Roberts, Nora 1950- (J.D. Robb)
Roberts, Nora 1950- (J.D. Robb)
PERSONAL:
Born October 10, 1950, in Washington, DC; daughter of Bernard Edward (a company president) and Eleanor (a company vice president) Robertson; married Ronald Aufdem-Brinke, August 17, 1968 (divorced, January, 1985); married Bruce Wilder (a carpenter), July 6, 1985; children: (first marriage) Daniel, Jason. Education: Attended public schools in Silver Spring, MD. Politics: Democrat. Religion: Roman Catholic.
ADDRESSES:
Home—Keedysville, MD. Agent—Amy Berkower, Writers House, Inc., 21 West 26th St., New York, NY 10010. E-mail—[email protected].
CAREER:
Novelist, 1979—. Wheeler & Korpeck, Silver Spring, MD, legal secretary, 1968-70; The Hecht Co., Silver Spring, clerk, 1970-72; R. & R. Lighting, Silver Spring, secretary, 1972-75.
MEMBER:
Romance Writers of America, Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, Crime League of American, Novelists, Inc., Washington Romance Writers.
AWARDS, HONORS:
Golden Medallion, Romance Writers of America, 1982, for The Heart's Victory, 1983, for This Magic Moment and Untamed, 1984, for Opposites Attract and A Matter of Choice, and 1986, for One Summer; named best contemporary author by Romantic Times, 1984; Reviewer's Choice Award, Romantic Times, 1984, for Reflections, 1985, for Partners, and 1986, for One Summer; MacGregor series named best series by Romantic Times, 1985; Silver Certificate, Affaire du Coeur, 1985, for the MacGregor series; Waldenbooks Award, 1985, for One Man's Art, 1986, for A Will and a Way, 1988, for The Last Honest Woman, 1993, for Gabriel's Angel and for For the Love of Lilah; Maggie Award, Georgia Romance Writers of America, 1985, for Partners; first author inducted into Romance Writers of America Hall of Fame, 1986; Rita Award, Romance Writers of America, 1990, for Public Secrets, 1991, for Night Shift, and 1992, for Divine Evil; B. Dalton Award for Public Secrets, A Man for Amanda, and Suzannah's Surrender; Rita Award for best romantic suspense novel for Three Fates, Romance Writers of America, 2003; Rita Award for best romantic suspense novel for Survivor in Death, Romance Writers of America, 2006; Quill Award, Romance category, 2006, for Blue Smoke.
WRITINGS:
ROMANCE NOVELS
Blithe Images, Silhouette (New York, NY), 1982.
Song of the West, Silhouette (New York, NY), 1982.
Search for Love, Silhouette (New York, NY), 1982.
Island of Flowers, Silhouette (New York, NY), 1982.
The Heart's Victory, Silhouette (New York, NY), 1982.
From This Day, Silhouette (New York, NY), 1983.
Her Mother's Keeper, Silhouette (New York, NY), 1983.
Once More with Feeling, Silhouette (New York, NY), 1983.
Untamed, Silhouette (New York, NY), 1983.
Tonight and Always, Silhouette (New York, NY), 1983.
This Magic Moment, Silhouette (New York, NY), 1983.
Endings and Beginnings, Silhouette (New York, NY), 1984.
Storm Warning, Silhouette (New York, NY), 1984.
Sullivan's Woman, Silhouette (New York, NY), 1984.
Rules of the Game, Silhouette (New York, NY), 1984.
Less of a Stranger, Silhouette (New York, NY), 1984.
A Matter of Choice, Silhouette (New York, NY), 1984.
The Law Is a Lady, Silhouette (New York, NY), 1984.
First Impressions, Silhouette (New York, NY), 1984.
Opposites Attract, Silhouette (New York, NY), 1984.
Promise Me Tomorrow, Silhouette (New York, NY), 1984.
Partners, Silhouette (New York, NY), 1985.
The Right Path, Silhouette (New York, NY), 1985.
Boundary Lines, Silhouette (New York, NY), 1985.
Dual Image, Silhouette (New York, NY), 1985.
Night Moves, Harlequin (Toronto, Ontario, Canada), 1985.
The Art of Deception, Silhouette (New York, NY), 1986.
Treasures Lost, Treasures Found, Silhouette (New York, NY), 1986.
Risky Business, Silhouette (New York, NY), 1986.
A Will and a Way, Silhouette (New York, NY), 1986.
Home for Christmas, Silhouette (New York, NY), 1986.
Mind over Matter, Silhouette (New York, NY), 1987.
Temptation, Silhouette (New York, NY), 1987.
Hot Ice, Bantam (New York, NY), 1987, reprinted, 2002.
Local Hero, Silhouette (New York, NY), 1988.
The Name of the Game, Silhouette (New York, NY), 1988.
Rebellion, Harlequin (Toronto, Ontario, Canada), 1988.
Sweet Revenge, Bantam (New York, NY), 1989.
Gabriel's Angel, Harlequin (Toronto, Ontario, Canada), 1989.
The Welcoming, Silhouette (New York, NY), 1989.
Public Secrets, Bantam (New York, NY), 1990.
Genuine Lies, Bantam (New York, NY), 1991.
With This Ring, Harlequin (Toronto, Ontario, Canada), 1991.
Carnal Innocence, Bantam (New York, NY), 1992.
Unfinished Business, Harlequin (Toronto, Ontario, Canada), 1992.
The Welcoming, Chivers North America (Hampton, NH), 1992.
