I love books.

Outside of my family and church, books may well be my primary vocation in life. I’m a non-discriminatory reader: I’ll read anything (well, I draw the line at erotica and excessive violence) as long as it’s good, though I admit I prefer fiction to non-fiction, and light over dark. And if you’re a book person too, I’ll probably like you.

Few things make me happier than hearing back from a friend that they read a book I recommended and loved it. Well, maybe getting a good book recommendation from a friend!

I recently read Josi Kilpack’s new Regency romance novel (starred reviews from Publisher’s Weekly *and* Kirkus!) and was reminded how much I enjoy a good Regency. And since the season of summer reading is (almost) upon us, what better time to share a few of my favorite Regency books–and hopefully get some good recommendations in return!

For the uninitiated, “Regency” refers to the historical era from 1811-1820 (approximately), when King George III of England was deemed unfit for rule and his son, the Prince of Wales, ruled as regent in his stead. You might also call this, “Jane Austen era,” since her books are all set within this era. It’s an age of manners, of strict social hierarchies, the Napoleonic Wars, empire-waist dresses, and some still primitive hygiene (though it rather destroys the romance of the era to dwell on that).

Below, I’ve listed some of my favorite Regency authors (and, where relevant, favorite books). I’d love to hear yours in the comments.

Jane Austen is the undisputed queen of Regency-era books. But since she really doesn’t need an introduction or defense, I’m moving on.

Georgette Heyer wrote dozens of books in the early 20th century, most of them Regency era (and some fun Georgian ones as well). After Austen, she’s probably my favorite, and my go-to comfort read when I’m sick or feeling blue. The older I get, the more I appreciate that her books aren’t just romantic: they’re also smart, witty, and she has some of the very best secondary characters. Favorites: The Grand Sophy, Venetia, Frederica, Sylvester. (Bonus: you can get Audible versions read by Richard Armitage, of North and South. *Swoon.*)

Jude Morgan‘s Indiscretion, Some Brief Folly, and An Accomplished Woman are all intricate and interesting novels set in Regency England. Outside of Heyer, I haven’t read anyone who recaptures the era quite so well. His aren’t quite as fun and flirty as some, but they’re perfect if you like your Regency novels with a dash of literary.

Patricia Wrede writes wonderful Regency novels with a dash of magic thrown in (in fact, I think I’ll blame her for my historical fantasy obsession). A former roommate described Sorcery and Cecilia as “crack for women” and that’s about right. Her Mairelon series are also delightful.

I can’t mention Regency era fantasy without mentioning Susanna Clarke’s, Jonathan Norrell and Mr. Strange, a wonderfully dense early 19th century fantasy that’s like a mash-up of Jane Austen and J. R. R. Tolkein.

Stephanie Burgis is another historical fantasy author: her Kat, Incorrigible series are fun, fantastic middle-grade novels with a pre-teen-aged heroine who facilitates her older sister’s romance while foiling dastardly magicians.

Carla Kelly, an LDS author now better known for her Western romances, wrote a number of Regencies for national markets before turning to westerns. (A heads-up: some of her later Napoleonic war Regencies are a little more explicit in terms of violence and romantic encounters than earlier ones). Libby’s London Merchant might be my favorite, for it’s very unconventional hero. The sequel, One Good Turn, about a rake gone good, is also a lot of fun.

Julianne Donaldson’s Edenbrooke probably doesn’t need much introduction here, but it’s a clean, light, romantic story.

Josi Kilpack, A Heart Revealed, I mentioned at the beginning of the post: although this had a few slow moments, I was impressed by the depth of character (not always a primary concern in Regency romances) and the unusual relationship development in the story.

My mother owned the entire oeuvre of Patricia Veryan’s novels, including her Regency-era Sanguinet Saga which fed my teenage romantic fantasies during some admittedly dry romance years in real life. Although some of the novels may be a little melodramatic, they’re fun and fast-paced.

These last two aren’t exactly Regency, but they’re in the same vein:

Shannon  Hale’s Austenland and Midnight in Austenland are funny send-ups of the current cultural fascination with Jane Austen: both novels feature heroines who find that Austen-era living isn’t everything it’s cracked up to be when they take a vacation at Regency re-enactment resorts.

And moving a little later in the century, Elizabeth Gaskell‘s novels (North and South, Wives and Daughters, Cranford) provide the manners of an Austen novel with a little more social commentary. Plus, the three I’ve mentioned have all been made into wonderful BBC adaptations, if you’re tired of your dozenth Pride and Prejudice marathon.

Now it’s your turn–I’d love to know what Regency-era books you enjoy.