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Love in the Clouds
Chandra Wardell's father, a famous Sanskrit scholar, is commissioned by Lord Frome to accompany him on a tour to Nepal. However, the eminent professor suffers a heart attack before he can leave England. Because the Wardells are badly in debt, the only solution seems for Chandra, who has helped her father for many years, to go in his place. When Chandra arrives at the Nepalese border of India, she encounters the fierce anger of the woman hating Lord Frome. Because permits to enter Nepal are very difficult to obtain, he is obliged to accept the situation, although it infuriates him. Their apathy toward each other is lessened when they discover an ancient and sacred manuscript. And danger brings them closer in a strange and mystical way......
218 pages, Hardcover
Published January 1, 1979
4 people are currently reading
177 people want to read
About the author
Barbara Cartland
1,056 books837 followersBorn in 1901, Barbara Cartland started her writing career in journalism and completed her first book, Jigsaw, when she was just 24. An immediate success, it was the start of her journey to becoming the world’s most famous and most read romantic novelist of all time. Inspiring a whole generation of readers around the globe with her exciting tales of adventure, love and intrigue, she became synonymous with the Romance genre. And she still is to this day, having written over 644 romantic fiction books.
As well as romantic novels, she wrote historical biographies, 6 autobiographies, plays, music, poetry and several advice books on life, love, health and cookery – totalling an incredible 723 books in all, with over 1 billion in sales.
Awarded the DBE by Queen Elizabeth II in 1991 in honour of her literary, political and social contributions, she was President of the Hertfordshire branch of the Royal College of Midwives as well as a Dame of Grace of the Order of St John of Jerusalem and Deputy President of the St John Ambulance Brigade.
Always a passionate advocate of woman’s health and beauty, she was dubbed ‘the true Queen of Romance’ by Vogue magazine in her lifetime. Her legend continues today through her wonderfully vivid romantic tales, stories that help you escape from the day to day into the dramatic adventures of strong, beautiful women who battle, often against the odds, eventually to find that love conquers all.
Find out more about the incredible life and works of Dame Barbara Cartland at www.barbaracartland.com
As well as romantic novels, she wrote historical biographies, 6 autobiographies, plays, music, poetry and several advice books on life, love, health and cookery – totalling an incredible 723 books in all, with over 1 billion in sales.
Awarded the DBE by Queen Elizabeth II in 1991 in honour of her literary, political and social contributions, she was President of the Hertfordshire branch of the Royal College of Midwives as well as a Dame of Grace of the Order of St John of Jerusalem and Deputy President of the St John Ambulance Brigade.
Always a passionate advocate of woman’s health and beauty, she was dubbed ‘the true Queen of Romance’ by Vogue magazine in her lifetime. Her legend continues today through her wonderfully vivid romantic tales, stories that help you escape from the day to day into the dramatic adventures of strong, beautiful women who battle, often against the odds, eventually to find that love conquers all.
Find out more about the incredible life and works of Dame Barbara Cartland at www.barbaracartland.com
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
October 9, 2023
I quite liked this one.
The heroine’s father is supposed to go on an expedition with the Hero to find and translate certain Holy scrolls in a monastery in Nepal.
At the last minute he suffers a heart attack and cannot go on the journey. The heroine is reluctant to return the advance payment the Hero has left with her father since they are so poor. Since she is uniquely qualified as an expert in Sanskrit as well, since she has been assisting her father for many years, she goes in her father’s place.
She fears the reaction of the Hero since its well known that he is a woman hater. And well she is right. The Hero is in a rage when he sees her, but since it is too late and there is nothing he can do, he allows her to tag along.
So yes in the beginning he does act like a brute and is quite nasty to the heroine. But when he finds her collapsed in her room from exhaustion, he relents and becomes a bit more understanding.
So the hate gets dialed down, the heroine proves her worth. She is even able to point out how clueless the Hero is to people who are not wealthy like him.
They fall in love, and of course the heroine is uniquely suited to the Hero who loves to travel and find ancient manuscripts. So they are perfect for each other! ❤️❤️❤️
The heroine’s father is supposed to go on an expedition with the Hero to find and translate certain Holy scrolls in a monastery in Nepal.
At the last minute he suffers a heart attack and cannot go on the journey. The heroine is reluctant to return the advance payment the Hero has left with her father since they are so poor. Since she is uniquely qualified as an expert in Sanskrit as well, since she has been assisting her father for many years, she goes in her father’s place.
She fears the reaction of the Hero since its well known that he is a woman hater. And well she is right. The Hero is in a rage when he sees her, but since it is too late and there is nothing he can do, he allows her to tag along.
