Monday Give Away: MIDNIGHT MANZANILLA!
A big box of ARCs of Pink XI, aka The Mark of the Midnight Manzanilla
Here’s the official blurb:
In the latest Pink Carnation novel from national bestselling author Lauren Willig, rumors spreading among the ton turn deadly as a young couple unites to solve a mystery….
In October of 1806, the Little Season is in full swing, and Sally Fitzhugh has had enough of the endless parties and balls. With a rampant vampire craze sparked by the novel The Convent of Orsino, it seems no one can speak of anything else. But when Sally hears a rumor that the reclusive Duke of Belliston is an actual vampire, she cannot resist the challenge of proving such nonsense false. At a ball in Belliston Square, she ventures across the gardens and encounters the mysterious Duke.
Lucien, Duke of Belliston, is well versed in the trouble gossip can bring. He’s returned home to dispel the rumors of scandal surrounding his parents’ deaths, which hint at everything from treason to dark sorcery. While he searches for the truth, he welcomes his fearsome reputation—until a woman is found dead in Richmond. Her blood drained from her throat.
Lucien and Sally join forces to stop the so-called vampire from killing again. Someone managed to get away with killing the last Duke of Belliston. But they won’t kill this duke—not if Sally has anything to say about it.
The modern bit of The Mark of the Midnight Manzanilla
So, for an ARC of The Mark of the Midnight Manzanilla
— What do you think Colin and Eloise should wear for Halloween?
I am SO looking forward to reading the answers to this question! I rather fancy them as princess and frog, don’t you?
(When I announce the winner, I’ll let you know which costumes they actually chose.)
Since this is a special give away, I’m going to let it run all week. Winner to be announced on Saturday!
The Mark of the Midnight Manzanilla appears in bookstores this summer, on August 5.
You can find more information about as well as an excerpt from The Mark of the Midnight Manzanilla here.
The Pink Carnation and the Purple Gentian!
Christine already stole my answer: Eloise should go as The Pink Carnation. And Colin should go in drag as the Purple Plumeria (Gwen)
Yeah, my very first thought was The Pink Carnation and the Purple Gentian too… but it seems so obvious though. How about James Bond and a Bond girl (but I can’t even begin to guess which one) – this way, it still brings in the obvious spy connection, but yet, it’s not.
And hopefully that will make some sense once I wake up. LOL
Lois
Of course Eloise would be the Pink Carnation but I think Colin would be James Bond.
Sherlock Holmes & Irene Adler
My first thought was James Bond and a Bond Girl
Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson. 🙂
What a few others have said….
Pink Carnation and Purple Gentian.
I like the James Bond ides, too.
I had pictured Colin as a James Bond type….
Fun post!
Princess and frog sound so cute! I’m sort of a traditionalist when it comes to Halloween costumes…pirate and his parrot, Cruella and a Dalmatian, etc. Thanks for the opportunity.
My first thought, as the others was the Pink Carnation. How about Robin Hood and Maid Marian?
Well, firstly being a Brit, Colin will be exceedingly resistant to the idea of dressing up for Halloween. I grew up in the UK, and we didn’t dress up or trick or treat, thoroughly American inventions ! I don’t think Eloise will be able to persuade Colin into a Purple Gentian outfit, James Bond/spy will be acceptable since it will involve very little possibility for embarrassment (we Brits don’t like embarrassment or being the centre of attention!). Maybe Eloise could dress as Pussy Galore !
well Colin and Eloise are too old to go trick-treating (that’s a kids thing). More likely a costume party.
All great answers.. Another idea would be Doctor Who and Rose.
Sorry, first submit my email is incorrect.
Gosh, I have to think back to what was popular/actually out in 2004. I don’t see Colin being as much into costumes as Eloise, so I see a sort of Sheldon-and-Amy compromise (if you’re not familiar with The Big Bang Theory, they went as Raggedy Ann and Raggedy 3PO). My first thought was Bond and one of his Girls, I bet Eloise would get a kick out of a 60s mini and big hair. On the other hand, Mr. Knightley and Emma seem appropriate too…
I was thinking Eloise could dress up as Miss Gwen and use the parasol to “accidentally” poke any of Colin’s annoying relatives that might show up.
And for Colin, I just see him as a moody Batman. XD
My guess is that Eloise would argue for Pink and Purple but Colin would put the quash on that.
Maybe they went as the characters from one of the British tv shows they both like…..
