Anne here, making a departure from the usual historical post, and delving into fairly recent history—reading history, that is. Mine. 
When I was a kid in (junior) high school, I often used to get "posted" off to my oldest sister's house during school holidays to help with her toddlers. She lived in Queensland, and I was in Victoria, so it was a very long train trip (two days or a day and a night) and even though I took heaps of books with me, inevitably I'd soon run out.
My sister had a small library of her own books, of course, which I powered through, and one of the authors she'd collected over the years was Lucy Walker, an Australian romance writer from the 1960's. I devoured these books (and suspect that along with Georgette Heyer they helped shape me as a romance writer.)
Recently my sister was having a big clear out and she was about to give all her old Lucy Walkers to the church bazaar, when it occurred to her that I might want them. Did I want them? Yes please! They arrived in a big bundle shortly afterward.
You can tell the vintage of these books from the covers. They were old fashioned even when I was reading them, but I didn't care. I loved her tales which were often about a sheltered English girl (or occasionally a shy, well-born girl from the city) who ended up on a huge sheep or cattle station (ranch) in remote outback Australia — as a governess, or companion or just as a visitor. 
The heroines weren't exactly full of derring-do — they were generally reserved, pretty and often quite shy. But they had a brand of quiet, ladylike grit and would always try, even when they were out of their depth. They also had impeccable manners and never complained, no matter what the situation.
And of course there was always the owner of the property — tough, remote, rugged, handsome, masterful and rich — the epitome of the Strong Silent Hero.
It's been decades since I read them and I must admit to some trepidation at the prospect of rereading them. I enjoyed them all those years ago — and some have stayed me all these years—and I really hope I won't find them horribly dated in an "I can't-bear-to read-them" way.
So before I dive in and reread some of my favorites let me recall a few reasons why I liked them. The descriptions of the outback were lovely — written with a genuine love of the bush and an evocative turn of phrase. They were also (to my teenage mind) very romantic.
I remember one — The Moonshiner— where the heroine, Joan Yelland, a shy, sheltered society girl from Melbourne (aka the big smoke down south) comes to visit relatives in the outback. She arrives on a plane, but must travel overland to the homestead. The river is in flood and rising, and she has to cross it on horseback. A local girl meets her — some kind of distant cousin — she's attractive, efficient, impatient and slightly scruffy and she makes shy-but-elegant Joan feel quite useless.
Of course, crossing the flooded river, Joan's mare gets into trouble, and they're both struggling when along comes a man on a big black horse…
"Right. Let go." His voice came like the crack of a stock-whip.
. . . The man leaned over and gave her his hand and pulled her half out of the water hard against his chest. His arm was like an iron band. He gave his other hand and his attention to his own horse, but he held her as naturally and easily as if he had been doing it all his life. . .
Then of course, he rides away (who was that big dark silent man?) 
Shortly afterward, Efficient Girl suggests Joan take a walk and naturally her directions are so vague Joan gets lost. And who should turn up? Yes, the man on the big black horse. He takes her up on his horse and rides off into the moonlight with her, spinning her a tale about moonshiners as they go. It's a little bit dangerous, and magical and evocative and I remember it as being very romantic.
A line I've never forgotten was one where he said she had "hair like gum leaf tips in the morning" —and unless you know it, you're maybe thinking she has pale green hair. But no — this is what the gum leaf tips he's talking about look like.
Lucy Walker died in 1987, aged 80. Her books were read all across the English-speaking world — she was hugely popular in the UK as well as Australia, and I've met loads of Americans who've read her too. For several generations of woman she painted an image of Australia that many never forgot. The current wave of writers of Australian rural romance are stepping in her footsteps, even if they don't realize it.
So, did you read your mother's or your older sister's romances? What books did you read and fall in love with as a teenager? Are there any you're reluctant to reread in case your memory of them is spoilt? And have you read or heard of Lucy Walker?
Oh, Lucy Walker! Goodness, yes. So very romantic and so well written. Very good prose. I loved The Moonshiner as well with Mr Tall, dark and totally scrumptious. I read Mum’s romances although we had quite different tastes. I was a huge Victoria Holt/Phyllis Whitney/Anya Seton reader as a youngster, all shared with Mum. Totally indulged by both parents delighted to see me with nose in a book and I was let off all sorts of things if I was reading 🙂
Oh, Lucy Walker! Goodness, yes. So very romantic and so well written. Very good prose. I loved The Moonshiner as well with Mr Tall, dark and totally scrumptious. I read Mum’s romances although we had quite different tastes. I was a huge Victoria Holt/Phyllis Whitney/Anya Seton reader as a youngster, all shared with Mum. Totally indulged by both parents delighted to see me with nose in a book and I was let off all sorts of things if I was reading 🙂
Oh, Lucy Walker! Goodness, yes. So very romantic and so well written. Very good prose. I loved The Moonshiner as well with Mr Tall, dark and totally scrumptious. I read Mum’s romances although we had quite different tastes. I was a huge Victoria Holt/Phyllis Whitney/Anya Seton reader as a youngster, all shared with Mum. Totally indulged by both parents delighted to see me with nose in a book and I was let off all sorts of things if I was reading 🙂
Oh, Lucy Walker! Goodness, yes. So very romantic and so well written. Very good prose. I loved The Moonshiner as well with Mr Tall, dark and totally scrumptious. I read Mum’s romances although we had quite different tastes. I was a huge Victoria Holt/Phyllis Whitney/Anya Seton reader as a youngster, all shared with Mum. Totally indulged by both parents delighted to see me with nose in a book and I was let off all sorts of things if I was reading 🙂
Oh, Lucy Walker! Goodness, yes. So very romantic and so well written. Very good prose. I loved The Moonshiner as well with Mr Tall, dark and totally scrumptious. I read Mum’s romances although we had quite different tastes. I was a huge Victoria Holt/Phyllis Whitney/Anya Seton reader as a youngster, all shared with Mum. Totally indulged by both parents delighted to see me with nose in a book and I was let off all sorts of things if I was reading 🙂
to which I will add that my grandmother made sure she had all her housework done by lunchtimes so she could spend the afternoon on the couch reading. Clever woman.
to which I will add that my grandmother made sure she had all her housework done by lunchtimes so she could spend the afternoon on the couch reading. Clever woman.
to which I will add that my grandmother made sure she had all her housework done by lunchtimes so she could spend the afternoon on the couch reading. Clever woman.
to which I will add that my grandmother made sure she had all her housework done by lunchtimes so she could spend the afternoon on the couch reading. Clever woman.
to which I will add that my grandmother made sure she had all her housework done by lunchtimes so she could spend the afternoon on the couch reading. Clever woman.
I have a small but very precious collection of Lucy Walkers as well. I didn’t read them, back then… but fell in love much later. For me their “old fashioned-ness” is part of the appeal.
I have a small but very precious collection of Lucy Walkers as well. I didn’t read them, back then… but fell in love much later. For me their “old fashioned-ness” is part of the appeal.
I have a small but very precious collection of Lucy Walkers as well. I didn’t read them, back then… but fell in love much later. For me their “old fashioned-ness” is part of the appeal.
I have a small but very precious collection of Lucy Walkers as well. I didn’t read them, back then… but fell in love much later. For me their “old fashioned-ness” is part of the appeal.
I have a small but very precious collection of Lucy Walkers as well. I didn’t read them, back then… but fell in love much later. For me their “old fashioned-ness” is part of the appeal.
Anne
What a lovely post and I am sure I have read a few of those years ago from my mother’s stash 🙂 We don’t have any left but I do have a note book that Mum kept with all of the Mills & Boon that she read and she had XX marked next to them rating them (I will put it in my bag when I go to Canberra someone might get a bit nostalgic) It is always lovely to remember things like this I can’t remember my favourite authors name from Mill& Boon and those sorts I jumped fairly quickly to historical 🙂
Have Fun
Helen
Anne
What a lovely post and I am sure I have read a few of those years ago from my mother’s stash 🙂 We don’t have any left but I do have a note book that Mum kept with all of the Mills & Boon that she read and she had XX marked next to them rating them (I will put it in my bag when I go to Canberra someone might get a bit nostalgic) It is always lovely to remember things like this I can’t remember my favourite authors name from Mill& Boon and those sorts I jumped fairly quickly to historical 🙂
Have Fun
Helen
Anne
What a lovely post and I am sure I have read a few of those years ago from my mother’s stash 🙂 We don’t have any left but I do have a note book that Mum kept with all of the Mills & Boon that she read and she had XX marked next to them rating them (I will put it in my bag when I go to Canberra someone might get a bit nostalgic) It is always lovely to remember things like this I can’t remember my favourite authors name from Mill& Boon and those sorts I jumped fairly quickly to historical 🙂
Have Fun
Helen
Anne
What a lovely post and I am sure I have read a few of those years ago from my mother’s stash 🙂 We don’t have any left but I do have a note book that Mum kept with all of the Mills & Boon that she read and she had XX marked next to them rating them (I will put it in my bag when I go to Canberra someone might get a bit nostalgic) It is always lovely to remember things like this I can’t remember my favourite authors name from Mill& Boon and those sorts I jumped fairly quickly to historical 🙂
Have Fun
Helen
Anne
What a lovely post and I am sure I have read a few of those years ago from my mother’s stash 🙂 We don’t have any left but I do have a note book that Mum kept with all of the Mills & Boon that she read and she had XX marked next to them rating them (I will put it in my bag when I go to Canberra someone might get a bit nostalgic) It is always lovely to remember things like this I can’t remember my favourite authors name from Mill& Boon and those sorts I jumped fairly quickly to historical 🙂
Have Fun
Helen
Louise, I read Victoria Holt and Phyllis Whitney, too — found them at the library and devoured them. And Anya Seton — Green Darkness — sigh.
Louise, I read Victoria Holt and Phyllis Whitney, too — found them at the library and devoured them. And Anya Seton — Green Darkness — sigh.
Louise, I read Victoria Holt and Phyllis Whitney, too — found them at the library and devoured them. And Anya Seton — Green Darkness — sigh.
Louise, I read Victoria Holt and Phyllis Whitney, too — found them at the library and devoured them. And Anya Seton — Green Darkness — sigh.
Louise, I read Victoria Holt and Phyllis Whitney, too — found them at the library and devoured them. And Anya Seton — Green Darkness — sigh.
Oh, what a very sensible approach to life — and what a great role model. Thanks, Louise.
Oh, what a very sensible approach to life — and what a great role model. Thanks, Louise.
Oh, what a very sensible approach to life — and what a great role model. Thanks, Louise.
Oh, what a very sensible approach to life — and what a great role model. Thanks, Louise.
Oh, what a very sensible approach to life — and what a great role model. Thanks, Louise.
I'm glad to hear that, Barbara — I'm looking forward to rereading these. I delved into The Moonshiner for that little excerpt — it is falling apart with loose pages and the print is very faded. My sister said she nearly tossed it in the bin, but thought I might be able to repair it — and I'm so glad it was there because it's the one I remember the best.
I'm glad to hear that, Barbara — I'm looking forward to rereading these. I delved into The Moonshiner for that little excerpt — it is falling apart with loose pages and the print is very faded. My sister said she nearly tossed it in the bin, but thought I might be able to repair it — and I'm so glad it was there because it's the one I remember the best.
I'm glad to hear that, Barbara — I'm looking forward to rereading these. I delved into The Moonshiner for that little excerpt — it is falling apart with loose pages and the print is very faded. My sister said she nearly tossed it in the bin, but thought I might be able to repair it — and I'm so glad it was there because it's the one I remember the best.
I'm glad to hear that, Barbara — I'm looking forward to rereading these. I delved into The Moonshiner for that little excerpt — it is falling apart with loose pages and the print is very faded. My sister said she nearly tossed it in the bin, but thought I might be able to repair it — and I'm so glad it was there because it's the one I remember the best.
I'm glad to hear that, Barbara — I'm looking forward to rereading these. I delved into The Moonshiner for that little excerpt — it is falling apart with loose pages and the print is very faded. My sister said she nearly tossed it in the bin, but thought I might be able to repair it — and I'm so glad it was there because it's the one I remember the best.
Wow, Helen — what a lovely thing to have of your mums. I wish I'd kept a record of all my reading, too.
If you do bring it to ARRA I'd love to see it. Thanks.
Wow, Helen — what a lovely thing to have of your mums. I wish I'd kept a record of all my reading, too.
If you do bring it to ARRA I'd love to see it. Thanks.
