Historical Fiction Books

Book Synopsis1915. Margaret and Philip Tallis are happily married, have a thriving business and three children, Daisy, John and Lily.At 20, Daisy is an impassioned, headstrong girl, determined to follow her parents’ footsteps in Birmingham’s jewellery trade. While studying at the college for silversmiths she meets an old rival of her father’s. James Carson is married, but Daisy finds herself dangerously drawn to him . . .As war tightens its grip on the country, the Jewellery Quarter is thrown into anguish as the men are forced to decide who will enlist. In the turmoil, will Margaret be able to hold her business and her family together?The Silversmith’s Daughter is the emotional sequel to the Sunday Times bestseller Sisters of Gold by Annie Murray.

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Book SynopsisCourage, passion, ambition and tragedy under the storm clouds of war from the top ten bestselling author. It is 1915 and Daisy Tallis, headstrong, impassioned and a talented young silversmith, is desperate to make her parents proud. The family business is at the very heart of Birmingham’s jewellery quarter community.Daisy, having studied at the city’s celebrated School of Jewellery and Silversmithing, is now skilled enough to be a teacher. It is at the school that she meets her father’s notorious rival, James Carson. Although he’s a married man, Daisy finds herself dangerously drawn to his flattery.As war tightens its grip on the country, the jewellery quarter is thrown into turmoil as the men are forced to decide who will enlist. When tragedy strikes, can Daisy and her mother find what it takes to hold both the business and the family together?‘Full of drama, love and compassion’ Take a Break‘A tale of passion and empathy that will keep you hooked’ Woman’s OwnTrade ReviewThis heart-warming story is a gripping read, full of drama, love and compassion (Soldier Girl) * Take a Break *This epic saga will have you gripped from start to finish (Chocolate Girls) * Birmingham Evening Mail *An exceptional first novel (Birmingham Rose) * Chronicle *Just the right mix of mystery and nostalgia (Birmingham Friends) * Parents' Magazine *A tale of passion and empathy which will keep you hooked (Birmingham Blitz) * Woman's Own *

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Book SynopsisInspired by an eighteenth-century love affair, Rules of the Heart is the story of a woman who thinks she understands the rules of the game but ends by breaking them all. From the bestselling author of The Other Bennet Sister.

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Book SynopsisFollowing on from her bestselling historical fiction The Woolworths Girls, Christmas at Woolworths is the heartfelt second book in Elaine Everest's Woolworths series.Even though there was a war on, the Woolworths girls brought Christmas cheer to their customers.Best friends Sarah, Maisie and Freda are brought together by their jobs at Woolworths. With their loved ones away on the front line, their bonds of friendship strengthen each day. Betty Billington is the manager at Woolworths, and a rock for the girls, having given up on love . . . Until a mysterious stranger turns up one day – could he reignite a spark in Betty?As the year draws to a close, and Christmas approaches, the girls must rely on each other to navigate the dark days that lie ahead . . .With so much change, can their friendship survive the war?Trade ReviewExpect trouble and strife . . . and a big Christmas helping of love and goodwill as we join the girls for a seasonal visit to our favourite Woolworths store * Lancashire Evening Post *A real Christmas treat * Choice *Fabulous ... heartwarming * Take a Break *A warm, tender tale of friendship and love . . . sweet as a Woolies Pick 'n' Mix -- Milly Johnson (The Woolworths Girls)Heartwarming . . . a must-read -- Woman's Own (The Woolworths Girls)A lovely read -- Bella (The Woolworths Girls)Elaine brings the heyday of the iconic high-street giant to life in her charming novel -- S Magazine (The Woolworths Girls)

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Book SynopsisChosen as one of the best books of 2018 by the Mail on Sunday'The master storyteller returns with a nail-biter every bit as good as Kane and Abel – utterly enthralling' - Joanna LumleyHeads You Win is the incredible and thrilling novel by the master storyteller and bestselling author of the Clifton Chronicles and Kane and Abel, Jeffrey Archer.Leningrad, Russia, 1968. Alexander Karpenko is no ordinary child, and from an early age, it is clear he is destined to lead his countrymen. But when his father is assassinated by the KGB for defying the state, he and his mother will have to escape from Russia if they hope to survive. At the docks, they are confronted with an irreversible choice: should they board a container ship bound for America, or Great Britain? Alexander leaves that choice to the toss of a coin . . .In a single moment, a double twist decides Alexander’s future. During an epic tale of fate and fortune, spanning two continents and thirty years, we follow his triumphs and defeats as he struggles as an immigrant to conquer his new world. As this unique story unfolds, Alexander comes to realize where his destiny lies, and accepts that he must face the past he left behind in Russia.With a final twist that will shock even his most ardent fans, this is international number one bestseller Jeffrey Archer’s most ambitious and creative work since Kane and Abel.Trade ReviewThe master storyteller returns with a nail-biter every bit as good as Kane and Abel – utterly enthralling -- Joanna LumleyIt’s a classic Archer page-turner with a memorable final twist that made me shout out loud * Daily Mail *Leave it to Jeffrey Archer to spin a continent-straddling, decade-spanning, fate driven yarn that weaves its way from St Petersburg to London and New York, saving its final twist for the very last page. -- One of the Books of 2018 * Mail on Sunday *Archer certainly knows how to spin a yarn. You will tear through his latest book in no time. It is a fabulous read. * Sun *Brilliantly conceived . . . the writing and characterizations are superb . . . A splendid novel, featuring one of Archer's most elegantly told stories -- Booklist starred reviewIf there was a Nobel Prize for storytelling, Archer would win * Daily Telegraph *

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Book SynopsisThe Poppy Girls is the first title in The Maitland Trilogy, by bestselling author Margaret Dickinson.Even amidst the horror of the trenches, friendship will survive . . .Thwarted in her desire to become a doctor like her brother Robert, Pips Maitland rebels against her mother’s wishes that she settle down and raise children. However, when Robert brings home a friend from medical school, Giles Kendall, it seems perhaps Pips might fall in love with an acceptable suitor after all. But the year is 1914 and the future is uncertain. Hearing that her father’s friend, Dr John Hazelwood, is forming a flying ambulance corps to take to the front lines, Pips is determined to become one of its nurses and asks Alice Dawson, her maid, to go with her. Robert and Giles offer their services as doctors, and Alice’s brother William joins them as a stretcher bearer.Nothing could have prepared them for the horrific sights they encounter. Moving their unit close to the fighting to offer first aid as quickly as possible puts them all in constant danger. But, even amidst the barrage of shelling and gunfire, the unending stream of injured being brought to their post, the love between Pips and Giles survives and blossoms just like the poppies of Flanders fields.Fans of Dilly Court and Rosie Goodwin will love The Poppy Girls. Continue the story of the Maitland family with The Brooklands Girls.Trade ReviewQueen of Saga * Daily Express *An outstanding story of love, courage and family love . . . told by an author who knows how to touch your heart -- Mary Wood, author of The Jam Factory Girls

