Helpful Score: 19
- This story has been done plenty. Right down to the single parent buried so deep in reading and research at home ignoring their offspring, that the offspring has to find family and love next door.
- The back cover is the whole book. 10 yr. old Miranda falls in love with her best friend's brother, Turner, who is soured on life, but they eventually get together in a 1-sided relationship until at the very end Turner realizes he loves and has always loved Miranda. No fluff! No fun! No surprises or twists!
- Julia Quinn has always been one of my favorite authors. But this (as with her last book) was a letdown for me. I guess I was just hoping to see more of the humor, spunk, and quirky characters that are usually found in her stories. Who can ever forget "Lady Whistledown?"
- I get that there are only so many ways to do the same old scenarios and plots; boy meets girl, girl meets boy, whatever. But it's the mischief, the laughs, the interesting situations that I miss here. Overall, an OK read, just not on par with her earlier ones...for me anyway.
- The back cover is the whole book. 10 yr. old Miranda falls in love with her best friend's brother, Turner, who is soured on life, but they eventually get together in a 1-sided relationship until at the very end Turner realizes he loves and has always loved Miranda. No fluff! No fun! No surprises or twists!
- Julia Quinn has always been one of my favorite authors. But this (as with her last book) was a letdown for me. I guess I was just hoping to see more of the humor, spunk, and quirky characters that are usually found in her stories. Who can ever forget "Lady Whistledown?"
- I get that there are only so many ways to do the same old scenarios and plots; boy meets girl, girl meets boy, whatever. But it's the mischief, the laughs, the interesting situations that I miss here. Overall, an OK read, just not on par with her earlier ones...for me anyway.
JENNIFER A. (jena) reviewed The Secret Diaries of Miss Miranda Cheever (Bevelstoke, Bk 1) on + 108 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 12
Julia Quinn is one of my favorite authors of historical romances and I was so excited to read this book. I was so disappointed after I did. Usually she has such strong characters with such humorous characteristics. In this book, there was a formulaic plot, and characters you just did not emphasize with. This is the first of her books not to make it to my keeper shelf.
Sara reviewed The Secret Diaries of Miss Miranda Cheever (Bevelstoke, Bk 1) on + 90 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 10
I love Julia Quinn's Bridgerton series and although this isn't quite as endearing *at first*, it does tend to sneak up on you.
I've found myself thinking of Miranda & Turner's story off and on all day today. This may not seem significant, but I tend to forget books of this genre immediately after reading them - to actually remember the characters names is unheard of!
I don't think that you'll be disappointed when you dip into this book. It will leave you refreshed and wishing more authors would be as fun to read as Julia Quinn.
I've found myself thinking of Miranda & Turner's story off and on all day today. This may not seem significant, but I tend to forget books of this genre immediately after reading them - to actually remember the characters names is unheard of!
I don't think that you'll be disappointed when you dip into this book. It will leave you refreshed and wishing more authors would be as fun to read as Julia Quinn.
Barbara -
Helpful Score: 9
OMG..I loved this book. It was funny, romantic, heart crushing, tear jerking (I couldn't help my cry a bit). Read this book in 1 night. I couldn't put it down.
Helpful Score: 8
This is the first non-Bridgerton Julia Quinn that I've read, and I was anxiously awaiting it's release. I went down to B&N to buy it the day it came out, and finished it in less than two days. Maybe my expectations were too high, but I was very dissapointed in it. I thought that Miranda would be more of the Eloise or Hyacinth variety, but I found that I didn't really like her at all, and I also didn't like Turner for all but the last chapter which was very contrived. All in all, I wish there were more Bridgertons and I'm now not so sure about the Two Dukes of Wyndham.
Michelle D. (Michelle74) reviewed The Secret Diaries of Miss Miranda Cheever (Bevelstoke, Bk 1) on + 153 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 6
Typically wonderful read from Julia Quinn. Early 1800 setting with a story of unrequitted love. A ten year old falls in love with an older brother of a friend. She secretly watches from afar as his life turns him bitter and unhappy. The story revolves around their "getting to know one another" and Turner's walls gradually breaking down to the final Happily Ever After.
