August 2020 Discussion About Reading GH's Regencies in Order!

[Carol She's So Novel꧁꧂]

Teresa wrote: "Whoohoo!! Can't wait to get back to them. Need a lift. My little dog has just been given a life sentence and I'm devastated. I need something to keep me going."

So sorry Teresa. :(

[Teresa]

The Black Moth is the first one I ever read. Wasn't over keen on it at the time but so glad I persevered. I do like it now.

[Teresa]

Thank you Carol. My poor little guy. I'm so devastated over it. He's such a loyal old slob and it's all happened so quickly. I'll be lost without my walking companion.

[Abigail]

Thank you! I was going into GH withdrawal.

[Jackie]

Teresa wrote: "Whoohoo!! Can't wait to get back to them. Need a lift. My little dog has just been given a life sentence and I'm devastated. I need something to keep me going."

I'm sorry, Teresa

[Jackie]

Critterbee❇ wrote: "I am looking forward to finishing the year with three of my favorites!"

now that I think of it, the last 2 are two of my among favorites and the first I haven't read in a long time!

[Moloch]

Teresa wrote: "Whoohoo!! Can't wait to get back to them. Need a lift. My little dog has just been given a life sentence and I'm devastated. I need something to keep me going."

Sorry for your little friend, Teresa

[Karlyne]

Teresa wrote: "Whoohoo!! Can't wait to get back to them. Need a lift. My little dog has just been given a life sentence and I'm devastated. I need something to keep me going."

It's so hard to say good-bye!!!

[Susan in Perthshire]

Teresa wrote: "Thank you Carol. My poor little guy. I'm so devastated over it. He's such a loyal old slob and it's all happened so quickly. I'll be lost without my walking companion."


So sorry to hear this Teresa - they are such loyal companions and so much part of the family. sending hugs to you and to him as well.

[Susan in Perthshire]

It is years, (and I mean decades) since I read The Black Moth so this should be fun. I am so looking forward to TOS and DC - two of my top favourites!

[Critterbee❇]

Teresa wrote: "Whoohoo!! Can't wait to get back to them. Need a lift. My little dog has just been given a life sentence and I'm devastated. I need something to keep me going."

Such sad news, Teresa, I am so sorry,

[Abigail]

Sending you and your kind creature all love and support, Teresa. It's so hard to see a beloved animal suffer, and to say good-bye too soon.

[Susan in NC]

Teresa wrote: "Whoohoo!! Can't wait to get back to them. Need a lift. My little dog has just been given a life sentence and I'm devastated. I need something to keep me going."

Teresa, I am so sorry - our dogs worm their way into our hearts and every day lives with their unconditional love - They become family. I’ve been there, I feel your pain!

[Susan in NC]

Carol She's So Novel꧁꧂ wrote: "The first GH I ever read + my two favourites! *grins from ear to ear!*

I'll send a block message out later to make sure the change reaches everyone."

Carol, truly lovely idea, I think 2020 has been rather grim For everyone, and I fear that will continue right through the end of the year, so this will be a welcome treat! I’ve only read all three books once, looking forward greatly to rereading them all!

[Carol She's So Novel꧁꧂]

I'm so pleased that everyone is happy with the change!

I do have one more thought that came to me with reading these (mostly) beloved books in order.

My least favourite of GH's Regencies are the final three she wrote. Other than Charity Girl, the other two are still streets ahead of any other Regency I've read (although technically Cousin Kate is Regency Gothic)

I do wonder if GH's reputation would stand higher if one of her best (Black Sheep) had been her final published work.

[Teresa]

I would have to agree because Black Sheep is one of my absolute favorites!!!

[Moloch]

Isn't she already considered a model and a paragon in this particular (sub)genre?

[Carol She's So Novel꧁꧂]

Moloch wrote: "Isn't she already considered a model and a paragon in this particular (sub)genre?"

Indeed! GH created the genre.

But I can remember the excitement of the final three coming out, my Dad buying them in hardback & the disappointment each of them was as a read! Because GH was such a private person, I don't think anyone outside of her inner circle knew that her health was declining.

I feel the same about Agatha Christie - I like very few of her later books.

[Susan in NC]

Teresa wrote: "I would have to agree because Black Sheep is one of my absolute favorites!!!"

Same here, it is a favorite of mine, as well. Good point, Carol, I’ve read a lot of performers, athletes, worry about hanging on too long, not exiting public life “on top” and becoming an object of pathos - or worse, not attracting attention any more at all! It might have been kinder for her if she had been able to go out with the high note of Black Sheep. Sadly, her work ethic, fear of being broke drove her on, I think.

As for Christie, I can’t say as I haven’t read her last books in years! I’m rereading the Poirot Mysteries with the Reading the Detectives group, and I probably read many of them decades ago, but don’t remember much. I’m finding some of the later ones interesting, as she seems to use Ariadne Oliver, occasional sidekick to Poirot, as a way To vent her frustrations on the writing process, publishing, having a star detective you can’t change/dispose of, etc. Also, she gently pokes a bit of fun at Poirot’s affectations and need for formal clothing, physical comforts, gourmet food, etc.

[Sheila (in LA)]

I have never even read some of Agatha Christie's last books: Postern of Fate and Elephants Can Remember, and maybe a couple others--and I have read most of her books several times. But I don't feel her reputation suffered too much from those few weak books late in her career. I suspect the same is true of Heyer.

[Brian]

Oh! Nice! Thought I’d missed the Black Moth. :D

Also hello! My first post in the group

[Carol She's So Novel꧁꧂]

Persephone wrote: "Oh! Nice! Thought I’d missed the Black Moth. :D

Also hello! My first post in the group"

Welcome Persephone!

Hope you enjoy reading the Black Moth! Have you found the discussion threads? :)

[Susan in Perthshire]

Welcome Persephone - enjoy!

[Jackie]

hello & welcome to Persephone!

[Susan in NC]

Hi, Persephone, welcome and enjoy!