Wow, Helen — what a lovely thing to have of your mums. I wish I'd kept a record of all my reading, too.
If you do bring it to ARRA I'd love to see it. Thanks.
Wow, Helen — what a lovely thing to have of your mums. I wish I'd kept a record of all my reading, too.
If you do bring it to ARRA I'd love to see it. Thanks.
Wow, Helen — what a lovely thing to have of your mums. I wish I'd kept a record of all my reading, too.
If you do bring it to ARRA I'd love to see it. Thanks.
I haven’t read her but I want to now. Helen I love that your mum had a note book and marked them. I’m with Anne, I wish I done that and had a note of all the books I’ve read. cxxx
I haven’t read her but I want to now. Helen I love that your mum had a note book and marked them. I’m with Anne, I wish I done that and had a note of all the books I’ve read. cxxx
I haven’t read her but I want to now. Helen I love that your mum had a note book and marked them. I’m with Anne, I wish I done that and had a note of all the books I’ve read. cxxx
I haven’t read her but I want to now. Helen I love that your mum had a note book and marked them. I’m with Anne, I wish I done that and had a note of all the books I’ve read. cxxx
I haven’t read her but I want to now. Helen I love that your mum had a note book and marked them. I’m with Anne, I wish I done that and had a note of all the books I’ve read. cxxx
Lust in the dust 🙂 I love this blog post and comments thread!
My Nanna subscribed to the English Womens Weekly for the knitting and crochet patterns… She’d collect several months worth, and then pass them on to another woman in the small country town that she lived in. The stash resided in the bedroom that I slept in when I went to stay with my grandparents during school holidays. At some point in late primary school I discovered (after reading everything else in the house – I guess it’s a common story?) that the magazines included serialised stories – M&B romances maybe? There’d be a couple of serials on the go in each issue. Part of the thrill of reading them was trawling through the magazines, tracking the particular story I was reading. The heroines were of the type you describe Anne, although instead of ending up in the outback, they’d usually find themselves on a farm in some remote part of Great Britain – with a taciturn widower (and motherless children) perhaps. The wilds of Scotland were particularly popular, from memory, with obligatory ceilidh, and a dramatic scene involving late night complicated birthing of lambs or maybe animals stranded during a flood.
Lust in the dust 🙂 I love this blog post and comments thread!
My Nanna subscribed to the English Womens Weekly for the knitting and crochet patterns… She’d collect several months worth, and then pass them on to another woman in the small country town that she lived in. The stash resided in the bedroom that I slept in when I went to stay with my grandparents during school holidays. At some point in late primary school I discovered (after reading everything else in the house – I guess it’s a common story?) that the magazines included serialised stories – M&B romances maybe? There’d be a couple of serials on the go in each issue. Part of the thrill of reading them was trawling through the magazines, tracking the particular story I was reading. The heroines were of the type you describe Anne, although instead of ending up in the outback, they’d usually find themselves on a farm in some remote part of Great Britain – with a taciturn widower (and motherless children) perhaps. The wilds of Scotland were particularly popular, from memory, with obligatory ceilidh, and a dramatic scene involving late night complicated birthing of lambs or maybe animals stranded during a flood.
Lust in the dust 🙂 I love this blog post and comments thread!
My Nanna subscribed to the English Womens Weekly for the knitting and crochet patterns… She’d collect several months worth, and then pass them on to another woman in the small country town that she lived in. The stash resided in the bedroom that I slept in when I went to stay with my grandparents during school holidays. At some point in late primary school I discovered (after reading everything else in the house – I guess it’s a common story?) that the magazines included serialised stories – M&B romances maybe? There’d be a couple of serials on the go in each issue. Part of the thrill of reading them was trawling through the magazines, tracking the particular story I was reading. The heroines were of the type you describe Anne, although instead of ending up in the outback, they’d usually find themselves on a farm in some remote part of Great Britain – with a taciturn widower (and motherless children) perhaps. The wilds of Scotland were particularly popular, from memory, with obligatory ceilidh, and a dramatic scene involving late night complicated birthing of lambs or maybe animals stranded during a flood.
Lust in the dust 🙂 I love this blog post and comments thread!
My Nanna subscribed to the English Womens Weekly for the knitting and crochet patterns… She’d collect several months worth, and then pass them on to another woman in the small country town that she lived in. The stash resided in the bedroom that I slept in when I went to stay with my grandparents during school holidays. At some point in late primary school I discovered (after reading everything else in the house – I guess it’s a common story?) that the magazines included serialised stories – M&B romances maybe? There’d be a couple of serials on the go in each issue. Part of the thrill of reading them was trawling through the magazines, tracking the particular story I was reading. The heroines were of the type you describe Anne, although instead of ending up in the outback, they’d usually find themselves on a farm in some remote part of Great Britain – with a taciturn widower (and motherless children) perhaps. The wilds of Scotland were particularly popular, from memory, with obligatory ceilidh, and a dramatic scene involving late night complicated birthing of lambs or maybe animals stranded during a flood.
Lust in the dust 🙂 I love this blog post and comments thread!
My Nanna subscribed to the English Womens Weekly for the knitting and crochet patterns… She’d collect several months worth, and then pass them on to another woman in the small country town that she lived in. The stash resided in the bedroom that I slept in when I went to stay with my grandparents during school holidays. At some point in late primary school I discovered (after reading everything else in the house – I guess it’s a common story?) that the magazines included serialised stories – M&B romances maybe? There’d be a couple of serials on the go in each issue. Part of the thrill of reading them was trawling through the magazines, tracking the particular story I was reading. The heroines were of the type you describe Anne, although instead of ending up in the outback, they’d usually find themselves on a farm in some remote part of Great Britain – with a taciturn widower (and motherless children) perhaps. The wilds of Scotland were particularly popular, from memory, with obligatory ceilidh, and a dramatic scene involving late night complicated birthing of lambs or maybe animals stranded during a flood.
And Essie Summers, who is Lucy Walker and Joyce Dingwell’s New Zealand counterpart…
And Essie Summers, who is Lucy Walker and Joyce Dingwell’s New Zealand counterpart…
And Essie Summers, who is Lucy Walker and Joyce Dingwell’s New Zealand counterpart…
And Essie Summers, who is Lucy Walker and Joyce Dingwell’s New Zealand counterpart…
And Essie Summers, who is Lucy Walker and Joyce Dingwell’s New Zealand counterpart…
I don’t remember her but I loved Essie Summers , I just devoured every book of hers I could find. I still look for her sometimes in the used book stores. She is the reason I went to New Zealand and Australia. Those old romances were wonderful! Thanks for sharing. Cheers, Heather
I don’t remember her but I loved Essie Summers , I just devoured every book of hers I could find. I still look for her sometimes in the used book stores. She is the reason I went to New Zealand and Australia. Those old romances were wonderful! Thanks for sharing. Cheers, Heather
I don’t remember her but I loved Essie Summers , I just devoured every book of hers I could find. I still look for her sometimes in the used book stores. She is the reason I went to New Zealand and Australia. Those old romances were wonderful! Thanks for sharing. Cheers, Heather
I don’t remember her but I loved Essie Summers , I just devoured every book of hers I could find. I still look for her sometimes in the used book stores. She is the reason I went to New Zealand and Australia. Those old romances were wonderful! Thanks for sharing. Cheers, Heather
I don’t remember her but I loved Essie Summers , I just devoured every book of hers I could find. I still look for her sometimes in the used book stores. She is the reason I went to New Zealand and Australia. Those old romances were wonderful! Thanks for sharing. Cheers, Heather
Oddly, it was my father who was the reader, not my mom, but he loved historical novels, so I had an early introduction to Margaret Campbell Barnes, Thomas B. Costain, and Frank Yerby’s The Golden Hawk. That last one definitely included a tempestuous romance. Oh, and Daphne DuMaurier’s Frenchman’s Creek. I didn’t discover romance as a separate genre until much later.
Oddly, it was my father who was the reader, not my mom, but he loved historical novels, so I had an early introduction to Margaret Campbell Barnes, Thomas B. Costain, and Frank Yerby’s The Golden Hawk. That last one definitely included a tempestuous romance. Oh, and Daphne DuMaurier’s Frenchman’s Creek. I didn’t discover romance as a separate genre until much later.
Oddly, it was my father who was the reader, not my mom, but he loved historical novels, so I had an early introduction to Margaret Campbell Barnes, Thomas B. Costain, and Frank Yerby’s The Golden Hawk. That last one definitely included a tempestuous romance. Oh, and Daphne DuMaurier’s Frenchman’s Creek. I didn’t discover romance as a separate genre until much later.
Oddly, it was my father who was the reader, not my mom, but he loved historical novels, so I had an early introduction to Margaret Campbell Barnes, Thomas B. Costain, and Frank Yerby’s The Golden Hawk. That last one definitely included a tempestuous romance. Oh, and Daphne DuMaurier’s Frenchman’s Creek. I didn’t discover romance as a separate genre until much later.
Oddly, it was my father who was the reader, not my mom, but he loved historical novels, so I had an early introduction to Margaret Campbell Barnes, Thomas B. Costain, and Frank Yerby’s The Golden Hawk. That last one definitely included a tempestuous romance. Oh, and Daphne DuMaurier’s Frenchman’s Creek. I didn’t discover romance as a separate genre until much later.
As a child, I read everything I could get my hands on. Even encyclopedia volumes when all else failed. Grace Livingston Hill, Faith Baldwin, Emilie Loring are all names I associate with romance. I considered most historical fiction very romantic and there was no such genre as “romance” in those days. I don’t think I ever ran across Lucy Walker though. After “ROMANCE” arrived, I think Johanna Lindsey was the first author I read.
As a child, I read everything I could get my hands on. Even encyclopedia volumes when all else failed. Grace Livingston Hill, Faith Baldwin, Emilie Loring are all names I associate with romance. I considered most historical fiction very romantic and there was no such genre as “romance” in those days. I don’t think I ever ran across Lucy Walker though. After “ROMANCE” arrived, I think Johanna Lindsey was the first author I read.
As a child, I read everything I could get my hands on. Even encyclopedia volumes when all else failed. Grace Livingston Hill, Faith Baldwin, Emilie Loring are all names I associate with romance. I considered most historical fiction very romantic and there was no such genre as “romance” in those days. I don’t think I ever ran across Lucy Walker though. After “ROMANCE” arrived, I think Johanna Lindsey was the first author I read.
As a child, I read everything I could get my hands on. Even encyclopedia volumes when all else failed. Grace Livingston Hill, Faith Baldwin, Emilie Loring are all names I associate with romance. I considered most historical fiction very romantic and there was no such genre as “romance” in those days. I don’t think I ever ran across Lucy Walker though. After “ROMANCE” arrived, I think Johanna Lindsey was the first author I read.
As a child, I read everything I could get my hands on. Even encyclopedia volumes when all else failed. Grace Livingston Hill, Faith Baldwin, Emilie Loring are all names I associate with romance. I considered most historical fiction very romantic and there was no such genre as “romance” in those days. I don’t think I ever ran across Lucy Walker though. After “ROMANCE” arrived, I think Johanna Lindsey was the first author I read.
I did read Lucy Walker but not as a child. I discovered her and Iris Bromidge in a local bookstore during my first years of teaching. I remember Walker’s heroes as mysterious men.
The first romance novels I read were my mother’s. Her response to my complaint of boredom the summer I turned ten was to point me to her bookshelves. That summer I read stacks of books by Emilie Loring and Grace Livingston Hill and continued with books by Faith Baldwin, Elizabeth Cadell, and D. E. Stevenson. I also first read Pride and Prejudice and Jane Eyre that summer. It was the beginning of a lifetime addiction to romance fiction.
I did read Lucy Walker but not as a child. I discovered her and Iris Bromidge in a local bookstore during my first years of teaching. I remember Walker’s heroes as mysterious men.
The first romance novels I read were my mother’s. Her response to my complaint of boredom the summer I turned ten was to point me to her bookshelves. That summer I read stacks of books by Emilie Loring and Grace Livingston Hill and continued with books by Faith Baldwin, Elizabeth Cadell, and D. E. Stevenson. I also first read Pride and Prejudice and Jane Eyre that summer. It was the beginning of a lifetime addiction to romance fiction.
I did read Lucy Walker but not as a child. I discovered her and Iris Bromidge in a local bookstore during my first years of teaching. I remember Walker’s heroes as mysterious men.
