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Book Review of Secrets of a Summer Night (Wallflowers, Bk 1)

Secrets of a Summer Night (Wallflowers, Bk 1)
PengQueen avatar reviewed on + 114 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2


4.5 stars--really entertaining. I've come to think of Lisa Kleypas as comfort reading. She has the ability to take what is normally a rather boring time period, a fairly simple plot, and a cast of endearing characters, and turn it all into a book I have trouble putting down.

Annabel is the first in a group of four unmarried women who call themselves 'wallflowers'. Always sitting on the sidelines, ignored by all the eligible gentlemen, these friends have banded together to find each other husbands. Annabel desperately wants a nobleman, one with enough money to save her and her family from poverty and ruin. To her displeasure, her most avid pursuer, Simon Hunt, is a businessman with a great deal of money but no title. Furthermore, he has made it clear that while he would welcome her as a mistress, he has no interest in marriage. Thus the wallflowers come up with a sceme to find Annabel a more suitable option.

Annabel was, to me, a fairly likeable character. At certain moments her prejudice can become irritating, but watching her grow out of it is gratifying. I liked Simon very much, but the author doesn't go into quite as much depth with his thoughts and feelings. While the romance is present and very satisfying, the story is really more centered on the girls and their friendship. This is what sets the book apart--the girls and their antics made me laugh out loud more then once.

Overall, this is a light and fun read for any woman who enjoys historical romance. Even if you normally don't, I'd give it a try. Lisa Kleypas is uniquely engaging.