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Book SynopsisCome Rain or Shine is an uplifting story of true friendship in the aftermath of World War Two, by Sunday Times bestseller Pam Weaver.1946. The war is over, but a bereft Sheila Hodges is left parentless and alone in London. With nowhere else to go, she heads to Worthing to reconnect with her grandmother and cousin Veronica, known as Ronnie. Ronnie and Sheila are given the opportunity to run their grandfather’s business, a local garage. Ronnie’s ne’er-do-well brother Leslie is furious – as the man of the family, he believes the business is rightfully his. But their grandmother is adamant that Leslie is not to be trusted. After serving in the ATS in the war, Sheila is a trained mechanic, while Ronnie discovers she has a talent for numbers and a shrewd business head. Despite the garage’s derelict state, the girls are determined to turn it into a prospering business. Bright and lively, the girls quickly make themselves at home in the welcoming community, a source of comfort after the horrors of war. But when the girls stumble across a shocking family secret, they will have to depend on each other to uncover the truth . . .Trade ReviewWhat a terrific read – saga fans everywhere will love it and be asking for more from this talented author -- Annie Groves on Blue MoonAn engaging and gripping post-war saga . . . A hard-hitting story of female friendship tested against the odds -- Take a Break on Always in My HeartPam Weaver presents us with a real page-turner – with richly drawn characters and a clever plot -- Caring 4 Sussex on Always in My HeartA heartrending story about mothers and daughters -- Kitty Neale on Blue Moon

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Book Synopsis'A glorious love story' – Sarah Winman, author of Still Life'Extraordinarily daring . . . a remarkable novel, an almost visionary celebration of the death-defying power of the women’s love' - Sunday Times, Book of the Year From the bestselling author of Burial Rites and The Good People, Devotion is a stunning story of girlhood and friendship, faith and suspicion, and the impossible lengths we go to for the ones we love.1836, Prussia. Hanne is nearly fifteen and the domestic world of womanhood is quickly closing in on her. A child of nature, she yearns instead for the rush of the river, the wind dancing around her. Hanne finds little comfort in the local girls and friendship doesn't come easily, until she meets Thea and she finds in her a kindred spirit and finally, acceptance.Hanne's family are Old Lutherans, and in her small village hushed worship is done secretly - this is a community under threat. But when they are granted safe passage to Australia, the community rejoices: at last a place they can pray without fear, a permanent home. Freedom.It's a promise of freedom that will have devastating consequences for Hanne and Thea, but, on that long and brutal journey, their bond proves too strong for even nature to break . . .'Exquisite . . . it's taken root in my heart' – Kiran Millwood Hargrave, author of The Mercies'So beautiful and so raw . . . Impossibly good' – Evie Wyld, author of The Bass RockTrade ReviewPiercingly beautiful . . . [Hanne and Thea's] story is an elegy, freighted with loss and longing * Guardian *Such a glorious love story. And the poetry of the landscape had, for me, a Whitmanesque sensibility. A mighty impassioned cry to love and the land -- Sarah Winman, author of Still LifeHannah Kent’s latest novel is stunning - full of magic and adventure. I fell in love with language again reading it. So beautiful and so raw. Devotion is impossibly good -- Evie Wyld, author of The Bass RockWith an extraordinarily daring twist halfway through its narrative Devotion is a remarkable novel, an almost visionary celebration of the death-defying power of the women’s love * Sunday Times, Historical Fiction Book of the Month *There’s a mesmerising, transcendent reverence for love and the land in Hannah Kent’s exquisitely-wrought novel . . . Passionate and poetic, Devotion is a slow burn of a novel, full of grace and emotional gravitas * Daily Mail *Devotion is rare and exquisite, both beautiful and muscular in its portrayal of love found and denied. It’s a story of love as a radical act, and a celebration of place and persistence. As we’ve come to expect from Kent, this is masterful storytelling with pull-no-punches stakes. It’s taken root in my heart -- Kiran Millwood Hargrave, author of The MerciesAbsolutely stunning. The writing, the characters and the twist were just perfect. Any Hannah Kent novel is guaranteed to be powerful, moving and so imaginative, but this was something else. It is a story that will stay with me. -- Elizabeth Macneal, Sunday Times bestselling author of The Doll Factory and Circus of WondersA superb novel. A fantastic merging of exquisite lyrical writing and page-turning adventure. Devotion had me constantly surprised, always entertained, and ultimately deeply moved: it deserves to be a glittering success. -- Emma Stonex, Sunday Times bestselling author of The LamplightersKent tells her heroine's burgeoning love story beautifully * The Times *[A] marvellous queer love story * InDaily *A tale of the refiguring might of faithful hearts; of love that sustains and love that ruins; of exile and dominion * Sydney Morning Herald *It is a love story, ardent and wholesome, and it drapes its reader in lush historical detail. Fans will find a lot to savour * Guardian Australia *A poetic story of friendship, nature and what it means to step into a new world - both physically and spiritually * Cosmopolitan *Devotion, is nothing short of divine. Kent uses prose like a magician might use a wand. I could say so much about the depth and scope of this novel, its raw, powerful connection to nature and human emotion, and it still wouldn’t do it justice. Simply put, this is a beautiful book. A liturgy of love, full of grace and wonder. -- Nydia Hetherington, author of A Girl Made of AirKent combines lyrical writing with a strong sense of place in this novel that takes us from a 19th-century Prussian village to the dusty plains of Australia * Good Housekeeping *One of my favourite reads of the year . . . While there is great sadness and hardship here, this surprising novel is ultimately about beauty, nature and an epic love. I adored it * ABC Arts *Draped in rich historical detail, Hannah Kent's luminous and poignant story explores kindred spirits and an epic search for freedom * Woman's Own *Devotion is utterly original. A glorious heartbreaking love story of infinite beauty -- Heather Rose, author of The Museum of Modern LoveA modern classic, on par with heart wrenching love stories such as Wuthering Heights and Pride And Prejudice. It tells the story of an achingly beautiful love and a brutal search for freedom . . . A moving tale with a breathtaking twist * The Herald *Exceptional . . . there are not many novelists writing today who can conjure a European past as vividly as Hannah Kent . . . she is a master at immersing the reader in a particular place and a particular period, specialising in stories of women on the margins trapped in close-knit communities and claustrophobic situations * New European *

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Book SynopsisJackdaws by Ken Follett is an irresistible novel of the French Resistance, love, courage and revenge set in the Second War War.A Failed MissionTwo weeks before D-Day, the French Resistance try to destroy a telephone exchange vital to Nazi communications. Heavily defended, the mission fails disastrously.A Daring PlanWith invasion looming, Flick Clairet, a British secret agent, proposes a daring but perilous new plan. She, along with an all-female team – the Jackdaws – will infiltrate and neutralize the exchange before Allied Forces land in France.A Race Against TimeHowever, unbeknownst to Flick, Rommel has assigned a brilliant spy-catcher – Dieter Franck – to crush the French Resistance. And now Franck is closing in . . .Trade ReviewMaster storyteller * The Times *Compelling reading . . . great entertainment * Baltimore Sun *Suspenseful, gripping * New York Post *

