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The Youngest Miss Ward: A Jane Austen Sequel (A\jane Austen Entertainment Ser.)
by Joan AikenJane Austen’s Mansfield Park famously narrates the story of poor little Fanny Price sent to live with her mother's grander sisters - the Ward family. Written almost two centuries later, Joan Aiken’s powerful sequel reverses the story and introduces us to The Youngest Miss Ward, Hatty, sent to fend for herself with the poor relations.Although creative, charismatic and witty, Hatty Ward lacks the beauty that her older sisters inherited and is left without a dowry to care for their ill mother once her sisters are married off. Sent to Portsmouth to live with her rumbustious uncle and cousins, Hatty turns her creative flair to poetry and believes she must become a governess, that is until handsome Lord Camber passes through town . . .With imagination and authenticity Joan Aiken captures the customs and language of Austen’s England in this one of a kind sequel, revealing a subversive and unique heroine.
Deception
by Joan Aiken'A winner. The narrative is crisp, the characterisation revealing, the ending quite modern in its ambiguity.' The LadyTwo very different – yet physically identical – young ladies meet at a boarding school once attended by Jane Austen in Joan Aiken’s engrossing historical novel, Deception.Self-righteous Louisa wants to escape her grand family life in Northumberland and become a missionary in India. Imaginative and quiet Alvey has no family and only longs for peaceful independence to complete her novel.So when Louisa suggests swapping identities it seems like the perfect plan: Alvey will have a peaceful country manor in which to write her book and Louisa will be free to voyage across the globe. But when Alvey becomes a beloved and indispensible member of her extraordinary new family, how will they view the return of the horrible Louisa?Joan Aiken weaves a complicated plot of deception and identity, peopled with strong female characters, in this unique historical romance.
The Embroidered Sunset
by Joan Aiken'Miss Aiken’s book is immensely enjoyable – her gift for gothic romantic charm is as effectively deployed as ever' TLSLucy Culpepper doesn’t take no for an answer. An aspiring pianist she dreams of being taught by the renowned Max Benovek and will defy all odds – life threatening illness, a missing great aunt, and a disgruntled uncle – to achieve it.After finding out her Uncle Wilbie has used up her college fund, Lucy discovers a selection of enchantingly beautiful paintings in the attic. Being the miserly man he is, Wilbie wants to keep any possible profits for these paintings and bargains on sending Lucy to England to find the artist – Great-aunt Fennel. Knowing Benovek lives in London she snaps up the opportunity and undertakes the adventure of a lifetime. But though Benovek proves easy to find and immediately takes Lucy to heart, she sets off to Yorkshire only to find that her old aunt Fennel has vanished. Lucy’s search entangles her in a mystery of murder and deceit . . . can they discover who is the real aunt Fennel?Awardwinning author Joan Aiken brings a shocking finale to a witty and entertaining plot full of unexpected twists and turns in modern suspense novel, The Embroidered Sunset.
The Butterfly Picnic
by Joan Aiken'For sheer enjoyability this tops almost anything' The TimesIntelligent and spirited Georgia March flies to the beautiful Greek island of Dendros to meet her cousin Sweden, but upon arrival finds her cousin Sweden’s body lying in a pool blood . . .Georgia has come to the paradise island of Dendros in search of a new life, a new job, and a way to forget about her lost lover. Instead, her adventure begins with tragedy and takes her to a mountain-top fortress – home to a powerful multi-millionaire, his jet set friends and a school for unusual children. In this stunning Greek hideaway Georgia is hired as a teacher, but as she gets to know the children and their unconventional parents she becomes ensnared in a deadly international mystery. Our not-so hapless heroine must survive a series of bizarre brushes with death, but also deal with the attentions of a strangely charming man – is he really the wickedest man on the island? Somebody certainly wants her gone as she inches closer and closer to uncovering the truth about Sweden’s death . . . Joan Aiken reveals a strong heroine, a breathtaking backdrop and shocking plot twists – The Butterfly Picnic has all the elements of a holiday romance with a dark underside of suspense.