Julia Quinn, as always, produces an excellent story while showing character's personalities with just a simple scene.
Julia Quinn, as always, produces an excellent story while showing character's personalities with just a simple scene.
Amanda (RockStarGirl) reviewed The Secret Diaries of Miss Miranda Cheever (Bevelstoke, Bk 1) on + 329 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 6
This was a very sweet book, and I enjoyed it a lot. At times it brought me to tears, and while I found it to be somewhat predictable, it was still extremely enjoyable. Julia Quinn really is one of the best authors out there.
Charlene J. (Bella963) reviewed The Secret Diaries of Miss Miranda Cheever (Bevelstoke, Bk 1) on + 36 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 4
I have to say that I really enjoyed this book and I must admit that I finished it in one afternoon! I Love the Bridgerton series and really miss Lady Whistledown and somehow this book was reminisant of the earlier Bridgerton books with their wit and humor. All in all a good read.
Kristine W. (Honey11682) reviewed The Secret Diaries of Miss Miranda Cheever (Bevelstoke, Bk 1) on + 95 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 4
I really LOVED this book. Such a sweet romance novel. The ending was so touching I almost cried! I got so attatched to certain characters, I hated to see the book end. I hope Juila Quinn updates the lives on these characters in later books!
This was my first book by Julia Quinn and it won't be the last. She is a great writer that puts a lot of thought and feeling into her characters.
This was my first book by Julia Quinn and it won't be the last. She is a great writer that puts a lot of thought and feeling into her characters.
L M. (peachstt) reviewed The Secret Diaries of Miss Miranda Cheever (Bevelstoke, Bk 1) on + 18 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3
I've only read it once so far (I read books at least twice before I pass them along) and I will have to say that is one of Quinn's best in recent years. She's long been a favorite author and I was almost hesitant to purchase this book. I'm glad I did.
I won't go into what the book's about because you can easily find better descriptions elsewhere. What I will say is that this book is funny (I laughed out loud numerous times) and there are even points where you'll want to cry. It's classic JQ.
If you've never read Julia Quinn, you are missing out. She's one of the best in historical romance fiction. My favorite book is The Viscount Who Loved Me (#2 in the Bridgerton series â the series is a must read). I'm not sure (I'll know after my 2nd reading) how I'll rank this one among my JQ favorites, but as of right now, I can't wait to read it again.
I won't go into what the book's about because you can easily find better descriptions elsewhere. What I will say is that this book is funny (I laughed out loud numerous times) and there are even points where you'll want to cry. It's classic JQ.
If you've never read Julia Quinn, you are missing out. She's one of the best in historical romance fiction. My favorite book is The Viscount Who Loved Me (#2 in the Bridgerton series â the series is a must read). I'm not sure (I'll know after my 2nd reading) how I'll rank this one among my JQ favorites, but as of right now, I can't wait to read it again.
Sharon E. (Dink48) reviewed The Secret Diaries of Miss Miranda Cheever (Bevelstoke, Bk 1) on + 7 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
This book was too sexually explicit for me.
Lenore D. (Lenore) reviewed The Secret Diaries of Miss Miranda Cheever (Bevelstoke, Bk 1) on + 193 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
A fun read, better than a lot of the slop that is out there...and you do like the hero and heroine...there was just something missing. I think that the characters lacked some of the depth that is necessary to really make you care about what happens to them, which keeps this a light, surface read. Not a bad thing at all - but not as good as a few other Quinn titles that I've read, though I can't think of a specific title. Overall, worthwhile, but preferred romance authors include: Kinsale, Kleypas, Quick, etc.
La Verne K. (AZology) reviewed The Secret Diaries of Miss Miranda Cheever (Bevelstoke, Bk 1) on + 10 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Good reading of a person in love from an early life to when she becomes the age to marriage. Your interest is kept with each reading of a page and then the chapter.
