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Charles Dickens needs no formal introduction, having been the most popular English writer of the 19th century and still one of the most popular writers in history today. Dickens was obsessed with reading, making him a natural journalist by the age of 20, when he began a career in journalism. Along the way, he also began writing his own short stories and materials, often serializing them in monthly installments in publications, a popular method of publishing in the 19th century. Unlike most writers, Dickens would not write an entire story before it began its serialization, allowing him to work on the fly and leave plot lines up in the air with each opportunity. By the time he died at the relatively young age of 58 from a stroke, he was already Europe's most famous writer. His obituary noted that Dickens was a “sympathiser with the poor, the suffering, and the oppressed.” Dickens was interred in Westminster Abbey, a rare honor bestowed only among the greatest and most accomplished Britons. Many of Dickens'novels were written with the concept of social reform in mind, and Dickens'work was often praised for its realism, comic genius and unique personalities. At the same time, however, Dickens'ability as a writer was nearly unrivaled, with his ability to write in prose unquestioned and unmatched.

When Daisy's mother falls ill she is forced to return home. With her twin sons in tow, she moves back to Half Moon Farm, her family's ancient hop farm. But a new life in the Kent countryside isn't necessarily as idyllic as it might seem. Daisy's relationship with her mother is complicated and the tumbledown farm isn't the only thing that needs rebuilding. Daisy and her sons must adjust to life with estranged family, a leaking roof, and no WiFi. Luckily for Daisy, she might yet find some distraction in silver fox farmer, Drew, or in the haughty heir to the nearby estate, Kit, who she can't seem to avoid.Daisy must learn to juggle her new life, the boys, and the daunting task of updating the farm. But there are secrets lurking in her family's past that might throw everything into further disarray…

An unforgettable, nightmarish coming-of-age story set in rural Austria towards the end of World War II.It is 1944, and war has taken the men in Nazi-controlled Austria to the front line. For thirteen-year-old Ursula Hildesheim, life in the village of Felddorf remains almost as it was: bullied by her schoolmates, enlisted in endless chores by her mother and sister, thieving, and running wild with her adored older brother, Anton. But then Russian prisoners escape from the local concentration camp, her mother starts an affair with a married man, her only friend goes missing, and her brother's allegiance to the Hitler Youth emerges in shocking ways--and Ursula finds herself alone, disturbed by dark memories, and surrounded by threat. In this new world of conflict, Ursula discovers a bravery she has never known before and is forced to recognize that danger comes not only from the enemy at the door but from the enemy within. My Own Dear Brother is a remarkable coming-of-age story and an unflinching study of both cruelty and courage. Rich in folklore, it introduces a daring young heroine and a powerful new literary voice.

_______________'One of the most emotive accounts of life in Nazi Austria that I've ever read'- Guardian'A moving portrait of a girl forced to come of age in a world at war'- Sunday Times'Vividly depicted and shrewdly observed … The world evoked here strikes me as fundamentally true'- Sydney Morning Herald_______________An unforgettable, nightmarish coming-of-age story set in rural Austria towards the end of the Second World War.It is 1944, and war has taken the men in Nazi-controlled Austria to the front line. For thirteen-year-old Ursula Hildesheim, life in the village of Felddorf remains almost as it was: bullied by her schoolmates, idly thieving from the village shop, enlisted in endless chores by her mama and sister and running wild with her adored older brother Anton. But when Russian prisoners escape from the local concentration camp, her mama starts an affair with a married man, her friend goes missing and her brother's allegiance to the Hitler Youth emerges in shocking ways, Ursula finds herself alone, disturbed by dark memories, and surrounded by threat. In this new world of conflict, Ursula discovers a bravery she has never known before and is forced to recognise that danger comes not only from the enemy at the door but from the enemy within. My Own Dear Brother is a remarkable coming-of-age story and an unflinching study of both cruelty and courage. Rich in folklore, it introduces a daring young heroine and a powerful new literary voice._______________'Intensely imagined'- Independent'A powerful and absorbing novel... Brilliantly done'- Esther Freud, author of Mr Mac and Me'A touching chronicle of some of the lesser-known casualties of war and of the resilience of human spirit'- Washington Independent Review of Books'Muller creates a flawed and vulnerable young heroine we believe in'- The Australian

To avoid marriage, Merry Vance has concocted a sinfully scandalous scheme: to pose for Nicolas Craven, London's most sought-after artist. No man in his right mind would marry a woman who posed nude for this notorious rogue.But Nicolas has his own plans for the fiesty young woman. And Merry has no idea how hot it can get in an artist's studio.

A sinfully sensuous story of a family plagued by scandal—and a shy young woman who discovers a passion beyond her wildest dreams… When her beloved father passes away, Florence Fairleigh finds herself alone in the world. All she wants is a man who will treat her kindly and support her financially—and she's come to London to find him. Edward Burbrooke thinks marriage is the only way to save his brother Freddie—and their family—from scandalous ruin. As head of the family, Edward has vowed to find Freddie a bride—and fast. Thrown together by Edward, Florence and Freddie make a perfect pair—until Edward realizes he has feelings for his brother's betrothed. The sight of her nubile young body makes his blood burn with lust. The sound of her voice makes his heart warm with love. And the sweet taste of her kiss makes him wonder if he isn't making a terrible mistake…

Following the death of their mother from a botched backwoods abortion, the McAlister daughters have to cope with the ripple effect of this tragedy as they come of age in 1950s Mississippi and then grow up to face their own impossible choices—an unforgettable, beautiful novel that is threaded throughout with the stories of mothers and daughters in pre-Roe versus Wade America.Life heads down back alleys, takes sharp left turns. Then, one fine day it jumps the track and crashes.”In the fall of 1957, Olivia McAlister is living in Opelika, Mississippi, caring for her two girls, June and Grace, and her husband, Holly. She dreams of living a much larger life--seeing the world and returning to her wartime job at a landing boat factory in New Orleans. As she watches over the birds in her yard, Olivia feels like an “accidental”—a migratory bird blown off course. When Olivia becomes pregnant again, she makes a fateful decision, compelling Grace, June, and Holly to cope in different ways. While their father digs up the backyard to build a bomb shelter, desperate to protect his family, Olivia's spinster sister tries to take them all under her wing. But the impact of Olivia's decision reverberates throughout Grace's and June's lives. Grace, caught up in an unconventional love affair, becomes one of the “girls who went away” to have a baby in secret. June, guilt-ridden for her part in exposing Grace's pregnancy, eventually makes an unhappy marriage. Meanwhile Ed Mae Johnson, an African-American care worker in a New Orleans orphanage, is drastically impacted by Grace's choices. As the years go by, their lives intersect in ways that reflect the unpredictable nature of bird flight that lands in accidental locations—and the consolations of imperfect return. Filled with tragedy, humor, joy, and the indomitable strength of women facing the constricted spaces of the 1950s and 60s, The Accidentals is a poignant, timely novel that reminds us of the hope and consolation that can be found in unexpected landings.

