Berta Ruck

Born Amy Roberta Ruck on August 2, 1878, in Murree, then part of British India, she became a prolific British novelist writing as Berta Ruck. Sources agree that she published over 90 romance novels between 1905 and 1972, along with short stories, an autobiography, and memoirs.

She was educated in art as well as literature, studying in London and Paris, and brought a light, observant touch to popular fiction. Her work was especially associated with romance and comedy, and titles such as His Official Fiancee helped build a wide readership in Britain and beyond.

Ruck was married to the novelist Oliver Onions, and the couple had two sons. She lived to be 100, dying on August 11, 1978, in Aberdyfi, Wales, after a writing life that stretched across most of the 20th century.