Honest Illusions, Putnam (New York, NY), 1992.
Divine Evil, Bantam (New York, NY), 1992.
Second Nature, Harlequin (Toronto, Ontario, Canada), 1993.
Private Scandals, Putnam (New York, NY), 1993.
Boundary Lines, Harlequin (Toronto, Ontario, Canada), 1994.
Hidden Riches, Putnam (New York, NY), 1994.
(With others) Birds, Bees and Babies: The Best Mistake, Silhouette (New York, NY), 1994.
Silhouette Christmas: All I Want for Christmas, Silhouette (New York, NY), 1994.
True Betrayals, Putnam (New York, NY), 1995.
Montana Sky, Putnam (New York, NY), 1996.
From the Heart, Jove (New York, NY), 1997.
Sanctuary, Putnam (New York, NY), 1997.
The Reef, Putnam (New York, NY), 1998.
Homeport, Putnam (New York, NY), 1998.
Genuine Lies, Bantam (New York, NY), 1998.
River's End, Putnam (New York, NY), 1999.
Irish Rebel, Silhouette (New York, NY), 2000.
Carolina Moon, Berkley (New York, NY), 2001.
The Villa, Putnam (New York, NY), 2001.
Midnight Bayou, Putnam (New York, NY), 2001.
Three Fates, Putnam (New York, NY), 2002.
A Little Magic, Berkley (New York, NY), 2002.
Birthright, Putnam (New York, NY), 2003.
Engaging the Enemy, Silhouette (New York, NY), 2003.
Irish Born, Berkley Books (New York, NY), 2003.
Suspicious, Silhouette Books (New York, NY), 2003.
Northern Lights, Putnam (New York, NY), 2004.
A Little Fate, Berkeley Books (New York, NY), 2005.
Lovers & Dreamers, Berkley Books (New York, NY), 2005.
Dream Makers, Silhouette Books (New York, NY), 2006.
Angels Fall, Putnam (New York, NY), 2006.
Blue Smoke, Jove (New York, NY), 2006.
High Noon, G.P. Putnam's Sons (New York, NY), 2007.
"IRISH HEARTS" TRILOGY
Irish Thoroughbred, Silhouette (New York, NY), 1981.
Irish Rose, Silhouette (New York, NY), 1988.
Irish Rebel, Silhouette (New York, NY), 2000.
"REFLECTIONS AND DREAMS" SERIES
Reflections, Silhouette (New York, NY), 1983.
Dance of Dreams, Silhouette (New York, NY), 1983.
"MACGREGOR" SERIES
Playing the Odds, Silhouette (New York, NY), 1985.
Tempting Fate, Silhouette (New York, NY), 1985.
All the Possibilities, Silhouette (New York, NY), 1985.
One Man's Art, Silhouette (New York, NY), 1985.
For Now, Forever, Silhouette (New York, NY), 1987.
Rebellion, Harlequin (Toronto, Ontario, Canada), 1988.
In from the Cold, Harlequin (Toronto, Ontario, Canada), 1990.
The MacGregor Brides, Silhouette (New York, NY), 1997.
The Winning Hand, Silhouette (New York, NY), 1998.
The MacGregor Grooms, Silhouette (New York, NY), 1998.
The MacGregors: Serena-Caine (contains Playing the Odds and Tempting Fate), Silhouette (New York, NY), 1998.
The MacGregors: Alan-Grant (contains All the Possibilities and One Man's Art), Silhouette (New York, NY), 1999.
The MacGregors: Daniel-Ian (contains For Now, Forever and In from the Cold), Harlequin (Toronto, Ontario, Canada), 1999.
The Perfect Neighbor, Harlequin (Toronto, Ontario, Canada), 1999.
"GREAT CHEFS" SERIES
Summer Desserts, Silhouette (New York, NY), 1985.
Lessons Learned, Silhouette (New York, NY), 1986.
"CELEBRITY MAGAZINE" SERIES
One Summer, Silhouette (New York, NY), 1986.
Second Nature, Silhouette (New York, NY), 1986.
"CORDINA'S ROYAL FAMILY" SERIES
Affaire Royale, Silhouette (New York, NY), 1986.
Command Performance, Silhouette (New York, NY), 1987.
The Playboy Prince, Silhouette (New York, NY), 1987.
Cordina's Crown Jewel, Silhouette (New York, NY), 2002.
Cordina's Royal Family, Silhouette (New York, NY), 2002.
"SACRED SINS" SERIES
Sacred Sins, Bantam (New York, NY), 1987.
Brazen Virtue, Bantam (New York, NY), 1988.
"O'HURLEYS" SERIES
The Last Honest Woman, Silhouette (New York, NY), 1988.
Dance to the Piper, Silhouette (New York, NY), 1988.
Skin Deep, Silhouette (New York, NY), 1988.
Without a Trace, Silhouette (New York, NY), 1991.
"LOVING JACK" TRILOGY
Loving Jack, Silhouette (New York, NY), 1989.
Best Laid Plans, Silhouette (New York, NY), 1989.
Lawless, Harlequin (Toronto, Ontario, Canada), 1989.
"STANISLASKIS" SERIES
Taming Natasha, Silhouette (New York, NY), 1990.
Luring a Lady, Silhouette (New York, NY), 1991.
Falling for Rachel, Silhouette (New York, NY), 1993.
Convincing Alex, Silhouette (New York, NY), 1994.
Waiting for Nick, Silhouette (New York, NY), 1997.
Considering Kate, Silhouette (New York, NY), 2001.
