11 Best Books By Barbara Cartland To Add To Your Library

Barbara Cartland is one of the most well-known historical and contemporary romance writers; discover the best books by Barbara Cartland in our guide.

Few writers were as well-known in the 20th century as Barbara Cartland. Mary Barbara Hamilton Cartland was born in 1901 in Birmingham, United Kingdom. Living through both World Wars, she drew from her unparalleled experiences, crafting beautiful contemporary and historical fiction works. 

As one of the top romance authors best sellers, she has had a tremendous impact on multiple generations of writers, and many of her works were published posthumously.

1. A Hazard of Hearts, 1949

A Hazard of Hearts focuses on Serena Staverley, who is perfectly happy at her family court. She enjoys strolling through the gardens, exploring the family manor, and is focused on developing her love interests. Then, when her father is killed in a duel, she is suddenly at risk of losing her inheritance and home. 

Enter Lord Justin, a man with a terrible reputation. It would be unthinkable to be seen accompanying him. Serena is concerned that she may be forced to marry him, and she has heard many rumors and secrets about his unsavory lifestyle. Now, with her freedom lost in a game of chance, marriage may be inevitable. 

Summoning all of her wiles, Serena focuses on everything she can do to protect her happiness, despite what tradition and societal rules dictate she has to do.

“Serena felt her heart reach out towards such loveliness. It was part of her, an indivisible part of herself, and it seemed to her at times that her love of Staverley quickened and throbbed within her as if it was a living thing.”

Barbara Cartland

2. Love Became Theirs, 2000

Love Became Theirs is the story of Rona Trafford. While attending a local ball she dances with a mysterious man. Though the encounter may seem like an innocent dance there is much more to it. It transpires that the man has been unfaithful to someone else, and suddenly, Rona finds herself caught in the middle. 

She decides to flee to Paris, and finds a job as a governess. When her employer’s brother arrives on the scene the plot thickens. It appears he is hiding an important secret that threatens them all.

“I don’t see that it matters. I wouldn’t marry a man just because he had a title, but only if we loved each other more than anything else in the world.”

Barbara Cartland

3. The Bored Bridegroom, 1972

The Bored Bridegroom is one of the most popular books by Barbara Cartland. The story focuses on Lucretia Hadley, who is in love with the young Marquis of the Merlyncourt estate. He is widely considered to be the most eligible bachelor in all of England, and there are lots of women who are pursuing him. 

Even though Lucretia feels like she had an “in” with the Marquis, he is certainly not someone who has patience for young, innocent girls like herself. Therefore, she has to find a way to make herself more interesting to get his attention. This book focuses on the lengths she goes to get the Marquis to choose her over the other women. You might be interested in exploring other romance books, check out our list of the best Danielle Steel books.

‘But Lucretia knew the Marquis. She knew he had no patience for innocent, sweet girls. He would soon be bored with her, and she would lose him.’

Barbara Cartland

4. A Kiss From The Heart, 2008

A Kiss From The Heart is the story of Lord Robert Templeton. He insists that he should not be responsible for the new Earldom that he has inherited. He has departed the family home, called Ledberry Hall, to make a better life for himself. As a result, the family home passes to his younger brother, and Robert is free to focus on hedonism, drinking, and gambling. 

Unfortunately, Robert is forced to return home due to circumstances beyond his control. Society pressures him to acknowledge his responsibilities, but he refuses to marry. He does not want to spend his life in the country. When he runs into a childhood friend who saves his life she inspires him to take his rightful place in society, but will he acquiesce?

‘You saved my life. I will never forget what you did for me. One day I will marry you!’

Barbara Cartland

5. Again This Rapture, 1972

Again This Rapture focuses on Cynthia. Even though she has a lot to be grateful for, tragedy has befallen her. She has lost the two things that mattered to her most. Cynthia was supposed to marry Peter, but now he is gone. Then suddenly, the estate that has been in her family for generations, Birch Vale, is lost as well. Even though she had no control over losing Peter, she may still be able to keep the estate if she can pay off her father’s debt.

Enter Robert who has designs on Birch Vale and is intent on drawing Cynthia closer to him, no matter how much she might resist. This is a story of passion, mystery, and scandal, as Cynthia has to balance multiple competing interests to protect her family’s legacy.

