Book Summary: Just Like Heaven - Julia Quinn

I was walking around a bookstore near by, and i saw this book. Julia Quinn's Just Like Heaven.
I remember few weeks ago, I posted a summary on one of Julia Quinn's Bridgerton Series, and wrote that she's going to release a new series on the famous (not-so famous) Smythe-Smith Girls..

As many Julia Quinn's fans know, any  Smythe-Smith girls, as long as they are still single, will play at the performance. This was a tradition after all. They held musical performance anually, and to say that the performance rocked was overrated. It was horible. But the society are trying to be nice, and some people attended this musical because they felt pity to the Smythe-Smith girls.

Basically, this book is about the youngest Honoria Smythe-Smith. In her family, which has 4 kids, she's the youngest. The age gap between her and the nearest kid is 5 years old. Since she was little, she's the most chatty from all. Her one and only brother, which is around 8 years older, Daniel, always consider her as a trouble, and tried to avoid her the best that he could.

Daniel had a very good friend, named Marcus. While Daniel is really good at ignoring Honoria, Marcus is just the opposite. He can't bear seeing her ignored. He knew exactly how it felt to be lonely. He will, at the end, bring Honoria to play with him and Daniel. Ofcourse with Daniel's grunts. And so, Honoria is always well taken cared. Until one time, Daniel did silly thing, and forced to run away to Italy to save his life.

Before he left, Daniel make Marcus promise to take care of his little sister. And Marcus kept his promise. He scared all man who's not suitable for Honoria, the old man, the fortune hunters, and any one whom he felt not appropriate for her.

One day, Honoria was visitting her cousin, Sarah Royle. And she bumped into Marcus in the street, or to be exact, Marcus saw her drained over the rain. This brings the old memory back, how they used to tease each other. They were so close.

Actually, Honoria's planning to get married before the end of the season. That's why she agreed to visit Sarah. Meeting Marcus was quite good. But, she needed to be focus, and as she set her cap for Gregory Bridgerton (yes, the youngest boy of Bridgerton family), she need to work her plan.

When the boys (Gregory and 3 other men) were hunting, Honoria made a mole hole. She planned to make her ankle twisted, in a way, so that her future husband, Gregory, could save her in time. But Marcus turned out to be around, and saw the whole thing. He was quite delighted and amused at her plan. Anyway, when he planned to help Honoria out from the hole, he got himself trapped, and his ankle got twisted. He was too heavy for Honoria, and his leg hurts like hell when he tried to walk. His house was 3 miles away, but Sarah's  house was nearer. So Marcus asked Honoria to go home and write a letter to his house, asking his valet to pick him up.

It started to rain, and probably Marcus was under the rain around 2 hours before he was picked up. On the other hand, Honoria slept over exhausted. The next day, Honoria felt obliged to visit Marcus. However she's the one making the hole, he felt into it, and so she's the one guilty. She visited Marcus, and quite pleased as he seemed to be better.

Honoria went back to London. And after few days, a letter arrived from Marcus' helper, saying Marcus was in very bad condition. Honoria became worried, and forced her mother to go with her visitting Marcus. At the end, they both went. And turned out that his condition is really bad. He's hot and high in fever. Out of curiousity, Honoria wanted to see his ankle, and surprised to find it swollen. The doctor missed this, and it was really bad, that Honoria knew they had to clean the wound for him.

This is when Honoria's mom become the hero. She forced herself to do the surgery, cutting through the dead skin, and at one point, Honoria replaced her. The doctors, coming around 1 hour later, was satisfied that they did a very good job. But he still suggested to let Marcus' leg amputated to save his live. Honoria can't bear the mind that she's responsible, and she might be the one making decision whether to save his leg or let it to be cut.

Marcus survived, and getting better. Honoria helped him through the recovery stages, and this is when she realize that she love him. On the other hand, Marcus thought that it was quite pleasant to have Honoria around, she seemed to knew his mind well, and he knew he loved her.

