Picture a British storyteller who whisked readers to the opulent courts of Versailles and the windswept fjords of Norway—meet Barbara Ovstedal! Writing as Rosalind Laker, this historical romance novelist spun tales of love, ambition, and adventure that captivated readers across the globe. With her meticulous research and vivid storytelling, Ovstedal brought history to life, blending heart-pounding romance with rich historical detail.
Born in 1921 in the seaside town of Bognor Regis, UK, Ovstedal’s journey from a wartime munitions worker to a literary sensation is as compelling as her novels. Her stories, translated into over 20 languages, continue to enchant readers with their timeless allure.
The Making of Barbara Ovstedal
Barbara Ovstedal, born Barbara Geils, grew up in a family that cherished its ancestral tales, sparking her lifelong passion for history. After losing her father at age three, she found solace in storytelling, excelling in English compositions at school. During World War II, she worked in a munitions factory, where she met Inge Ovstedal, a Norwegian airman. Their 1945 marriage and move to Norway ignited her love for Nordic culture, later reflected in her novels. Ovstedal began writing short non-fiction pieces for magazines like Jackie and Honey, but a romantic story she penned at a hairdresser’s inspired her to try fiction, launching her career with an immediate acceptance from a publisher.
Barbara Ovstedal’s Unforgettable Stories
Under her pseudonym Rosalind Laker—her great-grandmother’s name—Ovstedal crafted over 40 historical romance novels, each a tapestry of meticulous research and emotional depth. Her debut, Sovereign’s Key (1969), set in Bognor Regis, follows a young girl navigating love and change as her town transforms into a fashionable resort. To Dance with Kings (1988), a bestseller, traces four generations of women entwined with the court of Louis XIV, blending royal intrigue with heartfelt romance. The Golden Tulip (1991) explores art and ambition in 17th-century Amsterdam, while The House by the Fjord (2011), her final novel, weaves a poignant love story against Norway’s post-WWII recovery.
Ovstedal’s style is marked by strong, talented heroines who defy societal constraints, from governesses to artists. Her settings, whether the haute couture salons of Paris or the Norwegian Resistance hideouts, are vividly authentic, thanks to her hands-on research. She traveled to remote locations, like Quadra Island for What the Heart Keeps, ensuring every detail rang true. Her knack for blending historical accuracy with swoon-worthy romance made her a favorite among readers and critics alike.
Why Barbara Ovstedal Matters
Barbara Ovstedal’s novels did more than entertain—they brought history to life for countless readers. Her work, translated into over 20 languages, introduced global audiences to diverse cultures and eras, from Regency England to Catherine the Great’s Russia. Her collaboration with editor Jacqueline Onassis at Doubleday and appearances on shows like Ed Sullivan’s elevated her international profile. Ovstedal also inspired aspiring writers, generously mentoring talents like Christine Trent, who dedicated a book to her. Her archive at the University of Reading preserves her legacy, offering a treasure trove for scholars and fans.
- Born: October 3, 1921, Bognor Regis, UK
- Key Works: To Dance with Kings, The Golden Tulip, The House by the Fjord
- Awards: Elizabeth Goudge Historical Award, 1986
- Pseudonyms: Rosalind Laker, Barbara Paul, Barbara Douglas
Snag To Dance with Kings and dive into Barbara Ovstedal’s world of historical romance, where love conquers all against the backdrop of history’s grandest stages!