What do you think?
Rate this book
The Unpredictable Bride
THE SECRET HEARTBREAK
To the world, it was the most fantastic of marriages. One day Lucinda was an obscure, dowdy country girl; the next, she was the diamond-decked mistress of a vast London town house and wife to a young lord, legendary for his wealth, daring escapades, and magnetic attraction for women.
Would the world wonder why he chose her? Would they guess he was using this young girl to cover his affair with the glittering, sophisticated Lady Devereux? Lucinda hadn't time to care. She was too busy becoming the overnight darling of London society--too busy earning the notice and respect of the man she was irresistibly, hopelessly, growing to love.
To the world, it was the most fantastic of marriages. One day Lucinda was an obscure, dowdy country girl; the next, she was the diamond-decked mistress of a vast London town house and wife to a young lord, legendary for his wealth, daring escapades, and magnetic attraction for women.
Would the world wonder why he chose her? Would they guess he was using this young girl to cover his affair with the glittering, sophisticated Lady Devereux? Lucinda hadn't time to care. She was too busy becoming the overnight darling of London society--too busy earning the notice and respect of the man she was irresistibly, hopelessly, growing to love.
224 pages, Mass Market Paperback
Published November 1, 1977
5 people are currently reading
166 people want to read
About the author
Barbara Cartland
1,592 books834 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
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
April 28, 2015
1.5 stars
Don't judge me!
My local library is starting to get some unusual selections in its large print books. Maybe they have been offered special deals.
So they now have five new issues of Cartland's work. This is one I remember from my teenage years - the only one I remember enjoying.
Teenage self, what was wrong with you!
If you are wondering why I finished - so am I! I did like the heroine. She didn't start speaking in ellipses till around page 111 & even then it was only occasionally. (normally Cartland heroines are incapable of speaking in complete sentences) Lucinda takes control of her own destiny, albeit in a passive aggressive & manipulative way, but she is still an appealing character.
However, Sebastian is not only every romantic hero cliche ever written - he is also extremely stupid.
Cartland's borrowings from GH skate perilously close to plagiarism. There is definite echoes of Arabella, the Convenient Marriage with a touch of Friday's Child.
The finale was ridiculous.
But I have a weakness for the artwork. I did some research & the artist was Francis Marshall. Here are some examples http://todaysinspiration.blogspot.co....
So enjoy them & don't judge the covers by the books!
Don't judge me!
My local library is starting to get some unusual selections in its large print books. Maybe they have been offered special deals.
So they now have five new issues of Cartland's work. This is one I remember from my teenage years - the only one I remember enjoying.
Teenage self, what was wrong with you!
If you are wondering why I finished - so am I! I did like the heroine. She didn't start speaking in ellipses till around page 111 & even then it was only occasionally. (normally Cartland heroines are incapable of speaking in complete sentences) Lucinda takes control of her own destiny, albeit in a passive aggressive & manipulative way, but she is still an appealing character.
However, Sebastian is not only every romantic hero cliche ever written - he is also extremely stupid.
Cartland's borrowings from GH skate perilously close to plagiarism. There is definite echoes of Arabella, the Convenient Marriage with a touch of Friday's Child.
The finale was ridiculous.
But I have a weakness for the artwork. I did some research & the artist was Francis Marshall. Here are some examples http://todaysinspiration.blogspot.co....
So enjoy them & don't judge the covers by the books!
September 2, 2015
This is my all time favourite go to when I want poor writing and complete and utter fluff. I bought this book to read on a train coming home from Quebec City to Toronto when I was 17 which was a long, long time ago. It has a fun plot and is a great nothing to read in between my more serious books.
November 8, 2018
This is one of my favorite romances of Barbara Cartland. I like Lucinda very much. Although finale quite strange. This French twist was like rabbit from the magician's hat.
2018: Yep. Still good.
2018: Yep. Still good.
January 2, 2025
Читала этот роман изданный под названием «Невеста для графа». Он, видимо, также издавался на русском языке под названиями «Непредсказуемая невеста», «Заложница», «Невнимательный жених», и «Свадебный сюрприз». Имена главных персонажей: леди Люсинда Белвиль и граф Себастьян Меридан. Название оригинала на английском: “The Unpredictable Bride” (main characters: Lady Lucinda and Earl of Meridan).
