Stylish, witty and historically accurate, novelist Georgette Heyer has been delighting readers with her romantic comedies for eighty-nine years. In honor of her birthday on August 16th, Austenprose.com will feature a month long event ‘Celebrating Georgette Heyer’ featuring thirty-four book reviews of her romance novels, guest blogs, interviews of Heyer enthusiast from the blog-o-sphere, academia and publishing and tons of great giveaways.
Our very special guests will be Heyer expert Vic Sanborn of Jane Austen’s World and Deb Werksman, acquiring editor of Sourcebook Casablanca and the catalyst in re-introducing Heyer to a new generation of readers.
Thirty fellow Heyer enthusiasts will be joining in the festivities graciously contributing book reviews of all her romance novels.
Georgette Heyer Event Schedule
Sun Aug 01
Review of Georgette Heyer’s Regency World, Laurel Ann – Austenprose
Mon Aug 02
The Black Moth, Aarti – Book Lust
Powder and Patch, Lucy – Enchanted by Josephine
Wed Aug 04
These Old Shades, Keira – Love Romance Passion
The Masqueraders, Helen – She Reads Novels
Fri Aug 06
Devil’s Cub, Meredith – Austenesque Reviews
The Convenient Marriage – Austenprose
Sun Aug 08
Regency Buck, Susan Holloway Scott – Two Nerdy History Girls
The Talisman Ring, Ana – An Evening at Almack’s
Mon Aug 09
An Infamous Army, Elaine Simpson Long – Random Jottings of a Book and Opera Lover
The Spanish Bride, Kelly – Jane Austen Sequel Examiner
Wed Aug 11
The Corinthian, Danielle – A Work in Progress
Faro’s Daughter, Joanna – Regency Romantic
Fri Aug 13
The Reluctant Widow, Jane Greensmith – Reading, Writing, Working, Playing
The Foundling, Claire – The Captive Reader
Sun Aug 15
Arabella, Kara Louise – Delightful Diversions
The Grand Sophy, Meg – Write Meg
Mon Aug 16
Interview with Vic – Jane Austen’s World
Friday’s Child, Vic – Jane Austen’s World
Wed Aug 18
The Quiet Gentleman – Jane Austen in Vermont
Cotillion – First Impressions
Fri Aug 20
The Toll-Gate – Laura’s Reviews
Bath Tangle – Jane Austen in Vermont
Sun Aug 22
Sprig Muslin – Laura’s Reviews
April Lady – Becky’s Book Reviews
Mon Aug 23
Sylvester, or the Wicked Uncle – Austenprose
Venetia – Austenprose
Wed Aug 25
The Unknown Ajax – The Bluestocking Guide
A Civil Contract – Random Jottings of a Book and Opera Lover
Fri Aug 27
The Nonesuch – Burton Review
False Colours – Austenprose
Sun Aug 29
Frederica – Linus’ Blanket
Black Sheep – November’s Autumn
Mon Aug 30
Cousin Kate – Book-A-Rama
Charity Girl – Much Madness is Divinest Sense
Tues Aug 31
Lady of Quality – Elizabeth Hanbury Blog
Event wrap-up
Sat Sep 07
Giveaway winners announced
The festivities start August first with a review of the newly re-issued Georgette Heyer’s Regency World, by Jennifer Kloester. Don’t be a wet goose. Chase away that fit of the blue-devils by attending this bon ton affair.
Cheers,
Laurel Ann
Graphic’s by Katherine of November’s Autumn & Kali of Strangegirl Designs!
Austenprose 
How exciting! I love Heyer’s work!
LikeLike
I just bought my first Georgette Heyer novel so I am very excited about this!
LikeLike
Count me in! I love the banner for this event… especially the color combination of teal, peach, and gold. =)
LikeLike
Thanks Joanna. I selected the image, Katherine did the design and Kali the execution. It takes 3 JA fans to create a Heyer banner. Ha!
Look forward to your comments. Thanks again for contributing a review.
Cheers, LA
LikeLike
Seems very exciting! I wish those books are available in Brazil! :)
LikeLike
There might be some in libraries. Heyer published from the 1920’s to 1970’s. Good luck.
LikeLike
Thank you. I’d love to participate.
LikeLike
Sounds like another great blog event,Laurel! I haven’t read any Heyer(unless starting and stopping An Infamous Army counts!)and this should be a fun way to learn more about her work:)
LikeLike
Look forward to your comments. Can I suggest Friday’s Child or The Grand Sophy to start?
