Against the Stream

Against the Stream was published in paperback in these editions in 1975 (UK) and 1977 (US).

This book is about Ann, who accepts a proposal from Sir John Melton after the death of her father and only to keep her family together. Can she love this enigmatic man?

At first glance, the UK and US covers look similar; some covers are enlarged for US books, but you see a difference when you look closer. The UK cover is full length with our couple sitting on a sofa with the couple holding hands. Our UK hero looks almost exotic while his heroine wears a ring that is missing from the US cover and sparkly earrings. I like her full red skirt.

The US cover is similar, but the hero looks more English while the heroine has her eyes open, wears no ring, has a red ribbon on her neck and subdued earrings. Her blouse is flecked with blue instead of red dots. Also, you get the illusion that they are in a city with the buildings in the background, which is missing in the UK cover. A lot of differences for 2 covers that look very similar at first glance! Francis Marshall probably tweaked the UK cover for the US market! I hope that you enjoy and do click on the pictures to enlarge!

Happy New Year! I hope to bring you many new posts in 2010! Please feel free to share other Cartland covers by Francis Marshall with me!

The Adventurer

The Adventurer is next in the older series and this copy was published by Pyramid in August 1977. This story is about Helga, who is in love with Frank Swinton. When she finds out that he is already engaged, she escapes, heartbroken, to Germany. Years later, our lovers meet again can they fall in love?

Francis Marshall illustrates a beautiful cover showing our couple in a comfortable room. Our hero is extending a rose to our heroine, who is lovely in a blue gown. Our hero is handsome in a green hunting jacket. They are very elegant. I hope you enjoy this cover. Notice that I don't have the UK one. It could be because it is identical to this one. I didn't collect the UK ones if they were the same as the US ones. Enjoy!

Again This Rapture

Again This Rapture begins the series of older Cartland romances. Most of these are reprints of earlier hardcover books and most are set in modern time. The US ones were mainly published by Pyramid/Jove and the UK by a variety of publishers. I hope you enjoy these Francis Marshall covers!

This book was reprinted in 1977 by both publishers and is the story of Cynthia, who has lost her fiance, Peter, and her home, Birch Vale, due to her father's debts. After his death, she sells the house to Robert Shefford, a mysterious man that she think she hates....

The Arrow (UK) cover shows our heroine in a wedding gown with the hero bursting in on her. I like the touch of the bouquet on the floor and the hatbox ready to be carried out! It's a pretty cover and everyone likes a bride!

The Pyramid (US) cover shows our hero and heroine in front of a large car on a dark street. She is pretty with light colored hair in a Farrah Fawcett cut with our hero a handsome redhead looking at her. It's an intriguing cover with the darkness and the lights shining behind. I hope that you enjoy both FM covers for this book!

The Runaway Heart

The Runaway Heart was published by Sphere in 1980 for Barbara Cartland and is the last book I have by them illustrated by Francis Marshall. This book is about Karina, who escapes a proposal to her dull cousin by staying at a house party hosted by the rich and famous Garland Holt. She falls under suspicion for theft after his jade collection is stolen and has to prove her innocence and love! Francis Marshall creates a great cover with our couple in the back of a car. Our heroine is lovely in a blue dress and our hero is dashing in black! Notice the rug to cover their legs!! Again, this cover was only published in the UK, so very hard to find a copy in the US. Enjoy!!

 

BC.com lists this picture for this book. 

Sweet Enchantress

Sweet Enchantress is the next book that I have published by Sphere UK and illustrated by Francis Marshall for Barbara Cartland. This story is about Zaria Mansford who inherits a great legacy and a yacht. She decides to travel on the yacht incognito and meets a mysterious man!

Francis Marshall illustrates an interesting cover with our couple in Algiers. Our heroine wears a sweater like a crew member while our hero is casually dressed also. See the mysterious and dangerous man holding the gun and the turban wrapped natives. It's an interesting action cover.

The US Pyramid cover is similar but set in a city.

A Kiss of Silk

A Kiss of Silk was a 1980 version published by Sphere. This copy is a UK version and Francis Marshall didn't illustrate the US version.

This story is about Varia, who takes a job for Sir Edward, to pose as his son's fiancee as he travels to France for a business deal. She accepts, but didn't realize that the challenge would be dangerous to her heart!

