Picture a sunny South Florida native spinning tales of Regency-era romance with a modern twist—meet Martha Waters! A children’s librarian by day and a witty wordsmith by night, Waters has charmed readers with her effervescent romantic comedies, starting with her breakout debut, To Have and to Hoax. Her novels, brimming with clever banter and historical charm, have earned her a spot as a rising star in historical romance, perfect for fans of Julia Quinn and Bridgerton’s swoon-worthy escapades.
The Making of Martha Waters
Born and raised in South Florida, Martha Waters grew up with a love for stories and history. A graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, she majored in history, where her fascination with the Regency era took root. Her day job as a children’s librarian in North Carolina (and later coastal Maine) fuels her passion for books, while her evenings are spent crafting novels that blend her love for England, romantic comedies, and sharp-witted heroines. Inspired by authors like Julia Quinn and Georgette Heyer, Waters found her calling in romance after devouring Quinn’s Bridgerton series in a two-week binge.
Martha Waters’s Unforgettable Stories
Waters’s Regency Vows series is a delightful romp through love, mischief, and marriage. Her debut, To Have and to Hoax (2020), follows an estranged couple faking ailments to win each other back, delivering laugh-out-loud moments and heartfelt reconciliation. To Love and to Loathe (2021) sparkles with enemies-to-lovers energy as a widow and a rake navigate a no-strings affair, earning praise for its “cheeky charm” from Booklist. To Marry and to Meddle (2022) and To Swoon and to Spar (2023) continue the series’ signature wit, while To Woo and to Wed (2024) wraps up with a fake engagement turned real. Beyond Regency, her standalone Christmas Is All Around (2024) offers a hilarious holiday rom-com about a former child star, showcasing her versatility.
Waters’s style is a masterful blend of historical accuracy and modern sensibility. Her characters trade quips like Austen heroines with a 21st-century edge, and her plots balance screwball comedy with emotional depth. Whether it’s a meddlesome kitten or a murderous misunderstanding, her books are “effervescent” (Entertainment Weekly) and perfect for readers craving fun, flirty escapes.
Why Martha Waters Matters
Martha Waters has carved a niche in historical romance by making the Regency era accessible and endlessly entertaining. Her novels, often compared to Bridgerton, have resonated with readers seeking smart, joyful stories that don’t skimp on humor or heart. With starred reviews and features in outlets like USA Today and The Washington Post, Waters is redefining the genre for a new generation. Her work as a librarian also amplifies her impact, as she inspires young readers to find their own stories, proving that books can change lives both on and off the page.
- Birthplace: South Florida, USA
- Key Works: To Have and to Hoax, To Love and to Loathe, Christmas Is All Around
- Notable Trait: Blends Regency romance with modern wit
Snag To Have and to Hoax and dive into Martha Waters’s sparkling world of romance and repartee!