The Secret Diaries of Miss Miranda Cheever by Julia Quinn

Posted July 20, 2007 by Book Binge Guest Blogger in Reviews | 3 Comments

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 . . .

The Plot: When Miranda was 10, she knew she was an awkward thing. However her best friend’s older brother, Turner, tells her she just needs to grow into herself. He also advises Miranda to keep a diary so one day she can look back and smile. It’s then she falls in love with him.

About 10 years pass. Miranda is still in love with Turner but he has changed. Being married to an evil slut puppy has changed him and made him more… hard I guess.

What I Liked: I like the friendship between Olivia and Miranda. Best friends who are more like sisters. I liked Miranda. I loved how she was determined to buy a book from a Men’s bookshop. The guy made me want to slap for not selling it to her. But I guess those were the times back then.

I also like when she was labor, Turner is outside the room with Olivia. He says, after hearing her scream, “I’m never touching her again.” Then they hear Miranda scream, “HE’S NEVER TOUCHING ME AGAIN!” That made me laugh out loud.

What I Disliked: Turner could be a butthead sometimes but that was more annoying than disliking. It was missing something. Something that made me fall in love with Julia Quinn’s books.

What I thought overall: This book was ok. It wasn’t great. It wasn’t horrible. I thought it was so much better than On the Way to the Wedding though. I don’t know, the story line was ok. It kept me interested enough to keep reading but it didn’t really make me care about the characters. I felt nothing really. I don’t know how to explain it. I can’t say it was emotionless cause the bookshop owner made me mad but hmmm. I know I’m not explaining myself well. I just felt like something was missing from the book but I can’t pin point it.

Would I recommend it: If you had nothing to else to read, then sure. But don’t race out to the store.

Grade: 3/5. I didn’t like but I didn’t dislike it.


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3 responses to “The Secret Diaries of Miss Miranda Cheever by Julia Quinn

  1. It’s very hard to put your finger on the problem sometimes isn’t it? It drives me nuts when I can’t pinpoint the problem. LOL!

    I just had to pop in to tell you again how glad I am to find other people who review so honestly. I’ve found your your reviews to be so helpful when considering whether to buy a book or just wait for the library and you often post about books I’m considering but haven’t decided on yet so that’s great!

    Now I’m off to check out the Book Pimping site… looks very interesting!

  2. Hi Ange,

    I told Rowena in an email,”It was just…. ok, you know how when you first started reading the Bridgeton books. You were pulling (at least for me) for Simon and Daphne? You fell in love with him (or any favorite hero and leading lady) and you were wrapped up in the story. That was missing in this book”

    Glad we could help you out with your book buying. 🙂

  3. Hey Isabel 😀

    nice review 😀 I was going to pick up this book, but it never happened LOL 😛 So I’m kind of glad 😀

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