So yes in the beginning he does act like a brute and is quite nasty to the heroine. But when he finds her collapsed in her room from exhaustion, he relents and becomes a bit more understanding.
So the hate gets dialed down, the heroine proves her worth. She is even able to point out how clueless the Hero is to people who are not wealthy like him.
They fall in love, and of course the heroine is uniquely suited to the Hero who loves to travel and find ancient manuscripts. So they are perfect for each other! ❤️❤️❤️
December 17, 2021
I never read this writer before. At first, I dug into her wikipedia entry and I was astounded. I love romance. How come I missed such a prolific and famous romance writer? Then I read this book, and all became clear. She couldn't write worth shit. That's why I never read her before. The two short historical romance novels in this book are both set in exotic locales. The first one - in Nepal. The second one - in Russia. The plot kernels are fascinating in both tales. Both could've made such amazing stories in the hands of a skilled writer.
BUT... Cartland obviously lacked those skills. Both novels take liberties with historical and ethnic accuracy. Both are written horribly, as if by a barely literate high school student. The characters are archetypal and cardboard-thin. The dialog is flat and false. The logic of the stories doesn't hold. And the idea of the white anglophone male supremacy above anyone else ... let's not talk about that.
One thing is for sure - I'm not going to read this author again.
BUT... Cartland obviously lacked those skills. Both novels take liberties with historical and ethnic accuracy. Both are written horribly, as if by a barely literate high school student. The characters are archetypal and cardboard-thin. The dialog is flat and false. The logic of the stories doesn't hold. And the idea of the white anglophone male supremacy above anyone else ... let's not talk about that.
One thing is for sure - I'm not going to read this author again.
February 9, 2014
Miss Chandra Wardell's father is a renowned Sanskrit scholar who has translated and written on numerous works from Asia. Since the death of her mother, Chandra has helped her father with his work and taken care of him. Now, he is offered the opportunity of a lifetime when Lord Frome asks Mr. Wardell to join him in Nepal to search for the sacred Lotus Manuscript in a Buddhist Monastery. The opportunity could not have come at a better time, for they really need the money. However, Chandra's father is not in good health and Chandra doesn't know whether she should want him to go or not. When her father suffers a setback and has to remain in Europe, Chandra takes her father's place to confront the woman-hating Lord Frome and join him in his quest. At first Lord Frome is angry and doubts Chandra's ability. He hasn't time to send her back and wait for another assistant for he is only allowed in Nepal for a certain amount of time. Chandra joins Lord Frome on the dangerous journey through India over the mountains into Nepal. She is determined to keep up and not give Lord Frome any cause for regretting allowing her to join him. She also has a secret quest. A precious emerald was once taken and Chandra is charged with the task of returning it safely to the monastery where it belongs. Upon arriving in Nepal, the pair must pose as husband and wife for propriety's sake. Neither is happy with the arrangement. She loves the thrill of the hunt for ancient manuscripts, something she shares with Lord Frome. As they enter Nepalese society, Chandra grows to love the country and the people and appreciate the hidden depths of her travel companion as well. The plot speeds along to a predictable conclusion.
The historical and geographical details and well-researched and well-developed. The romance is rather corny and I wanted more adventure and danger. I liked the hero and heroine together. The character development of Lord Frome could have been drawn out a bit more but I learned to like him the same time Chandra did. I especially liked the chapters set in the archive and the ethical questions raised about taking manuscripts from a library to share with the public when it seems like they're not being used. As an archivist, I disagree with Chandra and Lord Frome but I think their attitudes reflect those of the British upper class in the Victorian age. I recommend this book for those who want a romance novel set in a different location than the usual London drawing rooms and ball rooms.
The historical and geographical details and well-researched and well-developed. The romance is rather corny and I wanted more adventure and danger. I liked the hero and heroine together. The character development of Lord Frome could have been drawn out a bit more but I learned to like him the same time Chandra did. I especially liked the chapters set in the archive and the ethical questions raised about taking manuscripts from a library to share with the public when it seems like they're not being used. As an archivist, I disagree with Chandra and Lord Frome but I think their attitudes reflect those of the British upper class in the Victorian age. I recommend this book for those who want a romance novel set in a different location than the usual London drawing rooms and ball rooms.
February 13, 2015
I'm reading through some romance novels for the love month. My sister would often argue that I am such a snob of the romance genre. It's just not my usual cup of tea when it comes to reading but a dose now and then does not hurt. This particular read was quite enjoyable. In reading this book, I realize that I could open my doors to reading "historical" romance as the historical background, cultural flavor and setting it adds to the romance genre makes it interesting, at the same time informative and not too cheesy. This one was a nifty read with just 128 pages. What struck me as interesting would be parts about the manuscript discoveries and the Chandra's relationship with her father. I found Chandra and Lord Fromme's romance development subtle but how it tied up was a bit too fast and predictable.
