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The Spring of the Ram: The House of Niccolo 2 (House of Niccolo #2)
by Dorothy DunnettIn 1461, the mysterious enigmatic Nicholas is in Florence. Backed by none other than Cosimo de' Medici, he will sail the Black Sea to Trebizond, last outpost of Byzantium, and the last jewel missing from the crown of the Ottoman Empire. But trouble lies ahead. Nicholas's step-daughter - at the tender age of thirteen - has eloped with his rival in trade: a Machiavellian Genoese who races ahead of Nicholas, sowing disaster at every port. And time is of the essence: Trebizond may fall tot he Turks at any moment. Crackling with wit, breathtakingly paced, THE SPRING OF THE RAM is a pyro technic blend of scholarship and narrative shimmering with the scents, sounds, colors and combustible emotions of the 15th century.
The Unicorn Hunt: The House of Niccolo 5 (House of Niccolo #5)
by Dorothy DunnettThe fifth title in the "House of Niccolo" sequence, recreating the perilous world of trade, war and banking in Renaissance Europe. Niccolo has returned to Venice from Africa - richer, wiser yet ever unpredictable. He journeys to Scotland, closer at hand to the secrets of his birth.
The Long Wait
by Patricia RobinsAllerton Manor was the only home Tammy had ever known - and the Allerton family treated her as their own. But when she realised that her love for Dick Allerton had changed from the careless affection of childhood to the mature love of a woman, she was heartbroken when Dick still treated her as his little sister. When the final blow fell, and she thought she had lost not only Dick, but the only other thing that made her life bearable, she was in despair.
The Moon-Spinners: The perfect comforting summer read from the Queen of the Romantic Mystery (Oxford Bookworms Elt Ser.)
by Mary StewartThe pioneer of romantic suspense Mary Stewart transports her readers to the idyllic hills of mid-century Crete in this tale of peril and intrigue that will keep fans of Agatha Christie and Barbara Pym on the edge of their seats. 'Mary Stewart is magic' New York Times'One of the great British storytellers of the 20th century' IndependentWhile on a walking holiday through the beautiful, deserted hills of Crete, Nicola Ferris stumbles across a critically injured Englishman, guarded by a fierce Greek. Nicola cannot abandon them and so sets off on a perilous search for their lost companion - all the while being pursued by someone who wants to make sure none of them leave the island . . . When the big white bird flew suddenly up among the glossy leaves and the lemon flowers, and wheeled into the mountain, I followed it.'A comfortable chair and a Mary Stewart: total heaven. I'd rather read her than most other authors.' Harriet Evans'She built the bridge between classic literature and modern popular fiction. She did it first and she did it best.' Herald
Romantic Paradox: An Essay on the Poetry of Wordsworth (RLE: Wordsworth and Coleridge)
by C.C. ClarkeFirst published in 1962, this book reveals unexpected complexity or equivocation in Wordsworth’s use of certain key words, particularly ‘image’, ‘form’ and ‘shape’. The author endeavours to show that this complexity is related to the poet’s awareness of the ambiguity of the perceptual process. Numerous passages from The Prelude and other poems are analysed to illustrate the argument and to show that, because of this doubt or hidden perplexity, Wordsworth’s poetry has a far richer texture, is more concentrated, intricately organised and loaded with ambivalent meanings than it would otherwise have been. New light is also shed on Wordsworth’s debt to Akenside.
Romantic Paradox: An Essay on the Poetry of Wordsworth (RLE: Wordsworth and Coleridge)
by C.C. ClarkeFirst published in 1962, this book reveals unexpected complexity or equivocation in Wordsworth’s use of certain key words, particularly ‘image’, ‘form’ and ‘shape’. The author endeavours to show that this complexity is related to the poet’s awareness of the ambiguity of the perceptual process. Numerous passages from The Prelude and other poems are analysed to illustrate the argument and to show that, because of this doubt or hidden perplexity, Wordsworth’s poetry has a far richer texture, is more concentrated, intricately organised and loaded with ambivalent meanings than it would otherwise have been. New light is also shed on Wordsworth’s debt to Akenside.
The Runaways
by Patricia RobinsWhen Judith and Rocky elope to Gretna Green they sincerely believe marriage will solve all their problems. But the elopement proves to be the beginning of an entirely new set of difficulties... Rocky begins to wonder if his parents were right - is he even in love? Were they too young after all? And in the background Gavin, Judith's boss, watches her disillusionment with a concern which is growing into something more.
