Charlie M. (bookaddicted) -
Helpful Score: 18
Although the action in the book keeps it moving and entertaining, there was less in the way of mystery and way more in the way of chick lit than I anticipated (full pages to describe a kiss). Part swashbuckler/part screwball comedy/part romance is the best way I can find to sum this one up.
Kathy R. (ukulady) reviewed The Secret History of the Pink Carnation (Pink Carnation, Bk 1) on + 91 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 10
Piece of fluff about a female successor to the Scarlet Pimpernel. Really fun, in spite of the stock bodice ripper love scenes
Aimee D. (SheWhoReads) reviewed The Secret History of the Pink Carnation (Pink Carnation, Bk 1) on + 35 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 10
The summary on the back cover of this book is rather misleading. It gives you the impression that this is a typical chick lit book set in modern day England with occasional references to dashing spies and romantic heros of the past. That is incorrect. The bulk of the action actually takes place in the past, focusing on the exploits of Amy and Richard in the time of the Napoleonic War, with modern-day grad student Eloise's chapters serving as a framing story. Eloise is the narrator. She speaks to us in the first person at the beginning and the end (and the occasional middle chapter interspersed throughout) of the book, but make no mistake, The Secret History of the Pink Carnation is unquestionably Amy and Richard's story. They're the characters who we care the most about and who we're the most involved in. Which is not to say that we don't care about Eloise, because we do, and I, for one, am looking forward to seeing how her relationship with Colin progresses over the course of this new series, but she's not the focus. In a sense, she's almost a plot device to involve us in the historical story. But not completely. After all, if that was all she was, then the author could have cut her out altogether and just told a straightforward historical romance.
Okay, that was clear as mud, wasn't it.
Anyway.
I found this book to be a great deal of fun, one of the most purely enjoyable books I've read in years. The sheer swashbuckling intrigue of the noble and romantic spy the Purple Gentian running around France foiling Napoleons evil plans was utterly charming, and it combined in an odd, quirky, but very appealing way with the Bridget Jones-esque tone of the modern-day chapters (although Eloise is far more intellectual than Bridget would ever dream of being) -- creating a frothy, satisfying confection of a novel, fascinating, surprising, and wonderful. The ensemble cast was a thoroughly delightful touch, adding a zany charm to moments that would otherwise have been hackneyed and cliched, familiar from a thousand other romance novels. This time, when the Pink Carnation makes a daring rescue at the end of the book, Richard's mother is along for the ride -- a welcome breath of originality.
The only flaw in this novel is, I'm sorry to say, a common one to mystery novels. Eloise serves as a stand-in for the reader; her reactions on her search for the identity of the Pink Carnation mirror the reader's reactions. Unfortunately, the reader is one step ahead of her the whole way through.
That one blemish was not enought to mar the whole, though, and I recommend this book highly for anyone in the mood for a fun, romantic, original, and light but still intelligent read!
Okay, that was clear as mud, wasn't it.
Anyway.
I found this book to be a great deal of fun, one of the most purely enjoyable books I've read in years. The sheer swashbuckling intrigue of the noble and romantic spy the Purple Gentian running around France foiling Napoleons evil plans was utterly charming, and it combined in an odd, quirky, but very appealing way with the Bridget Jones-esque tone of the modern-day chapters (although Eloise is far more intellectual than Bridget would ever dream of being) -- creating a frothy, satisfying confection of a novel, fascinating, surprising, and wonderful. The ensemble cast was a thoroughly delightful touch, adding a zany charm to moments that would otherwise have been hackneyed and cliched, familiar from a thousand other romance novels. This time, when the Pink Carnation makes a daring rescue at the end of the book, Richard's mother is along for the ride -- a welcome breath of originality.
The only flaw in this novel is, I'm sorry to say, a common one to mystery novels. Eloise serves as a stand-in for the reader; her reactions on her search for the identity of the Pink Carnation mirror the reader's reactions. Unfortunately, the reader is one step ahead of her the whole way through.
That one blemish was not enought to mar the whole, though, and I recommend this book highly for anyone in the mood for a fun, romantic, original, and light but still intelligent read!