The first romance novels I read were my mother’s. Her response to my complaint of boredom the summer I turned ten was to point me to her bookshelves. That summer I read stacks of books by Emilie Loring and Grace Livingston Hill and continued with books by Faith Baldwin, Elizabeth Cadell, and D. E. Stevenson. I also first read Pride and Prejudice and Jane Eyre that summer. It was the beginning of a lifetime addiction to romance fiction.
I did read Lucy Walker but not as a child. I discovered her and Iris Bromidge in a local bookstore during my first years of teaching. I remember Walker’s heroes as mysterious men.
The first romance novels I read were my mother’s. Her response to my complaint of boredom the summer I turned ten was to point me to her bookshelves. That summer I read stacks of books by Emilie Loring and Grace Livingston Hill and continued with books by Faith Baldwin, Elizabeth Cadell, and D. E. Stevenson. I also first read Pride and Prejudice and Jane Eyre that summer. It was the beginning of a lifetime addiction to romance fiction.
I did read Lucy Walker but not as a child. I discovered her and Iris Bromidge in a local bookstore during my first years of teaching. I remember Walker’s heroes as mysterious men.
The first romance novels I read were my mother’s. Her response to my complaint of boredom the summer I turned ten was to point me to her bookshelves. That summer I read stacks of books by Emilie Loring and Grace Livingston Hill and continued with books by Faith Baldwin, Elizabeth Cadell, and D. E. Stevenson. I also first read Pride and Prejudice and Jane Eyre that summer. It was the beginning of a lifetime addiction to romance fiction.
Candlelight Regency, Signet, Fawcett made me what I am today. The only “romance” my mother read was Peyton Place, so I was on my own. After finding Georgette Heyer I grabbed everything that was close to being her. I shall drop some names: Grace Ingram (Red Adams Lady), Margaret Sebastian, Blanche Chenier (Return of the Swallows), Clare Darcy, Constance Gluyas (King’s Brat), Mira Stables, Kathleen Shoesmith, Constance Heaven,Sheila Holland, Maggie MacKeever, Margraet Eastville, Freda Michael, Claudette Williams, Eileen Jackson, Elsie Lee, Sheila Walsh and Dorothy Mack. Just a few that I still have.
Speaking of outback, I just love Candice Proctors historicals that she places in the Pacific islands. Night in Eden is one of my all time favorites. The hero’s entrance in the book is a great scene.
Candlelight Regency, Signet, Fawcett made me what I am today. The only “romance” my mother read was Peyton Place, so I was on my own. After finding Georgette Heyer I grabbed everything that was close to being her. I shall drop some names: Grace Ingram (Red Adams Lady), Margaret Sebastian, Blanche Chenier (Return of the Swallows), Clare Darcy, Constance Gluyas (King’s Brat), Mira Stables, Kathleen Shoesmith, Constance Heaven,Sheila Holland, Maggie MacKeever, Margraet Eastville, Freda Michael, Claudette Williams, Eileen Jackson, Elsie Lee, Sheila Walsh and Dorothy Mack. Just a few that I still have.
Speaking of outback, I just love Candice Proctors historicals that she places in the Pacific islands. Night in Eden is one of my all time favorites. The hero’s entrance in the book is a great scene.
Candlelight Regency, Signet, Fawcett made me what I am today. The only “romance” my mother read was Peyton Place, so I was on my own. After finding Georgette Heyer I grabbed everything that was close to being her. I shall drop some names: Grace Ingram (Red Adams Lady), Margaret Sebastian, Blanche Chenier (Return of the Swallows), Clare Darcy, Constance Gluyas (King’s Brat), Mira Stables, Kathleen Shoesmith, Constance Heaven,Sheila Holland, Maggie MacKeever, Margraet Eastville, Freda Michael, Claudette Williams, Eileen Jackson, Elsie Lee, Sheila Walsh and Dorothy Mack. Just a few that I still have.
Speaking of outback, I just love Candice Proctors historicals that she places in the Pacific islands. Night in Eden is one of my all time favorites. The hero’s entrance in the book is a great scene.
Candlelight Regency, Signet, Fawcett made me what I am today. The only “romance” my mother read was Peyton Place, so I was on my own. After finding Georgette Heyer I grabbed everything that was close to being her. I shall drop some names: Grace Ingram (Red Adams Lady), Margaret Sebastian, Blanche Chenier (Return of the Swallows), Clare Darcy, Constance Gluyas (King’s Brat), Mira Stables, Kathleen Shoesmith, Constance Heaven,Sheila Holland, Maggie MacKeever, Margraet Eastville, Freda Michael, Claudette Williams, Eileen Jackson, Elsie Lee, Sheila Walsh and Dorothy Mack. Just a few that I still have.
Speaking of outback, I just love Candice Proctors historicals that she places in the Pacific islands. Night in Eden is one of my all time favorites. The hero’s entrance in the book is a great scene.
Candlelight Regency, Signet, Fawcett made me what I am today. The only “romance” my mother read was Peyton Place, so I was on my own. After finding Georgette Heyer I grabbed everything that was close to being her. I shall drop some names: Grace Ingram (Red Adams Lady), Margaret Sebastian, Blanche Chenier (Return of the Swallows), Clare Darcy, Constance Gluyas (King’s Brat), Mira Stables, Kathleen Shoesmith, Constance Heaven,Sheila Holland, Maggie MacKeever, Margraet Eastville, Freda Michael, Claudette Williams, Eileen Jackson, Elsie Lee, Sheila Walsh and Dorothy Mack. Just a few that I still have.
Speaking of outback, I just love Candice Proctors historicals that she places in the Pacific islands. Night in Eden is one of my all time favorites. The hero’s entrance in the book is a great scene.
There's probably an app for that now, Carol. Or if not, there should be, so we can scan it with our phones and have a record.
There's probably an app for that now, Carol. Or if not, there should be, so we can scan it with our phones and have a record.
There's probably an app for that now, Carol. Or if not, there should be, so we can scan it with our phones and have a record.
There's probably an app for that now, Carol. Or if not, there should be, so we can scan it with our phones and have a record.
There's probably an app for that now, Carol. Or if not, there should be, so we can scan it with our phones and have a record.
Oh, Shannon, those stories ring a bell with me, too. A friend of mine's mother used to get the English Womens Weekly — pink cover weren't they? — and we used to read the stories in there, too. As well as the Lucy Walkers, my sister used to get New Idea magazine, which had serialized stories, too and that's where I first read Barbara Cartland. I wonder what today's kids will read of their mothers? Thanks for joining in the conversation.
Oh, Shannon, those stories ring a bell with me, too. A friend of mine's mother used to get the English Womens Weekly — pink cover weren't they? — and we used to read the stories in there, too. As well as the Lucy Walkers, my sister used to get New Idea magazine, which had serialized stories, too and that's where I first read Barbara Cartland. I wonder what today's kids will read of their mothers? Thanks for joining in the conversation.
Oh, Shannon, those stories ring a bell with me, too. A friend of mine's mother used to get the English Womens Weekly — pink cover weren't they? — and we used to read the stories in there, too. As well as the Lucy Walkers, my sister used to get New Idea magazine, which had serialized stories, too and that's where I first read Barbara Cartland. I wonder what today's kids will read of their mothers? Thanks for joining in the conversation.
Oh, Shannon, those stories ring a bell with me, too. A friend of mine's mother used to get the English Womens Weekly — pink cover weren't they? — and we used to read the stories in there, too. As well as the Lucy Walkers, my sister used to get New Idea magazine, which had serialized stories, too and that's where I first read Barbara Cartland. I wonder what today's kids will read of their mothers? Thanks for joining in the conversation.
Oh, Shannon, those stories ring a bell with me, too. A friend of mine's mother used to get the English Womens Weekly — pink cover weren't they? — and we used to read the stories in there, too. As well as the Lucy Walkers, my sister used to get New Idea magazine, which had serialized stories, too and that's where I first read Barbara Cartland. I wonder what today's kids will read of their mothers? Thanks for joining in the conversation.
Sharon, I never read Essie Summers until a few years ago, when people kept mentioning her, and when I did, yes, they were lovely and I could see why they were beloved, too.
And I've never read Joyce Dingwell. Wouldn't it be lovely if all these long ago authors were e-published so we could all catch up with them.
Sharon, I never read Essie Summers until a few years ago, when people kept mentioning her, and when I did, yes, they were lovely and I could see why they were beloved, too.
And I've never read Joyce Dingwell. Wouldn't it be lovely if all these long ago authors were e-published so we could all catch up with them.
Sharon, I never read Essie Summers until a few years ago, when people kept mentioning her, and when I did, yes, they were lovely and I could see why they were beloved, too.
And I've never read Joyce Dingwell. Wouldn't it be lovely if all these long ago authors were e-published so we could all catch up with them.
Sharon, I never read Essie Summers until a few years ago, when people kept mentioning her, and when I did, yes, they were lovely and I could see why they were beloved, too.
And I've never read Joyce Dingwell. Wouldn't it be lovely if all these long ago authors were e-published so we could all catch up with them.
Sharon, I never read Essie Summers until a few years ago, when people kept mentioning her, and when I did, yes, they were lovely and I could see why they were beloved, too.
And I've never read Joyce Dingwell. Wouldn't it be lovely if all these long ago authors were e-published so we could all catch up with them.
Thanks, Heather — so many people mention Essie Summers, there's got to be a market for "reprints" in e-form, surely.
Thanks, Heather — so many people mention Essie Summers, there's got to be a market for "reprints" in e-form, surely.
Thanks, Heather — so many people mention Essie Summers, there's got to be a market for "reprints" in e-form, surely.
Thanks, Heather — so many people mention Essie Summers, there's got to be a market for "reprints" in e-form, surely.
Thanks, Heather — so many people mention Essie Summers, there's got to be a market for "reprints" in e-form, surely.
Beverley, I never thought of Georgette Heyer as romance, but I did think of Lucy Walkers as romances. I read a few Grace Livingston Hill books from the library when I was a kid. And one of the first ever US romance writers I read, when I decided that's what I'd write, was Johanna Lindsay.
Beverley, I never thought of Georgette Heyer as romance, but I did think of Lucy Walkers as romances. I read a few Grace Livingston Hill books from the library when I was a kid. And one of the first ever US romance writers I read, when I decided that's what I'd write, was Johanna Lindsay.
Beverley, I never thought of Georgette Heyer as romance, but I did think of Lucy Walkers as romances. I read a few Grace Livingston Hill books from the library when I was a kid. And one of the first ever US romance writers I read, when I decided that's what I'd write, was Johanna Lindsay.
Beverley, I never thought of Georgette Heyer as romance, but I did think of Lucy Walkers as romances. I read a few Grace Livingston Hill books from the library when I was a kid. And one of the first ever US romance writers I read, when I decided that's what I'd write, was Johanna Lindsay.
Beverley, I never thought of Georgette Heyer as romance, but I did think of Lucy Walkers as romances. I read a few Grace Livingston Hill books from the library when I was a kid. And one of the first ever US romance writers I read, when I decided that's what I'd write, was Johanna Lindsay.
What a fabulous summer for you Janga. I also read Elizabeth Cadell, and D. E. Stevenson, and I remember coming across a stash of Cadells in a second-hand bookstore or bazaar and snapping them up for a few dollars.
And yes, Walker's heroes were always terribly strong silent and enigmatic — very much the mysterious man. Not quite my cuppa these days, but I think they live on in some forms of romance, so I guess for many women it's still a very appealing characteristic in a hero.
What a fabulous summer for you Janga. I also read Elizabeth Cadell, and D. E. Stevenson, and I remember coming across a stash of Cadells in a second-hand bookstore or bazaar and snapping them up for a few dollars.
And yes, Walker's heroes were always terribly strong silent and enigmatic — very much the mysterious man. Not quite my cuppa these days, but I think they live on in some forms of romance, so I guess for many women it's still a very appealing characteristic in a hero.
What a fabulous summer for you Janga. I also read Elizabeth Cadell, and D. E. Stevenson, and I remember coming across a stash of Cadells in a second-hand bookstore or bazaar and snapping them up for a few dollars.
And yes, Walker's heroes were always terribly strong silent and enigmatic — very much the mysterious man. Not quite my cuppa these days, but I think they live on in some forms of romance, so I guess for many women it's still a very appealing characteristic in a hero.
What a fabulous summer for you Janga. I also read Elizabeth Cadell, and D. E. Stevenson, and I remember coming across a stash of Cadells in a second-hand bookstore or bazaar and snapping them up for a few dollars.