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Book SynopsisChris Kraus’ The Bastard Factory tells the story of an entire epoch: a drama of betrayal and self-delusion spanning the years 1905 to 1975, taking us from Riga to Moscow, Berlin and Munich all the way to Tel Aviv.Hubert and Konstantin Solm are brothers, born in Riga at the beginning of the twentieth century. They will find themselves – along with their Jewish adopted sister, Ev Solm – caught up in in the maelstrom of their changing times.As the two brothers climb the rungs of society – working first for the government in Nazi Germany, then as agents for the Allied Forces, and eventually becoming spies for the young West Germany – Ev will be their constant companion, and eventually a lover to them both. The passionate love triangle that emerges will propel the characters to terrifying moral and political depths.The story of the Solms is also the story of twentieth-century Germany: the decline of an old world and the rise of a new one – under new auspices but with the same familiar protagonists.Translated from the German by Ruth Martin

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Book SynopsisChris Kraus’ The Bastard Factory tells the story of an entire epoch: a drama of betrayal and self-delusion spanning the years 1905 to 1975, taking us from Riga and Moscow, Berlin and Munich, all the way to Tel Aviv.Hubert and Konstantin Solm are brothers, born in Riga at the beginning of the twentieth century. They will find themselves – along with their Jewish adopted sister, Ev Solm – caught up in in the maelstrom of their changing times.As the two brothers climb the rungs of society – working first for the government in Nazi Germany, then as agents for the Allied forces, and eventually becoming spies for the young West Germany – Ev will be their constant companion, and eventually a lover to them both. The passionate love triangle that emerges will propel the characters to terrifying moral and political depths.The story of the Solms is also the story of twentieth-century Germany: the decline of an old world and the rise of a new one – under new auspices but with the same familiar protagonists.Translated from the German by Ruth Martin

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Book SynopsisUnder a Wartime Sky is an enthralling historical novel by Liz Trenow, based on real-life events at a top-secret wartime research station. Telling the story of the heroes behind the discovery of radar, it’s perfect for readers of Kate Furnivall and Rachel Hore.Bawdsey Manor holds a secret.1936: the threat of war hangs over Europe. Churchill gathers the brightest minds in Britain at a grand house in Suffolk. Bound to complete secrecy, they work together on an invention that could mean victory for the Allies. Among them is Vic, a gifted but shy physicist who, for the first time, feels like he belongs.Local girl Kathleen wants to do more than serving tea and biscuits to ‘do her bit’. So when the Bawdsey team begin to recruit women to operate their top secret system, she dedicates herself to this life-or-death work. Kath and Vic form an unlikely friendship as the skies over Britain fill with German bombers. Little does Kath know just whose life she will change forever, one fateful night . . .Based on the real history of Bawdsey Manor, Under a Wartime Sky is a novel about courage, belonging and hope.Praise for Liz Trenow:‘The characters shine . . . Fabulous’ - Dinah Jefferies‘It was a wrench to put the book down after the last beautifully written page’ - Gill Paul‘Trenow’s exquisite novel puts a real focus on the characters’ journeys’ - WomanTrade ReviewLiz Trenow draws us in so that we inhabit her world, and it was a wrench to put the book down after the last beautifully written page -- Gill Paul on The Dressmaker of Draper’s Lane

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Book SynopsisReturning to the magical Amsterdam of her million-copy bestseller The Miniaturist, Jessie Burton's The House of Fortune is a story of love, fate, and two women determined to make their own way.A Richard & Judy Book Club pickThe No.1 Sunday Times Bestseller'I absolutely loved it' – Marian Keyes'Awe-inspiring. Burton is a master storyteller' – Elizabeth Day1705, Amsterdam. Thea Brandt is about to turn eighteen, and at the theatre in the heart of the city she has met the love of her life. At home, however, her family faces ruin. Desperate to change their fortunes, Thea’s aunt Nella is convinced that she must find Thea a wealthy husband, to get her away from the theatre and solidify her place in the society in which she truly belongs.As Thea and Nella clash over the demands of duty and the heart, past secrets begin to overwhelm their present. And then there is the elusive miniaturist – when mysterious figurines begin to arrive on the family doorstep, it seems someone may have unexpected plans for Thea's family . . .Will each woman be able to rescue her destiny from the whims of fortune?Five Star Reader Reviews:'I didn't want this rich immersive book to end . . . magical''Every bit as beautiful as the first book''Fantastic!! We are going to need a third book, please!'Trade ReviewClever and satisfying . . . Burton is an acute observer . . . A worthy sequel, mature and thoughtful * Guardian *Satisfying . . . a moving celebration of the possibilities for change and regeneration in life * Sunday Times *A joyous read: compassionate, wise and fabulously immersive . . . a beguiling, tender sequel . . . Brilliant * i *A more than worthy sequel to The Miniaturist. Elegant, atmospheric, compelling. I absolutely loved it -- Marian KeyesA book of beauty and insight . . . awe-inspiring. Burton is a master storyteller . . . I felt I could see, smell, live and breathe every page . . . a delight for anyone who is about to read it -- Elizabeth Day, bestselling author of The Party and MagpieSumptuous, elegant and atmospheric * Prima *The most beautiful book you'll read this year. A spectacular achievement . . . [it] will break your heart and put it back together again . . . Shining, sinuous, truly a marvel -- Kate WilliamsElegant historical suspense * Grazia *Returning to the world of her bestselling The Miniaturist, Jessie Burton’s tale of a curious young woman in 18th-century Amsterdam finds her at the top of her game * Observer *A satisfying, page-turning romp with a heroine to root for * Sunday Express *Beautifully crafted and brimming with historical detail * Sunday Post *Fans of The Miniaturist are in for a treat with this sequel * Red *The mysterious writing draws in any curious reader * The Herald *

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Book SynopsisA moving and emotional family drama set between France and Britain from bestselling author, Mary Wood. They would fight for their country, at all costs . . .When Sibbie and Marjie arrive at RAF Digby, they are about to take on roles of national importance. It’s a cause of great excitement for everyone around them. Perhaps they will become code-breakers, spies even? Soon the pair embark on a rigorous training regime, but nothing can prepare them for what they’re about to face . . .Amid the vineyards of rural France, Flora and Ella can’t bear the thought of another war. But as the thunderclouds grow darker, hanging over Europe, a sense of deep foreboding sets in, not just for their safety but for the fate of their families . . . With danger looming, as the threat of war becomes real, Flora and Ella are forced to leave their idyllic home and flee. Can they make it to safety, or will the war have further horrors in store for them?The Brave Daughters is the fourth book in the Girls Who Went to War series by Mary Wood.Trade ReviewWood is a born storyteller * Lancashire Evening Post *

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Book SynopsisSet in the Yorkshire Dales during the 19th century, The Miner's Wife by Diane Allen is a sweeping historical saga novel.Nineteen-year-old Meg Oversby often dreams of a more exciting life than the dull existence she faces at her family’s farm deep in the Yorkshire Dales. Growing up, she’s always sensed her father’s disappointment at not having a son to help with the farm work. So when Meg dances all night at the local market hall with Sam Alderson, a lead miner from Swaledale, a new light enters her life. Sam and his brother Jack show Meg a side to life she didn’t know existed. But when her parents find out, she’s forbidden from ever seeing them again. Although where there is love, there is often a way. When Meg’s uncle offers her the chance of helping to run the small village shop, she leaps at the opportunity, seeing it as a way to escape the oppressive family farm and see more of her beloved Sam. But as love blossoms, a darker truth emerges and Meg realizes that Sam may not be the man she thought he was . . .Trade ReviewIf you are a lover of historical sagas and the sweep of the northern hills and their romance, then this novel is definitely for you * Historical Novel Society *An enthralling tale packed with emotion, drama and the harsh realities of life in nineteenth-century northern England * Lancashire Post *