July 3, 2010
The story of a women-hating Lord Frome whose heart is melted by the lovely Chandra. So predictable it’s annoying, but still entertaining enough to prevent the reader from hurling the book against the wall.
A template-ish Barbara Cartland story with the requisite HEA.
A template-ish Barbara Cartland story with the requisite HEA.
October 2, 2010
Great book I could not put it down.
September 28, 2019
I'm reading this as a part of The Eternal Collection: 51-60. This is number 54.
This one had the most interesting cultural aspect of the BC stories I've read so far. I enjoyed the look into India and Nepal. The character development was also much better than in 51 and 53. The h was much more of a fierce character instead of a damsel in distress and I appreciated that a lot.
That's not to say that this wasn't formulaic at all. You have the very, very poor h and her family. She's a unique beauty but doesn't realize it. The H in this one is my favourite BC H so far. He's stayed away from women of all kinds for a long time, which I take to mean that he's been celibate. He's not had countless lovers? He hasn't been the subject of wild speculation re: his lascivious appetites? Yes, please!
Anyhoo, I enjoyed this one. No OP drama, some kissing but no intimate scenes, some fun cultural details, and an added dash of mystery/intrigue.
This one had the most interesting cultural aspect of the BC stories I've read so far. I enjoyed the look into India and Nepal. The character development was also much better than in 51 and 53. The h was much more of a fierce character instead of a damsel in distress and I appreciated that a lot.
That's not to say that this wasn't formulaic at all. You have the very, very poor h and her family. She's a unique beauty but doesn't realize it. The H in this one is my favourite BC H so far. He's stayed away from women of all kinds for a long time, which I take to mean that he's been celibate. He's not had countless lovers? He hasn't been the subject of wild speculation re: his lascivious appetites? Yes, please!
Anyhoo, I enjoyed this one. No OP drama, some kissing but no intimate scenes, some fun cultural details, and an added dash of mystery/intrigue.
March 30, 2020
Dos livros da Bárbara Cartland que até agora eu li, tirando a Criada Misteriosa, esse é um dos meus amores. Me deixou com aquele sorrisinho bobo na cara. Poderia ler ele eternamente
April 24, 2023
Although Chandra’s father Professor Barnard Wardell is the world’s most distinguished Sanskrit scholar, his earnings are barely enough to support him, his daughter and their faithful servant Ellen.
So when the dashing Lord Damon Frome invites him on a highly paid expedition to Nepal it is a Godsend. But, having spent much of his advance, the Professor is struck down by a heart attack. So, to the fury of the woman-hating Lord Frome, demure young Chandra arrives in Nepal in her father’s place.
An arduous journey through Nepal’s mountains follows, during which Chandra is entrusted with a sacred treasure by a mysterious wise man. Soon the haughty Lord and the scholarly girl find another treasure that cannot be measured in money – the precious love that lies hidden in the Himalayan clouds.
Chandra heard Lord Frome's footsteps and the light came nearer as he moved down the dark passageway. He put first the candle then the pistol back on the table and without warning, pulled her roughly against him. his lips came down on hers and helf her captive. Suddenly Chandra felt a wild rapture that was inexpressible, rising up through her body from her breast into her lips. "This is love, she thought, "love as I always knew it would be...Yet how? Lord Frome despised her.
"I have hated women for so long," he whispered, "that I did not know how different you werre, how very, very different, my precious one. I have been fighting frantically against admitting it...even to myself...but I have loved you for a long time!"
So when the dashing Lord Damon Frome invites him on a highly paid expedition to Nepal it is a Godsend. But, having spent much of his advance, the Professor is struck down by a heart attack. So, to the fury of the woman-hating Lord Frome, demure young Chandra arrives in Nepal in her father’s place.
An arduous journey through Nepal’s mountains follows, during which Chandra is entrusted with a sacred treasure by a mysterious wise man. Soon the haughty Lord and the scholarly girl find another treasure that cannot be measured in money – the precious love that lies hidden in the Himalayan clouds.
Chandra heard Lord Frome's footsteps and the light came nearer as he moved down the dark passageway. He put first the candle then the pistol back on the table and without warning, pulled her roughly against him. his lips came down on hers and helf her captive. Suddenly Chandra felt a wild rapture that was inexpressible, rising up through her body from her breast into her lips. "This is love, she thought, "love as I always knew it would be...Yet how? Lord Frome despised her.
"I have hated women for so long," he whispered, "that I did not know how different you werre, how very, very different, my precious one. I have been fighting frantically against admitting it...even to myself...but I have loved you for a long time!"
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews