Bonus Categories: Audiobook, Historical Fiction
"The Secret History of the Pink Carnation, a wildly imaginative and highly adventurous debut, opens with the story of a modern-day heroine but soon becomes a book within a book. Eloise Kelly settles in to read the secret history hoping to unmask the Pink Carnation's identity, but before she can make this discovery, she uncovers a passionate romance within the pages of the secret history that almost threw off the course of world events. How did the Pink Carnation save England? What became of the Scarlet Pimpernel and the Purple Gentian?"
This is a historical romance. It doesn't take itself too seriously, and it's not a realistic interpretation of battles on the home front against Napoleon. I just want to get that out of the way in case you were expecting something different, since there are some negative reviews of this one due to mismatched expectations. But it's a great series starter for the right audience!
Let's start honestly: I didn't love everything about The Secret History of the Pink Carnation. The level of emotional intensity and foolhardiness of both female main characters (Amy in the past and Eloise in the present) was a consistent annoyance for me, and there was a bit of lingering on physical attributes that I found unnecessary but in a smaller amount than other romances I've read. (Warning here if you don't like physical intimacy in your historical fiction--this has it but not to an extreme.)
Disclaimers aside, I really enjoyed this book. Great narration if you need an audiobook for a long drive or while doing some boring housework. I don't usually make "chick lit" or "beach read" recommendations, but this is a book I'd read again when I want a break from reality. It's cute and not stressful even in the dramatic chapters. Not to mention the attractions of the honorable Lord Richard Selwick!
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