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Book SynopsisSet on the wild moors of West Yorkshire, The Girl from the Tanner's Yard by Diane Allen is a moving family drama about a girl who rises to prosperity from humble beginnings.After facing the horrors of the Crimean War, Adam Brooksbank returns to Black Moss Farm filled with regret over the path in life he has chosen. Starting anew, he decides to focus on rebuilding his family’s rundown farm and make it a home again.Lucy Bancroft lives with her parents on Prospect Terrace which backs onto the local tannery, and is the most beautiful girl in the village. But unfortunately her wealth doesn’t match her looks, and she soon realizes that nobody wants to court a girl from the filthy Flay Pits, let alone marry her.Yet when Lucy comes to work for Adam as his maid she finds herself falling in love with the farm set high upon the wild Moors of Haworth. Furthermore she begins to imagine a life with her new employer that goes beyond just being his maid. As they spend more time together, their feelings develop for one another despite her parents warning her nothing good will come of it. As rumours swirl around the village igniting jealousies and unearthing deeply buried secrets, will love find a way?Trade ReviewAn enthralling tale packed with emotion, drama and the harsh realities of life in nineteenth-century northern England * Lancashire Post *If you are a lover of historical sagas and the sweep of the northern hills and their romance, then this novel is definitely for you * Historical Novel Society *

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Book SynopsisFrom the top-ten bestselling author of Beneath a Frosty Moon, Rita Bradshaw, comes One Snowy Night, a sweeping family saga set between the two world wars in the north-east of England.It’s 1922 and the Depression is just beginning to rear its head in Britain, but Ruby Morgan is about to marry her childhood sweetheart and nothing can mar her happiness. Or so she thinks. An unimaginable betrayal by those she loves causes her to flee her home and family one snowy night. Crushed and heartbroken, Ruby vows that despite the odds stacked against her she will not only survive, but one day will show the ones she left behind that she’s succeeded in making something of herself. Brave words, but the reality is far from easy. Dangers Ruby could never have foreseen and more tragedy threaten her new life, and love always seems just out of reach. Can a happy ending ever be hers?Trade ReviewRaw passion and power on every page * Northern Echo *Gritty and touching * Newcastle Evening Chronicle *

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Book SynopsisFrom the top-ten bestselling author of Beneath a Frosty Moon, Rita Bradshaw, comes One Snowy Night, a sweeping family saga set between the two world wars in the north-east of England.It’s 1922 and the Depression is just beginning to rear its head in Britain, but Ruby Morgan is about to marry her childhood sweetheart and nothing can mar her happiness. Or so she thinks. An unimaginable betrayal by those she loves causes her to flee her home and family one snowy night. Crushed and heartbroken, Ruby vows that despite the odds stacked against her she will not only survive, but one day will show the ones she left behind that she’s succeeded in making something of herself. Brave words, but the reality is far from easy. Dangers Ruby could never have foreseen and more tragedy threaten her new life, and love always seems just out of reach. Can a happy ending ever be hers?Trade ReviewRaw passion and power on every page * Northern Echo *Gritty and touching * Newcastle Evening Chronicle *

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Book SynopsisFrom the top-ten bestselling author of One Snowy Night, Rita Bradshaw, comes The Storm Child, a sweeping family saga set during the run up to WW2 in the north-east of England.It’s mid-winter, and in the throes of a fierce blizzard Elsie Redfern and her husband discover an unknown girl in their hay barn about to give birth. After the young mother dies, Elsie takes the infant in and raises her as her own daughter, her precious storm child.Gina grows into a beautiful little girl, but her safe haven turns out to be anything but. Torn away from her home and family, the child finds herself in a nightmare from which there’s no waking, but despite her misery and bewilderment, Gina’s determined to survive.Years pass. With womanhood comes the Second World War, along with more heartbreak, grief and betrayal. Then, a new but dangerous love beckons; can Gina ever escape the dark legacy of the storm child?Trade ReviewGritty and touching * Newcastle Evening Chronicle *Raw passion and power on every page * Northern Echo *

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Book SynopsisFrom the top-ten bestselling author of One Snowy Night, Rita Bradshaw, comes The Storm Child, a sweeping family saga set during the run up to WW2 in the north-east of England.It’s mid-winter, and in the throes of a fierce blizzard Elsie Redfern and her husband discover an unknown girl in their hay barn about to give birth. After the young mother dies, Elsie takes the infant in and raises her as her own daughter, her precious storm child.Gina grows into a beautiful little girl, but her safe haven turns out to be anything but. Torn away from her home and family, the child finds herself in a nightmare from which there’s no waking, but despite her misery and bewilderment, Gina’s determined to survive.Years pass. With womanhood comes the Second World War, along with more heartbreak, grief and betrayal. Then, a new but dangerous love beckons; can Gina ever escape the dark legacy of the storm child?Trade ReviewGritty and touching * Newcastle Evening Chronicle *Raw passion and power on every page * Northern Echo *

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Book SynopsisThe Child of Pleasure (1889) is a novel by Gabriele D’Annunzio. The first in a series of three novels exploring the lives of the Italian bourgeoisie, The Child of Pleasure marked a shift in D’Annunzio’s early writing, which consisted of poems in the Symbolist tradition. Considered a central text of Italian Decadentism, the novel has earned comparisons to the work of Oscar Wilde and Joris-Karl Huysmans. “The next evening, he arrived at the palace a few minutes earlier than usual, with a wonderful gardenia in his button-hole and a vague uneasiness in his mind. His coupé had to stop in front of the entrance, the portico being occupied by another carriage, from which a lady was alighting. The liveries, the horses, the ceremonial which accompanied her arrival all proclaimed a great position. The Count caught a glimpse of a tall and graceful figure, a scintillation of diamonds in dark hair and a slender foot on the step.” From his home at the Palazzo Zuccari, Andrea Sperelli leads a life in pursuit of beauty, pleasure, and women. When an ex-lover returns to Rome following the breakdown of her marriage, he loses interest in his numerous affairs and longs to regain her love. But the past proves difficult to forget, the memories of betrayal and unhappiness no less painful after so many years apart. Wounded in a duel, Andrea is taken to a rural village to recuperate. There, he meets the beautiful Maria, who seems to promise a life of love and friendship. With a beautifully designed cover and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of Gabriele D’Annunzio’s The Child of Pleasure is a classic work of Italian literature reimagined for modern readers.