Last Movement
by Joan Aiken'Joan Aiken has produced a beauty . . . enjoyment rises up from every one of its 250 pages. Here is a pleasure of a book' The TimesHelikon is a unique spa on the Greek island of Drendos, run by the enigmatic Dr. Adnan from Aiken’s earlier novel, The Embroidered Sunset. In this tranquil setting outstanding musical performances combine with soothing medical treatments offer to treat a myriad of ailments, but can they heal the past?Stage manager ‘Mike’ Meiklejohn accompanied by her ailing mother and playwright Lady Julia Saint with her amnesic partner arrive at the luxury spa centre in the hope that their troubles will be healed – but their stay in this Greek idyll is soon shattered by two horrifying murders. As the women’s paths intertwine they plan to stage an opera performance of Hamlet, but the longer they spend at Helikon the more they learn about the secrets their loved ones are hiding from them . . . Full of suspense and surprise Last Movement is a holiday romance with a dark edge from awardwinning author Joan Aiken.
Foul Matter
by Joan AikenI have been on nodding terms with death since age nineteen. Death holds precious little mystery for me. During the last sixteen years I have eaten death for breakfast . . .For accomplished writer and chef Clytie Churchill suffering and love come hand in hand. The life of each person she loves seems to come to a desperate end – sickness, suicide, death by drowning, orphan and widower Clytie has grieved through it all. During a long night reminiscing in a remote French Chateau she resolves to throw out all this Foul Matter – like the old proofs of a finished book.But there is still one mystery to solve – when she learns there is a chance that little Finn, her dead husband’s son, could have survived the sinking of his father’s boat Clytie seeks out lawyer and ex-lover Anthony to help her track him down.Awardwinning author Joan Aiken touches upon love and death with a thoughtfulness and courage that makes Foul Matter a romantic suspense novel like no other.
Blackground
by Joan Aiken'Blackground deals with guilty secrets, greed, betrayal and murder. Joan Aiken knows her trade.' London Review of Books.Cat Conwil is an actress on the brink of fame – will love be her saviour of her downfall?Cat lands a starring role in a TV adaptation of Middlemarch shooting on location at the splendid Knoyle Court. There, she’s pursued by the estate’s owner millionaire James Tybold – they fall for eachother hard and fast, marry and embark on the honeymoon of a lifetime. But only in romantic Venice as they start getting to really know each other do they uncover the shocking truth – that they met before, many years ago . . .From this moment everything changes – they both have dark histories, complicated families, and one of them has some devastating secrets in their past . . .Between a film set, a Venetian honeymoon and a section of the Dorset coast remodelled to resemble a Greek fishing village, award winning author Joan Aiken entwines mortal danger with quirky characters in her captivating romantic suspense novel, Blackground.
Morningquest
by Joan Aiken'Eccentric and poignant with inevitable echoes of Austen as she goes for heightened emotion and rarefied beauty . . . suspend disbelief and you’ll fly through this world of sense and sensibility' Time OutAspiring young artist sixteen-year-old Pandora Crumbe, lonely and bored in her rural village, has been unwillingly taken for lunch with her eccentric neighbours The Morningquest family . . . when her mother dies suddenly at the table. The Morninquests take Pandora under their wing – Sir Gilbert is a world famous conductor with an elegant wife and seven eccentric children, all highly talented in their own way. Pandora flourishes in their rambling country home and relishes the cultured and bohemian company. As her life moves with theirs to 60’s London, a Northern University, and finally to communist Prague, she uncovers scandals, tragedy, her own mother’s secrets, and finally the way to realise her own dreams.From award winning author Joan Aiken, romantic suspense novel Morningquest is an intense and kaleidoscopic read, an epic rite of passage with a vast cast of exuberant characters who sweep you into their world.
