Rosalind Laker

Rosalind Laker is the pen name used by a renowned English author named Barbara Ovestedal for writing her romance and historical fiction novels. Initially, Barbara used to make use of the pseudonyms Barbara Paul and Barbara Douglas for writing her books. But, when the original Barbara Paul came to the writing scene and became famous, Barbara changed her pen name to Rosalind Laker. Author Laker was born on 3rd October, 1921 in Bognor Regis, UK, and she died on 23rd November, 2012. Laker wrote her first book when an 18th century manor in her seaside birthplace was in the talks for getting demolished. She was aware that the house had a rich history being the home of the town’s founder, who was a rich merchant. In 1784, the merchant had invested a huge amount of money for turning the fishing village into a rich seaside resort. Author Laker decided to tell the story of the merchant and his house through a young girl, who grows up amidst the numerous changes that take place around her. The book, called Sovereign Key, was published in 1970 and has become an instant success. Local bookshops had sold out on the very first day and there was a big line of fans waiting to get their books signed by author Laker. She has said she didn’t have any idea that the same would happen when she was invited into various places in the US to talk about her writing and her books. It was because of this book’s success that the ancient house gained the support of the local public, who came forward to help restore it. The success also helped author Laker in setting a common pattern in her future books by developing them as a fictional story having an authentic background of historical origin.