A couple weeks ago, I was asked to put together five book recommendations based on a theme of my choice. Since I love historical romance flavored with humor, it seemed like the logical choice for my recommendation list.
There was a catch, however. I couldn’t list more than one book by any author. I accepted the challenge. I even got my Posse to weigh in with their favorites. Since I would be including rationales with my picks, I had to select books I had read myself so I could pen a review, but my Posse jogged my memory on one and inspired me to go out an buy another to read before turning in my list.
Here were my selections:
#1 – To Write a Wrong by Jen Turano
This book has my favorite cover of all time! So perfect for book nerds and writers. Jen Turano is the queen of quirky characters and outlandish plots. Daphne Beekman is a mystery author who consults with the inquiry agency run by the ladies in her boarding house and prefers to keep her distance from actual danger. Until fellow author, and relative recluse, Herman Henderson hires her to find out who is trying to kill him. Writerly comradery plus a growing romantic attachment have Daphne taking lead on the case, instigating all kinds of crazy shenanigans including outlandish disguises, bookish banter, and even an arrow-subverting bustle. This one had me giggling for days.
#2 – The Mistletoe Countess by Pepper Basham
I must have a soft spot for book-loving heroines because this novel sports another bibliophile heroine that I adore. Grace is a sun-shiny book nerd and absolutely adorable. She uses her fiction skills to solve mysteries and protect her new husband from a deadly threat. The brooding Lord Astley has no defense against Grace’s guileless enthusiasm. This story has is all: whimsy, humor, mystery, and plenty of romance. There’s even a secret passageway! It might take place at Christmas, but it’s a story worth savoring year-round.
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#3 – Manor for Sale, Baron Included by Esther Hatch
Esther Hatch was a new author to me. After several of my Posse Pals recommended this book, I decided to give it a try, and I’m glad I did. This sweet regency romance pits a cash-poor nobleman against the savvy female merchant who buys his late-mother’s home. He wants his house back and schemes to woo the lady into marriage. What could possibly go wrong? Only everything. A hysterical battle of wills ensues, filled with practical jokes, horrid wallpaper threats, and a fictitious menagerie. Add to that boxing lessons that turn into the most unique courting ritual I’ve ever encountered in a book, and you have a fun, original read!
#4 – The Lieutenant’s Bargain by Regina Jennings
Regina never fails to delight with her tongue-in-cheek humor and fun-loving stories. In this second-chance love story, Lieutenant Jack Hennessey can’t believe it when fate brings Hattie Walker back into his life. Having the chance to impress her by acting the hero after her stagecoach is attacked, Jack rushes to her rescue. Thinking to pad his heroic resume with some playacting with the local Indian tribe, things get out of hand and leave him and Hattie married. A fact she finds less than delightful. Complications and craziness ensue as Jack tries to undo his error without losing Hattie in the process.
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#5 – Fancy Pants by Cathy Marie Hake
Cathy Marie Hake was one of the authors who made me fall in love with Christian fiction. I wanted to write stories like hers–full of humor and heart. Fancy Pants is one of my favorites. First, the cover is absolutely adorable! Then it uses the female-in-disguise troupe, one I personally enjoy. This story reminds my of that song from Disney’s Mulan – “I’ll Make a Man Out of You.” An English lady disguised a lad so her uncle (who thinks she’s a boy, since her name is Sydney) will let her stay at his ranch. The uncle’s partner, however, finds the foppish boy a disgrace and determines to turn him into a cowhand worth his salt. So fun! Romance can bloom anywhere when you add in the right ingredients, and this one does it to perfection.
Honorable mentions
With space for only 5 recommendations, I didn’t have room to name all the historical authors who use humor to great effect in their stories. Mary Connealy is fabulous at mixing comedy with cowboys in all her books. Margaret Brownley is another who never fails to make me chuckle. And my Posse had great things to say about Roseanna White‘s To Treasure an Heiress and Kristi Ann Hunter‘s A Noble Masquerade.
What are some of your favorite books that utilize humor?
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Robin Lee Hatcher says
Oh, boy. Good reading ahead. Four out of your five are available on audiobook via my library. As soon as I finish the book I’m listening to now (Francine Rivers’ The Lady’s Mine), I plan to begin your list.
Karen Witemeyer says
Wonderful, Robin! I hope you find some new favorites. I need to get back into audiobooks. Especially now that they are so easily accessible through libraries.
Hilda says
I’ve read one (the Bleeker Street book, as well as its sister books), and another one of these five, so I’ve got some catching up to do. I was getting worried when I didn’t see a book by Mary Connealy among the top five. But you mentioned her eventually, so your reputation for having good taste is intact! LOL. Thanks for highlighting three books that I now need to buy and find time for!
Karen Witemeyer says
Whew! That was close. LOL. I love Mary. She is just as funny in person as she is in her books.
Eunice says
Thanks for all the great suggestions! I too love humor in fiction, and I have added these to my TBR list. Fancy Pants I have already read, and I really enjoyed the whole series. I love how you authors unselfishly promote each other. I figure if an author I love likes a book, I’m likely to like it too. And I like you even more for your recommendation. Win-win!
Karen Witemeyer says
I love your spirit, Eunice! Authors are readers too, and it’s fun to share our favorites with people we know will share in our joy of good story.
Becky Wade says
What a great list! Humorous historical romances have a flavor all their own. I’m glad you celebrated this theme with your choices. 🙂
Karen Witemeyer says
Thanks, Becky. It was a fun area to focus on, and one that reflects my particular tastes. 🙂
Betty Strohecker says
Have read and enjoyed The Mistletoe Countess (Great dialogue) and A Noble Masquerade. Reading To Treasure an Heiress now – love the Isles of Scilly, a new setting for me.
Karen Witemeyer says
Wonderful, Betty! I’ve heard great things about Sheridan. You’ll have to let me know how you like him. 🙂
Elisa says
I’ve read #1 & 4 on your list. As a whole, both series are fun reads! I read them in order since that’s my preference.
Karen Witemeyer says
I prefer reading series in order as well, Elisa, though I don’t always do so. I did read To Steal a Heart before To Write a Wrong, but I read The Lieutenant’s Bargain on it’s own, and it still worked well. 🙂
Jcp says
How about Courting Trouble by Deeanne Gist
Karen Witemeyer says
Yes! I love Deeanne Gist’s early books. Great addition!
Staci says
I’d add Start with Me by Kara Isaac, A Proper Pursuit by Lynn Austin and A Season on the Wind by Suzanne Woods Fisher. Kara and Suzanne have humor in most if not all their novels.
Enjoyed reading through your list and agree with the authors on there that I’ve read too.