The Unbreakable Spell

The Unbreakable Spell is #179 in the Bantam series and was published in November 1983. Rocana's cousin, Caroline, is being forced to marry the Marquis of Quorn. He plans to visit her house for a steeplechase and propose, but she is in love with another. Rocana does the impossible: switching places with the bride!!

This is an interesting cover of our couple traveling in a curricle drawn by 4 horses. It looks as if they are leaving the estate in the background. It is an action picture where we can almost see the curricle moving and the horses pounding the ground.

Lights, Laughter, and a Lady

Lights, Laughter, and a Lady is #177 in the Bantam series and was published in September 1983. Minella's father has died and after the house is sold and debts paid, she has only 100 pounds. Instead of going to her aunt in Bath, she travels to London to see Connie, a friend who has become one of the Gaiety Girls, to see if she can help her get a job. When one of their group becomes sick, Minella stands in at a house party given by the Earl of Wynterborne, who conceives a brilliant plan of his own!

This is one of the "up close" cover illustrations that became popular on some of Cartland's books during this time. We see our couple large and centered, with others in the background. This takes place at the first meeting of Minella and the Earl. I see an illustrators signature which looks like Sanbourne.

Riding to the Moon

Riding to the Moon is #178 in the Bantam series and was published in October 1983. It had a hardcover publication in 1982. The Marquis of Ardsley, an expert of horses, is convinced that he can tell if a lady is quality or not. Jimmy and Charles, who hear his boast, bet each other that they can find a woman who will trick the Marquis for three days and when they rescue Indira, they are convinced of it!

We see Indira and the Marquis riding while she is visiting his estate. He is interested in steeplechase racing and it gained in popularity during the regency era. I like her emerald green riding habit which looks great set off against her black horse!

Tempted to Love

Tempted to Love is #176 in the Bantam series and was published in August 1983. Ivona is in France and in hiding from her mad father when her mother dies. She runs into the Duc of Sancerre, who is determined to protect her!

This is such a pretty cover with our heroine wearing a bustle dress, popular in the 1870's. I love the darker blue bustle over the lighter blue underdress. Our heroine looks as if she's attempting to stop a duel. I hope you like this cover as much as I do. Click to enlarge.

A Duke in Danger

A Duke in Danger is #175 in the Bantam series and was published in July 1983. The Duke of Harlington has just inherited and leaves the army of occupation to go back home to England. He finds out that some valuable pieces from the estate have been pawned and goes to Harlington Castle to confront his cousin Alvina. Between putting the Castle back together and trying to find a wife to thwart his heir, Jason, the Duke and Alvina find a true love.

This is an interesting cover where our couple stand at the top of a tower on the castle roof. I consider this one of the early "nightgown" covers where our heroine is scantily clad and still manages to save the hero!

Help from the Heart

Help from the Heart is # 174 in the Bantam series and was published in June 1983. Forella is used as a pawn by her aunt in order to trap an Earl into marriage. She is saved by Prince Janos Kovac and sent to stay with a distant relative of his, who is also Hungarian, as is Forella. It's a romantic story of how they find love!

I think this is a beautiful cover with our heroine all in white and the hero handsome in black. The heroine's dress looks like a wedding gown, though I'm not too sure about the feathers on top of her hairdo, unless she's dressed for court! I've always loved Cartland's stories of Kings and Princes and this one won't disappoint!

Gypsy Magic

Gypsy Magic is #173 in the Bantam series and was published in May 1983. Princess Laetitia is stunned when she finds out that King Viktor is coming to propose to her cousin Stephanie because Stephanie is in love with Laetitia's brother Kyril! Hoping for a way to stop this engagement, she meets with the gypsies and they offer to help her!

I love this cover where our couple exchange wedding vows in a gypsy ceremony! Our hero is handsome in his uniform while our heroine is a vision in a native wedding costume! It looks very sacred and holy as the ceremony takes place outside under the moon!