Jan M. (batgirl) reviewed The Secret History of the Pink Carnation (Pink Carnation, Bk 1) on + 284 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 7
4 1/2 stars (but the system wouldn't let me click stars) A delightful tale of two young ladies and their devastatingly attractive male nemeses in 2 centuries. Eloise and Colin in the present and Amy and Richard in Napoleanic England and France are all such fun. As one who LOVES the Scarlet Pimpernel, book and both movies, this book was difficult to put down and I can't wait to read the sequel.
Karen R. (karendawn) reviewed The Secret History of the Pink Carnation (Pink Carnation, Bk 1) on + 287 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 5
I had heard many good things about this book -- and I definitely agree. I loved the chick lit/spy novel/historical fiction combination. Amy was a fun character and her interaction with Richard was a joy to read. I just had a really good time reading this book.
Melissa D. (marianas) reviewed The Secret History of the Pink Carnation (Pink Carnation, Bk 1) on + 23 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 5
Liked it so much I'm keeping it! Light, funny romance with plenty of adventure. Brilliant peripheral characters like Jane and Miss Gwen. Would have liked to have more with the guys (Richard, Miles, Geoff). Enjoyed it immensely, laughed out loud in public, and will definitely read sequels.
Deborah S. (debstoiber) reviewed The Secret History of the Pink Carnation (Pink Carnation, Bk 1) on + 21 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 4
One of the worst books I have read in years. I found the main character to be extremely dumb and the plot one-dimensional. You can guess the who the Purple Grentian is within the first three chapters: all that is left is to read how out Amy figures it out-over the next 400 pages! (Trust me, you will figure out the 'secret history of the Pink Carnation' in no time.)
I thought the author was trying to write this tongue-in-cheek, but the more I read made me realize that the author is serious and this book poorly written drivel. Glad I was not stuck on a plane with only this for entertainment....
I thought the author was trying to write this tongue-in-cheek, but the more I read made me realize that the author is serious and this book poorly written drivel. Glad I was not stuck on a plane with only this for entertainment....
Diana H. (dianaleigh) reviewed The Secret History of the Pink Carnation (Pink Carnation, Bk 1) on + 13 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 4
Although this book has moments of brilliant writing, they are typically when the main character is not interacting with others. It is alternatively witty / funny and then corny / standard romance fodder. Still a good and fun read especially if you like stories about the French Revolution and / or the Scarlett Pimpernell.
Janice -
Helpful Score: 3
An uneasy mix of modern day chick lit and regency romantic adventure comedy. It was hard for me to stay interested in the modern parts as that heroine seemed so utterly trivial-minded and her hero a cardboard enigma. Would have worked better for me if it had been set all in the past. The one thing it has going for it throughout is that the author has a nice prose style -- but style alone couldn't carry it for me.
Helpful Score: 3
Why did I finish this book? I haven't a clue. Color me surprised at the graphic deflowering scene I skipped...
Angela B. (angburke) reviewed The Secret History of the Pink Carnation (Pink Carnation, Bk 1) on + 40 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3
I was looking forward to some intelligent, historical, even academic chick-lit . . . to put it mildly, this book was dumb, predictable (you know who the Pink Carnation is immediately), and boring.
Caroline O. (cmoh) reviewed The Secret History of the Pink Carnation (Pink Carnation, Bk 1) on + 42 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3
What a great, light, historical romance. Easy to read and the author leaves you wanting more. I can't wait to read her second book. If you like historical fiction with romance and want something easy to read (sometimes I felt the writing was a little on the YA side) then this is the book for you.
Helpful Score: 3
Overall, I truly enjoyed this book. It was unputdownable for about the first 2/3 of the book and then the 'romance scene' almost ruined it for me.
It's not that the scene was overly graphic, but the prose just didn't seem to match the rest of the book. With the exception of that boat scene (and the other boat scene at the end of the book), I loved this story. I'm anxiously awaiting the sequel -- there's a sneak peek in the back of this edition which has not slaked my thirst for more.
It's not that the scene was overly graphic, but the prose just didn't seem to match the rest of the book. With the exception of that boat scene (and the other boat scene at the end of the book), I loved this story. I'm anxiously awaiting the sequel -- there's a sneak peek in the back of this edition which has not slaked my thirst for more.
Tara G. (tara27) reviewed The Secret History of the Pink Carnation (Pink Carnation, Bk 1) on + 21 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3
A fun cross between historical fiction and chick lit. I really enjoyed it, as a fun, pass the time kind of book. Doesn't get deep into the history side, but more skims the facts on Napoleonic France.
