Janet Dailey (1944–2013)
Author of Tangled Vines
About the Author
Janet Dailey was born on May 21, 1944 in Storm Lake, Iowa. She was a romance writer, who wrote over 150 books during her lifetime. Her works include No Questions Asked, the Calder series, the Americana series, and Merry Christmas, Cowboy. In 1993, she received the Romance Writers of America show more Lifetime Achievement Award. She died on December 14, 2013 at the age of 69. (Bowker Author Biography) show less
Series
Works by Janet Dailey
A Spring Bouquet (Castles in the Sand/ The Marrying Kind/ Hasten Down the Wind/ Forbidden Affections) (1996) — Contributor — 110 copies
Calder Brand: A Beautifully Written Historical Romance Saga (The Calder Brand) (2021) 75 copies, 1 review
Calder Grit: A Sweeping Historical Ranching Dynasty Novel (The Calder Brand) (2022) 65 copies, 1 review
Whiplash: An Exciting & Thrilling Novel of Western Romantic Suspense (The Champions) (2021) 64 copies, 1 review
Santa's Little Helpers (The Healing Touch / Twelfth Night / Comfort and Joy) (1995) — Contributor — 51 copies, 1 review
Paradise Peak: A Riveting and Tender Novel of Romance (The New Americana Series) (2020) 50 copies, 2 reviews
A Harlequin Janet Dailey Collector's Edition #12: Sentimental Journey / A Tradition of Pride (1984) 4 copies
A Harlequin Janet Dailey Collector's Edition: Boss Man from Ogallala / Darling Jenny (1982) 4 copies
A Harlequin Janet Dailey Collector's Edition #5: One of the Boys / Beware of the Stranger (1982) 4 copies
A Harlequin Janet Dailey Collector's Edition #11: For Mike's Sake / With A Little Luck (1984) 3 copies
Romance Treasury: The Master Fiddler / Forest of the Night / Rightful Possession (1988) — Contributor — 2 copies
Janet Dailey - Calder Saga: This Calder Sky - This Calder Range - Stands a Calder Man - Calder Born, Calder Bred. Volumes 1,2,3,4 (1981) 2 copies
Duel 2 copies
The Americana Series Volume Two: Valley of the Vapours, Fire and Ice, and After the Storm (2018) 2 copies
Amante Indócil 2 copies
When A Spider Bites 1 copy
In de ban van de hartstocht 1 copy
La valse de l'espoir 1 copy
Romance Treasury: The Jasmine Bride / Sweet Promise / Turbulent Covenant (1987) — Contributor — 1 copy
The Thawing of Mara #349 1 copy
L'inconnu du bayou 1 copy
Il Marchio di Caino 1 copy
Fiore de Yucca 1 copy
Romance Treasury: The Island Bride / Something Extra / Champagne Spring (1988) — Contributor — 1 copy
Zupełnie obcy człowiek 1 copy
Le marque de Cain 1 copy
Because Of you 1 copy
Can't Say Goodbye 1 copy
Florida Southern Nights 1 copy
Fleur De Yucca 1 copy
La Fiance De Paille 1 copy
HIER, A SQUAW VALLEY 1 copy
La Canne D'ivoire 1 copy
She Said Yes I Do 1 copy
Sabrina- Mulher de gelo 1 copy
La Otra Heredera 1 copy
Santiago Blue 1 copy
La course au bonheur 1 copy
Destiny 2/1 1 copy
Sous un manteau de neige 1 copy
Six chevaux blancs 1 copy
A menteur, menteuse et demi 1 copy
DESIRE FOR REVENGE 1 copy
Nattens vägar 1 copy
لعبة الحظ 1 copy
Gewoon is niet genoeg 1 copy
113-عروس السراب 1 copy
Ce teint de cuivre chaud 1 copy
Rivais no amor 1 copy
La belle et le vaurien 1 copy
Flammes d'automne 1 copy
Le printemps bleu 1 copy
La marque du Caïn 1 copy
Je viendrai à ton appel 1 copy
Always With Love 1 copy
Associated Works
Unmasked (Love in Three-Quarter Time / The Taming of Katharina / Tapestry) (1997) — Contributor — 53 copies
Reader's Digest Condensed Books 1996 v04: Notorious / Snow Wolf / The Cat Who Said Cheese / Mirage (1996) — Author — 36 copies
Reader's Digest Condensed Books 1991 v05: The Eagle Has Flown / Aspen Gold / The Ice / Lightning in July (1991) — Author — 33 copies, 1 review
Reader's Digest Auswahlbücher 196 : Comeback. Wie wilder Wein. Letzte Rache. Traumland (1994) 13 copies
Det Bästas bokval. Volym 175. Blod och vin/ Den vita puman/ Döden i vitögat/ Kai ler igen — Author — 3 copies
Reader's Digest Condensed Books: The Eagle Has Flown • Shadow Into Sunlight • Trial • Aspen Gold 3 copies, 1 review
Het Beste Boek 162: De ekster op de galg / Prooi / Belofte van morgen / Afscheid van de kinderen 2 copies, 1 review
Time-Life Book Digest: Masquerade | Sand Castles | His Little Women | What Lisa Knew (1990) — Author — 2 copies
Het Beste Boek 156: Hoog spel kinderspel / Klatergoud / Het Kathmandu komplot / Vlucht naar het licht 2 copies, 1 review
