Part of Series
An unexpected letter from an old friend, His Royal Highness Prince Kraus of Oldessa, to the Duke of Norlington contains a surprise that could change the lives of the young Duke and his ravishing sister, Lady Latasha, forever. Happily living on the Norlington family estate, quietly content amongst the lovely gardens and beauty of the English countryside, both siblings are astonished to learn that the Prince is seeking the Duke's consent for his brother, Prince Stefan, to ask for Latasha's hand in marriage. Appalled at the thought of marrying a man she has never met, Latasha quickly realises that this is a political alliance that would benefit Prince Kraus, regardless of her feelings. Beautiful and intelligent, Latasha understands her main charm for him is her blood link to the Royal family, and the British protection such a marriage would afford his small principality from a Russian takeover. Whilst appreciating the severity of the situation in the Balkans, Latasha quickly makes it clear that she intends only to marry for love. Defiant and headstrong, she is horrified when she realises that Queen Victoria is happy to give the match her blessing. But can she really sacrifice her own future happiness to secure the safety of others? Torn between patriotic duty and her wish for romance, Latasha reluctantly agrees to visit Oldessa in disguise to find out what Prince Stephan can offer in return for her freedom. Accompanied only by her elderly Nanny, and with the dark forces of the Russian army threatening all those living in 'The Kingdom of Flowers', Latasha's dreams are tested to the limits as she battles to save a principality—and find true love.
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.
