Lauren Willig is a New York Times bestselling author known for her historical fiction novels, often featuring themes of romance and adventure. She has written over 20 books, many of which are part of her popular “Pink Carnation” series. Willig’s writing is praised for its engaging storytelling and meticulous historical research.
Lauren Willig Books in Order
- The Secret History of the Pink Carnation (Pink Carnation, #1)
- The Masque of the Black Tulip (Pink Carnation, #2)
- Band of Sisters
- The Deception of the Emerald Ring (Pink Carnation, #3)
- The Ashford Affair
- The English Wife
- The Seduction of the Crimson Rose (Pink Carnation, #4)
- The Other Daughter
- The Temptation of the Night Jasmine (Pink Carnation, #5)
- That Summer
Synopsis of Lauren Willig Books in Order
The Secret History of the Pink Carnation (Pink Carnation, #1)
“The Secret History of the Pink Carnation” by Lauren Willig is the first book in the Pink Carnation series. Set in both modern-day and Napoleonic-era England, the novel follows the story of Eloise Kelly, a graduate student researching the Pink Carnation, a mysterious English spy. As Eloise delves into the history of the Pink Carnation, she discovers the long-buried secrets of espionage, romance, and adventure.
In the Napoleonic era, the story focuses on the Pink Carnation herself, also known as Amy Balcourt. Amy becomes involved in a plot to rescue English spies from France, and her adventures lead to a romantic entanglement with a British agent named Richard Selwick. As Eloise uncovers the truth about the Pink Carnation, she also finds herself drawn to the dashing Colin Selwick, a descendant of Richard Selwick.
The novel is a blend of historical fiction, romance, and mystery, with alternating chapters between Eloise’s modern-day research and the actual events of the 1803 plot. The story is filled with intrigue, danger, and humor, making it an engaging and entertaining read for fans of historical romance and espionage fiction.
This is a tale of espionage and hidden identities, as well as a modern romance, combined with elements of comedy and danger. It’s a delightful mix of history and romance, with a bit of mystery and adventure thrown in for good measure. This book sets the stage for the rest of the series, introducing key characters and setting the tone for the subsequent novels.
The Masque of the Black Tulip (Pink Carnation, #2)
“The Masque of the Black Tulip” is the second book in the “Pink Carnation” series by Lauren Willig. Set in England and France during the Napoleonic Wars, the novel follows the adventures of modern day graduate student Eloise Kelly and her research on the elusive Pink Carnation, a British spy. The story also delves into a historical romance between Henrietta Selwick and Miles Dorrington, as they embark on a mission to uncover the identity of the mysterious Black Tulip, a French spy.
The novel is a blend of historical fiction, romance, and espionage, offering a captivating storyline filled with intrigue, danger, and passion. Willig’s storytelling weaves together the lives of the modern day characters and those from the past, creating a compelling narrative that keeps readers engaged and immersed in both time periods. With a mix of adventure, mystery, and romance, “The Masque of the Black Tulip” is a thrilling and engaging read for fans of historical fiction and romance.
Readers will find themselves drawn into the world of spies and romance, as the characters navigate the complexities of love and loyalty amidst the backdrop of war-torn Europe. Willig’s rich historical detail and compelling characters bring the setting to life, immersing readers in the world of espionage and romance during a tumultuous period in history.
Band of Sisters
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The Deception of the Emerald Ring (Pink Carnation, #3)
“The Deception of the Emerald Ring” is the third book in the Pink Carnation series by Lauren Willig. Set in Regency-era England, the book follows the story of a young widow, Letty Alsworthy, who becomes embroiled in a dangerous conspiracy involving a French spy known as the Black Tulip. Letty finds herself drawn into a web of deception and intrigue as she navigates the complexities of espionage and romance.
The novel also delves into the world of the Pink Carnation, a mysterious figure who leads a band of elite spies. As Letty becomes more deeply involved in the mission to uncover the Black Tulip’s secrets, she finds herself grappling with her own feelings for the dashing Lord Geoffrey Pinchingdale-Snipe. The story is filled with twist and turns, keeping readers on edge as the characters navigate a dangerous game of deception and betrayal.
Lauren Willig’s captivating storytelling and meticulously researched historical detail brings the world of Regency-era England to life in “The Deception of the Emerald Ring.” With a mix of romance, adventure, and espionage, the book offers a compelling and entertaining read for fans of historical fiction and mystery.
The Ashford Affair
“The Ashford Affair” by Lauren Willig is a gripping and captivating novel that weaves together the stories of two women in different time periods. The book follows Clementine Evans, a modern-day lawyer living in New York, as she unravels the mystery of her grandmother Addie’s past. As Clementine delves into Addie’s life, she uncovers long-buried family secrets and a scandalous affair that took place in the opulent world of the British aristocracy during the early 20th century.
The novel alternates between Clementine’s present-day search for answers and Addie’s experiences at Ashford Park, a grand estate in England. As the two women’s stories unfold, readers are drawn into a tale of love, betrayal, and the complexities of family dynamics. The Ashford Affair explores themes of class, duty, and the sacrifices people make for the ones they love, all set against the backdrop of a bygone era.
With its richly detailed historical settings and complex, multi-layered characters, “The Ashford Affair” is a compelling and emotionally resonant novel that will keep readers enthralled until the final page. Lauren Willig’s masterful storytelling and evocative prose make this a must-read for fans of historical fiction and family sagas.
