The Mischief of the Mistletoe

A Pink Carnation Christmas

By: Lauren Willig

Narrated by: Kate Reading

'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?

Critic reviews

"In this seventh installment in the Regency romantic suspense series, Willig (The Betrayal of the Blood Lily, 2010, etc.) refreshes her formula for a lighthearted and sweet holiday romance. In this holiday-themed volume, Willig smartly recharges the series by stepping back in time-the action of this installment takes place between the fourth and fifth books of the series. A shift of focus away from espionage and toward Jane Austen makes for a fun, fresh installment in a successful series."
-Kirkus

"Set between the fourth and fifth novels in her charming Pink Carnation series, Willig offers up a holiday tale centered around Turnip Fitzhugh, the bumbling but well-meaning nobleman who is often mistaken for the English spy known as the Pink Carnation. Forget all the Austen updates and clones-Willig is writing the best Regency-era fiction today. This delectable, exciting holiday tale will appeal to longtime fans of the series and newcomers alike."
-Booklist

romantic

If you’ve listened to books by Lauren Willig before, how does this one compare?

fits in very well, funny, exciting and sweet

Did the narration match the pace of the story?

yes, very well. I think this narrator matches the whole series very well. I was disappointed that she was changed for one of the books

LOVED IT!

A wonderful story, brilliantly performed by Kate Reading. Haven't read all the pink carnation books but I now plan to read them all. This is definitely going to be a Christmas favorite. Please don't hesitate! 12-18-19. And a Christmas favorite it is! Just re-read it. Loved it even more. Go Turnip! 12-10-20. Re-read again! Love it more each time! Don't miss this one!

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.

Sweet and entertaining!

The narrator brought the characters to life for me. I listened to this while walking my dogs. it made me laugh out loud a number of times - finding me looking around to see if anyone was near by!

Perfect Christmas Story

I have read or listened to many Christmas stories. This one really hit the mark.