The Unwanted Wedding

The Unwanted Wedding is #172 in the Bantam series and was published in April 1983. The Duke of Tynemouth has just heard from his mistress that Queen Victoria is planning on marrying him to one of Prince Albert's relatives! In order to prevent this, his mistress offers her niece as a bride, thinking that he'll continue their relationship! Honora, however, is different than he expects and after a rocky start, they find out that they have much in common.

This scene is after the new Duchess runs off after her wedding. I've always like this cover and the very pretty heroine in her wedding gown. This is a great story and easy read; another Cartland triumph!

Love and Lucia

Love and Lucia is # 171 in the Bantam series and was published in March 1983. The Marquis of Wynchcombe is traveling in Venice and is approached by Lucia Beaumont, an Englishwoman, who is living there with her painter father, who is ill. She pleads with the Marquis to purchase some of her father's paintings and for his help after he dies.

I like this cover with our heroine, dressed in black, hovering near the Marquis in order to talk to him. He is elegant as he sits at the cafe and we see that he is interested after he realizes she is no ordinary beggar. The square has pigeons and people and looks like a nice place for a coffee!

Journey to a Star

Journey to a Star is #170 in the Bantam series and was published in February 1983. Tarina's father has died and she arrives in London only to find her cousin, Betty, packing for a voyage to Siam with the Marquis of Oakenshaw! When Betty's maid breaks her leg, Tarina goes along as her maid and both of them find love under the oriental sky!

This cover depicts the famous Floating Market in Siam, now Bangkok, Thailand. Our couple sit in a long rowboat being guided by a native, where fresh fruits and vegetables are for sale. Barbara Cartland visited in 1982 and describes the floating market that she could see from her hotel balcony!

A King in Love

A King in Love is #169 in the Bantam series and was published February 1983. It had a previous hardback publication in the Doubleday Book Club in 1982.

King Maximilian of Valdastien is being pressured to marry due to the political unrest in Europe, so he decides to visit the surrounding countries in order to find a Queen! On his visit to Aldross, Princess Zita is ordered to stay above stairs so that she won't interfere with the King's meeting with her sister, Princess Sophie. For a lark, she pretends to be a waitress at the inn where the king is staying and that's how they meet and fall in love!

I've always thought this a pretty cover with our heroine wearing the full skirted native costume of Aldross. It's a tender moment of our couple's reuniting. Very colorful and scenic.

The Duke Comes Home

The Duke Comes Home is #168 in the Bantam series and was published in January 1983. Ilina's father has died and the estate has been inherited by her cousin Sheridan. Unfortunately, there is no money and she is left the "Nizam's jewels," which are hidden somewhere in the house! Once the new duke arrives, she has to convince him to stay and take his place instead of returning to India and his life there.

This cover scene is after the heroine and hero are attacked by foreigners trying to find the Nizam's jewels. Our heroine wears a pretty green gown and the strong hero carries her to safety. We see a large portrait which is a clue to the mystery!!

Love on the Wind

Love on the Wind is #167 in the Bantam series and was published in December 1982. Sita, working for her abusive uncle, is saved by a mysterious man while they are on a ship traveling to India! He works miracles while they are on board and she wonders if she'll see him after landing in India?

This cover is very flamboyant with elephants and a palace in the background. Our hero struggles with another man while the heroine looks on. We see an important Indian in purple standing in the background. Barbara Cartland visiting India in 1982 and in the past it was part of the British Empire!

From Hate to Love

From Hate to Love is #166 in the Barbara Cartland Bantam series. This book was published in December 1982. Atayla is wounded after an attack that kills her father in Tangiers. She recovers and is wondering how to return to England when she is hired to take young Lady Felicity Roth back to her father.

This cover is pretty with our heroine all in gold as she enters the ballroom. We get the idea of a large room with very elegantly dressed people inside. Done by an unknown illustrator, but close to Cartland's standards.

A Marriage Made in Heaven

A Marriage Made in Heaven is #165 in the Bantam series and was published in November 1982. The Duke of Buckhurst is forced into finding a bride after his dissolute cousin and heir marries and impregnates an actress! He leaves the finding to his sister who despairs until she meets Lady Samala Wynn, who accepts her offer!

