Barbara Wood, whose novels are translated into 40 languages, has long been casting a spell of love and heartbreak on her readers. The screen adaptations of her novels are also a resounding success. The secret lies in the author's intense interest in people and their fates. Her stories are set in various periods, and take the form of thrillers, Gothic tales or historical epics, as well as traditional romances. Cast with international stars, these high-gloss films provide timeless entertainment.