"Nothing goes right for Eloise. The one day she wears her new suede boots, it rains cats and dogs. When the subway stops short, she's always the one thrown into some stranger's lap. Plus, she's had more than her share of misfortune in the way of love. In fact, after she realizes romantic heroes are a thing of the past, she decides it's time for a fresh start.Setting off for England, Eloise is determined to finish her dissertaion on the dashing pair of spies, the Scarlet Pimpernel and the Purple Gentian. But what she discovers is something the finest historians have missed: the secret history of the Pink Carnation -- the most elusive spy of all time. As she works to unmask this obscure spy, Eloise stumbles across answers to all kinds of questions. How did the Pink Carnation save England from Napoleon? What became of the Scarlet Pimpernel and the Purple Gentian? And will Eloise Kelly escape her bad luck and find a living, breathing hero all her own?" (from the publisher)
my thoughts:
I absolutely loved every word of The Secret History of the Pink Carnation! It was clever, fast-paced, witty, charming, and full of surprises....I just can't say enough good things about this Scarlet Pimpernel-inspired novel! And did I mention that I loved it?!
What's not to love about a story that includes fiesty maidens, handsome spies, political intrigue, sexual tension, and a truly fun mystery-identity?
I happen to enjoy stories that alternate between the present and the past, but generally I find myself more interested in the plotline in the past. No so with this one; I was equally as intrigued with grad student Eloise's present-day encounters with Colin Selwick as I was with the escapades of Colin's ancestors. And what a treasure trove awaits Eloise as she gains access to diaries and letters that are the academic scoop of the century! I can't wait to continue this clever mystery/romance/adventure series in The Masque of the Black Tulip.
Highly recommended!
Just for fun, if you have already read The Pink Carnation book, click here to test your knowledge of The Pink Carnation at Lauren Willig's website.
5/5 Stars
Title: the Secret History of the Pink Carnation
Author: Lauren Willig
Publisher: Penguin
449 pages
genre: historical fiction/historical romance
6 comments:
This series only gets better!
You have an award waiting for you here: http://christysbooks.blogspot.com/2010/02/prolific-blogger-award.html
Christy - I'm going to savor this series! And thank you very much for the award!
This series is wonderful! So glad you are going to savor every bit :)
Hi, Muse -- My first instict was to start whipping through the books, but then I decided to take it very slowly and enjoy the anticipation of a great story!
YAY!! It is going on "the list". Thanks for sharing.
P.S. I'm glad I'm not the only one in a funk sometimes.
Well, hello, Kim! So glad to hear from you! Hope all is well with you and your family. Stay warm!
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