What about Storm’s John Baskerville? It even has a companion sans family.

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www.typeoff.de

Esta ?
Or is it too different?

Sabon is a close match to Mrs. Eaves (or should I say Mrs. Eaves is a close match to Sabon).

http://www.identifont.com/samples/emigre/MrsEaves.gif
http://www.identifont.com/samples/adobe/Sabon.gif

Look at Monotype Sabon which is slightly more refined and narrower. I don’t have source to show you.

Also, just found Arena New by Gunter Gerhard Lange on Berthold site. It’s got a larger x-height and more condensed than Mrs. Eaves.
http://www.bertholdtypes.com/bq_library/90098.html
The sample is hard to review so I suggest downloading the PDF of Transitional type sample from their home page.

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Yes, I’m old, but I’m back in style!

The sort of stylin’ faux old feel is also in Tribute, but your client might object to it as well.

I’ve always considered FF Atma a nice alternative to Eaves. It’s a huge, versatile family to boot. 3 different sizes of small caps? Mmm!

Everyone,
Thank you for the great suggestions. I will post the winner when I have a happy client.

If you like Perpetua, there’s a good chance you’ll like FF Scala, though it’s much more modern.

Can you tell us more about the client?

I have yet to get the client’s input on this because my Creative Director would like to see more options.

My challenge is this:
Find an easy-to-read, approachable, friendly, warm, smart but non-intimidating atypical font.

Any takers?

>Find an easy-to-read, approachable, friendly, warm, smart but non-intimidating atypical font.

Dolly
Also, as Goudy is not currently so fashionable, but meets your criteria look at Goudy Old Style also Deepdene as well as the three versions of Goudy’s Californian: from Fontbureau, P22, and ITC Berkeley.