And yes, Walker's heroes were always terribly strong silent and enigmatic — very much the mysterious man. Not quite my cuppa these days, but I think they live on in some forms of romance, so I guess for many women it's still a very appealing characteristic in a hero.
What a fabulous summer for you Janga. I also read Elizabeth Cadell, and D. E. Stevenson, and I remember coming across a stash of Cadells in a second-hand bookstore or bazaar and snapping them up for a few dollars.
And yes, Walker's heroes were always terribly strong silent and enigmatic — very much the mysterious man. Not quite my cuppa these days, but I think they live on in some forms of romance, so I guess for many women it's still a very appealing characteristic in a hero.
Kay, Thanks for those — the only name I recognized were Clare Darcy and Sheila Holland. Candice Proctor's historicals are fabulous, I agree. I could of friends introduced me to her a few years ago — they were shocked I hadn't read her. She was an American author who lived in Australia for a few years, and I guess the locations inspired her. She's since gone on to write historical mysteries as C.L Harris, and they're fabulous.
Kay, Thanks for those — the only name I recognized were Clare Darcy and Sheila Holland. Candice Proctor's historicals are fabulous, I agree. I could of friends introduced me to her a few years ago — they were shocked I hadn't read her. She was an American author who lived in Australia for a few years, and I guess the locations inspired her. She's since gone on to write historical mysteries as C.L Harris, and they're fabulous.
Kay, Thanks for those — the only name I recognized were Clare Darcy and Sheila Holland. Candice Proctor's historicals are fabulous, I agree. I could of friends introduced me to her a few years ago — they were shocked I hadn't read her. She was an American author who lived in Australia for a few years, and I guess the locations inspired her. She's since gone on to write historical mysteries as C.L Harris, and they're fabulous.
Kay, Thanks for those — the only name I recognized were Clare Darcy and Sheila Holland. Candice Proctor's historicals are fabulous, I agree. I could of friends introduced me to her a few years ago — they were shocked I hadn't read her. She was an American author who lived in Australia for a few years, and I guess the locations inspired her. She's since gone on to write historical mysteries as C.L Harris, and they're fabulous.
Kay, Thanks for those — the only name I recognized were Clare Darcy and Sheila Holland. Candice Proctor's historicals are fabulous, I agree. I could of friends introduced me to her a few years ago — they were shocked I hadn't read her. She was an American author who lived in Australia for a few years, and I guess the locations inspired her. She's since gone on to write historical mysteries as C.L Harris, and they're fabulous.
Kathleen Norris and Emilie Loring. Plus I loved the Claudia series. I fell in love with David, of course.
Kathleen Norris and Emilie Loring. Plus I loved the Claudia series. I fell in love with David, of course.
Kathleen Norris and Emilie Loring. Plus I loved the Claudia series. I fell in love with David, of course.
Kathleen Norris and Emilie Loring. Plus I loved the Claudia series. I fell in love with David, of course.
Kathleen Norris and Emilie Loring. Plus I loved the Claudia series. I fell in love with David, of course.
My memory may be failing, but if you can get your hands on Red Adams Lady and Return of the Swallows they are worth the read. They are older books, so the cadence of the words are different, but I think they are great examples of older romance books.
My memory may be failing, but if you can get your hands on Red Adams Lady and Return of the Swallows they are worth the read. They are older books, so the cadence of the words are different, but I think they are great examples of older romance books.
My memory may be failing, but if you can get your hands on Red Adams Lady and Return of the Swallows they are worth the read. They are older books, so the cadence of the words are different, but I think they are great examples of older romance books.
My memory may be failing, but if you can get your hands on Red Adams Lady and Return of the Swallows they are worth the read. They are older books, so the cadence of the words are different, but I think they are great examples of older romance books.
My memory may be failing, but if you can get your hands on Red Adams Lady and Return of the Swallows they are worth the read. They are older books, so the cadence of the words are different, but I think they are great examples of older romance books.
Lucy Walker was probably my first romance, and I fell in love with her books. My mother was strict about my reading, but Lucy Walker (and then Georgette Heyer) were allowed. My favourite is A Man Called Masters, which I borrowed about fifty thousand times from the school library, until my sister had mercy on me and bought me a copy for my birthday. I still have it. And some of Mum’s old Walkers. Treasure.
Lucy Walker was probably my first romance, and I fell in love with her books. My mother was strict about my reading, but Lucy Walker (and then Georgette Heyer) were allowed. My favourite is A Man Called Masters, which I borrowed about fifty thousand times from the school library, until my sister had mercy on me and bought me a copy for my birthday. I still have it. And some of Mum’s old Walkers. Treasure.
Lucy Walker was probably my first romance, and I fell in love with her books. My mother was strict about my reading, but Lucy Walker (and then Georgette Heyer) were allowed. My favourite is A Man Called Masters, which I borrowed about fifty thousand times from the school library, until my sister had mercy on me and bought me a copy for my birthday. I still have it. And some of Mum’s old Walkers. Treasure.
Lucy Walker was probably my first romance, and I fell in love with her books. My mother was strict about my reading, but Lucy Walker (and then Georgette Heyer) were allowed. My favourite is A Man Called Masters, which I borrowed about fifty thousand times from the school library, until my sister had mercy on me and bought me a copy for my birthday. I still have it. And some of Mum’s old Walkers. Treasure.
Lucy Walker was probably my first romance, and I fell in love with her books. My mother was strict about my reading, but Lucy Walker (and then Georgette Heyer) were allowed. My favourite is A Man Called Masters, which I borrowed about fifty thousand times from the school library, until my sister had mercy on me and bought me a copy for my birthday. I still have it. And some of Mum’s old Walkers. Treasure.
I started with my mother’s Roberta Gellis, Georgette Heyer and Lavyrle Spencer books. I dont think I ever read Lucy Walker.
Robin Greene
I started with my mother’s Roberta Gellis, Georgette Heyer and Lavyrle Spencer books. I dont think I ever read Lucy Walker.
Robin Greene
I started with my mother’s Roberta Gellis, Georgette Heyer and Lavyrle Spencer books. I dont think I ever read Lucy Walker.
Robin Greene
I started with my mother’s Roberta Gellis, Georgette Heyer and Lavyrle Spencer books. I dont think I ever read Lucy Walker.
Robin Greene
I started with my mother’s Roberta Gellis, Georgette Heyer and Lavyrle Spencer books. I dont think I ever read Lucy Walker.
Robin Greene
I loved Lucy Walker, although I was in my 20s in the 60s when I started reading her. I think she fueled my wish to visit Australia (unfortunately, when I did I didn’t meet the “Man on the big, black horse”).
My mother read a ton a Avalon nurse stories and lots of Grace Livingston Hill and Emily Loring which did NOT make me want to read Romance novels. I did get some Anya Seaton (Katherine being the favorite) and Georgette Heyer from being a page at the library.
I loved Lucy Walker, although I was in my 20s in the 60s when I started reading her. I think she fueled my wish to visit Australia (unfortunately, when I did I didn’t meet the “Man on the big, black horse”).
My mother read a ton a Avalon nurse stories and lots of Grace Livingston Hill and Emily Loring which did NOT make me want to read Romance novels. I did get some Anya Seaton (Katherine being the favorite) and Georgette Heyer from being a page at the library.
I loved Lucy Walker, although I was in my 20s in the 60s when I started reading her. I think she fueled my wish to visit Australia (unfortunately, when I did I didn’t meet the “Man on the big, black horse”).
My mother read a ton a Avalon nurse stories and lots of Grace Livingston Hill and Emily Loring which did NOT make me want to read Romance novels. I did get some Anya Seaton (Katherine being the favorite) and Georgette Heyer from being a page at the library.
I loved Lucy Walker, although I was in my 20s in the 60s when I started reading her. I think she fueled my wish to visit Australia (unfortunately, when I did I didn’t meet the “Man on the big, black horse”).
My mother read a ton a Avalon nurse stories and lots of Grace Livingston Hill and Emily Loring which did NOT make me want to read Romance novels. I did get some Anya Seaton (Katherine being the favorite) and Georgette Heyer from being a page at the library.
I loved Lucy Walker, although I was in my 20s in the 60s when I started reading her. I think she fueled my wish to visit Australia (unfortunately, when I did I didn’t meet the “Man on the big, black horse”).
My mother read a ton a Avalon nurse stories and lots of Grace Livingston Hill and Emily Loring which did NOT make me want to read Romance novels. I did get some Anya Seaton (Katherine being the favorite) and Georgette Heyer from being a page at the library.
The first romances I read were Christian literature by Jeanette Oke, and I started those early, when I was about 10 years old. By 14 I had graduated to Barbara Cartland, with my mom’s approval and knowledge. About that same time I was sneaking g away her Kathleen Woodweiss (I’m not sure that was spelled correctly) and reading them without her knowledge. When she discovered what I was doing she insisted that she pre-read my romantic literature to make sure “the love scenes were nice”. Almost 30 years later I’m still not so sure what she meant by “nice” as it didn’t seem to have anything to do with how graphic the stories were!
I suspect the girls today are reading the word wenches books amongst others when they are sneaking books off their mother’s shelves.
The first romances I read were Christian literature by Jeanette Oke, and I started those early, when I was about 10 years old. By 14 I had graduated to Barbara Cartland, with my mom’s approval and knowledge. About that same time I was sneaking g away her Kathleen Woodweiss (I’m not sure that was spelled correctly) and reading them without her knowledge. When she discovered what I was doing she insisted that she pre-read my romantic literature to make sure “the love scenes were nice”. Almost 30 years later I’m still not so sure what she meant by “nice” as it didn’t seem to have anything to do with how graphic the stories were!
I suspect the girls today are reading the word wenches books amongst others when they are sneaking books off their mother’s shelves.
The first romances I read were Christian literature by Jeanette Oke, and I started those early, when I was about 10 years old. By 14 I had graduated to Barbara Cartland, with my mom’s approval and knowledge. About that same time I was sneaking g away her Kathleen Woodweiss (I’m not sure that was spelled correctly) and reading them without her knowledge. When she discovered what I was doing she insisted that she pre-read my romantic literature to make sure “the love scenes were nice”. Almost 30 years later I’m still not so sure what she meant by “nice” as it didn’t seem to have anything to do with how graphic the stories were!
I suspect the girls today are reading the word wenches books amongst others when they are sneaking books off their mother’s shelves.
The first romances I read were Christian literature by Jeanette Oke, and I started those early, when I was about 10 years old. By 14 I had graduated to Barbara Cartland, with my mom’s approval and knowledge. About that same time I was sneaking g away her Kathleen Woodweiss (I’m not sure that was spelled correctly) and reading them without her knowledge. When she discovered what I was doing she insisted that she pre-read my romantic literature to make sure “the love scenes were nice”. Almost 30 years later I’m still not so sure what she meant by “nice” as it didn’t seem to have anything to do with how graphic the stories were!
I suspect the girls today are reading the word wenches books amongst others when they are sneaking books off their mother’s shelves.
The first romances I read were Christian literature by Jeanette Oke, and I started those early, when I was about 10 years old. By 14 I had graduated to Barbara Cartland, with my mom’s approval and knowledge. About that same time I was sneaking g away her Kathleen Woodweiss (I’m not sure that was spelled correctly) and reading them without her knowledge. When she discovered what I was doing she insisted that she pre-read my romantic literature to make sure “the love scenes were nice”. Almost 30 years later I’m still not so sure what she meant by “nice” as it didn’t seem to have anything to do with how graphic the stories were!
I suspect the girls today are reading the word wenches books amongst others when they are sneaking books off their mother’s shelves.
Oh yes…Lucy Walker! At one time I had every one of them but eventually did a purge. I think I kept 10 or 12. The Moonshiner has always been one of my favorites and I for sure kept it. I really enjoyed reading them all again 30 years later before I purged the shelves.
I think I first found a Lucy Walker at a used bookstore in the early 70’s. Either down in Florida when I stayed at my Grandma’s or when I was in graduate school.
Kay listed lots of my “most favorite” older romance authors. Currently I’ve been working on finding all the D.E. Stevenson’s that I’ve never read.
Victoria Holt…oh yes. Elswyth Thane – I read those in high school. For Christmas I got the last one in the Williamsburg series…
I do find it interesting how I’m making a point of going back and acquiring books by certain authors that I first read 30 to 40 years ago. Either from the library, my mom had, I borrowed…
Oh yes…Lucy Walker! At one time I had every one of them but eventually did a purge. I think I kept 10 or 12. The Moonshiner has always been one of my favorites and I for sure kept it. I really enjoyed reading them all again 30 years later before I purged the shelves.