Eine junge Liebe - Ein uralter Fluch Holly ist sechzehn, als sie in einen schrecklichen Unfall verwickelt wird, bei dem ihre Eltern sterben und den sie als Einzige überlebt. Schweren Herzens und in tiefer Trauer verlässt sie ihre Heimatstadt und zieht zu ihrer Tante und deren Familie nach Seattle. Kaum dort angekommen erfährt Holly Unglaubliches: Sie entstammt einem uralten Hexengeschlecht - und ihre Familie befindet sich im Krieg mit den mächtigen Hexern des Deveraux-Clans. Als wäre das noch nicht genug, schleicht sich auch noch die Liebe in ihr Leben. Doch Jeraud, zu dem sie sich wie magisch hingezogen fühlt, gehört ausgerechnet zu dem verfeindeten Clan...'Hexenkuss'ist der Auftakt zu der Urban Fantasy-Serie um Holly, ihren Hexenclan und ihre große Liebe Jeraud. Weitere Titel der Reihe: Band 1: Witch - Hexenkuss Band 2: Witch - Hexentochter Band 3: Witch - Hexenerbe Band 4: Witch - Hexentraum Band 5: Witch - Hexenblut Nach der Erstveröffentlichung bei Penhaligon erscheinen die romantischen Bestseller aus den USA nun erstmals digital bei beBEYOND - fremde Welten und fantastische Reisen.

From the bestselling author of Riders of the Purple Sage, comes another classic Western tale.The sun set across the purple sky over the Don Carlos Rancho while the warm Santa Fe breeze rustled through the grazing fields just off the trail. The Colonel sat on his porch, staring over the whole scene, pondering the seemingly-doomed future of his prized cattle ranch. “Another spell with my heart like this last one will kill me,” he said nervously to his right-hand man, Britt.Afraid it would break her, the Colonel kept his condition from his alienated daughter, Holly—who was shipped off to boarding school in the East at the tender age of eight. The Colonel would settle for nothing less than the best education for his daughter. Not to mention, the West—crawling with outlaws, thieves, and greed—was no place for a naïve, young woman.However, in the wake of the Colonel's death, Holly is forced to return and take the reins of her father's beloved cattle empire. In the midst of hordes of outlaws ransacking the ranch and antagonizing their stock, the heiress must learn the ways of the West alongside the Captain Britt, in an attempt to salvage what's left of her father's dream.In the spirit and glory of a classic Western, and published exactly as the author originally intended, Knights of the Range, is one of Zane Grey's swiftest and most exciting novels.Skyhorse Publishing is proud to publish a broad range of books for readers interested in fiction that takes place in the old West. Westerns—books about outlaws, sheriffs, chiefs and warriors, cowboys and Indians—are a genre in which we publish regularly. Our list includes international bestselling authors like Zane Gray and Louis L'Amour, and many more. While not every title we publish becomes a New York Times bestseller or a national bestseller, we are committed to books on subjects that are sometimes overlooked and to authors whose work might not otherwise find a home.

'End of the line!'The stagecoach driver's shout sent a chill down Holly Lambeth's spine. What an ominous sound! Was Riverbend, Oregon, to be the end of the line for her? She had come West to escape the swirling gossip about her broken engagement. She had come to escape the humiliation of being jilted. She came here to find a welcome new life, but her cousin's chilly reception tells her she has made a terrible mistake. Here in Riverbend, 2,000 miles from Kentucky, in a town barely more than a mining camp, Holly faces the fact that she is unwanted and unwelcome. Knowing this unhappy truth, Holly reaches another conclusion. Only she can change her situation. Both the sophisticated editor of the local newspaper, as well as the town's dedicated doctor, are attracted to the pretty newcomer. But Holly has more than romance on her mind. An unforeseen opportunity presents a challenge that brings Holly to a decision that will not only change her, but alter her own vision of her future.

When her father dies, sheltered young Holly Ripple gains possession of his vast cattle empire, plagued by rustlers and desperadoes. But she stands firm and soon has earned the reputation of a strong-willed cattle queen.

When her father dies, sheltered young Holly Ripple gains possession of his vast cattle empire, plagued by rustlers and desperadoes. But she stands firm and soon has earned the reputation of a strong-willed cattle queen.

'Beautiful and engaging and clever'Manda Scott, bestselling author of A Treachery of Spies'A young witch to rival Tiffany Aching. Magic!'FMA Dixon August 1940. In a quiet village in rural Kent, the enemy is at the gates... The Battle of Britain rages and Faye Bright encounters the ghost of a pilot who won't give up the fight. Before she can help him, Faye is whisked away to join a motley crew of witches to perform a top secret ritual on the White Cliffs of Dover that could repel the invaders. But there's a catch. The ritual must be executed in the nuddy. Mrs Teach threatens mutiny. Miss Charlotte is intrigued. And Faye wants to call the whole thing off when she suspects there's a spy in their midst. It's up to Faye Bright to uncover the traitor, all while dealing with the ghost haunting Ivy Barn who may hold the key to the truth. But first, Faye has to learn to fly...For fans of Lev Grossman and Terry Pratchett comes the third novel in this delightful series of war, mystery and a little bit of magic...Don't miss the other magical books in the WITCHES OF WOODVILLE series! #1 The Crow Folk #2 Babes in the Wood #3 The Ghost of Ivy Barn #4 The Holly King #5 The Corn BridePraise for The Witches of Woodville series'I so enjoyed The Crow Folk. Set in an endearingly odd village in deepest Kent, it's full of engaging characters and weird, witchy goings-on. Fast-paced, entertainingly creepy and at times laugh-out-loud funny, it's also genuinely moving'Michelle Paver, author of Wakenhyrst'ACE. Smart and funny and written so warmly. It's an absolutely smashing read'Pernille Hughes, author of Probably the Best Kiss in the World ​'Swept me straight back to days of losing myself in Diana Wynne Jones novels, and getting lost in truly absorbing, sometimes scary, sometimes emotive adventure with its roots in folklore and history. A story that is full of magic and delight that will thrill readers of any age'Rowan Coleman, author of The Girl at the Window ‘A rural Ben Aaronovitch!'C. K. McDonnell, author of The Stranger Times'Warm, witty, witchy wartime fun. With Mark Stay as writer you're always guaranteed a magical read'Julie Wassmer, author of the Whitstable Pearl Mysteries'You'll love it: Doctor Who meets Worzel Gummidge'Lorna Cook, author of The Forgotten Village'A jolly romp with witches, demons, and bellringing. Pratchett fans will enjoy this, and Faye is a feisty and fun hero. Dad's Army meets Witches of Eastwick'Ian W Sainsbury ‘Mark Stay's brilliantly written Witches of Woodville books are somehow funny, cosy, clever and disturbingly dark all at the same time. Terry Pratchett fans will LOVE em'Lucy Strange