This is an interesting action scene for this cover with our new bride, stabbing a ruffian who is attacking her and the Duke. We don't know why they are being attacked, but we can guarantee who will win this battle!

Pure and Untouched

Pure and Untouched is #164 in the Bantam series and was published in October 1982. The Duke of Ravenstock finds out on the eve of his marriage that his fiancee and good friend are cheating on him. Leaving England, he flees to France and visits his sister, a Reverend Mother, to see if she can find him a "pure and untouched" wife and plots a way to get revenge on the others!

This is an interesting cover with the heroine kneeling on the floor lighting a lamp or heater. The hero is behind her in a low to the floor bed. It's an intimate scene and unusual, since it makes us wonder where they are and if they are hiding or in danger.

Caught by Love

Caught by Love is #162 in the Bantam series and was published in September 1982. The Marquis of Broome leaves London to buy some horseflesh and while he's on this journey, realizes that he's picked up a hidden passenger: Cara. Cara is running away from her guardian and an arranged marriage, but he manages to find them and forces them into an unwanted marriage.

This cover shows our hero serving the heroine while she sits in an ornate bed. He holds a tray on which sits two wine glasses and carries a bottle of wine in his hand. Done by an unknown illustrator, it doesn't have a risque feel to it. He does get the heroine's short haircut correct, though!

Mission to Monte Carlo

Mission to Monte Carlo is #161 in the Bantam series and was published in August 1982. Craig Vandervelt is sent by the Secretary of State to Monte Carlo to find British Agent Randall Sare and investigate Lord Neasdon, who has been seen with a beautiful Russian woman named Aloya. He is intrigued with Aloya, who may not be what she seems....

I've always loved this cover of the beautiful girl standing at the casino table with the hero gazing from across it. I assume the man sitting at her left is Lord Neasdon and others are there to enjoy the gaming. This book is set in 1900 and another great intrigue by Cartland.

Second photo from Barbara Cartland.com's website. Note the different color dress!

Wish for Love

Wish for Love is #160 in the Bantam series and was published in August 1982. Mariota's brother dresses up as a highwayman in order to have money. Unfortunately, the Earl of Buckenham is injured and they bring him to their home to heal. In a sweet romance, both Mariota, her father, and her brother find love!

This cover shows our couple being held up by a highwayman! Our heroine wears a white muslin regency gown and dashing hat while our hero is recovered from his wounds! The highwayman carries a long gun that looks very dangerous!

Kneel for Mercy

Kneel for Mercy is #159 in the Bantam series and was published in July 1982. Marista Rockbourne lives in a cottage with her siblings on her father's estate, after he gambled it away to the Earl of Stanbrook. Once the earl arrives, he requires the rent on their cottage to be paid. Not realizing that Marista and her family are destitute, he comes up with a plan to introduce them into society and make up for the way he treated their father.

This cover is by an unknown illustrator, but it shows our couple, with our heroine kneeling at the chair of the hero, as stated in the title! She makes a pretty picture in her yellow regency gown.

The Call of the Highlands

The Call of the Highlands is #158 in the Bantam series and was published in June 1982. Lord Alistair McDonon becomes the heir to the Clan when his brothers die in a fishing accident. He needs to find a bride because he is expected to marry his brother's betrothed! He meets Arina Beverley and convinces her to go as his "wife" which she is willing to do in order to be able to help her sick mother.

This cover shows our hero saving our heroine from drowning in the sea. We see a servant wearing a tartan plaid kilt along with the castle in the background. Done by an unknown artist, it shows the allure of a story set in Scotland!

Music from the Heart

Music from the Heart is #157 in the Bantam series and was published in May 1982. Ilouka is traveling to stay with a relative when she is involved in a carriage accident and is persuaded to continue on to the Earl of Lavenham's home in order to help a poor actor with his performance in the Earl's private theatre. The Earl is enchanted with this newest performer and offers to make her his mistress!

