A love of history and an obsession with romance have collided into writing historical, romantic fiction.
At a young age, when I first discovered Patricia Clapp’s book, Jane-Emily and became more wrapped in the subplot romance of Louisa and Adam, I fell in love with stories of romance.
I wove my way through Victoria Holt’s The Mistress of Mellyn and Phyllis Whitney’s Step to the Music. As I entered my teens, a friend and I would trade books back and forth during the age of Laurie MacBain and Kathleen Woodiwiss.
Jane Austen was my heroine; her streaming pace, her characters – both witty and ridiculous- and her brilliant plot twists all served to deliver stories I could not put down.
Starting out in journalism, my writing has returned to my first love – writing love stories.
So, what romance books would I recommend? See below:
Pre-teen:
The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare, 1958
A great book of history from a young woman’s point-of-view with a definite undercurrent of romance.
Anne of Green Gables Series by L.M. Montgomery, 1908
The first book is the story of a young orphan named “Anne with an ‘e'” but Anne’s future hero figures early in the series, and both mature as the series progresses, though the entire series is friendly for all ages.
Teens and adults:
Celia Garth by Gwen Bristow, 1959
Set during the American Revolution, Celia is caught up in the dangers of the original British invasion. I read this as a pre-teen, but some parents may wish to read it themselves first, depending on your preferences for pre-teen reading.
Born in Shame by Nora Roberts, 1996
This is the third book in a trilogy, but I read this one first and I believe it’s the best, though you can’t go wrong with Nora, so enjoy all three at will! A young woman finds the story of her past in Ireland while visiting relatives she didn’t know existed prior to her mother’s demise. This offers a paranormal element and is beautifully told.
Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen, 1813
Really, did you think I would leave this off? I first read P&P when I was ten, and I fell in love with Mr. Darcy at first glance, er, word. The story of 21-year-old Elizabeth Bennet and her English country family, set during the regency period. Funny, lively and full of romance!
Persuasion by Jane Austen, 1816
A very different Austen story from the one above. Still offers deliciously ridiculous characters and lots of movement, it features a more mature heroine and a somber look at lost love as well as the joy of reunion.
His Bride by Gayle Callen, 2002
I was engaged right away by the characters and circumstance – down in his pockets Sir Edmund accepted the bride (and her much-needed dowry) offered to him by the father of his first wife as part of a challenge AND so Edmund would have the chance to hold on to the property he’d worked so hard to establish as his.
Problem is he’s stuck with Gwyneth.
I liked both Edmund and Gwyneth very much. Both learned and changed their minds. Both were interesting and I enjoyed the story and didn’t want to put it down.
More to come! I shall have to dig through my shelves for more goodies!