Francis Marshall creates one of his "classic" cover looks for this book. I like the couple facing one another as if they realize that they're in love! The heroine wears a pretty pink gown with a blue scarf while our hero is handsome in evening wear! I really like her pixie-like haircut! Click on the photo to enlarge! Enjoy!!

The Price is Love

The Price is Love is the second of the Sphere books published in the UK. This book was printed in 1980. It is about Dacia, who travels to Rome with Sir Marcus as his nurse after an accident lands him at her doctor father's house. She's not excited about the prospect since he's a difficult patient, but falls in love with Rome and maybe with Sir Marcus!

Francis Marshall shows our couple getting out of a horse drawn carriage near the Trevi (?) fountain in Rome. Our heroine is a pretty redhead with a beautiful pink gown while our hero is handsome in black formal wear. It's a beautiful cover and I was happy to find a copy since the US editions weren't illustrated by Marshall.

The Thief of Love

The Thief of Love was published by Sphere (UK) in 1980 and is one of five covers Sphere did for Cartland that were illustrated by Francis Marshall! They are all pretty and I hope you enjoy them very much!

This story is about Alloa, who has an opportunity to travel through France with wealthy relatives. She meets a man who is stealing an heirloom and also steals a kiss from her! She is torn between duty and a handsome, reckless stranger!

Francis Marshall shows our couple in a bar or restaurant. Our heroine is pretty in blue and our hero is handsome in a black formal suit. I like the big bulbous light fixtures above the tables! These were hard to find and exciting to see new covers by Marshall! Click to enlarge!

A Song of Love

A Song of Love was published by Pan in 1980 and illustrated by Francis Marshall for author Barbara Cartland. I'm pretty sure that this had a US copy, but not this pretty FM cover illustration! I collected the Cartland books that had FM illustrations over those published in the US that didn't.

This book is about Trina, whose mother is engaged to a French Comte and has to lease out his castle, since he is poor. Trina becomes intrigued at an old story about a past Comte who has hidden a fortune and seeks to find it to save her mother and hopefully marry the grandson of the lady leasing the castle!

Francis Marshall shows our couple in the dungeon of the castle and our heroine is very pretty in a white gown trimmed in gold, while our hero is handsome in a black suit! It's fascinating how Marshall seems to make this space feel large and light! I found this book in a used bookstore, but eBay and the internet are great places to find books from the UK!

A Heart is Stolen

A Heart is Stolen was published in 1980 by Corgi, a UK publisher. This book is unique in that didn't have a US copy published! In 1980, Barbara Cartland began a magazine series here in the US and this book was serialized in the magazine, so I guess they assumed that it didn't need to be published in the US. I searched for years for a copy (thank you, internet)!

A Heart is Stolen is about the Marquis of Veryan who leaves a house party due to a persistant woman and hides in a small estate he owns near Brighton. He meets a mysterious neighbor and finds a true love near the sea!

I like this cover by Francis Marshall! It's definitely action packed, with the hero punching the villain! The heroine is pretty in her old fashioned green gown and the room in which they stand is elegant. It was exciting to finally find a copy of this book and see the Marshall cover. At the time, I was searching for all of the FM covers and the internet was a great resource. I hope you enjoy this cover.

Love at the Helm

Love at the Helm is # 163 in the Bantam series. This book was published in October 1982, but had an earlier publication in hardcover which is why we have the cover by Francis Marshall, who died in 1980. This is the last FM cover I have published by Bantam. Next post I will show other Marshall covers before picking up on the other Bantam Cartland books, which were illustrated by another artist.

This story is about Captain Conrad Horn, a hero from Trafalgar, whose next mission is to travel to Antigua to report on the American privateers and carry his distant cousin to her future husband. How she saves him and then he in turn saves her is the plot of this romance! Barbara Cartland was helped by the Earl Mountbatten of Burma, the Admiral of the Fleet and she designated the profits from this book to go the Mountbatten Memorial Trust. He helped her with the naval information on a few of her books and she was greatly saddened at his assassination.

Francis Marshall illustrates a beautiful cover for this book! We see our couple on board ship in handsome uniform and elegant dress! We can tell that they are in love and will have to solve the problems that keep them apart! Marshall does a brilliant job at showing the ship and all its details!

