Just Like Heaven

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

*May Contain Spoilers*

Julia Quinn starts her Smythe-Smith series with Just Like Heaven. Two childhood friends, who were never supposed to fall in love, realize their feelings when a life or death situation is suddenly threatening their friendship. 

Honoria is the youngest sister of the Smythe-Smith brood. As a little girl, she followed her older brother and his best friend around until they couldn't stand it, always spying and making trouble for them. As a young woman of twenty-one, she's looking for a husband so she can have the big rambunctious family life she adored as a child. There's only one problem with her intentions and his name is Marcus. When Honoria's older brother left the country, he made Marcus promise that he would look after Honoria. The underlying meaning, of course, being to scare away any ill-intentioned suitors. When Marcus is hurt, keeping an ever watchful eye on Honoria, his simple twisted ankle and leg wound become a serious infection that threatens his life. Without any thought, Honoria rushes to his side, determined to save his life and unknowingly setting herself up to realize the love she holds for Marcus. 

Honoria is a wonderful character full of wit and love for her family. Readers will enjoy watching her discover the feelings she has for Marcus. They will connect with Honoria through her good nature and naive ways. Marcus, with his brooding and harsh features, will also capture the hearts of readers. He's a shy man who happened into the Smythe-Smith family as a young boy, quickly becoming an adopted son. Readers will enjoy his point of view as well as Honoria's and they will connect with him through his desire to be part of a loving family. 

Though the plot is quite simplistic, Quinn delivers a warm love story with her novel. It's an easy and relaxing book that historical romance readers will delve into, with the urge to continue the Quartet series when they finish. 

Rating: 3/5 Cups