Cordelia
by Winston GrahamFrom the author of Poldark, the bestselling book and hit television series.Brook Ferguson is compelled into marriage by his domineering father after being widowed in mysterious circumstances . . .His new bride Cordelia is beautiful and strong-willed - but after moving into the Ferguson family household, filled with eccentric family members, she starts to feel locked in a quiet war of dominance with Brook’s father. The stifling atmosphere, petty arguments and rising tensions push Cordelia to make the hardest decision of all, loyalty or love?Set against a backdrop of a Victorian Manchester manor house, Cordelia is a passionate Gothic romance from Winston Graham.
With All My Love
by Patricia RobinsA compelling classic romance from the inimitable Patricia Robins, first published in 1963 and now available for the first time in eBook.It's 1962 and Jacqueline is fighting the temptation to ignore moral standards and conventions with her fiance, Chris. Confused by her conflicting feelings, she accepts the offer of a three-week working holiday in Switzerland. Away from home and the steadying influence of Chris, she finds herself attracted to the handsome Antoine...
The Constant Heart
by Patricia RobinsTamily has won the love of handsome and amusing Dick Allenton, her childhood companion and heir to the Allenton estates. But her marriage to the charming but irresponsible Dick is rocked by his love affair with the sophisticated American Carol Holmer and Tamily's own growing affection for the Allenton bailiff, Adam Bond.When tragedy intervenes, Dick begins to realise where his heart really lies. But he does not anticipate the outcome of his fierce emotional entanglement with the determined Carol.A compelling classic romance from the inimitable Patricia Robins, first published in 1964 and now available for the first time in eBook.
The Night is Thine
by Patricia RobinsEverything had to be arranged well in advance for Lucy's husband - even their love making. But now she was in love with Geoff - himself married to a hopeless alcoholic - and was living through all the joyand agony that only forbidden love can cause.
Pastoral (Vintage International Series)
by Nevil Shute NorwayDuring the Second World War, Peter Marshall's crew become one of the most successful bombing teams in their Oxfordshire airbase. However, when Peter falls in love with a young WAAF officer, his concentration begins to suffer and it looks as though his perfect run of missions - and his life - may be threatened.
This Rough Magic: A completely unputdownable South of France adventure from the Queen of the Romantic Mystery (Coronet Bks.)
by Mary StewartThe original queen of the page-turner Mary Stewart leads her readers on a thrilling journey through a dangerous and deadly Provence in this tale perfect for fans of Agatha Christie and Barbara Pym. 'Mary Stewart is magic' New York Times'One of the great British storytellers of the 20th century' IndependentLucy Waring, a young, out-of-work actress from London, leaps at the chance to visit her sister for a summer on the island paradise of Corfu, and what's more, a famous but reclusive actor is staying in a villa nearby. But Lucy's hopes for rest and romance are shattered when a body washes up on the beach and she finds herself swept up in a chilling chain of events. I shuddered, and drank my coffee, leaning back in my chair to gaze out across pine tops furry with gold towards the sparkling sea, and surrendering myself to the dreamlike feeling that marks the start of a holiday . . .'A comfortable chair and a Mary Stewart: total heaven. I'd rather read her than most other authors.' Harriet Evans'She built the bridge between classic literature and modern popular fiction. She did it first and she did it best.' Herald
After Julius: The Long View, The Sea Change, The Beautiful Visit, And After Julius
by Elizabeth Jane HowardFrom the lauded, bestselling author of The Cazalet Chronicles, After Julius is Elizabeth Jane Howard's funny yet touching story of a family brought together yet falling apart.It is twenty years since Julius died, but his last heroic action still affects the lives of the people he left behind.Emma, his youngest daughter, twenty-seven years old and afraid of men. Cressida, her sister, a war widow, blindly searching for love in her affairs with married men. Esme, Julius's widow, still attractive at fifty-eight, but aimlessly lost in the routine of her perfect home. Felix, Esme's old lover, who left her when Julius died and who is still plagued by guilt for his action. And Dan, an outsider.Throughout a disastrous - and revelatory - weekend in Sussex, the influence of the dead Julius slowly emerges . . .
Airs Above the Ground: The suspenseful, romantic story that will sweep you off your feet (Coronet Bks.)
