Jane Austen plays a small but charming role in Lauren Willig’s romantic novel, The Mischief of the Mistletoe. Arabella Dempsey’s good friend Jane Austen warned her about becoming a teacher, but Miss Climpson’s Select Seminary for Young Ladies seemed the ideal place for Arabella to find independence while staying close to her younger sisters. Just before Christmas, she accepted a role at the quiet girls’ school in Bath, expecting nothing more thrilling than organizing the annual Christmas recital. Little did she know, she’d soon encounter French aristocrats and international spies.
Reginald “Turnip” Fitzhugh—often mistaken for the elusive spy known as the Pink Carnation—has had his share of mishaps, but when he crosses paths with Arabella Dempsey, he doesn’t anticipate the trouble she’s about to bring. When they discover a beautifully wrapped Christmas pudding with a mysterious French message, their chance encounter sets off a holiday adventure. It leads them from the Austens’ modest drawing room to the grand estate of the Dukes of Dovedale, where the Dowager Duchess hosts a grand 12-day Christmas celebration.
As they unravel the mystery of the cryptic message, which translates to “Meet me at Farley Castle,” they wonder whether they’ll find festive cheer or lurking danger. The fate of the British Empire might just rest in the hands of Arabella and Turnip, all thanks to a festive Christmas pudding.
This is the official synopsis of Lauren Willig’s seventh book in the twelve-book Pink Carnation series. The Mischief of the Mistletoe is a delightful read, filled with comic escapades and charming romance, including a cameo from Jane Austen herself.
Turnip Fitzhugh is a unique romantic hero, offering a refreshing change from the usual brooding, rakish characters commonly found in romance literature. With his carefree, boyish charm and genuine kindness, Turnip is a lovable character who quickly wins readers’ hearts.
The novel takes inspiration from Austen’s unfinished work The Watsons. Arabella finds herself without prospects after spending years as a companion to her wealthy aunt, who ends up remarrying and discarding Arabella. Forced to return to her humble family in Bath, Arabella faces significant financial challenges and decides to take up teaching to make ends meet.
At the school, she quite literally bumps into Turnip Fitzhugh, a wealthy member of the upper class. Turnip, portrayed as something of a fool in previous books, is suspected by some to be the Pink Carnation, as his apparent stupidity could be a clever disguise. However, familiarity with the prior books isn’t necessary to enjoy this one.
Arabella is sensible and unassuming but, as a friend of Jane Austen, possesses spunk, intelligence, and humor. Hidden behind her modest demeanor is a spirited woman.
Through a series of comic misadventures, Arabella and Turnip find themselves deciphering secret messages hidden in Christmas puddings, wondering if they’re merely dealing with a schoolgirl’s romantic plans or if something more sinister involving international espionage is at play. Beneath the frivolity, Turnip reveals a depth of character, and Arabella shows she delights in laughter.
Overall, The Mischief of the Mistletoe is my favorite book in the Pink Carnation series. It’s a joyous read filled with humor and romance, including a particularly charming scene involving a trellis, a tower, sudden darkness, and a fit of laughter. Turnip Fitzhugh stands out as an engaging romantic lead, a refreshing change from the typical tortured heroes. His genuine kindness and bumbling charm make him a standout character in the genre.
The Mischief of the Mistletoe is a delightful holiday read that can be enjoyed any time of the year.