'A young witch to rival Tiffany Aching. Magic!'FMA Dixon'ACE. Smart and funny and written so warmly. It's an absolutely smashing read'Pernille Hughes, author of Probably the Best Kiss in the World ​ July, 1940. In a quiet village in rural Kent, a magical mystery leads to murder... Woodville has returned to'normal'after the departure of the Crow Folk. The villagers put out fires from aircraft shot down in the Battle of Britain, and Faye Bright discovers that magic can be just as dangerous as any weapon. The arrival of a trio of Jewish children fleeing the Nazis brings the fight for Europe to the village. When their guardian is found dead, Faye must play nanny to the terrified children while gathering clues to uncover a dark magic that threatens to change the course of the war. And she must do it quickly – the children have seen too much and someone wants them silenced for good.For fans of Lev Grossman and Terry Pratchett comes the second novel in this delightful series of war, mystery and a little bit of magic... Don't miss the other magical books in the WITCHES OF WOODVILLE series! #1 The Crow Folk #2 Babes in the Wood #3 The Ghost of Ivy Barn #4 The Holly King #5 The Corn BridePraise for The Witches of Woodville series'Beautiful and engaging and clever and what more could you ask for in a book?'Manda Scott, bestselling author of A Treachery of Spies'Swept me straight back to days of losing myself in Diana Wynne Jones novels, and getting lost in truly absorbing, sometimes scary, sometimes emotive adventure with its roots in folklore and history. A story that is full of magic and delight that will thrill readers of any age'Rowan Coleman, author of The Girl at the Window'Extremely funny, full of imagination, verve and typical English'home counties'wit'Irish Independent ‘A rural Ben Aaronovitch!'C. K. McDonnell, author of The Stranger Times'Warm, witty, witchy wartime fun. With Mark Stay as writer you're always guaranteed a magical read'Julie Wassmer, author of the Whitstable Pearl Mysteries'You'll love it: Doctor Who meets Worzel Gummidge'Lorna Cook, author of The Forgotten Village'A jolly romp with witches, demons, and bellringing. Pratchett fans will enjoy this, and Faye is a feisty and fun hero. Dad's Army meets Witches of Eastwick'Ian W Sainsbury ‘Mark Stay's brilliantly written Witches of Woodville books are somehow funny, cosy, clever and disturbingly dark all at the same time. Terry Pratchett fans will LOVE em'Lucy Strange

Shad Holly and Nat Towne are brought together when they are involved with a British patrol in the streets of Boston. Shad, an experienced frontier fighter, and Nat, a young actor, eventually are engaged in dangerous missions during the siege of Boston. Both are among the defenders of Breed's Hill, a name not so well known as nearby Bunker's Hill, thanks to the confusion of British army cartographers.

Nia Vine is about to fulfil her dream of exploring an unmapped cave system. With her will go two friends who were brought up in the same seaside town. These companions are international travellers, but Nia, who has recently become a mother, feels her experience insignificant compared with that of her friends. While the three explore, Nia finds herself obsessed by a series of dreams that finally lead to a shocking revelation. As events unfold, the strands of her life come into focus – her dysfunctional parents, the daughter she must raise differently, the friends with whom she shared childhood. In a novel whose range includes Saskatchewan, Kerala and the Welsh coast, three times Wales'Book of the Year'winner Robert Minhinnick writes with all the lyricism expected from the author of Sea Holly, which was shortlisted for the Ondaatje Prize, and the TS Eliot-shortlisted poetry collection, Diary of the Last Man. Page-turningly evocative, immersive and compelling, Robert Minhinnick has written a novel in which realism and poetry collide and mingle.

“A beautifully told story about one woman's determination to exorcise the sorrows of her family's past. It brought tears to my eyes more than once—always a good sign. I look forward to reading more novels by Sara Alexander.” —Holly Chamberlin, author of Home for the SummerSet against the beautiful backdrop of post-World War II Sardinia, Sara Alexander's evocative novel is a sweeping story of star-crossed romance between an American lieutenant and a local girl.Sometimes a family's deepest silences hide the most important secrets. For Mina, a London-based travel writer, the enigmatic silence surrounding her aunt Carmela has become a personal obsession. Carmela disappeared from her Italian hometown long ago and is mentioned only in fragments and whispers. Mina has resisted prying, respectful of her family's Sardinian reserve. But now, with her mother battling cancer, it's time to learn the truth.In 1952, Simius is a busy Sardinian town surrounded by fertile farms and orchards. Carmela Chirigoni, a farmer's daughter and talented seamstress, is engaged to Franco, son of the area's wealthiest family. Everyone agrees it's a good match. But Carmela's growing doubts about Franco's possessiveness are magnified when she meets Captain Joe Kavanagh. Joe, an American officer stationed at a local army base, is charismatic, intelligent, and married. Hired as his interpreter, Carmela resolves to ignore her feelings, knowing that any future together must bring upheaval and heartache to both families.As Mina follows the threads of Carmela's life to uncover her fate, she will discover a past still deeply alive in the present, revealing a story of hope, sacrifice, and extraordinary love.“Like Sardinia's Emerald Coast, Sara Alexander's Under A Sardinian Sky will dazzle you with its glittering descriptions of the Mediterranean island, its exquisite culinary treasures, and authentic, beautiful people. But it is the heroine Carmela's courage and heartbreaking choices that will leave you the most enchanted and racing through the novel to learn her extraordinary fate.” —Rosanna Chiofalo, author of Rosalia's Bittersweet Pastry Shop

A Christmas Carol in Prose, Being a Ghost Story of Christmas, commonly known as A Christmas Carol, is one of the most legendary stories by Charles Dickens. This edition contains the original 1843 illustrations by celebrated caricaturist John Leech. The story has long since become one of the most beloved stories in the English language. As much a part of the holiday season as holly, mistletoe, and evergreen wreaths, this perennial favourite continues to delight new readers and rekindle thoughts of charity and goodwill. The tale begins on a cold and bleak Christmas Eve in London, exactly seven years after the death of Ebenezer Scrooge's business partner, Jacob Marley. Scrooge, an old miser, hates Christmas. He refuses his nephew Fred's Christmas dinner invitation. At home that night, Scrooge is visited by Marley's ghost, who is forever cursed to wander the earth dragging a network of heavy chains, forged during a lifetime of greed and selfishness. Marley tells Scrooge that he has one chance to avoid the same fate–he will be visited by three spirits, one on each successive evening, and he must listen to them or be cursed to carry chains of his own, much longer than Marley's chains.

A sweeping historical novel set in nineteenth-century New Zealand from the #1 New York Times–bestselling author. The only son of a poor British coal miner, Robert Coffin sets sail for the far ends of the Earth in search of his fortune, leaving his young bride and infant child behind in England. In the sordid and dangerous South Pacific port of Kororareka, on the sprawling island the native Maori call “the Land of the Long White Cloud,” Coffin builds a successful new life as a merchant. He gains an unwavering respect for the aboriginal people and their culture, and finds comfort in the arms of his fiery Irish mistress, Mary. But the unexpected arrival of a China-bound clipper bearing his wife, Holly, and son, Christopher, throws Coffin's world into turmoil—compounded by the ever-increasing tension between the Maori tribes and the mistrusted “pakehas” who are plundering their land. As the years of a volatile nineteenth century progress, the indomitable family of the stalwart adventurer the Maori have named “Iron Hair” will struggle, sacrifice, and endure through war, chaos, catastrophe, and change.

