Romance: B(u)y the Book

Top Authors Honor a Great Lady of Romance Fiction

Kathleen Woodiwiss' passionate novels spotlight women's greatest strengths and deepest fantasies. Here's what her fellow authors have to say about her.

by Michelle Buonfiglio

Topics: romance buy the book, romance novels, michelle buonfiglio More

Kathleen E. Woodiwiss (1939–2007) created the modern romance novel 30 years ago, when she published her blockbuster debut, "The Flame and the Flower." Many writers credit Woodiwiss with inspiring their careers. Here, eight best-selling authors pay tribute to the woman who gave romance fiction the good name it deserves.

Woodiwiss made women want to read. When I was growing up, I saw my mother and grandmother reading and enjoying romances, and when I was old enough to read them myself, I felt as if I had been admitted into a special sisterhood of reading women. —Julia Quinn, author of "The Secret Diaries of Miss Miranda Cheever"

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Hi, TakeChargeGirl: You say what I hear so many say: I remember reading Woodiwiss. So nice to hear the joy in your comment. "Rose in Winter" is a very good Woodiwiss book, and I'm really glad you mention it. It's quite a reader favorite. I left it off the list simply because I chose just a "smattering" of her work to introduce to readers who may not have read her.______heather, I love that you use the term "graphic" to describe Woodiwiss' novels. For so long, the term was applied erroneously to the sensuality she wrote. You, however, kind of "reclaim" the term in it's true sense, in pointing out that her writing gives a "clear and effective picture" (dictionary.com) of the story she's writing. Thank you!

Posted by Michelle Buonfiglio Oct 29, 2007 5:27 pm ET

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I am kinda shocked to see that A Rose In Winter was not mentioned the List of Books That Kathleen Woodiwiss wrote, I read somewhere that is her Version of Beauty And The Beast.

Posted by TakeChargeGirl Oct 29, 2007 3:26 pm ET

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I have 4 of Kathleen Woodiwiss books and plan on reading them. I do remember The Wolf and The Dove what a beautifully written book!!!

Posted by TakeChargeGirl Oct 29, 2007 3:18 pm ET

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The first book I ever read by Kathleen Woodiwiss was Petals on the River. I can still remember the emotions it made me feel and how I cried at certain points. She has to be one of the most graphic and awe-inspiring writers I have read to this day. Its sad to hear that she has passed but she will not be forgotten in this world, her books a great gift that everyone can enjoy for years to come. Its wonderful that she has left us this last gift and I'm so excited to have the chance to read it when it comes out.

Posted by heather.miller2 Oct 26, 2007 7:13 pm ET

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Esther, you're so lucky! I wish I'd have read Woodiwiss when I was that age. I had so many questions! I'm glad you stopped by.

Posted by Michelle Buonfiglio Oct 25, 2007 4:40 pm ET

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hi,ihave read all of kathleen woodiwiss books.i started reading her books when i was 12yearsold.the first was theflame and the flower.i thought she was the best and will remember her always

Posted by esther33 Oct 25, 2007 12:12 pm ET

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Oh, Claire, it is exciting, isn't it? I'm finishing up Shanna right now. I think the heroine's so interesting, what she learns about herself. And Ruarke goes through so much just to get bits and pieces of her affection. Great novel.

Posted by Michelle Buonfiglio Oct 23, 2007 7:31 pm ET

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The first book I read by Kathleen Woodiwiss was Shanna. I fell in love with Kathleen's writing. She took romantic novels to a higher level. I read everyone of her books and I am so delighted that she just released Everlasting. I can't wait to read it. I am so excited. Thank you Kathleen for your new release, which I just pre-orderd.

Claire

Posted by Claire1119 Oct 23, 2007 4:52 pm ET

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