You might not have heard of Julie Pottinger, but you’re far more likely to be familiar with Julia Quinn - the pen name she uses to write the Bridgerton books, along with a host of other historical romance novels.
She was already a New York Times bestselling author before an explosion of interest in her work courtesy of the hugely-popular Bridgerton Netflix series.
Originally studying at Yale University to become a doctor, when her first two romance novels unexpectedly sold at auction she swiftly realised her future lay in writing.
To date, Pottinger has written 38 books in nine different series, has been translated into 41 languages and has been inducted into the Romance Writers of America Hall of Fame.
With so many books to choose from, it’s hard for a Julia Quinn beginner to know where to start.
To help out, we’ve had a look at how the millions of readers of book website Goodreads have rated her books.
Here are the top 10.
9. Lady Whistledown Strikes Back
The ninth best Julia Quinn book according to reader is Lady Whistledown Strikes Back - the second in the Lady Whistledown series. Published in 2004, it has an average Goodreads rating of 3.98 from 10,233 reviews. "Who Stole Lady Neeley’s Bracelet? Was it the fortune hunter, the gambler, the servant, or the rogue? All of London is abuzz with speculation, but it is clear that one of four couples is connected to the crime." | Contributed
10. The Further Observations of Lady Whistledown
Completing our top 10 is the first in the Lady Whistledown series - The Further Observations of Lady Whistledown. Published in 2003 it scores an average rating of 3.97 from 11,778 reviews. "When the scandalous actions of his beautiful fiancée are recorded in Lady Whistledown’s column, a concerned groom-to-be rushes back to London to win his lady’s heart once and forever, in Suzanne Enoch’s enchanting romantic gem. Karen Hawkins captivates with an enduring story of a handsome rogue whose lifelong friendship—and his heart—are tested when the lovely lady in question sets her cap for someone else. A dazzling and delightful tale by Mia Ryan has a young woman cast out of her home by an insufferable yet charming marquis—who intends to take possession not only of the house...but its former occupant as well!" | Contributed