6. The Pretty Horse-Breakers, 1974

The Pretty Horse-Breakers tells the story of Candida Walcott, one of the most beautiful women in all the land. When misfortune befalls her she has to sell Pegasus, her famous black stallion. Pegasus is purchased by Major Hooper, a London stable owner. On sight of Candida, Hooper is immediately enthralled with her, and offers her free riding lessons at his school to spend more time in her company.

However, Hooper’s motives might not be what they seem. Now, Candida finds herself facing a sea of mistresses and heartbreakers. The story focuses on the young woman as she tries to protect herself in an unfamiliar world.

“She tried to help him, but he was like a man suddenly blinded, who could see nothing but his own darkness.”

Barbara Cartland

7. The Elusive Earl, 1976

The Elusive Earl is a story about a young girl, Calista Chevington, known for her beautiful red hair. Even though she is an accomplished rider, she tumbles from her mount on a fateful day. Osric, the Earl of Helstone, witnesses the event. He is immediately struck by her beauty, and she by his good looks and captivating stare. 

Osric is one of the richest men in England. Calista, the headstrong daughter of Lady Chevington. On accepting an invitation to Chevington Court the Earl discovers that there is a plot to trap him into marriage, but before he can decide on a course of action, Carlista disappears. The Earl sets off to find her, but finds more than he bargained for.

“There are times when I miss the man you were in your youth when we were wild and irreverent, and everything seemed to be so amusing and an adventure.”

Barbara Cartland

8. Love in the Highlands, 2000

Love in the Highlands tells the story of Stanislaus, a Balkan Prince. It is time for him to marry, and he has a total say over who becomes his bride. He decides to reach out to Queen Victoria of England, demanding that she send him an English bride. The Queen picks Lady Lavina, whose family is not technically royalty but is not too far removed.

Unfortunately, Lady Lavina has no desire to marry this man. She is forced to throw herself at the mercy of someone who is less than desirable but might be able to save her from a loveless marriage to the Prince. 

“I love you more than I can ever say, except in this music which seems to come down from heaven and not belong to the world.”

Barbara Cartland

9. Love in the Dark, 1979

Love in the Dark is the story of Susanna Laven. While she comes from a very wealthy family, her life is far from perfect. Prior to taking control of the family estate, her mother is determined for her to become married, even though Susanna does not want to marry the man her mother has chosen.

She is due to marry the Duke of Southampton, who does not have a penny to his name. She does not even understand why her mother wants her to marry him, but she has no say in the matter. 

“‘Still holding her captive with his mouth, he reached up and pulled away the hairpins so that her hair fell over her shoulders. “You are mine.” Fyfe cried, and his voice was deep with passion. “Mine now and forever, and I will never let you go.'”

Barbara Cartland

10. The Earl’s Revenge, 2009

The Earl’s Revenge is a thrilling story that focuses on Robert Lyndon, who is due to inherit his family’s vast fortune and property. But, sadly, he has been spurned by his lover and is struggling to save face in high society. 

Even though he is handsome, wealthy, and well-decorated for his military service, he is concerned that people will look down on him because of his unrequited love. After all, he is supposed to be one of the most eligible bachelors in the country. 

Now, he has a chance to meet with Rania Temple, but she comes from an impoverished family. Is she appropriate for him? Is this something that the rest of high society will approve of? It is up to Robert to decide whether any of that matters.

‘What reason could there be? Except that I want, as I have never wanted anything before in my life, for you to be my wife!’

Barbara Cartland

11. The King Without a Heart, 2008

The King Without a Heart starts with tragedy. Lord Rupert Brooke and his wife are killed in a terrible accident, and their only child is forced to live with an uncle. The uncle did not approve of the child’s parents’ marriage in the first place, and as such is not happy with his new, parental role. So now, the child is forced to serve her cousin as a maid. 

The story focuses on the trials and tribulations the child has to go through after the death of her parents. Now, her new family doesn’t appear to want anything to do with her, and she has been turned into a servant that draws the ire of everyone. She will have to fight to save herself and those closest to her. If you liked this round-up of romance books, you might also like our guide on the best Catherine Cookson books.

‘Everyone, but everyone can enjoy the rapture and joys of love, from the King himself to the lowest in the land.’

Barbara Cartland

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