The
Secret History of the Pink Carnation
By
Lauren Willig
The
Secret History of the Pink Carnation is a reader's hot fudge
sundae-cool chick-lit topped with warm, sweet historical romance.
Eloise
Kelly is on a mission. For her dissertation, she is determined to
unmask the Scarlet Pimpernel's successors: the Purple Gentian and
the Pink Carnation. In order to uncover what Napoleon's government
failed, she must elbow her way into the life of the keeper of the
archives, Colin Selwick.
Through
diaries and letters, Eloise learns about Amy Balcourt, daughter
of French aristocracy, who survived Madame Guillotine by living
with English relatives. She plans to avenge her father's death by
joining the League of the Purple Gentian, England's most prolific
spy since the Scarlet Pimpernel.
Lord
Richard Selwick's work as Napoleon's expert on Egyptian antiquities
provides unlimited access to Napoleon's inner circle-and the perfect
cover for an English spy. The Purple Gentian has no time for personal
entanglements, especially since an earlier affair led to a friend's
death, but perhaps Lord Richard does.
Miscommunications,
intrigue and danger follow their every step along the road to love.
Will Amy fulfill her aspirations to become the Pink Carnation? Will
the Purple Gentian thwart France's plan to invade England? Will
Richard and Amy survive long enough to declare their love? Only
readers of The Secret History of the Pink Carnation will know for
certain.
Ms.
Willig has penned an exquisite blend of contemporary and historical
romance. The author has used point of view to her advantage; Eloise
and Colin's story is written in first person and Amy and Richard's
is written in third, though the transitions could be smoother. Her
excellent storytelling might leave readers wondering where fact
ends and fantasy begins. Superior characterizations compel a gamut
of emotions; pulse-quickening adventure, heart-wrenching tenderness
and laugh out loud comedy--don't miss the scene in which Richard
is jealous--over himself! Miss Gwen, Amy's chaperone, is a pip,
too! The author loses a few points for leaving Eloise and Colin
in the lurch, but if she writes a sequel, I'll be the first in line
to buy it. The Secret History of the Pink Carnation definitely
deserves an "A".
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