This Girl Recomments ~ Mr. Cavendish, I Presume (Julia Quinn)

Mr. Cavendish, I Presume by Julia Quinn

So JQ seems to be getting quick some flak from Amazon reviewers over this book because some of the scenes were word for word repeated in Mr. Cavendish, I Presume from The Lost Duke of Wyndham. I, however, found the companion books completely enjoyable. Why? Because, sure, the mystery was solved in the first book but the second, Mr. Cavendish showed us just how different a story can be when told from a different perspective. AND it was a completely different story. This book wasn't about finding out who the true duke is, this book is about two people struggling to rediscover themselves after everything they have always believed to be true is stripped away from them.

The romance between Amelia and Thomas has real magic. I believe these two people were meant to be together. Amelia's pain and Thomas' need to do the right thing make complete sense within the context of the story and I was left satisfied, without any lingering questions. JQ's trademark humor was written into every page, especially the scene with Amelia, Thomas and Harry Gladdish in The Happy Hare. I could literally SEE Amelia, a proper regency miss, hopping up on a bar stool as though she frequents posting inns on regular occasions.

Of the two, I did enjoy Mr. Cavendish, I Presume more than The Lost Duke though this takes nothing away from The Lost Duke. My suggestion? Don't read The Duke and Mr. Cavendish one after the other. Your enjoyment will definitely increase by letting a little time lapse between readings.

Things I Liked:

• I loved the same story from 4 different perspectives (Grace and Jack; Amelia and Thomas). Great concept! Although I really wouldn't recommend that other authors or even JQ herself try this sort of thing again. The idea is phenomenal but part of its charm is that it's unique.
• Amelia - She's a wonderful character. Her growth is easily seen throughout the novel. She is strong, capable and more than a little funny.
• Milly - Amelia's sister. I would love to see a book done on her. And for a few scenes, JQ did one of the things she does best - siblings.
• SPOILER (hightlight to see)  - The return of Whistledown! Sure, just a little snippet at the end but does this mean we'll get to see more of her, er Penelope, in future books?

Things I Disliked:

• The Dowager never got her comeuppance ~ Ok, so here's the part where I go on a little rant. Why is it that heroines are always too sweet? They don't say anything nasty, even when it's completely warranted. First Grace (who got the sharper end of the Dowager's anger) and then Amelia both refuse to REALLY stand up to the Dowager. Now, I understand their circumstance demanded discretion but come on! At the very end, surely the reader could have had the satisfaction of a little bit of revenge. THAT SAID, JQ does a wonderful job of showing the reader that anything Grace or Amelia would have said to The Big D would not have fazed her in the least. Still, it couldn't hurt to get a little glimpse of that old hag rotting it out in the Outer Hebrides, would it?

Facts:

• Released ~ September 30, 2008
  
• Price ~ $7.99
  
• Series ~Two Dukes of Wyndham Series - The Lost Duke of Wyndham and Mr. Cavendish, I Presume
  
• Favorite Julia Quinn ~ How To Marry A Marquis
  

Other Reviews:

• Book Binge
  
• Breezing Through Books
  
• Smart Bitches, Trashy Books
  

And Extras: 

And, although I am loving the new type of covers for JQ's novels, I do find the UK versions to be a bit more fun and in keeping with the author's writing style. If you want to see more UK cover versions, go here.