This scene pictured is after the Earl saves Ilouka from one of his houseguests, who has intruded into her bedchamber. It's a tender and caring picture and I like the red and orange lights which echo our heroine's hair color.

Moments of Love

Moments of Love is #156 in the Bantam series and was published in May 1982. Simonetta travels to France with her ducal father, who is also a painter. She meets a fellow painter named Pierre Valery, who is kind and protects her from a lecherous Comte! However, can the daughter of a Duke marry a poor French painter?

I like this cover that it shows our couple in a relaxed pose where it's evident that they are in love. We see an easel in the background and the stark rocky cliffs of the countryside. There is an illustrators signature in the lower left corner that I can't read: Swimburne, maybe.

Love Rules

Love Rules is # 155 in the Bantam series and was published in April 1982. Paulina is the daughter of the ambassador to Altauss and best friend to the Princess Margarita. When Margarita's marriage is arranged to a Russian Grand Duke, Paulina travels with her as her Lady in Waiting and finally meets Prince Maximus, Margarita's brother, and finds her own Prince Charming!

This is a pretty cover by an unknown illustrator of our couple. They realize that they love one another as they stand in a beautiful garden near a waterfall. This book is undated, but I'd put it around 1820 or 30 by the regency style of dress.

Lies for Love

Lies for Love is #154 in the Bantam series and was published in March 1982. Carmela Lyndon is working as an unpaid nursery maid for the vicar when she is rescued by her best friend, Lady Felicity Gale. Lady Felicity wants her to stay and impersonate her when her cousin, the new Earl of Galeston arrives, so that Felicity can run off and marry the man of her dreams! The Earl wants to marry Carmela off to a prince, but becomes horrified that he has feelings for his young "cousin"!

This cover is done by an unknown illustrator and is a scene in the book where the Earl rescues Carmela from some kidnappers holding her for ransom. At this point, they realize that they are in love with one another!

These latest Barbara Cartland stories are just wonderful. Great stories with tight plots and set in realistic historic times. I hope that you can find some of them in your local used bookstore or online.

The Vibrations of Love

The Vibrations of Love is #153 in the Bantam series and was published in March 1982. The Duke of Ilminster is sent away from Queen Victoria's court for a dalliance and returns to his home Queen's Hoo where he finds the lovely Fabia, who has been living there since the death of her parents. He finds what he's been looking for right at home!

This is a pretty cover of the introduction of our couple. She has fallen asleep after picking flowers for the birthday of Queen's Hoo! Our hero comes upon her as a Sleeping Beauty. It's a pretty gazebo and the grounds around it are fragrant with flowers.

Looking for Love

Looking for Love is #152 in the Bantam series and was published in February 1982. Gilda is living alone since her father died and is wondering how to make ends meet when her spoiled sister visits from London. Her sister is determined to make the Marquis of Staverton marry her, but she ends up taking an overdose of laudanum and dies! Gilda decides to impersonate her sister in order to escape her poverty filled life when she meets the Marquis!

This is an interesting cover since our heroine knows that she's not the girl who the Marquis thinks she is! I like her blue regency gown and the lilies that she is carrying. Note the other touches in this very elegant room. Another great story by Barbara Cartland!

Secret Harbour

Secret Harbour is #151 in the Bantam series and was published in January 1982. Grania lives on the island of Grenada and her father, the Earl of Kilkerry, has arranged a marriage for her. Meanwhile, a rebellion takes over the island and she flees with a childhood servant to he home at Secret Harbour where she meets the Comte de Vence, a refugee from Martinique!

This is a very bold cover for this book with the deep blues and green palm branches. I like the ship in the harbor, and our couple seem to be waiting for it to land. Cartland's books set in the tropics were full of interesting historical tidbits!

Love Wins

Love Wins is #150 in the Bantam series and was published in January 1982. Lord Heywood returns from the Napoleonic Wars to find that he has inherited an estate, but no money. When he visits the estate, he finds Lalita living there, having run away from home. While there, she is determined to help him find a valuable item that is not part of the estate to sell, but they happen to also find love along the way!