The Dressmaker of Draper's Lane: An Evocative Historical Novel From the Author of The Silk Weaver
by Liz TrenowThe richest silk hides the deepest secrets . . . The Dressmaker of Draper’s Lane revisits the opulence and extravagance of the London silk trade in the mid-eighteenth century which Liz Trenow wrote about in her previous bestselling novel, The Silk Weaver.1768, London.As a foundling who rose from poverty and now runs her own successful dressmaking business in the heart of society London, Miss Charlotte is a remarkable woman, admired by many. She has no need, nor desire, to marry. The people she values most are her friend Anna, her recently-found sister Louisa and nephew Peter.She feels herself fortunate, and should be content with what she has. But something is missing.A small piece of rare silk discovered in a bundle of scraps at auction triggers a curious sense of familiarity, and prompts her to unpick a past filled with extraordinary secrets and revelations . . .
Caste-Off: The Year of Short Stories – February
by Jeffrey ArcherCaste-Off is part of The Year of Short Stories and is one of a limited number of digital shorts released to celebrate the publication of Jeffrey Archer’s magnificent seventh short story collection, Tell Tale.Taken from And Thereby Hangs a Tale, Jeffrey Archer's sixth collection of short stories, Caste-Off is an enthralling short read with unforgettable characters and a devastating twist.Jamwal Rameshwar Singh, a hedonistic playboy prince, assumes he will never fall in love but this all changes when he meets Nisha Chowdhury. Their blossoming international relationship continues as she completes her degree at Stanford but even as their love grows, Jamwal knows that his family will oppose the match as Nisha is not of their caste. Will Jamwal choose love or will his family’s wishes prevail?Be sure to look out for more from The Year of Short Stories collection, including The Endgame and The Man Who Robbed His Own Post Office.
Too Many Coincidences: The Year of Short Stories – March
by Jeffrey ArcherToo Many Coincidences is part of The Year of Short Stories and is one of a limited number of digital shorts released to celebrate the publication of Jeffrey Archer’s magnificent seventh short-story collection, Tell Tale.Taken from To Cut a Long Story Short, Jeffrey Archer's fourth collection of short stories, Too Many Coincidences is a gripping short read featuring Archer’s trademark wit and memorable characters.For Ruth Anderson continuing her whirlwind love affair with Max Bennett is made infinitely easier with the death of her husband. However, the perfect marriage she envisaged starts to disintegrate as Max becomes increasingly inattentive and reluctant to spend time with his new wife. Now, looking back, Ruth might have to consider whether their affair began with one coincidence too many . . .Be sure to look out for more from The Year of Short Stories collection, including Caste-Off and The Man Who Robbed His Own Post Office.
Payback (Sisterhood series #2)
by Fern MichaelsThe second in the bestselling Sisterhood series, Fern Michaels’ Payback continues the story of seven unlikely women bound by their unbreakable friendships, their dark pasts and their desire for revenge.One of the women, Julia Webster, is a hugely successful plastic surgeon who lives in a gorgeous Georgetown home. But appearances are not as they seem, as the Sisterhood know all too well . . .Her husband is a US senator on the crest of his greatest political victory. He’s used his wife’s charm and dignity to his advantage throughout his political career. But behind closed doors he’s treated her with nothing but disrespect, and cheating on her is the last straw.He may have crossed one strong woman, but there are six more where she came from and they’re about to teach him a serious lesson in Payback . . .New York Times bestselling author Fern Michaels strikes again in this exceptional and empowering story of revenge against adultery, perfect for fans of James Patterson, Sue Grafton or the Netflix series Good Girls.'Michaels grinds out bestsellers by concocting videogenic plots filled with strong heroines and effortless costume changes.' - Publishers Weekly
Vendetta (Sisterhood series #3)
by Fern Michaels'A darkly wicked thriller of revenge . . . a page turner' Parkersburg News & SentinelThe third in the bestselling Sisterhood series, Fern Michaels’ Vendetta continues the story of seven unlikely women bound by their unbreakable friendships, their dark pasts and their desire for revenge.It’s finally time for Myra Rutledge, the woman who brought the Sisterhood together, to get her sweet revenge . . . It’s been five years since Myra’s pregnant daughter was killed in a hit-and-run. The driver escaped his rightful punishment through diplomatic immunity and has continued to live like a king ever since Myra’s life came crashing down. This is more than injustice, this is personal.But John Chan has finally been found. And now it’s time for his life to come crashing down too. He may have escaped the law but what the Sisterhood have in store for him at Myra’s beautiful Virginia farmhouse is a punishment far worse than he could have ever imagined . . .The Sisterhood take on their darkest revenge yet in this fearless novel of friendship and triumph by New York Times bestselling author Fern Michaels, perfect for fans of James Patterson, Sue Grafton or the Netflix series Good Girls.
