I am a sucker for a good book. And more particularly a good author. So when I find the latter, especially with a backlist, I’m in seventh heaven. Most recently I’ve been glomming Julia Quinn. Always a little behind the rest of the crowd, I’ve come to Quinn’s books a bit late. I started with The Secret Diaries of Miss Miranda Cheever and fell totally in love with Quinn’s writing. And, at the urging of a close friend, I went back to read the entire Bridgerton Series and enjoyed every last word. (When He was Wicked is my favorite. Although the Duke and I was a close second.)
So it was with great anticipation that I opened What Happens in London and started to read. Four hours and one very late night later, I closed the book, sighed, and then smiled. There is nothing more satisfying than a good read on a cold night. And What Happens in London didn’t disappoint. In fact, it exceeded my expectations. I actually laughed out loud at one point–and believe me that’s a rare occurrence. And of course I cried (several times actually). But that, alas, isn’t nearly as rare.
What I love most about Julia Quinn’s writing is the world she’s built for her readers. Characters from previous books wander through newer ones or are mentioned in passing. And I don’t think it would be a Julia Quinn ‘season’ if we didn’t have to attend the Smythe-Smith musicale. Not to mention the much maligned Mrs. Butterworth and the Mad Baron. We first met the heroine of What Happens in London, Olivia Bevelstoke, in Miranda Cheever. So she is already an old friend. And the hero, Harry Valentine is introduced in marvelous fashion—making it nearly impossible not to fall in love with him. 
Quinn’s books are witty and wonderful. The perfect escape. And What Happens in London is a new jewel in an already glittering crown.
So which authors do you think create wonderful worlds you like to visit and revisit?
{ 18 comments… read them below or add one }
I loved What Happens in London. It was just quintissential JQ and reminded me why I love her. Currently about 60% down with Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. Fascinating, and a great job with the world-building.
Hey authors, did you get RITA books? Mine haven’t come, but I apparently have some on the way. I guess I better clear some more reading time in my schedule.
Got mine yesterday–I already started reading! So excited!
My favorite book of all time is The Prince of Tides by Pat Conroy. The way he described the south and the characters living there–so beautiful and poetic. I could feel the salt spray stinging my face.
Oh, lots and lots! I love books in series b/c I love to revisit the world. J.D. Robb’s futuristic New York is a favorite, and I’m also re-reading the Outlander series. I also really enjoy the suburban world of Jill Churchhill’s cozy mysteries starting with Grime and Punishment. Oh, man. I know there are so many more, but I just came off a multi-hour post home-school playdate and my brain is complete and total mush!
I love rereading Mary Stewart stories although it’s more a feeling than an actual world. And Julie Garwood used to have wonderful character walk-ons from previous books into her newer ones.
I agree, Julie–love the world JD Robb created. I want an auto chef, and a droid, and a drying tube!
Forget the auto chef and the droid. I want my own Roarke, preferably with the shower and the drying tube.
Sherri, I have to agree that Kathleen’s books have been favorites since I first read them. I’ve read them over and over. I haven’t read Marsha Canham’s Robin Hood books, but they sound like ones I should pick up. I just bought Stephen Lawhead’s Robin Hood books; I haven’t started them yet, but I loved his King Arthur series so I’m hoping these are as good.
Best thing about writing today is all the wonderful books you guys are adding to my TBR pile! Thank you!
I wish I could tell you how many times I’ve read Marsha Canham’s Robin Hood Trilogy – Through a Dark Mist, In the Shadow of Midnight (Eduard and Ariel’s story is my favorite), and The Last Arrow. Then there’s her pirate series Across the Moonlight Sea and The Iron Rose. Love, love, love the Scotland Triology – The Pride of Lions, The Blood of Roses and Midnight Honor. I really do miss anticipating her next book. Someone out there with a line to Marsha tell her to please write again!
I’ve read another series over and over – The Camolud Chronicles. Won’t name all the books, but there are nine. Jack Whyte provides the best and most believable story of the history of King Arthur that I’ve ever read.
And there is, as Sherri said, a legacy of terrific books by Kathleen. I’m reading a book now I know Kath would love called Swan Maiden by Jules Watson. Likely I’ll move right in to reading Kilgannon when I’m finished.
We’ve been telling her, Leslie. I think we would all love to see a new Marsha Canham book on the shelves.
Dixie Cash. It’s actually a pair of sisters who write the books, and they’re set in West Texas. The style of writing draws you into their world, and you can see and hear the characters (though, some scenes you really would rather not see, like when one of the gals’ ex-husbands comes to her rescue while she’s on a drunk date, and superglues the current beau’s fly shut leading to a hysterical scene). The titles alone tell you that this is going to be a fun ride (“Don’t Make Me Choose Between You and My Shoes”, etc.).
I LOVE those Dixie Cash sisters–I’ve been lucky enough to spend time in their company and they are hysterical. Seriously, I laughed until I cried.
Oh, you are so lucky! I’ve corresponded with one of them, and she’s a hoot!
I’m revisiting Kathleen Givens’s books, starting with Kilgannon. Her writing takes my breath away. Such a gifted storyteller! Missing her every day, but feeling some comfort with her words.
I so agree with you on JQ !! I read all her books and some of them are part of my all-time-favorite list.
One of my favorite author is Susan Elizabeth Phillips. Her Chicago Stars/Bonner brothers series is just amazing. I re-read it every year or so… just for the pleasure to visit with those characters again.
Hmmm…no standard go-tos. I like all the authors mentioned here. I like Marian Keyes, Nick Hornby, and Jonathan Trollop. I think humor is my go-to.