Two Wars and a Wedding by Lauren Willig

Title: Two Wars and a Wedding

Author: Lauren Willig

Publisher: William Morrow 2023

Genre: Historical Fiction

Pages: 435

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Clock; Decades - 1880s-1990s

September 1896: An aspiring archaeologist, Smith College graduate Betsy Hayes travels to Athens, desperate to break into the male-dominated field of excavation. In the midst of the heat and dust of Greece she finds an unlikely ally in Charles, Baron de Robecourt, one of the few men who takes her academic passion seriously. But when a simmering conflict between Greece and Turkey erupts into open warfare, Betsy throws herself into the conflict as a nurse, not knowing that the decision will change her life forever—and cause a deep and painful rift with her oldest friend, Ava.

June 1898: Betsy has sworn off war nursing—but when she gets the word that her estranged friend Ava is headed to Cuba with Clara Barton and the Red Cross to patch up the wounded in the Spanish-American War, Betsy determines to stop her the only way she knows how: by joining in her place. Battling heat, disease, and her own demons, Betsy follows Teddy Roosevelt’s Rough Riders straight to the heart of the fighting, where she is forced to confront her greatest fears to save both old friends and new….

Set during an electrifying era of nation-building, idealism, and upheaval, Two Wars and a Wedding is the tale of two remarkable women striving to make their place in a man’s world—an unforgettable saga of friendship, love, and fighting for what is right.

I needed a book with the word “two” in the title. I went to Goodreads and did a simple search and this book came up. I really enjoyed Willig’s Pink Carnation series and The English Wife, so I thought I would give this one a chance. Overall, this was an enjoyable story of a one woman’s journey through life, two wars, and heartache. After reading the historical note, I was more interested in the true history behind the story. The historical fiction sections detailed a time period and conflict that not many books focus on. I enjoyed the information about the archaeological digs and the nursing training. I ended up really enjoying following Betsy’s journey. And amazingly, I really came to love Holt as a leading man worthy of Betsy. A very enjoyable historical fiction novel.

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Next up on the TBR pile:

The Glass Ocean by Beatriz Williams, Lauren Willig, and Karen White

Title: The Glass Ocean

Author: Beatriz Williams, Lauren Willig, Karen White

Publisher: William Morrow 2018

Genre: Historical Fiction

Pages: 416

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Library Love; Women Authors; Historical Fiction

May 2013
Her finances are in dire straits and bestselling author Sarah Blake is struggling to find a big idea for her next book. Desperate, she breaks the one promise she made to her Alzheimer’s-stricken mother and opens an old chest that belonged to her great-grandfather, who died when the RMS Lusitania was sunk by a German U-Boat in 1915. What she discovers there could change history. Sarah embarks on an ambitious journey to England to enlist the help of John Langford, a recently disgraced Member of Parliament whose family archives might contain the only key to the long-ago catastrophe. . . .

April 1915
Southern belle Caroline Telfair Hochstetter’s marriage is in crisis. Her formerly attentive industrialist husband, Gilbert, has become remote, pre-occupied with business . . . and something else that she can’t quite put a finger on. She’s hoping a trip to London in Lusitania’s lavish first-class accommodations will help them reconnect—but she can’t ignore the spark she feels for her old friend, Robert Langford, who turns out to be on the same voyage. Feeling restless and longing for a different existence, Caroline is determined to stop being a bystander, and take charge of her own life. . . .

Tessa Fairweather is traveling second-class on the Lusitania, returning home to Devon. Or at least, that’s her story. Tessa has never left the United States and her English accent is a hasty fake. She’s really Tennessee Schaff, the daughter of a roving con man, and she can steal and forge just about anything. But she’s had enough. Her partner has promised that if they can pull off this one last heist aboard the Lusitania, they’ll finally leave the game behind. Tess desperately wants to believe that, but Tess has the uneasy feeling there’s something about this job that isn’t as it seems. . . .

As the Lusitania steams toward its fate, three women work against time to unravel a plot that will change the course of their own lives . . . and history itself.

I enjoyed this tale set mostly onboard the Lusitania. I really fell for Tess immediately and was rooting for her throughout the story. Caroline was a very typical lady and at times I was annoyed by her behavior. But it always made sense for her character. I enjoyed following their intersecting story lines throughout the voyage up until the sinking of the Lusitania and beyond. Sarah’s more contemporary storyline was lackluster in comparison. I don’t really think we needed her story.

