Monday, May 23, 2016

Jo Beverley - - Farewell to a Romance Icon


Jo Beverley


This evening, the Word Wenches announced today's death of beloved historical romance author, Jo Beverley. As her Word Wenches sister, Mary Jo Putney wrote: 

Jo had quietly been through a very dangerous bout with cancer about five years ago, and had come through with flying colors.  The cancer was discovered to have returned some weeks ago, and it moved very quickly.  We all hoped for another miracle, but it was not to be.  Jo died very peacefully in a lovely care home in Yorkshire that used to be a convent, with her husband and her pal Charlie,  the Cabbage Patch Kid, by her side.  



Jo Beverley, Cara Elliott, Joanna Bourne
I've been reading Jo Beverley's books for more than 20 years. Her Company of Rogues and Mallorens are among my all-time favorite romance series but, truth be told, I enjoyed every story that ever bloomed from her creative imagination. She's one of romance fiction's superstars with five RITA awards and a place in the prestigious Romance Writers of America Hall of Fame. 



Anne Gracie, Jo Beverley, Cara Elliott

Jo Beverley was not only a brilliant writer, she was also a lovely, gracious lady who was unfailingly kind to her readers. I had the pleasure of meeting her at RWA conferences over the years. She always greeted me with a smile, ready to sign a book, pose for a photo or just chat a bit.  





Jo Beverley, Joanna Bourne, PJ


Jo's Word Wenches blogging sisters have shared their memories of her today in a special tribute. Click here to read them and also leave a comment sharing thoughts of your own, if you wish.





Do you have a favorite Jo Beverley book or series?  A favorite memory of one of her characters or of the author herself? 







12 comments:

  1. An Unwilling Bride, St. Raven, The Rogues Return , , , Devilish, Winter Fire, The Lady's Secret . . . Emily and the Dark Angel, Forbidden Magic, The Trouble with Heroes , , ,--so many favorites. I started reading Jo's books with her very first trad Regency, and I've read them all, even the Medievals, usually within a week of their release. Her books fill a keeper shelf in one of my bookcases.

    My top favorite moment in her fiction is Nicolas's toast in An Unwilling Bride. It moves me to tears each time I read it.

    My tears are falling now. This loss feels personal. My heart hurts.

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    1. So many memorable moments from her books, Janga. The one you've noted is a favorite of mine as well.

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  2. All of her books were fantastic. She will be missed. Sending prayers to her family and friends. RIP Dear Jo!

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    1. She will indeed be missed. So many people have posted about how much they love her books but what impresses me is the number of authors who have posted personal stories about how she personally touched their lives, generously sharing both her time and her knowledge.

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  3. I don't know what to say. As Janga says, this does feel personal. I remember reading some of her older books...because she wrote delicious rakes. But this feels like an icon has passed. Like the Prince of our Romance Writing Circle...there will never be another Prince like there will never be another Jo Beverly.

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  4. I was shocked and upset to hear about Jo's death. My thoughts and prayers are with all of her friends and family. I've read a lot of Jo's books, and l enjoyed every single one of them.

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  5. This is a tragic loss. Her story Christmas Angel is a personal favorite of mine. I have reread it several times over the years during the Christmas season.

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  6. What a shock to read tlhe news of her passing. So many of her books were my favorites. My heart and prayers go out to her and her family.
    Carol L
    Lucky470 (at) aol (dot) com

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  7. very sad to hear of her passing

    denise

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  8. I was so sad to hear about Jo Beverley - besides loving her stories she sounded like such a nice person.

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  9. What a tremendous loss to all of us. I had the pleasure of interviewing her once and was so moved by her and touched that she consented to be on film with me. Rest in peace, Jo!

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  10. Such a sad and great loss to the romance community. I ordered the romances for our library and always made sure we got her new books as soon as the were released. One of the best perks of the job was being able to read the book first before putting it on the shelf.

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