Lauren Willig, "The Betrayal of the Blood Lily: A Pink Carnation Novel"

Lauren Willig's THE BETRAYAL OF THE BLOOD LILY is the perfect choice for romance readers who crave more history in their romance –- and for historical fiction readers who want more romance and intrigue in their historical fiction. Penelope is a wonderful heroine. While circumstances leave her alone, she is not a woman to sit meekly in the corner. Daring in the face of rigid social regulations, she is active athletically and intellectually. While true to the period, she is also a woman a modern reader can admire. Captain Alex Reid's complex background makes him a wonderful hero. Separate from the aristocracy, he is a man who earns his way in the world rather than being given it as part of his social position. Through Alex's family, one sees the racial tensions and discrimination underlying the British India society of the time. In one sense, both Penelope and Alex are outsiders, caught between two worlds. In THE BETRAYAL OF THE BLOOD LILY, Lauren Willig creates wonderfully rich characters giving a satisfying depth to the romance. In a word, THE BETRAYAL OF THE BLOOD LILY is a keeper. THE BETRAYAL OF THE BLOOD LILY is excellent in the first reading but it also a book rich enough to encourage re-reading or excellent book club discussions.