Houston in the 1920s is a city of established cotton kings and newly rich oil barons, where the elite live in beaux art mansions behind the gates of Courtlandt Place. Kirby Augustus Allen, grandson of the Allen brothers who founded Houston as a real estate deal, is grooming his daughter Hetty to marry Lamar Rusk, scion of the Splendora oil fortune. Instead, at the No-Tsu-Oh Carnival of 1928, beautiful, rebellious Hetty encounters a mysterious man from Montana dressed in the gear of a wildcatter--an outsider named Garret MacBride. Hetty is torn between Lamar's lavish courtship and her instinctive connection to Garret. As Lamar's wife she would be guaranteed acceptance to the highest ranks of Houston society. Yet Garret, poor but powerfully ambitious, offers the adventure she craves, with rendezvous in illicit jazz clubs and reckless nights of passion. The men's intense rivalry extends to business, as rumors of a vast, untapped ocean of oil in East Texas spark a frenzy that can make fortunes--or shatter lives and dreams beyond repair. A sweeping, sumptuous debut that evokes the turmoil and drama rippling through the history of the Lone Star State, Magnolia City is a story of love, greed, jealousy, and redemption, brought to life through the eyes of its unforgettable heroine.'Masterfully written, this story of oil, love, and family will grab you by the heart and not let you go.'--Maria V. Snyder, New York Times best-selling author'Magnolia City is a compelling and evocative portrait of Houston in the 1920s. In turns thrilling, heartbreaking and uplifting, you will not want to put this book down until you've seen Hetty MacBride through all of her trials and triumphs.'--Rebecca Kanner, author of Sinners and the Sea'Duncan Alderson deftly brings to life a lost and fascinating time and place, Texas in the early years of the twentieth century. Magnolia City is a page-turner from the start.'--Holly Chamberlin, author of The Beach Quilt

A Union officer struggles homeward through a Christmas Eve snowstorm, haunted by loss and doubtful of the future. Paroled from a brutal prison camp, a young southern soldier yearns to find the one person he loves most in the world -- and worries over the devastation rumored to have reached his family's mountain. An immigrant private plans a startling Christmas surprise for his comrades. And a newly freed slave must choose between the desire for revenge and his longing to be a better man than his master...From northern colliery towns to ruined Old South plantations and the divided loyalties of the Appalachian Mountains, Owen Parry casts his storyteller's spell with a collection of unforgettable tales celebrating the enduring spirit of Christmas. Moving from darkness toward the light in the grand tradition of holiday tales, these stories are bound to become classics of the American yuletide season. Whether whispering an old-fashioned Christmas ghost story or reminding us that not all who suffered war's losses wore uniforms, the author always leads us back to the joyous beauty -- the miracle -- of Christmas. Moving and heartfelt, Our Simple Gifts revives the tradition of Christmas tales for grown-ups.As quietly as snow falls on holly, these Civil War Christmas tales will insist on being read again, year after year.

In this stunning novel, C. W. Gortner brings to life Juana of Castile, the third child of Queen Isabel and King Ferdinand of Spain, who would become the last queen of Spanish blood to inherit her country's throne. Along the way, Gortner takes the reader from the somber majesty of Spain to the glittering and lethal courts of Flanders, France, and Tudor England.Born amid her parents'ruthless struggle to unify and strengthen their kingdom, Juana, at the age of sixteen, is sent to wed Philip, heir to the Habsburg Empire. Juana finds unexpected love and passion with her dashing young husband, and at first she is content with her children and her married life. But when tragedy strikes and she becomes heir to the Spanish throne, Juana finds herself plunged into a battle for power against her husband that grows to involve the major monarchs of Europe. Besieged by foes on all sides, Juana vows to secure her crown and save Spain from ruin, even if it costs her everything.BONUS: This edition contains an excerpt from C. W. Gortner's The Queen's Vow.Praise for The Last Queen“This moving tale of Juana la Loca (the Mad) vividly re-creates the passion, politics, and betrayals that drove a smart and spirited queen to the brink of insanity... or perhaps, as C. W. Gortner suggests, to the pretense of insanity–a pretense that baffled Juana's enemies and led to triumph for her children and her country. The Last Queen is an absorbing account of one of history's most fascinating women, from her never-before-told point of view.”—Donna Woolfolk Cross, author of Pope Joan“I ached for this intelligent, one-of-a-kind queen. Her struggle and passion kept me up until the early hours of the morning. A page-turner, a nail-biter, an eye-opener: I loved being possessed by The Last Queen!”—Ki Longfellow, author of The Secret Magdalene“A vibrant tapestry of love and hate... brings to life an extraordinary queen at an unforgettable time in history.”—Sandra Worth, author of Lady of the Roses “An exquisite evocation of a dangerous era and of a forgotten queen.”—Holly Payne, author of The Virgin's Knot “Gripping and unforgettable... captures Juana of Castile's electrifying drama.”—Judith Merkle Riley, author of The Water Devil

A road trip novel from the author of Fup that “reads like Kerouac's On the Road as it might have been written by Hunter S. Thompson” (The Plain Dealer). George Gastin is a Bay Area tow-truck operator who wrecks cars as part of an insurance scam. One of the cars he is hired to demolish is a snow-white Cadillac that was supposed to be a present for the Big Bopper, who died in the Iowa plane crash that killed Buddy Holly and Ritchie Valens. Gastin has a change of heart and takes off in the car, heading for Texas where the Bopper is buried. Armed with a thousand hits of Benzedrine and chased by adversaries real and imagined, Gastin navigates a road trip that covers many miles and states of mind. Traveling in time from the Beat era to the dawn of the sixties, from the coffeehouses of North Beach to the open plains of America, Gastin picks up some extraordinary hitchhikers: the self-proclaimed “world's greatest salesman,” the Reverend Double-Gone Johnson, and a battered housewife with a box of old 45s. As the miles and sleepless hours roll by, Gastin's trip becomes a blur of fantasy and reality fueled by a soundtrack of classic rock ‘n'roll. “His surreal voyage into the chaos of night carries him into the heart of America's darkest psychological landscapes. Not Fade Away shakes, rattles, and rolls.” —San Francisco Chronicle

Miss Potter's new hometown of Holly How is having its share of troubles, and three children, favorites of Beatrix, are counting on the help of the fairies of Cuckoo Brow Wood. Now, with her signature tact, Beatrix must work with her friends-human and animal-to set things right.

Readers of Anne Perry's bestselling suspense novels revel in a world that is all their own, sharing the privileged existence of Britain's wealthy and powerful elite in West End mansions and great country houses. It is also a world in which danger bides in unsuspected places and the line between good and evil can be razor thin. This new novel features Lady Vespasia Cumming-Gould–one of the most memorable characters from the Thomas Pitt series–who appears here as a lively young woman, the ultimate aristocrat who can trace her blood to half the royal houses of Europe.It's Christmas and the Berkshire countryside lies wrapped in winter chill. But the well-born guests who have gathered at Applecross for a delicious weekend of innocent intrigue and passionate romance are warmed by roaring fires and candlelight, holly and mistletoe, good wine and gorgeously wrapped gifts. It's scarcely the setting for misfortune, and no one–not even that clever young aristocrat and budding sleuth Vespasia Cumming-Gould–anticipates the tragedy that is to darken this light-hearted holiday house party. But soon one young woman lies dead, a suicide, and another is ostracized, held partly responsible for the shocking turn of events.To expiate her guilt, Gwendolen Kilmuir sets out for the Scottish Highlands, hoping to explain to the dead girl's mother the circumstances surrounding the sorrowful act–and to bring her back to England for the funeral. Gwendolen's sole companion on this nightmarish journey is Vespasia. As Vespasia learns more about the victim and the ugly forces that shaped her desperate deed, she understands the heartbreaking truth of the tragedy.