Reader's Digest Condensed Books: Without Remorse • Tangled Vines • Craig Shergold: A Mother's Story • Dead Fix — Author — 1 copy
Il cliente (Grisham John) - le radici del cuore (Dailey Janet) - il volo della colomba (Wood Christopher) - per non dimenticare Sara (Kruckeberg Carol) — Author — 1 copy
Tagged
Common Knowledge
- Legal name
- Dailey, Janet Ann Haradon
- Birthdate
- 1944-05-21
- Date of death
- 2013-12-14
- Gender
- female
- Occupations
- secretary
novelist - Awards and honors
- Romance Writers of America (Lifetime Achievement Award, 1993)
- Short biography
- Sued by Nora Roberts in 1997 for plagiarism. Ms. Dailey admitted this and settled with Ms. Roberts, blaming the lapse on psychological problems. (See Wikipedia for details). She is writing original work again.
Janet Dailey is the American author of over 100 books. She began her career as a category romance writer with Harlequin in 1974. She transitioned to single-title romance novels in 1979. Her first mass market romance novel, Touch the Wind, reached the New York Times Best Seller List. Her subsequent books have also been New York Times Bestsellers. Her novel Foxfire Light was made into a movie.
Dailey was born and raised in Iowa. She met her husband, Bill, when she worked at the secretarial firm he owned. In 1980, Dailey and her husband moved to Branson, Missouri, where Bill promoted and produced shows at the American Theater. He died on August 5, 2005. - Cause of death
- complications from heart surgery
- Nationality
- USA
- Birthplace
- Storm Lake, Iowa, USA
- Places of residence
- Omaha, Nebraska, USA
Branson, Missouri, USA
Early, Iowa, USA
Council Bluffs, Iowa, USA - Place of death
- Branson, Missouri, USA
- Burial location
- Ozarks Memorial Park Cemetery, Branson, Missouri, USA
- Map Location
- Iowa, USA
Members
Reviews
This is the second Americana book I've read by Janet Dailey. I was going to read them for fun, something different than my usualy true crime/mystery or more techinical books, but after reading this one, I'm not sure I want to continue.
I know the book was originally written in 1977, but have times changed that much? Were women looking for ruthless, dominating men who bordered on crazed 35 years ago? I hope not, because I read my share of popular romance novels while in high school and if show more this is what I was digesting it's a wonder I didn't end up in a physically abusive relationship. Maybe someone should research what girls are reading in high school and then track how their relationships end.
Laurie is an orphan raised by her father's brother and his wife who dotes on their daugther LaRaine, never paying much attention to Laurie except to tell her what a burden she is. She moves out when she's 18, but when the bratty LaRaine wants to move out, the aunt guilts Laurie into moving in with her to help her out. LaRaine is a gold digger and wants to land a rich husband and be a movie star. She gets the opportunity to do both, but she is obligated to fly to Alabama to meet her fiance's old aunt. She convinced Laurie to pretend she is her and sends her off. The fiance is in South America on business. Of course, he returns and finds out the truth. Laurie offers him the explanation but he wants nothing to do with it and forces Laurie to continue the charade. At times, he grabs her painfully - leaving marks on her wrists and arms. One time he even grabs her by the throat. He threatens her physically and emotionally, but all Laurie can see is a strong man. The kind who will take care of her and ravish her in bed. Heaven help her if she is ever out of line in his opinion. While the writing is consistent, the themes of abuse hiding as love left a bad taste in my mouth. show less
I know the book was originally written in 1977, but have times changed that much? Were women looking for ruthless, dominating men who bordered on crazed 35 years ago? I hope not, because I read my share of popular romance novels while in high school and if show more this is what I was digesting it's a wonder I didn't end up in a physically abusive relationship. Maybe someone should research what girls are reading in high school and then track how their relationships end.
