BACK COVER: "She needed to believe in herself !
Victoria was a very pretty girl, but with three sisters even prettier than she, Victoria had developed a bit of a complex about her looks. So when attractive Alexander van Schuylen made it clear he liked her, and admired her efficiency at her job, she really didn't expect any more from him - he was so impressed with her sisters' beauty, how could she ? But if his feelings for Victoria did run deep, she could be in danger of losing him, entirely through her own fault."

I must admit to a fondness for Betty Neels' Cinderella stories, but I found this deviation from that theme equally satisfying and fun. This story will make you smile and sigh and hold your breath and cry. The heroine is a self deprecating lovely young woman who wants desperately to believe that her love can be returned. But being a hard working realistic person, she is afraid to believe in happily ever after when other facts and "truths" seem to fly in the face of her dream. This is a wonderful story of a too-stoic hero, his wicked tricky girlfriend, an equally wicked cocky young doctor who fancies the heroine, and the wonderful tangle that can be made with stolen mail and slick lies and missed opportunities. But most of all, it is the story of a lovely, kind heroine who finds her courage to go after the man she loves. Her tenacity and spunk will make your day !
A treat for loyal Neels readers and a fun introduction to new readers.

I think this is one of the best books Betty Neels has ever written, and I have read several of her books. This story takes place in England, as many of her books do, and I find the British terms she uses intriging.

The main reason that I am so enthralled with her books and especially this one, is her delightful depiction of children in her writing. She developes all of her charactors with warmth, gentleness and total realism so that the reader feels they are drawn into the story themselves.

What Am I? by Mary Neel Green is a sweet story about an okapi baby who gets separated from his mother in the forest of Congo-Zaire. Because he doesn't know what sort of animal he is, he searches for his mother throughout the forest, meeting some kind people and animals such as the giraffe and the antelope,who slightly resemble him, before finally being united with his mother. The story imparts much information about the elusive and beautiful okapi and children will enjoy learning about the okapi baby and his way of life through this gentle tale. The excellent black and white illustrations add much to the story, which is suitable to be read to small children or by beginning readers.

The reviewer from GA has given the plot description in her review. This is an unusual and different story then I'm used to from Ms. Neels. In this one the doctor has a disability. Cassandra is smart, caring and strong. Nice story, good plot, a better than average Neels book.

BACK COVER: He needed her as a nurse, not a woman.
Benedict van Manfeld really was one of the surliest, most unfriendly men Cassandra had ever met ! But then she learned he was a brilliant Dutch surgeon who had severely damaged his sight in an accident, and her attitude changed. He didn't know if he would ever see again, so when he asked her to go to Holland with him as his nurse, she agreed ....... and soon began to feel rather more than sympathy for him. But with his close friend Paula nearby, why should he even notice Cassandra ?

This book deviates from Ms. Neels' standard plot lines, and does so beautifully. The heroine thinks she is a plain girl with nothing special about her, when in truth her compassionate, giving soul is truly wonderful. She meets the hero on a compassionate mercy mission to be a good neighbor, refuses to pity him or indulge in his private pity party, and then continues to show her understanding and warmth. The hero is smart enough to keep her close, and eventually comes to cherish her inner beauty. He knows that it will not matter what she looks like if his sight comes back. She fears just the opposite. She is sure that when he can see how plain she is he will leave her behind. Let's hear it for the good guys ! And for the really important kind of beauty in this world - the inner beauty seen through a person's actions and in their eyes.
This will be a true treat for devoted Neels fans and an engaging read for new fans ! :)

I am an avid fan of Betty Neels books. Not every single book is my favorite I would say this one will be added to the list of ones. The doctor in this book had physical limitations which was unusual and refreshing. I loved the way they interacted with candor, wit and humor. I liked the way the doctor had a way of humbling himself in this story. It is still a classic Betty Neels. A wonderful read that I am sure that I will read again and again.

