The Mischief of the Mistletoe is part of the Pink Carnation series by Lauren Willig. Other books in the series include The Secret History of the Pink Carnation, The Masque of the Black Tulip, The Deception of the Emerald Ring, The Seduction of the Crimson Rose, The Temptation of the Night Jasmine, and The Betrayal of the Blood Lily.

Arabella Dempsey is an impoverished woman trying to make ends meet after the young man she'd hoped to marry weds her well-to-do elderly aunt, dashing her hopes for an inheritance. She takes a position at an all-girls' school, finds what looks to be an innocent treat - a cheerily wrapped Christmas pudding - and ends up entangled in a mystery that may cost her life. To add to her confusion about the events that are spinning her life out of control is the somewhat dim but handsome Reginald Fitzhugh, called Turnip, and the attraction he holds for her. Stolen moments begat stolen kisses, and soon Arabella is embroiled in trying not to fall for Turnip and trying to stay safe.

Reginald "Turnip" Fitzhugh, a wealthy, privileged gentleman of high society, is not known for tact, intelligence or even for having a quick wit, but he is a good man. He's been strong-armed by his parents into delivering his sister's Christmas basket when he encounters Arabella. She is not the typical type of flighty, flirty woman he is used to knowing; instead, she seems to really listen to him and be a genuinely nice person. He is attracted to her authenticity and understanding, and finds that she needs someone to shelter her from the inexplicable danger in which she seems to find herself. Through mean-spirited pranks, viperous noblepersons and henchmen seeking England's secrets, Turnip safeguards Arabella, but can he protect his own heart?

I simply adored this book. Arabella and Turnip are wonderful characters on their own, but placing them together as a couple made magic on the pages of The Mischief of the Mistletoe. She's heartbroken from the betrayal she experienced at the hands of her aunt's husband, he is a sincerely decent human being looking for someone to take him seriously. I was moved almost to tears by how sweet Turnip is and how wonderfully and simply he woos Arabella. This is a romantic story, and readers will find themselves rooting for these two to ride off into their happily ever after. My only complaint is that this book lacked a physically romantic consummation. This series just keeps getting better and better; I like to think of these books as "the smart woman's romance novels". They are so well written and witty that I've recommended them many times, and with high quality stories told this well, I'll be recommending them for years to come. Five Angels and a Recommended Read for Lauren Willig's The Mischief of the Mistletoe!

Reviewed by: Michelle B.