There are so many reasons that propel me to pick up a book. Maybe I want to learn something—about history, the world, other people, or even myself. Sometimes I pick up a book to be entertained. Sometimes I want to savor exquisite words or visit old friends. But then there are those other times, those moment’s I’m seeking completely escape from the now, an immersion in another time and place.
Escape has been much of my reading motivation over these past few weeks. Escape from the news. Escape from my four walls. And when I want a real escape read, I tend to go one particular setting: 19th century British Empire (well, I’ll go back to late 18th century, too!).
Not the classics written in the era, mind you. Even though I love reading classics, scape reading, for me, doesn’t mean working that hard. No, I tend toward romance and mystery when in escape mode. So that’s what I’ve been seeking out and devouring lately in my effort to escape the sameness of days in 2020. Here are a few authors who have feed my need (or ones I’m looking forward to!):
Julie Klassen (of course!)
I just finished The Bridge to Belle Island and loved it! I think I missed the last Ivy Hill novel, so I need to go back and get that one, too. Julie has long been a favorite in this time period!
I loved the Hawthorne House series and the first book of her Haven Manor series was great! Ready to get to the next ones in this series.
I devoured every book she has written and am eagerly waiting her new release in November!
Always a favorite, she still has several in this time period I missed and am looking forward to reading!
Did you know she has a Regency spy series? I just started the first one and it’s an intriguing story so far.
I loved her debut novel and am trying to get the ones I’ve missed before her new one comes out!
I’ve only read one of hers and glad there are more to get through.
Her new book, The Lost Lieutenant, fits right in this time period. I can’t wait to read it! (Because who wouldn’t with that cover!)
Kimberly’s debut novel, A Mosaic of Wings, is on my list! This one released yesterday. Almost at the end of the 19th century, but it still fits.
Of course these simply reflect my most current reading. They don’t include my old favorites in this time period, authors like Laurie Alice Eakes, Patricia Veryan, and Anne Perry. I know there are more out there, especially Regency romances. So I need to hear from you! Who have I missed? What should I read next?
What has been your most favorite escape read this year–the book that let you check out of 2020 and truly experience another time and place?
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Missed most of the early Falco series – pity -might have inspired much harder work at Latin ! Just days before lockdown, at a charity book shop, I found almost the complete Falco, and the brilliant Flavia Albia too.. Love her ‘ second chance’ love story .. Would they let me buy everything ? Currently reading The Ides of April – and living in 1st century Rome.
First century Rome is certainly an escape! Happy reading!
I’m pulling out old paperbacks I bought but never read when I was teaching English. I just finished Willa Cather’s Death Comes for the Archbishop. It was a fascinating escape into 19th century New Mexico. I understood why it was her masterpiece.
It’s always fun to pull out books you’ve collected but never actually read yet! Glad you enjoyed that one!
Haven’t done much escape reading lately as I’m too busy following the news! I have, however, found some escape with two of my favorite authors: Sarah Sundin’s “The Land Beneath Us” and Laura Frantz’s “An Uncommon Woman.” Since I also write in the WW2 era, I particularly love stories set in that time, although the Revolutionary War era is also fascinating and way more complex than many people think. Currently reading Ann Howard Creel’s “When You Were Mine,” an immediate post-war story.
Those are great time periods to escape to–and great authors to go with! 🙂
I read, own, and enjoyed the “Ivy Hill” series! Coming in September, “An Ivy Hill Christmas” novella will allow readers revisit with the characters as they celebrate Christmas. 🙂
Same with “The Regency Spies of London” trilogy by Melanie Dickerson. They’re as good as her “Fairy Tale Romance/Hagenheim Castle” and “Medieval Fairy Tale” trilogy.
Glad to have a fellow Regency reader speak up! 🙂
My escape reading has been rom-coms
Those are great escape reads! Enjoy!
Thank you for this post! Some great authors listed here and you introduced me to some I have been unaware of… definitely checking out quite a few! Thank you–love it when I find new authors! I am reading the Love Comes Softly series. I had previously only read the first, because it is on my Kindle, and I have my husband’s grandmother’s complete set in paperback. I’m nursing my two-month old, and I have plenty of time for sitting, so away I go to the prairie. Love Janette Oke and her heartwarming stories!
I love those books! In fact, I’ve been wanting to re-read them but I’ve loaned/given away some so I need to make sure I have all the series before I start again. Enjoy your reading time–and that sweet baby!
I love Julie Klassen too! I have booked one of hers from the local library and I hope it is re-opening soon because I can’t wait to read it. I have been catching up with the classics like Jane Eyre and Great Expectations.
There is definitely time these days to get to the classics! I hope your library opens soon. I sure do miss mine, too.