by Mary StewartA thrilling tale of adventure and deception set in 1950s Austria, from the original queen of romantic suspense. 'This zestful romantic adventure grips, amuses, frightens and delights' Sunday Telegraph Vanessa March's husband Lewis is meant to be on a business trip in Stockholm. So why does he briefly appear in newsreel footage of a fire at a circus in Vienna, with his arm around another woman? Vanessa flies to Austria to find her husband - and inadvertently becomes involved in a mystery surrounding the famous dancing stallions of Austria's Spanish Riding School . . . Praise for Mary Stewart:'Mary Stewart is magic' New York Times'I'd rather read her than most other authors' Harriet Evans'One of the great British storytellers of the 20th century' Independent'She set the benchmark for pace, suspense and romance - with a great dollop of escapism as the icing' Elizabeth BuchanReader reviews of Airs Above the Ground:'You feel you are there in the story. This made my holiday perfect' 'This book has it all . . . thrilling action in a stunning Austrian setting, I loved it' 'A cracking good story, beautifully written. This is a most satisfying read''Mary Stewart specialises in novels which have you alternately holding your breath as to what might happen, or chuckling to yourself. This is one of her best'
Betrayal in Naples
by Neil GriffithsNeil Griffith's Betrayal in Naples is a stylish and erotic literary thriller that will appeal to fans of Graham Greene.'An edgy romance and an excellent study in paranoia' Daily TelegraphJim Wolf is abandoned in a Naples back street by a taxi driver. This is not what he came to the city for. But he's soon found by Louisa - an ex-lover never quite forgotten - now married to a charismatic Neapolitan judge. The three become close friends, and it's not long before Jim is closely involved in a high profile-mafia trial and once again irresistibly tempted by Louisa. Jim is soon out of his depth, seduced by both the beauty and danger of this mysterious city, where betrayal - of a lover, of a friend, of oneself - is part of the way of life, and where, if you break the unspoken codes, a single gesture from a powerful man can condemn you.'Shocking and compelling' Big Issue Shortlisted for the Authors' Club Best First Novel Award for the most promising first novel of the year.Neil Griffith was born in 1965 and lives in London E17.He has also written for radio and film. Betrayal in Naples is his first novel.
No More Loving
by Patricia RobinsWhat is love? wondered Kerry. She loved her husband, artist Luke Austin, and for her it was an agony. Patient Steve loved Kerry though, and had done for years, staying faithful to her through all the tempestuous period of her marriage.
There Is But One
by Patricia RobinsGina and Charles Martin are young and passionately in love. Theirmarriage is perfect until Gina learns that she cannot have children.Her husband's failure to understand the effect this has on her causesher need for a baby to grow into an obsession. Gradually the youngcouple's relationship deteriorates until they are little more thanstrangers and their intense love little more than a memory.Gina hopes first to adopt a baby, then to foster a child, before indesperation seeking a solution outside the law...A compelling classic romance from the inimitable Patricia Robins, firstpublished in 1965 and now available for the first time in eBook.
Coleridge the Poet (RLE: Wordsworth and Coleridge)
by George WatsonFirst published in 1966. Despite the intense interest in Coleridge in the twentieth century, this book represents the first study of Coleridge’s poetry to be published in Britain. It is also the first to be based upon the conclusion that Coleridge’s greatness as a poet is a matter of achievement rather than aspiration and to argue that his literary career was nearly half a century long, consisting of more than just well-known texts like The Ancient Mariner and Kubla Khan. The author argues the formality of the romantic achievement and its success in creating whole and fully realised poems in the established literary kinds.
Coleridge the Poet (RLE: Wordsworth and Coleridge)
by George WatsonFirst published in 1966. Despite the intense interest in Coleridge in the twentieth century, this book represents the first study of Coleridge’s poetry to be published in Britain. It is also the first to be based upon the conclusion that Coleridge’s greatness as a poet is a matter of achievement rather than aspiration and to argue that his literary career was nearly half a century long, consisting of more than just well-known texts like The Ancient Mariner and Kubla Khan. The author argues the formality of the romantic achievement and its success in creating whole and fully realised poems in the established literary kinds.
Love Me Tomorrow
by Patricia RobinsWhen Samantha's father dies, she marries Ronnie Curtis, an up and coming authorwho loves her dearly. Samantha still yearns for Andrew, her student flame, but feelsRonnie will be able to support her brother, Seymour.Andrew comes back and Ronnie insists that Smantha finds out just what she feels.When Paula, an ex-girlfriend of Ronnie's tells lies to Andrew and tries to cause trouble for Ronnie, Samantha finds she must decide who she really cares for.
