The list author says: "Take a lonely orphan, a dark house, a desolate locale (preferably a moor), add a threatening guardian and you have the ingredients for a Mid-Century Gothic Romance. Occasionally, a Governess and her charge are substituted for the orphan, and a demented housekeeper for the Guardian. Another constant is the misunderstood Hero who finds redemption in the love of the heroine. These authors all pay homage to Jane Eyre, Dragonwyck and Rebecca. These Historical Romances (Gothics) were originally published prior to 1970."
"This book breathed new life into the Gothic genre. Derivitive of Jane Eyre and Rebecca. Very entertaining. Story of Governess Martha and her adventures at the mysterious Cornish estate, Mellyn. An interesting and enigmatic hero, Con Tremellyn. A classic."
"Original title: Smuggler's Moon. Dark mansion on Essex coast, shy orphan, evil uncle guardian and smugglers. Three handsome potential suitors. Well written and entertaining."
""Silence is Golden" features another common canon of the Gothic Romance. Hereditary madness. Poor orphan, Silence Eddington, becomes companion to a young, sickly heiress. What is Amy's mysterious illness? The harsh Master of Hazelhurst becomes enamoured of Silence. Trouble and danger ensue."
"Young Quaker, Miriam, is hired as needlewoman at the bleak manor house, Tancred. The old Mistress rules the house from her wheelchair. The Master, John Tancred, is widowed, the father of a strange, fey daughter. The house and it's occupants are haunted by the deeds of John's evil, dead father. Can Miriam survive the mysteries of Tancred?"
"Young orphan leaves France to become Governess at Linnet Hall. Caught in a tete-a-tete with the youngest son, she is fired with no reference. This Gothic Romance is concerned with her survival and ultimate reunion with the Master of Linnet Hall. Not light and frothy."
"Original title: Sons of the Wolfe. Two orphaned cousins, one mysterious, handsome guardian, and sinister Abbey Manor. Add gypsies, the desolate moors and two handsome young men. One cousin is an Heiress. It looks like her guardian has plans for her fortune that may not include her. This is an early effort by Barbara Michaels."
"Gothic based at an ancient Scottish Highland estate. An orphan, Damaris, finds employment as an antiquarian secretary to scarred widower, Gavin Hamilton. Damaris will also serve as a companion to his crippled young daughter. There is an incredibly evil villian. Much suspense and "many dark secrets from the past"."
"Young woman wakes up in post-chaise with no memory and a little boy. She finds sanctuary at Maulever Hall. Scarred Mark Maulever hires her to companion his mother, even though he does not trust her or believe her story of amnesia."
"Fiesty Irishwoman, Anna Wicklow, travels to France to discover the fate of young student, Palla. She arrives at Moura, only to find Palla dead, supposedly of a lung fever. Anna stays on at Moura. She is determined to discover the truth of Palla's death."
"The usual moors are exchanged for the Lovat Mill's quicksands in this Gothic romance. Widowed Caroline Verlaine comes to Lovat Stacy to teach Music to three young female students and to Napier Stacy's young bride. But her true mission is to discover the fate of her missing sister, Roma."
"A Regency Gothic. Governess Kate has lost her postition due to her employer's brother's importunities. Her paternal half-aunt, Lady Broome, offers her a position as Companion. Lady Broome's son, Torquil, is soon enamoured with Kate. But Torquil is not what he seems to be. What is Lady Broome's plan for Kate?"
"Gothic historical romances. Ravenscroft: Isabella, makes a not very... "marriage of convenience" to reform politician, Guy Raven. Guy is an Alpha hero with little in the way of tenderness or sensitivity. Darkwater: Poor relation, Fanny, is planning her departure, when the two young wards of Uncle Edward arrive. Suspense, Murder and Romance."
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