The Best of Betty Neels

Falling for Adam Life had not been easy for Henrietta Cowper, but she hoped to improve her lot. Then, shortly after she first met consultant neurosurgeon Mr. Adam Ross-Pitt, her small world changed irrevocably. She had Mr. Ross-Pitt to thank for her new job at the manor house near his home, but she was sensible enough to realize that he was beyond her reach. If her gratitude tipped into love, there was no need for him to know--even if he did continue to come to her rescue....

Mary Jane Pettigrew can look after herself, but it comes as a surprise to her when she inherits a large house and an income to go with it. But there's a catch--Fabian van der Blocq, who is appointed 21-year-old Mary Jane's guardian. She can't even marry without his consent! Mary Jane isn't going to let Fabian have it all his own way. But that is easier said than done.

He was willing to wait until she fell out of love Rachel Downing thoroughly enjoyed her work as an operating theatre nurse. Professor Radmer van Teule, a brilliant surgeon, relied on her cheerful efficiency. Only her boyfriend, a television producer, cast an uneasy shadow on Rachel's life. Living up to his glamorous expectations wasn't easy for a sensible country girl. But somehow, whenever Rachel had been hurt, the Professor was there quietly offering comfort, watching and waiting for Rachel to notice how easily their lives fit together. . . .

AN OFFER SHE COULDN'T REFUSE... A nursing job in Holland was the only way Lavinia Hawkins could ensure a home and security for herself and her young sister, Peta. Yet within weeks of arriving she was married to the devastatingly handsome Professor Radmer ter Bavinck. Radmer had assured Lavinia that the marriage would be on a friendly basis only. He needed a kind stepmother for his daughter and a competent housekeeper to run his home. It seemed to be the ideal arrangement--for everyone except Lavinia!

Francesca Bowen has cut short her medical career to look after her elderly aunt, so she jumps at the chance to be assistant to Lady Trumper. But Francesca soon discovers that she's made the wrong decision and is being treated like a dogsbody. Then, suddenly, a glimmer of hope appears.... Professor Marc van der Kettener unexpectedly proposes! Marc has been a helping hand since they met -- but Francesca is confused by his sudden proposal. Does Marc just want to help her out of a tight spot, or has he really fallen in love...?

Was she in the right place at the wrong time? Cressida had lost her parents and badly needed a new focus. So going to Holland to help an elderly Dutch doctor with a book he was writing, giving up her own nursing job for a while, seemed ideal. Her new employer had two partners. One was elderly and friendly, like himself, while the other was younger and...not quite so friendly. Giles van der Tiele always seemed to be snubbing Cressida, putting her in her place. But when he wanted to, he could be extremely charming—too much so for her peace of mind!

He was cold-hearted and arrogant...and she loved him to distraction. Sarah had been happy working at the hospital - until Radolf Nauta interfered and left her jobless. Forced to find other means to support herself, she was totally unprepared to meet the domineering Radolf again. He hadn't changed one bit! But Sarah had, and she soon realized that her heart now belonged to him.

Georgina Rodman had been given a special nursing assignment? she was to look after the Van den Berg Eyffert children, who were recovering from an accident. Having worked in a casualty ward, Georgina felt she could cope with just about anything life threw at her. But that was before she met the children's guardian, Julius. Afterward, she realized that even common sense and a practical nature couldn't stop her from falling in love? With a man who didn't even know she existed!

Julie Beckworth enjoyed her work as a medical secretary at Saint Bravo's hospital in London, so it was a nasty surprise when her elderly boss, Professor Smythe, announced that he was retiring. After a moment's panic, she was partly reassured when told Professor Simon van der Driesma was willing to keep her on, but Simon turned out to be a very different proposition. He was younger, more energetic, and worked Julie much harder--all of which she could have accepted if he would only call her Julie, and not "Miss Beckworth" in that cool voice! Both of them had the wrong impression of the other--what would it take for the truth to be revealed?

"You want me?" Caroline Frisby was right for the job--after all, she'd established an excellent rapport with the little boy while he was in the hospital in England. It only made sense that she be the one to supervise Marc's recovery back home in Holland. But was she the right girl for the man? Marius van Houben, the boy's uncle, was rich, attractive and successful--and very single. He could have any girl he wanted. What were the chances that he would want her? Caroline knew they were one in a million.

"I know that we will meet again" That was the promise of the arrogant stranger who'd disrupted the hospital's casualty ward late one night-- but Octavia promptly forgot him. She was off on an exciting Mediterranean cruise and her head was full of the romantic places she hoped to see. Octavia never dreamed she'd be seeing them with Dr. Lucas van der Weijnen, the stranger from casualty, who was filling in as ship's doctor; nor that he'd want to see her once the cruise was over. She .was unprepared for his proposal!

He hardly seemed to notice her Prudence Makepeace had made her own plans for leaving England - she'd applied for a job in Scotland. Yet somehow she couldn't ignore the needs of her elderly godmother, and so relucutantly accompanied her on a holiday in Holland. She found herself in the unwanted company of family friend and renowned surgeon, Haso ter Brons Huizinga, and she resented his dominating authority. Haso was cold and aloof to Prudence. She tried to tell herself she didn't care. But she couldn't deny the excitement she felt in his presence - it was too strong to resist.