Laurie is an orphan raised by her father's brother and his wife who dotes on their daugther LaRaine, never paying much attention to Laurie except to tell her what a burden she is. She moves out when she's 18, but when the bratty LaRaine wants to move out, the aunt guilts Laurie into moving in with her to help her out. LaRaine is a gold digger and wants to land a rich husband and be a movie star. She gets the opportunity to do both, but she is obligated to fly to Alabama to meet her fiance's old aunt. She convinced Laurie to pretend she is her and sends her off. The fiance is in South America on business. Of course, he returns and finds out the truth. Laurie offers him the explanation but he wants nothing to do with it and forces Laurie to continue the charade. At times, he grabs her painfully - leaving marks on her wrists and arms. One time he even grabs her by the throat. He threatens her physically and emotionally, but all Laurie can see is a strong man. The kind who will take care of her and ravish her in bed. Heaven help her if she is ever out of line in his opinion. While the writing is consistent, the themes of abuse hiding as love left a bad taste in my mouth. show less
The Sound of Sleighbells is the sixth story in the Christmas Tree Ranch series, but you don’t need to read the previous books to fully enjoy this one. While it is marketed as a Christmas book and takes place during the holiday season, its themes do not heavily emphasize Christmas, and there is a fair amount of dark context throughout.
Ruth is a single mother of three young children after her abusive husband goes to jail. She carries a lot of trauma from her past relationships: her first show more love was incarcerated for five years for murder, her second husband was shot and killed, and her third husband was abusive. Consequently, Ruth is not looking for love. However, she harbors a secret: her oldest son is not the biological child of her first husband but is actually the son of her first love. Judd, her first love, has recently returned to Branding Iron after serving time in jail and spending a year in Australia, where he became a renowned saddlemaker. The question arises: can Ruth keep her secret, or will the truth eventually come out?
I enjoyed the story, but I felt there were significant gaps that made certain aspects confusing. The timeline of events and the circumstances that brought them both back to the same place didn't quite add up. It seemed like a lot of negative events unfolded within the span of just a month, culminating in an ending that felt rushed and somewhat unbelievable. Overall, I liked the story, but I probably won't ever think about it again. show less
Ruth is a single mother of three young children after her abusive husband goes to jail. She carries a lot of trauma from her past relationships: her first show more love was incarcerated for five years for murder, her second husband was shot and killed, and her third husband was abusive. Consequently, Ruth is not looking for love. However, she harbors a secret: her oldest son is not the biological child of her first husband but is actually the son of her first love. Judd, her first love, has recently returned to Branding Iron after serving time in jail and spending a year in Australia, where he became a renowned saddlemaker. The question arises: can Ruth keep her secret, or will the truth eventually come out?
I enjoyed the story, but I felt there were significant gaps that made certain aspects confusing. The timeline of events and the circumstances that brought them both back to the same place didn't quite add up. It seemed like a lot of negative events unfolded within the span of just a month, culminating in an ending that felt rushed and somewhat unbelievable. Overall, I liked the story, but I probably won't ever think about it again. show less
For the Love of God is an unusual book that skirts the fine line between mainstream and inspirational romance. It probably has a little too much religion to be considered purely mainstream, but also has too much sexual tension to be considered purely inspirational. For me though, that meant it was just right.;-) Considering that this book was originally published by Silhouette, I was surprised at how much of a role the characters' faith played in the story, particularly for Seth, yet in my show more opinion, it wasn't the least bit preachy. Since he is a minister, of course he attends church every Sunday, and performs all the duties expected of a man of God. There was some mild discussion of Biblical content, and I was quite impressed with a rather sensual scene where Seth and Abbie read The Song of Solomon to each other (complete with Bible passages quoted). Since that happens to be one of my favorite books of the Bible, I absolutely loved the scene, and thought it was beautiful and romantic. However, I realize that other readers on both sides of the mainstream/inspirational fence may find it offensive for completely opposing reasons. Because of this, and some other mild sensuous content, as well as one mild profanity, I doubt a Christian publisher would touch it. Seth and Abbie share some passionate kisses and moderate caressing which built some surprisingly good sexual tension, but they never completely crossed that line. In fact, they chose to wait until marriage (which doesn't actually happen in the book), so there are no full-blown love scenes, which should make it appropriate for most readers.