Andrew/Darcey J. (Andrew-Darcey) reviewed The Secret History of the Pink Carnation (Pink Carnation, Bk 1) on + 23 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
Loved this book! Full of romance, espionage, humor, and adventure. A great read! I highly recommend it!
Kristen A. (KristenAshcraft) reviewed The Secret History of the Pink Carnation (Pink Carnation, Bk 1) on + 4 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
The French eventually unmasked the Scarlet Pimpernel and the Purple Gentian, famed spies in the Napoleonic wars, but as Harvard graduate student Eloise Kelly discovers at the start of this breezy historical romance, the identity of the Pink Carnation remains a mystery. Working in London on her history dissertation, Eloise gets access to a trunk of papers and documents from the early 19th century. She dives into this treasure trove, and suddenly the reader is plunged into a novel within a novel, told from the viewpoint of Amy Balcourt. Amy, exiled to rural England with her mother, now wants to avenge, with the help of her cousin Jane, her father's death at the hands of the French. She hopes to be in league with the Scarlet Pimpernel, who heroically tried to save her father. Willig, a Harvard graduate student herself, does a good job painting a picture of the tumultuous era. She also makes the sparks fly between Amy and the Purple Gentian, a dashing English nobleman in charge of Egyptian antiquities for Bonaparte. But when the Pink Carnation's identity is finally revealed after many obvious clues, the reader wonders why it took Eloise so long to get it. More critically, Eloise's appearances come to seem like awkward intrusions into Amy's - and the Pink Carnation's - more intriguing story.
Alexis T. (Kyrissaean) reviewed The Secret History of the Pink Carnation (Pink Carnation, Bk 1) on + 164 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
Pretty good, but I was expecting something different. This was much lighter and fluffier than I thought it would be - I thought there'd be a lot more suspense and drama. This was so powder-puffy that I'm surprised it came out in hardcover first!
Not to say that I don't like fluffy, 'cos generally speaking I love my fluff. I was a little disappointed though, probably just because I was expecting something different. That may be my own fault - the blurbs on the back of the book should have given my a clue if nothing else did! Once I got past my surprise this was a fun read. I've heard several people complain about the jumping back and forth between the present day and the past storylines, but that didn't bother me a bit. I can easily imagine myself in Eloise's position, thinking a sojourn to London sounds like a great idea and obsessively sorting through old papers!
Not to say that I don't like fluffy, 'cos generally speaking I love my fluff. I was a little disappointed though, probably just because I was expecting something different. That may be my own fault - the blurbs on the back of the book should have given my a clue if nothing else did! Once I got past my surprise this was a fun read. I've heard several people complain about the jumping back and forth between the present day and the past storylines, but that didn't bother me a bit. I can easily imagine myself in Eloise's position, thinking a sojourn to London sounds like a great idea and obsessively sorting through old papers!
Anne G. (texanne) reviewed The Secret History of the Pink Carnation (Pink Carnation, Bk 1) on + 10 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
Chick lit with a historical twist.
Jill B. (jillmgtexas) reviewed The Secret History of the Pink Carnation (Pink Carnation, Bk 1) on + 73 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
I tried to get through this book. Eventually, I gave up. This is a story about a headstrong beautiful girl and she is the same as every other headstrong beautiful girl you've ever read about. The hero is the handsome man who refuses to fall in love because he has been hurt before. You know the rest.
Susan O. (susiepie) reviewed The Secret History of the Pink Carnation (Pink Carnation, Bk 1) on + 40 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
After I started reading this novel, I found a few reviews online that derogatorily referred to it as being "a bodice-ripper" instead of a solid historical novel. I didn't see a negative there; actually, the romance aspect was more of a plus for me than a minus. Quite frankly, my favorite parts were when Amy & Richard (the main characters) were getting together. I suppose true die hard historical novel fans might find that kind of thing distracting from the story, but not me. I also enjoyed the side story of Eloise. I was afraid that the author might switch back and forth too much between the present-day line and the actual story, but I'd say that was only about 10% of the entire novel, which was a good thing in my opinion.
All along, I thought I knew who the Pink Carnation was, even when Eloise (who had been blinded by her assumptions and previous research) apparently had no clue. But I was wrong! The revealing of the identity of the Pink Carnation was surprising, satisfying, and sweet.
