The Divas Mourn the Passing of an Icon

I had another topic for today, but I scrapped it when I read the sad news that author Kathleen Woodiwiss died over the weekend.  Woodiwiss was the author of 13 books.  Her early books, including THE FLAME AND THE FLOWER, THE WOLF AND THE DOVE, and SHANNA, were incredibly influential in creating the modern romance market. 

She also had a huge influence in my own life and career as THE FLAME AND THE FLOWER was the first romance novel I ever read (at the tender age of 13).  It was that summer that the first seeds of my current career were sewn, the first time I thought, "maybe someday I can write a book like this." And not in a snotty, "this book sucks, I bet I can do better," way, but in a "this book is awesome. I want more books like this to exist, and maybe I should try," kind of way.

When I think back to her books, I get very nostalgic for elements that have been lost in today's romances. While today most romances take place over the course of weeks or even days, her stories spanned years.  Characters married others, were separated for long periods of time - elements that we hear "won't work" in today's romances.  And then there are the plot elements and settings- why doesn't anyone set a book on a southern plantation anymore?  Does anyone else miss the forbidden love element of the indentured servant storyline?

Today, I invite you to share your thoughts about Kathleen Woodiwiss.  Was she your first (romance, that is)?  What was your favorite, and why? 

Comments

[Kathy K]

I hadn't read anything of Kathleen's until I came across one of her novellas in an anthology that I bought; THREE WEDDINGS AND A KISS. The story was beautiful and filled with passion and wonderful characters. I then got the the second anthology ~ MARRIED AT MIDNIGHT and found that, indeed, the previous story was no fluke.
I've yet to get any of her other books, I was always putting it off, but now it appears that I better do something about it.
It's always so sad when someone so vibrant, and yes young, dies leaving this world a little emptier, a little less bright.

[Ericka Scott]

In college, after finals one year I received and read A Rose in Winter. I'd been reading my roomates HQ romances -- they were "okay"...good for killing an hour or two...

Well, needless to say, A Rose in Winter -- will always hold a spot in my heart as the first historical romance I'd ever read and loved...

[Monica McCarty]

I was so sad to hear of her passing--she had a huge influence on me as well. I remember reading all of the books you mentione--especially Shanna. We've talked about this many times, but I would love to see some of these old saga storylines re-introduced in romances.

[Carol Grace]

Jami, you've made me want to read her books. I love southern plantations and forbidden love with indentured servants. Thanks for the tribute!

[Tracy Grant]

So sad, and she was so young. I remember devouring "The Wolf & the Dove" as a teenager. Thanks for the lovely tribute!

[Kathryn]

I read Shanna about 20 years ago and loved it! And then, never read any more of her books... strange. I am now reading Petals on the River and I am saddened to hear that she passed away. I have to go out and get A Rose in Winter as it gets so many glowing recommendations.

[jeanne]

She wrote the first romances that I totally fell in love with. I had read a few written by men and a few others that never really did it for me. I must admit I haven't read any of her later books but I plan on it. I couldn't pick a favorite of all her earlier books. And I had heard she was going to be writing more historicals - how sad.

[Carol]

It's sad that Kathleen Woodiwiss has died. She was one of my favorite romance authors. THE FLAME AND THE FLOWER, THE WOLF AND THE DOVE, and SHANNA are all wonderful books! I read them and more and enjoyed the all!