The scene on the cover is where the hero and heroine meet for the first time! Our heroine has been living in the rooms of his late mother and he is determined to find out who she is and why she is living in his vacant house! I like the turquoise color of the bed clothes and our heroine, looking warily at the hero! This is one of my favorite Cartland plots!

A Shaft of Sunlight

A Shaft of Sunlight is #149 in the Bantam series and was published in December 1981. Giona meets the Duke of Alverstode when he visits her uncle's house in order to look over her cousin as a potential mate for his cousin and ward. He rescues Giona, who is abused by her uncle, and takes her to his grandmother thinking that she might be a suitable wife for his cousin!

The scene on this cover is when Giona is being presented to the Duke after staying with his grandmother. She is healthy and wears a pretty regency gown decorated with flowers. We see the sunset in the window behind them which illuminates Giona. It's a colorful picture.

An Innocent in Russia

An Innocent in Russia is #148 in the Bantam series and was published in November 1981. Zelina Tiverton lives with her aunt and uncle, but her aunt wishes her out of the way, so she sends her to Russia to stay with an important family. On the way she meets the elusive Lord Charnock, who saves her from a Russian Prince's unwanted advances!

I think this is such a sweet cover! Our hero greets the pretty heroine, who is wearing a pink gown typical of the 1830's. You can tell that they like each other and maybe it's deeper than that!

I always liked Cartland's books set in Russia because it was a exotic place of mystery and fear growing up in the 1970's when Russia was the enemy of the USA.

Gift of the Gods

Gift of the Gods is #147 in the Bantam series and was published in November 1981. Alisa and her sister, Penelope, dream up a plan to get them into London's high society. They earn money by selling homemade face creams, which bring Alisa to the attention of the Earl of Keswick!

This cover shows our two heroines and the Earl, who is escorting them to a ball. They are both dressed in white, but dresses with different ornamentation. Both are typical of the regency dress of the time. Again, a signature is on the bottom left corner of the illustrator.

The River of Love

The River of Love is #146 in the Bantam series and was published in October 1981. The Duke of Darleston decides to travel in his yacht to Egypt after his mistress decides to marry another. He meets Irisa in the tomb of the Kings and finds a love that is timeless!

This book cover shows our couple in Egypt among the pyramids. Our couple look like they are about to be wed. The heroine's probably wearing her best dress, while the hero wears a light suit, practical for the climate. There is a signature at the bottom left corner of the artist.

A Portrait of Love

A Portrait of Love is #145 in the Bantam series and was published in September 1981. Fedora is looking for a way to obtain money when a letter arrives from the Earl of Heversham asking her father, who is talented in restoring paintings, to come and inspect his for needed repairs. She doesn't realize that she will find her future husband there!

This cover shows our couple outside his estate. Our heroine wears a blue gown that was fashionable during the 1840's when Queen Victoria began her reign. She is very pretty! Our hero is very dashing. I don't really like the yellow background; otherwise, it's a great cover!

Winged Magic

Winged Magic is #144 in the Bantam series and was published in September 1981. Mina takes the place of her friend Christine and travels to Vent Royal, where Christine's stepmother is trying to marry her lover, the Marquis, to her step-daughter!! Christine ends up stopping the marriage and finds a love of her own!

This is a very elegant cover with our heroine, very pretty in a green bustle gown, playing with the doves in front of the dovecote. Our hero stands behind, as if he's just happened upon her. It's another cover where the heroine's gown is the focal point of the picture.

Enchanted

Enchanted is #143 in the Bantam series and was published in August 1981. Lady Elfa Allerton finds a way to keep her sister from marrying the Duke of Lynchester, who wishes to marry into their family to gain the 10.000 acres that a past duke sold to her relatives. She asks him to marry her, instead!

This is a very risque cover for a Barbara Cartland book! It depicts a scene where our heroine goes for a swim in a nearby lake after she and the hero are married. There is a signature, but I can't read the name of the illustrator. I wonder what Barbara thought of this cover?? There are a few others, done around 1985, that were also questionable.