Next post I will show other Cartland books illustrated by Marshall, but published by different publishers! She was such a prolific author that different publishers in Britain printed her books! You've seen a few from the earlier posts in this blog: Corgi, Arrow, and Pan! I will begin to show others soon, so keep watching and enjoy!

Lost Laughter

Lost Laughter is #132 in the Bantam series and was published in January 1981. It is the last Francis Marshall cover in the numerical series. There is one other book from Bantam that has an FM cover and was first published in hardback. Marshall unfortunately died in 1980 and Cartland had to find another illustrator that met her high standards for covers.

This book is one of my favorites! It's about Jemima and Viscount Ockley. He marries her on the rebound after being rejected by Jemima's stuckup cousin, Niobe. Jemima is looking to leave since she is treated cruelly as a poor relation. Now they have to make the best of a unexpected situation!

I like the action in this cover by Marshall. It shows our heroine in a work apron doing what she has to for the priory. Note the buckets and money that they've made from the spa water! It's a great cover and it's sad to know that it's the end of Marshall's covers for Bantam.

Signpost to Love

Signpost to Love is #131 in the Bantam series and was published in December 1980. It is the story of Baptista, who is rescued by the Earl of Hawkshead after a carriage accident in France. He takes her to Paris, where he hopes to give her to her mother, but he realizes on the journey that he's fallen in love with the sweetest girl he's ever met!

Francis Marshall illustrates our couple as they attend an event in Paris one evening! She is pretty in a pinkish gown and our hero is handsome in black formal wear. I like the fountain and lights that seem to shine on this cover! Another great cover by Marshall!

The Goddess and the Gaiety Girl

The Goddess and the Gaiety Girl is #130 in the Bantam series and was published in November 1980. It tells the story of Laurentia who is persuaded to masquerade as a certain Gaiety Girl in order to raise money to pay for operations for her father and the Gaiety Girl. She meets the Duke of Tregaron, whose predecessor married Katie, the Gaiety Girl, and falls in love with him, but can't tell him who she really is!

Francis Marshall illustrates our cover with the couple sitting on a settee. She is beautiful in white and our hero looks amazed at first seeing her! Again, an wonderful cover done before Marshall's death!
I like the trim of color around the illustration better than the large pink covers! I think the purchasers did also since this design continued for a while with the Bantam books.

Love for Sale

Love for Sale is #129 in the Bantam series and was published in November 1980. It is one of the last books that Francis Marshall illustrated before his death.

This story by Cartland is about Udela and how she meets the Duke of Oswestry after his evil brother planned to send her to a brothel. The duke rescues her and they concoct a plan to be engaged while the duke sorts out both his and Udela's troubles.

Francis Marshall died in 1980 and this is one of his last covers. It shows our couple after the hero has rescued the heroine from his brother. She wears a traveling dress and in the background we see horses and a large house. The detail of the planter and stairway is beautiful. Amazing for a man of 80!

The Prude and the Prodigal

The Prude and the Prodigal is #128 in the Bantam series and the last of the "pink" covers. It was published in October 1980 and is the story of Prunella and her sister, Nanette. Nanette is off in London having a season when a young man from a local family falls in love with her. Prunella doesn't approve and visits his relative, the Earl of Winslow to get his help in breaking off the match. What happens next is classic Cartland!

Francis Marshall illustrates our couple after riding. They sit on a bench and our heroine looks a bit like her name, which isn't the most attractive, in my opinion! She wears a pretty emerald riding dress and our hero is in dashing regency wear. It's a pretty cover and a great story by Barbara Cartland!

Ola and the Sea Wolf

Ola and the Sea Wolf is #127 in the Bantam series and another of the "pink" covers. It was published in September 1980. It is the story of Ola, who is running away from an evil stepmother and unwanted marriage, runs into the Marquis of Elvington. He decides to take her to her destination: a convent in France, but after crossing the channel and encountering some adventures, he decides to marry her instead!

Francis Marshall illustrates our couple in one of their adventures! It looks as if they have found each other and are still in peril. Our heroine wears a simple white muslin dress, but notice the blood dripping from her shoulder! Our hero embraces her and is planning on helping her recover. It's a great action cover from Marshall!

