Judith McNaught: Once and always, Something wonderful ja Almost heaven

Judith McNaughtin historiallisia viihderomaaneja mainostetaan klassikoiksi, mikä tarkoittanee että ne ovat kuluneet lukijoiden käsissä jo joltisenkin vuoden bestseller-listoille ilmestymisensä jälkeen. Romantiikkaa on tarinoissa riittämiin, ja monenmoista kommellusta onnellisen lopun tiellä.

Once and always (Pocket Books, 1987; ISBN 978-0-671-73762-7)

Across the vast ocean sailed Victoria Seaton, a free-spirited American beauty left suddenly orphaned and alone. Eager to claim her long-lost heritage, she was amazed at the formal elegance of Wakefield, the sumptuous English estate of her distant cousin...the notorious Lord Jason Fielding. Sought after at plays, operas, and balls by London's most fashionable ladies, Jason remained a mystery to Victoria. Bewildered by his arrogant demeanor, yet drawn to his panther-like grace, she came to sense the searingly painful memories that smoldered in the depths of his jade-green eyes. Unable to resist her spitfire charm, Jason gathered her at last into his powerful arms, ravishing her lips with his kisses, arousing in her a sweet, insistent hunger. Wed in desire, they were enfolded in a fierce, consuming joy, free at last from the past's cruel grasp. Then, in a moment of blinding anguish, Victoria discovered the shocking treachery that lay at the heart of their love...a love she had dreamed would triumph.

Something wonderful (Pocket Books, 1988; ISBN 978-0-671-73763-4)

The story of Alexandra Lawrence, an artless country girl, and her tempestuous marriage to Jordan Townsende, the rich and powerful Duke of Hawthorne.

Swept into the fascinating world of London society, free-spirited Alexandra becomes ensnared in a tangled web of jealousy and revenge, stormy pride and overwhelming passion. Defiant, indomitable, she will fight for her husband's life and the rapturous love they alone can share.

Almost heaven (Corgi Books, 2012; ISBN 978-0-552-16851-9)

ELIZABETH CAMERON

The Countess of Havenhurst possessed a rare gentleness and fierce courage to match her exquisite beauty. But her reputation is shattered when she is discovered in the arms of Ian Thornton, a notorious gambler and social outcast.

IAN THORNTON

A dangerously handsome man of secret wealth and mysterious lineage, his voyage to Elizabeth's heart is fraught with intrigue, scandal, and a venomous revenge.

Destined for each other, yet wary of each other's motives, Elizabeth and Ian engage in a dance of suspicion and passion that tests the very soul of their star-crossed love. As a twisting path of secrets takes them from London's drawing rooms to the mysterious Scottish Highlands, Elizabeth must learn the truth: is Ian merely a ruthless fortune hunter at heart?