Review of Suite Scarlett by Maureen Johnson

From top-selling author Maureen Johnson comes a fresh, funny novel about a girl, her hotel, and an unforgettable summer - now in paperback! Her new summer job comes with baggage 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.

Dear Maureen Johnson, I worship at your alter. Your books completely charm me.

Suite Scarlett by Maureen Johnson deals with what happens to Scarlett Martin on her fifteenth birthday, when as family tradition dictates, she gets a key to a suite in the family hotel and must take care of the suite and whomever stays in the suite.

In Suite Scarlett, I met wonderful characters. I learned first impressions are not always correct. Here’s the thing, when I first meet characters in a book, I tend to make snap judgments based on the initial actions of the characters. I couldn’t stand Scarlett’s little sister Marlene, she was such a brat. Then, I found out why she was a brat. I had expected Mrs. Amberson to be sort of like wotshername in The Devil Wears Prada, Miranda Priestly. I was wrong, and turned out to love Mrs. Amberson because she’s so random, but so confident and eccentric — overall she adds a carefree factor to the story.

Another element I enjoyed was the relationship between Scarlett and her siblings Lola and Spencer. Lola is Scarlett’s older sister. Lola is pretty much a babe, she’s great with make-up and skin-care. Also, she has a rich boyfriend. So, maybe Johnson could have written more about Lola, but I suppose there’s only so much you can include within 359 pages. Spencer had lots of page space. Spencer and Scarlett are close though, not Flowers in the Attic close, but they have a great relationship and really do care for each other. Scarlett does a lot for Spencer, it’s refreshing to see siblings get along and share a bond.

The writing is not perfect. It’s simplistic, there are not passages I could see myself memorizing. However, this is an engaging read with winsome characters. I am eagerly awaiting Scarlett Fever. While reading this book drink an ice coffee. It’ll make you feel all New Yorker-ish, since you know, specialty coffee drinks are all the rage.

Other Reviews:
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April (Books&Wine)

April is in her 30s and created Good Books And Good Wine. She works for a non-profit. April always has a book on hand. In her free time she can be found binge watching The Office with her husband and toddler, spending way too much time on Pinterest or exploring her neighborhood.

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