Maggie MacKeever: A Banbury Tale

Next in our author lineup is Maggie MacKeever, who wrote regencies for Fawcett in the late 1970's. A Banbury Tale was published in 1977 and is the story of Mathilda who was a widow and definitely not planning on remarrying! However, she wasn't ready to give up her place as the reigning queen of society!

This cover by Allan Kass shows our couple on a balcony where in the room behind, a ball is taking place. Our couple share an embrace while the dancers in the background complete a measure. My eye is caught by the gentleman in the pink coat--he must be a dandy!

I wonder if the popularity of Barbara Cartland's books during this time helped this genre become popular? Other popular romances of the time were the gothic and these regency stories were definitely different in flavor. Also this was the beginning of the sexier historical romance with Kathleen Woodwiss's The Flame and the Flower being published around 1977, too.

Dorothy Mack: The Unlikely Chaperone

Our last regency by Dorothy Mack is The Unlikely Chaperone. She wrote others not illustrated by Kass but published by Signet, so check out her other work. This book was published in February 1991.

Alexandra Farrish is leading her younger and beautiful sister through the season and Didi is captivating all of the men, especially the handsome Marquess of Malvern, the one man Alexandra begrudges her!!

This is an interesting cover by Allan Kass. Our couple are at a ball and it looks as if the hero is trying to get the heroine to dance with him. I like the use of the mirror that shows the others dancing. Note her long sleeves, which are probably removable. She also wears some unique jewelry and carries a pretty fan.

 A Regency Valentine 2 used the head shot of this cover for theirs!

Dorothy Mack: An Unconventional Courtship

An Unconventional Courtship by Dorothy Mack was published by Signet in August 1987. It's the story of Cleone Latham who was a poor relation in the home of her uncle and managed his affairs. However, this peaceful life was disturbed by the arrival of the Earl of Altern and his wooing of her shallow cousin. Could she find him a better wife?

I think this is an elegant cover by Allan Kass. Our heroine is simply attired in a golden gown and she shares an intimate moment with the hero. It possibly is a stolen moment, but we are intrigued with the scene.

Dorothy Mack: A Temporary Betrothal

May 1995 was the Signet publication date for A Temporary Betrothal by Dorothy Mack. Belinda Melville was in love with a man who was in love with her newly married cousin! Was she willing to take second place in his heart?

Allan Kass paints our couple near a garden door sharing an embrace. The heroine's pink gown is striking with her black hair and pale complexion. The hero's features are partially hidden but we get the sense that he is strong and solid. I like the climbing flowers behind him and we see that it's a sunny day.

Dorothy Mack: A Prior Attachment

A Prior Attachment was published in May 1989 by Signet and Dorothy Mack writes a tale of a girl named Gemma Monteith whose father chooses a husband for her. However, Gemma has been in love with another who is coming back from the war to claim her as his bride! Who will she marry?

Allan Kass creates a garden setting for this cover and we see our couple enjoying the sunshine and flowers. It's interesting that they are both redheads since it's rare for Allan's couples to have matching hair color. I also like his use of color with the hero's purple coat and gold waistcoat, which are complimentary colors.

Dorothy Mack: The Mock Marriage

Dorothy Mack's The Mock Marriage was published by Signet in June 1991 as part of its Signet Regency Romance line. Claire Yelland was also an actress who was being paid by Sir Egon Hollister to act as his wife in order to fool his grandmother. Sir Egon has no notion that she is really a lady!

Allan Kass gives us an interesting cover with our couple standing in front of a building that has a Spanish feel. It looks as if it's a church because we see a couple in wedding attire standing in the doorway. I like our heroine's green coat and matching bonnet. The hero is dressed for a special occasion in dark blue and gold. I need to reread to find out where they are located!

Dorothy Mack: The Lost Heir

The Lost Heir by Dorothy Mack was published by Signet in July 1993. Brianna Llewellyn has little reason to trust Christopher Cardorette after his brother's treatment of her sister and the fact that her nephew is the legitimate heir to the title! However, he meant to show her that he wasn't the ogre she thought he was!

One of the reasons I like this cover by Allan Kass is that the heroine looks like a young 21 year old as depicted in the story. I also love her red hair and the purple shawl over her neat gown. This is a calm cover and yet we can almost feel the sparks from the couple!