Suite Scarlett

Suite Scarlett
by Maureen Johnson

Scarlett Martin has grown up in a most unusual way. Her family owns the Hopewell, a small hotel in the heart of New York City, and Scarlett lives there with her four siblings - Spencer, Lola, and Marlene.

When each of the Martins turns fifteen, they are expected to take over the care of a suite in the once elegant, now shabby Art Deco hotel. For Scarlett's fifteenth birthday, she gets both a room called the Empire Suite, and a permanent guest called Mrs. Amberson.

Scarlett doesn't quite know what to make of this C-list starlet, world traveler, and aspiring autobiographer who wants to take over her life. And when she meets Eric, an astonishingly gorgeous actor who has just moved to the city, her summer takes a second unexpected turn.

Before the summer is over, Scarlett will have to survive a whirlwind of thievery, Broadway glamour, romantic missteps, and theatrical deceptions. But in the city where anything can happen, she just might be able to pull it off. (description taken from Amazon.com)

A quirky, charming read. I really loved the Hepewell hotel and it's resident family. Though Scarlett is the winsome main character, this story truly has a whole tribe of wonderful people to follow.

Scarlett's siblings, the effervescant and protective Spencer, the gorgeous and concerned Lola, and the bratty, yet lovable Marlene. Each breathes a great piece of life into the story in their own way. Not to mention, Scarlett's parents. Both of them concerned, involved, and lovable, too. This truly is a full family story!

Add in to the mix an eclectic, eccentric ex-starlet that "adopts" Scarlett and her family...well you have a winner. Though, I'm not a realistic fiction reader usually...I love Maureen Johnson's writing and this particular book is very, very, very well done. I can't wait to read the next book, Scarlett Fever.