Temple Bailey (1869–1953)

Okay, that would be first published in 1933. This is the equivalent of the Harlequins of the 50's and 60's (yes, I realize there are still Harlequins being published). What is fascinating about reading early chick lit is seeing how the characters are managed, what the gender stereotypes are, what the sexual encounters are like (here...well, the sheltered heroine trembles when the hero touches her cheek) (and I mean the cheek on her face, mind). We have post Depression adjustment, loyal black servants, noble country doctor and parson, troubled Lucifer-beautiful hero/antihero, spunky parson's wife, etc. Incredibly disturbing overtones of abuse between heroine and her father, eep. Orange groves and a hurricane and a devoted, dying mother. What more could you desire?… (meer)