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The English Wife
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The Seduction of the Crimson Rose (Pink Carnation, #4)
“The Seduction of the Crimson Rose” is the fourth book in the Pink Carnation series by Lauren Willig. The story is set in 1803 and follows the adventures of Lord Vaughn and Mary Alsworthy as they navigate the dangerous world of espionage and romance. Lord Vaughn, a notorious rake, is on a mission to uncover the identity of the elusive Pink Carnation, a master spy operating in France. Meanwhile, Mary Alsworthy finds herself entangled in the world of espionage when she becomes embroiled in a plot to overthrow the French government. As the two characters navigate the complexities of their mission, they find themselves drawn to each other in unexpected ways, leading to a dangerous game of seduction and betrayal.
The novel is a captivating blend of historical romance and espionage, filled with intrigue, secret identities, and unexpected twists. The characters are well-developed and the historical setting is richly detailed, bringing the Regency era to life with its political intrigues and romantic entanglements. The author weaves together a compelling narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats, as Lord Vaughn and Mary Alsworthy navigate a treacherous world where loyalties are constantly tested and nothing is as it seems.
“The Seduction of the Crimson Rose” is a thrilling and engaging historical romance that will captivate fans of the genre. With its blend of espionage, romance, and high-stakes adventure, the novel is a compelling read that will keep readers eagerly turning the pages until the very end.
The Other Daughter
“The Other Daughter” by Lauren Willig is a historical fiction novel set in England in the late 19th century. The story follows Rachel Woodley, a young woman working as a governess in London, who discovers that she is actually the illegitimate daughter of an English earl. This revelation leads Rachel to confront her past and seek out her birth father, all while navigating the complexities of being a part of the aristocratic world she never knew she belonged to. As Rachel delves into her newfound heritage, she uncovers family secrets, scandalous affairs, and a larger conspiracy that threatens to upend her life.
The novel explores themes of identity, class divisions, and the challenges of finding one’s place in society. Willig expertly weaves historical detail and romance into the story, creating a captivating narrative that immerses readers in the glamorous and treacherous world of the British upper class. As Rachel navigates the complexities of her new reality, she must also navigate romantic entanglements and the betrayals of those around her, all while trying to carve out her own path in a world that seeks to control her fate.
Through Rachel’s journey of self-discovery and resilience, “The Other Daughter” offers a compelling exploration of family, love, and the timeless struggle for independence and belonging. Willig’s rich prose and intricate plot make for a compelling read that will engage fans of historical fiction and romance alike.
The Temptation of the Night Jasmine (Pink Carnation, #5)
“The Temptation of the Night Jasmine” is the fifth book in the Pink Carnation series by Lauren Willig. The story revolves around Charlotte Lansdowne, a shy and bookish young woman who discovers a mysterious manuscript that reveals the scandalous past of the woman who lived in the same house two centuries ago. As she delves into the past, Charlotte uncovers secrets about espionage, romance, and the mysterious Pink Carnation herself.
Set in Regency England, the novel also follows the love story of Charlotte’s ancestor, Robert, and the enigmatic Lady Charlotte Lansdowne. Their romance is filled with danger and intrigue, as they navigate the treacherous world of international espionage and political conspiracy. With its blend of historical romance and spy thriller, the novel offers a captivating story that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
As the past and present intertwine, Charlotte must confront her own romantic desires and the secrets that haunt her family. With its mix of adventure, romance, and historical intrigue, “The Temptation of the Night Jasmine” is a compelling and addictive read that will appeal to fans of historical fiction and mystery alike.
That Summer
That Summer by Lauren Willig follows the story of two women living in different time periods whose lives become intertwined through a historical mystery. In 2009, Julia Conley inherits a house in England from a great-aunt she never knew and stumbles upon a series of 19th century diaries hidden in the attic. As she delves into the diaries, she becomes captivated by the story of Imogen Grantham, a young woman living in the 1840s. Imogen’s diary entries reveal a forbidden love affair and a scandalous secret that Julia becomes determined to uncover.
The novel alternates between Julia’s present-day struggles and Imogen’s tumultuous past, creating a compelling narrative that keeps readers engaged as the mystery unfolds. As Julia uncovers the truth about Imogen’s life, she also begins to confront her own personal demons, making unexpected connections between the past and the present. The story weaves together themes of love, loss, and the enduring power of secrets, as well as the impact of family history on individual identity.
That Summer is a captivating and atmospheric tale that seamlessly combines historical fiction with contemporary drama. Lauren Willig’s skillful storytelling and intricate character development make for a rich and immersive reading experience that will appeal to fans of both genres. The novel offers a compelling exploration of the ways in which the past continues to shape the present, and how uncovering buried secrets can lead to profound personal transformation.
Who is Lauren Willig
Lauren Willig is a New York Times bestselling author known for her historical fiction novels. With over a dozen languages, her books have won numerous awards, including the RITA, Booksellers Best, and Golden Leaf. They have also been chosen for the American Library Association’s annual list of the best genre fiction. After studying at Yale University and pursuing a PhD in History at Harvard, she shifted her career to law, all the while writing her popular “Pink Carnation” series. Now based in New York City, she writes full time.
In conclusion, the books of Lauren Willig offer readers the opportunity to explore captivating historical fiction, rich with well-researched detail and engaging characters. Through her novels, Willig provides valuable insights into themes such as love, loyalty, courage, and the struggle for self-discovery, all set against the backdrop of various historical eras. With her expert storytelling and attention to historical accuracy, Willig’s works not only entertain but also provide readers with valuable ideological lessons that resonate through time.
FAQs about author Lauren Willig
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