If you, like me, have stumbled upon Julia Quinn, you may not have found her first novel, Splendid, yet. Don't miss it! This is a fascinating read for fans who want to see how this author has evolved over the years. The novel itself is average, but you see the beginnings of Quinn's genius for dialogue and characterization.

On the brink of her London debut in 1816, Emma Dunster, a red-haired American heiress, sneaks out of her uncle's home disguised as a kitchen maid. When she sees a little boy named Charlie about to be trampled, she saves his life, taking the brunt of the impact with a carriage.

She awakes to the beautiful sight of Alexander (Alex) Ridgely, Duke of Ashbourne, a committed bachelor and shameless rake. Charlie is his nephew, and he owes Emma. As he takes her home in his carriage, he can't resist kissing her. Their chemistry is instantaneous, magical, and sweet.

Emma, afraid of being scandalized, passes herself off as Meg, an ordinary maid. Imagine Alex's shock that night when he sees his Meg making her debut - as Emma Dunster! Anger gives way to revenge, leading to a steamy encounter in Emma's bedroom. Revenge gives way to desire, which transforms to a deep, abiding friendship for these two passionate, extraordinary souls.

As their families watch these two "friends" spar, banter, and gaze at each other, they conspire to push the couple together as often as possible. At first they laugh it off, but soon they can't resist the pull of their shared desire.

So who will first acknowledge their love, Alex or Emma? Will Emma be able to let go of her life in America for a life with Alex?

The book itself is good, but not tremendously so. It is easy to see why a publisher snatched this up as Quinn's first novel. The plot is not predictable. Rarely do couples in romances become friends first. Never would families defy societal rules and allow unmarried men and women to be alone together. In this way, Quinn asserts her talent for extraordinary plots and delightful characterization. The unusual family members - from the funny Belle to the chatty Sophie - bring this story to life. We cheer for each of them as they scheme, plot, and conspire to bring Emma and Alex together.

The book does not have the superb dialogue of Quinn's later novels, but it hints at the talent to come. In other words, it's better than average dialogue. Quinn's not yet proficient in setting, but does not do a bad job. Love scenes are very tame compared to some of Quinn's latest works, but steamy and enjoyable nonetheless.

Overall this is a very good read. If you want a better-than-average novel, this is it. If you want to study Quinn's development, start here. Follow up with the sequel, Dancing at Midnight, Belle's story. Then read Minx, the story of William Dunford, who is so charmingly funny throughout this novel as Belle's sidekick.

These are the other Julia Quinn novels I have reviewed:
Everything and the Moon...Brighter Than the Sun...To Catch an Heiress...How to Marry a Marquis...The Duke and I...The Viscount Who Loved Me...An Offer from a Gentleman...Romancing Mister Bridgerton...To Sir Phillip, With Love...When He Was Wicked

Recommended: Yes