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Book SynopsisWhen her father has a crisis of conscious, Margaret Hale’s life is turned upside down. Because her parents decide to move away from southern London, Margaret must leave behind the tranquil, rural life she’s always known to settle in an industrial town called Milton. Though she does her best to assimilate, Margaret cannot help but feel trapped and hopeless in Milton, as she witnesses the brutal effects industrialization has on the environment and the individual. Used to fresh air and open spaces, Margaret notices the stark difference between her country home and Milton. While the air feels thick and the streets feel too crowded, Margaret’s compassion is captured by the plight of the lower classes. Befriending many poor laborers, Margaret learns of the unsafe conditions they work in, while they are making pennies on the boss’s dollar. While Margaret witnesses and supports her friends as they navigate toxic employer and worker relationships, she becomes involved in their struggles and gradually begins to brainstorm solutions. But when she meets John Thornton, a newly rich cotton mill owner, Margaret’s loyalty is tested. Initially clashing with John because of his occupation and his opinions on workers, Margaret begins to slowly develop strong feelings for John, avoiding him when she can out of respect for her underprivileged working friends. But as tensions grow in Milton, Margaret realizes that she cannot hide from John forever, and that she must navigate her intense feelings for the man; is it contempt, or something more? With themes of class, social norms, and clashes between rural and urban environments, North and South is a sophisticated romance novel. Through the use of strong central characters and the set to the backdrop of the industrial revolution, Elizabeth Cleghorn Gaskell defies the tradition of romance, and portrayed topics left unexplored by other women of her time. First published in 1854, North and South features an entertaining narrative while providing valuable insight on the life and society of the 19th century Industrial Revolution in England. This edition of Elizabeth Cleghorn Gaskell’s North and South is printed in a modern font and features a new, eye-catching cover design, making it both contemporary and accessible.

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Book SynopsisOn the day after his thirtieth birthday, Josef K, a bank teller, is arrested by two mysterious agents of an unspecified organization. Confused and shocked, Josef inquires about the crime he is being accused of, but the agents will not answer, leaving Josef to decide what he feels most guilty for. Though he is not imprisoned, Josef is told to await further instructions. Tortured by the unknown, Josef returns to his home and tries to guess what he could be charged for. His landlady, Frau Grubach, feels amicably about Josef despite the arrest and wishes to help. She speculates that he is likely being punished for his promiscuous behavior involving one of his neighbors. Josef is unable to confirm this, but he does go to his neighbor, Fraulien, for comfort. While she does accept his affection and kiss at first, Fraulien later rejects Josef’s advances. When he returns home, he is given unclear instructions for his court appearance. With an address, but not a specific report time, Josef arrives late to his trial, angering the assembly. When Josef vents his frustrations about the absurdity of the trial, he upsets the court even more. Still unclear on the charges he faces and the possible punishment, Josef feels the weight of guilt and the immeasurable high stakes as the trial proceeds. While he is thrown in a whirlwind of chaos and uncertainty, Josef pleas his innocence as he still investigates what crime he is being tried for. Through brilliant symbolism and excellent characterization, The Trial by Franz Kafka is an intelligent and intriguing perspective on the innerworkings of the justice system, told from the point of view of the guilty or accused. Published posthumously in 1925, The Trial has become one of Franz Kafka’s most popular works, and has been adapted for film, radio, and theater. With several interpretations and possible meanings, Franz Kafka’s The Trial provides a thrilling and thought-provoking reading experience for contemporary audiences. This edition of The Trial by Franz Kafka is accessible for modern readers with features such as its new, striking cover design and the stylish, readable font it is printed in.

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Book SynopsisSet in a medieval era of swords, battles, and dragons, King Mark of Cornwall takes in a young boy, with whom he felt a strong connection to even before he learned of their blood relation. When the young boy, Tristan, grows into a brave and honorable man, he is sent to settle a conflict the kingdom had with an Irish settlement. When Tristan goes to fight the Irish champion, he defeats him but is badly wounded. While he is struggling to regain his health, he meets Iseult, an Irish princess, who had been promised to his uncle as a wife. Once Tristan’s health returns, he escorts Iseult to the kingdom of Cornwall. However, when one of Iseult’s maids casts a binding love spell on Tristan and Iseult, they quickly fall into a forbidden love. Caught in a tortured love triangle, Tristan and Iseult try to suppress their love for each other out of respect for King Mark, however, their passion is persistent. Torn between reputation and romance, Tristan and Iseult must fight against their passions to remain chivalrous and honorable. With dramatic and beautiful writing, The Romance of Tristan and Iseult is an exciting romance novel filled with tragedy, magic, quests, and adventure. Using medieval sources, including the poem that the myth of Tristan and Iseult originated from, Joseph Bédier’s The Romance of Tristan and Iseult is a retelling of a classic star-crossed romance that inspired later iconic love stories such as Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. This influence has even spread to the 21st century, inspiring film adaptations and countless depictions of doomed lovers. Claimed to be one of the most authentic versions of the myth, The Romance of Tristan and Iseult provides detailed insight into medieval culture and folklore. This edition of The Romance of Tristan and Iseult by Joseph Bédier features a striking new cover design and is printed in a modern font, creating an accessible reading experience for contemporary readers.

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Book SynopsisEdgar Huntly, or, Memoirs of a Sleepwalker (1799) is a novel by American author Charles Brockden Brown. Combining the suspenseful style of Gothic fiction with such thematic interests as consciousness, morality, and truth, Brown’s novel shows the profound influence of European literature on his aesthetic while grounding the narrative in a distinctly American setting. Following the murder of his friend Waldegrave, the young Edgar Huntly devotes himself to uncovering the mystery of his death. While walking at night near the scene of the crime, Huntly sees a servant from a nearby farm named Clithero digging in the ground beneath a willow. Initially horrified at the man’s strange behavior and disheveled appearance, Huntly soon becomes suspicious and decides to question Clithero. After realizing that the man is a sleepwalker, he confronts Clithero, who denies murdering Waldegrave but admits his guilt in murdering a man in his native Ireland. Disappointed but eager as ever to find his friend’s killer, Edgar continues his search. When he wakes up in a dark cave, completely disoriented and on the brink of starvation, Edgar must fend off the merciless local wildlife and escape captivity by the Lenni Lenape tribe in order to survive. Charles Brockden Brown’s Edgar Huntly, or, Memoirs of a Sleepwalker is a harrowing work of mystery, horror, revenge, and survival which not only serves as a fine example of Gothic fiction, but as a detailed psychological portrait of settler colonial life. This early masterpiece of American literature, among Brown’s other works, would inspire the novels of James Fenimore Cooper, Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, and countless other authors whose works employ elements of mystery, suspense, and horror. Brown’s novel is perfect for readers looking for a terrifying tale with philosophical and psychological depth, as well as for those interested in the early days of American fiction. With a beautifully designed cover and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of Charles Brockden Brown’s Edgar Huntly, or, Memoirs of a Sleepwalker is a classic of American literature reimagined for modern readers.

