Julia Quinn

Julia’s books are one of my favorite because her books depict strong family bond and family value. I just love such books. I also love her strong characters and funny conversations in every book. I’m proud that I have finished one of her famous series, The Bridgertons. This series has a total of 8 books telling about 8 siblings. The funny part is that these siblings’ names are in alphabetical orders. Funny that the parents would want to name their children such a way but they are good names, nonetheless.

 The Duke and I is the first book in the series, the story about Daphne Bridgerton and the Duke of Hastings, Simon Basset. The name Daphne obviously shows that she’s the fourth in the family of Bridgerton. She’s the eldest girl and the earlier three siblings are boys so it’s only natural that she marries first. The story in this first book is not what I expected. Simon is a strong character but his reason for not to marry seems a bit ridiculous to me. He hates his father, hence his only revenge is not to produce an heir thus end the line of family. Fate has it that Daphne put him in the situation that he cannot avoid marriage. Just right.

I finished this book last. How ironic! I have been searching high and low for this book and at last found and read it in May 2008. With this book, I have completed the series.

 The second book is The Viscount who loved me. Anthony Bridgerton becomes the Viscount after his father’s death. The cause of his death: bee sting. Not totally impossible but rather weird. So, you can imagine Anthony’s fear of bee as he witnessed his father’s death. As a viscount and the head of Bridgerton, he has duty to marry. His target is Kate Sheffield’s sister. Of course, fate has it in this book that while Kate is trying to fend off Anthony’s attention to her sister, Anthony’s eyes have already shifted to Kate instead. Another funny and witted book.

 Benedict Bridgerton, being the second son, has different calling in life. He’s talented in art. Sophie Beckett is just like Cinderella. She has a step-mum and two step-sisters who all abuse her. So, one night Sophie sneaks into a masquerade ball and has been noticed by Anthony hence the start of a romance. I couldn’t remember the whole story now because I have read this a few years back.

 I was looking forward to this book after finishing the previous twos and a few books supposedly after this book. Colin Bridgerton is the funny sibling in the family. His distinctive habit is eating. Penelope Featherington has been mentioned many times since the first book. Her character is always the pity one as her mother somehow neglects her and always dress her in wrong color. So, she’s ready to be put on the shelf after many years failed to secure a husband. However, she has two secrets: she secretly loves Colin a long time and she’s the notorious Lady Whistledown. As Colin is the funny guy, so you can expect a lot witty conversation between the two in this book. One of my favorite.

 Eloise Bridgerton has been secretly corresponding to Sir Phillip Crane and one fine day, Eloise decided to pay Sir Phillip a visit in hope that she marries him.

 In the previous two books, Julia has mentioned about Francesca has married to John Stirling, the 8th Earl of Kilmartin. Unfortunately, John died of illness and the title goes to his cousin, Michael Stirling. Michael has been in love with Francesca the first time he saw her, which was her wedding day. If everyone has a second chance in life, that would be nice. Just like Michael in this book. The good point is Francesca retains the title when she marries Michael. Haha!

 Hyacinth Bridgerton is the youngest girl in the family. She is also outspoken and smart. Gareth St. Clair is the perfect hero for Hyacinth. But again I couldn’t remember much of this book to say much. Not the best I have read but still good to know that Hyacinth found her match. It’s also good to read about the rest of the family members, just to catch up.

 The last book of the series is about the last unwed sibling: Gregory Bridgerton. The youngest male in the family, naturally he is the last to find his love. Just like the title suggests, Gregory has to save the day on the way to the wedding. Whose wedding? His love, Lady Lucinda Abernathy’s wedding to someone else.

June 2008

 The latest book by Julia Quinn that I have recently read. I love the story. Maybe because it’s an old story that never get to the print before according to Julia. So, the story is really something different. So refreshing and exciting at the same time. One of the best work from Julia.

Miss Miranda Cheever has secretly in love with Viscount Turner who has assured her that she would grow into herself that one day she would be as beautiful as she is already smart. Turner also suggested to her that she keeps a diary hence the secret diary of hers. As Turner is nine years older that Miranda, he has married before Miranda is of age. It was a bad marriage and it has left a scar on Turner hence his vow of not to marry again. The twist in fate and passion have great effect on the couple and they are forced to marry but Turner has never promised love. Only when he nearly lost her that he realises that he loves her for very long.

It’s a must read for Julia’s fan.