Georgette Heyer: Sylvester

Sylvester, by Georgette Heyer, is another Berkley paperback published in November 1975. This is the story of the proud Duke of Salford and his mother's ward, Phoebe Marlow, who she wishes him to wed. Can two people who hate the idea of a arranged marriage change their minds, especially after the publication of a novel written by the heroine?

This is an interesting cover by Allan Kass. Again, it feels muted and I'm not sure if that's the printer's fault or just the way he designed this painting. Our couple stand in a sylvan glade and we see a swan swimming on the lake behind them. Our heroine is pretty in white and wears interesting green fingerless gloves which match her ribbon.

Georgette Heyer: Sprig Muslin

Sprig Muslin, by Georgette Heyer, was published in this edition by Berkley in November 1972 and is the story of Sir Gareth Ludlow, who has made up his mind to propose to Lady Hester Theale, but on the way to do so finds Amanda and has the devil of a time convincing everyone that he's not in love with this young runaway!

Allan Kass displays a tender scene from this novel where our heroine comes to care for the injured hero. We see them share an embrace while sitting in a window seat. There is almost a muted feel to this picture, as if we are to gaze from a distance.

Georgette Heyer: The Spanish Bride

Georgette Heyer's The Spanish Bride is the story of the real Harry Smith and the Spanish girl he wed while a soldier in the Napoleonic Wars. Published by Signet in December 1984, this story tells of the quick marriage between the young, aristocratic Juana and the dashing officer that could only happen in wartime.

Allan Kass's cover shows our hero in his military uniform embracing a dark beauty in a quiet courtyard. Her purple gown is embellished with a darker lace and we see a black cloak hanging over her arm. I like the moss dangling from the tree branches above them and the potted plant, which give this a semi tropical feel.

Georgette Heyer: Simon the Coldheart

Simon the Coldheart is another of Georgette Heyer's historical novels. Set in medieval times, young Simon of Beauvallet has risen from his birth to be a page, squire, and now a lord of the land. He cannot love and that has earned him the name of Coldheart until he meets Margaret of Belremy. This book is a prequel to Beauvallet! Published by Fawcett in December 1984.

Allan Kass probably loved the idea to create a medieval romance cover! I love all of the detail from the roaring fire to the stained glass and crests above the fireplace. Our heroine is beautiful with her heavy braids and rich red gown. She has a jeweled belt and carries a dagger, as if to ward off an enemy. Our hero looks like a knight of old with his outer robe and crest to the chain mail underneath.

Georgette Heyer: Royal Escape

Royal Escape by Georgette Heyer is one of her historical novels portraying the escape of Charles Stuart from Worcester to France during the time of the Cromwell's republic. He was the rightful king, but a time of civil war had pushed his father off the throne and many wished for a republic instead of a monarchy. This story tells of how he was helped, with some romance along the way, as he made his escape.

Allan Kass breaks from his regency covers and shows us the rich and elegant garb of the 1660's in this cover. Our heroine is wearing a blue outer robe covering a white under or night dress while the hero is richly clad in lace and a slashed gold and cream coat. My copy has some bleeding due to a stamp on the inside cover, but I hope you can see the beauty anyways.

Georgette Heyer: The Reluctant Widow

The Reluctant Widow by Georgette Heyer was published in March 1975 by Berkley paperbacks. Elinor Rochdale is a governess who, stepping into the wrong carriage, embarks on a great adventure which involves housebreakers, a deathbed marriage, French spies, a great shaggy dog, and romance!

Allan Kass shows our couple relaxing in a quiet room. Our heroine lounges on a sofa and wears a pretty bronze dress with a simple hairdo and shawl. Our hero is clad in an older fashion with a lacy cravat and red waistcoat. The paneling and pictures show the country estate of a gentleman.

Georgette Heyer: The Quiet Gentleman

The Quiet Gentleman was published by Berkley in November 1972. Drucilla Morville is a guest of Lady St. Erth and is present when the new earl arrives to live in his ancestral home. When she realizes that Gervase is in danger, she is willing to help him find out who is behind it but this very quiet man has his own game to play in love and war!

This is a charming cover by Allan Kass of our couple sharing a private moment together. He is very simply dressed and she wears a pretty blue day dress accented with pink ribbons. The room is also simple and might be an office or servants room.