Tis the season to get Pink! Lauren Willig's beloved Pink Carnation series gets into the holiday spirit with this irresistible Regency Christmas caper.
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 twelve-day Christmas celebration. Will they find poinsettias or peril, dancing or danger? Is it possible that the fate of the British Empire rests in Arabella's and Turnip's hands, in the form of a festive Christmas pudding?
©2010 Lauren Willig (P)2010 Penguin Audio
"A smashing good time!"
I wasn't sure how I felt about Turnip being the hero of his own story. Turns out, I absolutely adored him! He sort of bumbles and fumbles about, but he is so genuinely caring that one does not care. Arabella was a perfect match for him, overlooking his faults and accepting Turnip as is. In turn, Turnip overlooks status and class and loves Arabella for the spunky yet pragmatic woman she is.
Kate Reading is, as always, a fabulous narrator, easily transporting us to the time and place. We also get a visit from none other than Jane Austen herself, who is unassuming and witty. Eloise and Collin do not make an appearance in this story, due to the fact that it takes place between Crimson Rose and Night Jasmine. I missed them, but completely understand their absence. Mistletoe is a fantastic addition to the Pink Carnation series and a must read for any fan!
(My only complaint would be to the producers of the audiobook and not the book itself. A bit of the music from the beginning is inserted absolutely randomly throughout the book. I could almost understand if it happened only once or in between scene changes. But it happened at least half a dozen times and in completely bizarre places. One would think that a producer or editor would have noticed that.)
"MIstletoe & Christmas Pudding, the plot thickens.."
This was my introduction to The Pink Carnation series. I fell in love with Turnip & his dopey, well-meaning ways. Miss Dempsy's practicality is a nice balance to him, & he helps her to have some fun. I'm no historian, so I can't vouch for the accuracy of every detail of the book, but if you're looking to find yourself lost in a Christmas mystery and meeting a few new friends, this is a good book for that. It was a delightful escape into another time & place.
"Lovely, Turnip!"
Yes, I said Turnip. That is the name of the unlikely hero of this clever and lighthearted romance about a true gentleman who may not be so full of knowledge in the noggin, but whose loyalty and good-heartedness wins the female lead (and me!) over completely. Go Turnip, you rock - for King and Country and all that, you know... The narration is excellent and i can honestly say that i have never seen a Christmas pudding used as such a clever and intriguing plot device before.
"my first--what have I been missing?"
This is my first book of this series, and I enjoyed it immensely. Perhaps those who are au currant with the series would get more from this book, being familiar with the characters and general settings, but other than the occasional 'huh' on my part, I didn't particularly feel the lack. It is funny and sweet and, for me anyway, a real feel-good little book that I imagine I will re-listen to during the rainy season.
I love Kate Reading anyway, and she does this book justice with accent and character differentiation.
If you like historical romance, you'll probably like this one.
"Wonderful fun!"
This Christmas offering from the lovely and gracious Lauren Willig, is fabulous fun. Funny, suspenseful and romantic - all wrapped up in one. The icing on the cake is that it is narrated by the marvelous Kate Reading. I could not have asked for a more delicious way to spend my holiday leisure hours.
BJS
"This book should be #6"
Night Jasmine which is supposed to be book 6 Has Turnip un-married Although this book was funny and wonderful.
There is humor and some sadness, but as in all books in this series, there is a war between England and France and we are dealing with spies.
"Hilarious"
so, I've never thought that an actually stupid man could have a love affair with an intelligent woman, but Ms. Willig made a believer out of me. I also never really thought about Turnips story before but now that it is written I think it worth while and a great addition to the series. I must say my favorite parts generally involved the Christmas Puddings :)
I am also glad that there wasn't the switching back and forth between time periods thing in this addition. I was getting a little bored with "Whats-her-names" story line.
Only one thing marred this book for me and it was the seemingly forced entrance of Jane Austen into the mix. I am still very confused as to why she was there and what her character added to the story other then getting those of us die hard Jane Austen freaks to look twice at the book.
Oh! And 2 thumbs up for the narrator as well! She was great!!! in some ways she made the story for me!
"Love the Pink Carnation books!"
First, I should note that I love Lauren Willig's Pink Carnation books. Getting a chance to see inside the head of "Turnip" Fitzhugh was priceless. I loved all of the actions revolving around fruitcake. I will certainly listen to this one again.
"Fun holiday romance"
This book is just a lot of fun. Turnip is an unlikely hero--he didn't get his nickname for being the sharpest knife in the drawer, and he has execrable taste in waistcoats--but he's truly kind, caring and considerate, unlike so many other young bucks of the ton. It doesn't hurt that he's also something of a hunk, carnation waistcoats notwithstanding. The mystery is somewhat beside the point. I really love the narration of this whole series on audiobook. This is definitely a seasonal re-listen for me.
"Turnip Finally Gets Center Stage!"
Turnip Wins Hoo-ray!!!
I really can't compare this book to any other....because I don't usually read this kind of book. I purchased "The Black Tulip" several years ago in an airport just before I boarded an oversees flight. I was hooked! Lauren Willig paints amazing pictures and her knowledge of the time period is astounding! She creates character that you root for! I love the way she weaves character from book to book. The best book in this series in my opinion is "The Crimson Rose". But that is only because I love characters with sharp tongues and a rapier wit!
This woman for this series is total perfection! I love to hear Kate read almost anything but this particular series is just made for her. I think I love her male voices sometimes better than her women. She is an awesome performer who makes me feel what she's reading. It doesn't get much better than that.
It would have to be Turnip. I would delight in watching and listening to him.
A note to the author. I love your work! There is one tiny flaw that gets me every time it happens. And it may only be a flaw to me. Your modern day character uses the term "Mobile" instead of "Cell Phone". If she were an American abroad I really don't think she would use that term.