A Night of Gaiety

A Night of Gaiety is #142 in the Bantam series and was published in July 1981. Davita leaves her Scottish home after the death of her father and travels to London to stay with her step-sister, who is a Gaiety Girl on the stage. Unfortunately, she becomes a pawn in a devious plot to extract money from the Marquis of Vange. Find out what happens when she flees London and becomes a companion to an old Countess!

The scene on this cover is inside a restaurant. Our couple sit nearby with our heroine looking pensive in her white gown and ornate hat. Our hero wears evening dress and looks dashing! It makes the reader wonder if they've met, or if he's just noticed her!

Barbara Cartland in the note mentions some of the Gaiety Girls that she knew in the 1920's!

Dreams Do Come True

#141 in the Bantam series is Barbara Cartland's Dreams Do Come True, which was published in July 1981. Odetta travels to Paris with her good friend Penelope as her maid, in order to see France. While there, Penelope is invited to a masquerade next door and Odetta dreams up the idea to dress and go as a princess! What else happens when the ball is over?

This is another nice cover art from an unknown illustrator. I like the scene at the masquerade where the couple meet for the first time! Her gown is supposed to be from Worth, who created all of the fashionable gowns in Paris!

What's also interesting is inside this book is a card to join the "Barbara Cartland Romance Club" where you can get your Bantam Cartland's delivered to your home! Yearly cost for 18 books was $24.99!

Dollars for the Duke

Dollars for the Duke was published in June 1981 and is #140 in the Bantam series for Barbara Cartland.

It is the story of the Duke of Otterburn, who is broke after inheriting and the only solution to keep his estate is to marry a rich American heiress! A match is made with Magnolia Vandevilt, the richest girl in America. When he catches her running away on their wedding night, the Duke strikes a pact for them to get to know each other as friends with the hope that they can fall in love.

We see our couple on this cover climbing a hillside near a lake with mountains in the distance. Hopefully this was a lark, since I can't see them climbing much in those clothes! Our heroine is young in her pink gown while the hero in handsome in gray.

This is a good story that's based on fact: many New York mothers did marry their daughters to European aristocracy in the late 19th and early 20th century. The most notable was Consuelo Vanderbilt, who married the Duke of Marlborough in the 1890's.

The Waltz of Hearts

The Waltz of Hearts is #139 in the Bantam series and was published in May 1981. Gisela travels with her famous violinist father to Vienna, where she meets a kind stranger in the woods near her inn. He turns out to be the Prince of Hungary who cannot marry a musician's daughter, or can he?

This is a beautiful cover of our couple as they waltz in a decorated room. Our heroine is exquisite in her white gown and tiara while the hero looks like a prince! I approve of the new illustrator who does a great job with this cover.

Love in the Moon

Love in the Moon is #138 in Bantam's Barbara Cartland series and was published in May 1981. Caneda Lang was long a poor relation until her brother inherited the Earldom and now her mother's family, who they've never met, wants to become part of their lives because they are now rich! Canada travels to France to teach them and her mother's ex-suitor, the Duc de Saumac, a lesson!

This is a pretty cover with our heroine wearing a pink riding habit that is echoed by the pink trim of the cover and riding a black horse that catches the attention of the handsome hero, who is the present Duc de Saumac, son of the man mentioned above. I like the castle standing tall in the background.

Afraid

Afraid is #137 in the Bantam series and was published in April 1981. Five years earlier, the Duke of Darlington rescued 13 year old Felica from her cruel father, who was also his cousin. Now her father is dead and she is wealthy and the duke needs to protect her from the fortune hunters.

This is an interesting setting for this book since I believe it takes place mostly in Paris!! We see our pretty heroine, all in yellow, standing near a table where our hero is seated. It's a pretty scene, but a table on a sidewalk cafe in Paris would have been more apropos for this story!

The Kiss of Life

The Kiss of Life was #136 in the Bantam series and was published in March 1981. Lord Yelverton is an archaeologist visiting Mexico with some Mexican carvings that he bought in Egypt off a Mexican seaman. He is told to visit Ajax Audenshaw, an Englishman, but an expert in antiquities. While there, he meets Audenshaw's daughter, Tula, and finds not only a treasure, but a wife!

