I really emjoyed this read. I loved a strong female lead and this book did that. I also really liked how it was american girl in england. I also loved all the side characters espeically emma cousin. I also thought this book had a nice mystery at the end to keep me gusing and wanting to listen. I thought this was a great read and one that i really enjoyed! ( )

I really emjoyed this read. I loved a strong female lead and this book did that. I also really liked how it was american girl in england. I also loved all the side characters espeically emma cousin. I also thought this book had a nice mystery at the end to keep me gusing and wanting to listen. I thought this was a great read and one that i really enjoyed! ( )

Molto bello ( )

Splendid by Julia Quinn is her debut novel and as I am a fan of her Bridgerton series, I was interested in seeing where she began. From this book one can see the wit that she would develop although I have to admit, some of the plot lines were a little familiar. Of course her steamy love scenes were front and center and her characters were family orientated, and fairly well adjusted.

American heiress Emma Dunster meets British Duke Alexander Ridgely, Duke of Ashbourne when Emma is in disguise as a maid. She is a feisty red headed beauty who is planning on returning to America and running her father’s business. He is a green eyed dark haired rake who has sworn off marriage. Of course the two fall in love much to the approval of both their families. But getting them to agree to marry takes plenty of scheming, misunderstandings, and romantic entanglements.

I was able to ignore the over-use of cliches, the familiar plot choices, and a little bending of history and enjoyed Splendid for what it was, a fun romantic romp and a fine example of the direction this author was heading. ( )

A charming novel, Alex and Emma, a typical historical romance, yet managed to remain fresh.

Are the various Quinn's related? I've just read an historical novel by Ella Quinn...

We have all got used to the modern sensibility that Julia Quinn has brought to the historical novel since Bridgerton. Now that I'm used to it, after my initial shock! I love that she has revived the historical romance for me. ( )