Penny Jordan ​

Penelope "Penny" Jones was a bestselling and prolific English writer of over 200 romance novels. Her books have sold over 70 million copies worldwide with novels translated into many languages. She wrote under the pen name Penny Jordan.

Quick Facts ​

• Wrote over 200 romance novels.
• Her books were translated into 25 languages.
• Sold over 90 million copies worldwide.
• Began writing regency romances as Caroline Courtney, before writing modern romances under her real name.
• Received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Romantic Novelists' Association.

Background ​

Jordan was born in 1946 in Preston, Lancashire, England. She began writing regency romances under the name Caroline Courtney but later adopted the pen name Penny Jordan when she transitioned to writing contemporary romances. Initially she worked in a bank, but her love for writing made her leave her job and she wrote her first book Falcon's Prey as Penny Jordan in 1981. Due to her interest in the rural life and community, most of her novels have a countryside setting. Jordan passed away in 2011, but she left a legacy of over 200 novels that have reached millions of readers worldwide. Her books were translated into more than 25 languages and sold over 70 million copies.

Writing Style and Impact ​

Jordan was a master at creating complex and believable characters, set against handsomely described backgrounds. Her writing style was lively and evocative, with a strong emphasis on emotions. Jordan's romances were character driven and ranged from sweet to deeply sensual. Her work gave readers an escape into a world where love could conquer all, and she is considered a trailblazer of the modern romance genre.

Notable Works ​

• A Reason for Being (1993)
• The Blackmail Bargain (2005)
• The Dutiful Wife (2010)
• A Secret Disgrace (2012)