Suite Scarlett by Maureen Johnson

Suite Scarlett by Maureen Johnson


Release Date: May 1, 2008
Publisher: Point
Series: Scarlett, Book 1
Rating: YA 14+
Format: Hardcover
Source: Borrowed
Buy: Amazon ❘ The Book Depository
Goodreads ◆ Website

Scarlett Martin has grown up in a most unusual way. Her family owns the Hopewell, a small Art Deco hotel in the heart of New York City. When each of the Martins turns fifteen, they are expected to take over the care of a suite. For Scarlett's fifteenth birthday, she gets both a room called the Empire Suite and a permanent guest named Mrs. Amberson. Scarlett doesn't quite know what to make of this C-list starlet and world traveler.

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 and romantic missteps. But in the city where anything can happen, she just might be able to pull it off.

When I first started this book I kinda thought it was like The Suite Life of Zack and Cody. Minus the twins, the rich girl and the temperamental manager. Suite Scarlett is a cute book about the hotel business, acting, discovering love and finding yourself. The perfect summer novel!


I didn't find that Scarlett had that certain...spark. At first. I thought she was a little mild, not too exciting, just wanted to please her parents and do what she's told. As the story progresses forward, Scarlett opens up and things get a little more exciting.
Unlike my usual boy "fan-girling" moments, I have to say, I wasn't too attracted to Eric that much. YES he made me feel all good and stuff, but...he unfortunately, lost his spark near the end. I liked him enough to gush about him (in my mind) at first, but now that I think about it, he wasn't anyone really special, or even that great. I don't know. But he's still a great character and adds spice to the story!


I have to say though, I loved the supporting cast. Mrs. Amberson, how awesome is she?! Honestly, I thought she could be the best character in this whole novel. Spencer was hilarious, although I found his jealousy over Scarlett and Eric's relationship a little bit...weird. I liked Lola and Marlene enough, but felt that they should have been more involved in the book.
This book has a TON of acting in it. Like, no kidding. I take drama as part of my IGCSE program, and I'm gonna take it in IB as well, so this book was like a total helper for me. Looking at Hamlet, and how they put the whole thing together– I loved it! Great for theatre geeks and drama queens ;).


I've never read Maureen Johnson's novels, only heard about them. Suite Scarlett was a great beginning to what I'm sure will not be the last I read of Johnson's books. It's cute, quirky, and got that humor that everyone loves. Actors, businessmen, readers, and lovers in a complicated relationships: pick up this book! It's got YOU written all over it. Can't wait to pick up book 2, Scarlett Fever.


If you like this, try...

• Audrey, Wait! by Robin Benway ◆ Goodreads
• Confessions of a Triple Shot Betty by Jody Gehrman ◆ Goodreads

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