However, Joseph has a secret and a problem which he confides to Miss Martin who has been prevailed upon by her friends to remain in London for a portion of "The Season". Claudia Martin begins to feel a certain compassion for Joseph and begins looking at him in a new light. As for Joseph, he, too, looks at Claudia with new eyes. The betrothal of Joseph does take place and everyone is invited to spend time at the family home of the Bedwyns (The Slightly series). I found this book better than I had expected because Miss Martin seemed cold and businesslike in the previous three novels. Joseph brings out unexpected emotions in her and she in him. I rated this book an A and would recommend it to everyone who likes Regency romances and good writing.
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