One day, a letter came from Daniel. He's coming back. Honoria's mom is quite pleased, and require to return back to London as soon as possible. The next day, Honoria was planning to write a letter to Marcus, saying that they're leaving. She saw Daniel's letter to Marcus, and thought a short peek will be okay. But she read the letter, and found out that Daniel forced Marcus to take care of her, and these were the reason why Marcus went to London although he hated to be there, and why Marcus scared off her suitors. She felt miserably sad. And wrote plain letter saying her goodbye, and went back to London broken hearted.

Not knowing what happen, Marcus went to London. He's planing to court Honoria, but he never did this kind of courting before. Honoria still felt hurt, and reject Marcus' courtesy as gentle as she could by saying she's busy.

On the day of the musicale, Lady Danburry saw that Marcus couldn't put his gaze away from Honoria when the Smythe-Smith Quartet played. And on another time, she saw Honoria couldn't resist looking at Marcus and Felicity Featherington. Lady Danburry knew she had to do something. She called Colin Bridgerton, and twisted the conversation, and left Colin alone with Honoria. Colin was really attractive guy, and Honoria found her self enjoy his presence. She might even felt in love with Colin if Marcus hasn't captured her heart.

Marcus couldn't stand looking at how Honoria smile, laughed, and chat with Colin. He was really pissed. So he grab Honoria's arm, and with not so politely, said to Colin that he needed to talked to Honoria. Seeing this, Colin simply smiled and moved out. Honoria was still curious at Marcus, and went out after saying her words to him. After a few second, Marcus decided to go after her and set things right.

And things does get right at the end. Daniel's back, and Marcus and Honoria get married. But ofcourse, you've to read the book to know how the proposal went! Surely you'll enjoy it as much as i do :)

Book Summary: An Offer from a Gentleman (Bridgerton Series) - Julia Quinn

An Offer from a Gentleman is the third book from the Bridgerton Series. This book is the story of Benedict, and his dear wife, Sophie.


Sophie's story..

Sophie Beckett was a daughter of Earl of Penwood. She's not a official daughter though, as the Earl clearly stated that she was an old friend's daughter. All the servants never mentioned it, as they all quite adore Sophie. And the Earl didn't care a bit for her. He just make sure that Sophie is well accepted in the house. And he went on with his life, not really care about Sophie.
Until one day, the Earl married a woman, who has 2 daughters. Sophie was so happy that she will have a sister! But she found that the countess hated her.

And so did her first daughter, Rosemary. Her second daughter, Posy, is more friendly to Sophie. She sometimes show kindness and care to her, but most of the time Posy said her mother forbid her to be nice to Sophie.

Until four years later, the earl passed away. And one of the statement in his will is that Araminta, the duchess, will get 2000 a year, unless she take care of Sophie until she turned to 20, and in that case, she'll get 6000 a year. Araminta agreed to take care Sophie, but she left out the details why she wanted to do so.

Lady Whistledown's newest paper was about Lady Bridgerton's upcoming masquerade ball. She also wrote about Benedict and Collin, and how she think both of them are the prime catch of the season.
This made Araminta determined that either Rosamund or Posy is going to marry one of them. So they both have to be on their best appearance.

On the other hand, Sophie never once step into a ball. Araminta has made it clear that Sophie is considered a maid in their family. Lady Whistedown's paper is the only way Sophie can know how it feels to attend a ball.

Reading the first chapter, how Araminta treated Sophie, i kinda felt like reading Cinderella story, so I'll let that aside, and move on to after Araminta and her daughters went for Lady Bridgerton's ball. Sophie saw the carriage went away, and she was thinking to read today's Lady Whistledown paper.
But Mrs. Gibbons, the housekeeper, insist her going. She and three other maids helped Sophie to bath, get dressed, and of course make up.. She is indeed ready to go for the ball. Mrs. Gibbons assure her, that she'll have a great time, but she have to get back before midnight. (Really a Cinderella story?)

When Sophie met Benedict..
Benedict knew nothing about her. He just saw a girl, with utterly beautiful smile, as if she is really happy, her beauty come within, she just glow.
Brushing of the gentlemen surrounding her, Benedict said that she has own him a dance.
And so they danced.. Or actually, as Sophie never knew how to dance, Benedict taught her. Yes, dancing lesson, at a ball..!
The dance was held on a private terrace.. Benedict was a Bridgerton, and it was indeed her mother's ball. So it did make sense that he had a private terrace.. But, Sophie didn't know who he was. Innocently, she agreed to go with him.