I think I first found a Lucy Walker at a used bookstore in the early 70’s. Either down in Florida when I stayed at my Grandma’s or when I was in graduate school.
Kay listed lots of my “most favorite” older romance authors. Currently I’ve been working on finding all the D.E. Stevenson’s that I’ve never read.
Victoria Holt…oh yes. Elswyth Thane – I read those in high school. For Christmas I got the last one in the Williamsburg series…
I do find it interesting how I’m making a point of going back and acquiring books by certain authors that I first read 30 to 40 years ago. Either from the library, my mom had, I borrowed…
Oh yes…Lucy Walker! At one time I had every one of them but eventually did a purge. I think I kept 10 or 12. The Moonshiner has always been one of my favorites and I for sure kept it. I really enjoyed reading them all again 30 years later before I purged the shelves.
I think I first found a Lucy Walker at a used bookstore in the early 70’s. Either down in Florida when I stayed at my Grandma’s or when I was in graduate school.
Kay listed lots of my “most favorite” older romance authors. Currently I’ve been working on finding all the D.E. Stevenson’s that I’ve never read.
Victoria Holt…oh yes. Elswyth Thane – I read those in high school. For Christmas I got the last one in the Williamsburg series…
I do find it interesting how I’m making a point of going back and acquiring books by certain authors that I first read 30 to 40 years ago. Either from the library, my mom had, I borrowed…
Oh yes…Lucy Walker! At one time I had every one of them but eventually did a purge. I think I kept 10 or 12. The Moonshiner has always been one of my favorites and I for sure kept it. I really enjoyed reading them all again 30 years later before I purged the shelves.
I think I first found a Lucy Walker at a used bookstore in the early 70’s. Either down in Florida when I stayed at my Grandma’s or when I was in graduate school.
Kay listed lots of my “most favorite” older romance authors. Currently I’ve been working on finding all the D.E. Stevenson’s that I’ve never read.
Victoria Holt…oh yes. Elswyth Thane – I read those in high school. For Christmas I got the last one in the Williamsburg series…
I do find it interesting how I’m making a point of going back and acquiring books by certain authors that I first read 30 to 40 years ago. Either from the library, my mom had, I borrowed…
Oh yes…Lucy Walker! At one time I had every one of them but eventually did a purge. I think I kept 10 or 12. The Moonshiner has always been one of my favorites and I for sure kept it. I really enjoyed reading them all again 30 years later before I purged the shelves.
I think I first found a Lucy Walker at a used bookstore in the early 70’s. Either down in Florida when I stayed at my Grandma’s or when I was in graduate school.
Kay listed lots of my “most favorite” older romance authors. Currently I’ve been working on finding all the D.E. Stevenson’s that I’ve never read.
Victoria Holt…oh yes. Elswyth Thane – I read those in high school. For Christmas I got the last one in the Williamsburg series…
I do find it interesting how I’m making a point of going back and acquiring books by certain authors that I first read 30 to 40 years ago. Either from the library, my mom had, I borrowed…
As a young teenager I read whatever was available in Icelandic translation, so I cut my romance-reading teeth on an international cast of writers. I found the first books on my mother’s bookshelves and when I had depleted those I turned to the library and also borrowed books from friends.
It was either Victoria Holt or Mary Stewart who got me hooked on romantic suspense and I read both avidly. Then I added Phyllis Whitney, followed by Danish author Ib H. Cavling, Swedish author Sigge Stark and various other American, British, Scandinavian, French and German authors whose books were translated into Icelandic. There was also one Icelandic romance author I liked, but I didn’t discover her until later.
Barbara Cartland’s books were being translated into Icelandic at the time, but I never liked them much, and the only Danielle Steel book I remember liking was The Promise.
I also remember reading The Sheik by E.M. Hull and liking it, but in hindsight I don’t think I was mature enough to read it because it took me years to realise about the rape and Stockholm syndrome.
I didn’t start reading romances in English until I was in my thirties. At the time I hadn’t touched a romance novel in something like 15 years. I haven’t gone back (much) to reread the romances I liked as a teenager, except for one Cartland from which I remembered such crazy details that I had to reread it. It turned out to be every bit as outlandish as I remembered.
As a young teenager I read whatever was available in Icelandic translation, so I cut my romance-reading teeth on an international cast of writers. I found the first books on my mother’s bookshelves and when I had depleted those I turned to the library and also borrowed books from friends.
It was either Victoria Holt or Mary Stewart who got me hooked on romantic suspense and I read both avidly. Then I added Phyllis Whitney, followed by Danish author Ib H. Cavling, Swedish author Sigge Stark and various other American, British, Scandinavian, French and German authors whose books were translated into Icelandic. There was also one Icelandic romance author I liked, but I didn’t discover her until later.
Barbara Cartland’s books were being translated into Icelandic at the time, but I never liked them much, and the only Danielle Steel book I remember liking was The Promise.
I also remember reading The Sheik by E.M. Hull and liking it, but in hindsight I don’t think I was mature enough to read it because it took me years to realise about the rape and Stockholm syndrome.
I didn’t start reading romances in English until I was in my thirties. At the time I hadn’t touched a romance novel in something like 15 years. I haven’t gone back (much) to reread the romances I liked as a teenager, except for one Cartland from which I remembered such crazy details that I had to reread it. It turned out to be every bit as outlandish as I remembered.
As a young teenager I read whatever was available in Icelandic translation, so I cut my romance-reading teeth on an international cast of writers. I found the first books on my mother’s bookshelves and when I had depleted those I turned to the library and also borrowed books from friends.
It was either Victoria Holt or Mary Stewart who got me hooked on romantic suspense and I read both avidly. Then I added Phyllis Whitney, followed by Danish author Ib H. Cavling, Swedish author Sigge Stark and various other American, British, Scandinavian, French and German authors whose books were translated into Icelandic. There was also one Icelandic romance author I liked, but I didn’t discover her until later.
Barbara Cartland’s books were being translated into Icelandic at the time, but I never liked them much, and the only Danielle Steel book I remember liking was The Promise.
I also remember reading The Sheik by E.M. Hull and liking it, but in hindsight I don’t think I was mature enough to read it because it took me years to realise about the rape and Stockholm syndrome.
I didn’t start reading romances in English until I was in my thirties. At the time I hadn’t touched a romance novel in something like 15 years. I haven’t gone back (much) to reread the romances I liked as a teenager, except for one Cartland from which I remembered such crazy details that I had to reread it. It turned out to be every bit as outlandish as I remembered.
As a young teenager I read whatever was available in Icelandic translation, so I cut my romance-reading teeth on an international cast of writers. I found the first books on my mother’s bookshelves and when I had depleted those I turned to the library and also borrowed books from friends.
It was either Victoria Holt or Mary Stewart who got me hooked on romantic suspense and I read both avidly. Then I added Phyllis Whitney, followed by Danish author Ib H. Cavling, Swedish author Sigge Stark and various other American, British, Scandinavian, French and German authors whose books were translated into Icelandic. There was also one Icelandic romance author I liked, but I didn’t discover her until later.
Barbara Cartland’s books were being translated into Icelandic at the time, but I never liked them much, and the only Danielle Steel book I remember liking was The Promise.
I also remember reading The Sheik by E.M. Hull and liking it, but in hindsight I don’t think I was mature enough to read it because it took me years to realise about the rape and Stockholm syndrome.
I didn’t start reading romances in English until I was in my thirties. At the time I hadn’t touched a romance novel in something like 15 years. I haven’t gone back (much) to reread the romances I liked as a teenager, except for one Cartland from which I remembered such crazy details that I had to reread it. It turned out to be every bit as outlandish as I remembered.
As a young teenager I read whatever was available in Icelandic translation, so I cut my romance-reading teeth on an international cast of writers. I found the first books on my mother’s bookshelves and when I had depleted those I turned to the library and also borrowed books from friends.
It was either Victoria Holt or Mary Stewart who got me hooked on romantic suspense and I read both avidly. Then I added Phyllis Whitney, followed by Danish author Ib H. Cavling, Swedish author Sigge Stark and various other American, British, Scandinavian, French and German authors whose books were translated into Icelandic. There was also one Icelandic romance author I liked, but I didn’t discover her until later.
Barbara Cartland’s books were being translated into Icelandic at the time, but I never liked them much, and the only Danielle Steel book I remember liking was The Promise.
I also remember reading The Sheik by E.M. Hull and liking it, but in hindsight I don’t think I was mature enough to read it because it took me years to realise about the rape and Stockholm syndrome.
I didn’t start reading romances in English until I was in my thirties. At the time I hadn’t touched a romance novel in something like 15 years. I haven’t gone back (much) to reread the romances I liked as a teenager, except for one Cartland from which I remembered such crazy details that I had to reread it. It turned out to be every bit as outlandish as I remembered.
I sued to read Lucy Walker books serialised in my mother’s Woman’s Weekly in England. Those serials were my introduction to romance, and the ones set in Australia were my favourite.
I sued to read Lucy Walker books serialised in my mother’s Woman’s Weekly in England. Those serials were my introduction to romance, and the ones set in Australia were my favourite.
I sued to read Lucy Walker books serialised in my mother’s Woman’s Weekly in England. Those serials were my introduction to romance, and the ones set in Australia were my favourite.
I sued to read Lucy Walker books serialised in my mother’s Woman’s Weekly in England. Those serials were my introduction to romance, and the ones set in Australia were my favourite.
I sued to read Lucy Walker books serialised in my mother’s Woman’s Weekly in England. Those serials were my introduction to romance, and the ones set in Australia were my favourite.
I don’t rememebr anyine in the family having books to read. However, my older sister is 3 years older than I and she took me to the Adult library with her. I hid in the G_H section and read as many of the books that were within my reach. Later I read Lucy Walker, Essie Summers, Joyce Dingwell, Margaret Way– I liked those tales of Australia and New Zealand-much more than I did those of Sheiks. The countries were far away and exotic but I could relate to Aussies and New Zealanders better than to Arabs and Greeks. I read everything Mills and Boon put out that I could get my hands on. When we lived inBerlin WGermany I loved going across to the UK forces sector where I splurged at the book store. They had some wonderful authors who weren’t yet published in the USA.
I don’t rememebr anyine in the family having books to read. However, my older sister is 3 years older than I and she took me to the Adult library with her. I hid in the G_H section and read as many of the books that were within my reach. Later I read Lucy Walker, Essie Summers, Joyce Dingwell, Margaret Way– I liked those tales of Australia and New Zealand-much more than I did those of Sheiks. The countries were far away and exotic but I could relate to Aussies and New Zealanders better than to Arabs and Greeks. I read everything Mills and Boon put out that I could get my hands on. When we lived inBerlin WGermany I loved going across to the UK forces sector where I splurged at the book store. They had some wonderful authors who weren’t yet published in the USA.
I don’t rememebr anyine in the family having books to read. However, my older sister is 3 years older than I and she took me to the Adult library with her. I hid in the G_H section and read as many of the books that were within my reach. Later I read Lucy Walker, Essie Summers, Joyce Dingwell, Margaret Way– I liked those tales of Australia and New Zealand-much more than I did those of Sheiks. The countries were far away and exotic but I could relate to Aussies and New Zealanders better than to Arabs and Greeks. I read everything Mills and Boon put out that I could get my hands on. When we lived inBerlin WGermany I loved going across to the UK forces sector where I splurged at the book store. They had some wonderful authors who weren’t yet published in the USA.
I don’t rememebr anyine in the family having books to read. However, my older sister is 3 years older than I and she took me to the Adult library with her. I hid in the G_H section and read as many of the books that were within my reach. Later I read Lucy Walker, Essie Summers, Joyce Dingwell, Margaret Way– I liked those tales of Australia and New Zealand-much more than I did those of Sheiks. The countries were far away and exotic but I could relate to Aussies and New Zealanders better than to Arabs and Greeks. I read everything Mills and Boon put out that I could get my hands on. When we lived inBerlin WGermany I loved going across to the UK forces sector where I splurged at the book store. They had some wonderful authors who weren’t yet published in the USA.
I don’t rememebr anyine in the family having books to read. However, my older sister is 3 years older than I and she took me to the Adult library with her. I hid in the G_H section and read as many of the books that were within my reach. Later I read Lucy Walker, Essie Summers, Joyce Dingwell, Margaret Way– I liked those tales of Australia and New Zealand-much more than I did those of Sheiks. The countries were far away and exotic but I could relate to Aussies and New Zealanders better than to Arabs and Greeks. I read everything Mills and Boon put out that I could get my hands on. When we lived inBerlin WGermany I loved going across to the UK forces sector where I splurged at the book store. They had some wonderful authors who weren’t yet published in the USA.