Next up on the TBR pile:

The English Wife by Lauren Willig

Title: The English Wife

Author: Lauren Willig

Publisher: St. Martin's Press 2017

Genre: Historical fiction

Pages: 376

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Mount TBR; Share-a-Tea; What's in a Name - Nationality

Annabelle and Bayard Van Duyvil live a charmed life in New York: he's the scion of an old Knickerbocker family, she grew up in a Tudor manor in England, they had a whirlwind romance in London, they have three year old twins on whom they dote, and he's recreated her family home on the banks of the Hudson and renamed it Illyria. Yes, there are rumors that she's having an affair with the architect, but rumors are rumors and people will gossip. But then Bayard is found dead with a knife in his chest on the night of their Twelfth Night Ball, Annabelle goes missing, presumed drowned, and the papers go mad. Bay's sister, Janie, forms an unlikely alliance with a reporter to uncover the truth, convinced that Bay would never have killed his wife, that it must be a third party, but the more she learns about her brother and his wife, the more everything she thought she knew about them starts to unravel. Who were her brother and his wife, really? And why did her brother die with the name George on his lips?

This was my first Book of the Month selection from December 2017. I didn't get the book until I returned to California, but was super excited to read it. I loved Willig's Pink Carnation series and hoped this volume would also keep my attention. And keep my attention it did! I immediately dove into this historical murder mystery. Who killed Bay? What happened to Annabelle? I loved the premise and then really fell for the characters. Janie was my favorite character. I loved her growth throughout the book. I loved the family intrigue and secrets. Overall I really enjoyed Willig's story and writing. There were passages that reminded me of her Pink Carnation series even though this book was a lot more serious and straight forward. Definite recommendation!

I'm counting this book for part of the Share-a-Tea Reading Challenge. This was the perfect book to read while enjoying a nice cup of tea. For this particular book, I was enjoyed Zhena's Gypsy Tea's Raspberry Earl. Loved the hints of sweetness overlaying a classic black tea. Yummy!

Next up on the TBR pile:

The Lure of the Moonflower by Lauren Willig

Title: The Lure of the Moonflower (Pink Carnation #12)

Author: Lauren Willig

Publisher: New American Library 2015

Genre: Historical Fiction

Pages: 475

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Read My Own Damn Books; 52 Books - W27

Portugal, December 1807. Jack Reid, the British agent known as the Moonflower (formerly the French agent known as the Moonflower), has been stationed in Portugal and is awaiting his new contact. He does not expect to be paired with a woman—especially not the legendary Pink Carnation.
All of Portugal believes that the royal family departed for Brazil just before the French troops marched into Lisbon. Only the English government knows that mad seventy-three-year-old Queen Maria was spirited away by a group of loyalists determined to rally a resistance. But as the French garrison scours the countryside, it’s only a matter of time before she’s found and taken.
It’s up to Jane to find her first and ensure her safety. But she has no knowledge of Portugal or the language. Though she is loath to admit it, she needs the Moonflower. Operating alone has taught her to respect her own limitations. But she knows better than to show weakness around the Moonflower—an agent with a reputation for brilliance, a tendency toward insubordination, and a history of going rogue.

What a way to end a series! I was in love with this volume from page one. Jack and Jane has always been intriguing characters. It was fitting to end the series with their story. I loved diving beneath the surface of the Pink Carnation and the Moonflower. As to the story itself, I loved the plot line. We get lots of great action and some actual historical events thrown in. Plus, the reappearance of the Gardener fit perfectly! I was sad to see one of my favorite series end, but it was quite of an ending. Now I feel like I should Lauren Willig's other books...

Pink Carnation:

The Mark of the Midnight Manzanilla by Lauren Willig

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Title: The Mark of the Midnight Manzanilla (Pink Carnation #11)

Author: Lauren Willig

Publisher: Penguin 2014

Genre: Historical Fiction

Pages: 451

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: 52 Books - W26

In October of 1806, the Little Season is in full swing, and Sally Fitzhugh has had enough of the endless parties and balls. With a rampant vampire craze sparked by the novel The Convent of Orsino, it seems no one can speak of anything else. But when Sally hears a rumor that the reclusive Duke of Belliston is an actual vampire, she cannot resist the challenge of proving such nonsense false. At a ball in Belliston Square, she ventures across the gardens and encounters the mysterious Duke.
Lucien, Duke of Belliston, is well versed in the trouble gossip can bring. He’s returned home to dispel the rumors of scandal surrounding his parents’ deaths, which hint at everything from treason to dark sorcery. While he searches for the truth, he welcomes his fearsome reputation—until a woman is found dead in Richmond. Her blood drained from her throat.
Lucien and Sally join forces to stop the so-called vampire from killing again. Someone managed to get away with killing the last Duke of Belliston. But they won’t kill this duke—not if Sally has anything to say about it.