They were on the way tp the private terrace, when Colin catch them up. From their apparance, Sophie finally realize, she was facing the two most eligible bachelor, Benedict and Colin..
Colin went away, leaving both of them together.
Benedict was a bit curious.. Why is this lady keeping secrets? She won't give out clue of who she was.
They did dance. It was a great time for both of them. And He's trying to know her identity, but she kept refusing to say who she was. Until the midnight gong was heard.

Sophie run, and she incidentally hit Araminta. Thank God her step mother doesn't recoqnize her. So she went directly to the carriage and went back.
Which left our man, Benedict, gazed at the empty stair. But luckily he still held one of her gloves. It said the initial, SLG, with a family symbol that he didn't know. He decided he'll ask his mother, Lady Bridgerton.

Violet did recoqnize the symbol. It was for Earl of Penwood. And she did curious of why Benedict insist to know that symbol. And so Benedict tell the story to his mother.
She can't believe that he'll like any of Penwood's daughter.. Oh well, Rosemary and Posy seemed not to be his type. And she didn't like the Countess as well.. But if Benedict like them, then she won't object it.

Back at the Penwood House, Araminta was furious to know someone used her satin shoe. Sophie tried to tell her, she could try brushing the shoe. And Araminta ordered her to brush all her shoe, which is waaaay a lot.. Suddenly the buttler announced a gentleman is there to meet Araminta. She was so thrilled, so she order Sophie to reassure Rosemary and Posy are presentable, and that Rosemary locked Sophie on her closet.

It was Benedict afterall. And when he saw both ladies, he knew that his mystery girl wasn't there. He tried to ask Araminta the possibility of any other daughter she had, far relatives, and such. Which made Araminta a bit curious. Then knowing his attempt failed, he went back. But Araminta and the girls spotted him holding a glove. And Araminta come into conclution that the one he's been looking for was Sophie.

Furious as she was, Araminta kicked Sophie out of her house. Sophie was left with no other option, other than to steal Araminta's shoe clip. And then the next morning, she went off outside London.

Two years later..

Sophie was a maid at Cavenders family. There was a party held by their eldest son. Benedict was bored and decided to leave, so he tried to find Philip Cavender who was the host of the party.
Philip was trying to rape her, and Benedict came in time. He saved her, but he was unaware that Sophie was the girl he's been searching for.

Benedict brought her to "MY COTTAGE". It was raining hard, and the housekeepers (Mr and Mrs Crabtree) weren't there. Sophie tried to search for the servant's corner, but Benedict insist that she should accompany him, lightning the fire and dried themselves. Then he asked her help to light the furnace in two rooms, as she is not a servant there.

Benedict was sick. So Sophie slept a bit, and watched him in his room. She must be fallen asleep, as the next morning she was surprisedly waken up by Mrs. Crabtree. But they realize Benedict was sick, and it was the urgent thing. Mr and Mrs Crabtree like Sophie, so they insist to keep her there.
With Mrs Crabtree's full stocked of food, and with Sophie's presence, Benedict went healthier day by day.
Oh, and so did their relationship grew. And Benedict started to realize he like Sophie's presence.
At the same day, Benedict kissed her, and asked her to go to London and lived with him.

Dreams come true?

With a bit forcing Sophie, Benedict managed to get her accompany him to London.
When Violet met Sophie, she tought she met this girl before. There was something familiar with Sophie. But she can't recall. Sophie was hired as an upstair maid of Bridgerton House.
But, one can't expect to enter Bridgerton House without feeling as a family, right?

One day, while trying to escape from Benedict, Sophie incidentally saw Araminta. She tried to hide, but Posy saw her. It might be her fearful expression that made Posy said no word to Araminta. And when they're gone, Sophie stayed hiding for another some time.

And Benedict kissed Sophie again.. It was in his bachelor house..
And since then, Sophie and Benedict tried to stay away from each other.

One day, Benedict asked Violet, how if he married someone with a far lower class than him.
Note that Violet was a good mother, she knew what, or who he's talking about. She assured him, she loved him and will accept what ever his decision is.