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Book SynopsisNatty Bumppo is a bold young man raised by Native Americans. Nicknamed “Deerslayer” for his courageous attitude that sets him apart from his peers, Natty is adventurous and kind. As a firm believer that all living beings should respect the gifts of nature, Natty despises violence. However, as he comes of age and experiences the antagonistic relationship between Native Americans and white settlers, violence is difficult to avoid. With the help of his best friend, Chingachgook, Natty struggles to confront two white men at the center of the violence. Henry March, a man nearly opposite of Natty in terms of morals and upbringing, collaborates with former pirate “Floating Tom” Hutter to achieve their racist agenda and claim land previously occupied by indigenous people. Intending to scalp and kill as many Native Americans as they can, Hutter and March attack a Native American village, setting a cruel precedent. This attack spurs retribution and a string of kidnappings, ransoms, and rescue missions—all of which Natty finds himself in the middle of. Meanwhile, Natty and Chingachgook meet Tom Hutter’s daughters, Judith and Hetty, who also find themselves stuck in the bloodthirsty environment the elder generation is brewing. Judith is enamored by Natty and attempts to nurture a romance between the two of them. Now, facing tragic deaths, unnecessary violence, and the trials of love, Natty must come of age as he attempts to survive and stop the brutality. With intricate prose and high adventure, The Deerslayer introduces the pioneer New York setting and protagonists of James Fenimore Cooper’s Leatherstocking Tales series. The Deerslayer depicts the violence that the Europeans inflicted upon Native Americans with a unique perspective, noting the differences between the two races while also hailing the similarities, encouraging unity. Though written much later than the rest of the novels in the series, The Deerslayer prequels the rest, and is chronologically first in the narrative of James Fenimore Cooper’s famous series. Blending action and romance genres, The Deerslayer remains exciting to a modern audience while depicting the struggle of early American life. This edition of James Fenimore Cooper’s The Deerslayer features a new, eye-catching cover design and is printed in a modern font. With these accommodations, contemporary readers can experience the exceptional and complex origin story of the courageous protagonist of the Leatherstocking Tales.

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Book SynopsisRomola is a brilliant young woman who unknowingly falls in love with a handsome stranger whose true nature is fueled by greed, status and ego. Over the course of the novel, she uncovers his many transgressions and secret dealings. A handsome stranger called Tito Melema arrives in Florence and is immediately smitten by Romola—the daughter of a local scholar. The two eventually marry as Tito gains access to various social circles. He becomes an influential figure who’s eager to gain more status and approval. His selfish desires come at the detriment of his loved ones including Romola and his adoptive father. As Florence erupts into political warfare, Tito’s need for self-preservation comes at an unexpected cost. Romola is a period drama that was originally released from 1862-1863 as a fourteen-part series in Cornhill Magazine. The scope of Eliot’s storytelling incorporates critical historical events alongside a fictional family conflict. It’s a complex story that pushes the limits of compassion and understanding during a dire circumstance. With an eye-catching new cover, and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of Romola is both modern and readable.

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Book SynopsisIda B. Wells exposes a series of racially-motivated acts that disproportionately affect African Americans and is overwhelmingly ignored by a majority white criminal justice system. It’s crucial documentation of a brutal practice that tormented a community. In the late nineteenth century, Ida B. Wells was a thriving journalist and civil rights activist. She used her writing and skills as an investigative reporter to reveal the horrifying reality that many African Americans experienced. The Red Record: Tabulated Statistics and Alleged Causes of Lynching in the United States, is an explosive report on how mob violence and white supremacy had become the de facto law of the land. It created a culture of cruelty and anti-blackness that promoted public attacks, including lynchings. Ida B. Wells’ work helped to initiate conversations about racism, policy and policing. Shortly after the release of The Red Record: Tabulated Statistics and Alleged Causes of Lynching in the United States, the first anti-lynching bill was introduced into Congress. Wells’ efforts were critical for African Americans seeking justice in a historically racist system. With an eye-catching new cover, and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of The Red Record: Tabulated Statistics and Alleged Causes of Lynching in the United States is both modern and readable.

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Book SynopsisGerald Arbuthnot receives a promotion from Lord Illingworth, a worldly politician who has a sordid history of women, one of whom is Gerald’s widowed mother. When their connection is revealed, the young man questions his past, present and future aspirations. A Woman of No Importance opens with a high-class party featuring a group of society’s most illustrious citizens. In the midst of the event, Gerald Arbuthnot enters and announces his new position as secretary to the renown, Lord Illingworth. It’s an exciting opportunity that pleases Miss Hester Worsley, an American visitor and admirer of Gerald. What should be a cause for celebration becomes an awkward moment of truth between Lord Illingworth and Gerald’s mother, Mrs. Rachel Arbuthnot. Set in the late-nineteenth century, A Woman of No Importance is a commentary on contemporary English society. One family’s façade is broken by a hidden truth testing the relationship of mother and son. It’s a provocative tale about the power of seduction and political ambition. With an eye-catching new cover, and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of A Woman of No Importance is both modern and readable.

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Book SynopsisA House of Pomegranates is a series of enchanting stories from Oscar Wilde highlighting the moral conflicts, deception, tragedies and triumphs of four distinct narratives. Each tale features a profound transformation that may or may not lead to a happy ending. In A House of Pomegranates readers will find rich stories with fantastical characters in mystical settings. The book consists of "The Young King," "The Birthday of the Infanta," "The Fisherman and his Soul" and "The Star-child." Each tale follows a character’s unorthodox journey through physical and emotional trials, which lead to triumph or tragedy. Wilde’s compelling prose delivers relatable allegories for all readers, regardless of age or status. With A House of Pomegranates, Wilde returns to the fairytale genre with another selection of captivating short stories. He uses a children’s medium to explore class, greed, narcissism and betrayal. It’s a standout among his diverse catalog, which contains adult contemporary titles like The Picture of Dorian Gray and The Importance of Being Earnest. With an eye-catching new cover, and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of A House of Pomegranates is both modern and readable.

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Book SynopsisFeaturing five works of short gothic fiction, Curious, If True delivers peculiar stories that incite spine-chilling reactions. Depicting a classic ghost tale, The Old Nurse’s Story follows a nurse named Hester as she tells a group of children about her ancestry. The Poor Clare, depicts an intriguing narrative as a pragmatic lawyer uses his position to investigate the records and history of strange women said to have supernatural abilities. . Primarily told through a letter, The Grey Woman follows a young woman named Anna who was rushed into a terrible marriage. Soon Anna discovers how horrible her husband is proving the doubts she had before the she was pressured into the union. When his murderous rage makes Anna a target, her handmaid, Amante rushes to her safety. On the run and in disguise, Anna and Amante work together to outsmart and overcome Anna’s abusive and violent husband. Depicting a change of scene, Lois the Witch features a compelling and unexpected narrative set during the Salem Witch Trials. Following a woman accused of witchcraft, Lois the Witch tells a dark tale that leaves readers on the edge of their seats. Finally, the title piece, Curious, If True reexamines fairy tales and folk lore with a mysterious and dark lens, answering the question—what happens after “happily ever after”? First each published separately between the years of 1852-1861, the short works of fiction within Curious, If True can be read as stand-alone pieces while still working together to create a chilling tone and mood. Typically known for her biographies and Victorian fiction depicting homelife, Elizabeth Cleghorn Gaskell breaks from her mold to deliver these delightfully spooky stories. With intricate prose, strong characterization, and compelling plots, Gaskell proves that her merit extends across many genres, and that her work remains to be applicable even to modern audiences. Now presented in an easy-to-read font and featuring a stunning new cover design, this edition of Elizabeth Cleghorn Gaskell’s Curious, If True, is catered to modern readers, updating the classic to be accessible and conformed to contemporary standards while preserving the original genius of the work.

