MEMBER INTRODUCTIONS

[Gaile, co-librarian]

You did better research than me then!

[Emery, GROUP FOUNDER]

Cursing women of the 18th century? What a fun topic to chime in on! Check this one out ladies:
(from the GEorgian Index: http://www.georgianindex.net/Prinny/p...)

"She (Lady Letitia Lade) was described as being of scandalous reputation and notorious for her foul language...before Sir John made her his second wife, she was the mistress of highwayman Jack Rann, "Sixteen-string Jack," who had been hanged at Tyburn. She was not at all genteel, and despite the Prince's pointed public attentions to her to try to make her acceptable to Society, she remained beyond the pale. For one thing, she swore like a sailor, and even the Prince said, when he heard anyone curse luridly, "he swears like Lady Lade."

Here's a link to her portrait:
http://www.abcgallery.com/S/stubbs/st...

[Terry (Ter05 TwiMoms/ MundieMoms)]

Hi, just joined today. I love historical fiction and romance is pretty much necessary. I also love fantasy and read YA as well as adult. I LOVE the Outlander books and have read them all twice and am particularly drawn to books about Scotland. Also love books around the time of Arthur and am a huge Juliet Marillier fan. I look forward to some suggestions from this group.

[Emery, GROUP FOUNDER]

Hi Terry-
Pleae be sure to visit our group book shelf. We have a great collection started. Each book was nominated by a member so you can read their review as well. Enjoy!

[Michelle]

Goodness i have been here a couple of months and haven't introduced myself!Forgive my manners,i must have misplaced them somewhere!I'm Michelle,i turn 41 on the 28 of this month(gasp!pushing toward 50),have two children(one who has autism,he's 18)and a 15 yr old daughter who LOVES to read as much as i do!It's because of her and goodreads that i don't feel like a freak of nature due to my reading habbit.
My favorite genre is romance,all types except erotica.Wanting to delve into more historical fiction of late and i guess this is a great place to do so.I love Jane Austen,Charles Dickens,Charlotte Bronte and alot of modern day romance writers Julia Quinn being at the top at the moment.Anyway sorry intro so long. Looking forward to discussions and meeting new people who share my love of reading!

[Emery, GROUP FOUNDER]

Welcome Michelle! Please take some time to check out the books on our group shelf. Lots of great authors and romantic stories with well-researched history.
We look forward to hearing your recommendations as well.

[Lori]

Hello, I'm Lori and new to the group. Now bear with me when I share a guilty secret: I rarely look at the group shelves of the groups I join. I enjoy reading the posts from others and try to gauge how my interests intersect with others. Doesn't anyone else have a feeling of "Oh, this person likes the same books & authors that I do" only to be brought up short when you come upon a stinker of someone's fave that you had detested! Oh I hope it isn't only me! Now onto the main subject of listing a title that crosses the gap of historical to romance. I read almost everything but draw the line at most erotica & sci-fi. My best and favorite books are always historical fiction and there are way too many favorites to list but I'll go with one that most won't think of: War and Remembrance by Herman Wouk. This was the 2nd in the series which started with The Winds of War which was almost as good as W & R. Now most will ask: What romance, what history? I think that it was loaded with both. The history is only as far back as World War 2 but that seems like history to most people now. And the details on the war were so outstanding. OK-someone say that they've read it and see if you agree with my idea?

[Emery, GROUP FOUNDER]

Hi Lori-

I have not read either bookcover:The Winds of War|21484]The Winds of Waror War and Remembrance but following your nomination, did look at the reviews. Although these titles are strongly historical, there certainly appears to be sufficient romance in the story to include on our 20th century shelf. Thank you so much for bringing these to our attention.

[[deleted user]]

The Herman Wouk books were very good - great choice for the shelf!

[Emery, GROUP FOUNDER]

Thanks for the second on the nomination, Megan!

[Gaile, co-librarian]

I read those Winds Of War long ago. Both books were really GREAT!

[[deleted user]]

Hi everyone,
I'm Anne Whitfield, an author of Victorian/Edwardian women's fiction, plus the odd contemporary. This looks to be my kind of group, as I straddle between the two genres of historical fiction and historical romance.
Thanks.