Another terrific story. I agree with the other two reviewers,(HI and GA) heartwarming and cosy. This story gives you a good feel all the way through and it's worth it just so you can read the letter at the end. This Cinderella is not going to sit around waiting for the good fairy, she'll make her own luck.

This is another of my many favorite Neels stories. The previous reviewer tells the story well enough so I won't re-tell it. However, one of the most romantic endings is contained in the letter Titus writes to Arabella as he is on a lecture tour and she is home with their new son--he starts it with "Dearest Love" and says he is anxious to be home with her.......I LOVE IT! Don't expect sexy scenes as you'll be disappointed. Read it for the lovely story and enjoy.

BACK COVER: An offer she couldn't refuse?
"I wish to marry for the wrong reasons, although perhaps they are no worse than many others. I am not in love with you..."
Titus Tavener was a busy and successful medical man who lacked a wife. Arabella had applied for the post of caretaker at his consulting rooms, but was happy to accept the new position Titus was offering her - until she complicated matters by falling in love with him....

This is another wonderful example of Betty Neels' flair with a Cinderella story. Arabella Lorimer has just lost her parents and is all alone in the world with no money and her cat. Having nursed her mother for years prior to their passing, Arabella's sole experience is in domestic engineering :) and hard work. The story lovingly displays Arabella's kind and generous heart and the hero obligingly figures out just what a treasure he has and falls very much in love himself. Along the way we enjoy all the mischief that a beautiful but selfish evil colleague can cause, and get the pleasure of spending time with old friends, Aldrik & Cressida van der Linus and their children, previously introduced in Betty's book A Happy Meeting. The doctor's family, faithful servants and pets all lovingly enclose Arabella in her wonderful new life and we enjoy every minute of the wait for Titus and Arabella to come to their senses!! :) This is a super book for anyone who is new to Betty Neels' writing and will thoroughly enchant her faithful fans.

This must be a classic book on Tibetan religion and mysticism. It is based on observations from some truly remarkable journeys in Tibet; I only wonder why the author restricts herself when relating what she has seen and heard. Part of the reason may be that she is a sceptical Western-style Buddhist and does not want to be judged as "airy-fairy" by her audience. Nevertheless, she tells of some absolutely fantastic occurences which are rendered even more authentic by her dry, understated style. A fearless person, she handles situations that would have scared most of us out of our wits! But for fear of ridicule, she could no doubt have written a much longer text on this subject.

Intelligent, witty and insightful. Alexandra David-Neel was, to put it bluntly, "one hell of a woman." Her frank and colourful descriptions of Tibet make one yearn for the past. For example, the Lama with a plat of hair down to his feet, who wears golden earings and is dressed like some Chinese geni. I found her cutting and frank humour delightful, her scheptical comments forthright even when faced with inexplicable incidents that unfurl before her eyes. Considering that this book was first published in 1932, the lady was well before her time. New agers will have a challange catching up with her insights, let alone her knowledge of Buddist spirituality. Highly recommended!

I have enjoyed this book for many years. It gives a colorful description of the more unusual aspects of Tibetan and Bon religious practice. One chapter, for example, interestingly called "Psychic Sports", describes the lung-gom-pas runners who run incredible distances while in a trance, warming oneself in the snow through psychic heat, telepathy, etc. The author was a hardy traveler and a practicing Buddhist -- and a no-nonsense observer of the world around her -- so her observations ring true. Since this book was written early in the century, it is refreshingly free of the political controversies that surround modern Tibet; instead, it describes an earlier, purer Tibetan culture, long before the Chinese tried to destroy it. I would have liked to meet this author -- she must have been a fascinating woman!

Back Cover description: "A rather dull girl...with no looks to speak of." Doctor Charles Trescombe's opinion of his niece's governess was far from complimentary. Cordelia knew she was plain. She also knew what good manners were, and the high-and-mighty doctor didn't have any! But there was magic in Vienna that could transform even the most unlikely people. Much to her dismay, Cordelia fell in love with him anyway. And Charles soon discovered that quiet and unassuming ways had a knack of stealing a man's heart--without him even realizing it.

