Celebrating Georgette Heyer

Georgette Heyer was the first Regency romance novelist, although the also wrote books in other time periods. I discovered Ms. Heyer's books, and Regency romances, at the ripe old age of 33 or 34, when I finished grading a set of truly abysmal final exams, then visited the main branch of the Detroit Public Library (which was just across the street on the far side of the campus) to find something interesting to read over Christmas break.

Regency Buck was my introduction to Regency romances. Fortunately for me, the library had a large selection of Ms. Heyer's books and of Regency romances. (Does anyone remember Walker Regencies, the hardcover library editions? The DPL had a large collection of them, to my delight.)

It's hard to choose a favorite book by any author, but especially hard with Ms. Heyer's books---mostly because I can't make up my mind. Most days or weeks I choose The Talisman Ring, but sometimes I choose The Reluctant Widow. Occasionally, I pick The Toll-gate.

Georgette Heyer was born 110 years ago today. In honor of her birthday and her achievements,  romance authors are discussion her books and their favorites, at USA Today's Books blog.
Celebrating Georgette Heyer's Birthday

What is your favorite Georgette Heyer novel?

Jane Austen

Today, 18 July, is the anniversary of Jane Austen's death. The 195th anniversary to be precise. Although she only wrote six novels, her books have inspired and influenced more writers in the past 40 years than her more prolific contemporaries. An entire genre of books, comedy of manners novels, was inspired by Jane Austen's books. All of my books, as well as those of nearly every other traditional Regency romance author, are comedy of manners novels.

To honor Jane Austen, the Austen Only website has posted an article showing memorials of Jane Austen here.

What is your favorite Jane Austen novel? Depending on when you ask, mine is either Persuasion or Sense and Sensibility.

Two Books Closer to Goal

I'm still in my Regency romance reading mood. I have two more books to add to my "read" list, as part of the 100 Books in 2012  Challenge. (Click on the link in the sidebar to learn more.)

The most recent books I read were:
6. The Mammoth Book of Regency Romance editted by Trisha Telep,
7. The General's Granddaughter by Dorothy Mack.

The Mammoth Book of Regency Romance true to its name was large. All the stories were good, and some were excellent. I might have wished some of them were longer, but all the stories were in the 10,000-word range, longer than a short story and about half as long as a novella. I had my favorites, as any reader would. If you've read this book, which story did you like best?

The General's Granddaughter was a book I've had for years, but it had fallen behind a stack of other books. I rediscovered it while dusting the shelf, and enjoyed it very much.

Despite having received three contemporary romances for Christmas, as well as a new research book, I have not yet opened a single one.

Do you ever get in a reading mood? If so, what time period or type of books are you most likely to choose?

Susannah