Jillian Chantal

Lauren Willig is the author of The Orchid Affair the latest book in the Pink Carnation series. This one was a bit of a departure from the other ones. The heroine was not a member of the aristocracy and neither was the hero. It made for a nice change of pace. I’ve enjoyed all of the books in this series and this one was no exception.  It’s the story of Laura, the daughter of an artist and poet who had been making her own way in the world since their deaths. She’s been a governess for sixteen years and was recruited to work for the Pink Carnation- a spy during the Napoleonic era.  For her first mission, Laura goes undercover into the home Andre, the deputy minister of police in Paris.   She gets hired as a governess to his children.  There is a plot afoot to kidnap/kill the Consul and put a Bourbon back on the throne. Laura is in a position to try to get her hands on reports that the deputy minister of police keeps in his home.  She’s also in place to pass on vital information to the Pink Carnation as arrests are made.

The story develops at a fast pace. I like that. No time for boredom here.  I enjoy the mix of the modern story of Eloise and Colin interspersed with the eighteenth century chapters.  Ms. Willig does a masterful job in moving between the time periods.  

I highly recommend this one.  I love that the relationship with Eloise and Colin seems to be getting stronger/deeper.  And the action in the story of Laura and Andre is awesome.  Ms. Willing is brilliant and her research is spot on. This one’s a jewel just like the rest.

 Today, I’m guest blogging at Amber Norris’ blog and talking about my July, 2011 release- pop in if you have time. http://sci-fiadventures.blogspot.com/