Member Reviews
History fascinates me, it always has. That is why I am so quick to read a newly releasing historical novel that interests me. That being said I quickly grabbed this one upon it's release. With that being said I have not read the original Scarlet Pimpernel. This book fascinated me, I was captivated really. It was so hard to put down. First of all the cover s gorgeous and really drew me in. This is the author's own unique twist on the Scarlet Pimpernel. She has very clearly spent a lot of time historically researching this. Scarlet is an amazing woman strong mentally and physically, she had an undeniable intelligence about her and her wit is unmatched. Incredibly she goes on deadly missions time after time but she is unfazed by the thought of this. The prisons,the guillotine, the manipulation,bravery, it's all here. Richly historical, you will not want to rush through this one but rather savor it!
Pub Date 01 May 2018
I received a complimentary copy from Covenant Communications through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.
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Thank net galley for an advanced reader copy of this novel. I enjoyed this historical fiction that takes place during the French revolution. Scarlet and matteo as the main characters share a deep love a desire to help France truly be free. The mystery of the pimpernel in this was well done although I feel that some of the ending scenes with guards in disguise and escape attempts it was a bit of reader whiplash to keep it all straight. I felt lost in some other places such as Andrew's/Simon's references to Franny or Penelope. The miraculous fever recovery of Scarlet in prison was a bit of a stretch considering how many would have died just like Antoinewho she helped nurse right before he died. Overall a clean romance with a action packed plot!
I did not know the original Pimpernel story, but I certainly enjoyed this one. The book started out great and then got bogged down with the fashion ball and I almost gave up on it, but I am so glad I didn’t.
The research done during the era of the French Revolution was excellent, I feel that I learned several important facts. I enjoyed the descriptions of the costumes and you could easily picture the carriages, the horses, the crowds, and the heroes trying to save the falsely accused.
I must have not paid attention in high school when we covered this piece of history, and I normally do not pick up books covering this type of subject, but in this case, the book cover and the description reeled me in and I have to say I did find it captivating and well written.
I’m giving this one 4****’s. If you enjoy reading about French History and want a different take on the Pimpernel who saved many French citizens that would have been beheaded, this is the book for you.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Covenant Communications through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I am in no way a history buff and found the subject boring at school. But reading "Scarlet" (courtesy of Covenant Communications and NetGallery) had me enthralled and made learning "history"; albeit with a degree of fiction thrown in, fun!
The Scarlet Pimpernel was a name I knew as a male. What an inspired twist to present him as a female. A female with courage, intellect, creativity, cunning and sharp as a knife ability to change character/disguise as immediately as her situation requires. A true heroine, on who this book centres.
I think readers will find whatever elements they desire in a good read.....adventure, dark horror and terror of this time in French history, facts, escapism and romance. Suspense as well, as the ending could have gone anyway.
The book was fast paced with never a dull moment and kept me guessing as to the next twist and turn.
I will be actively searching out other titles by Jen Geigle Johnson like "The Nobleman's Daughter" as Scarlett has ignited my desire too read Historical Fiction. #Scarlet #NetGallery
This is a new author to me but I enjoyed her book very much. The story takes place at the height of the French Revolution in Paris. Scarlet Cavendish is a widow who flits around England with a reputation of kind of an air-head, only concerned about fashion and non-sensical things. In reality, she is the Scarlet Pimpernel working tireless to free French citizens who are at risk of Le Guillotine.
One of the people she rescued is a Comte Matteo Durand. The two are instantly attracted to one another but they each have secrets and those secrets could destroy the relationship they are beginning to build. Will they be able to save France or will they both be destroyed during their quest?
This story is full of suspense, intrigue, romance, and lots of edge of your seat reading. I was given a complimentary copy of this book to read and I thoroughly enjoyed the story. I will definitely look forward to reading more books by this author.
This is a new twist on the old classic, The Scarlet Pimpernel. After her late husband's friend is one of the first upper-class French, or aristos, to be beheaded on "Madame La Guillotine", Scarlet is determined to save other innocent lives. Using disguises and a league of helpers, she becomes the Pimpernel and rescues many people. One of these is Comte Matteo Durand. In the process of smuggling him out of France, Scarlet realizes she's falling in love with him. Marriage to anyone might threaten the secrecy of the Pimpernel, but after much hesitation she decides to marry Matteo, realizing shortly after that he has secrets of his own that strain their new life together. Danger and great escapes continue as the committee get closer to discovering the identity of the Pimpernel.
I remember staying at my grandparent's house one night when they rented the Scarlet Pimpernel and grumbling about old movies. I still remember how wrong I was... What a good movie! I love this twist on the story of writing a female as the Pimpernel. Her gender becomes the biggest disguise as no one in that time would believe that a flighty, fashion-obsessed English lady could be the hero of the French Aristos. Scarlet's dialogue was fun and clever and really showed her personality.
A big thank you to Jen Geigle Johnson, Covenant Communications, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this fascinating book!
Romance, clean; period
This was a lovely, intricate, lush retelling of "The Scarlet Pimpernell". J.G-J does a beautiful job recreating the England and France of this time period with the Guillotine, the people, the prisons, the terror, and the intrigue. Along with that, a lovely romance between Lady S. Cavendish and Comte Matteo Durand, their misunderstandings and their courage to save each other in awful straits and circumstances, Scarlet's clever and intricate webs of intrigue to rescue French aristocrats and Matteo's servants, this was a beautifully satisfying, rich novel.
This work of historical fiction takes place during the French Revolution, when French Aristocrats are being sent to the guillotine. Lady Scarlet Cavendish is a member of a clandestine group trying to save those from imminent death. This is a story of intrigue, love and above all....bravery.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The rescue missions kept me on the edge of my seat and I could not put this book down. A great story for all historical fiction fans out there!
My 1st book by Jen and happy to say a through & through entertainer... also this is the first time i ve read about the Scarlet Pimpernel... I have a great passion for reading historical fiction let it be romance,mystery, treasure hunt, pirates...It is fascinating to know the Era through this books ...
The French Revolution was one of the most terrifying period in History where people from the upper class of society were carted off to the guillotine every day. Jen's portrayal of the french revolution shows us the horror , violence , terror ,struggle it was , it is quite realistic and accurate, what sad,bad time for people living in france at that time .
The French Revolution was a time of unrest ,massacre in Paris . That's where the story starts with Lady Scarlet Cavendish who is the Pimpernel a spy with a talent of various disguises pitches in to help the people by planning there escapes. She along with a league of like-minded people ,slips in and out of France, risking her life to save others. While she has various disguises, the one seen most often is the one she wears in polite society--that of a flirty fashion-obsessed woman.
I loved the heroine, Scarlet Cavendish -or the Pimpirnel- is an admirable character: headstrong, bold,brave,intelligent,sensible,cunning, independent and very compassionate. I think the story has everything: history, adventure, drama, romance and suspense,escapades, Romance. I loved how Scarlet manages to save many people from the guillotine by disguising herself and putting her life constantly at risk.
The hero is Matteo's character pales in comparison to Scarlet ...This story is all about Scarlet... the best part i loved is the concept of women Spy leading the team... Jen has well written & presented the story ...her plot is past faced & well developed...the script is so brilliant that i could visualize the escapes & disguises wen reading ...
A marvellous , superb book by Jen ...I very highly recommend it ...worth reading ...u will miss a good book if u dont read it