LikeLike
This sounds like fun!
LikeLike
Sounds like a blast! I can’t wait!
LikeLike
I started reading Georgette in the mid-1960’s on the advice of a friend who was obtaining her Phd in English literature. I’ve kept all my old copies. (I had to replace the Grand Sophie, my favorite, at least once!) I am looking forward to re-reading the ones I have read and reading the few I have not. Thanks for doing this.
LikeLike
You are most welcome Ruchama. I look forward to comments from a veteran Heyer fan.
LikeLike
I started reading Georgette Heyer a couple of years ago when Sourcebooks started bringing them out. I read all I could find here and then started hitting amazon.uk.co for others not yet out here. Then I got to go to England and found some there and grabbed them. I’ve read them all and loved all of them. I’ll enjoy reading the summaries and discussion. This is going to be a fun month. Your vocabulary will expand.
LikeLike
We use quite a few of her expressions in our house. I’ve know people who are “the merest whipsters”, for example. My husband loves her books, too, which just shows his good taste! :-)
LikeLike
Very exciting Laurel Ann! Thank you for doing this – I have only of late come to read Heyer and think everyone should do so, whether they are suffering a “fit of the dismals” or not! – and what a better way to visit Regency England!
Deb
LikeLike
I am so grateful for your participation Deb. Your book reviews are always great.
LikeLike
oh my goodness! I’m SO excited! I’ve been listening to Devil’s Cub and loving it. Can’t wait for August 1st!
LikeLike
I started reading Georgette Heyer because of the reviews posted on this blog! I’m so excited you’re devoting a whole month to her incredible books.
LikeLike
Oh Marybeth – you really know how to make a book geeks day. Anyone who is inspired to read is a gift. Thanks.
LikeLike
LA, how do you do it? Fun!! Fun!! FUN!!!! I read Cotillion for the first time during the month of May and lurved it! August will be a fun month!
LikeLike
More swag for you to win Janeen! I look forward to your comments.
Cheers, LA
LikeLike
I’m currently about half way through An Infamous Army. I’ve loved every Georgette Heyer book I’ve read; the first one I read is probably my favorite – The Grand Sophy. Can’t wait for the discussions of the books I’ve read, and undoubtedly the ones I’ll subquently add to my wish list. Looking forward to August!
LikeLike
I am thrilled to be a part of the month long celebration of Georgette Heyer, and am thoroughly enjoying my reread of my favorite Reluctant Widow. Can’t wait to read everyone’s reviews as well as the interviews and info postings.
What a great way to get through the dog days of August.
LikeLike
I am thrilled Jane to have you participate. I look forward to your insights on Reluctant Widow, one of Heyer’s most popular novels.
LikeLike
I can’t wait to read all your reviews! I’ve got some Heyer’s on my list, too. I think her novels are perfect summer reads. First in my Heyer’s TBR list, The Convenient Marriage. :-)
LikeLike
Listening to The Convenient Marriage right now, read by you know who (Richard Armitage) Maria. Squeee! Hope you can join the discussions.
LikeLike
WOW- I am SOOOO happy to have found this site! Jane Austen is, of course, lol, my favorite author and have read all her books multiple times, never tiring of the magical way she uses language. Georgette Heyer is a favorite- her books are such FUN!
I will be checking in here from now on!
LikeLike
Welcome Lady Doc. I hope you enjoy the event and stay around for more Jane.
LikeLike
oh, goodie… Love GH novels. Can’t wait for August!
LikeLike
I’m very happy to see that you’re doing this, Laurel Ann. I discovered Georgette Heyer (because of my love for Jane Austen’s work) about 5 years ago, and have bought (mostly as used books through Amazon.com), read, and greatly enjoyed all of her Regency novels, as well as several of her other books. She’s inimitable, and the reading of her books is one of the great joys of reading, period! You can count on me to be here throughout the event, thank you very much!
Cathy Allen
P.S. For those who are planning to read “An Infamous Army” I suggest that you read the very interesting, useful, and easy-to-understand background information on the Battle of Waterloo at
http://homepage.ihug.co.nz/~awoodley/regency/waterloo.html
It will help a lot — I wish I’d seen it BEFORE I read it!
LikeLike
Glad to have you join in Cathy.
