The Passion of The Purple Plumeria by Lauren Willig Book Review
I think many of us grew up reading some sort of historical romance novels by authors like Barbara Cartland and the like. I know I read my share of them over the years and when I got the chance to read a new book based in England in the 1800’s, I thought it would be a refreshing change from the norm. This book is tenth in a series and makes me want to go back and read books 1-9.
The Passion of The Purple Plumeria
A Pink Carnation novel
by: Lauren Willig
Pub Date: August 6, 2013
ISBN: 978-0-451-41472-4
Synopsis:
in March of 1805, Colonel William Reid has returned home from India to retire near his children; the youngest who is safely stowed in an academy in Bath. Upon his return to the Isles, however, he finds that one of his daughters has vanished, along with her classmate.
Having 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. She takes charge in a flash and the story is off and running!
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.
My Thoughts:
One of the first things that struck me about this novel is that you are in present day in some chapters and then in 1805 for most of the book. This really is a book within a book as the present day ancestors are looking for a treasure that is referred to in the past writings. While reading the chapters that deal with the Passion of the Purple Plumeria in 1805, there are also out takes of a book that the main character, Gwen, has been writing. These hold clues that will help present day ancestors find the treasure. It is all quite interesting as I was figuring out everything as I went along.
The author has done a great job creating strong women characters in this book. I love the feisty Gwen, who is not afraid to say what is on her mind and as a spy, she has some amazing talents to share! This is a humorous book in many ways and a very upbeat story. Putting Gwen together with William is a pleasure to read. You get a bit of 19th century prim and proper, and a bit of today’s spark and throw caution to the wind. Together, they make a perfect couple and the author balances them out well.
This story has plenty of intrigue, romance and humor to captivate you as you are reading. As a portion of the The Pink Carnation series, this book is a fun addition to the line up of books by Lauren Willig. I enjoyed the writing style of the author very much and I look forward to reading many more of her novels, both past and upcoming.
Be sure to check out The Passion of The Purple Plumeria coming out in August.
Disclaimer: Chris has personally reviewed the product listed above. She has not received any monetary compensation for her review but did receive a free product to try out so she could evaluate and use it for her review. Her thoughts & opinions in this review are unbiased & honest and your opinions may differ.