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A review by sarahvernall
The Girl with the Make-Believe Husband by Julia Quinn
4.0
So I was expecting to enjoy Because of Miss Bridgerton significantly more than this one but the reality was vice versa. It was more tightly and evenly plotted, with whereas BoMB didn't really have much in the way of story or stakes beyond the romance. Cecilia is a quieter, less bombastic heroine than Billie but just as likable, with rich inner life. Her gentle courage, dignity and good sense strongly reminded me of Claire Beauchamp from Outlander.
Based on the conceit of the novel - her deceit of Edward - I expected to dislike her and the main romance but Quinn developed her quandary, her lack of options and her guilt and indecision beautifully and made her incredibly easy to empathise with. Likewise, Edward's conflict and confusion are heartwringing. It made for a nice change of pace to explore a different geographical area (the New York of the Revolutionary War) as well as more mature themes - of all the Bridgertons, this reminded me most of When He Was Wicked which is a compliment indeed.
Based on the conceit of the novel - her deceit of Edward - I expected to dislike her and the main romance but Quinn developed her quandary, her lack of options and her guilt and indecision beautifully and made her incredibly easy to empathise with. Likewise, Edward's conflict and confusion are heartwringing. It made for a nice change of pace to explore a different geographical area (the New York of the Revolutionary War) as well as more mature themes - of all the Bridgertons, this reminded me most of When He Was Wicked which is a compliment indeed.