Julia Quinn is a master of the light British historical. Her books are always fun, fast paced and yet full of emotion as well. They are perfect reading when you just want to forget about the modern world and get lost in the romantic escapades of an earlier time.
Secret Diaries features the likable and intelligent Miranda ("no great beauty") who falls in love with Turner when she is only ten years old and he is kind to her. It's easy to sympathize with her, especially because the diary device lets us see exactly what she's thinking. The diary entries could have easily become annoying or gotten in the way of the story, but Quinn uses them sparingly and to good effect.
While Miranda is growing up, the hero, Viscount Turner, has been deeply wounded by an unhappy marriage that ended in the death of his wife while she was riding to meet her lover. It is fascinating to watch him slowly overcome his bitterness during the book. Of course the road to happiness is not without potholes, and at a couple points I just wanted to shake him and tell him to stop being an idiot.
I'd rate this book 7.5 out of 10 and recommend it to anyone who wants an entertaining English historical.
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