[Nancy]

Hi there -

I'm Nancy Berman, a freelance writer and avid fan of historical novels both romantic and otherwise. I found this group through a list of links provided by Laurel Ann Nattress. I look forward to perusing the bookshelf. (And if I recall, "Winds of War" was fantastic!)

[Emery, GROUP FOUNDER]

Welcome Anne!
Please feel free to list a link to your website and/or books. This section is dedicated to promoting works that cross the HF and HR genres.

[Beth]

Hello :) My name is Beth, and I am somewhat of a newcomer to the genre. I've always been an avid reader, but have only lately begun to read historical fiction, romantic or otherwise. I am enjoying my exploration of the group, however, and am picking up lots of recommendations for books to read. As a novice to the genre, what titles are a "must-read"?

Thanks for the awesome group!

[Emery, GROUP FOUNDER]

Myra Beth wrote: "Hello :) My name is Beth, and I am somewhat of a newcomer to the genre. I've always been an avid reader, but have only lately begun to read historical fiction, romantic or otherwise. I am enjoying ..."

Hi Beth!
I am so glad you dropped by to introduce yourself! As for the must reads, I'm afraid that's a matter of taste. If you look at our group book shelf you will see our titles catagorized by era and sub-genre, and all of the books have been nominated by our group members.
I would recommend starting with maybe your favorite time period and perhaps read some of our members reviews. Some possible suggestions- I know that Jill loved THE LADY'S SLIPPER by Deborah Swift and said it was one of her favorite readslast year. I recently read OPEN COUNTRY By Kaki Warner and thought it was also excellent.

[Emery, GROUP FOUNDER]

Susan wrote: "Hello all! I am so happy to have found this discussion. I am always looking for new historical fiction (that includes romance) to read - particularly focused on 18th and 19th century Europe and Ame..."

Hi Susan!
You are just our kind of girl. The books you mentioned are already on our group shelf. I also love 18th century Europe and Colonial America. We have a number of great books on these shelves that I am sure you will enjoy. Please keep us posted!

[Gaile, co-librarian]

Anya Seton's books, Katherine and Green Darkness are what I call a must read!

[Beth]

I will definitely take some time to peruse the group shelves, and check out the Swift and Warner titles. I actually was just looking at reviews for Seton's Katherine yesterday. Most people seem to really love that one.

Thank you both for the suggestions!

[Noelle]

Hi everyone! I thought I'd joined most of the HR groups, but I missed this one. Thanks for inviting me, Emery. I read a ton of historical romance. Almost exclusively, though I've branched out in romantic suspense and paranormal recently. I'm an aspiring author myself, but will always be a reader, first and foremost. My first romance was a historical by Johanna Lindsey when I was 14 and I was hooked--and passed high school history because of these books. I love to chat about romance, reading, movies, anything.

[Christy]

Hi Beth, welcome to our group! There are so many good historical novels out there that it is hard to choose. I love Sharon Kay Penman and Michelle Moran...those are only two favorites, but I don't want to bombard you with too many at once. :)

[Beth]

Christy wrote: "Hi Beth, welcome to our group! There are so many good historical novels out there that it is hard to choose. I love Sharon Kay Penman and Michelle Moran...those are only two favorites, but I don't ..."

Thank you for the welcome! You are more than welcome to bombard me :) I love discovering new books and authors. I just discovered Moran and recently read her novel about Madame Tussaud. It was quite good, but I'm eager to read her earlier ones too because I've heard they are even better.

[Christy]

I adore MADAME TUSSAUD...but I love all her novels set in Egypt too...she is really a fabulous writer. i can't wait to hear what you think of CLEOPATRA'S DAUGHTER. Along those lines, Stepahnie Dray has a fabulous series about the same historical character. The first one is out, LILY OF THE NILE. I loved that one too...

