Dr. Sarah Frantz, Professor of Awesome, has forwarded me a very cool request: help her build her syllabus!
I will be teaching a course at NC State’s Continuing Eduction program called Encore! (exclamation point necessary, of course). I teach for six weeks for 1 1/2 hours a week. The students are mainly female, all at least over 50 years old, probably up to about 85. Last year I taught Austen and was apparently a huge hit. They’re begging me to teach again this year and I said I’d do it if I could do romance novels and they said, ‘Fine, please, anything,” so that didn’t work as a way out.
So, I need four or five romance novels that I can teach to older Southern women of a certain age. [SB Sarah says, “That would be: not really our age.”] I figure a Georgette Heyer, if I can find one in print that I like, and an SEP, probably It Had to Be You, as it’s my personal favorite. I’ll probably have a week with some RWA-NC members coming to visit (hopefully), including Virginia Kantra. Then what? I’ve got an older historical (Heyer) and a contemporary romantic comedy (SEP). Maybe a suspense (Kantra?)? An erotica (bwahahahahaha—yeah, I don’t think so)? An asshole hero? An inspirational? Any suggestions?
Just thought the bitchery might be able to help me with my syllabus.
So! We need romance recommendations for a continuing education syllabus geared for women of a certain age. Bring it!
I’m late to this, but must add Cheryl Reavis “Blackberry Winter”. This is one of the best books I have ever read. I love almost all her books, and she has me in tears every time. She’s just the best.
Also, Jennifer Blake and Joan Wolf both write more thoughtful romance. Most everyone suggested Linda Howard and Nora Roberts. I like “Mr. Perfect” by Linda Howard. Nora Roberts has so many, but I just read “Angel Falls” and it was very good. I like Jennifer Crusie and Bob Mayer writing together better than either one’s books on their own. I think two exellent authors just make each other even better.