So this book was a bit of an odd one for the series. I enjoyed reading it, but it lacked the spy angle from most of the other books. I did enjoy Lucien as a main character. Sally got on my nerves a few times throughout. And I kept thinking of her as a schoolgirl, not a leading lady. I realize time has passed since the beginning of the series, but it was a bit weird. Overall, I enjoyed the book but definitely not my favorite of the series.

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

The Passion of the Purple Plumeria by Lauren Willig

Title: The Passion of the Purple Plumeria (Pink Carnation #10)

Author: Lauren Willig

Publisher: New American Library 2013

Genre: Historical Fiction

Pages: 439

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Read My Own Damn Books; 52 Books - W22

Colonel William Reid has returned home from India to retire near his children, who are safely stowed at an academy in Bath. Upon his return to the Isles, however, he finds that one of his daughters has vanished, along with one of her classmates.
Because she served as second-in-command to the Pink Carnation, one of England’s most intrepid spies, it would be impossible for Gwendolyn Meadows to give up the intrigue of Paris for a quiet life in the English countryside—especially when she’s just overheard news of an alliance forming between Napoleon and an Ottoman Sultan. But, when the Pink Carnation’s little sister goes missing from her English boarding school, Gwen reluctantly returns home to investigate the girl’s disappearance.
Thrown together by circumstance, Gwen and William must cooperate to track down the young ladies before others with nefarious intent get their hands on them. But Gwen’s partnership with quick-tongued, roguish William may prove to be even more of an adventure for her than finding the lost girls….

Another super fun and enjoyable volume in the series. It was great to see a story revolve around Gwen who's been a part of the story since the beginning. I loved seeing her open up and get a happy ending. Plus we revisit some other characters including Lizzy and Agnes and especially Colonel Reid. Now I have to get the last two books in the series.

Pink Carnation:

The Garden Intrigue by Lauren Willig

Title: The Garden Intrigue (Pink Carnation #9)

Author: Lauren Willig

Publisher: New American Library 2012

Genre: Historical Fiction

Pages: 388

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Read My Own Damn Books

Secret agent Augustus Whittlesby has spent a decade undercover in France, posing as an insufferably bad poet. The French surveillance officers can’t bear to read his work closely enough to recognize the information drowned in a sea of verbiage.
New York-born Emma Morris Delagardie is a thorn in Augustus’s side. An old school friend of Napoleon’s stepdaughter, she came to France with her uncle, eloped with a Frenchman, and has been rattling around the salons of Paris ever since. Now widowed, she entertains herself by holding a weekly salon, and loudly critiquing Augustus’s poetry.
As Napoleon pursues his plans for the invasion of England, Whittlesby hears of a top-secret device to be demonstrated at a house party. The catch? The only way in is with Emma, who has been asked to write a masque for the weekend’s entertainment. In this complicated masque within a masque, nothing goes quite as scripted—especially Augustus’s unexpected feelings for Emma.

Still loving this series, but I will say this volume wasn't my favorite. I was a fan of Augustus and Emma, but the pacing seemed very off. The ending felt very rushed and a bit far-fetched. I would have loved to spend a bit more time wrapping up the storyline and getting a better declaration of love the two main characters. I just didn't completely buy into their ending. Possibly we will see these two characters again... Can't wait to see what happens in the next volume!

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

Pink Carnation Series Short Stories by Lauren Willig

Title: Away in a Manger (Pink Carnation #8.5) and Ivy & Intrigue (Pink Carnation #8.7)

Author: Lauren Willig

Publisher: New American Library 2011

Genre: Historical Fiction

Pages: 14; 95

Rating: 3/5 stars 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Read My Own Damn Books; 52 Books - W15

In this bonus chapter to "The Mischief of the Mistletoe", Turnip and Arabella lose their way in a snowstorm on their way from the wedding. Will Turnip’s wedding night be snowed out? Will Arabella’s nose lead them to safety? (Oh, wait. That’s Rudolph. Never mind.) Was the storm a cunning ploy caused by the French in their quest for domination of the world pudding market?

A silly little chapter involving Turnip and Arabella. Not the greatest story I've ever read, but decently enjoyable.

