American Eloise Kelly arrives in England to unmask the Pink Carnation, a contemporary of the Scarlet Pimpernel and the Purple Gentian, for her Harvard dissertation. Contacting descendants of the Pimpernel and Gentian, Eloise receives a reply from relatives of the Gentian, who give her letters regarding the adventures of the Purple Gentian and Pink Carnation. Finding the story of a lifetime, Eloise quickly is submersed in the life of Amy Balcourt, an exiled French woman, who was seeking the identity of the Purple Gentian. The only obstacle is Colin Selwick, a descendent of the Purple Gentian, who tries to end Eloise's research.

Colin Selwick has no patience with historians digging up ancient history that could land his family in the tabloids. He tries intimidating the latest snoop, an irritating American, using his best upper-crust English demeanor. However, Colin meets his match. Eloise's head might be in the clouds with historical adventures and romances, but down to her Jimmy Choo boots, Eloise will not budge on continuing her research.

While Eloise and Colin clash, she continues reading and gaining further clues on the Pink Carnation's identity. Her excitement rises as she reads Amy's letters regarding Amy's race against time with a certain handsome peer to uncover a French plot to invade England.

Ms. Willig's debut novel is Bridget Jones meets an adventurous historical romance. Filled with historical details, THE SECRET HISTORY OF THE PINK CARNATION is a book within a book. Both stories will keep readers laughing and turning pages in suspense until the last tidbit is exposed.