"NIGHT" SERIES
Night Shift, Silhouette (New York, NY), 1991.
Night Shadow, Silhouette (New York, NY), 1991.
Nightshade, Silhouette (New York, NY), 1993.
Night Smoke, Silhouette (New York, NY), 1994.
Night Shield, Silhouette (New York, NY), 2000.
"CALHOUN WOMEN" SERIES
Courting Catherine, Silhouette (New York, NY), 1991.
A Man for Amanda, Silhouette (New York, NY), 1991.
For the Love of Lilah, Silhouette (New York, NY), 1991.
Suzannah's Surrender, Silhouette (New York, NY), 1991.
Megan's Mate, Silhouette (New York, NY), 1996.
"DONOVAN LEGACY" SERIES
Captivated, Silhouette (New York, NY), 1992.
Entranced, Silhouette (New York, NY), 1992.
Charmed, Silhouette (New York, NY), 1992.
Enchanted, Silhouette (New York, NY), 1999.
Donovan Legacy, Harlequin (Toronto, Ontario, Canada), 1999.
"TIME AND AGAIN" SERIES
Time Was, Silhouette (New York, NY), 1993.
Times Change, Silhouette (New York, NY), 1993.
"CONCANNON SISTERS" SERIES
Born in Fire, Jove (New York, NY), 1994.
Born in Ice, Jove (New York, NY), 1995.
Born in Shame, Jove (New York, NY), 1996.
"MACKADE BROTHERS" SERIES
The Return of Rafe MacKade, Silhouette (New York, NY), 1995.
The Pride of Jared MacKade, Silhouette (New York, NY), 1995.
The Heart of Devin MacKade, Silhouette (New York, NY), 1996.
The Fall of Shane MacKade, Silhouette (New York, NY), 1996.
"STARS OF MITHRA" SERIES
Hidden Star, Silhouette (New York, NY), 1997.
Captive Star, Silhouette (New York, NY), 1997.
Secret Star, Silhouette (New York, NY), 1998.
"DREAM" TRILOGY
Daring to Dream, Jove (New York, NY), 1997.
Holding the Dream, Jove (New York, NY), 1997.
Finding the Dream, Jove (New York, NY), 1997.
Three Complete Novels by Nora Roberts (includes Daring to Dream, Holding the Dream, and Finding the Dream), Putnam (New York, NY), 1999.
"CHESAPEAKE BAY" SERIES
Sea Swept, Jove (New York, NY), 1998.
Rising Tides, Jove (New York, NY), 1998.
Inner Harbor, Jove (New York, NY), 1999.
Chesapeake Blue, Putnam (New York, NY), 2002.
The Quinn Brothers (contains Sea Swept and Rising Tides), Berkley Books (New York, NY), 2006.
The Quinn Legacy (contains Inner Harbor and Chesapeake Blue), Berkley Books (New York, NY), 2006.
"ONCE UPON A …" SERIES; WITH OTHERS
Once upon a Castle, Jove (New York, NY), 1998.
Once upon a Star, Jove (New York, NY), 1999.
Once upon a Rose, Jove (New York, NY), 2001.
Once upon a Kiss, Berkley (New York, NY), 2002.
Once upon a Midnight, Jove (New York, NY), 2003.
"IRISH" TRILOGY
Jewels of the Sun, Jove (New York, NY), 1999.
Tears of the Moon, Jove (New York, NY), 2000.
Heart of the Sea, Jove (New York, NY), 2000.
"THREE SISTERS ISLAND" TRILOGY
Dance upon the Air, Jove (New York, NY), 2001.
Heaven and Earth, Jove (New York, NY), 2001.
Face the Fire, Jove (New York, NY), 2002.
"KEY" TRILOGY
Key of Light, Jove (New York, NY), 2003.
Key of Knowledge, Jove (New York, NY), 2003.
Key of Valor, Jove (New York, NY), 2004.
"IN THE GARDEN" TRILOGY
Blue Dahlia, Jove Books (New York, NY), 2004.
Black Rose, Jove Books (New York, NY), 2005.
Red Lily, Jove (New York, NY), 2005.
"CIRCLE" TRILOGY
Morrigan's Cross, Jove (New York, NY), 2006.
Dance of the Gods, Jove (New York, NY), 2006.
Valley of Silence, Jove (New York, NY), 2006.
UNDER PSEUDONYM J.D. ROBB; EXCEPT AS NOTED
(With Susan Plunkett, Dee Holmes, and Claire Cross) Silent Night, Putnam (New York, NY), 1998.
(With Laurell K. Hamilton, Susan Krinard, and Maggie Shayne) Out of this World, Jove (New York, NY), 2001.
(As J.D. Robb and Nora Roberts) Remember When, Putnam (New York, NY), 2003.
"IN DEATH" SERIES; UNDER PSEUDONYM J.D. ROBB
Naked in Death, Berkley (New York, NY), 1995.
Glory in Death, Berkley (New York, NY), 1995.
Rapture in Death, Berkley (New York, NY), 1996.
Immortal in Death, Berkley (New York, NY), 1996.
Ceremony in Death, Berkley (New York, NY), 1997.
Vengeance in Death, Berkley (New York, NY), 1997.
Holiday in Death, Berkley (New York, NY), 1998.
Midnight in Death: Anthology, Berkley (New York, NY), 1998.
Interlude in Death: Anthology, Berkley (New York, NY), 1998.
Loyalty in Death, Berkley (New York, NY), 1999.