Weekend Warriors (Sisterhood series #1)
by Fern Michaels'Like Charlie's Angels, the education and expertise of these women is spectacular . . . The dialog and level of suspense is reminiscent of an action-packed television series' Library JournalThe first in the bestselling Sisterhood series, Fern Michaels’ Weekend Warriors introduces the story of Myra Rutledge - a woman devastated by her pregnant daughter’s death, a hit-and-run by a man who claims diplomatic immunity. Myra is lost in her grief until she switches on the news one evening and sees a woman taking matters into her own hands. An idea is born . . .With the help of her daughter’s best friend, defense attorney Nicki Quinn, Myra draws together an unlikely band of vigilante women who all have something in common - all have been wronged by the US justice system, and all are looking for revenge.Their first target is the Weekend Warriors, a trio of brutal bikers who are guilty of raping one of the sisterhood, Kathryn Lucas. Using power and strength they didn’t know they had the women carry out a plan of ultimate revenge . . . New York Times bestselling author Fern Michaels gives her readers exactly what they want - powerful women persevering together when life gets them down, perfect for fans of James Patterson, Sue Grafton or the Netflix series Good Girls.
Life Honestly: Strong Opinions from Smart Women
by The PoolLife Honestly is a complete guide to modern life from some of today's most talented and insightful writers including Bryony Gordon, Dolly Alderton, Natasha Devon, Lauren Laverne and Yomi Adegoke.Within these pages you’ll find an un-airbrushed selection of advice, comment and opinion. These are intimate stories from bad sex to bad boys, from workplace inequality to the sheer joy of learning something new, that will spark hope, triumph and occasionally outrage. In Life Honestly you will find fresh perspectives on everything from age milestones and friendship, motherhood and weddings, and why you should always, always, tell someone when you like their earrings. This book will make you feel empowered, supported and more prepared than ever to take on anything life has to offer because, honestly, we're all in this together.Featuring an introduction by The Pool co-founder Sam Baker, this fabulous collection is full of articles to inspire you. The pieces vary in length, which makes this a perfect collection to dip into for a few minutes while you wait for the kettle to boil, or something meatier for your morning commute. Some are long and some are short but they all pack a punch. From Sali Hughes on blended families to Viv Groskop offering fresh perspectives on daily problems, Life Honestly is a collection of advice, comment and opinion that acts as a complete guide to modern life.These writers are empowering, engaging and unapologetic about their views: Life Honestly is full of lessons and observations on what it means to be a woman or non-binary person now.
The Collected Short Stories
by Jeffrey ArcherThe Collected Short Stories brings together three of Jeffrey Archer’s classic collections of short stories: A Quiver Full of Arrows, A Twist in the Tale and Twelve Red Herrings. Every reader will have their own favourites: the choices run from an imprisoned man who is certain that his supposed murder victim is very much alive, to a female driver pursued relentlessly by a menacing figure in another vehicle. An offhand remark is taken seriously by a Chinese sculptor in one tale, while a British diplomat unexpectedly becomes the owner of a priceless work of art in another . . . And over three of the stories, discover a hauntingly written, atmospheric account of two undergraduates at Oxford in the thirties: a tale of bitter rivalry that ends in a memorable love story. These stories are packed full of the master storyteller’s unexpected twists, richly drawn characters and ingenious, witty denouements – some will make you laugh, others will bring you to tears. And, as always, every one of them will keep you spellbound.
