In London at Miss Grantley's School for Young Ladies, three best
friends are ready for an exciting adventure. Debutantes Diana Miller,
Emily Fortesque, and Lady Alexandra, daughter of a Duke, are going to
Paris to the Exposition. It is 1889 and the World's Fair, spread over 237
acres and connected by a railroad, will take visitors to the many
pavilions and villages from all over the world. Art, music, food, and
different languages appeal to many visitors and the glorious debut of
the Eiffel Tower. The girls are anxious to see it all and perhaps meet
one of the handsome bachelors to brighten their futures that will be
attending the EXPO.
Diana is an independent and smart young lady in the Belle Epoch era
and is not thinking about marriage and raising a family. Her dream is to
become a writer. When she sees an ad in the Ladies Weekly Magazine
for a writer to cover the Exposition, she applies, She is offered the
position to write a frothy, light column about fashions, parties, balls,
and intimate items about the attendees from all over the world who will
be attending the fair. Easy peasy, right?
Sir William Blakely and his brother Chris, cousins of Lady Alexandra,
visited her at school several times and met Diana. Now reunited in the
City of Lights, William is attracted to Diana. Just back from India, Sir
William works for the foreign office and has close ties to royalty. He is
the perfect guide to show her the most beautiful city in the world. He is
anxious to be her protector while she is alone and so far from home. He
becomes her personal guide to all the wonders she wants to see: the
Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and many of the exhibits at the Exposition.
When they dance together at the balls, the description is dazzling! As
their relationship grows closer, Diana feels he is keeping secrets from
her. What could they be? She is determined to find out what they are
and build a future for them together. Will he let her?
SECRETS OF A WALLFLOWER is a
pure delight. I was unable to put it down. Amanda McCabe is a sterling
storyteller and her historical research impeccable. I learned many
interesting facts. When the Eiffel Tower was constructed, the French
people hated it. As its' popularity soared, they decided to love it too. Sir
William is beyond handsome, charming, and thoughtful. By page 50, I
was hopelessly in love with him and his dimples! A colorful cast of
characters, a mystery surrounding a stolen crown jewel will keep you
interested. In the end, a romantic historical gem that is 5 star. Brava,
Ms. McCabe. I loved it!
A secret shared…But can she trust him?
In this Debutantes in Paris story, Diana Martin is thrilled
to be a writer covering the Parisian Exposition. But her new
role must be kept quiet—her parents would never allow it!
When enigmatic Sir William Blakely discovers her ruse, he
knows it could lead her into danger. With the sparks
igniting between them, William realizes the only way to
protect Diana is by staying as close to her as possible!