Conspiracy in Death, Berkley (New York, NY), 1999.
Witness in Death, Berkley (New York, NY), 2000.
Judgment in Death, Berkley (New York, NY), 2000.
Betrayal in Death, Berkley (New York, NY), 2001.
Seduction in Death, Berkley (New York, NY), 2001.
Reunion in Death, Berkley (New York, NY), 2002.
Purity in Death, Berkley (New York, NY), 2002.
Portrait in Death, Berkley (New York, NY), 2003.
Imitation in Death, Berkley (New York, NY), 2003.
Divided in Death, Berkley (New York, NY), 2004.
Visions in Death, Putnam (New York, NY), 2004.
Survivor in Death, Putnam (New York, NY), 2005.
Origin in Death, Putnam (New York, NY), 2005.
Memory in Death, Putnam (New York, NY), 2006.
Born in Death, Putnam (New York, NY), 2006.
Interlude in Death, Putnam (New York, NY), 2006.
Innocent in Death, Putnam (New York, NY), 2006.
Creation in Death, Putnam (New York, NY), 2007.
OTHER
(With others) Moon Shadows (novellas) Jove Books (New York, NY), 2004.
ADAPTATIONS:
Nora Roberts' Angels Fall, Nora Roberts' Blue Smoke, Nora Roberts' Carolina Moon, and Nora Roberts' Montana Sky were broadcast on Lifetime Television, 2007. Numerous works have been adapted as audio books.
SIDELIGHTS:
With more than 175 books to her credit, and frequently publishing more than half a dozen titles per year, Nora Roberts is a prolific, award-winning romance novelist. According to Barbara E. Kemp in Twentieth-Century Romance and Historical Writers, Roberts's prodigious output has done little to diminish its quality. "Roberts's well deserved reputation and following," Kemp observed, "are based on her skill as a writer." She added that readers have learned that they can depend upon Roberts to "provide an interesting, often adventure-filled plot, colorful, well-researched settings, well-defined, believable characters, and a satisfying love story." "Romance novels celebrate relationships and that grand mystery of men and women," Roberts declared in a speech delivered at a Romance Writers of America conference, quoted in Booklist. "They aren't only about love, but love is the key to the story."
In addition to the ever-present element of romance, Roberts's novels often blend elements from other genres, including science fiction, fantasy, and mystery. Time Was and Time Changes detail the exploits and love affairs of time-traveling brothers from the twenty-third century. The supernatural, including witches and psychic healers, features prominently in Roberts's "Donovan Legacy" series, which revolves around three cousins who possess extrasensory powers, as well as the "Circle" trilogy, in which a team of sorcerers, warriors, and shape-shifters battles with vampires in twelfth-century Ireland.
Mystical elements also play a role in Jewels of the Sun, the first installment in Roberts's "Irish" trilogy. When Jude Murray, a recently divorced American psychologist, visits her grandmother's Faerie Hill Cottage in the village of Ardmore, she encounters the spirits of Lady Gwen and her lost love, Carrick, the Prince of Faeries. "Roberts' fans will thrill to these wonderfully drawn characters, their lush setting, and the faerie magic," noted Booklist reviewer Patty Engelmann. Heart of the Sea follows Carrick's attempts to unite a stubborn bachelor and the fiery redhead who loves him. The author "nails her characters and settings with awesome precision," observed Library Journal contributor Kristin Ramsdell. In Tears of the Moon, Carrick helps a couple find love, thus ending the curse that keeps him from Lady Gwen. "Roberts is triumphant in realizing fully developed characters," wrote a critic in Publishers Weekly.
In Roberts's "Key" trilogy, three young women are summoned to an magnificent estate where their mysterious hosts ask them to locate the keys to a magical box that holds the souls of three ancient demigoddesses. "When it comes to combining sweetness, sexiness and the supernatural," noted a critic in Publishers Weekly, the author demonstrates "once again that she is the most powerful spellbinder of all." In Blue Dahlia, the first work in Roberts's "In the Garden" trilogy, Roz Harper learns that the "Harper Bride" ghost haunts her nursery business. According to Booklist reviewer John Charles, the author's ability to create "richly compelling characters and witty, spellbinding stories come into full bloom in a paranormal-tinged romance." Roz falls for a genealogist she hires to investigate the identity of the spirit in Black Rose. Ramsdell described the work as an "engrossing, emotionally involving story." In Red Lily, Hayley Phillips, Roz's relative and coworker, attempts to rid the nursery of the vengeful ghost. Charles called the novel a "spellbinding romance that beautifully celebrates the power of love in all its guises."
The "Donovan Legacy" books can also be numbered among Roberts's popular family-series novels. Other series that center on the exploits of particular families include "The Stanislaskis," the award-winning "MacGregor" novels, and the "Cordina's Royal Family" series, which deals with the rulers of an imaginary Mediterranean country that bears more than a passing resemblance to Monaco. In her "Chesapeake Bay" series, Roberts chronicles the saga of Cameron, Ethan, and Phillip Quinn, a trio of brothers who were adopted by a Maryland couple. The first volume, Sea Swept, follows Cameron as he copes with the death of his father and tends to Seth, a youngster that his father was also planning to adopt. In Rising Tides, Ethan takes charge of the family's boat-building business. Ramsdell called the work "a warm, satisfying romance with a dash of mystery that will keep readers engrossed." Phillip enters a relationship with a psychologist who is also Seth's aunt in Inner Harbor. According to Booklist reviewer Diana Tixier Herald: "Roberts has once again come through with a winning contemporary romance enhanced by a concern with special issues." Chesapeake Blue, "a poignant and often humorous tale," wrote Library Journal critic Shelley Mosley, concerns a haunting secret from Seth's past. Kemp credited the success of Roberts's family series with the fact that she "develops [the families] … with such skill that there is a real sense of belonging and continuity, much as there is in a real family."