At that time, Benedict realize he loved Sophie. And when he went upstair, he saw Sophie played with his cousins, and he come into conclution, Sophie was his mystery girl.
He's mad! Sophie was forced to tell him the reality. Who she was, and such.
So she decided, it's time to leave Bridgerton House.
She said her farewell to Violet, and Violet insist to fetch her with their carriage.
Sophie was waiting for the carriage, when Araminta appeared. MAD. Because of her shoe clip.
Sophie was thrown into jail.

On the other side of the story, Colin had a very nice brotherly chat with Benedict. Which lead Benedict into conclution that he must mary Sophie. So he went to Bridgerton House, but Sophie wasn't there. His mother said that Sophie disappear just as she tried to find their carriage. It turned out Violet didn't realize that Sophie was sent to jail. Until Hyacinth showed her the latest Whistledown's page about Sophie.

It was now Araminta, the Countess of Penwood, versus Sophie, the maid. Will the judges trust Sophie? Benedict and Lady Bridgerton come to rescue her, and it is now three against one.
And Benedict insist that the magistrate had to release his fiancee. But Araminta insist Sophie stole her shoe clip. Then Posy saved the day, by dramatically asked to be jailed as she was the one who stole the shoeclip. It was a hard day indeed for the magistrate.. Poor him..

And so Sophie got the first turn to tell him the story. She told him everything from the beginning. How she was the daughter of Earl of Penwood, although never acknowledge as one, how Araminta hate her since the first day they met, and how she treated her when the earl passed away, how she turned to be a slave. Posy burstly told everyone that the earl actually left a dowry for Sophie. Araminta can't denied it.

And so that is the highlight of the day. Posy went back with the Bridgerton's family, while Araminta made it clear that Posy was a dissapointment for her. Much to everyone's surprise, Sophie punch her because of that. Yes, not because of how bad she treated her, not because of she took her dowry, but because Araminta didn't treat her daughters equally.

And I could assure you, since then, Sophie was Benedict, as much as he was hers.
:)

Book Review- Bridgerton Family Series by Julia Quinn

I read different genre of book. I have many favourite author. Julia Quinn is one of them, who i enjoy her words, and how she make connection between her books. Her book will be in historical romance genre.

One of my favourite Julia Quinn Collection is the Bridgerton Family Series..

Lady Bridgerton has total 8 children. Her husband, Lord Bridgerton passed away because of a bee' stung him.. Not a fancy way to die! And during the mourning, Lady Bridgerton (or Violet) found out that she's pregnant.. The Brigerton was famous for their appearance. They are wealthy, well-known, and you can't missed the girl's beautiful faces, or the man's handsomeness (if that even a word)..

List of the Children (and the Book list):
*Click on the title to find a sneak peak of the story
1. Anthony (Book 2 - The Viscount who Loved Me)
2. Benedict (Book 3 - An Offer from a Gentleman)
3. Colin (Book 4 - Romancing Mister Bridgerton)
4. Daphne (Book 1 - The Duke and I)
5. Eloise (Book 5 - To Sir Philip, With Love)
6. Francesca (Book 6 - When He was Wicked)
7. Gregory (Book 8 - On the Way to the Wedding)
8. Hyacinth (Book 7 - It's in His Kiss)

One of the pleasure reading these series is how Julia Quinn managed to trap me into this illution of the warmth and joy becoming one of the Bridgerton Family.. They might seem playing around with Violet, their mom, but for sure they all love her. I also adore how the eldest son, Anthony, showed how he manage to run the family, show his strength and capability as the head of the family. The three elder brother, Anthony, Bennedict, and Colin, reminds me of brothers that i wanted.. Although they aren't good at showing it, they are full of love, taken their pride of their sisters, will definetly fight for their sister's honor. Each one of the Bridgerton, have a warm soul, lovely in their own characteristic, and at the end, ended with good, passionate spouse.. Well, that's what fictions are for, i guess..

It's been a pleasure for me reading these books again, I have re-read 5 of them in these 3 days   6 of them in 4 days  7 of them in 5 days (just realize one copy is missing), and will had write the story line and a bit of my opinion for each books when i have time in front of computer and link it afterwards
:)