I did read Lucy Walker. I began reading her and other Harlequn authors. I still have some of those books that I re-read. Authors like Betty Neels and Lucy Gillen. Later I read Margaret Way. I love her books set in Australia. Your post makes me want to pull those books about again.
I did read Lucy Walker. I began reading her and other Harlequn authors. I still have some of those books that I re-read. Authors like Betty Neels and Lucy Gillen. Later I read Margaret Way. I love her books set in Australia. Your post makes me want to pull those books about again.
I did read Lucy Walker. I began reading her and other Harlequn authors. I still have some of those books that I re-read. Authors like Betty Neels and Lucy Gillen. Later I read Margaret Way. I love her books set in Australia. Your post makes me want to pull those books about again.
I did read Lucy Walker. I began reading her and other Harlequn authors. I still have some of those books that I re-read. Authors like Betty Neels and Lucy Gillen. Later I read Margaret Way. I love her books set in Australia. Your post makes me want to pull those books about again.
I did read Lucy Walker. I began reading her and other Harlequn authors. I still have some of those books that I re-read. Authors like Betty Neels and Lucy Gillen. Later I read Margaret Way. I love her books set in Australia. Your post makes me want to pull those books about again.
I had never heard of Lucy Walker; I’ll have to see if I can find her.
You asked if I read my mother’s books — not very many, because our tastes were so very different. On the other hand, my two daughters raided my library all the time. We still share affection for several of the authors names, especially Georgette Heyer, Mary Stewart, Elsie Lee, and Phyllis Whitney.
I had never heard of Lucy Walker; I’ll have to see if I can find her.
You asked if I read my mother’s books — not very many, because our tastes were so very different. On the other hand, my two daughters raided my library all the time. We still share affection for several of the authors names, especially Georgette Heyer, Mary Stewart, Elsie Lee, and Phyllis Whitney.
I had never heard of Lucy Walker; I’ll have to see if I can find her.
You asked if I read my mother’s books — not very many, because our tastes were so very different. On the other hand, my two daughters raided my library all the time. We still share affection for several of the authors names, especially Georgette Heyer, Mary Stewart, Elsie Lee, and Phyllis Whitney.
I had never heard of Lucy Walker; I’ll have to see if I can find her.
You asked if I read my mother’s books — not very many, because our tastes were so very different. On the other hand, my two daughters raided my library all the time. We still share affection for several of the authors names, especially Georgette Heyer, Mary Stewart, Elsie Lee, and Phyllis Whitney.
I had never heard of Lucy Walker; I’ll have to see if I can find her.
You asked if I read my mother’s books — not very many, because our tastes were so very different. On the other hand, my two daughters raided my library all the time. We still share affection for several of the authors names, especially Georgette Heyer, Mary Stewart, Elsie Lee, and Phyllis Whitney.
Lucy Walker was the reason I was desperate to go and work on an Australian cattle station … I used to borrow her books from the library van in the English village where I grew up, and the settings were so different to what I was used to that I found them incredibly romantic. The scene I remember most vividly was one where hero and heroine are driving along a dusty track, and she falls asleep against his shoulder. When she wakes up she presses a kiss to his throat, at which point he slams on the brakes … I was convinced the book was A Man Called Masters, but when I ordered it (at great expense!) from the internet a few years ago, I couldn’t find anything resembling this scene – SO disappointing!
Your post has made me remember the smell of the library van and the strange light inside. My favourite authors then were Mary Stewart, Lucy Walker, Lucilla Andrews (medical romances) and a historical romance writer called Pamela Bennett (haven’t thought of her in years!) Ah, those were the days …!
Lucy Walker was the reason I was desperate to go and work on an Australian cattle station … I used to borrow her books from the library van in the English village where I grew up, and the settings were so different to what I was used to that I found them incredibly romantic. The scene I remember most vividly was one where hero and heroine are driving along a dusty track, and she falls asleep against his shoulder. When she wakes up she presses a kiss to his throat, at which point he slams on the brakes … I was convinced the book was A Man Called Masters, but when I ordered it (at great expense!) from the internet a few years ago, I couldn’t find anything resembling this scene – SO disappointing!
Your post has made me remember the smell of the library van and the strange light inside. My favourite authors then were Mary Stewart, Lucy Walker, Lucilla Andrews (medical romances) and a historical romance writer called Pamela Bennett (haven’t thought of her in years!) Ah, those were the days …!
Lucy Walker was the reason I was desperate to go and work on an Australian cattle station … I used to borrow her books from the library van in the English village where I grew up, and the settings were so different to what I was used to that I found them incredibly romantic. The scene I remember most vividly was one where hero and heroine are driving along a dusty track, and she falls asleep against his shoulder. When she wakes up she presses a kiss to his throat, at which point he slams on the brakes … I was convinced the book was A Man Called Masters, but when I ordered it (at great expense!) from the internet a few years ago, I couldn’t find anything resembling this scene – SO disappointing!
Your post has made me remember the smell of the library van and the strange light inside. My favourite authors then were Mary Stewart, Lucy Walker, Lucilla Andrews (medical romances) and a historical romance writer called Pamela Bennett (haven’t thought of her in years!) Ah, those were the days …!
Lucy Walker was the reason I was desperate to go and work on an Australian cattle station … I used to borrow her books from the library van in the English village where I grew up, and the settings were so different to what I was used to that I found them incredibly romantic. The scene I remember most vividly was one where hero and heroine are driving along a dusty track, and she falls asleep against his shoulder. When she wakes up she presses a kiss to his throat, at which point he slams on the brakes … I was convinced the book was A Man Called Masters, but when I ordered it (at great expense!) from the internet a few years ago, I couldn’t find anything resembling this scene – SO disappointing!
Your post has made me remember the smell of the library van and the strange light inside. My favourite authors then were Mary Stewart, Lucy Walker, Lucilla Andrews (medical romances) and a historical romance writer called Pamela Bennett (haven’t thought of her in years!) Ah, those were the days …!
Lucy Walker was the reason I was desperate to go and work on an Australian cattle station … I used to borrow her books from the library van in the English village where I grew up, and the settings were so different to what I was used to that I found them incredibly romantic. The scene I remember most vividly was one where hero and heroine are driving along a dusty track, and she falls asleep against his shoulder. When she wakes up she presses a kiss to his throat, at which point he slams on the brakes … I was convinced the book was A Man Called Masters, but when I ordered it (at great expense!) from the internet a few years ago, I couldn’t find anything resembling this scene – SO disappointing!
Your post has made me remember the smell of the library van and the strange light inside. My favourite authors then were Mary Stewart, Lucy Walker, Lucilla Andrews (medical romances) and a historical romance writer called Pamela Bennett (haven’t thought of her in years!) Ah, those were the days …!
The serials in my mums Womans Weekly were probably my first introduction to Romance. I loved Lucy Walker and Essie Summers and until recently still had several of their books.Even when I went on to reading historicals I still devoured a heap of romances each month ! They were just the right length for the train journey back and forth to college !
The serials in my mums Womans Weekly were probably my first introduction to Romance. I loved Lucy Walker and Essie Summers and until recently still had several of their books.Even when I went on to reading historicals I still devoured a heap of romances each month ! They were just the right length for the train journey back and forth to college !
The serials in my mums Womans Weekly were probably my first introduction to Romance. I loved Lucy Walker and Essie Summers and until recently still had several of their books.Even when I went on to reading historicals I still devoured a heap of romances each month ! They were just the right length for the train journey back and forth to college !
The serials in my mums Womans Weekly were probably my first introduction to Romance. I loved Lucy Walker and Essie Summers and until recently still had several of their books.Even when I went on to reading historicals I still devoured a heap of romances each month ! They were just the right length for the train journey back and forth to college !
The serials in my mums Womans Weekly were probably my first introduction to Romance. I loved Lucy Walker and Essie Summers and until recently still had several of their books.Even when I went on to reading historicals I still devoured a heap of romances each month ! They were just the right length for the train journey back and forth to college !
It’s a wonderful experience to discover a “new” old author. I just read another Helen Tucker this weekend (A Mistress to the Regent) which was wonderful fun, and had some nice characterization bits.
In case anyone’s wondering, our heroine can’t bring herself to go through with it — Prinny is repellent 🙂
It’s a wonderful experience to discover a “new” old author. I just read another Helen Tucker this weekend (A Mistress to the Regent) which was wonderful fun, and had some nice characterization bits.
In case anyone’s wondering, our heroine can’t bring herself to go through with it — Prinny is repellent 🙂
It’s a wonderful experience to discover a “new” old author. I just read another Helen Tucker this weekend (A Mistress to the Regent) which was wonderful fun, and had some nice characterization bits.
In case anyone’s wondering, our heroine can’t bring herself to go through with it — Prinny is repellent 🙂
It’s a wonderful experience to discover a “new” old author. I just read another Helen Tucker this weekend (A Mistress to the Regent) which was wonderful fun, and had some nice characterization bits.
In case anyone’s wondering, our heroine can’t bring herself to go through with it — Prinny is repellent 🙂
It’s a wonderful experience to discover a “new” old author. I just read another Helen Tucker this weekend (A Mistress to the Regent) which was wonderful fun, and had some nice characterization bits.
In case anyone’s wondering, our heroine can’t bring herself to go through with it — Prinny is repellent 🙂
Hey Pamela,
The book you are thinking of is The River is Down. I knew instantly which story it was in but had to go look to find the right book to get the correct title for you.
Vicki
Hey Pamela,
The book you are thinking of is The River is Down. I knew instantly which story it was in but had to go look to find the right book to get the correct title for you.
Vicki
Hey Pamela,
The book you are thinking of is The River is Down. I knew instantly which story it was in but had to go look to find the right book to get the correct title for you.
Vicki
Hey Pamela,
The book you are thinking of is The River is Down. I knew instantly which story it was in but had to go look to find the right book to get the correct title for you.
Vicki
Hey Pamela,
The book you are thinking of is The River is Down. I knew instantly which story it was in but had to go look to find the right book to get the correct title for you.
Vicki
Thanks, Kathy. My father gave me a copy of Frank Yerby's The Yearling when I was about 12 I think — it was one of his favorite books.
Thanks, Kathy. My father gave me a copy of Frank Yerby's The Yearling when I was about 12 I think — it was one of his favorite books.
Thanks, Kathy. My father gave me a copy of Frank Yerby's The Yearling when I was about 12 I think — it was one of his favorite books.
Thanks, Kathy. My father gave me a copy of Frank Yerby's The Yearling when I was about 12 I think — it was one of his favorite books.
Thanks, Kathy. My father gave me a copy of Frank Yerby's The Yearling when I was about 12 I think — it was one of his favorite books.
Never heard of the Claudia series, Gram. Thanks for adding to the conversation.
Never heard of the Claudia series, Gram. Thanks for adding to the conversation.
Never heard of the Claudia series, Gram. Thanks for adding to the conversation.
Never heard of the Claudia series, Gram. Thanks for adding to the conversation.
Never heard of the Claudia series, Gram. Thanks for adding to the conversation.
Thanks, Kay — I wish they were available in e-books. I saw a mass market paperback of Red Adams Lady for around $90!
Thanks, Kay — I wish they were available in e-books. I saw a mass market paperback of Red Adams Lady for around $90!
Thanks, Kay — I wish they were available in e-books. I saw a mass market paperback of Red Adams Lady for around $90!
Thanks, Kay — I wish they were available in e-books. I saw a mass market paperback of Red Adams Lady for around $90!
Thanks, Kay — I wish they were available in e-books. I saw a mass market paperback of Red Adams Lady for around $90!
They are indeed treasures, Malvina. And there was a mystique about her settings that I think the current crop of rural romance writers don't quite achieve. Is it because the world has changed and the glamour and the isolation of the outback life has decreased, or is it the storytelling? I don't know.
They are indeed treasures, Malvina. And there was a mystique about her settings that I think the current crop of rural romance writers don't quite achieve. Is it because the world has changed and the glamour and the isolation of the outback life has decreased, or is it the storytelling? I don't know.
They are indeed treasures, Malvina. And there was a mystique about her settings that I think the current crop of rural romance writers don't quite achieve. Is it because the world has changed and the glamour and the isolation of the outback life has decreased, or is it the storytelling? I don't know.