Seth was an extremely appealing hero. I rarely see a minister character outside of the inspirational romance sub-genre, so that alone was intriguing to me. I loved that he was so laid back, not really caring much about the small-town gossip that was being generated by him dating Abbie. I've never cared much for pulpit-pounding ministers, and it seemed that the retiring pastor who Seth was replacing was one of those. Seth, however, couldn't have been further from that himself. He was much more a teacher than a preacher, and also exhibited genuine care and concern for his flock. As a minister, he was just about perfect for me, but he certainly raised a few eyebrows when he came to town. No one, including Abbie, thought that he looked or acted like a minister, because of his stunning good looks, his little, green sports car, and the fact that he'd rather wear jeans and t-shirts than a clerical collar when he wasn't “on duty.” He was extremely charming though, winning most people over pretty quickly, and those he didn't, he just didn't sweat it. I liked that he was looking for the right woman for him and not the right woman for his profession. When half the ladies in town started bringing him casseroles and cakes and coming to church on Sundays even when they hadn't attended in years, he just took it all in stride, and never seemed to be interested in anyone but Abbie. I just love a hero who is single-minded in his pursuit of the heroine. It took a while, but Seth finally convinced her that he was only flesh-and-blood, like any other man, and shouldn't be put up on a pedestal.
Abbie was a really likable heroine who had returned to her small home-town after a bad breakup. When Abbie first met Seth, she was very attracted to him, but when she found out he was the new minister, she wasn't quite so sure if a relationship between them would work. At first, she was a little intimidated by his position, but Seth deftly charmed her into one, then two, then more dates, and before she knew it, she was falling in love. Along the way though, Abbie fell prey to some of the town gossip, and worried that she and Seth shouldn't be together or that he was just toying with her. I wish she'd had a little more faith in Seth and his love even though he hadn't come out and told her yet, but overall, her doubts weren't too overblown in my opinion. She was just a really nice girl who'd had her heart broken once already and wasn't quite sure until Seth convinced her.
There weren't many prominent secondary characters, but I did enjoy Abbie's relationship with her parents, especially her dad, for whom she works. I also liked the two elderly sisters from the church, who are complete opposites. Since they're always telling stories, Seth encouraged them to write a book, and they ended up writing a racy romance which amused him. Some of the background townspeople could get a little ornery about trying to imply or outright tell Seth who he should/shouldn't be dating/marrying, but I was very happy to see Seth put them in their place by doing what he thought was right.
For the Love of God was first published in 1981, but surprisingly it didn't feel all that dated to me. There was a mention of Trans-World Airlines (TWA), which no longer exists, and if one paid close enough attention, the fashions and lack of cell phones might show its age, but overall it seemed like it could be taking place today. For the Love of God was a really sweet, feel-good romance, and I was surprised by how much I enjoyed it. It might have had something to do with feeling like the author found that delicate balance between religious content and sensuous content, or maybe it was a yummy hero and appealing characters in general, but this book has found a place on my keeper shelf. It was my first read by Janet Daily, but it has left me interested in checking out her other works. show less
Seth was an extremely appealing hero. I rarely see a minister character outside of the inspirational romance sub-genre, so that alone was intriguing to me. I loved that he was so laid back, not really caring much about the small-town gossip that was being generated by him dating Abbie. I've never cared much for pulpit-pounding ministers, and it seemed that the retiring pastor who Seth was replacing was one of those. Seth, however, couldn't have been further from that himself. He was much more a teacher than a preacher, and also exhibited genuine care and concern for his flock. As a minister, he was just about perfect for me, but he certainly raised a few eyebrows when he came to town. No one, including Abbie, thought that he looked or acted like a minister, because of his stunning good looks, his little, green sports car, and the fact that he'd rather wear jeans and t-shirts than a clerical collar when he wasn't “on duty.” He was extremely charming though, winning most people over pretty quickly, and those he didn't, he just didn't sweat it. I liked that he was looking for the right woman for him and not the right woman for his profession. When half the ladies in town started bringing him casseroles and cakes and coming to church on Sundays even when they hadn't attended in years, he just took it all in stride, and never seemed to be interested in anyone but Abbie. I just love a hero who is single-minded in his pursuit of the heroine. It took a while, but Seth finally convinced her that he was only flesh-and-blood, like any other man, and shouldn't be put up on a pedestal.