[Sherry]

Goodness! I read Anya Seton's books so long ago I'd forgotten about them! I'm reading "Exit the Actress" by Priya Parmar, and love it. It is the story of Nell Gwyn, who began by selling oysters on the street and ended by becoming the favorite mistress of Charles II. The story is told by way of Nell's diary, plus letters from the king, his mother, and his sister Henriette (who was married to France's Duc d'Orleans,) and other documents of the time. The various documents give a glimpse into the points of view of other characters and really help to make the story move along quickly.

[Gaile, co-librarian]

Never heard of Priya Parmar or even the title of that book. Is it new or old? Fiction/Non-fiction?

[Beth]

Christy wrote: "I adore MADAME TUSSAUD...but I love all her novels set in Egypt too...she is really a fabulous writer. i can't wait to hear what you think of CLEOPATRA'S DAUGHTER. Along those lines, Stepahnie Dra..."

Do Moran's novels about ancient Egypt have to be read in order? I wasn't sure if they are connected other than being about ancient Egyptian royalty.

Looked up Lily of the Nile, it looks great! Can't wait to get my hands on these titles :)

[Sherry]

This is her first novel, and has only been out about a month or two. Recommended by Philippa Gregory; if you're familiar with her work and like it, you'd probably enjoy this, too.

Gaile wrote: "Never heard of Priya Parmar or even the title of that book. Is it new or old? Fiction/Non-fiction?"

[Christy]

Myra Beth wrote: "Christy wrote: "I adore MADAME TUSSAUD...but I love all her novels set in Egypt too...she is really a fabulous writer. i can't wait to hear what you think of CLEOPATRA'S DAUGHTER. Along those line..."

Beth, they do occur in order and I think it would help to read them in order, Nefertiti first, but if you can't, you will still be able to follow what's going on. Fascinating books. And Cleopatra's Daughter is a stand alone.

[Beth]

Ok, thank you for letting me know! I prefer to read books in order, even if they technically don't have to be.

[Christy]

I think it is Nefertiti, and then The Heretic Queen...both very good books...:)

[Beth]

Christy wrote: "I think it is Nefertiti, and then The Heretic Queen...both very good books...:)"

Oh my word, I just realized that I entered the giveaway for your novel To Be Queen: A Novel of the Early Life of Eleanor of Aquitaine! I didn't realize I was talking to the author of that book. That's so cool! Ok, sorry, I'll calm down now :)

[Christy]

:) Beth, how cool that you entered to win my baby! You made my day! Yes, indeed, TO BE QUEEN is my second novel...I am obsessed completely with Eleanor of Aquitaine...:)

[Emery, GROUP FOUNDER]

Hi Beth!
That's one of the coolest things about our group- the lovely authors like Christy who have joined us!

[Beth]

Emery wrote: "Hi Beth!
That's one of the coolest things about our group- the lovely authors like Christy who have joined us!"

I quite agree! And you are a writer too!!! I am such a book nerd and I have dabbled in writing myself (mostly poetry and short stories). I just graduated from college in December, so I have had to devote most of my time to job searches rather than writing. But I have big dreams. So, you can imagine my excitement when I realized that I've had conversations with not just one, but two writers through this group. :)

[Christy]

Beth, I loved Emery's book THE HIGHEST STAKES...excellent novel set in Georgian England. I do love this group...it's a good mix of readers, bloggers and writers...and often all three, like the three of us. Keep writing and don't give up. Your novel will get published one day...

[Lisa]

Hello Everyone. My name is Lisa and I joined Goodreads at the beginning of the year. My favorite genre is historical fiction with romantic elements. I particularly enjoy reading historical fiction accounts of real people, such as Michelle Moran's Cleopatra's Daughter, and Anya Seton's Katherine. I also enjoy romantic historical fantasy, such as The Mists of Avalon, Juliette Marillier's Sevenwaters Series, and the various retellings of Robin Hood, King Arthur and Tristan & Isolde to name a few. This group appealed to me because it's the "Thinking Woman's" group for historical romance.

[Christy]

Lisa wrote: "Hello Everyone. My name is Lisa and I joined Goodreads at the beginning of the year. My favorite genre is historical fiction with romantic elements. I particularly enjoy reading historical ficti..."

Hi Lisa! The Mists of Avalon...I love that book! I need to read it again...

