Today marks a special event in 
literary history: Jo Beverley’s last book, Merely a Marriage, is being released to the public.
Anyone who has read Jo Beverley’s books knows that it is a singular pleasure. She masterfully merged meticulous detail, lovely characters, and compelling plots. Her heroines inspired, her heroes were manly and believable, bodices never ripped, and in the process, the reader felt transported to another age and time where manners ruled and life, even for the privileged, was far from simple. Along the way, lessons in history were intricately woven into stories making characters of the Regency and medieval periods come alive.
Merely a Marriage is simply one of Jo’s best. In it we are thrust into a time shortly after Princess Charlotte died in childbirth and the consequent effect her death had, not only on the royal line, but on the every day life of the subjects who loved her.
I cried while reading this book, not only because of the characters who came to feel like friends, but because it is the last of its kind — another jewel in the crown of a much lauded and much loved author. Thank goodness she left behind forty books through which we may remember her.
I had the extreme honor of video tapping Jo Beverley shortly before she died. She was her consummate self — forthright, passionate, interesting — everything an interviewer 
could hope for. She explained her philosophy of writing, how she did her research, revealed her favorite historical period, and her most ardent pet peeves. Throughout it all, her dry wit kept me entirely enthralled.
Jo Beverley gifted me with her friendship, her books, and this interview. Now, this gift, I pass on to all of you.
I present, for the last time, our Jo Beverley.
Reblogged this on Kiss and Thrill.
When I heard about Jo’s death it was like losing an old friend. I never met her but had briefly corresponded via the Internet. I still get that sinking feeling each time I come across her via the media & ‘net. She had a wonderful mind & I will miss her forever even though I never met her. Fly with the Angels Jo I am sure they will enjoy your stories.
It’s so hard thinking of her not being at the writers’ conference anymore, nor having anymore of her books to read. Thank you for being here and sharing. She was incredible.
I have happily read and re-read Jo Beverley’s books for about 30 years. Each time I open one of her books I know I’m going to have the treat of a well written and researched book that will be a pleasure to read. I was so distressed to see notice that she had died.
I will miss her and the new book(s) she published each year and I think I’m going to have to replace some of my more well read paperbacks. They’re falling apart.
Jo never let inaccuracies, typos, spelling errors, bad grammar, or any of the other sins that are so ubiquitous these days. Every time I come up on an error of this type it pulls me straight out of the story. I resent this.
Thank you Jo, for the good reads and the historical facts. Your books are a special blessing in my life.
I’m so glad you stopped by, Joey. Thanks for reminding me to replace some of my worn Beverley books, too. I’m with you about the things that pull me out of a story. Sometimes I just want to throw those poorly researched books across the room. 😀
I have five of her books on my Ipad that will never be deleted. Gonna miss her, she was a great writer. RIP Jo.
You said it, Lola! Have a great weekend.
I wanted to say something about Jo before this, but I lost my beloved husband this year and have been overwhelmed with grief. I used to tell Dave all about Jo’s stories, how wonderful they were. I adore all Jo’s writing and read these again and again. I was so sad to hear that she lost her battle for life. I will always remember how very friendly she was. I will miss her.
Thank you for taking the time to share, Elaine. It feels so unreal that she’s no longer here. Her husband has been monitoring this post, as well as several of her personal and author friends, I know they all appreciate hearing from you, too. I am very sorry for your loss. It is so overwhelmingly difficult to lose people you love. Hugs.
Thank you Diana. It’s very hard to come to terms with the loss of a spouse, especially when, for me, I was 45 years married. I entirely feel sorrow for the people who loved Jo.
Hugs x