Audrey Blanshard: A Virginian at Venncombe

A Virginian at Venncombe is the last Audrey Blanshard book illustrated by Allan Kass that I own. It was published in 1976 and is the story of Caroline, who meets Thaddeus Forbes, an American naval surgeon and prisoner of war during the War of 1812. She falls in love with him and nothing or no one is going to keep her from marrying him!

Allan Kass paints an interesting picture of our couple. Our hero is dashing in his American uniform and red hair while our heroine is young and cute in her long black unbound hair and simple purple day dress. The setting is interesting because the estate grounds seem to describe the heroine, but the ocean in the background seems to describe our hero and his home far away.

The War of 1812 was fought mainly because of British impediment of American trade with France and impressment of American citizens into the Royal Navy. One interesting fact is that the American National Anthem was written about a battle in Baltimore that happened during this war.

Audrey Blanshard: Sir Ranulf and the Runaway

Sir Ranulf and the Runaway was published in August 1980 by Fawcett for Audrey Blanshard. Isabella has always admired Sir Ranulf but their fathers have always feuded. She is able to get to know him when a young boy runs off from his estate and to hers to be protected by her younger sister.

Allan Kass paints an outdoor, or alfresco, evening picnic! This is a unique cover and interesting with the silver pieces being used! Our couple is definitely enjoying their time together, but the building behind them looms menacingly! Is there a secret here?

This seems to be a blend between the regency and a gothic story. Jane Austen wrote a spoof of the gothic called Northanger Abbey! Many regency young ladies loved to read gothic novels and scare themselves silly! Nowadays, paranormal and romantic suspense novels are very popular!

Audrey Blanshard: The Shy Young Denbury

The Shy Young Denbury was published in 1977 by Fawcett. Audrey Blanshard writes a story about a shy girl named Merry whose family thinks she would make a perfect minister's wife! However, this shy miss has grand London plans that her family knows nothing about!

Allan Kass draws a cover where the scene is set in an opera house. Our heroine wears a dark green gown and holds a fan and a program of the evening. Our hero is dashing in red and holds out a chair for her in their box.

Opera was popular in regency times and many people rented a box for their private use during the season in London. These boxes usually cost somewhere in the region of 400 pounds!

Audrey Blanshard: Lucetta

Lucetta was published in October 1979 by Fawcett for Audrey Blanshard. Lucetta falls in love with Vere Dalvin, who leaves the house after Lord Wintringham, Lucetta's father, proposes that Vere marry Lucetta! She is not dismayed, however, because she plans to have him!

Allan Kass paints a scene at a horse race for this novel. Our hero is handsome in purple tails and buff trousers while the heroine is beautiful in a mossy green! I love her poke bonnet and the medallion that the hero wears: an award for his horse winning a race? An interesting fact is that there is a small head shot of the couple on the back cover of this book!

Horse racing was becoming a pastime for rich men during the regency. Newmarket was the preferred place to hold races and much betting happened there.

Audrey Blanshard: Granborough's Filly

Granborough's Filly is another early Fawcett book and was published in 1976. It is about Selina, who is shipwrecked off the Cornwell coast with Mr. Rufford. They were in danger from the smugglers and ruffians who preyed on shipwrecks. It's an interesting tale of how 2 dissimilar people fall in love after getting to know one another through diversity.

Allan Kass painted a sailing scene with this cover. Our couple is dressed informally and our heroine has her hair down and a shawl wrapped around her. It is interesting that the hero is wearing a necklace! The sunset is gorgeous and note the details of the ship! This is a very unique regency cover!!

Audrey Blanshard: An Affair of Dishonour

An Affair of Dishonour is the first book illustrated by Allan Kass that I have in my collection. It was published by Fawcett in January 1981.

2 men, the Earl of Begbroke and Major Guy Hipsley, are rivals who are competing for the love of Miss Anne Thouvenal, a beautiful girl who is half English and half French.

Allan Kass paints a unique picture for this cover. It has our couple sitting on a chaise lounge with the hero's leg in a cast. Both are in day dress, with our hero very informally attired. What is interesting in this cover is the chaise and fireplace mantel which give the picture some definition.