Jennifer McQuiston
Published: Avon
Date: February 2015
Format: Paperback
Pages: 384
Genre: Historical Romance
Source: Gift
Diary of an Accidental Wallflower is #1 in a new series - Seduction Diaries by Jennifer McQuiston. This is my first book by this author and I am happy to say I have found me a new favourite author! And by the way - what a delicious cover!
Set in 1848 in London, Clare is in her second Season - looking for a suitable husband as you did in those days. She is the daughter of a Viscount and has a five thousand pound dowry to help matters along. She has her sights set on Mr Alban who one day is to inherit a Dukedom.
Clare belongs to a slightly madcap family, a brother - Geoffrey aged thirteen who while intelligent seems bent on being expelled from school and never monitoring what comes out of his mouth. Lucy, Clare's sister takes little notice of her appearance, is today a vegetarian, protector of horses and who knows what tomorrow. She definitely does not what a Season and marriage. Clare is the sensible one among them. Their parents seem to be having some kind of marital disquiet, so never a dull moment in the Westmore household.
When Clare injures herself and is helped by a young man who happens to be a Doctor, she finds herself in a quandary. He is rather attractive, but poor! Not a gentleman! Yet Lady Austerley has him as her physician and fully approves of him. He also seems to find approval with Lucy and Geoffrey and he brings some guidance and purpose into their lives. Yet Clare has many a challenge in front of her, not least of all dealing with a couple of 'friends' who turn on her.
The Diary of an Accidental Wallflower has a freshness to it, the characters are fun, quirky and really fascinating. There are a few twists and turns that turn things a little upside down. But what wins through is truth, kindness, openness, family and being authentically yourself. And true love of course!
Readers of Julia Quinn, Mary Balogh, Julia London and Eloisa James - this one will suit you too.
