The Mischief of the Mistletoe

The Mischief of the Mistletoe: A Pink Carnation Christmas
by Lauren Willig

Arabella Dempsey's dear friend Jane Austen warned her against teaching. But Miss Climpson's Select Seminary for Young Ladies seems the perfect place for Arabella to claim her independence while keeping an eye on her younger sisters nearby. Just before Christmas, she accepts a position at the quiet girls' school in Bath, expecting to face nothing more exciting than conducting the annual Christmas recital. She hardly imagines coming face to face with French aristocrats and international spies...

Reginald "Turnip"Fitzhugh-often mistaken for the elusive spy known as the Pink Carnation- has blundered into danger before. But when he blunders into Miss Arabella Dempsey, it never occurs to him that she might be trouble. When Turnip and Arabella stumble upon a beautifully wrapped Christmas pudding with a cryptic message written in French, "Meet me at Farley Castle," the unlikely vehicle for intrigue launches the pair on a Yuletide adventure that ranges from the Austens'modest drawing room to the awe-inspiring estate of the Dukes of Dovedale, where the Dowager Duchess is hosting the most anticipated event of the year: an elaborate twelve-day Christmas celebration. Will they find poinsettias or peril, dancing or danger? Is it possible that the fate of the British Empire rests in Arabella's and Turnip's hands, in the form of a festive Christmas pudding?
(description from Amazon.com)

I believe this is now officially my favorite book in the Pink Carnation series! Since the earliest part of the series, I have been one of those readers that loved Turnip Fitzhugh's bumblingness and I was so happy when I found he was featured in this Christmas book.

This book was funny, charming, heartwarming, and my perfect idea of a holiday read. I finished with a giant grin on my face. Arabella is used to being ignored...Turnip is literally struck somewhat stupid when he starts to fall in love. What happens when the two come together? Foiling of a scheme to sell goverment secrets, regaining face after being rejected by a fortune hunter, inspiring one of Jane Austen's books, a riotous Christmas play...oh, yes, and true love!

I really, truly loved this book and would highly recommend it!
This would make a great Christmas/holiday gift... *wink, wink*...and don't forget that someone will win a copy!

Full disclosure: Review copy sent by Dutton.