Saturday, December 11, 2010

The Year of the Pink Carnation


As I'm busy writing a wrap-up post for 2010 and selecting my top ten book picks, I realized that I would be remiss if I did not spotlight Lauren Willig's Pink Carnation series and give it its own special post!

Now the series has been around for quite some time, but I began the year by reading The Secret History of the Pink Carnation and was hooked! It was such a delightful mix of Regency era mystery, romance, adventure and wit that I couldn't wait to get my hands on the next book. I spent the next few months happily immersed in spies, debutants, secret documents and deadly duels and read the entire series....and I'll finish the year with the newly released, The Mischief of the Mistletoe. Thus, it's been the Year of the Pink Carnation and deserves the special honor of "favorite series" for me in 2010.

I was so impressed with Lauren's writing style, I flew to Arizona to meet her at a book event sponsored by the Poisoned Pen. Book blogging buddy Julie from Outlandish Dreaming and I had a wonderful time chatting with Lauren and I must say, if you ever have a chance to attend one of her events, go! She is so genuinely friendly and funny and is a wonderful speaker!

(L-R) Joanne, Julie @ Outlandish Dreaming, Lauren Willig

So let's hear it for that demmed, elusive Pimpernel who served as Lauren's inspiration for her Pink Carnation series!


And just for fun, if you're a fan of the Scarlet Pimpernel and Willig's Pink Carnation series, you'll enjoy this... after all, isn't every girl crazy 'bout a sharp dressed man?

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Oh Joanne, we really must be book twins! I have loved the Pink Carnation series. Lauren Willig was in at the Harvard school's book store for a book signing and I was so excited to go. That turned out to be the boss made me work till 2am! But my sweet hubby came to my office, took my book to the signing and got it signed for me. But I still regret not being able to go myself.

Joanne said...

Oh, what a terrific husband you have! Such a shame that you didn't get to see Lauren in person, but you live in her area, so maybe you'll make a future event? She's an absolute doll.

Carole Rae said...

=) I fell absolutely in love with Lauren Willig's series too. I hope you like The Orchid Affair as much as I did. Which one is your ultimate favorite? Mine was The Betrayal of the Emerald Ring. I meet Lauren when she came to Ann Arbor. She's so nice.

Joanne said...

Hi, Carole Rae -- I adore the first three books in the series, and I think Masque of the Black Tulip may have the slight lead, followed by Pink Carnation.....but they're all so good! It's hard to pick a favorite. Thanks so much for stopping by!

Favorite Period Dramas

Mount TBR

Joanne's to-read book montage

On a Highland Shore
A Light on the Veranda
Entwined
The Queen's Vow: A Novel Of Isabella Of Castile
The Edwardians
Maisie Dobbs
Howards End
Lady's Maid
Instruments Of Darkness
When Maidens Mourn
Where Shadows Dance
What Remains of Heaven
Where Serpents Sleep
Why Mermaids Sing
When Gods Die
Shadowfever
Before Ever After
The Sugar Queen
Garden Spells
After the Night


Joanne's favorite books »
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