I've always loved to read and remember in high school discovering an author by the name of Rosalind Laker.  I think the bulk of her writing was in the mid 80s and early 90s, but the stories are wonderful.  They are historical romances, but each set in a different time and place.  Often the herione (or her family) would have some special skill, so you'd learn all about it, as well as  the historical elements.  I remember in one book is about a woman who is an apprentice to Vermeer (long before the Girl with the Pearl Earring), in another I learned all about Ventian mask making and another about making hats.

The books just had the wonderful ability to really trasport the reader to another time and place.

Some that I remember especially enjoying:

• To Dance With Kings
• Circle of Pearls
• Venetian Mask
• Orchids and Diamonds

Has anyone else read her books?

I have a couple of her titles, but I haven't read them yet. I've heard good things about her. There are some threads on historicalfiction.org about her books.