Romance author Edith Layton passed away today from ovarian cancer. Layton was one of the most prolific and inspiring romance authors in print, a name repeatedly mentioned by writers when discussing authors whose books had led them to think of writing. Layton was also gifted with one of the most bizarre covers I’ve ever seen in romance.
There is a collection of memorial tributes at WordWenches, where Layton was among the blogging writers. Her daughter, Susie Felber, has posted an amazing collection of photos of her mother – including one of her writing. My favorite, though,is a picture of Felber’s dog, taken by Layton in late March. Edith Layton was a longtime supporter of the North Shore Animal League, an amazing shelter on Long Island (two of my cats are from North Shore) – probably how she got that picture of a dog with such a big smile.
Our condolences to her family and friends, especially her very awesome daughter, Susie. May her memory be a blessing.
That’s the passing of a big name in the field, and by all accounts, a truly wonderful woman. I hope that reading about how much she was admired will be some comfort to her loved ones.
I loved her early Signets and liked quite a few of her more recent books. I didn’t know she’s been fighting cancer. Her death is a great loss to the industry. Rest In Peace. My deepest condolences to her family.
Rest In Peace Layton
My sister loves her books although I am not a fan. Susie Felber’s tribute was blub-making.
Oh, how sad! She was one of the first romance authors I read, and I’ve always had a soft spot for her work. Sympathies to her family. How sad to lose such a good author, and an animal lover, to boot.
I was so sad to read this. I had the pleasure of meeting Edith at my first RWA National Conference. I sat next to her at a small party and got to chat with her. She kindly tolerated my fan-girl-ness for an hour and, beyond that, was very encouraging to a newbie writer… Wonderful author and lady.
I am touched by this post. Thanks for it. I am a long time fan of you bitches.
FYI the picture of her writing was taken by my father in Maine in the 70’s, when we were renting an incredibly creepy house on a lake. That was the beginnings of her one and only horror novel, one of the many as-of-yet unpublished novels I intend to help get published posthumously. She also wrote at least two more Historicals—Civil War, Regency—one of which was slated to be published over ten years ago in hardcover when the large publisher (no names) went bankrupt.
I am heartbroken, but I had no doubt how much my mother loved me, her career, her fans and her dogs.
xo,
Susie
PS I just received—just—the page proofs for TO LOVE A WICKED LORD. I have not read it yet and am thrilled and honored to do the final corrections for her while on bereavement leave from truTV.
…holy shit. I just finished reading two of her books; she’s written some of my favourite regencies. This is quite a blow. My condolences to her family.
What sad news. Ms. Layton was an exceptional writer who created worlds with her books. She will be missed. My condolences to her family and friends.
Susie – thank you for trying to get your mother’s unpublished books out. I recall how excited she was over that hardcover and I have always hoped I’d get a chance to read it.
Oh No… This is such awful news.
I love her books and I reread “The Cad” every couple of years for the pure deliciousness of Bridget and Ewan’s relationship. I just love her characters. Condolences to her family. She will be missed in the romance world. Thankfully we have her books to enjoy and reread. I will be reading them all again, accompanied by a good port and some dark chocolate, as a memorial to a terrific weaver of stories and creator of romance that rings true.
Somewhat irrelevant but I thought the title was “For the love of a PRIMATE.” Whoops.