She came. She cooked. She killed.Little Hélène Jégado was always different. Schooled in the ancient beliefs of the Breton people by her mother, the beautiful child grew up feeling detached from the nineteenth-century world around her. Her destiny was to do the work of the Ankou, Death's henchman. Beginning with the demise of her very own maman...Jean Teulé brings his unique blend of imagination and historical insight to the startling tale of Hélène Jégado, one of the most notorious poisoners of all time.

A BRAND NEW spicy upstairs/downstairs historical romance featuring the Queen's Deadly Damsels!Dare she risk her secrets?In the world of upstairs/downstairs, Housemaid Penny Smith anticipates her employer's needs and blends into the background making her the perfect spy for the prime minister against a suspected member of the Devil's Sons. There's only one problem. When she meets the guilty marquess, his actions don't match the evidence against him. Lord William Renquist defies her every expectation and sets her traitorous heart racing.Lord William Renquist, Marquess of Stoneway and secret spy to Queen Victoria, must infiltrate the Devil's Sons, tearing the brotherhood apart from the inside. His mission – to bring evil men to justice while atoning for the sins of his family, proving honour is stronger than tainted blood. There's only one problem. A canny maid who is always in the right place at the wrong time and who deliciously challenges his every order.Liam and Penny are unknowingly playing a dangerous game from opposite sides of justice. And at a masked ball, forbidden attraction burns into something far more complex as their secrets spin into daring confessions. This battle against their enemy will only be won if Penny and Liam can work together. But can a maid from downstairs ever trust an upstairs marquess?Praise for Darcy McGuire:A Lady's Lesson in Scandal is bar far the best historical romance we've seen this year and an absolute must-read for fans of the genre, especially those who are also partial to a crime thriller plotline that keeps you on your toes throughout. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐it's simply an amazing read you won't want to miss. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader ReviewThis is an exciting new chapter in McGuire's Deadly Damsels series, blending romance and mystery in equal measure. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️'A fantastic blend of historical romance and spy thriller!'Reader Review⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️'Masterfully blends intrigue, romance, and historical richness in a story that kept me glued to the pages late into the night.'Reader Review⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️'What a fantastic blend of historical romance and spy thriller!'Reader Review

From the bestselling author of Elizabeth & Elizabeth and That Bligh Girl, comes another fascinating story of female friendship, betrayal and triumphs based on historical events.'The very best historical fiction... Williams'novel gives voice in a page-turning narrative to the compelling lives and experiences of two forgotten women of early colonial Australia.'Melissa Ashley, author of The Naturalist of Amsterdam'I very much enjoyed That Bligh Girl, and eagerly look forward to reading its prequel.'Judy Nunn, author of Black SheepWhen future governor Philip Gidley King sailed with the First Fleet to the new colony, he had his pick of the convict women to look after him.Two years, and two sons, later, he set out back to England to provide a report on Sydney and its newly tamed Norfolk Island, as his mistress Ann Inett begged him to return to her and their children.After a year and a half he did – but bringing with him a shocking secret that would cut her to the core, and change all their lives forevermore.This is a story of tangled love affairs, female friendship, twisted loyalties, betrayals, hardship, male infidelity, and the tragedies and triumphs of life in a new land.'Williams skilfully shows the too-often overlooked impact women had on the early development of the colony.'Meg Keneally, Weekend Australian'Superb narration and engrossing drama.'Tom Keneally on That Bligh Girl'Williams draws a touching portrait of a friendship that manages to thrive despite difficulties small and large.'Sydney Morning Herald/The Age on Elizabeth & Elizabeth

The provocative, spellbinding debut novel, set in a village in the Loire Valley in the late 19th century, by prolific worldbuilder Rikki Ducornet. In The Stain, Rikki Ducornet tells the story of a young girl named Charlotte, branded with a furry birthmark in the shape of a dancing hare, regarded as the mark of Satan.'Sadistic nuns, scatology, butchered animals, monkish rapists, and Satan'(Kirkus), as well as the village exorcist, inhabit this bawdy tale of perversion, power, possession, and the rape of innocence. Ducornet weaves an intricate design of fantasy and reality, at once surreal, hilarious, and terrifying.

A page-turning historical mystery, perfect for readers of Eve Chase, Lulu Taylor and Rachel Burton.If you save a crumbling mansion, will it mend a broken heart?A month ago, Amy Wood had her perfect home, perfect boyfriend and perfect job in London. Now she's broken-hearted, living in her parents'tiny bungalow, and working in an estate agents in Bath.But Amy gets a new lease on life when she undertakes to sell Rosemont Hall, a crumbling Georgian mansion riddled with woodworm, dry rot – and secrets.Amy searches for the perfect owner to restore the house to its former glory, but time is running out for Rosemont Hall. As Amy clashes with unscrupulous property developers and the enigmatic heir to the house, she begins to uncover pieces of the past that some people would rather remain hidden.Can Amy unlock the secret of Rosemont Hall and find the keys to her own happy ending?Readers love The House of Second Chances:'The mystery that runs through the novel really drew me in'Reader Review'I loved reading this book. It had everything, humour, romance, heartbreak and above all a great story.'Reader Review'Absolutely loved this book. I admit to a passion for old houses and restoration, so it was right up my street, but the writing hooked me from the first page. I didn't want the story to end'Reader Review'If you love looking around stately homes and old houses and wondering about the secrets that they keep, you'll enjoy this.'Reader Review'The mystery behind Rosemont Hall kept me turning the pages until the end.'Reader ReviewPlease note: This book was previously published as Finding Home

At the dawn of the second millennium, two royal Scottish children are swept away from their families— Macbeth to the perilous royal court of his grandfather, and Gruach to the remnants of the goddess-worshiping Picts. Macbeth learns that blood bonds are easily severed while Gruach finds her path only to lose it when she's summoned back to the patriarchal world. Each struggle with gaining and losing power, guided and misguided by prophecy and politics as their paths converge in a fiery bid for royal succession.Upon the Corner of the Moon separates literary legend from reality, immersing readers in a story about the real rulers who changed the face of Scotland. Some legends are true, and the truth sometimes becomes a legend— or a lie. This novel masterfully dovetails the Macbeth legend and the truth without sacrificing either.

