It is with heavy hearts that we lift our cups (filled with cold coffee, but we’re drinking it anyway. Don’t judge.) to the memory of beloved author and literary legend, Jo Beverley, who has passed on today.

For many, Jo’s books were our very first contact with the Romance world, and because of her incredible writing and stunning historical detail, it became a world we were happy to get lost in time and time again. And we’re not alone. With over twenty years of writing and thousands of fans, Jo Beverley has not just touched the lives of Romance fans, but shaped the history of Romance itself. We could get nerdy about Jo’s prolific reach (or the catalogue of historical knowledge that was her mind), but we’ll spare you. Besides, nothing quite encompasses Jo as an author and as a person like this touching tribute from Word Wenches (and the whole thing is worth a read. Bring tissues):

In a sense, she was the quintessential Romance writer: stories flowed freely through her, heroes and heroines were strong and unforgettable, themes had substance, her language had clarity and richness, her books were masterful, one after another. The connections among her stories were intricately mapped out in brilliant ways, and her sense of history was impeccable-and on top of that powerful combination of elements, she was elegantly English and very, very smart and far-seeing.

As a sister Wench and a friend to all of us behind the scenes of the blog — where as others have mentioned, we email every day — Jo was consistently wise and supportive, always a voice of reason, especially when our opinions piled on and we needed to make a decision. Jo was straightforward and had an ability to cut right to the heart of a matter. She often made the most sense, could be gently funny, and we always listened and learned.

Like some of the other Wenches, I first met Jo at a conference when I was very green and timid, and she was-well, she was Jo Beverley, historical romance royalty itself, and I felt so awed by this tall, elegant British woman that I practically curtsied. Jo had an air of confidence and certainty, and never sought to be the center of attention-but she was nonetheless.

To Jo Beverley: thank you for years of wonder, inspiration, and kindness.

To our little community: Feel free to share some kind words or your favorite Jo Beverly moments and titles below, or share your stories with her fellow Word Wenches.

To learn a little more about Jo Beverley, head over to Smart Bitches.