In this novella (a sequel to "The Secret History of the Pink Carnation"), the newly married spy, the Purple Gentian, and his bride find more than mince pie when they head home for the holidays.

This novella was a great little sequel to Richard and Amy's story. We get the reappearance of some of my favorite characters (Miss Gwen, Miles, Hen, Jane) and learn more about the mysterious Deirdre. Plus we get bookended chapters focused on Eloise. Definitely glad I picked this one up from Amazon. A lovely addition to the series. Now I can move on to The Garden Intrigue.

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

The Orchid Affair by Lauren Willig

Title: The Orchid Affair (Pink Carnation #8)

Author: Lauren Willig

Publisher: New American Library 2011

Genre: Historical Fiction

Pages: 403

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: I Love Libraries; 52 Books - W13

Veteran governess Laura Grey joins the Selwick Spy School expecting to find elaborate disguises and thrilling adventures in service to the spy known as the Pink Carnation. She hardly expects her first assignment to be serving as governess for the children of André Jaouen, right-hand man to Bonaparte's minister of police.
At first the job is as lively as Latin, but Laura begins to notice Jaouen's increasingly strange behavior. As Laura edges closer to her employer, she is surprised to learn that she has much in common with him. And Jaouen finds he's hired more than he's bargained for...

A lovely change of pace for the series to move the action to France. I immediately fell for Andre and Laura. I love their characters. I loved their relationship. I loved the double-crossing and spy work. It was great to get more from Delaroche (that odious man!) and even an appearance from the Purple Gentian himself. Definitely a great addition to the series. I sped through this one in just a few days.

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

The Mischief of the Mistletoe by Lauren Willig

Title: The Mischief of the Mistletoe (Pink Carnation #7)

Author: Lauren Willig

Publisher: New American Library 2010

Genre: Historical Fiction

Pages: 384

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Read My Own Damn Books; What's in a Name -- Tree (cheating just a bit here)

Despite her dear friend Jane Austen's warning against teaching, Arabella Dempsey accepts a position at a girls' school in Bath, just before Christmas. 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. When Turnip and Arabella find their Christmas pudding yielding a cryptic message, they are launched on a Yuletide adventure. Will they find poinsettias-or peril?

I so enjoy this series... This volume was a nice callback to the Twelfth Night celebration and Dovedale. I loved seeing the same party but from a different perspective. Arabella and Turnip were a great couple. They definitely fit well together. And it was nice to see that Turnip wasn't a complete idiot. My favorite parts were his interactions with Pinchingdale. Very fun! And it was nice to re-encounter characters from previous volumes. On to number 8!

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

The Betrayal of the Blood Lily by Lauren Willig

Title: The Betrayal of the Blood Lily (Pink Carnation #6)

Author: Lauren Willig

Publisher: New American Library 2011

Genre: Historical Fiction

Pages: 512

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Read My Own Damn Books; 52 Books - W11

Whisked away to nineteenth-century India, Penelope Deveraux plunges into the court intrigues of the Nizam of Hyderabad, where no one is quite what they seem. New to this strange and exotic country- where a dangerous spy called the Marigold leaves venomous cobras as his calling card-she can trust only one man: Captain Alex Reid.
With danger looming from local warlords, treacherous court officials, and French spies, Alex and Penelope may be all that stand in the way of a plot designed to rock the very foundations of the British Empire...

Another great volume in one of my favorite series. Penelope wasn't a very likable character in the previous books. At first, I wasn't fan of her in this book. But then we got a deeper understanding of her character and I actually started to like her. Alex was a great hero and I loved him from the start. The two of them were a perfect pair. I loved their journey, but the ending of the book was a bit abrupt. I was hoping for more. However, the change of scenery to India was a very nice move. I loved getting a glimpse of Hyderabad in the early 1800s. And finally we get another French operative unmasked in the process. A very successful volume of this series. Can't wait to dive into #7.

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

The Temptation of the Night Jasmine by Lauren Willig

Title: The Temptation of the Night Jasmine (Pink Carnation #5)

Author: Lauren Willig

Publisher: New American Library

Genre: Historical Fiction

Pages: 473

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Read My Own Damn Books

After years abroad, Robert, Duke of Dovedale, has returned to England to avenge the murder of his mentor. To uncover the murderer's identity, he must infiltrate the infamous, secret Hellfire Club. But the Duke has no idea that an even more difficult challenge awaits him-in a mistaken, romantic-minded young lady.
Charlotte Lansdowne wistfully remembers the Robert of her childhood as a valiant hero among men. Too aware of his own flaws, Robert tries to dissuade Charlotte from her delusions, even as he finds himself drawn to her. When Charlotte takes up a bit of espionage-investigating a plot to kidnap the King-Robert soon realizes that she is more than the perfect partner in crime.
Caught in a dangerous game full of deadly spies and secret rites, Robert and Charlotte must work together to reveal the villain...and confront their true love.