The Robert Graves Collection is a comprehensive anthology that brings together some of the most influential and acclaimed works of Robert Graves, showcasing his versatility as a historian, mythographer, and storyteller. This illustrated edition presents Graves's reflections on history, myth, and personal experience, capturing the essence of his unique literary perspective. Included in this collection is Good-bye to All That, Graves's powerful and poignant autobiography, in which he recounts his experiences in World War I and the profound impact the conflict had on his generation. Through vivid, often harrowing, detail, Graves explores themes of disillusionment, trauma, and survival, offering an unforgettable personal account of life on the Western Front. In The Greek Myths, Graves presents an authoritative yet accessible retelling of classic Greek mythology. This work combines storytelling with scholarly insight, providing not only an engaging narrative of ancient myths but also Graves's interpretations of their deeper symbolic meanings. The Golden Fleece (also known as Hercules, My Shipmate) reimagines the myth of Jason and the Argonauts, blending action and adventure with a thoughtful exploration of human and divine motives. Lawrence and the Arabs offers a biographical account of T.E. Lawrence, also known as Lawrence of Arabia. Graves's close friendship with Lawrence allows for an intimate portrayal of this enigmatic figure and his leadership in the Arab Revolt, casting light on his character and the struggles he faced. Finally, King Jesus is a bold retelling of the life of Jesus, portraying him not only as a religious figure but as a complex historical character and the rightful heir to the throne of Israel. Blending historical research with fiction, Graves's interpretation is thoughtful and provocative. This illustrated collection is essential for readers interested in historical fiction, mythology, and literary classics, providing an in-depth look at Graves's thought-provoking and influential works that continue to resonate across generations. Contents: Good-bye to All That: An Autobiography The Greek Myths Lawrence and the Arabs The Golden Fleece King Jesus

King Jesus by Robert Graves is an ambitious and thought-provoking reimagining of the life of Jesus, written with Graves's distinctive blend of historical insight and creative vision. Set against the rich backdrop of the Roman Empire and ancient Judea, this novel presents Jesus not only as a religious figure but as a rightful heir to the throne of Israel. Graves's portrayal delves into the political, cultural, and mystical forces that shaped Jesus's life and message, offering an interpretation that intertwines history, myth, and biblical accounts. In King Jesus, Graves explores the themes of kingship, divinity, and destiny. He presents Jesus as a complex character—a brilliant scholar, a prophet, and a revolutionary figure navigating a world fraught with social upheaval and clashing ideologies. By blending historical research with legend, Graves reinterprets key episodes of Jesus's life, such as his relationships with Mary and John the Baptist, his teachings, and his conflicts with the ruling powers. Through these elements, he examines questions of authority, divine purpose, and the nature of power. The illustrated edition enhances Graves's narrative, adding visual depth to his imaginative reconstruction of ancient settings, cultural symbols, and pivotal events. These illustrations further immerse readers in the world Graves builds, providing a tangible sense of the era's atmosphere and complexity. King Jesus is both a daring reinterpretation and a literary exploration of a figure who has inspired countless stories. Graves's unique perspective challenges readers to consider the life of Jesus through a different lens, revealing new dimensions of one of history's most iconic and enigmatic figures. This novel is ideal for readers interested in historical fiction, theology, and the intersections of history and myth.

We were stars standing in tall shadows every night at the Majestic Theatre. 1939. Majestic Melly is one of Halifax, Nova Scotia's biggest It Girls. As one half of the all-singing, all-dancing Majestic Sisters duo, she knows she's poised for stardom—she just needs to get off the stage of the Majestic Theatre, where she performs nightly with her sister, Missy, and find a way to Hollywood. As the curtains close on the decade, Melly disappears from the seaside city, missing Missy's wedding and leaving her sister heartbroken, and winds up on the front pages of international newspapers a few days later with Clark Gable. 1963. Melly Calvert, Hollywood's box office queen, learns that her beloved Majestic Theatre is closing its doors. After nearly twenty-five years of estrangement between the legendary Majestic Sisters, Melly returns home to convince her socialite sister, now the wife of Halifax's most successful hotelier, to try and help her save it. But old wounds are still fresh, and as the clock ticks toward the new year, the Majestic Theatre—and the Majestic Sisters—are in danger of disappearing forever. Suffused with backstage gossip and cinematic history, and written in the style of a tell-all Old Hollywood autobiography, The Majestic Sisters is an authentic and stirring portrait of sibling rivalry during the Golden Age of Cinema and an impeccably drawn portrait of mid-century Halifax that will appeal to fans of Beatriz Williams and Brooke Lea Foster.

As the Great War reshapes the world, the irrepressible Dodo navigates the chaos with her characteristic charm and wit. Amid social upheaval and personal dilemmas, she remains a sharp observer of society's foibles. Will Dodo's unflappable spirit guide her through the challenges of a changing era, or will the old world she loves slip away forever?Set against the backdrop of World War I, Dodo Wonders captures the essence of an era in flux, blending humor and poignancy. Dodo, with her larger-than-life personality, reflects on a world grappling with modernity, all while entertaining readers with her lively adventures and observations. E.F. Benson's satirical touch brings both comedy and insight to this tale of resilience and adaptation in tumultuous times.

In Depression-era Arkansas, a group of Black individuals, weary of enduring relentless brutality and disrespect from white communities, form a covert alliance known as ‘The Circle.'United by a vow to clandestinely resist racist oppression, they employ ingenious tactics to combat the injustices inflicted upon their town. As they skillfully orchestrate retribution, ‘The Circle'begins to shift the power dynamics, much to the chagrin of their white oppressors. This stirring tale reveals the resilience and ingenuity of a community determined to fight back in the face of adversity.

1456, the night of Vlad's coronation: a dastardly plot, a joint venture between the Ottoman Empire and Catholic Hungary to kill the Impaler's beloved, sets off some of the worst atrocities in history, enshrining the name Dracula as a synonym for terror. He drank the blood of his victims, and filled the castles of the land with wretches destined for the stake: Scourge of the Saxons, champion of the peasants, national hero who saved his country from Islamic conquest, Vlad was all of these, and much, much more... His name has become a byword for cruelty, Vlad's draconian policies the horror of Europe. But who was the man behind the legend? Written off by historians, the Dacians were thought to have vanished immediately after the Roman conquest of Dacia, but Vlad, Son of the Devil, would revive the ancient Gaulish pride, bringing hope to the oppressed Wallach remnants of Transylvania through a dastardly series of impalements: he would become known in Romanian as Vlad Țepeș, the Impaler! A man more terrifying than any vampire.

A sheriff fighting to keep the peace in 1970s Oregon faces a shocking secret from his town's past, in this crime thriller from the author of Reckoning. There are rules in the West no matter what era you were born in, and it's up to lawman Ty Dawson to make sure they're followed in the valley he calls home. The people living on this unforgiving land keep to themselves and are wary of the modern world's encroachment into their quiet lives. So it's not without some suspicion that Dawson confronts a newcomer to the region: a record producer who has built a music studio in an isolated compound. His latest project is a collaboration with a famous young rock star named Ian Swann, recording and filming his sessions for a movie. An amphitheater for a live show is being built on the land, giving Dawson flashbacks to the violent Altamont concert. Not on his watch. But even beefed up security can't stop a disaster that's been over a decade in the making. All it takes is one horrific case bleeding its way into the present to prove that the good ol'days spawned a brand of evil no one wants to revisit...Praise for the Ty Dawson Mysteries “The novel combines the mystery and honesty of Craig Johnson's Longmire with the first-person narration of a fiercely independent Oregon character.” —Sheila Deeth, author of John's Joy “A masterful work of a time gone by.... Ty Dawson is a cowboy, lawman, father and philosopher like none other.” —Neal Griffin, Los Angeles Times–bestselling author of The Burden of Proof

As the turbulent 1960s draw to a close, an inexplicable crime forces two young Americans who are teaching in Africa, and those around them, to confront issues of motivation, culture and belonging.