All along, I thought I knew who the Pink Carnation was, even when Eloise (who had been blinded by her assumptions and previous research) apparently had no clue. But I was wrong! The revealing of the identity of the Pink Carnation was surprising, satisfying, and sweet.
Rhona L. (Roobee) reviewed The Secret History of the Pink Carnation (Pink Carnation, Bk 1) on + 72 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
I was looking for something "fluffy" to read, a fun romance that didn't require a lot of me. I was disappointed in the book. Since I see it on so many lists of good romance novels I expected a lot more. The story wasn't all that engaging and I kept waiting for something to happen all ready. I would not read any of the other author's books.
Sarah K. (sarahbeth8585) reviewed The Secret History of the Pink Carnation (Pink Carnation, Bk 1) on + 15 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
I loved this book! I read it all in one sitting, I couldn't put it down. I was glad it wasn't some stuffy historical BORE. I absolutely loved the romance aspect of the book. There were many parts that made me laugh out loud! One of the best books I've read lately. I can't wait to start the second!
Elaine W. reviewed The Secret History of the Pink Carnation (Pink Carnation, Bk 1) on + 25 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
As the book cover states- "This genre-bending read- a dash of chick lit with a historical twist- has it all!" I found this novel quite enjoyable with plenty to offer all- mystery, humor, romance, intrigue- a delightful read.
Duncan N. reviewed The Secret History of the Pink Carnation (Pink Carnation, Bk 1) on + 83 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
This was an interesting book; I didn't realize it was a crossover (multiple genres). I thought the premise was neat and the story was well done. I enjoyed it enough to pursue book 1 about the Black Tulip.
Frank S. (colonelstech) reviewed The Secret History of the Pink Carnation (Pink Carnation, Bk 1) on + 38 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Anything that even hints at "chic-lit," romance novels, or time-travelers sets off my book-avoidance instincts. But Willig's novels can amuse and entertain the most die-hard die-hard types. Combine some scholarly detective work by an amusingly human female Harvard historian, some 18th Century Scarlet Pimpernel fashion royal British versus revolutionary French duels of espionage - counter-espionage, and a deft writer's talent for dialogue, setting, and drama. Willig's series provide a splendid read for guys and gals alike. Poke the fire and pass the port. Just wish more were available on PaperBackSwap!
Amanda B. (aebonnett) reviewed The Secret History of the Pink Carnation (Pink Carnation, Bk 1) on + 10 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
This book was not what I expected and I was glad. It involves love and heroism in the time of Napolean. A very nice read.
Angela H. (brideofspoon) reviewed The Secret History of the Pink Carnation (Pink Carnation, Bk 1) on + 23 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
This is really a fun, fluffy book. I have read so many annotated 19th century British novels that I noticed little accuracy problems that kept bugging me. For example, the second son of a marquess is never called "Lord" anything, and if someone is called "Lord" something, it is not accompanied by his first name. Sir Richard - yes. Lord Richard - no. The language is definitely pretty modern, too, although there are some things dropped into the dialogue that are appropriate for the time. Also, some of the situations and conduct and ideas of propriety are totally wrong for the time.
All that said, this did not ruin the book for me. I know what this book is meant to be, and it lived up to that expectation. It's like watching "Pirates of the Caribbean." A real pirate's life was dangerous and dirty and grimy and not as swashbuckling as the movies show it. Also, how about Elizabeth Swann suddenly giving orders to the pirate crew about steering their ship? The governor's daughter, cossetted and pampered, somehow knows something more about rigging than a bunch of pirates? But it's fun and these things do not ruin my enjoyment of the entertainment. The same thing applies to "The Secret History of the Pink Carnation." It takes place in a world that resembles the actual 19th century, but that has some differences. I'm ok with that, and I really enjoyed reading this, so it gets a high rating from me.
All that said, this did not ruin the book for me. I know what this book is meant to be, and it lived up to that expectation. It's like watching "Pirates of the Caribbean." A real pirate's life was dangerous and dirty and grimy and not as swashbuckling as the movies show it. Also, how about Elizabeth Swann suddenly giving orders to the pirate crew about steering their ship? The governor's daughter, cossetted and pampered, somehow knows something more about rigging than a bunch of pirates? But it's fun and these things do not ruin my enjoyment of the entertainment. The same thing applies to "The Secret History of the Pink Carnation." It takes place in a world that resembles the actual 19th century, but that has some differences. I'm ok with that, and I really enjoyed reading this, so it gets a high rating from me.