Lucifer and the Angel

Lucifer and the Angel is #126 in the Bantam series and was published in September 1980. It is another of the "pink" covers that Bantam briefly experimented with at this time. This story is about Anita and her sisters, who decide to visit richer relatives while their mother is in Switzerland for her health. Anita goes to Harrogate and meets the Duke of Ollerton. She is able to visit with the Dowager Duchess after her aunt tries to marry her off to an old man and begins to fall in love with the duke. It's a great love story by Cartland set during Victorian times. Francis Marshall paints our couple in a stable with a beautiful black horse. Our heroine stands out in a pink gown. Note her Victorian hairdo! Our hero is handsome in riding dress! It's another great cover by Marshall!

Picture on BC.com shows couple opposite of actual cover!

The Dawn of Love

The Dawn of Love is #125 in the Bantam series and was published in August 1980. It is a story based on Pygmalion by George Bernard Shaw, which most people know as My Fair Lady! A group of bored aristocrats, after seeing the play, Pygmalion, decide to see if it's true that you can pass off a young girl by training her into polite society.

Francis Marshall paints our couple in a room with beautiful paintings and other people looking on. It's a pretty cover with our couple in Edwardian dress. I really like the redhead wearing green in the background! This is another of the "pink" covers from Bantam.

This book was set in 1913, before WW1 had begun and it was one of the last times of real elegance for the aristocracy. The coming war would change much of the social strata in Britain with a larger middle class and aristocrats unable to afford their large estates and taxes.

Punished with Love

Punished with Love is #124 in the Bantam series and was published in July 1980. It is the story of Latonia, who changes places with her cousin in order to help her cousin marry the man she loves. Latonia travels in her place to India to visit her cousin's uncle, Lord Branscombe. Once he finds out he has been deceived, he proposes a plan to save her reputation: to marry him!

Francis Marshall illustrates our couple outside in India. Our heroine wears a blue bustle dress over a white petticoat and looks cool and comfortable. Our hero wears his military uniform and is a dashing Cartland hero! Note the menacing figures in the background. This is another of the "pink" covers.

Bride to the King

Bride to the King is #123 in the Bantam series and was published in July 1980. It is the beginning of 6 "pink" romances, where Bantam changed the covers to a 1/2 picture and framed Cartland's name in pink, her favorite color. I think consumers didn't care for it as much as the full covers, since they changed back after 6 books.

This title is about Zosina, daughter of the Arch Duke of Lutzelstein. Her marriage has been arranged to the King of Dorsia, but she falls in love with the Regent, Sandor, instead. Find out what happens next in this dramatic story by Barbara Cartland!

Francis Marshall shows our couple as they meet. Our heroine, pretty in pink, curtsying to the hero. Unfortunately, it's not as big of a picture, but you can see others in the background and a fern blocking a window. Another great cover by Marshall. Click on it to enlarge.

The Perfection of Love

The Perfection of Love is #122 in the Bantam series and was published in June 1980. It is the story of Darcia, who leaves the convent in which she has been educated to join her father. Once in London, she remembers a young man who used to visit her father's house and finds out that he's rebuilding his house after a fire. How Darcia meets this Earl and they fall in love is the plot of this romantic story!

Francis Marshall shows our couple at a picnic. I like her 1880's dress with the bustle, tight vest, and pert hat! Note the picnic hamper and plaid blanket. Our hero wears a brown jacket which is typical of the era. Click on the picture to see a full view.

Little White Doves of Love

Little White Doves of Love is #121 in the Bantam series and was published in May 1980. It is the story of Nolita Walford, who is left penniless after the death of her parents. Her aunt finds a job as a companion to the Marquis of Sarle's 12 year old daughter. How she helps a surly girl and her impatient father is the plot of this story by Cartland.

Francis Marshall illustrates our couple outside at a lake when the heroine is teaching the girl how to fish. Our heroine wears a white muslin bustle gown, which was popular in the 1880's. Note the pink dress and sash which the girl wears. Our hero is handsome in riding dress. It's a pretty and tranquil place. An unusual cover by Marshall!

Free From Fear

Free From Fear is #120 in the Bantam Series that was illustrated by Francis Marshall and was published in May 1980. It is the story of Yolanda and her brother, who kills a man in a duel. They run away to France, which in 1803, is relatively at peace after the revolution. They decide to masquerade as married servants and get a job with an actress who is interested in the Duke of Ilkeston. Romance, plots, and spies fill this terrific romance of Barbara Cartland's!

