Synopsis
Ever since Mrs. Amberson, the former-aspiring-actress-turned-agent, entered Scarlett Martin's life, nothing has been the same.
She's still in charge of the Empire Suite in her family's hotel, but she's now also Mrs. Amberson's assistant, running around town for her star client, Chelsea - a Broadway star Scarlett's age with a knack for making her feel insignificant.
Scarlett's also trying to juggle sophomore year classes, her lab partner who is being just a little TOO nice, and getting over the boy who broke her heart.
In the midst of all this, her parents drop a bombshell that threatens to change her New York life forever...
Praise for Suite Scarlett:
"Utterly winning, madcap Manhattan face, crafted with a winking, urbane narrative and tight, wry dialogue." - Booklist, starred review
"The authentic charm of the characters and the endearing sweetness of their odd familial relationships…make this light read worthwhile." - Kirkus Reviews
"Johnson keeps the laughs coming." - Horn Book
VOYA
Scarlett and her loveably dysfunctional family are back in this sequel to Suite Scarlett (Point, 2008/VOYA August 2008). The staging of Hamlet is over, and the Hopewell Hotel retreats to its faded, threadbare elegance. Still reeling from her failed romance with Eric, Scarlett obsessively watches the video of his pizza commercial online. Her employer, Mrs. Amberson, has checked out of the Hopewell and enlisted Scarlett to assist with her fledgling talent agency. Scarlett's first assignment is to win over wannabe star Chelsea and her overbearing stage mother. Once school starts, she is also saddled with Chelsea's malcontent brother, Max, and hilarity ensues. Meanwhile, cancer survivor Marlene returns from summer camp with a new agenda, Spencer finds instant notoriety when he is hired to play a villain in a popular cop drama, and Lola reconciles with her wealthy ex-boyfriend. A hairless dog with an incontinence problem, a surly doorman, and flying doughnuts all play a role in this over-the-top, highly entertaining read. Although this is a follow-up to Suite Scarlett, it is not necessary to read the previous novel to enjoy Scarlett Fever. The plot careens like a runaway train at times, but it's great fun to be along for the ride. The strength of the novel is its fascinating characters; they are well drawn, complex, and believable. Family drama and issues about money and social class keep things real and ground the story. An abrupt ending leaves readers hanging, begging for more. Hopefully, Johnson will oblige us with a third book. Reviewer: Amy Fiske