Основной сюжет (главный герой по-ошибке/невнимательности/обману жениться на другой девушке, чем намеревался; девушка, которая в начале предстаёт перед героем «дурнушкой»/«гадким утёнком» по-сравнению с предыдущей невестой, становится красавицей после смены общего стиля; в результате, герой влюбляется в свою жену и порывает отношения со своей любовницей) был также использован в нескольких других произведениях:
- «Прости, любимая» Мэри Бэлоу, главные персонажи: Арабелла Уилсон и лорд Джеффри Астор (“The Obedient Bride” by Mary Balogh; main characters: Arabella Wilson and Viscount Geoffrey Astor);
- «Невеста-обманщица»/«За шаг до алтаря» Барбары Картленд, главные персонажи: Нерина Грей и сэр Руперт Рот (“Love is the Enemy” by Barbara Cartland; main characters: Nerina Graye and Sir Rupert Wroth);
- «Проверка верности» Джоржетт Хейер, главные персонажи: Горация Уинвуд и граф Рул (“The Convenient Marriage” by Georgette Heyer; main characters: Horatia Winwood and Earl of Rule).
Основной сюжет (главный герой по-ошибке/невнимательности/обману жениться на другой девушке, чем намеревался; девушка, которая в начале предстаёт перед героем «дурнушкой»/«гадким утёнком» по-сравнению с предыдущей невестой, становится красавицей после смены общего стиля; в результате, герой влюбляется в свою жену и порывает отношения со своей любовницей) был также использован в нескольких других произведениях:
- «Прости, любимая» Мэри Бэлоу, главные персонажи: Арабелла Уилсон и лорд Джеффри Астор (“The Obedient Bride” by Mary Balogh; main characters: Arabella Wilson and Viscount Geoffrey Astor);
- «Невеста-обманщица»/«За шаг до алтаря» Барбары Картленд, главные персонажи: Нерина Грей и сэр Руперт Рот (“Love is the Enemy” by Barbara Cartland; main characters: Nerina Graye and Sir Rupert Wroth);
- «Проверка верности» Джоржетт Хейер, главные персонажи: Горация Уинвуд и граф Рул (“The Convenient Marriage” by Georgette Heyer; main characters: Horatia Winwood and Earl of Rule).
March 6, 2021
Коротка історія про те, як важливо завчасно знайомитися з жінкою, з якою одружуєшся.
October 1, 2015
Ho sempre amato le storie della Cartland, ma questa s' è rivelata una DELIZIOSA SORPRESA !!! E ci sono anche ben 3 personaggi maschili, a cui spero con tutto il cuore che l' Autrice abbia dedicato un romanzo : il Colonello Charles Holstead, Anthony Hawkesly e James Courtney. Spero soprattutto che l' abbia dedicato a Charles poiché sin da subito apprezza il valore di Lucinda e di che tesoro sia, molto più di suo marito Sebastian il quale comincerà a farlo solo quando... prima sentendosi "bruciare la terra sotto i piedi" vedendo la propria moglie corteggiatissima dall' Alta Società Inglese, a cominciare dal Principe di Galles, e poi quando dovrà partire in missione e Lucinda si rivelerà fondamentale sia per la riuscita dell' impresa e sia per salvargli la vita !!!
December 6, 2014
El peor libro que he leído de la autora, odie al protagonista por como la trataba y ella me desespero por la poca dignidad que tenía.
Al final ya no me esperaba nada y no me creí los sentimientos de él y se me hizo un final tonto y tambien abierto porque dejo tantas cosas al aire.
No lo recomiendo.
Al final ya no me esperaba nada y no me creí los sentimientos de él y se me hizo un final tonto y tambien abierto porque dejo tantas cosas al aire.
No lo recomiendo.
Read
July 19, 2013mon premier Barbara Cartland quand j'étais ado :)
July 15, 2016
A very interesting story of a family who unwillingly marries their younger and mischievous daughter to a man who is least interested in loving and being loved , a very hard man to get along with.