They are indeed treasures, Malvina. And there was a mystique about her settings that I think the current crop of rural romance writers don't quite achieve. Is it because the world has changed and the glamour and the isolation of the outback life has decreased, or is it the storytelling? I don't know.
They are indeed treasures, Malvina. And there was a mystique about her settings that I think the current crop of rural romance writers don't quite achieve. Is it because the world has changed and the glamour and the isolation of the outback life has decreased, or is it the storytelling? I don't know.
Robin, I'd never even heard of Roberta Gellis until a few years ago. But when I came to romance (after deciding that it was what I wanted to write, LaVyrle was one of the first I glommed. Love her books.
Robin, I'd never even heard of Roberta Gellis until a few years ago. But when I came to romance (after deciding that it was what I wanted to write, LaVyrle was one of the first I glommed. Love her books.
Robin, I'd never even heard of Roberta Gellis until a few years ago. But when I came to romance (after deciding that it was what I wanted to write, LaVyrle was one of the first I glommed. Love her books.
Robin, I'd never even heard of Roberta Gellis until a few years ago. But when I came to romance (after deciding that it was what I wanted to write, LaVyrle was one of the first I glommed. Love her books.
Robin, I'd never even heard of Roberta Gellis until a few years ago. But when I came to romance (after deciding that it was what I wanted to write, LaVyrle was one of the first I glommed. Love her books.
Donna Jo, I must apologize on behalf of Australia for not providing you with the Man on the big black horse — most remiss of us! *g* But I'm glad your library didn't let you down.
Donna Jo, I must apologize on behalf of Australia for not providing you with the Man on the big black horse — most remiss of us! *g* But I'm glad your library didn't let you down.
Donna Jo, I must apologize on behalf of Australia for not providing you with the Man on the big black horse — most remiss of us! *g* But I'm glad your library didn't let you down.
Donna Jo, I must apologize on behalf of Australia for not providing you with the Man on the big black horse — most remiss of us! *g* But I'm glad your library didn't let you down.
Donna Jo, I must apologize on behalf of Australia for not providing you with the Man on the big black horse — most remiss of us! *g* But I'm glad your library didn't let you down.
"—she insisted that she pre-read my romantic literature to make sure "the love scenes were nice". Almost 30 years later I'm still not so sure what she meant by "nice" as it didn't seem to have anything to do with how graphic the stories were!"
Maybe she was making sure you didn't get frightened by the descriptions of sex. Some I've read were quite nasty — in the 80's there was a fad for scenes which were (IMO) rape masquerading as love — and would be very off-putting to a young girl, I'm sure.
"—she insisted that she pre-read my romantic literature to make sure "the love scenes were nice". Almost 30 years later I'm still not so sure what she meant by "nice" as it didn't seem to have anything to do with how graphic the stories were!"
Maybe she was making sure you didn't get frightened by the descriptions of sex. Some I've read were quite nasty — in the 80's there was a fad for scenes which were (IMO) rape masquerading as love — and would be very off-putting to a young girl, I'm sure.
"—she insisted that she pre-read my romantic literature to make sure "the love scenes were nice". Almost 30 years later I'm still not so sure what she meant by "nice" as it didn't seem to have anything to do with how graphic the stories were!"
Maybe she was making sure you didn't get frightened by the descriptions of sex. Some I've read were quite nasty — in the 80's there was a fad for scenes which were (IMO) rape masquerading as love — and would be very off-putting to a young girl, I'm sure.
"—she insisted that she pre-read my romantic literature to make sure "the love scenes were nice". Almost 30 years later I'm still not so sure what she meant by "nice" as it didn't seem to have anything to do with how graphic the stories were!"
Maybe she was making sure you didn't get frightened by the descriptions of sex. Some I've read were quite nasty — in the 80's there was a fad for scenes which were (IMO) rape masquerading as love — and would be very off-putting to a young girl, I'm sure.
"—she insisted that she pre-read my romantic literature to make sure "the love scenes were nice". Almost 30 years later I'm still not so sure what she meant by "nice" as it didn't seem to have anything to do with how graphic the stories were!"
Maybe she was making sure you didn't get frightened by the descriptions of sex. Some I've read were quite nasty — in the 80's there was a fad for scenes which were (IMO) rape masquerading as love — and would be very off-putting to a young girl, I'm sure.
"I do find it interesting how I'm making a point of going back and acquiring books by certain authors that I first read 30 to 40 years ago. Either from the library, my mom had, I borrowed…"
I've been doing that a bit myself, Vicki. It refreshes me, I think — reminding me of why I fell in love with this genre in the first place.
"I do find it interesting how I'm making a point of going back and acquiring books by certain authors that I first read 30 to 40 years ago. Either from the library, my mom had, I borrowed…"
I've been doing that a bit myself, Vicki. It refreshes me, I think — reminding me of why I fell in love with this genre in the first place.
"I do find it interesting how I'm making a point of going back and acquiring books by certain authors that I first read 30 to 40 years ago. Either from the library, my mom had, I borrowed…"
I've been doing that a bit myself, Vicki. It refreshes me, I think — reminding me of why I fell in love with this genre in the first place.
"I do find it interesting how I'm making a point of going back and acquiring books by certain authors that I first read 30 to 40 years ago. Either from the library, my mom had, I borrowed…"
I've been doing that a bit myself, Vicki. It refreshes me, I think — reminding me of why I fell in love with this genre in the first place.
"I do find it interesting how I'm making a point of going back and acquiring books by certain authors that I first read 30 to 40 years ago. Either from the library, my mom had, I borrowed…"
I've been doing that a bit myself, Vicki. It refreshes me, I think — reminding me of why I fell in love with this genre in the first place.
What a wonderful variety of authors and books you read. From what I know of Iceland, its people have a very broad global understanding. When I published my one-and-only contemporary romance, I was invited to join a US authors' loop, all authors published in the same line, and I was the only non-north-american in the group — until a new author was acquired — an Icelandic woman. She was a wonderful writer, too and I was especially impressed as she was writing in English.
What a wonderful variety of authors and books you read. From what I know of Iceland, its people have a very broad global understanding. When I published my one-and-only contemporary romance, I was invited to join a US authors' loop, all authors published in the same line, and I was the only non-north-american in the group — until a new author was acquired — an Icelandic woman. She was a wonderful writer, too and I was especially impressed as she was writing in English.
What a wonderful variety of authors and books you read. From what I know of Iceland, its people have a very broad global understanding. When I published my one-and-only contemporary romance, I was invited to join a US authors' loop, all authors published in the same line, and I was the only non-north-american in the group — until a new author was acquired — an Icelandic woman. She was a wonderful writer, too and I was especially impressed as she was writing in English.
What a wonderful variety of authors and books you read. From what I know of Iceland, its people have a very broad global understanding. When I published my one-and-only contemporary romance, I was invited to join a US authors' loop, all authors published in the same line, and I was the only non-north-american in the group — until a new author was acquired — an Icelandic woman. She was a wonderful writer, too and I was especially impressed as she was writing in English.
What a wonderful variety of authors and books you read. From what I know of Iceland, its people have a very broad global understanding. When I published my one-and-only contemporary romance, I was invited to join a US authors' loop, all authors published in the same line, and I was the only non-north-american in the group — until a new author was acquired — an Icelandic woman. She was a wonderful writer, too and I was especially impressed as she was writing in English.
Thanks, Helena — it's a pity magazines don't serialise novels any more, I think.
Thanks, Helena — it's a pity magazines don't serialise novels any more, I think.
Thanks, Helena — it's a pity magazines don't serialise novels any more, I think.
Thanks, Helena — it's a pity magazines don't serialise novels any more, I think.
Thanks, Helena — it's a pity magazines don't serialise novels any more, I think.
Nancy, lovely story about you discovering so many wonderful authors in a library. I love libraries and thing they should be supported by all people for just this reason—they can change people's lives for the better.
Nancy, lovely story about you discovering so many wonderful authors in a library. I love libraries and thing they should be supported by all people for just this reason—they can change people's lives for the better.
Nancy, lovely story about you discovering so many wonderful authors in a library. I love libraries and thing they should be supported by all people for just this reason—they can change people's lives for the better.
Nancy, lovely story about you discovering so many wonderful authors in a library. I love libraries and thing they should be supported by all people for just this reason—they can change people's lives for the better.
Nancy, lovely story about you discovering so many wonderful authors in a library. I love libraries and thing they should be supported by all people for just this reason—they can change people's lives for the better.
Rosemary, the books arriving from my oldest sister produced the same impulse in me.
Rosemary, the books arriving from my oldest sister produced the same impulse in me.
Rosemary, the books arriving from my oldest sister produced the same impulse in me.
Rosemary, the books arriving from my oldest sister produced the same impulse in me.
Rosemary, the books arriving from my oldest sister produced the same impulse in me.
Sue, it's lovely that you can share your reading with your daughters. Mum and I bonded over Georgette Heyer. I'd be reading something and chuckling away, and mum would say, "which bit is that?" and I'd read it to her and then we'd both be laughing again.
Sue, it's lovely that you can share your reading with your daughters. Mum and I bonded over Georgette Heyer. I'd be reading something and chuckling away, and mum would say, "which bit is that?" and I'd read it to her and then we'd both be laughing again.
Sue, it's lovely that you can share your reading with your daughters. Mum and I bonded over Georgette Heyer. I'd be reading something and chuckling away, and mum would say, "which bit is that?" and I'd read it to her and then we'd both be laughing again.
Sue, it's lovely that you can share your reading with your daughters. Mum and I bonded over Georgette Heyer. I'd be reading something and chuckling away, and mum would say, "which bit is that?" and I'd read it to her and then we'd both be laughing again.
Sue, it's lovely that you can share your reading with your daughters. Mum and I bonded over Georgette Heyer. I'd be reading something and chuckling away, and mum would say, "which bit is that?" and I'd read it to her and then we'd both be laughing again.
Wonderful Pam — I knew you'd come over from England and worked on outback shearing stations etc, but never realized Lucy Walker was the inspiration. The Lucy Walker books my sister sent me are now housed in my spare room.
Wonderful Pam — I knew you'd come over from England and worked on outback shearing stations etc, but never realized Lucy Walker was the inspiration. The Lucy Walker books my sister sent me are now housed in my spare room.
Wonderful Pam — I knew you'd come over from England and worked on outback shearing stations etc, but never realized Lucy Walker was the inspiration. The Lucy Walker books my sister sent me are now housed in my spare room.
Wonderful Pam — I knew you'd come over from England and worked on outback shearing stations etc, but never realized Lucy Walker was the inspiration. The Lucy Walker books my sister sent me are now housed in my spare room.
Wonderful Pam — I knew you'd come over from England and worked on outback shearing stations etc, but never realized Lucy Walker was the inspiration. The Lucy Walker books my sister sent me are now housed in my spare room.
The more people mention those serials, the sadder I am that they don't do that any more. Though I suppose people read on trains via their phone of ipad or kindle or whatever. But the magazine serieals used to introduce people to new writers.
The more people mention those serials, the sadder I am that they don't do that any more. Though I suppose people read on trains via their phone of ipad or kindle or whatever. But the magazine serieals used to introduce people to new writers.
The more people mention those serials, the sadder I am that they don't do that any more. Though I suppose people read on trains via their phone of ipad or kindle or whatever. But the magazine serieals used to introduce people to new writers.
The more people mention those serials, the sadder I am that they don't do that any more. Though I suppose people read on trains via their phone of ipad or kindle or whatever. But the magazine serieals used to introduce people to new writers.
The more people mention those serials, the sadder I am that they don't do that any more. Though I suppose people read on trains via their phone of ipad or kindle or whatever. But the magazine serieals used to introduce people to new writers.
Sounds like a lot of fun, Janice. There's a real treasury of good old books out there. Eventually someone is going to realize that some books don't date in a bad way and should go onto e-books. Give them a new lease of life.
Sounds like a lot of fun, Janice. There's a real treasury of good old books out there. Eventually someone is going to realize that some books don't date in a bad way and should go onto e-books. Give them a new lease of life.
Sounds like a lot of fun, Janice. There's a real treasury of good old books out there. Eventually someone is going to realize that some books don't date in a bad way and should go onto e-books. Give them a new lease of life.
Sounds like a lot of fun, Janice. There's a real treasury of good old books out there. Eventually someone is going to realize that some books don't date in a bad way and should go onto e-books. Give them a new lease of life.
Sounds like a lot of fun, Janice. There's a real treasury of good old books out there. Eventually someone is going to realize that some books don't date in a bad way and should go onto e-books. Give them a new lease of life.