Enjoyed reading from cover to cover.
La Verne K.
Enjoyed reading from cover to cover.
La Verne K.
Stephanie D. (LovesBooks) reviewed The Secret Diaries of Miss Miranda Cheever (Bevelstoke, Bk 1) on + 84 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
This is a sweet histoical. It is fairly predictable, but I laughed out loud at more than one part. It is a great read and I would suggest to those who like historical romances.
Joan W. (justreadingabook) reviewed The Secret Diaries of Miss Miranda Cheever (Bevelstoke, Bk 1) on + 1726 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Another really fun read. This is a wondefully fun book. Love all the gossip of the Ton.
Laura B. reviewed The Secret Diaries of Miss Miranda Cheever (Bevelstoke, Bk 1) on + 15 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
I liked the prologue and opening chapter, but the book went down hill from there. I thought the hero was cruel, and the book lacked the fun and light-heartedness often present in Julia Quinn novels.
Amanda H. (steelplace632) reviewed The Secret Diaries of Miss Miranda Cheever (Bevelstoke, Bk 1) on + 60 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
I adored this book because it transports you into a different time. Its an easy read, I finished it in 2 days. Classic love story.
Christina (mschris1161) -
Helpful Score: 1
This story was a delightful read. One of my favorites from Julia Quinn and I've read nearly all of her work. Miranda is a strong, witty heroine who is comfortable in her own skin and easily holds her own amidst strong, pushy personality types. What I loved most was how JQ shows Turner's path and struggles from bitterness to loving Miranda in such romantic detail. As typical of JQ there is lots of humurous banter between the characters. Several LOL scenes.
Helpful Score: 1
This is my favorite Julia Quinn story yet - very well done.
Merri C. (Lati2de) reviewed The Secret Diaries of Miss Miranda Cheever (Bevelstoke, Bk 1) on + 68 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
IN the end Miranda was just too much for me.... too needy... too much whine in that one. Mostly I enjoyed the book for what it was.
Denise A. (izzybru) reviewed The Secret Diaries of Miss Miranda Cheever (Bevelstoke, Bk 1) on + 47 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
I liked this book, kept me interested, was quite witty and the characters were a good match
Shaz H. (shaz) -
Helpful Score: 1
Great book. Must Read
Alicia J. (breena31) -
Well this wasn't what I expected from Julia Quinn. I found myself getting highly annoyed by Miranda and somewhat bored by the storyline. It was disappointing to say the least. I missed the sparkling repartee and wit that is so evident in her other books. This story was depressing and lacking in adventure. Ah well, even a not so good story by Julia Quinn is better than many others out there.
Shelley M. reviewed The Secret Diaries of Miss Miranda Cheever (Bevelstoke, Bk 1) on + 5 more book reviews
Quick, fun read in the usual Julia Quinn style!
Deidre C. (Historical-Book-Lovr) -
I highly enjoyed this book staying up till the wee hours this morning to finish it. Story moved along at a nice pace and the characters were easy to care about.
Wenty H. reviewed The Secret Diaries of Miss Miranda Cheever (Bevelstoke, Bk 1) on + 2 more book reviews
This is a great historical romance.
Debbie M. (sm) -
This was a fun book, kinda sad for the heroine as she hung in there waiting for the guy to realize her worth but I liked that she was so strong.
It was an enjoyable read.
It was an enjoyable read.
Julie L. (ktleyed) reviewed The Secret Diaries of Miss Miranda Cheever (Bevelstoke, Bk 1) on + 72 more book reviews
Delightful! I really loved it, another JQ winner!
Enjoyable summer reading.
Kim K. (Kim3) reviewed The Secret Diaries of Miss Miranda Cheever (Bevelstoke, Bk 1) on + 5 more book reviews
i loved this book. i read a lot of romance and this one just stood out from the rest. i will be looking for more of this aurthors books
Monica G. (champsmom) -
Loved it~!
