How to Woo a Wallflower

A Delightful story that will keep you turning the pages. Gabe Adamson never intended to go back. Born and growing up on the streets of one of London's worst areas, Whitechapel, he did whatever was needed for he and his sister to survive. Now, working at a publishing company he worked he way up, but is determined to keep order in all he does. But sometimes fate steps in the way in the form of Clary Ruthven, sister of his employer. Having known each other for years, but never really getting along, a situation happens when he comes upon her fending off a man. Clary only wants to be independent and keep helping the less fortunate women in London. Waiting only to inherit her funds from her father, she finds out she has to marry first and it will be her dowry. Getting ready to take her place as part owner of the business, she has to work with Gabe and that is when the fun begins. They are really exact opposites, but as the saying goes, opposites can attract. Read to see what happens to this wonderful couple and prepare to have a smile as you turn the last page! Cannot wait to read more..

One can always depend on Ms Carlye to give us a well written novel and she delivers in this trilogy of the Ruthven siblings. Plots, settings, characters, conflicts, all expertly written.

Returning to the Ruthven’s story, the third book focuses on Clary, a young woman who can’t wait to get her hands on an inheritance, with which she plans to help the young women at Miss Fisk’s School for Unfortunate Girls. But, she soon learns that she will have to marry to have her own money – and that doesn’t work for her at all. She wants to control her own life and destiny, and without a way to earn her own keep – that isn’t going to happen. Her brother, Kit, part owner of Ruthven Publishing, offers her a place at the company, learning the trade from the manager, Gabriel Adamson. Already knowing the man, and finding him dour and rigid, Clary isn’t thrilled, but means to an end and all that – and she accepts. Gabriel has worked his entire life to distance himself from his lowly birthplace: a Whitechapel birth and struggle for his early years, he always thought of more – and has done all he can to distance himself from the way he earned his way out. Hiding his secrets and unwilling to allow this boisterous, outspoken and determined young woman to draw his gaze from his goals of a quiet life with a boring and uncomplicated wife, he’s doing everything he can to discourage Clary from continuing to torment his days with her presence and his nights with his thoughts of her. Oh – but Clary’s determination, and her boldness lead to a kiss, a kiss he can’t forget. Carlyle is a wonderful storyteller and creating this unusual Ruthven family who are all determined to lead lives that make a difference and please them – even if not conventional. Allowing readers to see the darker sides of Victorian life, experience society’s changes and be treated to a story that is wholly historic in feel but differs as th story is about the ordinary people – those without titles or pretentions so valued by the tonne. With Clary’s determination to visit and make a difference in the East End, Gabriel’s every fear is awakened: her safety and his secrets could be the undoing of everything he’s built to this point. Gradually we see that most of Gabriel’s reserve with Clary is more insecurity and a belief that he’s not worthy of someone as well-bred as she, and his worries of her reaction when she discovers his secrets. But, Clary isn’t just determined to make a difference for the women of Miss Fisk’s, she’s truly encouraged by anyone who can take charge of their life and rise above circumstances of poverty, birth or education – but could this possibly help design a future for her and Gabriel? Another wonderful story in the series, easily read in any order and sure to please fans of historic romance who want something different from the next story about a duke gone wrong or a lady scandalizing the tonne. I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via Edelweiss for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.