The Queen's Favourites: (The Stuart saga book 7): the enthralling story of the real power behind the throne from the undisputed Queen of British historical fiction (The Stuarts #7)
by Jean PlaidyIf you like Philippa Gregory, you will love this mesmerising historical novel from international multi-million copy bestseller Jean Plaidy. The Queen's Favourites follows the stories of the three women at the heart of the Stuart Court and the ever-changing power struggle that dominates their relationships with one another...'Jean Plaidy, by the skilful blending of superb storytelling and meticulous attention to authenticity of detail and depth of characterisation has become one of the country's most widely read novelists.' -- Sunday Times'Full-blooded, dramatic, exciting.' -- Observer'Outstanding' -- Vanity Fair'I was gripped from the first page' -- ***** Reader review'A riveting read' -- ***** Reader review'Great story - could not put it' -- ***** Reader review'Unputdownable!!' -- ***** Reader review**************************************************It is the beginning of the eighteenth century and William of Orange is dying. Soon Anne is crowned Queen, but court insiders know that the power behind the sovereign is Sarah Churchill, Duchess of Marlborough.Beautiful, outspoken Sarah controls Anne and believes herself to be invincible, until she installs her poor cousin Abigail Hill in court as royal chambermaid. Plain Abigail seems the least likely rival for Sarah's place in Anne's affections, but Sarah has underestimated her.While Anne engages in her private battles, the nation is obsessed with another, more public one: succession. Anne is sickly and childless, the last of the Stuart line. Who will reign when she is gone?
Small Pleasures: Longlisted for the Women's Prize for Fiction
by Clare ChambersLONGLISTED FOR THE WOMEN'S PRIZE FOR FICTION 2021'A WORD-OF-MOUTH HIT' Evening Standard 'A very fine book... It's witty and sharp and reads like something by Barbara Pym or Anita Brookner, without ever feeling like a pastiche'David Nicholls'Perfect'India Knight 'Beautiful' Jessie Burton'Wonderful'Richard Osman 'Miraculous'Tracy Chevalier 'A wonderful novel. I loved it'Nina Stibbe 'Effortless to read, but every sentence lingers in the mind' Lissa Evans 'This is one of the most beautiful books I have ever read. I honestly don't want you to be without it'Lucy Mangan'Gorgeous... If you're looking for something escapist and bittersweet, I could not recommend more' Pandora Sykes'Remarkable... Small Pleasures is no small pleasure'The Times'An irresistible novel - wry, perceptive and quietly devastating'Mail on Sunday'Chambers' eye for undemonstrative details achieves a Larkin-esque lucidity' Guardian'An almost flawlessly written tale of genuine, grown-up romantic anguish' The Sunday Times 1957, the suburbs of South East London. Jean Swinney is a journalist on a local paper, trapped in a life of duty and disappointment from which there is no likelihood of escape. When a young woman, Gretchen Tilbury, contacts the paper to claim that her daughter is the result of a virgin birth, it is down to Jean to discover whether she is a miracle or a fraud. As the investigation turns her quiet life inside out, Jean is suddenly given an unexpected chance at friendship, love and - possibly - happiness. But there will, inevitably, be a price to pay.Book of the Year for: The Times, Daily Telegraph, Evening Standard, Daily Express, Metro, Spectator, Red Magazine and Good Housekeeping
The Uncertain Joy
by Patricia RobinsA compelling classic romance from the inimitable Patricia Robins, first published in 1966 and now available for the first time in eBook.For Dick and Tammy, life is a struggle. Although Dick's family are wealthy, Dick wants to prove to himself that he is capable of supporting his wife and two children himself...but it's his marriage which takes the strain as Dick wears himself thin trying to please everyone.With both finances and marriage failing, Tammy turns to a family friend, Adam, for support when she realises that her baby, Richard, is not responding as he should. After visiting the doctor, all three are devastated to learn that baby Richard is severely deaf. Will this be the final straw, or will love for their son keep Dick and Tammy together?
Bonjour Tristesse and A Certain Smile
by Françoise Sagan Rachel Cusk Heather LloydBonjour Tristesse is Françoise Sagan's stylish, shimmering and amoral tale of adolescence and betrayal on the French Riviera, published when its author was just eighteen years old. It tells the story of Cécile, who leads a carefree life with her widowed father and his young mistresses until, one hot summer on the Riviera, he decides to remarry - with devastating consequences. In A Certain Smile, which is also included in this volume, Dominique, a young woman bored with her lover, begins an encounter with an older man that unfolds in unexpected and troubling ways.Both novellas have been freshly translated by Heather Lloyd and include an introduction by Rachel Cusk. Françoise Sagan was born in France in 1935. Bonjour tristesse (1954), published when she was just eighteen, became a succès de scandale and even earned its author a papal denunciation. Sagan went on to write many other novels, plays and screenplays, and died in 2004.Heather Lloyd was previously Senior Lecturer in French at the University of Glasgow, and has published work on both Bonjour tristesse and Françoise Sagan.Rachel Cusk is the author of Saving Agnes (1993), which won the Whitbread First Novel Award; A Life's Work: On Becoming a Mother (2001); and Arlington Park (2006), shortlisted for the 2007 Orange Prize for Fiction. Her most recent book is Aftermath: On Marriage and Separation (2012).'Funny, thoroughly immoral and thoroughly French' The Times