Frances Lynch: The Fine and Handsome Captain

The Fine and Handsome Captain by Frances Lynch was published by Fawcett in 1975 (though I believe that the paperback copy is closer to 1977/8). Hester Malpass was an orphan working at a railway restaurant. She meets a balloonist who knows about her past and soon she is on a quest to confront its secrets.

Allan Kass illustrates a very Victorian cover with our couple standing near a balloon launch. Our heroine is dressed in the latest fashion with her bustle gown and umbrella to guard against the sun's rays. It's as much fun looking at the detail of the other people on this cover. The colors seem muted and almost faded.

Frances Lynch: A Dangerous Magic

Next we have two books by author Frances Lynch. The first is A Dangerous Magic and this book was published by Fawcett in October 1979. Bridie Tantallon travels to Scotland to help her aunt write her memoirs. However, she doesn't realize that her aunt holds the key to a terrible secret that could plunge her whole family into scandal!

Allan Kass outdoes himself with this depiction of an Edwardian couple! I love our heroine's outfit: the white blouse, long straight skirt and buttoned shoes. The hero could almost be from any time period in the 20th century. It's a creative and romantic cover which I really like!