Janice Y. (jai) reviewed The Secret Diaries of Miss Miranda Cheever (Bevelstoke, Bk 1) on + 310 more book reviews
At first when I read this book, I thought it was going to be a bit cheesy. There was a prologue. I always read prologues, but this one had Miranda's first meeting with Turner, and her 10-year old adoration was making me think "Oh dear, is she going to adore the hero in this mushy way the whole book?" and I put it down. Yeah.. if I'd picked this up in a bookstore and read the prologue I would not have bought it. Luckily positive reviews online had me trying again. A week and a half later and started from Chapter one, and I found that I really liked the writing and liked Miranda. Phew!
Now to the peeve I had reading this. The last quarter of the book had me thinking to myself that it could have ended earlier and uses a romantic cliche I'm not fond of. In any case I can see the ending being satisfying to others who are less irritable over this type of thing. Despite annoyance with the ending (which others may or may not share depending on their level of tolerance), I liked this one. I will be reading more from this author if she writes more characters with dialog like this.
Now to the peeve I had reading this. The last quarter of the book had me thinking to myself that it could have ended earlier and uses a romantic cliche I'm not fond of. In any case I can see the ending being satisfying to others who are less irritable over this type of thing. Despite annoyance with the ending (which others may or may not share depending on their level of tolerance), I liked this one. I will be reading more from this author if she writes more characters with dialog like this.
Silvia B. (barras31063) reviewed The Secret Diaries of Miss Miranda Cheever (Bevelstoke, Bk 1) on + 69 more book reviews
Great book. I really enjoyed reading it.
Linda A. (Springfieldreader) reviewed The Secret Diaries of Miss Miranda Cheever (Bevelstoke, Bk 1) on + 458 more book reviews
A nice romance novel. This you can just relax and enjoy.
Morgen K. (morgenck) reviewed The Secret Diaries of Miss Miranda Cheever (Bevelstoke, Bk 1) on + 54 more book reviews
I actually really liked this book! I think it was the first real "romance" novel I've read and I found it really fun and engaging. Won't be my last.
Lisa G. (lilysgigi28) reviewed The Secret Diaries of Miss Miranda Cheever (Bevelstoke, Bk 1) on + 15 more book reviews
adorable as are the rest of her books.
Jennifer O. (jennycherie) reviewed The Secret Diaries of Miss Miranda Cheever (Bevelstoke, Bk 1) on + 4 more book reviews
A sweet, old-fashioned love story. Rated PG-13 for one instance of pre-marital sex.
Carol P. (BookLover4Ever) reviewed The Secret Diaries of Miss Miranda Cheever (Bevelstoke, Bk 1) on + 125 more book reviews
Charming story, although I found Turner to almost unlikeable at times in his selfishness. His "redemption" is a little sudden but there is a catalyst that makes it believable.
Julie C. (gatorgirl) reviewed The Secret Diaries of Miss Miranda Cheever (Bevelstoke, Bk 1) on + 67 more book reviews
Great book, I read it in one day. Miranda Cheever starts a diary when she is a little girl, when she falls in love with Turner.
Julia Quinn always has good stories to write. can't wait for the next one.
Jami H. (howell27) - , reviewed The Secret Diaries of Miss Miranda Cheever (Bevelstoke, Bk 1) on + 50 more book reviews
Fluff. Not a bad read, but fast and forgettable. Not a great romance, but ok.
Robert B. (wiccanmagician) reviewed The Secret Diaries of Miss Miranda Cheever (Bevelstoke, Bk 1) on + 23 more book reviews
My fiancee wanted me to write a review of this one. She Loved It!!
She agrees she is the Jane Austen of our time.
She agrees she is the Jane Austen of our time.
Jennifer P. (pinkscoobyjp) -
I am a huge Julia Quinn. However, this book, to me, is not up to snuff with the usual greatness of JQ. The book is an ok read but nothing spectacular. I think what really annoyed me is the "I love you but you don't love me" ping pong game between Miranda and Turner. It just became somewhat exhausting.