Need To Know (Sisterhood series #28)
by Fern MichaelsThe twenty-eighth in the bestselling Sisterhood series, Fern Michaels’ Need to Know continues the story of seven unlikely women bound by their unbreakable friendships, their dark pasts and their desire for revenge.Millions of dollars and precious reputations are on the line in the women’s next deadly retribution . . .Garland Lee is one of America’s most famous singers but she’s not immune to hurt. Her once trusted lawyer has been siphoning money from her huge fortune into his own pocket for years and now he’s threatening to take her to court. This could cost her everything. But the Sisterhood won’t let him win – they’ve come up a with a way to get revenge that he’ll never see coming . . .New York Times bestselling author Fern Michaels tackles greed and dodgy deals in this fantastically true to life installment of the Sisterhood series, perfect for fans of James Patterson, Sue Grafton or the Netflix series Good Girls.
Peter Abelard
by Helen WaddellA new edition of the historical novel Peter Abelard by Helen Waddell introduced by Kate Mosse, the bestselling author of The Burning Chambers and Labyrinth.The story of Heloise and Abelard is one of the most famous love stories of all time. He was a famous philosopher in 12th Century Paris and she was a gifted scholar. He takes on the role of her tutor and the two fall passionately in love. Heloise’s Uncle arranges for them to be married in secret but his motives are far from kind. He arranges a brutal attack on Abelard which leaves him a broken man. Both Heloise and Peter take holy orders but although separated physically their love for each other lasts for the rest of their lives.First published in 1933 and a huge bestseller in its time, Helen Waddell’s novel tells their story with an intoxicating mix of drama and sensitivity and her own extensive scholarly research allows her to portray 12th France with astonishing vigour.
The Confectioner's Tale: A Novel Of Paris
by Laura MadeleineAt the famous Patisserie Clermont in Paris, 1909, a chance encounter with the owner’s daughter has given one young man a glimpse into a life he never knew existed: of sweet cream and melted chocolate, golden caramel and powdered sugar, of pastry light as air. But it is not just the art of confectionery that holds him captive, and soon a forbidden love affair begins.Almost eighty years later, an academic discovers a hidden photograph of her grandfather as a young man with two people she has never seen before. Scrawled on the back of the picture are the words ‘Forgive me’. Unable to resist the mystery behind it, she begins to unravel the story of two star-crossed lovers and one irrevocable betrayal.'Delightful and delicious: a must read' Nina George, bestselling author of The Little Paris Bookshop'Mouth-watering and mysterious . . . a compelling read' Leah Fleming, bestselling author of The Girl under the Olive TreeTake a moment to savour a bittersweet love story that echoes through the decades – perfect for fans of Kate Morton, Santa Montefiore and Victoria Hislop.
Workhouse Nightingale
by Holly GreenCan this orphan ever fulfil her nursing dreams...?After her mother's death, Dora is sent to live with her father and his other family. But the fact that Dora is mixed race and illegitimate see her treated as little more than a servant by her step-mother and half siblings. This doesn't stop the son of the house abusing his position and Dora finds herself on the streets and pregnant...Sent to the local workhouse, Dora's future looks bleak but she still dreams of a better life where she can help others as her late mother did with her herbal remedies. But can a girl from a workhouse ever achieve anything, let alone become one of Florence Nightingale's nurses?