Like a number of other established romance writers, Roberts has broadened the base of her readership by branching out into mainstream novels. About Roberts's first mainstream novel, Honest Illusions, Joyce Slater noted in the Chicago Tribune Books that the author "has a warm feel for her characters and an eye for the evocative detail." In Montana Sky, Jack Mercy leaves his Montana Ranch to his three daughters, half-sisters who do not know one another at all. Jack requires that the women live together for a year, or the ranch will be sold. The women must learn to live with one another while dealing with a series of crimes on the ranch.
In Birthright, archeologist Callie Dunbrook is hired to lead an excavation team after an ancient burial ground is discovered at a Maryland construction site. When the story appears on the local news, Callie is contacted by a woman who claims that Callie is her long-lost daughter, having been abducted from her stroller as an infant. "The plot thickens, with suspects appearing—and supporting characters disappearing—as fast as mechanical ducks in a shooting gallery," noted the Kirkus Reviews critic. "As in other delectable entertainments by Roberts," wrote a Publishers Weekly reviewer, "it is not the wild denouement but the pursuit itself—studded with scrumptious romantic encounters—that is the real dessert."
Northern Lights follows the adventures of Nate Burke, a Baltimore police detective who tries to escape the pain of his divorce and the death of his partner by taking a job as police chief in the small Alaskan town of Lunacy. Nate teams with bush pilot Meg Galloway to search for a pair of missing college students, but they instead find the corpse of Meg's father, who disappeared years earlier. According to Margaret Hanes in the Library Journal, Roberts adds "just the right touches of humor and suspense to sustain the reader's interest," and a contributor to Kirkus Reviews remarked: "Original characterization, brisk pace, and a great feel for the grandeur of the setting—not to mention a fabulously tough young heroine … add up to a wonderful read." "Though billed as romantic suspense," observed a reviewer in Publishers Weekly, Northern Lights, "forsakes artificial genre conventions in favor of a wry, affectionate look at community bonds, generational wounds and soul-testing landscapes."
Roberts has authored a number of books under the pseudonym J.D. Robb. Her "In Death" series, set in the mid-twenty-first century, focuses on New York City police lieutenant Eve Dallas. Like many of Roberts's characters, Eve Dallas is a strong, determined and intelligent woman, something that appeals to Roberts's female readers. Making her debut in Naked in Death, the character of Dallas continues to solve crimes in the subsequent novels. "Intensely female yet unfeminine in any traditional sense, Dallas has a complex edge that transcends genre stereotypes," wrote a Publishers Weekly reviewer about Portrait in Death.
Roberts published Remember When using both her own name and her pseudonym, J.D. Robb. The novel is broken into two parts, tied together by a diamond heist. Laine Tavish, the daughter of an infamous thief, owns an antique store. As the novel progresses, she becomes the target of a killer out to recover her father's share of the take. She also falls in love with Max Gannon, an insurance investigator in search of the missing diamonds. Fast-forward fifty years into the future, when Laine's granddaughter, Samantha, writes a book about the still missing diamonds. When another murder occurs, Lt. Eve Dallas is on the scene to investigate. A Publishers Weekly reviewer noted: "A true master of her craft, Roberts has penned an exceptional tale that burns with all the brilliance and fire of a finely cut diamond." Booklist reviewer John Charles concluded: Remember When "is another addictive blend of scintillating prose and sharply etched characters that will dazzle and delight her devoted readers."
Roberts's success as an author may be credited to the fact that she spends eight hours per day writing. Roberts's name has consistently remained on the New York Times best-sellers List. Library Journal contributor Michael Rogers remarked: "Roberts is always a crowd pleaser." Debbie Ann Weiner's review of The Villa for BookReporter noted Roberts's "remarkable ability to write one engrossing best-seller after another."
"Relationships are Roberts's stock in trade," noted Jeanny V. House in BookReporter, "not just the romances, which Roberts presents with skill and passion, but also the relationships between family and friends." Roberts once told CA: "I write relationship books, most often about ongoing romantic involvements. Writing stories about people and their emotions is my primary motivation. Entertainment is always the primary focus."
"In romance, we showcase the basic belief, the hope, the standard that love matters most," Roberts noted in her conference speech. She added: "If the writer has done her job, the reader should relate in some way to the heroine: find her interesting, sympathetic, frustrating, viable, and accessible. And through that connection, the reader should want her to win whatever goal the heroine has set for herself, and through her relationship with the hero, his appeal to the reader and to the heroine, want them to win each other."
BIOGRAPHICAL AND CRITICAL SOURCES:
BOOKS
Little, Denise, and Laura Hayden, editors, The Official Nora Roberts Companion, introduction by Nora Roberts, Berkley (New York, NY), 2002.
Twentieth-Century Romance and Historical Writers, 3rd edition, St. James Press (Detroit, MI), 1994.
PERIODICALS
Book, May 1, 2003, review of Birthright, p. 60.