Colin as a spy, maybe James Bond or something more subtle like Jack Ryan or Agent 86.
Eloise would be Jane Austen or an Austen character. Or maybe Jane Eyre.
I’m seeing Henrietta and Miles with Colin whining about knee breeches.
My first thought is Jane eyre and Rochester.
Napoleon & Josephine.
I See Colin as Turnip. So against type, and wouldn’t he look cute in Turnip’s Pink Carnation waistcoat? Eloise is harder, maybe Mata Hari !
James Bond and a Bond Girl (homage to both Eloise’s research and Colin’s novel/family history)
I think they should go and Richard and Amy from the first book because those characters (in a way) mirrored their own relationship throughout the series. Plus, Richard is Colin’s relative and I’m pretty sure Eloise would end up being more like Amy rather than Jane if she were to try and be a spy!
Definitely Sandy and Danny from Grease. Or something quintessential American.
I’m kinda’ liking the Bond and a Bond girl pairing…
A lock and key. Simple and classic.
King Edward VI and Wallace Simpson. lol
I mean King Edward VIII.
Romeo and Juliet! Perfect couples costume.
The Monk of Donwell Abbey and squire’s daughter. 🙂
And Wallis–not Wallace. Can’t type/spell today apparently.
Austin Powers and a Fembot. I could see Eloise going for the really silly British characters. Or maybe Augustus Whittlesby and Emma Delagardie.
I keep seeing Colin in something simple like an archaeologogist ala Indiana Jones or Emerson from the Elizabeth Peters books and Elosie as Jane Austin.
Percy and Marguerite Blakeney? Although I do agree Eloise might have some trouble getting Colin into period dress.
I could see them both dressing as pirates… that’s somewhat of a “classic” Halloween costume, but nothing too extravagant or too crazy for Colin.
Anne Shirley and Gilbert Blythe
My first thought was as most people had – the Pink Carnation and the Purple Gentian. In reference to Colin’s novel, James Bond and a Bond Girl would be so much fun! Or, since they are in England, Doctor Who and Amy Pond (since Eloise has red hair). 🙂
Archie & Lexie from Monarch of the Glen. Since Colin HAS watched it.
I forget what year this book is set in, but if Downton Abbey existed, I think Eloise would be a fan. Maybe she and Colin could dress up as Robert and Cora? I bet Eloise would think the Anglo/American pairing was inspired, and I agree with Deborah that Colin might be hard to persuade to dress in costume. How hard is a set of tails?
The Avengers! John Steed and Emma Peel. 🙂
Nice. Very nice!
I, too, think that Colin would be resistant to the idea of dressing up for Halloween. But since James Bond has a certain cachet, I could see them as Bond and a Bond girl. (And honestly, I’m relishing the idea of Bond-Girl Eloise and tuxedo-clad Colin running into Eloise’s ex. It might never happen in the book, but I find the idea highly entertaining…)
William and Kate on their wedding day! 🙂 They would look the part of a modern fairy tale!!
Or Dr. Whi and the Tardis 🙂
*Who (oops!)
I think Elizabeth and Darcy. Collin did have a haughty demeanor when we first met him.
The Scarlet Pimpernel & Marguerite Blakeney…but I like the Bond & Bond girl idea too!
Indiana Jones and Marion was the first to come to mind. It made me giggle.
Colin could go as Captain Hastings and Eloise could go as Hercule Poirot.
If they could somehow see ten years into the future, they could dress as Anna and Olaf from Frozen 🙂
Being a native of this part of Massachusetts, I think they should pay homage to Cambridge. Eloise should do an over-the-top stereotypical Harvard student and Colin can be a similarly over-the-top stereotypical MIT student. Battle of the ages!
A Bond villain and villainess, just to shake things up!
Beauty (Belle) and the Beast. Sometimes Colin is so secretive about his past and family. Woohoo! Can’t wait for Midnight Manzilla and That Summer!
Jane and Rochester in remembrance of how they first met.
How about Austin Powers and Foxxy Cleopatra. The thought makes me smile.
I think the farmers from American Gothic. That would keep Colin from embarrassing knee britches and would fit with his “pig farmer” (sties/spies)persona of Eloise’s imagination.
Does anyone think they break up at the end of the series? I can’t really see them together long term.
Bond and Moneypenny I think.
Bite your tongue!
Napolean and Josephine!!
I can see Colin as James Bond, or the Purple Genetian.
Eloise as The Pink Carnation aka a Female Scarlet Pimpernel. Cause no one knows who the Pink Carnation is. Yet.
