I haven't read Hannah Howell yet but I have a slew of her books. I was thinking of starting the "Highland" series starting in 2012, but I'm wondering if it's worth it. If she's worth it, I'd like to start on the books; if the first book is so-so I'd willing to ditch all the Howells I have (eyes lighting up........).

What's the general feeling about her here?

GAil

I enjoyed quite a few of her books.  And yes, she wrote a slew of them!  Not sure why she hasn't come out with anything recently.  I'd say read one and see what YOU think.

My take - the first one I read seemed quirky and original. But as I read more, I discovered that *all* her books are quirky and original in exactly the same way. I still have the first few I read on my keeper shelf, but haven't bothered to try more in years and keep thinking I should just ditch the dozens in my TBR.

Sherri, she is still writing, she's just gone paranormal. I find her paranormals completely unreadable.

I agree with Willa.  I do like her books, but it is almost a case of read one you've read them all.  So choose one with the plot that sounds the best to you and go from there. 

If it's any help Gail, the Western MA library system has 72 of her books.  (well some are duplicates and some are in Russian-but anyway they have a lot of her books).

It's been a long time since I read one of hers but I did enjoy the books. They aren't literary masterpieces though.

Sherri, she is still writing, she's just gone paranormal. I find her paranormals completely unreadable.

I just googled her website and checked out what you said, Willa.  Ugh!   Why can't authors try and be original anymore?

I don't consider her worth reading. Some authors have a particular formula I don't mind reading and re-reading or have sexy scenes that make up for other flaws. Overall I consider Howell pretty blah though. 

If it's any help Gail, the Western MA library system has 72 of her books

Thanks, Mary. I never thought of checking the library system for her - other authors, yes, but for some reason I didn't think of it.

I didn't go online at all last night - cat had a post-op vet appointment and by the time we got home I was too wired. Thank you for all the suggestions. I've met her a couple of times at book signings, very nice lady, but for some reason never got around to her books.

I'm going to compromise and read the first in the "Highland" series and see how it goes. From flipping pages I see she uses a lot of "aye" "ach" and "dinna" which drives me nuts. I *know* a book is set in old Scotland and I know everyone speaks with a brogue and I can 'hear' it in my head, but it makes me crazy to read this over and over. So I'm not quite sure. Candace Hern did this is one of her early hist/roms and the book flew across the room it was so annoying.

Since the library has her books I'll be doing something of a small purge this weekend. Hehehehe, thanks, Mary!

GAil

Overall I consider Howell pretty blah though. 

I kind of get that feeling, Amanda, when I scan random pages - nothing jumps out at me to say "wow, you gotta start at page 1 - this sounds like a great read".

I used to plod through books, determined to finish them, back in the old days but I don't have that luxury any more.

Give me blah and out you go!

GAil

You're encouraging me to do my long-overdue Howell purge...

You're encouraging me to do my long-overdue Howell purge

Let's both, Willa!

I looked and hey're all the way at the very back of my cupboard, of course ... but since you've been so strong, I will too. :-)

I just realized that I originallly put that I didn't enjoy her books. I did like the couple I read.  But they are run of hte mill Highlander Romances.  Nothing really wow about them.  I am purging mine too. If I get in a Highlander mood, the library has plenty.

I imagine the pararnomal switch for a lot of author's is pressure from their publishers.  The public seems to want paranormals and many authors probably have to write them to keep their contracts. 

Hannah Howell is one of my DNF and Do not order.  I don't bother with her books.  There are so many good authors out there and nothing about her stories or characters is new or fresh or, at least for me, even interesting.  I read one cover to cover and then DNF two more and got rid of all my books of hers.  Just not my cuppa.