Book Title; Scarlet
Author; Jen Geiger Johnson
The roads in and out of Paris are heavily guarded, but the dead have easy passage out of the city. A ragged old woman transports the coffins of the most recent victims of the guillotine and is waved on unimpeded. Later, the same crone watches five French aristocrats step out of their coffins unscathed. Not beheaded but spirited away to safety by that most elusive of spies: the Pimpernel. Or, as she's known in polite society, Lady Scarlet Cavendish.
When not assuming her secret identity as a hero of the French Revolution, Scarlet presents herself as a fashionable, featherbrained young widow flitting about London. In truth, this façade is merely a diversion designed to conceal her clandestine work in France. Among members of the doomed French aristocracy, the Pimpernel is renowned for her bravery and cunning. But when tasked with rescuing handsome Comte Matteo Durand, she faces an unprecedented challenge: she is falling in love with the man. If ever there were a time to keep her head, it is now because in a world brimming with intrigue, she is not the only one harboring secrets. And if Scarlet doesn't take care, Madame la Guillotine may finally catch up with the Pimpernel.
(Amazon.com)
Intended Audience of Book — Adult
Genre—Historical Romance
Length of Book 256 pages
Rating (1-5) 5
Review
I loved this book. It is a great re-telling of the original Scarlet Pimpernel. There was suspense, romance, confusion and fun romance along the way. The author does a great job of drawing the reader in and getting involved in the story. There is suspense and a well written plot that keeps you guessing. Scarlet is headstrong, yet feminine and fun. Matteo is a great hero and a lovable and strong hero. He has his faults, but still turns out to be a great hero. The French revolution is portrayed realistically without being too graphic.
The other characters in the book are well written and believable. You can even find something ‘good’ about the villain, Eleanore, because she is easy to dislike! Ms. Johnson does a superb job of staying close to the original story line, but adding in her own interpretation and fun additions to the story to make it one of the books you come back to read again and again. Read it, you won’t be disappointed.
Content (1-5; 1 being minor, 5 being saturated) 1– some kissing
Sex 0
Violence 1 — talks about the French Revolution and the guillotines
Language 0
Overall Content Rating
Adult PG
Where did you get the book? Review Copy
What else can you suggest that readers might like? Victoria Holt, Georgette Heyer, Sarah M. Eden, Carla Kelly.
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