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Book SynopsisWhen Paul Manning begins working as an engineer clerk for the railroad, he decides to move in with his mother’s family on their farm. There, he is able to be closer to his job as the railroad paves the way for further industrialization of rural areas. While Paul is advancing in his career and settling in his new home, his attention is held by his cousin, Phillis. Paul and Phillis become quick friends and confidants. Worried for her, Paul keeps a close eye on Phillis as she comes of age. Because of Phillis’ beauty and high intelligence, she does not seem to fit into any social circles. Many other women feel that she is not lady-like enough, and men are threatened by her superior intellect. However, as Paul and Phillis grow closer, Phillis meets his boss, and quickly falls in love with him. Edward Holdsworth, Paul’s boss, is a very intelligent man, and is not intimidated by Phillis’ equal intellect. Though, as their relationship continues, Paul becomes uneasy about the match, feeling uncomfortable about the age gap between his cousin and Holdsworth. Despite his objections and guidance, Phillis ultimately must decide her place in the world by herself. As she grows older, this only becomes more confusing as the Industrial Revolution rises alongside her, changing a world that she never yet had the chance to gain footing in. Separated into four parts, Cousin Phillis contains a narrative the spans throughout both Paul and Phillis’ coming of age as they grow, find occupations, love, and navigate the rigid social expectations of the Victorian era. Considered by literary critics and professionals to be one of Elizabeth Cleghorn Gaskell’s crowning achievements, Cousin Phillis is a moving narrative filled with drama, sentiment, and humor. While Cousin Phillis reveals thoughtful perspectives on Victorian life, especially regarding gender dynamics and social changes amid the Industrial Revolution, it also portrays the universally relatable experience of coming-of-age, creating a narrative with both historical significance and timeless relatability. This edition of Cousin Phillis by Elizabeth Cleghorn Gaskell features a striking new cover design and is printed in an easy-to-read font, making it both readable and modern.

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Book Synopsis Starting in the 15th century, a fear of witchcraft and alternative practices grew into a hysteria. Because witches were suspected to be devil worshippers, they were considered heretics to the Christian church. Consequently, the Christians launched a crusade against these women and men. Matthew Hopkins was not only among the greatest supporters of this crusade, but also one of the most active participants. In just over a year, Matthew Hopkins, a self-proclaimed “Witchfinder General”, killed over one hundred people. While the witch hunt hysteria infected much of the 17th century society in England, there were still those who opposed the accusations and discrimination against witches. After being criticized for his work, Hopkins decided to publish a guide to witch hunting, including methods to discover a witch, how to torture them into a confession, and how to prosecute them. Along with outlines of torture methods, such as sleep deprivation and forced physical activity, The Discovery of Witches also addressed the questions and concerns raised by those who did not support Hopkins. Under the guise of being a man of God, Hopkins claimed to have been sent on a divine mission to manipulate other religious groups into joining his cause. As Hopkin’s practices brought him lucrative success, he rose to a short-lived power, but his published doctrine spread his influence for years after his death. The Discovery of Witches by Matthew Hopkins is a short text of immeasurable insight. Though now recognized as zealot propaganda, The Discovery of Witches depicts a chilling perspective of a heinous time in history, including the concerns of those who opposed it. While Hopkin’s work immortalizes a fascinating yet repulsive historical movement, it also invites readers to reflect on the ways the spirit of his manipulation is still present in modern society. This edition of The Discovery of Witches by Matthew Hopkins features an eye-catching cover deign and is printed in an easy-to-read font, making it both readable and modern.

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Book SynopsisThe Jewel of Seven Stars (1903) is a novel by Irish author Bram Stoker. Written during a period of increased interest in Egyptology across Europe, The Jewel of Seven Stars helped to establish the Irish master of Gothic horror’s reputation as a leading writer of the early-twentieth century. In the middle of the night, a young lawyer is roused from sleep by Margaret Trelawny. At her urgent request, he accompanies her to the house of her father, Abel Trelawny, a world-renowned Egyptologist. There, Ross discovers the archaeologist unconscious and in a trance-like state on the floor of his bedroom, surrounded by strange and horrifying artifacts. After reading a note left by Trelawny instructing them not to wake him, the group takes turns watching over the injured man. Several nights later, a man arrives who reveals himself to be Eugene Corbeck, a colleague of Trelawny’s who has only recently returned from Egypt. He shares with them the story of their discovery years before of Queen Tera’s tomb. By taking the sarcophagus, the pair unlocked an ancient curse, and have since been struggling to fulfill the prophesy recorded on the wall of the tomb—the resurrection of the Queen. The Jewel of Seven Stars demonstrates not only Stoker’s detailed research of contemporary Egyptology, but an undeniable mastery of horror. Blending nineteenth-century Gothic themes with twentieth-century concerns regarding the legacy of British imperialism, Stoker’s novel is an artifact itself, and a highly entertaining one at that. With a beautifully designed cover and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of Bram Stoker’s The Jewel of Seven Stars is a classic of Irish literature reimagined for modern readers.

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Book SynopsisThe Mystery of the Sea (1902) is a novel by Irish author Bram Stoker. Combining occult elements with historical events involving the Spanish-American War and the 1588 defeat of the Spanish Armada, The Mystery of the Sea is an informed mystery and political thriller that helped to establish the Irish master of Gothic horror’s reputation as a leading writer of the early-twentieth century. On his first trip to Cruden Bay, a seaside village near Aberdeen, Scotland, a young Englishman named Archibald Hunter discovers his gift for second sight. This strange power grants him the ability to predict future events, as well as to see spirits. Trained by a local woman named Gormala MacNeil, who shares his powers, Hunter learns to control his second sight. When he returns to Cruden Bay a year later to live their permanently, he unwittingly purchases a trunk containing letters and documents dating back to the 16th century. With the help of Marjory Drake, a secretive American, he deciphers the letters to discover clues leading to the location of a secret treasure. Hidden by a Spaniard named Don Bernadino de Escoban following the English defeat of the Spanish Armada, the treasure has long been forgotten to all but Don Bernadino’s descendants. Enveloped in layers of mystery, pulled into events involving ancient piracy and the Spanish-American War, Hunter must rely on his hidden powers and uncommon courage to save not only the woman he loves, but his life. With a beautifully designed cover and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of Bram Stoker’s The Mystery of the Sea is a classic of Irish literature reimagined for modern readers.

