Author: Lisa Kleypas
Publication date: October 14, 2008
Series: Wallflowers #5
Pages: 225
Genre: Historical, Romance
Synopsis: It’s Christmastime in London and Rafe Bowman has arrived from America for his arranged meeting with Natalie Blandford, the very proper and beautiful daughter of Lady and Lord Blandford. His chiseled good looks and imposing physique are sure to impress the lady-in-waiting, and if it weren’t for his shocking American ways and wild reputation, her hand would already be guaranteed.
Before the courtship can begin, Rafe realizes he must learn the rules of London society. But when four former Wallfowers try their hand at matchmaking, no one knows what will happen. And winning a bride turns out to be more complicated than Rafe Bowman anticipated, especially for a man accustomed to getting anything he wants.

However, Christmas works in the most unexpected ways, changing a cynic to a romantic and inspiring passion in the most timid of hearts.

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This book may contain explicit intimate scenes, so if you are not 18+ then I probably wouldn’t recommend it for younger readers.

My Opinion

First off lets say, that Lisa Kleypas can do no wrong in my book when it comes to penning historical romances. I feel that I never will be disappointed with her novels that she is that good.

With A Wallflower Christmas, you have a different take on this series, this time the male perspective of the courting scene of London society. I loved Rafe, boy was he a mischievous naughty man (he even said something about Hannah brings out the devil in him). I loved all the scenes with him and Hannah, I don’t think I could pick one favorite because they all were that good. He was frank and very forward with his way of things, especially his feelings for her.

And the love letter he wrote… Pull out the smelling salts ladies because it will make you swoon! Sure it was a little naughty but the meaning – oh lord… *Fans myself* He was a delectable cad of a man.

With this being the last in the Wallflower series, I am a bit sad to see them go. But then another part of me is a bit giddy to start the Hathaway series and get to discover their memorable characters as I got the pleasure of discovering the Wallflower ones.

Author: Julie Klassen
Publication date: December 1, 2014
Series: N/A
Pages: 460
Genre: Historical, Romance, Christian
Synopsis: Abigail Foster fears she will end up a spinster, especially as she has little dowry to improve her charms and the one man she thought might marry her–a longtime friend–has fallen for her younger, prettier sister.
When financial problems force her family to sell their London home, a strange solicitor arrives with an astounding offer: the use of a distant manor house abandoned for eighteen years. The Fosters journey to imposing Pembrooke Park and are startled to find it entombed as it was abruptly left: tea cups encrusted with dry tea, moth-eaten clothes in wardrobes, a doll’s house left mid-play . . .

The handsome local curate welcomes them, but though he and his family seem to know something about the manor’s past, the only information they offer Abigail is a warning: Beware trespassers who may be drawn by rumors that Pembrooke contains a secret room filled with treasure.

Hoping to improve her family’s financial situation, Abigail surreptitiously searches for the hidden room, but the arrival of anonymous letters addressed to her, with clues about the room and the past, bring discoveries even more startling. As secrets come to light, will Abigail find the treasure and love she seeks…or very real danger?

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My Opinion

I am relatively new to Julie Klassen an lets just say I have found another author whom not only writes extremely well regency’s, but ones that I love. What I like about her writing style is, she not only includes historical settings and romance, but she also includes a little bit of mystery in her stories as well, which I think makes her stories flow exceptionally well.

Since I enjoyed The Tutor’s Daughter so well, I went out on a limb and bought the paper back version of The Secret of Pembrooke Park. I believe this book is to be known as Julie’s largest penned novel to date, consisting of around 458-63 pages which I read in two settings – yes it was that good.

In my honest opinion, I believe this one had a bit more mystery in it than the others I read, which I loved. I like when something keeps you guessing throughout the story wondering who did what or who the villain is – surely keeps you on your toes.

Abigail was a sweet character and likable from the start although she has a bit of confidence issue when it comes between her and her suitors when she sister comes into the picture. She always feels like they will choose Louisa over her as she is younger an in her opinion more beautiful.

I really liked William from the start. His character was so enjoyable, I was rooting for him clear from the beginning. I loved how he would tease and flirt with Abigail. I had no idea parsons / clergymen acted like that, but yet I haven’t been exposed to anyone in that field to know that.

Gilbert, Abigail’s childhood friend and her first crush was pretty likable. He went away for a year to study architecture in Italy then comes back and pines for Abigail which she has been longing for. When Gilbert shows up, it makes William a bit jealous that another man want’s her affections. Even though Gilbert came into the picture, finally paying romantic attention to Abigail, my gut was still saying WILLIAM WILLIAM WILLIAM.

Louisa, I found her a bit obnoxious an somewhat annoying at times. She knew she was pretty and used it to her advantage in the courting department. For a moment I thought she was trying to swipe William out from under Abigail’s nose.

I LOVED the twist with Leah. I never saw that coming. I thought her shyness was just a part of her character but it wasn’t which that was a big surprise to me. What a twist I say!

Miles Pembrooke, whom can be a bit of a devious character was kinda likable to me even though he had hidden motives. I know all his flirtation towards Abigail was just a ploy, I still loved his witty and flirtatious comments.

My absolute favorite moments was the mulberry scene (never knew one could consume them, like William, I always considered them food for birds), William when he acted like he was ‘foxed’ from the laudanum (funny since Abigail thought that is how he would act if he’d consume liquor), the pond/lake scene (the first and second time), the ball (how William asked her if he wanted her to make Gilbert jealous, never expected a parson to say what he did!), and the ending. All in all, I really loved this book. The Secret of Pembrooke Park and The Tutor’s Daughter are my two favorites of Julie Klassen’s novels so far an I cannot wait to read more of her lovely Regency novels.