[Emery, GROUP FOUNDER]

Hi Lisa!
I think all the book you mentioned are on our group book shelf! Welcome to the family!

[Christy]

Myra Beth wrote: "Christy wrote: "I think it is Nefertiti, and then The Heretic Queen...both very good books...:)"

Oh my word, I just realized that I entered the giveaway for your novel [book:To Be Queen: A Novel o..."

I am so glad you did! :) Welcome to the give away...

[Karen]

Hi, I'm the author of Beaufort 1849 set in the South Carolina as secession is brewing before the Civil War. After years abroad, Jasper Wainwright returns to Beaufort, sees that conflict with the North is inevitable and tries to convince the planters to voluntarily change their economy to avoid the coming storm of war. Not wanting to settle in the South again, he resists his cousin's matchmaking with his pretty niece, who, Jasper points out, "comes wrapped in a plantation and tied with a slavery bow." And, of course, the pretty niece has her own ideas about the matter.

Though much happens in the book, I think of the novel's romance as the main engine driving the story forward. I'm glad to find a group where both history and relationships are valued!

[Emery, GROUP FOUNDER]

Welcome Karen! I am also a South Carolinian currently living just over the state line in NE GA.Congratualtions on your book. You have found a home with us if you like HF with a romantic theme.
I also hope you will check out our group book shelf and join in the general discussions.
Warmest regards,
Emery

[[deleted user]]

Welcome Beth, Karen and Lisa!

[Karen]

Thanks for the welcome, Emery and Anne. Emery, I'm not from South Carolina but after spending time in the Lowcountry researching my book I've gained a great deal of affection for the area. So very beautiful with fascinating history. (The graveyards in Beaufort and Charleston alone are worth visiting the state for.) I will check out the general discussions.

[[deleted user]]

I'd really love to visit the South one day. I've read so much about it and seen it in movies. It's very different from Australia. LOL

[Gaijinmama]

Hi, I've been lurking for a while but thought I should say hello.
I'm Gaijinmama, originally from Connecticut and Los Angeles, but living permanently here in Tokyo. My life in 25 words or less: I came to Japan in 1986 as an exchange student. I met this cute Japanese guy. We now have two kids and a mortgage.
I have always been a reader. I'll pretty much read anything as long as it's good. I've been caught up in that paranormal whirlwind that seems to be going around, but I do love a good historical romance, if the writer has really done her homework...you know, fiction with a bibliography! I love books that are fun but also teach me something about history or other cultures.
Right now I'm re-reading The Fiery Cross...I'd say Diana Gabaldon has really spoiled me since she's such a darned good writer!
And there are very few heroes out there that can hold a candle to Jamie. (Hands off my red-headed Scot, ladies, Jamie is MINE!!)

Looking forward to getting to know you all.
Gaijinmama

[Elaine]

Hello, fellow Romantic Historical Fiction lovers!

I've been an avid historical fiction & historical romance fiction reader for decades --I love every era and culture.

Most recently, I had my first historical romance short stories published by Harlequin in their Historical Undone line, and the last of the series is scheduled to be published this July.

I look forward to chatting with you all about our favorite reads!

~Elaine

[Emery, GROUP FOUNDER]

Welcome Elaine! We are happy to have you.

[Emery, GROUP FOUNDER]

Gaijinmama wrote: "Hi, I've been lurking for a while but thought I should say hello.
I'm Gaijinmama, originally from Connecticut and Los Angeles, but living permanently here in Tokyo. My life in 25 words or less: I ..."

Hi Gaijinmama!
I've only read the first of the Outlander series but I agree. Diana Gabaldon weaves magic. Thanks so much for introducing yourself and definitely don't be shy to share your thoughts on books.

[Anita]

Elaine wrote:
I've been an avid historical fiction & historical romance fiction reader for decades --I love every era and culture.
I read this and thought 'wow that's a long time' Then I realised so have I! Weaned on Jean Plaidy and Cynthia Harrod-Eagles I read everything they wrote. And even if the novel is more than purely the romance angle, doesn't every good story have a satisfactory ending when the boy gets the girl?

[Emery, GROUP FOUNDER]

@ Anita- You said it!