We are a bit late in posting this, but we’ve are still participating in Pink for all Seasons, a yearlong readalong of Lauren Willig’s Pink Carnation series. The series is coming to close in August with Book 12, so we’re catching up with books 7-9 here. Click for our posts on 1-3 and 4-6.
The Betrayal of the Blood Lily (2010)
Synopsis: Lady Frederick Staines, née Penelope Deveraux is off to India with her ill-gotten husband, where she becomes involved in local politics and, of course, French espionage plots, while also dealing with her relationship woes. In modern times, Eloise is confronting her own relationship woes and learning about Colin’s family.
Holly: I would give Penelope’s story a five-star review, but the Eloise and Colin storyline here really brought me down. There is a really hard-hitting passage where Pen realizes that her status as a young woman of the ton, while seemingly limited, affords her countless privileges that are not afforded to women of lesser social status – including the fact that women of the lower class can be assaulted with impunity. Pen is smart, fierce, and independent, and she demonstrates growth in her character throughout. Unfortunately, I don’t see the same in Eloise’s storyline – she gets fixated on Colin’s sister and his family and I found myself getting annoyed with all the Eloise chapters in this book. Pen is fighting snakes, rebels, and the limitations of women in society, and Eloise is fighting troubles of her own making.
Amanda: I also loved Penelope and her devil-take-society attitude. I will say I actually felt a bit bogged down in all the spies at the end. But the end I was happy with how heads rolled (or not) and I actually liked the Eloise and Colin storyline. As I’ve said, I’ve read all these but I can’t remember all my Colin and Eloise details- I want to see how this relationship works when there is trouble in paradise.
The Orchid Affair (2011)
Synopsis: Laura Gray, a former governess recruited by the Pink Carnation, finds herself as a governess once again while spying on Andre Jaouen, a high-ranking French police official. Of course, It turns out Jaouen is also hiding something, and the two have to learn to trust one another. Eloise spends minimal time researching this story while in Paris for a weekend with Colin and his dysfunctional family.
Amanda: I think this is by far the weakest link of France to Eloise. She just happens to remember all this while in Paris for the weekend? I know she’s a smart girl, but that pushed things a bit too far for me. Also, I like that Willig has expanded her cast of characters, but I do miss checking in with Henrietta, Charlotte and the other. I appreciate Laura for being a woman that can take care of herself- but I like my references to Turnip too!
Holly: Willig has definitely gone off-script here with the way the modern and historical stories usually weave together – though, I suppose she tossed out that script back with The Mischief of the Mistletoe. Laura’s story was another refreshing change of pace – as a 32 year-old used to taking care of herself, the romance that developed was different from those of the young heroines in the first few Pink books.
The Garden Intrigue (2012)
Synopsis: British agent Augustus Whittlesby has been hiding in plain sight in Napoleonic Paris, posing as an insufferable poet. He is commissioned by Emma Delagardie, a widowed American in Paris, to help write a masque for the newly appointed Emperor. Hijinks ensue, sparks fly, and the awful Georges Marston gets what he deserves. Meanwhile, Eloise and Colin negotiate the terms of a relationship when each has commitments on different continents.
*Bonus note: for this book we got to be the moderators for the readalong over at Ashley’s site – so much fun!
Holly: I went into this book expecting to be annoyed by Augustus, but, of course, I was completely won over. I love how Lauren has continued to evolve the series, with each character having different backstories and motivations. And, I always seem to learn something – like this.
Amanda: I loved that the series got a bit of American spunk thrown in (aside from Eloise obviously) with the delightful Emma. She is such a smart-ass to poor Augustus that I had to fall for him a bit right away for holding his own against her. It was also fun to see where our contemporary relationship might lead. Colin and Eloise are heading into decision time – is a long distance relationship across the Pond in the cards? And of course because I want to be like my sister, this book left me wanting to learn. About Napoleon specifically. I think I have my eye on a book or two for when Non-Fiction November rolls around.
Are you reading along with us? Or considering giving the Pink books a try?
Gun In Act One 