April Kihlstrom: The Widowed Bride

The Widowed Bride was published in December 1996 by Signet for author April Kihlstrom. It is also in the Miss Tibbles governess series. Annabelle Winsborough is a widow almost as soon as she becomes a wife. She is leery of David Carlton, the heir who appears soon after her husband's death. Is he an imposter? Is he her future?

I think this is such a pretty cover by Allan Kass. I love the heroine's mourning dress of black with the sheer net bodice. It's so elegant! She and the hero sit near a rose covered vine and are about to share a kiss. Such a beautiful and tender moment.

April Kihlstrom: The Wicked Groom

The Wicked Groom by April Kihlstrom was published in April 1996 and is the story of Diana Westcott who is betrothed unknowingly to the Duke of Berenford. She is agreeable until she meets the new groom and he steals a kiss! Little does she know that the lowly groom is her high ranking suitor! This is the first book in the Miss Tibbles series.

Allan Kass shows us the scene where the groom kisses Lady Diana. Our hero is dressed very casually while our heroine is ready for riding. I like the two horses standing in the background.

April Kihlstrom: The Wary Spinster

The Wary Spinster, published in August 1983 by Signet, is the story of Anthea Marwood who is a spinster by choice after being raised by a brutal father. She invites her niece to stay with her in Bath when she realizes that she's being pushed into marriage with a reprobate. Lord Giles Rathbone, a friend, is convinced to change Anthea's marital state!

This is another great cover by Allan Kass! I love the heroine's periwinkle blue gown under her heavy darker blue cape and trimmed bonnet. She wears a lace cap that shows her status as spinster. Our hero is handsome in his caped greatcoat and looks like a trustworthy suitor for our heroine!

April Kihlstrom: Twice Betrothed

Twice Betrothed is the next in this series of novels by April Kihlstrom. Published in November 1984 by Signet, it is the story of American Judith Bosworth who is in London for the season and deciding whether is it wise to make a marriage of convenience.

Allan Kass shows our couple clinging to each other while standing in an elegant room. Our heroine is pretty in a powder blue gown with a matching hair ribbon while the hero looks dressed for dinner in black formal wear of the day. This is a classic Kass illustration; some of his best were done in the early 1980's of regency ladies. Enjoy!

April Kihlstrom: The Scholar's Daughter

The Scholar's Daughter was published in February 1989 and is the story of Calista Standish who is debating the problem of Mr. John Witton! She couldn't resist him even though he had a fiancee and her intellect was telling her to flee. Could he love someone like her?

I love this cover by Allan Kass. Set in Bath, UK, we see the beautiful architecture with the creamy stone walls and narrow streets. Our couple are dressed exquisitely for a walk in the city and everything from the heroine's shawl to the matching ribbons on her bonnet enhance her pink walking dress. The hero is very much a la mode with his dark jacket, hat, and cane.

If you ever have a chance to visit Bath, do it. It's a beautiful city that still looks like it did back in the days of the regency. It's easy to imagine that you're back in time when walking the streets!

April Kihlstrom: A Scandalous Bequest

A Scandalous Bequest was published by Signet for author April Kihlstrom in September 1982. Felicity Lyford is being courted by both Lord Harry Eastcott and Sir Anthony Woodhall for her fortune. These two rivals make it hard for Felicity to decide which is really in love with her and not just her money.

Allan Kass shows our couple near a splendid mansion with Georgian style arch windows. I love our heroine's hairdo, all bouffant and curly. Her full blue dress is definitely slipping off of her shoulders!! We get a glimpse of the hero's face, but he looks kind and loving.

April Kihlstrom is one of Signet's most prolific authors. She wrote many other regencies not illustrated by Allan Kass. Some were written as sequels and in series.

April Kihlstrom: The Reckless Wager

The Reckless Wager was published by Signet in November 1991 and is the story of the Earl of Basingstoke and the wager he accepts that he'll pretend to be a poor younger son and propose to an unknown gentlewoman. When he meets Elizabeth Mayfield, he thinks his wager is won until she rejects his proposal and the game begins!

Allan Kass presents our couple in front of a modern 1800's mansion! The gardens looks pristine and delightful with flowers blooming on a warm spring day. It tempts our couple to take a stroll before the sun is too hot. The heroine's gown is pretty and I like the accent ribbons on the bodice. Our red headed hero is handsome and dashing. Elegant is the result!