What I'm Reading: Georgette Heyer

My sister, the history buff/addict in the family, introduced me to Georgette Heyer years ago. While I don't read as much history as she does, we both share one thing in common; we love accuracy. And if ever there was a fiction writer that did her homework, it was Georgette Heyer.

Georgette Heyer

But beyond getting her historical facts correct (and using them liberally throughout her books) I love her style of writing. I adore that it's musical, witty, and full of satire and humor. I find that she has an ability to carry my eye across the page simply by using her magical skill of narration. And I'm afraid she's ruined for me nearly any other writer's attempt at Regency, except, of course, for Queen Jane Austen.

What many might not know is that Heyer was a pioneer in the Regency genre. Most of the Regency authors today only exist because they are standing on the shoulders of Georgette Heyer and her phenomenal novels. (Can you even be a Regency writer and not have read Georgette Heyer? I think not.) Born in 1902, Heyer started writing complex plots as a teenager and has since written over 50 books including detective fiction and historical romance. Other books include, Arabella, The Grand Sophy, and Frederica

I have my own personal favorites, but Cotillion is definitely on my top three list of her works.

Reasons to Read Cotillion by Georgette Heyer