The Secret Diaries of Miss Miranda Cheever by Julia Quinn

There have been many people through time and of all ages that have kept some sort of diary from one day to the next. Miss Miranda Cheever begins her diary at the age of ten when she falls in love with her best friend and neighbor’s older brother. Miranada at the age of ten has also realized that girls are mean and other people judge you unfairly.

After ten years (and many journals) have passed, Miranda is going to London with her friend Olivia, her best friend and neighbor, for her debut. Unfortunatly, Olivia’s sister in law has died, forcing them to enter society late. Miranda knows that she won’t make a brilliant match, she’s never been a great beauty, and she’s happy that Olivia’s older brother, whom she still loves, is escorting them around London.

Nigel Bevelstoke, Viscount Turner, is disappointed in love since his wife used him for her own benefit. Now that she’s dead, he is out to forget her as soon as possible. He’s also determined not to get married again, at least any time soon, but he has to escort his sister and her friend to various events, thanks to his mother, so he makes the best of things.

Turner, as he prefers to be called, has always though of Miranda as someone he can talk to and appreciates her maturity, but he doesn’t see her as anything more than his sister’s friend until a fateful country party.

Though Miranda is young, she’s smart, witty and observant. She doesn’t actively seek to trap Turner into anything, his actions toward Miranda are his own. She keeps her diaries because he suggests it to her, and it helps her get through life without her mother and with a disinterested father. The dialogue throughout the whole story is classic Quinn and readers will eat it up.

Turner, however, is not a typical Quinn leading man. He’s honorable, sure, but he’s afraid of love because of his first wife. Even through his actions and words everyone knows he loves Miranda, it takes him a bit too long to admit it to himself.

In Syb’s words though, ’tis grand and it’s a worthwhile read. Add it to your to be read pile soon, read away and enjoy some time by the pool with Quinn.

Grade: B+