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May312011
BOOK REVIEW: ‘Just Like Heaven’ by Julia Quinn
by Carolyn • Posted in 4 Star Reviews, Authors Q-T, Book Reviews, Historical Romance, Julia Quinn, Piatkus, Reviews by Carolyn
Title: Just Like Heaven (Smythe-Smith Quartet #1)
Author: Julia Quinn
Publisher: Piatkus (UK) | Avon (US)
Publication Date: June 2011 (UK) | May 2011 (US)
ARC: 374 pages
Genre: Historical Romance
Source: Review Copy
Reviewed by: Carolyn
RATING: 8/10 – brilliant, couldn’t put it down
GOODREADS SUMMARY:
Honoria Smythe-Smith is:
A) a really bad violinist
B) still miffed at being nicknamed “Bug” as a child
C) NOT in love with her older brother’s best friend
D) all of the above
Marcus Holroyd is:
A) the Earl of Chatteris
B) regrettably prone to sprained ankles
C) NOT in love with his best friend’s younger sister
D) all of the above
Together they:
A) eat quite a bit of chocolate cake
B) survive a deadly fever AND the world’s worst musical performance
C) fall quite desperately in love
It’s Julia Quinn at her best, so you KNOW the answer is…
D) all of the above
REVIEW:
I have a bit of a soft spot for historical romance since I began reading the genre last year, but I’d never read one of the most loved authors within this genre. I have heard from many sources that Quinn is a wonderful writer and I now having read a novel I couldn’t agree more.
“Just Like Heaven” is brilliantly written and just so witty. It’s sparkly, lively and funny. The writing is smooth and the dialogue realistic, so much so I didn’t realise how many pages I had read before I realised I had nearly finished the book. I literally couldn’t put it down.
The characters are endearing and lovable, with substance and heart. Honoria is a sweet character, she’s caring and trusting. Marcus is a complete gentleman who pretends to be brooding when in fact he has a charming sense of humour and is totally adorable. In fact there isn’t really one character in the entire novel who is disagreeable.
Honoria and Marcus have known each other since they were children, when Marcus became best friends with her brother Daniel. The prologue sets the scene of when they were children and then chapter one moves forward to the current day.
Daniel has fled the country due to a duel gone wrong, Honoria is searching for a husband and Marcus is now Lord Chatteris with a large estate and healthy bank balance.
Before Daniel leaves he makes Marcus promise to look after Honoria, which he does, by chasing away all potential suitors. On one particular occasion there is an accident (which I won’t go into as it’s hilarious and don’t want to spoil it for you), and Marcus hurts his ankle. Of course things go from bad to worse when Honoria has to leave him to go and fetch help. It starts pouring with rain, Marcus’s ankle swells to such an extent his boot has to be cut off, where upon his butler cuts his leg while doing so, and Marcus catches the flu.
While taking care of Marcus, Honoira realises she loves him and, when not in the throws of fever, Marcus realises he’s in love with her, but neither let on to the other about their feelings.
The supporting cast of characters are just as well written and I loved each of them. The quartet consists of Iris, Daisy, Sarah and of course Honoria. They play as a quartet and are utterly dreadful and know this themselves, which is why they are dreading the traditional Musicale that they put on each year. I really enjoyed the light-hearted bickering between these characters and it was a great distraction from the romance. It balanced the book well.
The only aspect I didn’t like as much as the rest of the book were the last couple of chapters. It was rather rushed. Honoria and Marcus have a sensual moment, Daniel returns from abroad, Daniel and Marcus fight, Marcus threatens to punch a man who’s not been nice to Honoria, and then he pops the question! All in the span of a few pages – phew!
However, the true ending is sweet and satisfying and just what you would expect from an historical romance, so if you love HEA then you’ll love this.
VERDICT:
“Just Like Heaven” is a wonderfully light and witty historical romance full of delightful characters. A real treat.
You can find out more about the author here:
8 Comments
I am your new follower!I would really appreciate if you could follow me back!
jewellerybijou.com
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*jumps up and down* And I desperately want this one
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I've been eying Quinn's books for awhile now. But I didn't know which one to get. Now, I do. Thanks a bunch for the review!
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I do like a good historical and never read a Julia Quinn book before, looks like I'm going to have to make a purchase!
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The first Julia Quinn book I read was What Happens in London, which I thought was fantastic and I liked the sequel, Ten Things I Love About You. I recently read this one as well and really enjoyed it. I have become a fan of Julia Quinn's writing and I plan to read the Bridgerton series soon (Just Like Heaven is a spin-off). I am glad you enjoyed this book too and hope you will give some of her others a try. Nice review!
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I am really looking forward to reading this one now. Plus I need to read it quick as I promised it to Blodeuedd! Glad to here is it fabulous.
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I am reading this book now and loving it so much. Since you liked this book – you'll probably enjoy her fabulous 'Bridgerton' series. It starts with 'The Duke and I'.
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Jewellery Bijou – Thanks! Hope you enjoy reading BCC
Blodeuedd – It was so good – you'll love it I'm sure!
Naj – It's a really fun read, with great characters. If you enjoy historical romance then I'm sure you will love this.
Laura – Yes, do buy – you'll love it.
Christina T – I plan on starting the Bridgerton series soon too. I already have a few other books by Quinn on my shelf!
Vivienne – If you enjoy light, fun but brilliantly written historical romance then you will love this.
Sheery – I'm glad you're enjoying it too! I have The Duke & I and a few other books by Quinn on my shelf already waiting. I liked this one so much I will definitely be reading another very soon
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