Francis Marshall illustrates our couple in an outside waterfront scene. Our hero helps the heroine into a rowboat, which is going to take them to England and safety! She wears a typical white muslin day dress with a large sash. The scarf would have been used by servants instead of a hat or bonnet. Our hero wears a long coat and boots. Note the other people: the official on the dock and the oarsman in the boat. They wear the clothing of their station.

France in 1803 was in a time of calm, but before and after they would be at war with England. People of French heritage and English visitors were caught when war broke out and had to stay in France. The lucky ones managed to escape across the channel.

Imperial Splendour

Imperial Splendour is #119 in the Bantam series and was published in April 1980. It is the story of the Duke of Welminster, who meets a ballet dancer in Russia. He finds out that she is the daughter of a famous French musician. When she disappears, he sets out to find her because he has fallen in love with her!

Francis Marshall shows our couple at a ball. Our heroine is dressed as a princess and very beautiful in white and royal blue. Our hero is dashing in black. I like the people dancing in the background and the little details like the ermine fur on her cape.

This story is set during the Napoleonic Wars when France and Russia were enemies.

 This image is from the Eternal Collection #242 edition of the same title. It's fun to run across a new Francis Marshall picture!

The Power and the Prince

The Power and the Prince is #118 in the Bantam series and was published in March 1980. It is the story of Alana, who has been working at the vicarage after the death of her father. She is persuaded by a neighbor to attend a house party in order to save her friend from an arranged marriage to Prince Ivan! How everything works out is the plot of this great romance by Barbara Cartland!

Francis Marshall shows our couple after she has beautifully played the violin. Our hero dries her tears while holding her close. It's a striking cover with both in black and the piano and violin prominent. I love her bustle dress which was fashionable in the 1870's.

Love in the Clouds

Love in the Clouds is #117 in the Bantam series and was published in March 1980. It is the story of Chandra, who travels to Nepal with Lord Frome after her father becomes to sick to do so. He is seeking the Lotus manuscript and Chandra and her father are translators who can help. How they find love is the romantic plot of this exotic novel by Barbara Cartland.

Francis Marshall shows our couple in Nepal as they seek the manuscript. Notice the small mountain horse that she sits upon and the natives behind. I like the illusion of clouds floating around them as they stand. It's hard to tell if they're departing or arriving! It's an interesting cover for an interesting book!

A Gentleman in Love

A Gentleman in Love is #116 in the Bantam series and was published in February 1980. It is the story of Thalia, who is a milliner while she and her mother wait for her exiled father to return to England. She meets the Earl of Hellington in the dressing room of an actress and he becomes intrigued with her. Find out what happens next in this romantic story from Barbara Cartland!

Francis Marshall illustrates our couple at a restaurant. He is handsome in regency evening attire while she is pretty in a simple pink dress with dark blue accessories. I think it's interesting that she's not wearing a hat, even though she's a milliner! Notice all the details of the table and background, too!

Restaurants were popular in regency times and many offered private rooms for intimate dinners. Some of the great hotels offered meals and it was a creative outlet for chefs to start a restaurant and hopefully gain a clientele. Food and its serving was an important artistic feature of the regency.

Women Have Hearts

Women Have Hearts is #115 in the Bantam series and was published in January 1980. It is the story of Kelda, who is an orphan working as a teacher in a school when she is told to escort one of the students to her uncle in Dakar, Senegal, Africa! She is excited to be able to leave her drudgery and finds love at the end of the journey!

Francis Marshall shows our couple in an outdoors scene. Our heroine looks cool in white muslin and glances back at the hero, who is dressed in typical hot climate clothing for the 1900's! Notice the colorful native ladies in the street!

The French colonization of Senegal was different in that it was encouraged for European women to emigrate and Cartland mentions that in 1926 there were 1500 women who made an impact on the social life of the country.

Only Love

Only Love is #114 in the Bantam series and was published in January 1980. It is the story of Iola and how she escapes an unwanted marriage by becoming a governess to Sir Wolfe's daughter. How he rescues them from a kidnapper and they fall in love is the plot of this story!