February 19, 2023
"«Sentite, Miss Lucinda» cominciò lui. «Tutto questo non sarà facile per voi... lasciare la vostra casa e le cose che conoscete da sempre. Il mondo è un posto vasto e duro. Nessuno ha vita facile. Forse l’Onnipotente non ha inteso rendercela troppo facile. Ma se veniamo abbattuti, dobbiamo solo rialzarci e continuare a lottare. ″Non restare steso a terra! Non lasciarti sconfiggere!″ È quello che dico sempre ai ragazzi prima che salgano sul ring. E credo sia la stessa cosa per le donne. Non lasciate che qualcosa vi abbatta!»"
Ho letto parecchi libri della Cartland, alcuni li rileggo anche talvolta perché mi sono piaciuti particolarmente, ma questo senza dubbio rientra tra i peggiori se non IL peggiore. Di base l'eroe è un figlio dei suoi tempi, un nobile arrogante, freddo e spocchioso, che mantiene una caterva di amanti e si accorge di sua moglie solo quando lei dice o fa qualcosa di scandaloso (a patto sia nelle vicinanza, perché spesso è in viaggio o tra le braccia di qualche amante). Lei inizialmente mi ha conquistata con la sua vivacità e la sua battuta pronta, ma poi la sua ingenuità si trasforma in stupidità e arriva perfino ad assecondare il marito nella sua ultima impresa (per l'ennesima amante of course) dove scopre di amare lui ma un pizzico anche l'altro... ma scherziamo? Dovendo scegliere a mani basse il second lead tutta la vita (che poi pure lui sembra essersi risvegliato di un colpo a 10 pagine dalla fine!). Finale super brusco e quasi sospeso, ho seri sospetti che l'edizione italiana abbia amputato qualche pagina... almeno lo spero!
Ho letto parecchi libri della Cartland, alcuni li rileggo anche talvolta perché mi sono piaciuti particolarmente, ma questo senza dubbio rientra tra i peggiori se non IL peggiore. Di base l'eroe è un figlio dei suoi tempi, un nobile arrogante, freddo e spocchioso, che mantiene una caterva di amanti e si accorge di sua moglie solo quando lei dice o fa qualcosa di scandaloso (a patto sia nelle vicinanza, perché spesso è in viaggio o tra le braccia di qualche amante). Lei inizialmente mi ha conquistata con la sua vivacità e la sua battuta pronta, ma poi la sua ingenuità si trasforma in stupidità e arriva perfino ad assecondare il marito nella sua ultima impresa (per l'ennesima amante of course) dove scopre di amare lui ma un pizzico anche l'altro... ma scherziamo? Dovendo scegliere a mani basse il second lead tutta la vita (che poi pure lui sembra essersi risvegliato di un colpo a 10 pagine dalla fine!). Finale super brusco e quasi sospeso, ho seri sospetti che l'edizione italiana abbia amputato qualche pagina... almeno lo spero!
December 10, 2024
A lot of nonsense in this book
April 27, 2020
Una esposa singular
March 2, 2023
Give me your daughter in marriage - and I will cancel your debts.' So wrote the infamous Earl of Meridan to Hester's father, whose rash wagers at the card-tables threatened to lose him his entire estate. But Hester, already in love and pledged to another man, had a younger sister - the tomboyish Lucinda, whose daring and unconventional behaviour was to cause Lord Meridan more trouble than he had bargained for...
October 13, 2016
Nobody reads Barbara Cartland expecting a literary masterpiece... It's good, light hearted entertainment. As far as the same authors writing goes, the female lead in this book actually has a bit of spunk compared to the rest of Barbara Cartlands heroines.
I recently read a biography of Georgiana duchess of Devonshire, so it was really interesting to run into some familiar characters like lady Jersey and lady devereux. I like how BC incorporated them into her story.
I recently read a biography of Georgiana duchess of Devonshire, so it was really interesting to run into some familiar characters like lady Jersey and lady devereux. I like how BC incorporated them into her story.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews