It is impossible to define the traditional Regency with only five books; however, readers looking to familiarize themselves with this elegant subgenre should consider the historical (but not mystery or contemporary) works of Georgette Heyer, the standard-setting author of the modern Regency, as well as the following more recent authors and titles, as a starting place. While all of these core titles are out of print, they are listed to illustrate the foundations and standards of the subgenre. Libraries should be careful when weeding these collections and keep an eye out for the inevitable reprints.
Hern, Candice. A Garden Folly. New York: Signet, 1997 (ISBN: 978-0-451-18627-0). o.p.
Catherine Forsythe and her sister Susannah, realizing that attending the house party on the Duke of Carlisle’s estate is their one chance to attract wealthy husbands and avoid poverty, are attracted to totally unsuitable men, or so they think. This charming, insightful, well-written story highlights one of the primary concerns of Regency heroines–marrying well.
Kelly, Carla. Mrs. Drew Plays Her Hand. New York: New American Library, 2003 (ISBN: 978-0-451-20924-5). o.p.
Still grieving, a young vicar’s widow struggles to make a home for herself and her two children in the rundown dower house on a nearby estate. There she finds unexpected love with the owner of the estate, who is in need of healing himself. Poignant, emotionally compelling, laced with humor, and graced with characters you’d like to meet, this expertly written, award-winning romance is typical of Kelly’s work.
Lane, Allison. The Rake’s Rainbow. New York: New American Library, 1996 (ISBN: 978-0-451-18666-9). o.p.
Forced to wed when a carriage accident compromises their honor, a vicar’s daughter and an infamous rake find love in spite of the hero’s infatuation with another woman in this complex Regency that not only presents a rewarding romance, but beautifully delineates some of the social concerns of the times.