John Elliott is a busy man. He runs his farm and his business, keeping to himself, with no time for anything else in his life.
Quinn Harper is a single mother, looking for a fresh start.
The small town she picked seemed perfect—until her first run-in with John.
They strike sparks of the wrong kind and insist that keeping their distance is for the best.
Yet, despite his growly nature and curt tone, he is sweet to her daughter.
And he finds himself looking for reasons to be in Quinn’s company.
Do things that make them both smile. Make him feel happy.
Sparks sizzle into a low, banked fire.
And then an inferno erupts.
Neither wanted it.
But now, they can’t live without it.
| Title: | A Simple Life |
| Author: | Melanie Moreland |
| Narrator(s): | Maxine Mitchell John Lane |
| Series: | n/a |
| Length / Pages: | 6h 1m / 290 |
| Genre(s): | Contemporary Audiobook |
| Trope(s): | Farmer Romance Small Town Romance |
| Point of View: | First Person, Past Tense, Dual Viewpoint (H & h) |
| Narration Type: | Dual |
| Location: | Canada |
| HEA: | ✔ |
| Release Date: | 1 July 2025 |
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The farmer gets a wife
I love all the different romances that Melanie Moreland writes but I do have a soft spot for her small town, homespun romances like Harvest of Love and now this book. It’s also very possible that she’s discovered my deep rooted farmer kink. Add in the narration talents of John Lane and Maxine Mitchell and well, I’m in bucolic heaven.
In this story, John is a farmer and mildly content with his quiet but busy life – or so he thinks. But a chance meeting with pretty Quinn at the fair – and their instant connection – makes him long for more. All until a misunderstanding turns the pair into adversaries.
John was a card-carrying grump but he also made no effort to hide his sweet, kind and loving side. So I suppose he was something of a cinnamon roll grump. And I couldn’t resist him. He’s just so solid and dependable. I just wanted to give him a big hug and hold on tight. He may jump to conclusions and judge Quinn harshly without knowing the facts – but it’s understandable and he never really takes it too far. Oh and Quinn can give as good as she gets! John Lane. Could anyone voice a Melanie Moreland hero any better? (The answer is no, by the way). His voice is just like (locally grown) honey – all smooth and delicious. Mmm hmmm.
Single mum, Quinn, is easy to love and root for no matter who you are and what your own situation is. She wants to make a new life for herself and her daughter and is determined to do it on her own terms. She’s equal parts fierce and vulnerable and I liked that she was independent but not stubborn. Just an all round likeable character that you really want to get their happily ever after. I love Maxine Mitchell in whatever she narrates. She acts the story out rather than just reading and I feel she narrates the story just the way that Ms Moreland intends.
“It’s also very possible that she’s discovered my deep rooted farmer kink.”
When I read the book, I enjoyed little Abby. But in the audiobook – she comes alive. The book is narrated in dual – meaning that each narrator reads the chapter and all voices included in that chapter. Both John Lane and Maxine Mitchell do this so well that you almost forget that you’re not listening to different voices having conversations. And both did Abby exceptionally well. And I found myself laughing out loud at her antics.
Along with the heat that’s expected of a Melanie Moreland book, comes the heart. Of two somewhat loners finding each other and becoming something neither expected. It makes my heart sigh. It’s something I find with Melanie Moreland books. You don’t just read it and feel delight at the romance. You read it and your heart says ‘that – that’s what I want’. It’s an experience.
This story is impeccably written and wonderfully narrated that it pulled me in straight from the start. It’s low on angst and drama but what that leaves is a charming and heartfelt story that I absolutely adored. If, like me, the idea of small-town life with a strapping farmer who adores you, sounds like your idea of bliss – then this book will be perfect for you. Easily 5 stars.
* I received this audiobook in exchange for my honest review
New York Times/USA Today bestselling author Melanie Moreland, lives a happy and content life in a quiet area of Ontario with her beloved husband of twenty-seven-plus years and their rescue cat, Amber. Nothing means more to her than her friends and family, and she cherishes every moment spent with them.
While seriously addicted to coffee, and highly challenged with all things computer-related and technical, she relishes baking, cooking, and trying new recipes for people to sample. She loves to throw dinner parties, and also enjoys traveling, here and abroad, but finds coming home is always the best part of any trip.
Melanie loves stories, especially paired with a good wine, and enjoys skydiving (free falling over a fleck of dust) extreme snowboarding (falling down stairs) and piloting her own helicopter (tripping over her own feet.) She’s learned happily ever afters, even bumpy ones, are all in how you tell the story.
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