Francis Marshall shows our couple in a small room where he is rescuing the heroine and his daughter. I think what's most interesting in this cove is the little girl! She is dark haired and looks like her father! I like how she is being held tight by the heroine.

Barbara Cartland's older books are hard to find. Check your local used bookstore or eBay for her books!

The Explosion of Love

The Explosion of Love is #113 in the Bantam series and was published in December 1979. It is the story of Princess Marie-Celeste, called Zaza, who longs for some freedom and escapes with her music teacher to Paris for a holiday. Unfortunately, her teacher injures his ankle and they are helped from the train by a mysterious man who she falls in love with. There is also danger lurking as revolutionaries plot to over throw the government. Another exciting Cartland novel!

Francis Marshall paints our couple at a dance under the moonlight. She wears a typical dress from the 1890's with a cute small hat while our hero is dressed in a black suit. I like his effort with motion; you can almost see our couple swinging into the turn! It's interesting to see the background people dancing and sitting at tables. Enjoy this Marshall cover!

Love Has His Way

Love Has His Way is #112 in the Bantam series and was published in November 1979. It is the story of the Marquis of Sarne and how he is drugged and tricked into marrying Romana by his arch enemy, Lord Kirkhampton. How Sarne wins in the end and finds out that Romana is the perfect wife for him is the plot of this exciting Cartland novel!

Francis Marshall illustrates our couple either at a duel or holdup. Our heroine is pretty in riding dress and the hero is dashing in a brown regency cut jacket. It looks as if they are in the woods, but Marshall creates a large tree as the background and to focus on the couple. I like that you see a bit of her striped waistcoat and shoe peeking out from her dress. It's an interesting cover for an interesting story!

It's also hard to believe that this book is 30 years old! BarbaraCartland.com is publishing 160 books that she left unpublished after her death and I highly recommend them!

Who Can Deny Love?

Who Can Deny Love is #111 in the Bantam series and was published in November 1979. Cyrilla meets the Marquis of Fane while her father is dying. Because her father was an artist, Fane is interested in his art, but after he dies, they realize that they love each other. Circumstances occur to separate them, but all goes well in this great Cartland romance!

Francis Marshall shows our heroine as the subject of the painting! She is pretty in a simple empire muslin dress and our hero is dashing in a greatcoat. The painting is beautiful and the room looks like a garret! I like Marshall's simple, full regency dress and ballet slippers!

The 1800's were a great time for artists. They were able to make a living and their work was valued. Many people wanted paintings of themselves or their families and other artists made a name for themselves painting landscapes and even animals! The Prince Regent (George IV) was a collector and it became fashionable to follow him in his passions!

Sharp eyed reader Tracey J found this photo and sent the comment below! Thank you, Tracey!!

Terror in the Sun

Terror in the Sun is #110 in the Bantam series and was published in October 1979. I ended up buying this book used instead of new since I couldn't find a new copy a few months after it was published. Books had a longer shelf life in the past!

This is a story about Brucena, who runs into Ian Huntley after he meets her on the train to Saugor. She is on her way to stay with her cousin and help out with their new baby. Ian escorts her there because of the dangers in 1830's India.

Francis Marshall illustrates a magnificent cover with our hero in uniform looking very dashing and our heroine in a full blue dress and bonnet typical of the 1830's. Note the little boy with a ball behind her. The natives behind are colorful and the ruler looks proud and wealthy. Another great cover by Francis Marshall!

A Nightingale Sang

A Nightingale Sang is #109 in the Bantam series and was published in September 1979.

As you can see, this is the other wrong cover illustration. The Corgi (UK) one is correct.

It is the story of Tybalt and Aleta, who meet at a ball in Berkeley Square and share a romantic moment in the garden. They happen to meet again after 2 years and she realizes he is a duke!

I will discuss the Corgi illustration. Francis Marshall shows our couple sharing a kiss in the garden in Berkeley Square! She is dressed fashionably for a book set in 1920 and our hero is handsome in black. The garden is fenced and pretty! One can almost hear the nightingales singing! It's a pretty cover and fits this story!!

England after WW1 was recouping after losing many men. Many who returned were looking for work and money was scarce. They found enjoyment in the present: balls, dances, and flirting with pretty girls. Many social restrictions of the past were relaxed. This was the time frame that Barbara Cartland herself was familiar. She dated and danced with London's elite during the 1920's!