Booklist, July, 1992, review of Honest Illusions, p. 1920; May 15, 1993, Denise Perry Donavin, review of Private Scandals, p. 1653; May 15, 1994, Melanie Duncan, review of Hidden Riches, p. 1665; October 1, 1994, Denise Perry Donavin, review of Born in Fire, p. 240; May 1, 1995, Donna Seaman, review of True Betrayals, p. 1531; January 1, 1997, Melanie Duncan, review of Sanctuary, p. 780; February 1, 1998, Melanie Duncan, review of Homeport, p. 877; March 15, 1998, Patty Engelmann, review of Once upon a Castle, p. 1203; September 15, 1998, Melanie Duncan, review of The Reef, p. 707; December 15, 1998, Diana Tixier Herald, review of Inner Harbor, p. 707; January 1, 1999, Melanie Duncan, review of River's End, p. 793; November 15, 1999, Patty Engelmann, review of Jewels of the Sun, p. 608; September 15, 2000, Nina Davis, review of Pride of Jared MacKade, p. 225, and Donna Seaman, review of Jewels of the Sun, p. 226; December 1, 2000, review of Tears of the Moon, p. 743, and review of Sacred Sins, p. 743; April 15, 2001, review of Dance upon the Air, p. 1508; July, 2001, review of Out of this World, p. 1991; August, 2001, Whitney Scott, review of The Villa, p. 2143; September 1, 2001, Diana Tixier Herald, review of Midnight Bayou, p. 4; September 15, 2001, Mary K. Chelton, review of Considering Kate, p. 212; October 1, 2001, Diana Tixier Herald, review of Once upon a Rose, p. 304; December 15, 2001, review of Brazen Virtue audio book, p. 745; March 1, 2002, review of Reunion in Death, p. 1098; May 15, 2002, Diana Tixier Herald, review of Face the Fire, p. 1582; January 1, 2003, John Charles, review of Birthright, p. 809; August 1, 2003, John Charles, review of Remember When, p. 1927; September 15, 2003, review of Women Who Win, p. 226; November 1, 2003, John Charles, review of Key of Knowledge, p. 485; November 15, 2003, John Charles, review of Key of Valor, p. 587; September 1, 2004, John Charles, review of Northern Lights, p. 7; November 1, 2004, John Charles, review of Blue Dahlia, p. 471; May 15, 2005, John Charles, review of Black Rose, p. 1641; September 1, 2005, John Charles, review of Blue Smoke, p. 73; November 15, 2005, John Charles, review of Red Lily, p. 32; July 1, 2006, John Charles, review of Angels Fall, p. 9; October 1, 2006, John Charles, reviews of Dance of the Gods, Morrigan's Cross, and Valley of Silence, p. 43.
Book Page, June, 2001, review of Dance upon the Air, p. 24; October, 2001, review of Once upon a Rose, p. 30; April, 2002, review of Three Fates, p. 8.
Bookseller, June 20, 2003, "So Good They Named Her Twice: Having Had Considerable Success with Romance Veteran Nora Roberts, Piatkus Is Now Relaunching the Writer's Alter Ego, J.D. Robb," p. 28.
Chronicle, October 1, 2004, Don D'Ammassa, review of Divided in Death, p. 25.
Detroit Free Press, August 5, 2001, review of Dance upon the Air, p. 4E.
Drood Review of Mystery, January, 2001, review of Carolina Moon, p. 22.
Entertainment Weekly, February 23, 2007, Jennifer Reese, review of Innocent in Death, p. 103.
Kirkus Reviews, January 1, 1999, review of River's End, p. 15; February 1, 2001, review of The Villa, p. 129; September 1, 2001, review of Midnight Bayou, p. 1241; January 1, 2003, review of Birthright, p. 21; July 15, 2003, review of Remember When, p. 933; July 1, 2004, review of Visions in Death, p. 601; September 1, 2004, review of Northern Lights, p. 832; August 1, 2005, review of Blue Smoke, p. 811; November 15, 2005, review of Memory in Death, p. 1208; December 15, 2006, review of Innocent in Death, p. 1240.
Library Journal, June 15, 1992, Sue Mevis, review of Honest Illusions, p. 103; June 1, 1994, Margaret Hanes, review of Hidden Riches, p. 162; November 1, 1994, Susan B. Lamphier, review of Hidden Riches, p. 126; August 1, 1995, Kristin Ramsdell, review of Born in Ice, p. 64; February 15, 1996, Kristin Ramsdell, review of The Heart of Devin MacKade, p. 139; August 1, 1996, Kristin Ramsdell, review of Immortal in Death, p. 58; November 15, 1996, Kristin Ramsdell, review of From the Heart, p. 52; February 1, 1997, Jodi L. Israel, review of Sanctuary, p. 107; November 15, 1997, Kristin Ramsdell, review of The MacGregor Brides, p. 48; February 1, 1998, Margaret Ann Hanes, review of Homeport, p. 112; February 15, 1998, Kristin Ramsdell, review of Once upon a Castle, p. 130; May 15, 1998, Kristin Ramsdell, review of Holiday in Death, p. 75; August 1, 1998, Kristin Ramsdell, review of Rising Tides, p. 73; February 1, 1999, Jodie L. Israel, review of River's End, p. 123, and review of The Reef, p. 137; February 15, 1999, Michael Rogers, review of Holding the Dream, p. 189; April 15, 1999, review of Inner Harbor audio book, p. 164; June 1, 1999, review of River's End audio book, p. 206; February 15, 2000, Margaret Ann Hanes, review of Carolina Moon, p. 198; March 1, 2000, Jodi L. Israel, review of Jewels of the Sun, p. 142; May 15, 2000, Kristin Ramsdell, review of Tears of the Moon, p. 78; August 1, 2000, Kristin Ramsdell, review of Judgment in Death, p. 82; February 15, 2001, review of The Villa, p. 155; March 1, 2001, review of Glory in Death audio book, p. 152; May 15, 2001, Kristin Ramsdell, review of Dance upon the Air, p. 107; June 15, 2001, Barbara Perkins, review of The Villa, p. 122; January 1, 2002, Rex Klett, review of Dance upon the Air, p. 51; February 15, 2002, John Charles, review of Three Fates, p. 131; March 15, 2002, review of Betrayal in Death, p. 126; May 15, 2002, review of Face the Fire, p. 80; August 1, 2002, Shelley Mosley, review of Chesapeake Blue, p. 146; September 1, 2003, Margaret Hanes, review of Remember When, p. 210; October 1, 2003, Jodi L. Israel, review of Birthright audio book, p. 132; November 15, 2003, Kristin Ramsdell, review of Key of Valor, p. 56; June 1, 2004, Barbara Hoffert, review of Northern Lights, p. 102; August 1, 2004, Kristin Ramsdell, review of Moon Shadows, p. 56; October 1, 2004, Margaret Hanes, review of Northern Lights, p. 72; November 15, 2004, Kristin Ramsdell, review of Blue Dahlia, p. 46; June 1, 2005, Kristin Ramsdell, review of Black Rose, p. 121; August 1, 2005, Kristin Ramsdell, review of Blue Smoke, p. 63.
