"A delightful Victorian romance"

In 1841, Annabelle Peyton and her brother Jeremy cannot afford the price of a show so wealthy Simon Hunt, son of a butcher, lends them the money. During the show, the entrepreneur kisses the aristocrat, who to her chagrin enjoyed the moment. However, her upbringing insures she puts a halt to Simon's intentions.

Two years later, Annabelle and three other young females (Evangeline Jenner, Lillian Bowman, and her younger sister Daisy Bowman) form the Wallflowers squad, whose vision is to have each member happily married in the near future. Though she would prefer marrying for love, Annabelle hopes her teammates will help her find a wealthy spouse. Of course, Simon is still enticing and has loot, but can she really wed someone from the working class even if he is willing, which he insists he is not?

This early Victorian romance is fun to follow because the support cast, predominantly the other Wallflowers provide depth with their all "four" one and one for all philosophy of assisting each other in spousal hunting. This teaming freshens up the typical class warfare tale that serves as the prime issue between the lead couple. Fans of husband hunting on an Olympic level will appreciate SECRETS OF A SUMMER NIGHT and look forward to the tales starring Annabelle's band of sisters.

Harriet Klausner

Reviewed by Harriet Klausner
Posted November 15, 2004

Summary

Four young ladies enter London society with one common goal: they must use their feminine wit and wiles to find a husband.So a daring husband-hunting scheme is born. Annabelle Peyton, determined to save her family from disaster, decides to use her beauty and wit to tempt a suitable nobleman into making an offer of marriage. But Annabelle's most intriguing -- and persistent -- admirer, wealthy, powerful Simon Hunt, has made it clear that while he will introduce her to irresistible pleasure he will not offer marriage. Annabelle is determined to resist his unthinkable proposition ... but it is impossible in the face of such skillful seduction. Her friends, looking to help, conspire to entice a more suitable gentleman to offer for Annabelle, for only then will she be safe from Simon -- and her own longings. But on one summer night, Annabelle succumbs to Simon's passionate embrace and tempting kisses ... and she discovers that love is the most dangerous game of all.