Justina C. (stinasstoryspot) reviewed The Secret History of the Pink Carnation (Pink Carnation, Bk 1) on + 30 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
I loved this book. The characters were interesting and the writing was great. I love that you get just a little bit of Eloise's story in each of the books along with the full story of the historical characters.
Helpful Score: 1
Predictable and takes a bit to get into, but overall a fun, entertaining read. Very sizzly romance writing, but not overdone. A good "historical romance" novel.
Helpful Score: 1
I love historical fiction and was hoping for this to be somewhat like The Other Boleyn Girl or The Girl with the Pearl Earring, both great books. Those were well written and researched, this was a predictable, poorly written romp. The main character is immature and dumb. I read 2/3 of the book and just can't waste another minute on it.
Janet W. reviewed The Secret History of the Pink Carnation (Pink Carnation, Bk 1) on + 26 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
fascinating book that is a novel within a novel. can't wait toread the next one!
Mary Ellen M. reviewed The Secret History of the Pink Carnation (Pink Carnation, Bk 1) on + 4 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
This book is so much fun. I hate the fact that I have already read it and all of its sequels and can't have the pleasure of experiencing them again for the first time. I have read the books and have also listened to the Audible version read by Kate Reading, which made the stories even more delightful. If you are looking for fine literature, this isn't it but if you are looking for a marvelous way to escape your daily cares and laugh out loud from time to time, this IS it.
Jenny R. (jennala9) -
Helpful Score: 1
Light and easy reading, but I just couldn't get into it. I think I just wasn't interested in the story of the scarlet pimpernel or purple gentian.
Darcy I. (YahtzeeQueen) reviewed The Secret History of the Pink Carnation (Pink Carnation, Bk 1) on + 54 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
This is a great mystery/romance novel. I've already started to read the sequel.
Karen A. (greendragon) reviewed The Secret History of the Pink Carnation (Pink Carnation, Bk 1) on + 71 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading the further adventures.
Kristen W. (ver0nika23) reviewed The Secret History of the Pink Carnation (Pink Carnation, Bk 1) on + 15 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
This is one of the few books that I have ever wanted to burn, or at the very least throw hard against a wall. The book description led me to believe that the book was historical fiction centered around a female spy. Instead, I found it to be a very poorly (IMO) written romance, with an insufferable heroine who spent most of her time sniffing, and who couldn't spy her way out of a paper bag.
Sheryl S. (bibliocat) -
Helpful Score: 1
A real fun read... a cross between a historical mystery adventure and a romance novel..... good chick lit.
Doreen O. (dolver) -
Helpful Score: 1
Excellent reading! Historical Romance. A story within a story. I just kept coming back for more - spending all night thinking: Will Amy figure out who the Purple Genetian is? Will the Purple Genetian figure out he loves Amy? Who IS the Pink Carnation? Will Eloise and Colin get together? Now on to The Tulip!
Joan G. (jwedzee) reviewed The Secret History of the Pink Carnation (Pink Carnation, Bk 1) on + 54 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Wonderful romp through Napoleon's France all tangled with wonderful romance. A good read!
Helpful Score: 1
This is pretty dreadful - I could not finish it. For some reason I thought it would have more meat to it than it did. I didn't mind that it read like a romance novel, I minded that it read like a romance novel that didn't know it was a romance novel. Or perhaps it read like the romance novel a graduate student in European history would write while avoiding their dissertation.
Sarah K. (sarahbeth8585) reviewed The Secret History of the Pink Carnation (Pink Carnation, Bk 1) on + 15 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
I absolutely LOVED this book! There were several parts that made me bust out laughing! I was glad it wasn't some stuffy history book. I literally couldn't put it down. I loved the characters, plot, scenery... I thought it was wonderfully written. I can't wait to read the other books in the series.
Diane R. (pjmom8025) reviewed The Secret History of the Pink Carnation (Pink Carnation, Bk 1) on + 45 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
This book was surprisingly so much fun that I am looking for the next in the trilogy. I usually don't like chic lit, but this one was so much fun to read.
