Part of Series
Orphaned young and cast upon the charity of her disapproving Aunt Willis, Elvira Carrisford has known little love and affection in her life. All that looks set to change for the better when Elvira is invited to become companion to her lively cousin, Delphine, who is hoping to make a match worthy of her wealth and status. With only hazy childhood memories of her last visit, Elvira is unsure of what to expect but is determined to make a good impression. Lost in the blizzard, and rescued by the enigmatic Serge, Elvira arrives at Baseheart Castle late, disheveled and in need of love and comfort from her family. But it seems that fate intends that their paths shall cross again, and Elvira is stunned when her rescuer turns out to be none other than the valet of the handsome French Prince, intended for her cousin. As a complicated web of love, betrayal and deceit unfolds, Elvira is plunged into a world where people are never what they seem and appearances are definitely deceiving. If you like Downton Abbey you will love Barbara Cartland .
Author
Dame Mary Barbara Hamilton Cartland was a English writer, during her long career, she wrote over 700 books, making her one of the most prolific authors of the 20th century. She sold over 1,000 million copies throughout the world, earning her a place in the Guinness Book of Records. The world's most famous romantic novelist, she also wrote autobiographies, biographies, health and cookery books, and stage plays and recorded an album of love songs. She was often billed as the Queen of Romance, and became one of the United Kingdom's most popular media personalities, appearing often at public events and on television, dressed in her trademark pink and discoursing on love, health and social issues. She started her writing career as a gossip columnist for the Daily Express. She published her first novel, Jigsaw, a society thriller, in 1923. It was a bestseller. She went on to write myriad novels and earn legions of fans, she also wrote under her married name Barbara McCorquodale. Some of her books were made into films. Ever the romantic, during WWII, she served as the Chief Lady Welfare Officer in Bedfordshire. She gathered as many wedding dresses as she could so that service brides would have a white gown to wear on their wedding day. She also campaigns for the rights of Gypsies, midwives and nurses. Barbara Cartland McCorquodale passed away on 21 May 2000, with 160 still unpublished manuscripts, that are being published posthumously.
