I have fallen in love with author Lisa Kleypas and the Wallflowers. This book series was my summer romance. I ordered the first book, Secrets of a Summer Night, to read while on vacation. I adored the concept and writing so much I knew I would be reading the entire series. I began immediately searching online to find book two. Unfortunately, there were no copies on Vancouver Island where I was at the time. Instead, we planned our route home so that I could pick up book two along the way. I then ordered books three and four online so that they would be waiting for me when I got home. I loved them that much. I would give every book in the series a rating of four or five stars.
The series follows the four self-proclaimed Wallflowers, Annabelle, Lillian, Evie, and Daisy, who always find themselves sitting together partnerless at the side of the dance floor. They are all growing desperate and tired in their search for husbands. So instead of continuing to compete for the attentions of the eligible bachelors, they decide to take turns helping each other find their perfect match. In order from eldest to youngest, each young woman takes her turn in the spotlight and with her own novel.
The next reason is that the Wallflower's books don't all end with a proposal or wedding. It was refreshing seeing the characters get to tackle more than just deciding to be together, delving into their marriages too. The books address that it's not always happily ever after once the characters are coupled up. They overcome obstacles such as changes in identity and purpose, boundaries, and roles in the early days of their marriage. It is something I haven't seen happen in much of the romance literature I have consumed. It made the stories feel more real and relatable, despite being set in the 1840s.
Lastly, I have to shout out to the exquisite slow-building romances and relationship development. Kleypas has the formula for the perfect amount of flirting down pat. There is enough to keep you engaged without overdoing it. I was so grateful after finishing each book that I would still get to spend time with those characters in the next one. It is impossible not to fall in love with each of the wallflowers as they are falling in love.
Hands down, my favourite book in the series was Devil in Winter, the third book and Evie's moment to shine. She is such a quiet and underestimated character in the first few books that I never anticipated her story to be the most intense. It was a triumph, seeing Evie come out of her shell as a strong, determined, and passionate woman.
My second favourite has to be the first book, Secrets of a Summer Night. It is a perfect romance and made me fall in love with the series. I cannot wait to go back and re-read it. It will most definitely become a comfort read.
It is worthwhile to mention the prequel to the Wallflowers books, Again, the Magic. It surprisingly worked its way into 3rd place in my heart. Taking place before the Wallflowers have ever met, the story follows Lord Westcliff's sisters who pop up in the main four books of the series. I was a sucker for the upper-class lady falling for the stableboy storyline and did not want to put this one down. If you enjoy the other books, this one is a must.
Books in the Wallflowers Series
Secrets of a Summer Night (Book 1 - Annabelle's story)
It Happened one Autumn (Book 2- Lillian's story)
Devil in Winter (Book 3 - Evie's story)
A Scandal in Spring (Book 4- Daisy's Story)
Again, The Magic (Prequel - Lady Aline and Lady Livia)
A Wallflower Christmas (Book 5- I haven't read this one yet, but you can bet I will be reading it this Christmas!)
I hope you find something in your TBR pile that you enjoy as much as I've enjoyed the Wallflowers.
Yours Literarily,
Lauren
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