Regency
Yes. Yes. I have indeed been MIA for a month. Sorry for letting you all down and not getting you a genre section for the last update. I have been truly honored and pleased to see how much you all are taking to this little rant of mine! I hope it helps you find new authors you have not thought of trying or maybe never even heard of. This is all about you, baby!
For your viewing pleasure, this month I decided to go back a little and dig a little deeper into historicals. Regency historicals in particular. For those of you who read my reviews might have noted I was on a regency kick, this past month I found several new authors I had never read before but are now top priority buys. So, sit back and enjoy.
   
We all have, at one time or another, read about the infamous Ton. Some of us knew more about the society than others, some people's interest was sparked by the thought of late night parties and an "in" circle. The Regency Period, strictly defined as Britain during the years 1811-1820. Fashion, world-events, larger than life members of society all compiled to make the Regency a fascinating time.
*While the time period of Regency is strictly governed, over the years it has become, to some, a blanket phrase referring to not only the true Regency Period, but also inclusive of Edwardian, Georgian, and Victorian Periods as well. My apologies, in advance, to the true experts in this field-when I use the generic wording of Regency to cover it all. I mean no disrespect.*
When one thinks of a Regency novel, there are names we all know and love. Names of authors most of us will without fail pickup and purchase, simply from the name recognition. Amanda Quick, for instance. I cannot tell you how many readers, new to romance or looking to broaden their scope of reading start off with Amanda Quick and never bat an eyelash. They become fans for life. The same with Catherine Coulter, Kat Martin, and Mary Jo Putney.
However, once you have read everything there is by an author. You've collected it; you are on their pre-order list…where do you go? Glad you asked. I have found some great authors!
  
Avon Historical author Anne Caldwell was voted Best Historical Romance by Romantic Times Magazine and finaled in the Romance Writers of America Golden Heart contest with her Scandal's Daughter.
I came in on the middle of a series with Joanna Maitland's Rake's Reward. I enjoyed it so much I had to search out the first novel Marrying the Major. I have to say, personal preference, I enjoyed Rake's Reward much better that than Marrying the Major. Who can resist an exiled man returning home with something to prove?
Sally Mackenzie's The Naked Duke caught my attention and then held it riveted while I laughed and read this novel in one sitting. She led to me two other fantastic Kensington authors: Candice Hern and Kristina Cook.
Ann Elizabeth Cree won the Voulousia County's Laurel Wreath Award for Best Regency with The Duke's Mistress.
Two-time winner of the coveted RITA award Gayle Wilson has numerous awards under her belt, time periods and genres.
  
The single most impressive find I discovered was the talented author Amelia Grey. Her 2004 release A Hint Of Seduction won me over. I have ordered and pre-ordered every book of hers I could find.
Some of the authors I am looking forward to purchasing this year are:
Anne Gracie
Claire Thornton
Glenda Garland
Celeste Bradley
Patricia Grasso
Jo Ann Ferguson
Edith Layton
And here are a few authors I have not yet tried but are on my To Look Into Farther list:
Mary Balogh In particular Slightly Dangerous and Simply Unforgettable both releasing early spring 2005
Nita Abrams Visit and re-visit her site - it's being reconstructed due to a change in servers, but well worth it - I hear.
Kathryn Caskie Her Lady In Waiting looks divinely tempting.
May 2005 -- here comes The Marriage List a Signet Regency by Dorothy McFalls
Carolyn Jewel This author truly piqued my interest with her award winning 2004 release The Spare.
For the hotter side Julia Templeton
Robyn DeHart
Myretta Robens
For those of you even more interested in the Regency period and writing, please go check out the special interest chapter Beau Monde. They have a lot of helpful information and links.
  
Thanks for stopping by!
Article Written by Izzy
|
