The Mischief of the Mistletoe is the second book I've read by Lauren Willig. The first was The Temptation of the Night Jasmine. Although I found some parts of the beginning a little silly as every scene had Arabella falling or tripping, and so many characters were introduced it was confusing, I'm glad a persevered. Many of the characters were probably introduced in an earlier version of the series and someone who has read the novels in order might be more familiar. I enjoyed stepping into a different time and experiencing the Yuletide customs in which, unlike Victorian England, Twelfth Night was the night of celebration. Ms.Willig wrapped up the mystery nicely at the end.
According to the historical note, Lauren Willig used Jane Austen's unfinished book, The Watsons as a basis for her story line.
From the cover:
Arabella Dempsey's dear friend Jane Austen warned her against teaching. But Miss Climpson's Select Seminary for Young Ladies seems the perfect place for Arabella to claim her independence while keeping an eye on her younger sisters nearby. Just before Christmas, she accepts a position at the quiet girls' school in Bath, expecting to face nothing more exciting than conducting the annual Christmas recital. She hardly imagines coming race-to-face with French aristocrats and international spies . . .
A big thank you to a A Novel Menagerie for Lauren Willig's The Mischief of the Mistletoe - one of the giveaways.