Ingrid B. reviewed The Secret History of the Pink Carnation (Pink Carnation, Bk 1) on + 10 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
The French eventually unmasked the Scarlet Pimpernel and the Purple Gentian, famed spies in the Napoleonic wars, but as Harvard graduate student Eloise Kelly discovers at the start of this breezy historical romance, the identity of the Pink Carnation remains a mystery. Working in London on her history dissertation, Eloise gets access to a trunk of papers and documents from the early 19th century. She dives into this treasure trove, and suddenly the reader is plunged into a novel within a novel, told from the viewpoint of Amy Balcourt. Amy, exiled to rural England with her mother, now wants to avenge, with the help of her cousin Jane, her father's death at the hands of the French. She hopes to be in league with the Scarlet Pimpernel, who heroically tried to save her father.
Meredith P. (Francophile) reviewed The Secret History of the Pink Carnation (Pink Carnation, Bk 1) on + 52 more book reviews
Very interesting historical mystery.
Evelyn C. reviewed The Secret History of the Pink Carnation (Pink Carnation, Bk 1) on + 15 more book reviews
This series is one of my guilty pleasures.
Sasha S. (goldnyght) reviewed The Secret History of the Pink Carnation (Pink Carnation, Bk 1) on + 17 more book reviews
Willig's first novel in the Spy series is a refreshing chick-lit romp. Beware, though: the plotline DOES NOT CHANGE in any of the successive books.
Deidra S. reviewed The Secret History of the Pink Carnation (Pink Carnation, Bk 1) on + 25 more book reviews
This was a fun read that was hard to put down. I enjoyed the characters and the situations, although I have to agree with other reviews that I could have done without the love scenes. I also love how a modern day romance is twisted through the story of the past. I couldn't wait to see what happens to Eloise next!
Lisa P. (FamFatale) -
A delightful romp
Chris K. (chris111) reviewed The Secret History of the Pink Carnation (Pink Carnation, Bk 1) on + 9 more book reviews
Loved this book. Having the story split between historical times and the present made it very interesting, and it's more intelligent than most historical romances. The characters are smart and fun. Highly recommended.
Izzy M. (Izzy5000) reviewed The Secret History of the Pink Carnation (Pink Carnation, Bk 1) on + 3 more book reviews
This book kept me interested and it was a great historical fiction. BEWARE: there are Steam scenes.
Sandy G. (fitmonkey) reviewed The Secret History of the Pink Carnation (Pink Carnation, Bk 1) on + 23 more book reviews
A great historical fiction with spys! A little rommance, a lot of adventure, and links to the present time. A great quick read.
Leslie T. (les3098) reviewed The Secret History of the Pink Carnation (Pink Carnation, Bk 1) on + 31 more book reviews
fun and frothy!
Velvet V. reviewed The Secret History of the Pink Carnation (Pink Carnation, Bk 1) on + 6 more book reviews
Fun historical romance of sorts set in Paris.
Keri (TXGrobanite) reviewed The Secret History of the Pink Carnation (Pink Carnation, Bk 1) on + 270 more book reviews
After my first initial misgivings I stuck with the book and am so glad that I did. I appreciated the mystery in the book as well as the humor and of course, romance. Fun storyline and enough to keep me interested in ordering the 2nd book in the series! 2 Thumbs Up!
Ron C. (Hophead) reviewed The Secret History of the Pink Carnation (Pink Carnation, Bk 1) on + 285 more book reviews
Willig's book is delightful romp through early 19th century Europe -- romantic, suspenseful, and engaging, it's a terrific chick lit book for all readers.
Olga J. (bolgai) reviewed The Secret History of the Pink Carnation (Pink Carnation, Bk 1) on + 109 more book reviews
Eloise is a history student from Harvard spending a year in England doing research on English spies in France in the 19th century. She has a quest - to find information on the mysterious Pink Carnation, whose true identity was never revealed. Her last desperate effort to find something, anything, produces surprising and fascinating results as well as may be a possibility of a romance.
If you are anything like me you'll enjoy this book. Ms. Willig blends historical romance and chick lit to create a page-turner of a story with fun characters and a mystery. I laughed out loud too many times to count and while the leads were an absolute delight the secondary characters kept stealing the spotlight. I did have trouble getting into the story but the pace picked up in the second third so I'm not complaining too much. Another thing that didn't always work for me is the language - it didn't really fit the Napoleonic era. I kept being distracted by modern turns of phrase and American spelling although the characters were all English.