She swore she would never marry a rich man! As a private nurse to the wealthy, Constantia had seen the misery that too much money could bring. Jeroen van der Giessen, though, was only a poor overworked GP, so when she found herself stranded in Delft without money or a passport, and Jeroen offered marriage, Constantia accepted. At first she was quite happy with her loveless marriage, even though Jeroen was being recklessly extravagant. Then she began to discover things, about herself and him, that took away all her newfound happiness....

strong textAt least the kids liked him! Dictatorial, overbearing and downright rude! Dr. Valentine Seymour might be an excellent pediatrician, but however good he was with his small patients, he needed to develop more of a bedside manner with adults. Daisy disliked him the first time they met and he certainly didn't improve on further acquaintance. But somehow fate - not to mention his twin nephew and niece, Josh and Katie - meant that she had to keep meeting the man. Of course, she had a lot to thank him for - her new job with the twins among other things. Had she misjudged him after all?

The giddy social whirl was not for Serena She'd long ago resigned herself to looking after her invalid mother instead. Quiet, hardworking Serena was only too glad to be of service. Dutch consultant Marc ter Feulen changed all that when he became Serena's new employer. Arrogant, demanding and apparently blind to the interests of anyone but himself, he was not the sort of person Serena had ever before encountered. She was quite equal to the challenge, however. Her only problem was that in spite of all her efforts, she was falling in love...

Phoebe is delighted to accept Dr. George Pritchard's proposal - even though he makes it clear he wants a marriage of convenience. But the excitement of the wedding day touches both their hearts, and suddenly it looks as though their marriage might just be for real.

Leonora 'the daughter of the manor' and James Galbraith become acquainted when he sets up as the local doctor - when the previous gentleman retires for his health. Her family has lost much of their wealth, but still feels attached at the roots to their home and their community. Her parents have the sort of pride that allows their daughter to become basically a home slave, but the concept of her working for hire is repugnant. The way opens up for her to do just that, however, without hurting their 'gentle' expectations too deeply. Her parents are not the mean-spirited type, just unable to cope efficiently with their current situation. Along the way, those who deserve it find happiness. But first, Leonora has to realize the character of a man she had previously trusted.

Too good to be true? When Eulalia first met Fenno, she found him thoroughly irritating! So she was alarmed when her attraction to him escalated to uncomfortable levels. And it certainly didn't help that he was engaged to another woman. Eulalia had more important things to take care of—like finding a home for herself and her young cousin. But her mysterious inheritance of a country cottage made her suspicious. Was fate—or Fenno—giving her a helping hand? Goodreads.com

Professor Alexander van Zeust's sister was ill, and her four young children needed someone to care for them. He asked Beth Partridge-- kind, capable, sensible Beth--to watch them for a week. She did a fantastic job, so one week extended to two, and then longer.... The professor was happy--the children loved Beth and their mother knew they were in good hands. Everyone was happy, except Beth. She had fallen in love with her aloof employer, but he wasn't likely to be interested in her. Beth wanted to return to her hospital job and escape all the emotional turmoil, but how could she when the children needed her?

"An offer she couldn't refuse? 'I wish to marry for the wrong reasons. 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 job of caretaker at his consulting rooms, but she was happy to accept the new position Titus was offering -- until she complicated matters by falling in love with him ..."--Page 4 of cover.

Life could be worse But Cressida wasn't really sure how. Things had been bad ever since obligations had forced her to stay at home with her demanding stepmother. She'd even sprained her ankle while trying to help a mistreated dog, which left her stranded in the middle of nowhere. Then she was rescued by Aldrik van der Linus. The handsome doctor took an interest in her affairs and everything began to improve... until she realized that although she loved Aldrik, he only saw her as a patient, not as a woman.

WHO WAS THE BRIDE TO BE? Sister Maggy MacFergus was tall, and she discovered that most men found this off-putting. When Dr. Paul Doelsma offered Maggy a nursing job in Holland, she took it. There was something special about Dr. Doelsma and it wasn’t just that he was taller than her. She was sensible enough to realise that he would never love her back. After all, Paul had said he’d already chosen himself a wonderful wife, but who was the lucky girl?

He should have been impossible to love-- He was overbearing and insufferable! Yet, when Brittania met Professor Luitingh van Thien who came to her hospital as a visiting consultant surgeon, she promptly fell in love with him! So, when the professor went back to Holland, Britannia followed him. There she met the beautiful and sophisticated Madeleine de Venz, who would, apparently, make a much better wife for the professor. Or would she?

Dr. Walle van der Tacx was a very attractive man. When he offered Philomena a nursing job in Holland, she jumped at it--surely it would mean that she could see more of him? It didn't take her long to realize her mistake and to discover that there was no point in entertaining romantic thoughts about the doctor. Clearly it was just a question of time before he married pretty and vivacious Tritia. It would take a miracle for him to notice plain Philomena, who had nothing but a kind heart to offer him! - Goodreads.com

Emma Hastings was a splendid theater sister, and the devastatingly handsome Dutch surgeon Justin Teylingen was certainly aware of her talents. During his visit to her hospital, Justin had gained the greatest respect and admiration for Emma, but that wasn't quite the same as feeling love-and Emma knew it was love that she wanted from Justin. But why would he see her as anything more than an efficient colleague when far prettier girls were his for the asking…?

