Behind the Find: This Ravaged Heart by Barbara Riefe

In the world of vintage romance, few covers capture the drama and allure of the genre quite like This Ravaged Heart by Barbara Riefe. Published in 1977 by Playboy Press, this paperback is the first in the Dandridge Trilogy—a sweeping historical saga that follows Lisa Allworth Dandridge, a young English bride swept into a whirlwind of love, betrayal, and survival.

The cover alone is a masterpiece of vintage illustration: a passionate embrace set against a stormy sky and stately architecture. Inside, the prose is equally evocative, filled with emotional intensity and period detail that transports readers to another time.

This particular copy shows signs of its journey—slight yellowing, minor folds, and small tears—but remains complete and readable. It’s a testament to the enduring charm of vintage paperbacks and the stories they carry.

Whether you're a collector, a lover of historical romance, or simply drawn to the nostalgia of 1970s publishing, This Ravaged Heart is a find worth celebrating.

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