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!

Book Summary

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!