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Arabella Dempsey has just seen all her hopes dashed. She’s been a companion to her aunt since she was a child and fully expected to inherit from her. She realizes that isn’t going to happen when her aunt marries a much younger man–the very man that Arabella has been fantasizing about. Does it get any crueler? But Arabella is nothing if not determined and she determines to make her own way in the world and goes to work as a teacher in an all-girls school. Her first day there she literally bumps into everyone’s favorite bumbling idiot, Reginald Fitzhugh. You might know him as Turnip. Turnip because he has the brains of one. But Turnip has a big heart and a younger sister and a secret message in a Christmas pudding, and it all adds up to one very fun book.
I confess that I haven’t paid a whole lot of attention to Turnip in the other books, but I did love the big doof in this book. He’s handsome, and not the brightest crayon, but he has a gigantic heart. He’s wrapped around his younger sister’s finger, he’s rich but doesn’t even think about class as a general rule. Everything he’s thinking moves across his face, and he’s not afraid to defend a lady’s honor. Heck, he’s willing to play an even bigger idiot and thus put his life on the line for his country! A gentleman indeed!
The action in this book takes place in between The Seduction of the Crimson Rose and The Temptation of the Night Jasmine. Well, it actually overlaps with Night Jasmine. It was interesting to see some of those events from a different perspective.
Oh, and another thing. Jane Austen as a character. Need I say more?
I always read Lauren Willig’s books with a gigantic goofy grin on my face and finish them up satisfied and yet looking for more. I don’t know if there’s really any bigger praise to give a book. This series might not rock my world, but they are some of my favorite “lighter” books. Just go read them if you haven’t, and if you have, make sure you read Turnip and Arabella’s story.
Read an excerpt.
Find author Lauren Willig on her website, blogging on History Hoydens, or on Facebook.
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5 Comments
I've only read the first in the series so far but I really like the premise and Willig's writing! Glad to hear the books continue to hit high notes, I'll have to pick up the next one soon!
Thanks! for sharing
I enjoy this series too! Like you, I didn't really pay attention to Turnip (except to roll my eyes that anyone thought he was the Pink Carnation) but I really liked him in this book. When I read the book I pictured the actor who portrayed Charles Bingley in the 2005 Pride and Prejudice as the perfect Turnip.
Great review! I can't wait to read The Orchid Affair.
This sounds good and I love Jane Austen too!
I enjoyed this book as well. Glad to see that you liked it. Just finished her new one-The Orchid Affair-and it is fun as well.