Love Climbs In

Love Climbs In is #108 in the Bantam series and was published in September 1979.

Now before you comment that these are 2 different covers....I know! I couldn't figure out why Francis Marshall drew a modern 1920's cover for a regency story until I read #109 and realized that Bantam put the wrong cover art on this book and #109 A Nightingale Sang! The British Corgi version has the correct art!

Love Climbs In is the story of Valeta, who becomes the ward of the Marquis of Troon. He falls in love with her after his engagement to Lady Dilys. How she rescues a climbing boy and is rescued by the Marquis is the exciting tale of this story!!

I'll discuss the Corgi cover. Francis Marshall illustrates our hero saving our heroine from a villain. She is dressed in white muslin with a dark sash and has long flowing hair. It looks as if they are in an inn room and have help in dispatching the villain. It's a pretty cover and I wish it was on the correct Bantam book. As far as I know, this was the only time Bantam made a mistake in cover placement, which is remarkable considering they published 2 different Cartland books a month!

The Duchess Disappeared

The Duchess Disappeared is #107 in the Bantam series and was published in August 1979. Fiona and her young niece are taken to Scotland after she finds out that her niece is the heir to the Duke of Strathrannock. Once there, she finds that there is a mystery about the duke's late wife and against her wishes, finds herself falling in love with the duke!

Francis Marshall illustrates a rescue scene with our hero saving the heroine from a bad fall! They look like they are in a tower or turret and the rotting wood behind her indicates that she has been saved in the nick of time! It's an interesting cover and a great story!

Love in the Dark

Love in the Dark is #106 in the Bantam series and was published in July 1979. It is the story of Susanna, the second daughter of Lady Lavenham, who married off her older sister to an unwanted suitor and plans to marry off Susanna, who is heavy and plain, to a penniless duke! To stop this plan, she escapes home and takes a position as a reader to a temporarily blind American man. What happens next is magical Cartland!

Francis Marshall paints our couple in an elegant room where our now thin heroine is reading to the hero, who sits in the chair with a cloth over his eyes. She is now very thin and he is handsome from what we can see! I like her white flowing dress and olive sash. The cool colors of the room look like a comfortable and inviting place to sit and read!

Flowers for the God of Love

Flowers for the God of Love is #105 in the Bantam series and was published in July 1979. Cartland writes a story about a girl named Quenella, who is being pursued by a married man and Rex, who has become the new lieutenant governor in India. Both have problems, since Rex can't afford his new position unless he marries and Quenella needs a refuge from the suitor. They decide to marry and learn to love each other as they travel to India!

Francis Marshall illustrates our couple while in India and it's a pretty cover with them outside admiring the native flowers. She is pretty in white muslin and carrying a pink parasol while our hero is handsome and cool in a beige linen jacket. I like the hint of wildness in the garden where they stand. It's another great cover by Marshall.

The Prisoner of Love

The Prisoner of Love is #104 in the Bantam series and was published in June 1979. It is the story of Sorilda, who is forced into marriage with the Earl of Winsford after a sordid scene involving the Earl and her stepmother. They prepare to make the best of a hurried marriage amid the events of London's Crystal Palace!

Francis Marshall illustrates our couple at the Crystal Palace, which was held in 1851 with a Great Exhibition of all of the Empire's wealth and curiosities. The palace was made of glass and erected in Hyde Park. It was the brainchild of Prince Albert and Queen Victoria was happy that the English people were proud of this accomplishment!

Light of the Moon

Light of the Moon is #103 in the Bantam series and was published in May 1979. It is the story of Neoma and her brother and how they visit the Marquis of Rosyth in order to steal an IOU that the Marquis mistakenly acquired. Unfortunately, some mistaken identity and rotten characters get in the way of the Marquis falling in love with her until all gets cleared up in this romance by Barbara Cartland!

Francis Marshall illustrates our couple on a terrace in the moonlight! They are kissing and it's a very romantic picture! Our heroine is pretty in white and the dark gray of the sky and background emphasize them.

Young men quite often got into trouble with gambling during regency times. IOU's were an honorable way to state that you would repay the debt and usually had to be paid within the month.