Fellow blogger, Kassa, came up with a wonderful idea – write a letter to your favorite author. Today is my turn, and the hardest part of this for me is picking the author. I spent a lot of time just staring at my bookshelves, contemplating what author has moved me, has given me a book that I have gushed and twirled about with. And as I looked at my shelves, I was overwhelmed by the number of authors that I wanted to single out. Eventually, I decided to start at the beginning – the author that first introduced me to romance.
Dear Mary Balogh,
When I was a young adult, I went through many phases of reading – from anything having to do with the King Arthur legend, to history books about the American Revolution. One day, not having anything to read, I went to my mom and told her I needed something different. She handed me one of your books – I can’t remember which one is was, but it was my first true romance book, and I remember thinking, holy wow, this is my type of book. My mom extensively collected your books, and I started going through them like they were a decadent treat.
One day, I picked up Slightly Married and this became a turning point in my reading life. I was introduced to the six brothers and sisters that make up the Bedwyn family, and I fell in love. I waited anxiously for each book to come out, because for the first time I was reading a series where each character had already been introduced. It started what would become years and years of torturously waiting for books to come out. And finally, book six, Slightly Dangerous, featuring Wulfric, the reluctant head of family. The man who lost his childhood due to honor, and was forced to grow up to serve as Duke. We watched him through five books be strict, stern and cold and finally he got his chance to find love, and show the family his actions were always in their best interests. His romance was intense, and when he utters the words, “I want you,” to Christine, my smexy heart melted right there on the spot.
Although I am missing six or seven of your books, your collection is my go to for comfort reading. You introduced me to romance, and I have never looked back.
Stay smexy Mary Balogh!
Mandi
The blog crawl will last all month, and there have been seven previous entries before me. For a full list of participants go HERE.
Tomorrow, check out Lea, from Closetwriter’s letter.
Lovely letter Mandi :) I really liked your Balogh shelf too
What a sweet letter! I don't read a lot of romance but when I do I always wonder why exactly I don't read more of it. It's a wonderful escape.
Blodeuedd – Thanks!
Jane – It is a fun escape :)
Wonderful heartfelt letter Mandi!
It's so great Mary Balogh's work inspired you so. I love your MB shelf. ;)
Thanks for sharing! :D
What a wonderful letter! I'm afraid I haven't read anything by Mary Balogh yet but I'm going to remedy that!
I've never read Mary Balogh, hmm maybe if I get in the mood. That was a great letter, if I was Mary I would cry.
Nice letter :)
I've never read any Mary Balogh, I think she may have to go on my reading list.
Hey sweetie pie!!! =) I loved your post on how you fell for romance and doing that with Mary Balogh is a GREAT way to start! Ive read quite a few of her books and too fell in love =)
Have a great rest of your week!
What a wonderful letter!
Awesome letter Mandi!! And now I want to go add Mary Balogh to my TBR!
What a sweet letter. Mary Balogh was also one of my first fav romance authors.
I don't have a shelf devoted to her but I recommend her to anyone who needs a great romantic fix.
Great letter! I always did love Wulfric the best. It's been a while since I've dipped into the few Mary Balogh's I have but I may need to head there. I've wittled down my m/f romance reading to a few special favorites and this is a great reminder to revisit them.
Thanks!
Hmm, I read one Balogh and didn't enjoy it. But I'm open to 2nd chances. This series you mention is going on my TBB list to check out. Thanks! Enjoyed reading your letter!
Lovely letter Mandi. So cool that your mom introduced you to the romance genre.
The duck really gives your Balogh shelf major sparkle. Nice letter.
Mandi, the letter was wonderful. I thoroughly understand your love of these kinds of books. I love Romance series like the one you fell in love with where it is a "family affair" with all the main characters each getting their turn at having an HEA. The paranormal romance series that I now love to read are just a tad bit more to my older taste now than Historical and Regency era ones..
Loved the letter, loved the bookshelves and so glad your Mom and you share the love of reading. It is nice to hear that…
jackie b central texas
What a great letter! It's how I feel about Johanna Lindsey. Without her, I wouldn't be reading romance today.
Thanks Lea, can't wait for yours tomorrow!
Patti – I hope you enjoy her :)
ParaJunkee – Aw, thanks :)
Laura – I find her to be very enjoyable :)
Monroe – Cooool…she is a fun author!
Inez – thank you!!
Pamela – :) You should!
Tori – Oh wow, I didn't know that about you.
Kassa – Wulfric was the best!! Thanks so much for organizing this!!
Tabitha – There are definitely some of her that are better than others. I'm actually not super into her newest series.
FV – Yes, I love that I share it with my mom.
KB – The duck is essential.
Jackie – Yes – one of the reason why I love the BDB brothers so much :)
Colette – I have never read Johanna Lindsey before!
great letter Mandi! I love the duck lol.
Oh, your letter made me remember how much I loved the Bedwyn family series by Mary Balogh. Loved those books! Now I'm in the mood for a re-read. :)
What a beautiful letter Mandi. How our firsts can make such a lasting impact…Bertrice Small was my first and I will always treasure Sky O'Malley, that woman had spunk for her time!
What a great letter Mandi. I have to confess I've never read this author and the pronounciation of her last name gives me heart palpitations. I've seen her name come up fairly often though which I take it means a very wide appeal. Great job.
Wonderful letter, Mandi.
I've read a few of Ms Balogh's books although it was quite a while ago. I don't think I read any from this series though. It sounds like a good one.
Sweet! Great job, Mandi. Isn't it wonderful how moms can play such an important role in a girl's life :)
Great letter, Mandi. I love MB's books too and Slightly Dangerous is in my top 5 Historical romance novels. Wulfric *sigh* so misunderstood. He only needed the love of a good woman to melt that cold heart of his.
I have been known to send off overseas for MB books which are currently out of print in the UK. I love her writing that much.
Holy cow, that's a lot of Mary Balough!
The first romance I ever read was by Lisa Kleypas–never got into Balough at all.
If you have an entire shelf devoted to Mary Balogh she needs to be on my TBR list.
Fabulous letter.
What a great choice, Mandi! Writing to the author who started it all for you. Great stuff. :)
Great letter! (And you've given me an idea on how to select my own author, which has been giving me fits.)
What a cool and sweet letter. I love her work too. I picked them up initially after a friend Leiha said they were awesome. I loved Wulfric's story too!!!! :)
Tiffany – LOL
Ava – You love them too? YAY! :)
Leontine – It's fun to remember where we started :)
Tam – I read somewhere that Balogh rhymes with "Kellog" – so that should help!
Lily – she has a lot to choose from ;)
ERR – It is…so glad I can share it with her.
Jenre – Really? How cool. He is soo misunderstood. Poor Wulfric.
Heidenkind – I like books..LOL :) You should see my other shelves
KC – LOL
Kris – Thanks!
Chris – Oh good..I swear it took me FOREVER to decide!!!!
Sarah – :)
Cool letter Mandi – I read a few of MB books as well.. great stuff..
Lovely that your mom and yourself read the same books – what a tradition..
Many more happy reading and re-reading days with Mary Balogh.
E.H>
Wonderful letter, and I liked how you started at the beginning :) Gives us some insight into the Mandi we all know & adore. Lovely tribute. I think I've maybe read 2 or 3 of her books. Wish I'd read more.