Biggles and Erich von Stalhein combine to frustrate the evil plans of Reinhardt, ex-Gestapo official, who is keeping a helpless woman prisoner in a mysterious Bohemian castle.

USA TODAY AND PUBLISHERS WEEKLY BESTSELLER • “Wingate's stellar latest explores a centuries-long legacy of missing child cases.... Her portrayal of the region's history, culture, and landscape enthralls. Wingate is at the top of her game.”—Publishers Weekly, starred reviewFrom the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Before We Were Yours comes “a sweeping tale about little known history” (People): the women pioneers who fought to protect children caught in the storm of land barons hungry for power and oil wealth.1990. Law enforcement ranger Valerie Boren-Odell arrives at Horsethief Trail National Park seeking a quiet place to raise her son. But no sooner has Valerie reported for duty than a teenage hiker goes missing and the long-hidden burial site of three children is discovered in a cave. Val's quest to uncover the truth wins an ally among the Choctaw Nation's Tribal Police but soon collides with the deadly legacy of the land itself.1909. Eleven-year-old Olive Radley knows that her stepfather is a threat to the two Choctaw girls boarded in their home. When the older girl disappears, Ollie flees, taking six-year-old Nessa with her. Together they begin a perilous journey to the remote Winding Stair Mountains, the territory of outlaws, treasure hunters, and desperate men. Along the way, they form an unlikely band with other children struggling to get by on their own.In this gripping novel, Lisa Wingate traces the story of children abandoned by the law and the battle to see justice done. Amid times of deep conflict over who owns the land and its riches, Ollie and Val each leave behind one life in search of another.

A “sweeping” (Entertainment Weekly) novel of America's forgotten leading lady, the central figure of a movement that defined a nation—from the New York Times bestselling author of The Magnificent Lives of Marjorie Post“Soul-stirring... brings to life the epic and inspiring story of an incredible woman who should never be forgotten.”—Kristin Harmel, author of The Paris DaughterIn the company of Ralph Waldo Emerson and his circle of enlightened friends, the young, beautiful, and brilliant Margaret Fuller becomes “the radiant genius and fiery heart” of the Transcendentalists. She inspires Louisa May Alcott, sparks Nathaniel Hawthorne to create Hester Prynne, and forms close bonds with Henry David Thoreau and Emerson himself. However, Margaret's soul yearns for more than poetry and drama, leading her on a journey of adventure and self-discovery. From hosting a women-only literary salon in Boston to becoming the first woman permitted entry to Harvard's library, Margaret defies societal conventions as an activist for women's rights and a champion for humanity. On the gritty New York streets, she spars with Edgar Allan Poe and reports on the work of Frederick Douglass. And when offered an assignment in Europe by editor Horace Greeley, Margaret becomes the first female foreign news correspondent, mingling with the likes of Frédéric Chopin, William Wordsworth, and George Sand. In Rome, she embarks on a passionate love affair with a Roman count, causing an international scandal. As a mother and a countess, Margaret enters a new fight for Italy's unification. With a star-studded cast and an epic sweep of historical events, this is a story of an inspiring trailblazer, a woman who loved big and lived even bigger—a fierce adventurer who transcended the rigid roles ascribed to women and changed history for millions, all on her own terms.

From prize-winning author Su Bristow comes a fascinating coming-of-age novel about magic and the choices that define future generations. It's 1959. To eight-year-old Felicity—who lives on a dying farm in England—the fairies in the woods have much more to offer than the people in her everyday life. As she becomes more rooted in their world, she learns that their magic is far from safe. Their queen, Elfrida, offers Felicity a gift. But fairy bargains are never what they seem. As an adult, Felicity leaves for university. Unfortunately, books are not her only company at school: Elfrida and Hobb—the queen's constant companions—wield the ability to appear at any time, causing havoc in her new friendships and love life. Desperate, Felicity finally begins to explore the true nature of the Fair Folk and their magic. Her ally, the folklorist Professor Edgerley, asks, “What do they want from you?” The answer lies in the distant past, and in the secrets of her own family. As the consequences of the “gift” play out, Felicity must draw on her courage to confront Elfrida, and make the right choice. Interwoven with traditional stories and striking characters, The Fair Folk poses questions about how we care for our children, our land, and our love-hate relationship with what we desire most.

ONE OF NPR's “BOOKS WE LOVE'2024NAMED ONE OF THE OBSERVER'S 10 BEST NEW NOVELISTS FOR 2024'The stakes could barely be higher in Leo Vardiashvili's propulsive page-turner…It's a spellbinding achievement.'—The Financial Times “Has a commercial-fiction spring in its step.… Vardiashvili also has captured the winking, world-weary humor and magic-realist touches that mark a lot of literature from Europe's war-torn corners.” —Los Angeles Times'This novel annihilated me.... Left my heart bruised and battered and aching for more.'—Khaled Hosseini, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Kite Runner “Tender and raw and funny.” —Colum McCann, National Book Award winning author of Let the Great World Spin'Propulsive, funny, and profound.'—Elif Batuman, Pulitzer Prize finalist and bestselling author of The Idiot “A book like no other, from an imagination like no other.” —Andrew Sean Greer, Pulitzer Prize winning author of Less Is LostAmid rubble and rebuilding in a former Soviet land, one family must rescue one another and put the past to rest: a stirring novel about what happens after the fighting is overSaba is just a child when he flees the fighting in the former Soviet Republic of Georgia with his older brother, Sandro, and father, Irakli, for asylum in England. Two decades later, all three men are struggling to make peace with the past, haunted by the places and people they left behind. When Irakli decides to return to Georgia, pulled back by memories of a lost wife and a decaying but still beautiful homeland, Saba and Sandro wait eagerly for news. But within weeks of his arrival, Irakli disappears, and the final message they receive from him causes a mystery to unfold before them: “I left a trail I can't erase. Do not follow it.” In a journey that will lead him to the very heart of a conflict that has marred generations and fractured his own family, Saba must retrace his father's footsteps to discover what remains of their homeland and its people. By turns savage and tender, compassionate and harrowing, Hard by a Great Forest is a powerful and ultimately hopeful novel about the individual and collective trauma of war, and the indomitable spirit of a people determined not only to survive, but to remember those who did not.

Gone But Not Betrayed caps the epic ‘Gone But Not Forgotten'trilogy, chronicling three intertwined families across the breathtaking upheavals of the 20th century's second half.Picking up in 1945's ashes, this majestic saga ushers us into the postwar hope, tragedy, and turbulence that reinvented the modern world order. As the Champions, Wagners and Sterns journey from the Holocaust's horrors to Israel's birth, through Hollywood's Golden Age, Vietnam turmoil and beyond, Hans Wagner quietly amasses an empire in America's corridors of power. But shadowy forces conspire to imperil everything he holds dear.At the story's heart are identical twins Veda and Rose, whose paths diverge into legend after the war. While Veda's dynasty embodies the glittering pinnacle of American success, Rose's quiet courage leaves an indelible impact from Auschwitz to Israel's Six Day War. Though oceans apart, each sister's light has transformed innumerable lives. Despite the riches and fame fortune brings them, this indestructible bond remains unchanged.Spanning the nostalgic charm of postwar suburbia to the encroaching millennium's anxious technologies, Gone But Not Betrayed fuses intimate personal dramas with the pivotal events reshaping global civilization. As new generations inherit unresolved darkness and light, every hard-won revelation immerses us deeply into the unbroken chain linking past to future.