LikeLike
Sooo excited to read everyone’s reviews!! I’ve been a fan of Georgette Heyer’s books since I was little and my grandma introduced me to them. My absolute favourite is The Talisman Ring.
LikeLike
Hooray! Can’t wait to learn more about Heyer and her wonderful novels, and inevitably add a ton of them to my “to be read” stack. Thanks for organizing this, Laurel Ann!
LikeLike
This is great timing for me – I am just embarking on a read of GH. I have got hold of 8 books, Sylvester, Venetia and The Convenient Marriage (to tie in with the Naxos audiobooks read by Richard Armitage) and also Cotillion, Frederica, Friday’s Child, The Quiet Gentleman and The The Grand Sophy. Starting now with Venetia and The Convenient Marriage. Fabulous!
LikeLike
Welcome. So glad you can join in and discuss the books that you have just read.
LikeLike
Wonderful! I’m a Heyer fan from way back (the 70s) and very much look forward to this celebration.
LikeLike
Hi Rhonda, I am fairly new to Heyer having been convinced to read her by Vic at Jane Austen’s World passion for her novels. She is a delight. I look foward to your veteran comments for us late comers.
LikeLike
I am excited to be participating – I love Georgette Heyer. It will be great to read about all of the great books I haven’t gotten to read yet also! Thank-you for hosting!
LikeLike
It’s a delight Laura to have you participate. I know you are passionate about Heyer and look forward to your insights.
LikeLike
I too am delighted to be participating; thanks for the invitation, Laurel Ann :0) I discovered Heyer in my teens when I found a battered paperback copy of Devil’s Cub in the bookcase, and have never looked back. Her writing is a delight and this month-long celebration will be great fun!
LikeLike
I’m a Heyer fan and I look forward to all these great reviews. Thanks for putting this on!
LikeLike
Wow, fantastic! I have Heyer spilling off my bookshelves! A Convenient Marriage and Black Sheep are my ultimate favourites :)
LikeLike
I’ve been reading Heyer since the 70s, introduced to her by my mother. My top 10 favorite Heyer romances are: These Old Shades/Devil’s Cub (these count as one); Sprig Muslin; The Corinthian, The Talisman Ring, The Grand Sophy, The Toll-Gate, Sylvester, Venetia, The Foundling, and Frederica. Runners up are The Unknown Ajax and The Black Sheep. These are perennial re-reads, great for when I need a pick up or to zone out.
LikeLike
I only started reading Georgette Heyer last year at the suggestion of one of the Miss Austen blogs. To date, I’ve read 14 and I have a spreadsheet (yes, I’m a nerd) to keep up w/what I still need to purchase – lord, I’m certainly paying the bills for Sourcebook.
They are great fun. Ms Heyer not Miss Austen, but I love the descriptions, the language, and the characters. Sometimes (most of the time perhaps) the plots are easily picked out, but who cares. It’s a fun ride that I enjoy taking.
So looking forward to the reviews of books I’ve read and more especially those I have not got to yet – what a great use for the miserable month of August.
My most recent review (w/many more to come)
http://citivolussus.blogspot.com/2010/07/georgette-heyer-alastair-trilogy-these.html
LikeLike
I first started reading Heyer when my mom gave me Powder & Patch at age 11, and it’s been a journey of discovery ever since. I can never pick just one for my favorite, it’s usually a group of 5 or six. I am looking forward to this, and I hope to stay caught up on reading all the discussions.
I heard about this on the Almack’s yahoo group site, and I can’t wait. I’m enjoying your site so much tonight, that I’ve now signed up for the emails, & I loved the Fight Club~awesome!
LikeLike
Can’t wait! What an exciting concept… I only recently discovered Heyer and have been looking forward to reading more :).
LikeLike
Is this an online event??????
LikeLike
Yes Gaile, right here on Austenprose. Please join us.
LikeLike
I do so enjoy this site. I only a few months ago started adding Heyer novels to my repertoire. And I enjoyed the two I got from the library. The one I most recall is “Sprig Muslin”. I just received it from a cheap bookstore. I got a couple others tho’ not on your first to read suggestions list. I really wish I would have read this first. But ah, such is life. I’m really hoping to just continue soaking in her work. It’s so much fun.
LikeLike
Lovely to see so many new and old Heyer fans here. I am delighted to be contributing two reviews. A Civil Contract, my favourite Heyer and An Infamous Army which I think is one of her best books.
