Berta Ruck wrote romances in the 1920s, and this delightful author was probably a favourite of Betty Neels's. In this authentic period romance, Mrs. Clover Elphinstone (a widow who was never a true wife) coldly plans a marriage with war hero Harry Carmichael. At first reluctant to accept her proposal of a marriage in name only, she dangles an offer of help with his aeronautical invention. Harry is still reluctant, but as Clover wants someone to help her get rid of the annoying young men always buzzing around her looking for money for this or that, he agrees, only to discover that a sham marriage to Clover is not what he wants at all...
I don't know who the original English publisher was, but the American publisher was Dodd, Mead & Co. This would be an excellent author for Mills & Boon or Harlequin to reissue. Some of her allusions to actors in the London theatre as well as some period slang might make it a trifle difficult, but taken overall, this is a charming look into the past. I've read several of Berta Ruck's books, and enjoyed every one I've read so far. I know she wrote at least a dozen and possibly more. So, dear Editors, if this comes to your attention, please consider adding Berta Ruck to your list of Great Romance Writers of the Past. There's a whole new generation out here who would love her books!
WIP 31,452 of 55,000
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