Robin Hood (a la Errol Flynn!) and Maid Marian! 🙂
I would like to see Colin as Lord Vaughn and Eloise as the Black Tulip so they can do away with his obnoxious step father.
I don’t think they would dress as the Carnation or any of her associates as Eloise would not want to reveal any of her discoveries yet, but I think that maybe Colin could be a “gentleman farmer” so he could avoid wearing knee breeches while Eloise could still wear period dress.
Dracula and one of his victims, or Edward and Bella. This is the book where they think the hero is a vampire, right?
I could totally see Colin dressed as James Bond, but I don’t know enough about the Bond movies to even guess who Eloise would dress as.
So… I am going to suggest the Scarlet Pimpernel and Marguerite.
I’d love to them dress up as mysterious Mary and the slightly sinister Lord Vaughn.
Tying in with what looks like this new book is about, maybe Dracula for Colin (his hair would need to be temporarily dyed, I think) and a dressed-up Beauty victim for Eloise (I’m thinking red cocktail dress, curled wavy hair, etc) but I love many of the suggestions everyone else gave 🙂
Henry VIII and Anne Bolynn!
Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Giles. I realise it is not a “couple” costume, but it kind of fits with how I see them – Eloise being impetuous and heading off on all kinds of adventures, and Colin being the sensible one.
I would say Angel or Spike, but I’m not sure she could get Colin into a vampire costume.
As this book is about 1806, I suggest Admiral Horatio Lord Nelson and Emma Hamilton. The British adored Nelson but had just buried him on January 9th of 1806 and as inappropriate as Emma may be, she was the love of his life
Sidney Reilly, Ace of Spies for Colin. Eloise could be Mata Hari or maybe a very colorful aviatrix. Or be Lizzie Borden and take out some obnoxious people.
I see many good ideas all ready here! I think they should go as
the Scarlet Pimpernel and Marguerite or Beauty and the Beast.
Austin Powers and Felicity Shadwell 🙂
Oooops, that’s suppose to be Felicity Shagwell.
Lizzie & Darcy!
The Scarlet Pimpernel, of course, and Marguerite.
Scarlet Pimpernel and Lady Blakeney!
Whoa, Momma Sue, snap!
I think Eloise loves Colin Firth, so Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth.
I was thinking Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennett, as well. I can’t believe I didn’t think of Sir Percy and Marguerite right off the bat!
Since it was 2004, Pirates of the Caribbean was fairly new. They would be great as Captain Jack Sparrow and Elizabeth Swann!
Colin as James Bond (preferably in his naval uniform),and Eloise as Miss Moneypenny
Rhett and Scarlett
Well, it is a mystery, so I’m thinking Hercule Poirot (Colin needs Signor Marconi’s mustaches though) and Miss Marple (Eloise can borrow Miss Gwen’s parasol).
Amelia Peabody and Emerson! I can totally see them decked out in archaeology gear, ready for the Egyptian weather.
Eloise is, obviously, thrilled. Colin is charmingly along for the ride.
I feel like I need to put on my Cambridge/Harvard Sq thinking cap for this one and report back…
Going as the Pink Carnation and the Purple Genetian would be a fun thing – though they might end up being stopped by half-sober students all the time, demanding an explanation as to why those particular costumes, which means explaining over and over again how they met and such …
So maybe just a classic American/Brit duo: Wallace Simpson and Edward 🙂
I’m going to go with Robin Hood and Maid Marian… because it has the Erol Flynn-ness that Eloise would love, and would be a little more manly for Colin…
Any Pink Carnation couple would work… but so would the Scarlet Pimpernel and Marguerite!
Sherlock Holmes and Irene Adler!
I think they would be smashing as Nick and Nora ala The Thin Man series. It would potentially work, as Colin wouldn’t have to get too ornately costumed; a tux and tails at the most. And, I can just imagine him pulling off the PI with panache. He is just the sort to engender the suave and debonair with a touch of witty asperity to boot. And Eloise, I think, would rather like getting kitted out in a 1930s evening dress. What woman doesn’t love getting dressed up regally? Nora has wit and sophistication with just the right amount of levity and playfulness to balance Nick, just as Eloise does Colin. It could be quite fun. It makes me want to design the costumes now. 🙂
Frankenstein and his bride?
With Eloise’s interest in history and anglophilic tendencies, the natural choice of British and American nationalities, and a step away from the obvious (the Scarlet Pimpernel, et. al), what about the Duke of Windsor and Wallis Simpson?