Locus, May, 2001, review of Betrayal in Death, p. 29.
Los Angeles Times Book Review, July 15, 1990, review of Public Secrets, p. 14; July 24, 1994, review of Hidden Riches, p. 10.
Mademoiselle, August 1, 1989, Joyce Maynard, review of Lawless, p. 102.
New York Times, March 26, 2001, review of The Villa, p. E7.
People, July 1, 1996, Kristin McMurran, "Page Churner," p. 31; March 31, 1997, Cynthia Sanz, review of Sanctuary, p. 41; March 30, 1998, Paula Chin, review of Homeport, p. 34; March 26, 2001, review of The Villa, p. 48; October 7, 2002, review of Purity in Death, p. 54.
Publishers Weekly, April 22, 1988, Penny Kaganoff, review of Brazen Virtue, p. 76; November 18, 1988, Penny Kaganoff, review of Sweet Revenge, p. 74; May 25, 1990, Penny Kaganoff, review of Public Secrets, p. 54; August 2, 1991, review of Genuine Lies, p. 69; November 15, 1991, review of Carnal Innocence, p. 69; May 18, 1992, review of Honest Illusions, p. 57; August 17, 1992, review of Divine Evil, p. 493; May 17, 1993, review of Private Scandals, p. 62; May 9, 1994, review of Hidden Riches, p. 62; August 22, 1994, review of Born in Fire, p. 52; May 22, 1995, review of True Betrayals, p. 48; June 12, 1995, review of Born in Ice, p. 57; December 4, 1995, review of Born in Shame, p. 58; January 22, 1996, review of Montana Sky, p. 59; July 29, 1996, review of Daring toDream, p. 83; August 26, 1996, review of Rapture in Death, p. 92; November 25, 1996, review of Holding the Dream, p. 70; February 3, 1997, review of Sanctuary, p. 95; June 30, 1997, review of Finding the Dream, p. 74; August 18, 1997, review of Vengeance in Death, p. 89; September 15, 1997, review of The MacGregor Brides, p. 73; December 8, 1997, review of Sea Swept, p. 70; January 26, 1998, review of Homeport, p. 69; February 23, 1998, Judy Quinn, "Nora Roberts: A Celebration of Emotions," p. 46; May 4, 1998, review of Holiday in Death, p. 210; July 6, 1998, review of Rising Tides, p. 57; September 28, 1998, review of The Reef, p. 73, and review of The Macgregor Grooms, p. 99; December 14, 1998, review of Inner Harbor, p. 72; January 11, 1999, review of River's End, p. 52; March 22, 1999, review of Conspiracy in Death, p. 89; April 12, 1999, Alec Foege, "Close to Home," p. 139; October 11, 1999, review of Jewels of the Sun, p. 73; January 31, 2000, review of Carolina Moon, p. 79; June 19, 2000, review of Tears of the Moon, p. 64; October 30, 2000, review of Once upon a Dream, p. 53; November 20, 2000, review of Heart of the Sea, p. 52; February 19, 2001, review of Betrayal in Death, p. 75; May 14, 2001, review of Dance upon the Air, p. 59; July 9, 2001, review of Out of This World, p. 53; August 6, 2001, review of Seduction in Death, p. 66; September 3, 2001, review of Midnight Bayou, p. 55; September 10, 2001, review of Once upon a Rose, p. 68; November 26, 2001, review of Heaven and Earth, p. 45; February 18, 2002, review of Reunion in Death, p. 81; April 1, 2002, review of Three Fates (audio book review), p. 30, and review of Three Fates, p. 52; May 6, 2002, review of Face the Fire, p. 41; February 24, 2003, review of Portrait in Death, p. 58; March 24, 2003, review of Birthright, p. 59; August 25, 2003, review of Remember When, p. 39, and review of Imitation in Death, p. 45; September 8, 2003, Dick Donahue, "Roberts Rules Redux," p. 18; September 29, 2003, review of Once upon a Midnight, p. 49; October 6, 2003, review of Key of Light, p. 67; November 17, 2003, review of Key of Knowledge, p. 50; December 22, 2003, review of The Key of Valor, p. 43; July 26, 2004, review of Visions in Death, p. 39; September 6, 2004, review of Northern Lights, p. 44; September 27, 2004, review of Moon Shadows, p. 43; October 25, 2004, review of Blue Dahlia, p. 33; May 16, 2005, review of Black Rose, p. 46; August 15, 2005, review of Blue Smoke, p. 29; May 22, 2006, review of Angels Fall, p. 30; July 17, 2006, review of Morrigan's Cross, p. 141; August 28, 2006, review of Dance of the Gods, p. 37; September 25, 2006, review of Born in Death, p. 44; October 2, 2006, review of Valley of Silence, p. 45.