Another great volume in the Pink Carnation sage. And we didn't even get to encounter the Pink Carnation in this one. But no matter. We get an intriguing mystery involving the Hellfire Club, the French, and the King of England. Charlotte was a lovely plucky heroine on par with the previous ones. And Robert was a nice hero comparable to our Charlotte. This has become my go-to series for an enjoyable few days read.

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

The Seduction of the Crimson Rose by Lauren Willig

Title: The Seduction of the Crimson Rose (Pink Carnation #4)

Author: Lauren Willig

Publisher: New American Library

Genre: Historical Fiction 2008

Pages: 433

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Read My Own Damn Books; Women Authors; 52 Books - W6

Determined to secure another London season without assistance from her new brother-in-law, Mary Alsworthy accepts a secret assignment from Lord Vaughn on behalf of the Pink Carnation. She must infiltrate the ranks of the dreaded French spy, the Black Tulip, before he and his master can stage their planned invasion of England. Every spy has a weakness and for the Black Tulip that weakness is beautiful black-haired women, his petals of the Tulip. A natural at the art of seduction, Mary easily catches the attention of the French spy, but Lord Vaughn never anticipated that his own heart would be caught as well. Fighting their growing attraction, impediments from their past, and, of course, the French, Mary and Vaughn find themselves lost in a treacherous garden of lies.
And as our modern-day heroine, Eloise Kelly, digs deeper into England's Napoleonic-era espionage, she becomes even more entwined with Colin Selwick, the descendant of her spy subjects.

Another satisfying volume in this series. I really can't see why I held off for so long. This is a great historical romance series. They may not have been my absolute favorite couple so far (hello Miles and Hen!), but I really did enjoy Mary and Vaughn. Those two were definitely suited to each other. I love that Willig didn't have a delicate young debutante paired with the cynical Vaughn. That would have been too much! Thankfully Mary is fairly cynical in her own way. They were a nice match. And we get so much more information about the Black Tulip. I'll admit to being surprised by the big reveal. Did not guess that at all! I think that makes it a good plotline. Can't wait to read the next one!

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

The Deception of the Emerald Ring by Lauren Willig

Title: The Deception of the Emerald Ring (Pink Carnation #3)

Author: Lauren Willig

Publisher: New American Library

Genre: Historical Fiction 2006

Pages: 430

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Read My Own Damn Books; What's in a Name - Clothing Item; 52 Books - W3

Eloise Kelly has gotten into quite a bit of trouble since she started spying on the Pink Carnation and the Black Tulip-two of the deadliest spies to saunter the streets of nineteenth-century England and France.
Not only has she unearthed secrets that will rearrange history, she's dallied with Colin Selwick and sought out a romantic adventure all her own. Little does she know that she's about to uncover another fierce heroine running headlong into history.

Another great volume this is series! I really enjoyed Geoff and Letty's story (although I think my favorite is still Miles and Hen). Plus, the larger storyline took some interesting twists and turns. I can't wait see what happens next... Hope we get more info about the Black Tulip's actual identity.

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

The Masque of the Black Tulip by Lauren Willig

Title: The Masque of the Black Tulip (Pink Carnation #2)

Author: Lauren Willig

Publisher: New American Library 2006

Genre: Historical Fiction

Pages: 464

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: TBR Reduction; 52 Books -- W49

...But now she has a million questions about the Pink Carnation's deadly French nemesis, the Black Tulip. And she's pretty sure that her handsome onagain, off-again crush, Colin Selwick, has the answers somewhere in his archives. But what she discovers in an old codebook is something juicier than she ever imagined.

I think I liked this volume even more that the first. Really it came down to the characters. I really enjoyed Henrietta and Miles as our main characters. They were incredibly likeable and fun. Plus their romance was very believable. I enjoyed the furtherance the larger storyline while giving more attention to a few specific characters. And of course, I enjoy the little glimpses into Eloise and Colin. I'm taking a bit of a break from their series while I travel, but I fully intend on continuing in late January.

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

The Secret History of the Pink Carnation by Lauren Willig

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