In March 1926, Sam and Sally received a letter from a lawyer inviting them to attend an urgent meeting. They were shocked to find they had been left a thousand-acre estate. The mystery was that they had never met the man who bequeathed them the estate known as Lakewood, and that his son had been disinherited. The estate was deserted when they first visited it, since all the staff had been dismissed, but Sam and Sally resolved to try to rebuild it. The mystery as to why they had been left the estate is gradually revealed. Whilst struggling to run the estate, they met characters such as Rudge, their handyman; Tansy, the visiting gypsy; Agatha, the village witch who sold herbal cures; and Joe Button, who led a mysterious double life. Their optimism was shattered when they received a summons; the son was challenging the will. The stressful but sometimes humorous proceedings would determine whether they would be able to continue rebuilding the estate or be ruined. With everything at stake, Sam and Sally must navigate the complex web of secrets and alliances surrounding Lakewood to uncover the truth behind their inheritance and secure their future at the estate.

The phenomenal #1 Chinese bestseller, with over 4 million copies sold. This is a searing exploration of what makes a hero: a literary masterpiece, available in the English language for the very first time.The boy grows up in a small village in south China listening to stories about the Colonel: some say he was a legendary army doctor during the war, some say he was a traitor to the Party, still others say he is a wicked sex machine. The stories are bawdy and mesmerizing, always larger than life. Yet in reality, the Colonel is just a middle-aged man who loves his cat. And why on earth does everyone call him'the Eunuch'?From these disparate sources, the boy tries to piece together who the Colonel really is, just as he himself grows up in a rapidly changing China. It is not until many years later, when the boy also becomes a middle-aged man, that he would look back and finally solve the puzzle.The Colonel and the Eunuch is Mai Jia's first new novel in eight years and his most ambitious work to date. An exciting departure from spy thrillers, this is a coming-of-age story, a family saga, as well as a searing exploration of what makes a hero. The Colonel is Mai Jia's singular creation: an almost mythic figure shrouded in the tragedy of war and history, whose story will move even the most stone-hearted to tears.

O regresso de Sarah MacLean a uma série sensual, feminista, cheia de heroínas brilhantes e corajosas Com o seu indomável cabelo encaracolado, a mente povoada por ideias selvagens e um ousado amor por experiências e explosivos, Lady Imogen Loveless é vista pela alta sociedade londrina como alguém muito... particular — e isto sem se saber que faz parte das Hell's Belles, um grupo de mulheres que tentam corrigir pelas próprias mãos as injustiças que as rodeiam. Thomas Peck, por sua vez, não faz parte dessa alta sociedade. Vindo de um contexto difícil, alcançou uma promissora carreira de investigador criminal unicamente graças à sua força de vontade e capacidade de ver o que escapa aos outros, tal como o facto de Imogen não ser muito particular, mas sim o caos total. Um caos que necessita de alguém que o vigie, algo com que a família dela concorda plenamente. E ainda que Thomas não tenha grande interesse em assumir esse papel, existem, no entanto, trabalhos demasiado explosivos para serem ignorados, e não tardará até que o investigador se veja envolvido pelo mundo de Imogen, pelo seu sorriso audaz, segredos ardentes… e uma paixão fogosa que ameaça consumi-los a ambos. Os elogios da crítica: «O romance histórico de que andava à procura.» Cosmopolitan «Sarah MacLean acerta em cheio em tudo o que faz.» Booklist «Sarah MacLean é especialista em fazer comentário social em romances carregados de aventuras e cenas românticas escaldantes. Pura e simplesmente, ninguém escreve romance histórico como ela.» Entertainment Weekly «Excitante e repleto de perigo… Sarah MacLean é excecional na construção de personagens que sabem quem são e aquilo que defendem.» Library Journal «A sempre brilhante Sarah MacLean recorre a toda a sua destreza literária de modo a oferecer-nos uma heroína muito pouco convencional e um herói tradicional, cujos esforços combinados em nome da justiça resultam numa atração sensual e num enredo poderoso com o qual os leitores do século XXI se conseguirão identificar.» Booklist «Sarah MacLean proporciona-nos muita ação, cenas escaldantes, emoções profundas e uma astuta crítica aos poderosos e privilegiados, tudo isto numa história explosiva que fará com que os leitores não sejam capazes de pousar o livro.» Kirkus Reviews

As the tumultuous tide of the Second World War ebbs, Frank and Amy stand on the precipice of change, their futures hanging in the balance. In the waning days of conflict, this sergeant of the Australian Army and his counterpart, an intrepid Army nurse, are compelled to confront the daunting choices that await them as peace promises to restore normalcy. With the cessation of war comes the inevitability of their separation: Amy yearns to embrace a new beginning in Sydney, with dreams of donning the physician's coat, while Frank envisions a pastoral life in Tasmania, cultivating world-class Merino wool on his family's farm. The question that looms over them is one of compromise: can their individual aspirations weave together to form a shared tapestry of life? Their quest for answers is fraught with dilemmas, knowing that each step taken will etch permanent marks on their lives and those of future generations. Spanning half a century, Another Time is a rich tapestry of familial ties, an emotional odyssey through love and loss, fidelity, and betrayal, set against the rapidly shifting moral landscape of the 20th Century, forever altered in the aftermath of conflict.

On Christmas night 1879 my 19-year-old Great Uncle, John Diver left his thatched home, Whinpark Inishowen. He walked the eighteen miles to Derry Quay. He boarded the SS Devonian. The Statute of Liberty Ellis Island Foundation confirms its arrival on 1st January 1880. Why did someone so young embark, alone, on such a hazardous journey? By chance John, a skilled facilitator, met other young people who were forced into that miserable, morose migration of the largely unreported ‘an Gorta Beag'(small Famine). These included the enthralling James Feely, who found unlikely inspiration from the Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius Antoninus. This led to the discovery of his psychic powers. He meets the recently deceased Paul Cullen, Ireland's first Cardinal, hears divinations from Thomas FitzGerald the 10th Earl of Kildare about a meeting with the most beautiful Empress in Europe and the Three Magi who predicted the miraculous Apparitions at Knock. Who, if anyone, does he dare tell? We meet the troubled Matthew and his resolute sister Mary. After Maggie, their teenage unmarried sister, gave birth they resolved to travel to America to find her displaced infant. What caused one of the siblings to have a change of heart? Church Martin, a gifted musician and mystic, follows that ancient Celtic tradition of using music to enchant and distract an enemy rather than entertain. He demonstrates this by stopping the movement of the ship mid Atlantic to becalm the vessel. Will Church and Mary discover the angst of an unrequited love? Jack Turner is a young man with a hidden past. Will he too find unexpected friendship? The story, a unique blend of fiction and non-fiction, culminates in the friction of a frantic, frenzied pursuit for survival to avoid an enforced asylum admission and deportation. The unfolding personal revelations become a fascinating intrigue - a compelling timeless Irish Tale that is more than a match for The Canterbury Tales. Atlantic Anecdotes and Dark Disclosures en route from the Inishowen Peninsula to the Port of New York.