School Library Journal, June, 1995, review of Born in Fire, p. 146; March, 1996, review of Born in Ice, pp. 234-235; September, 1999, Pamela B. Rearden, review of River's End, p. 244; March, 2004, Peggy Bercher, review of Key of Knowledge, p. 252.
Science Fiction Chronicle, June, 2001, review of Betrayal in Death, p. 40; March, 2002, review of Rapture in Death audio book, p. 39.
Time, March 20, 2000, review of Carolina Moon, p. 76.
Tribune Books (Chicago, IL), June 28, 1992, Joyce Slater, review of Honest Illusions, p. 6; July 23, 1995, review of True Betrayals, p. 6; May 11, 1997, review of Sanctuary, p. 11.
TV Guide, January 29, 2007, "Nora Roberts," p. 33.
Voice of Youth Advocates, February 1, 1999, review of Sea Swept, p. 418; June 1, 2002, review of Cordina's Crown Jewel, p. 92.
Washington Post Book World, February 7, 1999, review of River's End, p. 7; October 24, 2004, Pamela Regis, "Romance: Bestselling Popular Novelists Keep It All in the Family," review of Northern Lights, p. 13; October 30, 2005, Barbara Feinman Todd, review of Blue Smoke, p. 13.
Writer, September, 2003, "What Makes Readers Love Nora Roberts's Romances?," p. 10.
ONLINE
All about Romance,http://www.likesbooks.com/ (June 2, 2003), Blythe Barnhill, review of The Perfect Neighbor and Carnal Innocence; Jennifer L. Schendel, review of Once upon a Kiss; Marianne Stillings, reviews of Once upon a Rose and Carolina Moon; Colleen McMahon, review of Carolina Moon; Candy Tan, review of Once upon a Star; Jane Jorgenson, review of Brazen Virtue; Linda Mowery, review of "MacGregor" series; interview with Nora Roberts; Andrea Pool, review of Dance upon the Air.
Best Reviews,http://thebestreviews.com/ (June 2, 2003), Harriet Klausner, reviews of Birthright and Heaven and Earth; review of Once upon a Star; Janice Bennett, review of Heaven and Earth; Kelly Hartsell, review of Heart of the Sea.
BookReporter,http://www.bookreporter.com/ (June 2, 2003), Sonia Chopra, review of Three Fates; Debbie Ann Weiner, review of The Villa; Jeanny V. House, review of River's End.
Books I Loved,http://booksiloved.com/ (June 2, 2003), Jennifer Santiago, review of Midnight Bayou.
Crescent Blues,http://www.crescentblues.com/ (June 2, 2003), "Nora Roberts: The Joy of Make Believer."
MyShelf,http://www.myshelf.com/ (June 2, 2003), Brenda Weeaks, review of Once upon a Star.
MysteryReader,http://www.mysteryreader.com/ (April 24, 2001), review of The Villa.
Nora Roberts Web site,http://www.noraroberts.com (June 1, 2007).
Paranormal Romance Reviews,http://pnr.thebestreviews.com/ (June 2, 2003), Harriet Klausner, reviews of Chesapeake Blue, Three Fates, Once upon a Kiss, Once upon a Rose, Dance upon the Air, and Heart of the Sea; Leslie Tramposch, reviews of Dance upon the Air and Enchanted; Marilyn Heyman, review of Once upon a Rose.
Readers Read,http://www.readersread.com/ (June 2, 2003), review of Midnight Bayou.
Road to Romance,http://www.roadtoromance.ca/ (June 2, 2003), Traci Bell, review of Dance upon the Air.
RomanceReader,http://www.romancereader.com/ (January 19, 1998), review of The MacGregors: Alan-Grant; (February 3, 1999), review of The Perfect Neighbor; (February 22, 1999), review of River's End; (March 23, 1999), review of Conspiracy in Death; (October 13, 1999), review of Jewels of the Sun; (October 15, 1999), review of Enchanted; (October 25, 1999), review of Loyalty in Death; (March 7, 2001), review of The Villa; (March 26, 2001) review of Betrayal in Death; (August 3, 2001) reviews of Seduction in Death and Out of This World; (November 27, 2001), review of Midnight Bayou; (January 14, 2002), review of Dance upon the Air; (February 19, 2002), review of Cordina's Crown Jewel; (March 15, 2002), review of Reunion in Death; (March 26, 2002), review of Three Fates; Jean Mason, review of Carolina Moon, review of Irish Rebel; Susan Scribner, review of Inner Harbor; Cathy Sova, review of The MacGregor Brides; Diane Grayson, review of The Perfect Neighbor.
RomanceReview,http://www.aromancereview.com/ (June 2, 2003), review of Carnal Innocence.