Title: The Secret History of the Pink Carnation (Pink Carnation #1)

Author: Lauren Willig

Publisher: New American Library 2006

Genre: Historical Fiction

Pages: 426

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: TBR Reduction

Nothing goes right for Eloise. The one day she wears her new suede boots, it rains cats and dogs. When the subway stops short, she’s always the one thrown into some stranger’s lap. Plus, she’s had more than her share of misfortune in the way of love. In fact, ever since she realized romantic heroes are a thing of the past, she’s decided it’s time for a fresh start.

Setting off for England, Eloise is determined to finish her dissertation on that dashing pair of spies, the Scarlet Pimpernel and the Purple Gentian. But what she discovers is something the finest historians have missed: the secret history of the Pink Carnation—the most elusive spy of all time. As she works to unmask this obscure spy, Eloise stumbles across answers to all kinds of questions. Like how did the Pink Carnation save England from Napoleon? What became of the Scarlet Pimpernel and the Purple Gentian? And will Eloise Kelly escape her bad luck and find a living, breathing hero all her own?

Another book that has been sitting on my shelf for years... and I have no idea why I haven't picked it up before now as I loved this one! Amy and Richard are amazingly fun characters. I loved all the side characters from Miss Gwen to Delaroche. And Eloise was a great person to connect to for the modern time period. The storyline took a few liberties with history, but kept the spirit of the time period that I appreciated. I can't wait to see more from Eloise in the sequels. And of course, I want to hear more about the League of the Pink Carnation.

Pink Carnation:

• #1 The Secret History of the Pink Carnation
• #2 The Masque of the Black Tulip
• #3 The Deception of the Emerald Ring
• #4 The Seduction of the Crimson Rose
• #5 The Temptation of the Night Jasmine
• #6 The Betrayal of the Blood Lily
• #7 The Mischief of the Mistletoe
• #8 The Orchid Affair
• #8.5 Away in a Manger
• #8.7 Ivy and Intrigue
• #9 The Garden Intrigue
• #10 The Passion of the Purple Plumeria
• #11 The Mark of the Midnight Manzanilla
• #12 The Lure of the Moonflower