I’m so sad to learn that Kathleen Woodiwiss lost her battle with cancer. She was truly one of the greatest authors of our time. The literary quality of her work is stunning and her characters and stories will live on in the hearts of readers. A message from her son is here, with more news to come on her last book.
I first read Woodiwiss’ The Flame and the Flower as a teenager. The scope of the story, the lyrical power of her words, and the passionate romance of Heather and Brandon were unforgettable. Small wonder it’s still in print after more than 30 years. I read on. My absolute favorite? A Rose in Winter. This is one of the best romances I’ve ever read, one of the best books I’ve ever read, and it set the bar pretty high. As a friend of mine said, “It’s like Woodiwiss is in color and everybody else writes black and white.”
Years from now her more prolific peers may be forgotten, but I predict Kathleen Woodiwiss’ body of work will stand the test of time. If you’ve never read Woodiwiss, go get a copy of A Rose in Winter and discover a powerful voice that will never fall silent.
Oh man, Charli. That is so sad. She was one of the reasons I became a writer. I have a few of her books on my keeper shelf and A Rose in Winter is one of my all time favorite romances. 🙁
Jordan, me too. : (
I didn’t know this.
The Flame and the Flower was the first romance I ever read, and remains to this day my favorite romance classic. Like Jordan, several of her books remain on my keeper shelf. It hurts my heart to lose a great romance writer like her. 🙁
Jaci, I have many Woodiwiss keepers and even the ones I haven’t re-read or kept, like Ashes in the Wind, I’ve never forgotten. There are so few authors of her stature. It’s a huge loss.
When I discovered Kathleen Woodiwiss in the 1980’s, I read all her books at once. A Rose in Winter is my favorite, followed by The Wolf and The Dove. It’s so sad to hear of her passing.
Our tastes are so alike, NJ. I’m glad there’ll be at least one more book.
I never read her, but have heard time and time again how wonderful her books were and how when readers think of romance her name was the first on their lips.
Indeed, the literary world has lost a star.
Vivi, I think you’d like her adventurous historicals!