Thanks so much, Vicki — I emailed Pam to let her know, just in case she missed this. Pamela Hartshorne is an honorary WordWench.
Thanks so much, Vicki — I emailed Pam to let her know, just in case she missed this. Pamela Hartshorne is an honorary WordWench.
Thanks so much, Vicki — I emailed Pam to let her know, just in case she missed this. Pamela Hartshorne is an honorary WordWench.
Thanks so much, Vicki — I emailed Pam to let her know, just in case she missed this. Pamela Hartshorne is an honorary WordWench.
Thanks so much, Vicki — I emailed Pam to let her know, just in case she missed this. Pamela Hartshorne is an honorary WordWench.
I love Lavyrle’s early books, The Gamble and Morning Glory especially.
I love Lavyrle’s early books, The Gamble and Morning Glory especially.
I love Lavyrle’s early books, The Gamble and Morning Glory especially.
I love Lavyrle’s early books, The Gamble and Morning Glory especially.
I love Lavyrle’s early books, The Gamble and Morning Glory especially.
Yes, they're two of my favorites, too, Robin.
Yes, they're two of my favorites, too, Robin.
Yes, they're two of my favorites, too, Robin.
Yes, they're two of my favorites, too, Robin.
Yes, they're two of my favorites, too, Robin.
My first romance books were Georgette Heyer, Victoria Holt/ Jean Plaidy. I read my mother’s”Anne of Green Gables”, but they are only ones I remember sharing with her then. Now she enjoys sharing the romance writers I have discovered as an adult – Stephanie Laurens, Eloisa James, Julia Quinn, Mary Balogh amongst others.
At first I felt a bit awkward sharing some of the books that had steamy scenes! However, in most, these scenes augment the well written and constructed storyline.
My first romance books were Georgette Heyer, Victoria Holt/ Jean Plaidy. I read my mother’s”Anne of Green Gables”, but they are only ones I remember sharing with her then. Now she enjoys sharing the romance writers I have discovered as an adult – Stephanie Laurens, Eloisa James, Julia Quinn, Mary Balogh amongst others.
At first I felt a bit awkward sharing some of the books that had steamy scenes! However, in most, these scenes augment the well written and constructed storyline.
My first romance books were Georgette Heyer, Victoria Holt/ Jean Plaidy. I read my mother’s”Anne of Green Gables”, but they are only ones I remember sharing with her then. Now she enjoys sharing the romance writers I have discovered as an adult – Stephanie Laurens, Eloisa James, Julia Quinn, Mary Balogh amongst others.
At first I felt a bit awkward sharing some of the books that had steamy scenes! However, in most, these scenes augment the well written and constructed storyline.
My first romance books were Georgette Heyer, Victoria Holt/ Jean Plaidy. I read my mother’s”Anne of Green Gables”, but they are only ones I remember sharing with her then. Now she enjoys sharing the romance writers I have discovered as an adult – Stephanie Laurens, Eloisa James, Julia Quinn, Mary Balogh amongst others.
At first I felt a bit awkward sharing some of the books that had steamy scenes! However, in most, these scenes augment the well written and constructed storyline.
My first romance books were Georgette Heyer, Victoria Holt/ Jean Plaidy. I read my mother’s”Anne of Green Gables”, but they are only ones I remember sharing with her then. Now she enjoys sharing the romance writers I have discovered as an adult – Stephanie Laurens, Eloisa James, Julia Quinn, Mary Balogh amongst others.
At first I felt a bit awkward sharing some of the books that had steamy scenes! However, in most, these scenes augment the well written and constructed storyline.
Ps. I’m Australian and can’t believe that I never discovered Lucy Walker!
Ps. I’m Australian and can’t believe that I never discovered Lucy Walker!
Ps. I’m Australian and can’t believe that I never discovered Lucy Walker!
Ps. I’m Australian and can’t believe that I never discovered Lucy Walker!
Ps. I’m Australian and can’t believe that I never discovered Lucy Walker!
Wow, thank you, Vicki! How amazing that you recognised it from that tiny snippet! I’ve just looked it up on Amazon … £20 for a copy so I might just keep my memory rather than be disappointed. I wish they’d rerelease all Lucy’s books as ebooks – what a nostalgic time we could all have then!
Wow, thank you, Vicki! How amazing that you recognised it from that tiny snippet! I’ve just looked it up on Amazon … £20 for a copy so I might just keep my memory rather than be disappointed. I wish they’d rerelease all Lucy’s books as ebooks – what a nostalgic time we could all have then!
Wow, thank you, Vicki! How amazing that you recognised it from that tiny snippet! I’ve just looked it up on Amazon … £20 for a copy so I might just keep my memory rather than be disappointed. I wish they’d rerelease all Lucy’s books as ebooks – what a nostalgic time we could all have then!
Wow, thank you, Vicki! How amazing that you recognised it from that tiny snippet! I’ve just looked it up on Amazon … £20 for a copy so I might just keep my memory rather than be disappointed. I wish they’d rerelease all Lucy’s books as ebooks – what a nostalgic time we could all have then!
Wow, thank you, Vicki! How amazing that you recognised it from that tiny snippet! I’ve just looked it up on Amazon … £20 for a copy so I might just keep my memory rather than be disappointed. I wish they’d rerelease all Lucy’s books as ebooks – what a nostalgic time we could all have then!
Thanks so much for telling me that Vicki had identified the book, Anne – another tiny little piece of the past has now fallen into place!
Thanks so much for telling me that Vicki had identified the book, Anne – another tiny little piece of the past has now fallen into place!
Thanks so much for telling me that Vicki had identified the book, Anne – another tiny little piece of the past has now fallen into place!
Thanks so much for telling me that Vicki had identified the book, Anne – another tiny little piece of the past has now fallen into place!
Thanks so much for telling me that Vicki had identified the book, Anne – another tiny little piece of the past has now fallen into place!
I loved and still have some second hand copies acquired many years ago of Lucy Walker and recently wanted to re-read Mary Stewart and found some copies also. But loved the outback settings and real Australian flavour of Lucy Walker’s novels- thanks for this post, it was a joy to read.
I loved and still have some second hand copies acquired many years ago of Lucy Walker and recently wanted to re-read Mary Stewart and found some copies also. But loved the outback settings and real Australian flavour of Lucy Walker’s novels- thanks for this post, it was a joy to read.
I loved and still have some second hand copies acquired many years ago of Lucy Walker and recently wanted to re-read Mary Stewart and found some copies also. But loved the outback settings and real Australian flavour of Lucy Walker’s novels- thanks for this post, it was a joy to read.
I loved and still have some second hand copies acquired many years ago of Lucy Walker and recently wanted to re-read Mary Stewart and found some copies also. But loved the outback settings and real Australian flavour of Lucy Walker’s novels- thanks for this post, it was a joy to read.
I loved and still have some second hand copies acquired many years ago of Lucy Walker and recently wanted to re-read Mary Stewart and found some copies also. But loved the outback settings and real Australian flavour of Lucy Walker’s novels- thanks for this post, it was a joy to read.
Thanks, Lorraine — I had a big reread of my Mary Stewarts last year, and was delighted to find there are new editions of her work available, as some of mine were falling apart. These Lucy Walker books are in much the same condition, but I'm planning on a big reread as well.
Thanks, Lorraine — I had a big reread of my Mary Stewarts last year, and was delighted to find there are new editions of her work available, as some of mine were falling apart. These Lucy Walker books are in much the same condition, but I'm planning on a big reread as well.
Thanks, Lorraine — I had a big reread of my Mary Stewarts last year, and was delighted to find there are new editions of her work available, as some of mine were falling apart. These Lucy Walker books are in much the same condition, but I'm planning on a big reread as well.
Thanks, Lorraine — I had a big reread of my Mary Stewarts last year, and was delighted to find there are new editions of her work available, as some of mine were falling apart. These Lucy Walker books are in much the same condition, but I'm planning on a big reread as well.
Thanks, Lorraine — I had a big reread of my Mary Stewarts last year, and was delighted to find there are new editions of her work available, as some of mine were falling apart. These Lucy Walker books are in much the same condition, but I'm planning on a big reread as well.
Carolyn, it's lovely that you can share your reading with your mother — and I like your choices, too. As for not knowing about Lucy Walker — it's an era thing, I think — if I didn't have an older sister who was a good ten years older than I am, and a big Lucy Walker fan– and if I hadn't been posted north in the holidays and had run out of books to read, I probably would never have read Lucy Walker either. None of my friends from that time have heard of her either.
Carolyn, it's lovely that you can share your reading with your mother — and I like your choices, too. As for not knowing about Lucy Walker — it's an era thing, I think — if I didn't have an older sister who was a good ten years older than I am, and a big Lucy Walker fan– and if I hadn't been posted north in the holidays and had run out of books to read, I probably would never have read Lucy Walker either. None of my friends from that time have heard of her either.
Carolyn, it's lovely that you can share your reading with your mother — and I like your choices, too. As for not knowing about Lucy Walker — it's an era thing, I think — if I didn't have an older sister who was a good ten years older than I am, and a big Lucy Walker fan– and if I hadn't been posted north in the holidays and had run out of books to read, I probably would never have read Lucy Walker either. None of my friends from that time have heard of her either.
Carolyn, it's lovely that you can share your reading with your mother — and I like your choices, too. As for not knowing about Lucy Walker — it's an era thing, I think — if I didn't have an older sister who was a good ten years older than I am, and a big Lucy Walker fan– and if I hadn't been posted north in the holidays and had run out of books to read, I probably would never have read Lucy Walker either. None of my friends from that time have heard of her either.
Carolyn, it's lovely that you can share your reading with your mother — and I like your choices, too. As for not knowing about Lucy Walker — it's an era thing, I think — if I didn't have an older sister who was a good ten years older than I am, and a big Lucy Walker fan– and if I hadn't been posted north in the holidays and had run out of books to read, I probably would never have read Lucy Walker either. None of my friends from that time have heard of her either.
LOL about the gum leaf tips! Yes, pale green had occurred to me. *G* I’ve heard of Lucy Walker but never read her, but it sounds like she understood the heart of romance, and had that ability to take readers to a new new and exciting place. I hope you enjoy the re-reads.
LOL about the gum leaf tips! Yes, pale green had occurred to me. *G* I’ve heard of Lucy Walker but never read her, but it sounds like she understood the heart of romance, and had that ability to take readers to a new new and exciting place. I hope you enjoy the re-reads.
LOL about the gum leaf tips! Yes, pale green had occurred to me. *G* I’ve heard of Lucy Walker but never read her, but it sounds like she understood the heart of romance, and had that ability to take readers to a new new and exciting place. I hope you enjoy the re-reads.
LOL about the gum leaf tips! Yes, pale green had occurred to me. *G* I’ve heard of Lucy Walker but never read her, but it sounds like she understood the heart of romance, and had that ability to take readers to a new new and exciting place. I hope you enjoy the re-reads.
LOL about the gum leaf tips! Yes, pale green had occurred to me. *G* I’ve heard of Lucy Walker but never read her, but it sounds like she understood the heart of romance, and had that ability to take readers to a new new and exciting place. I hope you enjoy the re-reads.
Thanks, Mary Jo. Yes the heroine with pale green hair — not a good look. LOL
Thanks, Mary Jo. Yes the heroine with pale green hair — not a good look. LOL
Thanks, Mary Jo. Yes the heroine with pale green hair — not a good look. LOL
Thanks, Mary Jo. Yes the heroine with pale green hair — not a good look. LOL
Thanks, Mary Jo. Yes the heroine with pale green hair — not a good look. LOL
Kathleen Norris and Emilie Loring, but not in my teen years. My Mom read lots, but I can’t remember what she read. I read always. I read GWTW as a teen, and Frank Yerby.
Kathleen Norris and Emilie Loring, but not in my teen years. My Mom read lots, but I can’t remember what she read. I read always. I read GWTW as a teen, and Frank Yerby.
Kathleen Norris and Emilie Loring, but not in my teen years. My Mom read lots, but I can’t remember what she read. I read always. I read GWTW as a teen, and Frank Yerby.
Kathleen Norris and Emilie Loring, but not in my teen years. My Mom read lots, but I can’t remember what she read. I read always. I read GWTW as a teen, and Frank Yerby.
Kathleen Norris and Emilie Loring, but not in my teen years. My Mom read lots, but I can’t remember what she read. I read always. I read GWTW as a teen, and Frank Yerby.