The way that Will and Elly unfold to one another, not through sex or romance but a slow unveiling of their truest selves, has to be one of the most moving stories ever. And two people who show their love by facing their fears and willing themselves to stand up for each other…

I adore this book. Hummingbird was another that brought me to my emotional knees, whereas most of her others didn’t move me in the same ways.

And yes her books are still being reprinted – although I often find them in the ‘bargain bin’ of my local bookstore, which doesn’t tell the story of how brilliant a writer Spencer is.

In spite of the problems I have with it, I completely agree. And I agree with azteclady – Spencer is a really wonderful writer.

Yes, absolutely.

And I do think that sort of contrast between a bad woman and a good woman was more prevalent in the 80s/early 90s and was sort of a feature of the time.

That’s a very good point. The villainess was something of a trend in the romances of that era.

I still feel that Morning Glory — surely one of the most beloved books in the genre — is very much worth reading.

In spite of the problems I have with it, I completely agree. And I agree with azteclady – Spencer is a really wonderful writer. And I do think that sort of contrast between a bad woman and a good woman was more prevalent in the 80s/early 90s and was sort of a feature of the time.

Wow, how timely. The other day I was thinking about blogging about LaVyrle Spencer and all her books. I just don’t think enough as been said about her.

She was actually a big name, bestselling author at the time that her books came out. I could be wrong, but I think all of her novels have remained in print since she stopped writing over a decade ago, and that says a lot for how loved they are.

My first romance book ever was Vows, so it always holds a special place in my heart. This is followed very closely by Years. I think Morning Glory is the book that made me ache the most. And then smile through tears at the ending.

Now I need a reread… Hmm…Time to go up in the attic and dig out the books.

I felt that Spencer created Lula to be the “bad” woman, to set her in juxtaposition to Elly who is the “good” woman.

I don’t remember Morning Glory that well — I only read it once, unlike some other Spencer novels, but I recall that though I liked it very much, it was not quite a keeper for me, and that this character was the reason why. I still feel that Morning Glory — surely one of the most beloved books in the genre — is very much worth reading.

I will add though that I’ve run into this issue with some of Spencer’s other books, too (and I am one who counts Years, Separate Beds, November of the Heart, Spring Fancy and Family Blessings among some of her favorite books). But Bittersweet, for example, was marred for me by the degree to which the hero’s wife was villified. And I would love Seperate Beds even more if the hero’s previous love interest hadn’t been compared and contrasted with the heroine and found lacking in so many ways. Having said that, the book that my review of just posted, Ibbotson’s A Countess Below Stairs, also has a villainess who is juxatposed with the heroine, yet in that book it doesn’t bother me at all. Maybe because Ibbotson is more subtle about it, or because her tone is more humorous? I’m really not sure.

In any case, despite this issue, I agree that for the most part, LaVyrle Spencer’s writing is masterly and she is one of the best writers in this genre.

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I believe that the slant given to Lula’s murder during the trial was from Mr Collins to the jury, and basically with the intent of creating a contrasting impression that would benefit his client.

The character itself, on the other hand, is a slut–I have met a few in my time, and a couple would give Lula a run for her money in the selfishness and lack of self awareness departments. The contrast, for me, wasn’t about morals (slut Lula vs modest/demure/whatever Elly), but about spirit, strength of character, generosity, and having the capacity to love.

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However, I did like the other elements of the book – especially the beautiful writing and the slow relationship that Will and Elly build together.

Now…back to my all of a sudden compelling reread of The Gamble.

I do remember a movie made from a Spencer book…where she marries the brother of her husband, if I recall correctly. Which book is that?

I believe that was The Fulfillment, her first book.