Against All Odds
by Danielle SteelDanielle Steel proves she is the world's favourite storyteller in this powerful story of a mother's unconditional love in Against All Odds.Style. Success. Secrets. Kate Madison’s stylish boutique has been a big success in New York, supporting her and her four kids since her husband’s untimely death. Now, her children have grown up and are ready to forge lives of their own. Isabelle, a dedicated attorney, falls for a client in a criminal case. She tells herself she can make a life with him – but can she? Julie, a young designer, meets a man who seems too good to be true. She gives up her job and moves to LA to be at his side, ignoring the danger signs. Justin is a struggling writer who pushes his partner for children before they’re financially or emotionally ready. And Willie, the youngest, makes a choice that shocks them all . . . For Kate – loving, supportive and outspoken – the hardest lesson will be that she can’t protect her children from their choices, but can only love them as they make them.
Grave Destiny (Alex Craft #6)
by Kalayna Price**Pre-order now: Alex Craft returns in a thrilling new instalment of the hit paranormal romance series. Perfect for fans of Charlaine Harris and Cassandra Clare**Alex Craft is the Grave Witch to go to when Nekros City needs to speak to the dead. Half-human, half-fae, she uses her powers to investigate mysterious deaths - but often at a cost.And Alex's latest case promises to be even more dangerous than her last, when the Shadow Prince demands her services. Notorious for his secrecy and lethal good looks, Prince Dugan gives Alex every reason to be wary. Not least because she's recently discovered her betrothal to him.Summoned to solve a murder in the heart of the Winter Court, Alex will be torn between two men, drawn into the heart of an evil scheme, and make a discovery that could bring the whole of Faerie to the brink of war . . .Praise for the Alex Craft series:'A rare treat, intriguing and original. Don't miss this one' Patricia Briggs'Fascinating magic, a delicious heartthrob and a fresh, inventive world' Chloe Neill'A truly original and compelling urban fantasy series' RT Book Reviews
We Are Blood And Thunder
by Kesia LupoA stunning and original YA fantasy from a fantastic new talent. Perfect for fans of Leigh Bardugo and Laini TaylorIn a sealed-off city, a young woman, Lena, is running for her life. She has been sentenced to death and her only way to survive is to trust those she has been brought up to fear – those with magic. On the other side of the locked gates is a masked lady, Constance, determined to find a way back in. Years ago she escaped before her own powers were discovered. But now she won't hide who she is any longer. A powerful and terrifying storm cloud engulfs the city. But this is more than a thunderstorm. This is a spell, and the truth behind why it has been cast is more sinister than anyone can imagine ... But what neither Lena and Constance realise is that the stormcloud binds them – without it, without each other, neither can get what they desire…
50 Ways to Find a Lover
by Lucy-Anne Holmes50 Ways to Find a Lover is a hilarious, fun and unputdownable romantic comedy, from Lucy-Anne Holmes.I feel like a failure. It's now been 351 days since I had sex. That's a carnal drought. If Bob Geldof knew about it he'd hold a concert. Sarah Sargeant has been single for three years and nine months. She has just spent five months plucking up the courage to ask out a balding man with a paunch who works in her local pub. The gentleman in question informed her that he would rather stay in and watch the Narnia movie on DVD. Her pride has not just been bruised, it's been disembowelled. And she vows it's the last time she will ever reach out to a member of the opposite sex. But her family and friends have other ideas. They enter her into a reality TV show against her will, persuade her to go speed dating and even more radically, they encourage her to start a blog. Suddenly Sarah Sargeant is on a mission: a mission to explore 50 Ways To Find A Lover.
Odd Girl Out: Odd Girl Out, Something In Disguise, Falling, And Getting It Right
by Elizabeth Jane HowardFrom the lauded, bestselling author of the Cazalet Chronicles, in Odd Girl Out, Elizabeth Jane Howard reveals with devastating accuracy a marriage put in a most destructive situation.Anna and Edmund Cornhill have a happy marriage and a lovely home. They are content, complete, absorbed in their private idyll.Arabella, who comes to stay one lazy summer, is rich, rootless and amoral - and, as they find out, beautiful and loving.With her elegant prose the author traces the web of love and desire that entangles these three; but it is Arabella who finally loses out.