Janet L. (proudgrandma) reviewed The Secret Diaries of Miss Miranda Cheever (Bevelstoke, Bk 1) on + 285 more book reviews
"Truly Our Contemporary Jane Austen" Jill Barnett
2 March 1810...Today, I fell in love.
At the age of ten, Miranda Cheever showed no signs of Great Beauty. And even at ten, Miranda learned to accept the expectations society held for her-until the afternoon when Nigel Bevelstoke, the handsome and dashing Viscount Turner, solemnly kissed her hand and promised her that one day she would grow into herself, that one day she would be as beautiful as she already was smart. And even at ten, Miranda knew she would love him forever.
But the years that followed were as cruel to Turner as they were to Miranda. She is as intriguing as the viscount boldly predicted on that memorable day-while he is a lonely, bitter man, crushed by a devastating loss. But Miranda has never forgotten the truth she set down on paper all those years earlier-and she will not allow the love that is her destiny to slip lightly through her fingers.....
Very well written book.
2 March 1810...Today, I fell in love.
At the age of ten, Miranda Cheever showed no signs of Great Beauty. And even at ten, Miranda learned to accept the expectations society held for her-until the afternoon when Nigel Bevelstoke, the handsome and dashing Viscount Turner, solemnly kissed her hand and promised her that one day she would grow into herself, that one day she would be as beautiful as she already was smart. And even at ten, Miranda knew she would love him forever.
But the years that followed were as cruel to Turner as they were to Miranda. She is as intriguing as the viscount boldly predicted on that memorable day-while he is a lonely, bitter man, crushed by a devastating loss. But Miranda has never forgotten the truth she set down on paper all those years earlier-and she will not allow the love that is her destiny to slip lightly through her fingers.....
Very well written book.
Pat M. reviewed The Secret Diaries of Miss Miranda Cheever (Bevelstoke, Bk 1) on + 52 more book reviews
2 MARCH 1810...TODAY, I FELL IN LOVE.
At the age of ten, Miranda Cheever showed no signs of Great Beauty. And even at ten, Miranda learned to accept the expectations society held for her--until the afternoon when Nigel Bevelstoke, the handsome and dashing Viscount Turner, solemnly kissed her hand and promised her that one day she would grow into herself, that one day she would be as beautiful as she already was smart. And even at ten, Miranda knew she would love him forever.
But the years that followed were as cruel to Turner as they were kind to Miranda. She is as intriguing as the viscount boldly predicted on that memorable day--while he is a lonely, bitter man, crushed by a devastating loss. But Miranda has never forgotten the truth she set down on paper all those years earlier--and she will not allow the love that is her destiny to slip lightly through her fingers...
At the age of ten, Miranda Cheever showed no signs of Great Beauty. And even at ten, Miranda learned to accept the expectations society held for her--until the afternoon when Nigel Bevelstoke, the handsome and dashing Viscount Turner, solemnly kissed her hand and promised her that one day she would grow into herself, that one day she would be as beautiful as she already was smart. And even at ten, Miranda knew she would love him forever.
But the years that followed were as cruel to Turner as they were kind to Miranda. She is as intriguing as the viscount boldly predicted on that memorable day--while he is a lonely, bitter man, crushed by a devastating loss. But Miranda has never forgotten the truth she set down on paper all those years earlier--and she will not allow the love that is her destiny to slip lightly through her fingers...
Sherri B. (SherriB61) reviewed The Secret Diaries of Miss Miranda Cheever (Bevelstoke, Bk 1) on + 89 more book reviews
Miranda fell in love with Turner when she was ten years old and had waited all of her life for him to notice her, and hopefully fall for her also. Not my favorite Quinn book.
Melissa G. (Heloise-Abelard) reviewed The Secret Diaries of Miss Miranda Cheever (Bevelstoke, Bk 1) on + 5 more book reviews
Great Book.
See my full review on www.megromancereviews.blogspot.com
Happy Ever Afters.
Heloise (& Abelard)
See my full review on www.megromancereviews.blogspot.com
Happy Ever Afters.
Heloise (& Abelard)