If I were starting on Heyer I would recommend Cotilltion or Friday’s Child. I see somebody is starting with Charity Girl one of her later novels when I feel she was not quite as ‘up to her snuff’ in her writing and though it is good, would not recommend this as a starter.
Looking forward to reading all the reviews and to leaving my comments as well
LikeLike
I have always loved Georgette Heyer and These Old Shades is a personal favorite, as is The Toll Gate.
LikeLike
I have not yet read Georgette Heyer. Had not even heard of her until last year. This a good opportunity to learn about her and read a few of her books.
LikeLike
Glad you can join us Pat. Heyer is charming. I hope you can narrow down which ones to read first from the reviews.
Cheers, Laurel Ann
LikeLike
I am a fairly recent Heyer convert, and I relish the opportunity to indulge in a full month of nothing but Regency drama! Indeed, I’ve just returned from the library with an armful of novels. I’m very much looking forward to this full calendar of events. Thank you (already) to the Heyer lovers making this month possible… you all rock!
LikeLike
Kim mentioned GH’s “Regency drama” but I love her comedy. Oh that scene in Devil’s Cub when Dominic finds Mary alone with a man in the inn and when Mary realizes who “that man” is! Delicious!
LikeLike
What a great event Laurel Ann! I would loved to have been a part of it…can you believe I have never read a Heyer novel? I know…shame on me! Can’t wait to see the reviews. May try to pick one up this month to get in the spirit!
Courtney
LikeLike
Courtney – I hope I have converted you! Take the leap with one of the novels that strikes you! If you need recommendations, I would be happy to comply. LA
LikeLike
Wonderful! What a grand idea. Sounds like a great lineup for the month.
LikeLike
Hi there
I am delighted to find your wonderful website and its celebration of Georgette Heyer. Thank you too for the review of my book Georgette Heyer’s Regency World. I thought you might be interested to know that my biography of Heyer will be published in October next year. It is the result of ten years of research and I have been fortunate to discover several untapped archives of Heyer’s letters as well as being given unfettered access to her private papers by her son. the result is a much more comprehensive account of Georgette Heyer’s life and writing (with photos) than has previously been possible. I hope her fans will be pleased with the result.
Best wishes
jennifer Kloester
LikeLike
Hi Jennifer, what an honor that you discovered my humble blog. I am so excited to hear about your new Georgette Heyer biography. Who is publishing it? I would love to interview you about it.
Cheers, Laurel Ann
LikeLike
Very exciting!! At one time I owned all the GH books, but sold them in 1973 as I needed money for college. Every few years I do a read through, but it takes a few weeks to get all the books from the libraries in our small library system. Looking forward to getting reacquainted with old favorites!!
LikeLike
Jennifer, I have read your UK version of the book. I’m wondering if the American version will have added items or is it the same book marketed for Americans? I liked the UK cover. I’m American but scouted out the UK amazon for other GH and Austen books. Are you British and is that why the book was first published in Britain? I loved the book and devoured it. I will again! And I can’t wait for your bio on GH. I’ve read one by another author but will definitely read yours!
LikeLike
I am a huge Heyer fan, and delighted to find so many others out there! I would love to see some proper BBC adaptations of her books. Devil’s Cub is my absolute favourite, with Sylvester taking a close second. What a fabulous authoress!
LikeLike
I’ll be there in spirit, from New Zealand.
I’m particularly interested in the research – where did Georgette Heyer get all her information?
LikeLike
I’ve been reading Georgette Heyer for years and I’m so glad to see her becoming more fashionable! Although I love historical fiction, her witty conversations and humor make her stand out in the field and truly be the Queen of Rengency Romance. I’ve read a number of authors who imitate, but no one is close. Thanks for publishing her again!
LikeLike
I was introduced to Heyer’s wonderful novels when i was in high school in the 1950’s. When my daughter was about the same age, I showed her my collection of paperbacks and told her to start reading. She has outdone me in her devotion to Heyer’s work for many years now.
Needless to say, my copies are really worn out so I have been replacing them with the lovely new Sourcebook editions as they are published.
LikeLike
What a treat! I have been a fan of Heyer’s since I started reading her work as a girl in the early 1980s (late 1970s?). I just found out about this month-long celebration, so I’m off to catch up on the two-weeks’ worth I’ve missed. Thank you so much for doing this.
LikeLike
Just found your site. Hope I’m not too late to join the festivities!
LikeLike