About the book:
Arabella Dempsey’s dear friend Jane Austen warned her against teaching. But Miss Climpson’s Select Seminary for Young Ladies seems the perfect place for Arabella to claim her independence while keeping an eye on her younger sisters nearby. Just before Christmas, she accepts a position at the quiet girls’ school in Bath, expecting to face nothing more exciting than conducting the annual Christmas recital. She hardly imagines coming face to face with French aristocrats and international spies…
Reginald “Turnip” Fitzhugh—often mistaken for the elusive spy known as the Pink Carnation—has blundered into danger before. But when he blunders into Miss Arabella Dempsey, it never occurs to him that she might be trouble. When Turnip and Arabella stumble upon a beautifully wrapped Christmas pudding with a cryptic message written in French, “Meet me at Farley Castle”, the unlikely vehicle for intrigue launches the pair on a Yuletide adventure that ranges from the Austens’ modest drawing room to the awe-inspiring estate of the Dukes of Dovedale, where the Dowager Duchess is hosting the most anticipated event of the year: an elaborate 12-day Christmas celebration. Will they find poinsettias or peril, dancing or danger? And is it possible that the fate of the British Empire rests in Arabella and Turnip’s hands, in the form of a festive Christmas pudding?
My Review:
I have read quite a few of the books in the Pink Carnation series and this one is now one of my favorites. You cannot help but enjoy reading about Reginald "Turnip" Fithugh, he is so charming and sweet and funny. Arabella is a perfect match for him and there interactions throughout the story are the best parts of the book.
Willig really has a talent for writing entertaining stories filled with wit, mystery, and romance. The fact that this one also had Jane Austen as a character in it was an added bonus! This is a delightful story set around the Christmas season that is perfect for this time of year. Reading the previous books in the series isn't necessary to enjoy this one, I have not read any in the series in a while so had forgotten a lot of characters and story lines and was still able to thoroughly enjoy this one.
My rating: 4 stars out of 5
Posts
I'm glad I don't have to read the previous books in the series to be able to enjoy this one. Great review!
ReplyDelete-Kimberly @ Turning the Pages
I'm not familiar with the Pink Carnation series. This one sounds very good! Love that Jane Austen is a character, and that the hero's nickname is "Turnip." :-)
ReplyDeleteI really enjoy The Pink Carnation series, although some books I like more than others. I've had this one on my shelf since it was released but I still haven't read it...not likely going to be able to remedy that this year either. I'm glad you enjoyed it.
ReplyDeleteOh this sounds so good. I read an installment in the Pink Carnation series and really enjoyed it. I want to read more.
ReplyDeleteOh Turnip, what a loveable doofus! Love the Carnation Series and this story is adorable - glad you liked it too and got to read it around the hols!
ReplyDelete