This is a beautiful cover of our couple standing at the base of a waterfall vowing their love for one another. Our hero looks very dark for an Englishman and our heroine is young and pretty. I like the feeling of the falling water and the mist rising above it.

Barbara Cartland wrote very few books set in the Americas. This may be the only one set in Mexico. I hope you can find a copy to enjoy!

The Lioness and the Lily

The Lioness and the Lily is #135 in the Bantam series and was published in March 1981. The new Lord Rockbrook is injured after setting his horse into a rabbit hole. He was disturbed because he's being forced into an unwanted marriage! He is taken to Purilla's home where he begins to heal and comes up with a great plan to thwart his marriage!

This is a pretty cover with our couple embracing outside in the woods. Our heroine wears a Victorian gown of light blue which echoes the background of the book. Our hero tenderly holds her as if to save her from danger or realizing how much she means to him.

Pride and the Poor Princess

Pride and the Poor Princess is #134 in the Bantam (US) series and was published in February 1981. The Duke of Buckminster is on his yacht sailing to Constantinople with his mistress and some friends. She is determined to shop the bazaars to find jewels and while docked, they meet the mysterious Princess Militsa of Russia and become involved in a daring plot to rescue her and her father from the Bolsheviks!

This is a pretty cover of our couple in the Mediterranean. They look relaxed and happy as they lounge on the deck of the Siren. Our heroine is pretty in a typical 1920's dress while our hero wears yachting wear of a blue blazer and white duck trousers and boat shoes.

From Hell to Heaven

#133 Bantam (US) series begins with a different illustrator. January 1981 is the publication date for From Hell to Heaven and Francis Marshall died in 1980 with his last Bantam cover being #132. If you know who did the artwork for this one, please contact me!

Set in 1831 during the Derby, the Marquis of Alchester will do anything to keep his rival, the Earl of Branscombe, from marrying his wealthy ward. He devises a plan to find an unknown girl to take her place, but Kistna ends up falling in love with the Marquis and thwarts his plan against the Earl!

This is a very pretty cover. Our heroine wears a pink gown with full sleeves that is very Victorian in appearance. Our hero in handsome in blue and white. We see them standing near a stream and a pink flowering bush that echoes her dress. I like all of the greenery around them.

Barbara Cartland: The Scandalous Life of King Carol

The Scandalous Life of King Carol, published by Corgi in 1974, is about the life of King Carol of Romania. He lived a stormy and passionate life where he put his duty to the throne second to his devotion to women.

Francis Marshall illustrates King Carol in a military uniform with many medals and honors. We see a lady behind him dressed in diamonds. It's an austere picture without the details that FM is known for.

This is the last FM cover that I have. In the future, I will be listing the rest of Barbara Cartland's romance books and I hope that you enjoy seeing the covers and that the list of titles helps with your personal collections.

Barbara Cartland: The Outrageous Queen

The Outrageous Queen, by Barbara Cartland, was published by Corgi in 1974. Christina was born in 17th century Sweden to King Gustavus Adolphus and was educated as a son. It's an interesting book full of facts about this beautiful queen.

Francis Marshall illustrates Christina as a dark haired beauty holding a book and wearing a full yellow dress. We also see another picture of her riding a horse in the background. I like how he illustrates her full hair with a yellow ribbon and gives her red earrings which bring out her coloring. Her dress tends towards gold in the folds of the sleeves. Gorgeous!

Barbara Cartland: Josephine

In 1973, Arrow published this biography of Josephine by Barbara Cartland. Josephine is the woman behind Napoleon during the early 1800's. This is a interesting story of a woman who lived a passionate life!

Francis Marshall illustrates Josephine on a chaise lounge, with the Emperor Napoleon standing behind. She is a beautiful woman, dressed in the regency style of her day and wearing incredible jewelry! Note her pug dog beside her! It's a cover that makes one want to pick up the book and read about the woman pictured!