This is one of the better Betty Neels books. It's the first I've read that takes place in Vienna. Both Charles and Cordelia are English. She is governess to his niece (a temporary post). The descriptions of the city are done so that you'd like to go there. Ms. Neels describes the food and clothing with an eye to detail. I love the way she gives the whole menu everytime anyone eats. Good story, strong heroine and love. Another hit by a terrific author.

This is absolutely one of my very favorite Betty Neels books. I must admit to a special fondness for her Cinderella stories. No one tells them better. This book has the wickedly delicious cold stepmother and evil little stepchildren, the heroine determined to escape and make her way in a world that is not always kind to poor hard-working people, the silly little selfish spoiled women of the world, and the dusty, moldy, old-before-his-time unsuspecting lovable hero. You will sigh and cry and not be able to put it down !
A joy for loyal Neels readers and a wonderful introduction to the Neels magic for new readers.
If they ever get smart enough to put it out in some hard cover form, I will snap up a copy - as I have dog eared my current copy !!

This story is about a girl strong enough to leave a bad home situation to better herself. She has some set-backs and disappointments but never gives up. And, along the way she meets a very nice man who takes a while to realize that this is his soulmate! As always Betty Neels has delivered a truly sweet romance. The characters a very believeable. If you are a fan of a true romance, and not a story where they jump into an intimate relationship after knowing each other for five minutes then Betty Neels is the author for you.

The other two reviewers have the plot description. This is another fine story by Ms. Neels. If you read her stories you know what to expect-strong silent men, heroines who soldier on no matter the difficulty and no sex. The only part that annoyed me was that the fiancée was involved in the story too long. That being stated, another story that when you finally reach the end, you're smiling

Cover: When Eulalia (Warburton) first met Fenno van Linssen she thought him thoroughly infuriating! And yet, the eminent Dutch surgeon had swiftly taken charge when her young cousin, Peter, had a minor accident, his dedication far beyond the call of duty. But Eulalia's growing admiration for the man was rather alarming. He had a fiancee, after all. And Eulalia had more pressing concerns - like finding a new home for Peter and herself. Her mysterious inheritance of a country cottage seemed a heaven-sent solution! But was fate or Fenno giving Eulalia a helping hand?
This is another of Betty Neels' wonderful stories about a strong, loving, selfless heroine who takes in her orphaned little cousin without hesitation, and raises him with the help of yet another devoted, charming family retainer who completes the new family circle. The little family group has, as usual, fallen on hard times through no fault of their own and are cheerfully carving the best life possible in their new situation.
This story is made even more fun by an outspoken heroine, a hero slow to recognize his attraction, and - best of all - a very witchy snooty fiancee who unwittingly spoils her own chances by being truly rude and spiteful to the heroine, orchestrating the heroine's certain unjustified employment termination, thereby throwing her right under the compassionate wings of the Hero !! What fun !
Thank heaven also for cute little nephews who know how to look out for their beloved Aunts!

Cover: When Eulalia Warburton first met Fenno van Linssen she thought him thoroughly infuriating! And yet, the eminent Dutch surgeon had swiftly taken charge when her young cousin, Peter, had a minor accident, his dedication far beyond the call of duty. But Eulalia's growing admiration for the man was rather alarming. He had a fiancee, after all. And Eulalia had more pressing concerns - like finding a new home for Peter and herself. Her mysterious inheritance of a country cottage seemed a heaven-sent solution! But was fate or Fenno giving Eulalia a helping hand?
This is a delightful story about a courageous heroine with a limitless capacity for caring. The hero takes a little while to realize the depth of his feelings, but he has a helping hand from the charming little orphan cousin that Eulalia raises as her own. There are the requisite Neels devoted servants that give fate a hand, and the snooty fiancee that through her own bad behaviour places Eulalia more firmly under Fenno's wing! It is a fun book with characters you will fall in love with.
As usual, the heroine AND hero are both what the other needs!