And, I hadn’t looked at the other answers before I chose that one!
Tristan & Isolde!
The fact that Ocean’s Twelve came out in 2004 and my belief that Colin would vehemently object to any period costumes would mean that he would just wear a suit and Eloise would put on a red dress and a wig and tell people they were Rusty Ryan and Isabel (with Colin discreetly rolling his eyes behind her back).
They should go as salt and pepper shakers, because that is one of the dorkiest couple costumes.
Twiggy and…Errol Flynn!
a British guard and a Spice Girl
Eloise as Napoleon, Colin as Josephine. Why not!?
Ooo! Ooo! Or they could come up with their own spy-flower theme!!!! Eloise could be a…hmmm…Gerbera Daisy, and Colin could be a flowering herb of some sort.
I think someone else already mentioned it but Indiana Jones and Marion! Or Han Solo and Princess Leia (ok I may have a thing for young Harrison Ford haha)
Pink Carnation and Purple Gentian – it is Colin’s family after all, and I think he is into the spy thing.
They would be adorable as Richard & Jane, but Colin would probably be more comfortable as James Bond. Don’t know which Bond girl suits Eloise…probably Honey Ryder or Dr. Holly Goodhead, though she could have fun as Pussy Galore, lol.
Harry Potter and Hermione Granger!
Napoleon and Jospehine or at least in costume from the early 1800s.
nancy drew and her boyfriend ned!! 🙂
The Scarlet Pimpernel and Mata Hari
Amy and Richard Selwick because they started it all.
Timmy and Tuppence Beresford because I just reread their first book The Secret Adversary and I like how they are such good buddies.
Eleanor of Aquitane and a Crusader Knight Templar
So many great answers already! I’m a fan of Sherlock and Watson.
To add to my previous post – since it was Star Wars day yesterday, how about Han Solo and Princess Leia? 😀
The little prince and his rose
I thought of another good one: Lucy and Ricky Ricardo.
I can just see Colin rolling his eyes at her antics.
Sonny and Cher. I can see the costumes now.
Marie Antoinette and Louis XVI!
The Pink Carnation and the Purple Gentian!
My first thought was Jane and Rochester…
I think Eloise is more quirky and American. Dressing like the Pink Carnations is too predictable. I am thinking Austin Powers and a Fembot. Something Colin would absolutely hate but do it because he loves her, something Pammy would make fun of, but something Eloise would think clever because they are American characters pretending to be British.
The Phantom and Christine from Phantom of the Opera 🙂
Robin Hood and Maid Marion.
Dracula and his lovely bride!
I’m thinking something pretty standard like Dracula and Mina Harker (it also lines up well with the historical hero’s reputation).
Ian Fleming(as Colin is writing spy novels!)and his wife Anne Charteris. Unless Eloise wanted to go as one of the many people she researched–I’d pick either Henrietta or Letty myself–especially as Letty has the same hair color as Eloise.
How about Eloise as Mercy Otis Warren, who wrote history in the Boston area in the late 18th century, and Colin as Joseph Warren, who helped coordinate colonial intelligence gathering around Boston at the same time? The dress Mercy wears in her portrait would go very well with Eloise’s hair!
Robin Hood and Maid Marion (from the Errol Flynn version of Robin Hood, of course)
Bond for sure, just not sure which Bond girl Eloise would go with. . .
Purple Gentian and Pink Carnation.
My first thought was Hamlet and Ophelia (because of Colin’s mom and all) but that’s probably a bit too creepy. Maybe literary couple Robert Browning and Elizabeth Barrett Browning? Sir Percy Blakeney and Marguerite St. Just?
Sir Percival Blakeney and Marguerite St Just!
Boris and Natasha from Rocky and Bullwinkle
My immediate Halloween idea for Eloise and Colin is 007-James Bond, because he is writing a spy novel, and Bond girl for Eloise to show support for his work.
Since I think Colin would be adverse to any major dressing up, I think they would both wear trench coats with fedoras, and be detectives, but no one specific.
Harriet Vane and Peter Wimsey
I agree with Bess. I think Eloise might be able to get Colin into a trench coat as Sam Spade and Eloise could dress like Mary Astor, the “femme fatale”
I’m not sure I can see them agreeing on a couple’s costume, but I do love the idea of Nick and Nora that someone mentioned earlier!
Word of warning re:Doctor Who… the Beeb & RTD didn’t bring it back until Easter 2005… & that was Christopher Ecclestone & Billie Piper.Amy Pond is a Stephen Moffat era companion, & Shout & Pout(as she’s known) didn’t appear until 2010ish… Sorry !
…. But Eloise would make a great Sarah-Jane Smith,& all Colin would have to do to become the 4th Doctor is wear a long scarf & a fedora!!
They could go as Miss Piggy and Kermit the frog!
So many good answers here. I can see Colin going as a farmer (i.e. himself) and Eloise dressing up as a scarecrow.
Jane Austen and Mr Darcy? With a marzipan piggy on a leash? 🙂
Jane and Rochester from Jane Eyre!
I could also see Eloise suggesting the Purple Gentian/Pink Carnation, but Colin saying no. Instead, they compromise as Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy!
I vote either Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy or like many have mentioned James Bond and a bond girl (mostly because I imagine Colin looking very dashing in a tux haha)
Black Widow and Hawkeye from the Avengers
Elizabeth and Darcy, gentian and Amy, regency era Barbie and random ken (what you let your date be when he won’t really dress up, which is Colin’s way I am betting).
Colin as a marzipan pig and Eloise as a pastry chef.
The way I see it, Colin wants to dress as a pirate. He’s done James Bond every other year since he was a little kid and isn’t up for the breeches involved in a cute historical reference with Eloise. Since she still wants to do a couple’s outfit, she goes as a pirate too. Still badass historical figures, and maybe she’ll be able to talk him into breeches once they’re married, eh? 😉
Well, I’ve skipped through the other answers & all of my ideas have already been used … many, many times. So, I’ll just go with the first ones that came to my mind … Colin as James Bond, and Eloise as the Pink Carnation. They would be spies – Regency & modern. What fun they could have comparing notes!
Keeping with the spy theme James Bond & Sydney bristow
From alias. Going with the more silly one Captain Hook
& the crocodile
In honor of Boston, Eloise could go as Clara Barton, and Colin could go as a soldier!
I think they should go as Napoleon and Josephine, a subtle tip to the namesake of the historical era that brought them together!
I think they’d be dressed as a vampire and his victim.
Wendy and Peter Pan. Mostly because I would love to read the scene where Eloise convinces Colin that he needs to wear tights.
How do they feel about Indiana Jones? Indy and Marion!
I love so many of the suggestions that have already been given. I would go with something like Sherlock and Watson.
There are so many great suggestions here! My first thought (mentioned by others already), Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy.
Elizabeth Bennett and mr. darcy!
Oh dear, coming in at the end,with so many excellent couples already suggested! I really like Peabody and Emerson, and Nick and Nora, especially as I agree that Eloise might have trouble getting Colin into a costume! Or for contemporary Boston how about Sarah Kelling and Max Bittersohn- especially if Eloise wears Sarah’s harem costume!!
Nick and Nora Charles…the costumes would be so elegant or a Marian and Professor Hill (Lady Librarian and her Band Leader who awakens her spirit)
Fred and Daphne from Scooby-Do bc they solve mysteries!
Henry Tinley and Catherine Morland from “North anger Abbey”. Or Ophelia and Hamlet.
Since it is 2004 and Buffy the Vampire Slayer had just had its final season. Buffy and Angel. Someone mentioned Colin not being able to be persuaded but I beg to differ, I think Eloise could definitely persuade Colin.
For some reason I could see history-loving Eloise going as Scarlett O’Hara with Colin as a debonair Rhett Butler. I can just imagine reading about Eloise’s struggles with a hoop skirt!
I immediately thought of Robin Hood and Maid Marian.
I immediately thought of Marie Antoinette and Louis XVI. Not only is it historic but you could have some Halloween fun with the whole guillotine thing! Of course Colin would argue (he would want something that would be less costume-y) but I think Eloise would get him to come around to the idea!!
Elizabeth Bennett and Mr. Darcy or for a funnier one, Maxwell Smart and Agent 99 🙂
I think someone already said it but my first idea was John Steed and Emma Peel from The Avengers
I kind of like the keep of them going as one of the couples from the Flintstones; so, either Fred and Wilma, or Barney and Betty. OR they could be Pebbles and Bam-Bam!
austin powers and elizabeth hurley,(vanessa)! it’d be groovy man! lol
Elizabeth Bennett and Mr. Darcy
I think they should go as
the scarlet pimpernel and his wife
Mr. Bingley and Jane Bennet!