Historical Romance Novels are well known for having virgin heroines. Even though virgin heroines are popular, widowed heroines are also widely read as these women find love a second time around.

 

Here are 4 thrilling and “swoonworthy” historical romance novels featuring amazing widowed heroines:

Lady Johanna from Saving Grace by Julie Garwood. Lady Johanna vows she would never marry again once her husband dies.


But King John demands she remarries, selecting Gabriel MacBain, a handsome Scottish warrior. Johanna thinks her new husband will treat her poorly like her deceased husband, but behind Gabriel’s rough exterior, hides a patient and understanding man enamored of his new bride. Gabriel wants Johanna’s love and trust, but the abuse she suffered from men in her past makes her cautious of this gentle giant who only wants to protect and cherish her from all harm.

Saving Grace is medieval romance any historical romance fan should read. Johanna will tug at readers’ hearts because of the suffering she has gone through prior to meeting Gabriel. Johanna was treated as a possession for most of her life until Gabriel comes along and sweeps her off her feet. His courtship and passion for his wife is very “swoonworthy”.  A true gem of a historical romance that shouldn’t be missed. (Pocket Books, 1994)

Lady Holly Taylor from Where Dreams Begin by Lisa Kleypas. When Holly attends a ball, she doesn’t expect much excitement.

She’s still mourning the death of her beloved husband. But she then she’s kissed by a man who mistakes her for another! The passion this handsome stranger unleashes inside her is unlike anything she has experienced. Zachary Bronson rose up from nothing to build an empire of wealth and power. But her doesn’t have the respect he feels he’s entitled to. The unexpected kiss he shared with the proper widow has him hungering for more from Lady Holly. He wants her desperately, but doesn’t want to scare he away. He comes up with an outlandish idea. He wants Holly to be his tutor, and to teach him better manners so he’ll be accepted in society. Instead of Holly rejecting him, she becomes his teacher, causing a scandal. He treats her with the utmost respect, which transforms into a close friendship, until their attraction can no longer be contained.

Where Dreams Begin is a breathtaking romance featuring a sweet and gentle widow who feels adrift in life since the loss of her husband. Holly’s only joy is taking care of her young daughter until Zachary forces his way into her world. Zachary has a take no prisoners’ type of attitude, with a goal to claim Holly. But her kind nature brings out a very tender side to this man who had to fight tooth and nail to reach his goals. Holly willingly surrenders to Zachary’s seduction that has a heart stopping ending that will bring many readers to tears. (Avon, 2000)

Beatrice Poole from With This Ring(Vanza #1) by Amanda Quick. Beatrice is an authoress searching for the Forbidden Rings of Aphrodite, a mythic treasure that might have caused her uncle’s death. She needs an antiquities expert, which leads her to Leo Drake, the eccentric and reclusive “Mad Monk of Monkcrest”. Beatrice finds Leo fascinating, much like one of her heroes she creates. Leo finds Beatrice infuriating but there’s something unique about her that makes him want to help her. Their strange alliance takes these two on a dangerous journey where a villain lies in wait for the duo to unearth the Forbidden Rings, which may cause them to fight for their lives.

With This Ring is one of Amanda Quick’s most beloved novels. She has created two darling characters who banter and spar with one another as they find themselves on a road to intrigue and suspense. Beatrice is very gutsy and strong willed, which makes her a great partner for Leo, a condescending lord who goes on a grand adventure with this woman who brings light and joy back into his dark world.  This is one romance with many twists and turns, as well as a smoldering romance for a bookish widow and her seductive, devilish earl. (Bantam Books, 2009)

Beth Ackerley from The Madness of Lord Ian MacKenzie(MacKenzies & McBrides #1) by Jennifer Ashley. Beth Ackerley has recently come into a fortune, which makes her an easy target for money hungry men. She values her independence and wants peace and happiness, much like she had in her brief but satisfying marriage. But then she comes in contact with the Mackenzie family and the youngest brother, Ian, who has spent most of his young life in an asylum. Society has deemed him as odd, but Beth finds him handsome and very intelligent, especially when it comes to antiques. Ian sets his sights on Beth, seducing her with incredible passion and a shocking intensity, even though he’s haunted by a family secret that could destroy everything he holds dear.

Jennifer Ashley has written something incredible with Ian, one of the most unique heroes ever created for a romance. Ian has a condition, much like Autism or Asperger’s Syndrome, but it’s handed with incredible care. While others don’t know how to act around Ian, Beth welcomes his eccentricities right from the start. Once Ian meets Beth, his entire concentration and thought is on her. Their attraction is magnetic, a true bond that’s magical and beautiful. Ian is very much a giver when it comes to his Beth, who embraces this man and everything that makes him strangely unique. (Leisure Books 2009, then republished in 2011 by Berkley)