THE SECRET DIARIES OF MIRANDA CHEEVER

Author: Julia Quinn ISBN: 0061230839 7/2007 HISTORICAL Publisher: AVON
Time Period: 1800's

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 . . .

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

I don't read historical romances very often. I have to be in just the right mood for one. I sat down with THE SECRET DIARIES OF MIRANDA CHEEVER not knowing what I would think, and I'm glad to say I was pleasantly surprised. I read this book in two sittings and the one time I had to put it down, I was anxious to get back to reading.

THE SECRET DIARIES OF MIRANDA CHEEVER tells the story of an unusual lead couple. Miranda has loved Nigel since she was a child and he showed her a kindness she didn't often see. From that moment on, Nigel was the only one for Miranda, only Nigel had no idea.

While Miranda was waiting to grow up, Nigel married. The marriage had a tragic ending that left Nigel bitter and not at all the same person Miranda knew as a child. THE SECRET DIARIES OF MIRANDA CHEEVER takes us through the transformation of Nigel, back to the person resembling the young man Miranda remembers.

One of the things I liked most about this book is that it isn't the conventional story where you know just what is going to happen next. The hero is not always heroic. He doesn't always make the right choices, and sometimes he is downright awful. Miranda is also not your typical heroine—she is not the belle of the ball, the one that is almost perfect and everyone loves, but she is quite sure of herself and what she wants.

If you haven't read a historical in awhile, this would be a good place to start. If you are a fan of historical romances, I would definitely recommend THE SECRET DIARIES OF MIRANDA CHEEVER.

April Luth