... Betty Neels writes good stories about normal (regular) people. We can't all be rich or beautiful. With some of us it doesn't matter how many times we go to the salon, we come out looking the same, only neater. I like a good sex scene as well as anyone, but somehow Ms. Neels stories don't seem to need them.Even the
villian(ess) in this story wasn't with us for long. A nice, comfy read.

Like the reader from Australia, "The Fateful Bargain" was the very first book I ever read by Betty Neels-- and once I'd read one, I was hooked! For those of you out there who enjoy a warm, feel-good, clean (operative word) romance, this is one of many Neels books I recommend you sink your teeth into
The narrative style is wonderfully matter-of-fact, relating the story of a young woman who is neither beautiful nor brilliant (facts that will instantly gain sympathy points from many readers--after all, most people are not gorgeous; does that mean they are less worthy of love?)-- just a nice, practical-minded girl whose life could stand to be enriched by love. The story may strike some readers as a classic rags-to-riches tale, but this ordinary girl turned Cinderella does not now become ravishing in appearance(except to the adoring Sebastian),nor does she begin to make brainless decisions as she begins to fall in love with the good doctor--and she does not hesitate to speak her mind when necessary. Emily is just a plucky young woman whose heartwarming common sense in trying situations is sure to evoke a few smiles.
Dr. van Tecqx, who is several years older, is at first only sympathetic toward his "little friend"; he pities her near-impoverished plight and desires to help her even as she renders him an invaluable service. But gradually, (and this is another delightful aspect of the plot: the hero does not fall madly in love with the heroine at first sight-- where does that happen in real life?)he comes to realize that Emily is the woman for him.
Although Betty Neels died recently, her legacy lives on in the very many romance titles she penned over a career spanning nearly thirty years. For a refreshing change from sultry, over-sexed drivel that passes as romance these days, you might try Ms. Neels-- you won't be sorry.

Fateful Bargain introduced me to the Betty Neels genre. Her unique style is captivating. I enjoy reading about Holland, a country she features in her many books. The tall, handsome Dutchman in FAteful Bargain is absolutely scrumptious.

Tot Ziens

The best chapters of 'The Secret Lives of Alexandra David-Neel:'
owe much to Alexandra's own account of her journey to Lhasa. Her own books are wonderful to read, all of them , but in particular her 'My Journey to Lhasa' Beacon Press republished it as a paperback in 1993, ISBN 0-8070-5903-X
I can guarantee you will have a most enjoyable read.

It is my great pleasure to let Amazon readers know about the exploits of Alexandra David-Neel, the explorer of Tibet, which the Fosters chronicle so vividly in the biography, THE SECRET LIVES OF ALEXANDRA DAVID-NEEL. This bio reads more like a novel or adventure tale due to the wonderfully-detailed scenes with such authentic touches I felt as if I were truly there, and often worried about David-Neel's ability to survive. Obviously the Fosters have done their research incredibly well and write graceful,lucid prose; I was captivated from the first sentence and actually resented having to put down the book to take care of chores. This is is one of the best biographies I have ever read. The story cries out to be told visually on the big screen.

Little known crossdressing Victorian Frenchwoman undertakes a dangerous journey of discovery in forbidden country disguised as a monk and lives to tell her tale to the world. Thoroughly well researched,and well crafted The Secret Lives of Alexandra David-Neel is the biography of a remarkable woman. A woman born to the mannered and circumscribed Victorian era who chose to strike out on her own initiative to explore the spiritual secrets and she was among the first Europeans to report about it from inside to the rest of the world.
I found it a fascinating read about a remarkable woman of whom I knew nothing, a woman who accomplished amazing things in her life. I recommend this biography by Barbara and Michael Foster to anyone interested in tales of high adventure in exploration, in the golden age of exploration and of unknown exotic lands. If the story of resolutely fearless woman pursuing her dream of exploring Forbidden Tibet whets your appetite I recommned you read this well crafted biography. I can recommend it without reservation. ZaneMason