Many ladies from all genres prefer a love affair, and this is understandable. Where else can you see the Cinderella story embodied in reality in a new way? Romance, beautiful heroes, sensual scenes allow you to abandon reality and for a moment be in a fairy tale. At the same time, some people like modern princes and princesses, others prefer historical romance novels, where the atmosphere itself, although far from life's realities, is full of attractive charm, and the heroes are all noble and beautiful not only in soul. The second category includes Virginia Henley novels. Pirates, lords, knights and young wayward beauties fight for their happiness on the pages of books, causing serious feelings for their fate.
Biography
The English writer Virginia Henley was born on December 5, 1935 in Bolton. Since childhood, Virginia was fond of history, so it is not surprising that the girl chose this specialty at the university, successfully completing it with a scientific degree. In 1956, Virginia married Canadian Arthur Henley and became a housewife.
In her free time from household chores, the girl was happy to read romance novels. Henley Virginia once, being very impressed by one of them, decided to try to write her story. The girl sent the manuscript to Avon Books, and, to her surprise, she liked it. In 1982, the author’s first book was published. Subsequently, Virginia wrote 18 novels and 3 short stories, received several prestigious awards and won the love of numerous readers.
Features of creativity
In her novels, Virginia Henley pays a lot of attention not only to the emotional component, but also to the background. The author tries to recreate the details of the time about which he writes: traditions, fashion, historical events. In addition to the bright protagonists, the novelist carefully prescribes secondary characters. They are obtained not by faceless shadows, created only as a background for the main characters, but by full-fledged personalities, whose adventures are interesting to follow.
Plantagenets
The cycle of novels tells the story of the life of representatives of one family and their attempts to find the very, real love, despite obstacles and hardships. These Virginia Henley books are a bit overloaded with historical details, but overall leave a good impression.
"Wedding Prize"
What do court beauties teach? Everything that is useful to a noble bride in search of a husband: singing, dancing, the ability to maintain conversation and the art of conquering male hearts with one wave of eyelashes. Does the future wife of an uncouth knight, who is used not to royal balls, but to campaigns and battles, need this knowledge? Unlikely. So Rosamond Marshall will have to subjugate Roger de Layburn otherwise, so that he believes that the girl is not a hollow-headed beauty imposed on him as a wife.
"Falcon and flower"
After the death of her mother, Jasmine was taken up by her grandmother. The lady was, though noble blood, but with a very peculiar outlook on the world. As a result, the girl learned not only to sing, dance and housekeeping, but also learned the basics of magic and herbal studies. Once during a ritual, Jasmine saw a man’s face in a crystal ball and decided that it was the devil himself. It is difficult to convey the girl’s horror when she met the Folcon de Berg in reality. The knight was inflamed with the desire to marry her, even knowing that Jasmine was a dowager with oddities. Young people will have to overcome a lot before they sincerely love each other.
“Dragon and treasure”
What happens if you stubbornly go to the goal, believing that this is fate? Virginia Henley assures that at least a coup d'etat, betrayal of loved ones, bloodshed. Is the game worth the candle? The dragon is convinced that yes. And he is ready to turn the mountains, if only the beautiful Elinor reciprocated his feelings.
The Kennedy Clan
The difficult relationship between England and Scotland has always been fertile ground for creating romance novels. Virginia Henley did not come up with anything new, following the canons, but reading about the misadventures of representatives of one family is quite interesting.
Readers note that both books of the series are written in good language, in addition to the personal relationships of the heroes, the author pays attention to minor characters and events of the world. Books from this do not become boring, but gain depth and a certain certainty.
“Conquered by passion”
In the sixteenth century, the girls did not have much choice: the king said to get married, which means that you need to get out. It is pointless to resist: after all, not only your life is at stake. Beauty Valentine from the Kennedy clan is not enthusiastic about the upcoming wedding with the hated Lord Ramsey. Yes, handsome, yes, charismatic, but he is an enemy, the leader of the Douglas clan. Accept? Never! You can marry against your will, but never to make you fall in love. And the future husband is also not enthusiastic about the upcoming marriage and the bride.
"Witching love"
Once the Scottish Lord Heath Kennedy went on business in the borderlands and met a poor gypsy there. Lady Raven Carleton fate brought the robber off the highway. The first impression was more than misleading, which did not stop young people from becoming interested in each other.
De Varrena
Another series of the author. Virginia Henley's historical romance novels are often blamed for the heroes having extrasensory abilities and great attention to the political life of the era described. All this is present here, but if you are not confused by such trifles as clairvoyance and tamed wild animals, then books may interest you.
Numerous fans of Henley's creativity note that the first and third books of the series are most interesting, the second is also not bad, but slightly inferior in drawing the characters of the characters.
"Mascot"
Scottish Jane Lacy almost with her mother’s milk absorbed the hatred of the British invaders. In addition to the unshakable conviction that all Englishmen are evil, the girl also firmly knew who her betrothed was. After all, he appeared to her in visions. When Jane met Lynx de Worin in real life, she was shocked: her lover turned out to be an English knight. And now what i can do? Follow centuries of tradition and hate or let the heart decide for itself?
"Bad reputation"
It’s hard to call Marjorie de Varennes an ideal girl: she is beautiful, well-mannered, but her character let us down - the pretty lady is wayward and stubborn like a mule. And she herself knows best what she needs. And she needs Guy de Beauchan - a famous warrior and smoothie. Of course, as a legal spouse. And after all the stubborn woman almost got her way: the wedding is about to take place. Only the guardians do not agree with Marjorie's choice and will do their best to separate the lovers.
"Secret marriage"
Brianna de Beauchard's life was calm and measured, but everything suited the girl, she was going to marry a rich aristocrat. However, a meeting with Wolfe Mortimer turned the usual life of the beauty upside down. And now she has a difficult choice: to abandon her suddenly awakened feelings or lose everything that she has and put her life at stake.
Out of series
It would be a mistake to believe that Virginia Henley combines all the books in a series or writes only about members of the same families. In addition to serial works, the author has novels with completely new characters and plots.
Virginia Henley: “Enslaved”
Diana had everything that one could dream of: a beautiful appearance, a huge fortune, loyal fans. All that was lacking was love. Accidentally peering into an antique shop, the girl tried on a joke for the sake of an ancient helmet ... And she ended up in another world. Yes, the owner of the helmet is damn attractive, but has one significant drawback - he does not want to know anything about women's independence. All alone, in an unfamiliar country, and even a slave ... Will Diana be able to pass all the trials and not break, will she believe in the feelings of a proud and powerful warrior?
This novel for many fans of the author, according to numerous reviews, has become one of the most beloved and re-read more than once.
"Seduced"
How to get rid of an unwanted future husband? Yes, so that there was no way to rectify the situation? With a guarantee? Alexandra Sheffield, after some deliberation, decided to go all-in and ruin her reputation. Who needs a girl whispering about in the corners? Alexandra decided that no one. The only thing left is to choose a candidate whose notoriety leaves no doubt. The perfect “bad guy” Nicholas Hatton is a great option! Beautiful, attractive, does not miss a single skirt. All that is needed is to convince the rake to seduce her. And, of course, there is no question of any kind of love.
"Hawk and Dove"
What could be worse than a wedding with an unloved and unwanted groom? Nothing? And here you are mistaken! Worse - this is when an unwanted bridegroom throws you at the altar and disappears in an unknown direction. What, then, remains for a proud girl to do? Silently cry and forget? Find and make regret about the deed? Sarah Bishop chose the second option and vowed that she would subdue Shane and make her suffer.