Abbie was a really likable heroine who had returned to her small home-town after a bad breakup. When Abbie first met Seth, she was very attracted to him, but when she found out he was the new minister, she wasn't quite so sure if a relationship between them would work. At first, she was a little intimidated by his position, but Seth deftly charmed her into one, then two, then more dates, and before she knew it, she was falling in love. Along the way though, Abbie fell prey to some of the town gossip, and worried that she and Seth shouldn't be together or that he was just toying with her. I wish she'd had a little more faith in Seth and his love even though he hadn't come out and told her yet, but overall, her doubts weren't too overblown in my opinion. She was just a really nice girl who'd had her heart broken once already and wasn't quite sure until Seth convinced her.
There weren't many prominent secondary characters, but I did enjoy Abbie's relationship with her parents, especially her dad, for whom she works. I also liked the two elderly sisters from the church, who are complete opposites. Since they're always telling stories, Seth encouraged them to write a book, and they ended up writing a racy romance which amused him. Some of the background townspeople could get a little ornery about trying to imply or outright tell Seth who he should/shouldn't be dating/marrying, but I was very happy to see Seth put them in their place by doing what he thought was right.
For the Love of God was first published in 1981, but surprisingly it didn't feel all that dated to me. There was a mention of Trans-World Airlines (TWA), which no longer exists, and if one paid close enough attention, the fashions and lack of cell phones might show its age, but overall it seemed like it could be taking place today. For the Love of God was a really sweet, feel-good romance, and I was surprised by how much I enjoyed it. It might have had something to do with feeling like the author found that delicate balance between religious content and sensuous content, or maybe it was a yummy hero and appealing characters in general, but this book has found a place on my keeper shelf. It was my first read by Janet Daily, but it has left me interested in checking out her other works. show less
Ruth is eager to move on after her divorce and start new holiday traditions to help her children heal painful memories. Judd, the man she loved long ago comes back into her life unexpectedly when her son takes interest in his custom saddle business. Judd begins to bond with him and Ruth wonders how long until her secret is exposed… Judd is his father. Will feelings rekindle between Ruth and Judd or will the truth break her family?
THE SOUND OF SLEIGHBELLS was a heartwarming holiday read. I show more loved the cozy small-town setting and could easily picture this as a Hallmark movie. This is the first Janet Dailey book I’ve read. I was a little worried of what I was getting into when I first started reading as Ruth’s character and history were being introduced. Her life seemed like a mess and I wondered how this would possibly be a happy romance tale, but once the story got going, it became clear that there were charming characters and an ultimately sweet story despite the darker plot elements. It was easy to either love-to-love or love-to-hate the characters. I was particularly fond of Abner. The romance aspect was tasteful and not overwhelming, leaving themes of family, community, second chances and new beginnings to really shine. Taking place over a span of time that includes both Thanksgiving and Christmas, THE SOUND OF SLEIGHBELLS gives the reader a good amount of holiday spirit and a satisfying ending.
THE SOUND OF SLEIGHBELLS is book six of Janet Dailey’s The Christmas Tree Ranch series. I’d recommend it to fans of small-town romance and those looking for a holiday read. I look forward to reading the other books of the series as well as Dailey’s other works.
Thank you to Kensington Books and Between the Chapters for the giveaway ARC. show less
THE SOUND OF SLEIGHBELLS was a heartwarming holiday read. I show more loved the cozy small-town setting and could easily picture this as a Hallmark movie. This is the first Janet Dailey book I’ve read. I was a little worried of what I was getting into when I first started reading as Ruth’s character and history were being introduced. Her life seemed like a mess and I wondered how this would possibly be a happy romance tale, but once the story got going, it became clear that there were charming characters and an ultimately sweet story despite the darker plot elements. It was easy to either love-to-love or love-to-hate the characters. I was particularly fond of Abner. The romance aspect was tasteful and not overwhelming, leaving themes of family, community, second chances and new beginnings to really shine. Taking place over a span of time that includes both Thanksgiving and Christmas, THE SOUND OF SLEIGHBELLS gives the reader a good amount of holiday spirit and a satisfying ending.
THE SOUND OF SLEIGHBELLS is book six of Janet Dailey’s The Christmas Tree Ranch series. I’d recommend it to fans of small-town romance and those looking for a holiday read. I look forward to reading the other books of the series as well as Dailey’s other works.
Thank you to Kensington Books and Between the Chapters for the giveaway ARC. show less
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- 295
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- #1,561
- Rating
- 3.4
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- 208
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