All in all this is a delightful read that did a wonderful job of distracting me from the tedium of the never-ending dishes-laundry-work rotation and put me in a good mood. I look forward to reading the next volume in the series!
Read my other reviews at bibliophilescorner.blogspot.com
If you are anything like me you'll enjoy this book. Ms. Willig blends historical romance and chick lit to create a page-turner of a story with fun characters and a mystery. I laughed out loud too many times to count and while the leads were an absolute delight the secondary characters kept stealing the spotlight. I did have trouble getting into the story but the pace picked up in the second third so I'm not complaining too much. Another thing that didn't always work for me is the language - it didn't really fit the Napoleonic era. I kept being distracted by modern turns of phrase and American spelling although the characters were all English.
All in all this is a delightful read that did a wonderful job of distracting me from the tedium of the never-ending dishes-laundry-work rotation and put me in a good mood. I look forward to reading the next volume in the series!
Read my other reviews at bibliophilescorner.blogspot.com
Mary Ellen M. reviewed The Secret History of the Pink Carnation (Pink Carnation, Bk 1) on + 4 more book reviews
Love this series. Pure chick-lit at its finest. While this is part romance, part mystery, it is an amazing adventure which you don't want to miss. I highly recommend all of Lauren Willig's books in this series.
A fun read. A more sophisticated historical romance. I couldn't put it down.
Audrey A. (Arosea) reviewed The Secret History of the Pink Carnation (Pink Carnation, Bk 1) on + 399 more book reviews
Amy while book smart still is quite naïve in the ways of the world. She has this vivid imagination and passion but Jane actually has the wherewithal to plot out the missions and reign Amy in logistically. Amy's inappropriate overconfidence and situational unawareness puts her in dangerous situations and needs to be rescued.
I gave this three because I liked it, but if you like romance, you will like it more than I did.
I gave this three because I liked it, but if you like romance, you will like it more than I did.
Rosemary F. (canadianeh) reviewed The Secret History of the Pink Carnation (Pink Carnation, Bk 1) on + 242 more book reviews
Loved it! A spy romance with a twist of comedy. I haven't read all the Pink Carnation series yet, this is my third. So far, it's the best. Lots of historical background and great characters. And wait till you get to the dungeon: laugh out loud. Don't get me wrong: this isn't exactly a comedy, it's just the liveliness and wit combined with a little exaggeration (sp?) that does it. A good read or a good listen on CD. Recommend them both.
Ann P. (bap) reviewed The Secret History of the Pink Carnation (Pink Carnation, Bk 1) on + 24 more book reviews
Eloise is doing a disertation on England's spies the Scarlet Pimpernel and the Purple Gentian. She discovers a little known one The Pink Carnation. She trys to uncover how he save's England from Napoleon. There are obstacles to finding the information. The story jumps from the present to the past. The transition was easy. I did find that liked the novel better when it was in the present. Its a good historical novel with some romance, adventure and humor. I recomend this book.
Lisa H. (obiwankenobi) reviewed The Secret History of the Pink Carnation (Pink Carnation, Bk 1) on + 17 more book reviews
I was first introduced to the characters in this series while reading the first book and fell in love with this author and these books. They are wonderful. A great mix of spy, romance and comedy. I recommend reading them in order. I recently got my copy of the newest book, the sixth in the series, and can't wait to start reading it. Well done, Lauren Willig.
Jen B. reviewed The Secret History of the Pink Carnation (Pink Carnation, Bk 1) on + 3 more book reviews
I have never written a review for this site but I felt for this book I should. It is truly the worst book I have ever read. I couldn't even get through thirty pages. I brought it on a trip and left it in the hotel. I didn't want to be responsible for passing it off on this site to another person.
Marlene G. (shesingsnow) reviewed The Secret History of the Pink Carnation (Pink Carnation, Bk 1) on + 2 more book reviews
So far I'm not really liking it.
Alicia C. (acrain) reviewed The Secret History of the Pink Carnation (Pink Carnation, Bk 1) on + 6 more book reviews
Read about 100 pages but just couldn't get into it.
Linda P. (katknit) reviewed The Secret History of the Pink Carnation (Pink Carnation, Bk 1) on + 355 more book reviews
Schlocky, predicable romance, entirely predictable.
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