A double wedding would be twice the fun. Everybody said that Loveday was good in a crisis. So when her old friend asked for help, Loveday was only too willing to lend a hand. Rimada was desperately in love and wanted to get married, but her guardian, the overbearing Baron Adam de Wolff van Ozinga, didn't approve of her choice. Loveday agreed to take charge of Rimada's illicit wedding plans. Adam was going to discover he wasn't a match for Loveday Pearce...or for true love!

He'd proposed -- a marriage of convenience! Dr. Rijk van Taak ter Wijsma hadn't gone down on bended knee, nor had there been fireworks when he'd kissed her cheek, but then, Sophie had decided long ago that romance wasn't for her. She'd experienced the bitterness of a love gone wrong and was now quite content to consider a comfortable relationship. After all, Sophie and Rijk were becoming the best of friends. Their marriage would be a partnership that would offer contentment and a quiet happiness. They'd be spared the ups and downs of passion. But would such a marriage also offer solace to Sophie's awakened heart?

It was a pineapple given to her by a grateful patient that led Eloise Bennett to meeting the Dutch doctor Timon van Zeilst. Shortly after that, Eloise went to Holland to nurse a patient and there was Dr. van Zeilst again! Thrown into his company, Eloise soon realized that she loved him. But Timon was going to marry the beautiful Liske—so why would he look twice at Eloise?

"She wanted a complete break. Sappha Devenish jumped at the chance of a job in Scotland after her romance with Andrew went wrong. The change in scenery took Sappha's mind off her heartbreak, and the presence of the often infuriating but very attractive Dr. van Duyren was also a nice distraction-- But with Andrew's unexpected return, Sappha found herself entangled in the past once more!"--P. of cover.

Love and then hate. It was a seesaw. Jenny sighed. If only Toby hadn't been so complacent, believing that marrying him was the best thing that could happen to a girl. He was a nice enough man, but dull. When she'd argued with him, he hadn't contradicted her once! If only it had been the professor... but she couldn't imagine that man behaving so tamely. Besides, he didn't love her. "My dear girl," he had said, "you flatter yourself and me, too--I have no interest in you at all!"

WANTED--A SENSIBLE COMPETENT WIFE! When distinguished surgeon Gerard van Doorninck asked Staff Nurse Deborah Culpepper to marry him, his reasons were practical, not romantic. As she had been secretly in love with Gerard for some time, Deborah accepted his terms and hoped for the best. It might all have worked out very happily, had Gerard's friend Claude van Trapp not done his best to try and spoil things!

At 17, Scilla's world fell apart when her first love, Dallas, returned to Australia without even saying goodbye. So when ten years later, her sister asks her to come to Libya as nanny to her nephews, Scilla jumps at the opportunity to make a fresh start and leave the heartache of the previous years behind. Her life, at long last, is moving on. But Benghazi was the last place she expected to hear an Australian accent... and she comes face to face with her past.

BLOSSOMING INTO LOVE Through pure chance, Rose met Sybren Werdmer ter Sane, one of the most eminent surgeons in Holland. Their accidental meeting led her to a job, nursing Sybren's godson. Rose loved everything about her new life -- including Sybren! But surely such an important man wouldn't have time to take an interest in her. What Rose didn't realize was that she had the gift of love. It touched everyone around her -- even hard-hearted surgeons.

SHE NEEDED TO BELIEVE IN HERSELF! Victoria was a very pretty girl, but with three sisters even prettier than she was, Victoria had developed a bit of a complex about her looks. So when attractive Alexander van Schuylen made it clear he liked her, she really didn't expect much more from him. How could she, when he was so impressed with her sisters' beauty? But if his feelings for Victoria actually did run deep, she could be in danger of losing him--entirely through her own fault!

The Professor Proposed... But love wasn't part of his proposal. Not even after Krijn van der Brink-Schaaksma confessed to Beatrice that he'd someday 'like to fall in love.' Obviously he didn't consider Beatrice a candidate for 'loving' wife. Theirs would be a marriage of convenience only, he had told her. But whose convenience? Could she possibly share her life with this man? Yet secretly Beatrice began to hope that one day Krijn might come to care for her as much as she already cared for him...

Having been a charge nurse at St. Anne's Hospital for some time, Julia Mitchell had trouble accepting the arrogant, domineering attitude of Professor van der Wagema. But once she got to know him, an entirely different man emerged—one she had difficulty disliking! Yet how could her heart betray her when she already had Nigel? Besides, what hope was there for her, since the professor's heart was already promised to another…

Samantha sympathized with the problems of the elderly Dutch woman who was admitted to the hospital where she worked. But she didn't realize that her encounter with Juffrouw Boot's employer, the striking Giles ter Ossel, would bring her so much heart-searching. Perhaps one shouldn't get involved with one's patients? Yet .. .