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Book SynopsisMinnie’s Sacrifice (1869) is a novel by Frances Ellen Watkins Harper. Originally serialized in the Christian Recorder, Minnie’s Sacrifice is a rediscovered work of fiction from one of nineteenth century America’s most prominent black writers and activists. The novel, which addresses such themes as miscegenation, passing, and the institutionalized rape of enslaved women, is a vastly underappreciated work that repurposes the story of Moses to tell a tale with a powerful political message. On a plantation in the American South, a slave named Miriam mourns the untimely death of her only daughter. Agnes, who succumbed while giving birth to a baby boy in their cabin at the edge of Mr. Le Croix’s property, left her son in her mother’s care. Visiting Miriam’s cabin later that day, Camilla, the master’s daughter, discovers a blond-haired, blue-eyed boy. Bringing this to the attention of her father, Camilla proposes that the boy be sent away from the plantation to be brought up as white. Unable to accept that the boy should be considered a slave, Camilla begs her father to take the child north, all the while failing to connect her own father to the boy’s birth. After brief contemplation, he nervously consents to her plan, but for all her cunning and bravery, Camilla is entirely unprepared for what her merciful endeavor will reveal. Minnie’s Sacrifice, by an author who inspired Zora Neale Hurston and Ida B. Wells, is a groundbreaking work of African American fiction and a definitive masterpiece from Frances Ellen Watkins Harper, a pioneer in her craft. With a beautifully designed cover and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of Frances Ellen Watkins Harper’s Minnie’s Sacrifice is a classic of African American literature reimagined for modern readers.

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Book SynopsisWynema: A Child of the Forest (1891) is a novel by Muscogee American writer Sophia Alice Callahan. Published when the author was only 23 years old, Wynema: A Child of the Forest is the first novel written by an American Indian woman. Although it gained little, if any, attention upon publication, the novel was rediscovered and reprinted in 1997. Wynema: A Child of the Forest is an essential record of the Massacre at Wounded Knee and the subsequent Lakota Ghost Dance movement, a work of fiction which looks at the suffering of American Indians through the eyes of an assimilated Muscogee woman, a character not unlike Callahan herself. Wynema is a young Muscogee girl. Raised in Indian Territory, she is educated in English and becomes a teacher at a local mission school. There, she befriends a white coworker, whose brother she eventually marries. In time, the couple gives birth to a child and begins to raise their family. However, following the Massacre at Wounded Knee, and horrified by stories of orphaned Lakota children left to fend for themselves, Wynema and her husband decide to expand their family by adopting a young Lakota girl. Through this family narrative, Callahan examines the assimilation of American Indians into Western culture while providing a critical comparison of Christianity and the Ghost Dance religion. In its description of the events at Wounded Knee, the novel portrays heroic Lakota women risking their lives to save children from the onslaught of American soldiers, a circumstance unreported in the press’s presentation of the Massacre. Wynema: A Child of the Forest is an important and vastly unknown novel from the first woman novelist of American Indian heritage. With a beautifully designed cover and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of Sophia Alice Callahan’s Wynema: A Child of the Forest is a classic of American Indian literature reimagined for modern readers.

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Book SynopsisJenny (1911) is a novel by Norwegian writer Sigrid Undset. Published during the author’s social realist phase, a period in which her writing focused on the lives of everyday Norwegians, Jenny is a moving portrait of idealism and ambition and a tragic tale of talent gone to seed. Although Undset’s later fiction—inspired by her conversion to Catholicism—won her the 1928 Nobel Prize in Literature, her earlier work has remained essential to her legacy. Finding herself uninspired in her native Norway, Jenny Winge, an idealistic and talented painter, moves to Rome in order to further her artistic career. There, she finds not only success, but a fiancé with whom she envisions sharing a life and family. Moved by hidden desires, however, Jenny strikes up an affair with the man’s father that leaves her pregnant, disgraced, and alone. Determined as ever despite being shaken from her path as an artist, Jenny determines to raise the child by herself, forsaking convention while simultaneously risking her life and the life of her baby. From artistic achievement to mere independence, Jenny is forced to drastically shift her ambitions, to remain unbroken in a world that seems intent on breaking every hope she holds. Jenny is a realist novel that takes an unsparing look at the role of women in society while illuminating the struggles a young artist faces on the path to success and independence. With a beautifully designed cover and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of Sigrid Undset’s Jenny is a classic of Norwegian literature reimagined for modern readers.

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Book Synopsis When tragedy strikes on his son’s wedding day, Lord Manfred believes it is a foreboding omen, and will do whatever it takes to stop it—no matter how immoral. Set in the 18th century, The Castle of Otranto begins on the day Manfred’s son, Conrad, was meant to be married. Known for his sickly nature, Conrad is the eldest child of two, and is set to marry Princess Isabella, a union that would reap strong benefits for the noble family. However, when tragedy strikes right before the ceremony, Manfred is terrified that it is a premonition of a bad luck curse. Paranoid that the curse would threaten his bloodline, he leaps into action. Determined to strengthen his legacy before it’s too late, Manfred decides to divorce his wife so that he can marry Isabella in his son’s place. However, when Isabella adamantly refuses, Manfred slips into a manic state of immorality, as he becomes desperate to do whatever it takes to marry Isabella. After Theodore, a brave peasant man with mysterious origins, becomes dedicated to protecting Isabella from Manfred, the lord must outsmart and overpower the couple to get his way. Through coercion, capture, and even murder, Manfred will do anything to avoid the threat of a curse. First published under a pseudonym in 1764, The Castle of Otranto by Horace Walpole is regarded as the first gothic horror novel, a literary genre that later flourished in the 18th and 19th century. Walpole’s work has shaped the modern-day gothic aesthetic in literature, film, art, and music. The Castle of Otranto and the genre it inspired also encouraged many major writers, such as Mary Shelley, Bram Stoker, and Edgar Allan Poe. Featuring a dark narrative, twists, tragedy, and elements of surrealism, The Castle of Otranto is dramatic and shocking, enthralling from start to finish. This edition of The Castle of Otranto by Horace Walpole features an eye-catching new cover design and is printed in a font that is both modern and readable. With these accommodations, The Castle of Otranto caters to a contemporary audience while preserving the original innovation of Horace Walpole’s work.

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Book SynopsisWhen Aubrey, a young Englishman, meets a mysterious man from London high society, Lord Ruthven, they become unlikely friends. Shortly after, Aubrey decides to accompany the noble on a trip to Rome. However, when a moral disagreement arises between the two, Aubrey decides to leave Ruthven in Rome, and goes off on his own. Arriving in Greece, Aubrey meets Ianthe, and the two share an immediate connection. After sharing stories and an evening together, Aubrey and Ianthe part ways for the night. However, after a devastating turn of events, Aubrey and Ruthven reunite, and Aubrey, ready to leave Greece behind, is happy to travel with the older man once again. But as they continue their travels, Aubrey slowly begins to notice Ruthven’s odd behavior. After even more consideration, Aubrey realizes a shocking pattern—nearly everyone that Ruthven comes in close contact to meets an untimely end. Afraid of his newly acquired knowledge, Aubrey attempts to distance himself from the suspicious man, though he is forced to reconsider his efforts when Ruthven expresses intent to marry Aubrey’s sister. First published under Lord Byron’s name, The Vampyre rose to immediate commercial success. However, though he was inspired by a discarded piece of Lord Bryon’s work, both authors have since admitted that John William Polidori was the true writer of The Vampyre. Considered to be the first work of vampire fiction, The Vampyre had an immense role in shaping vampires as literary figures, influencing the canonical rules of vampires that many still follow today. First published in 1819, Polidori’s The Vampyre remains to be a thrilling and spooky read centuries later, and has since inspired both film and theater adaptations. With mystery and eerie suspense, Polidori’s work is an extraordinary example of 19th century gothic horror. This edition of The Vampyre by John William Polidori features a striking new cover design and is printed in a font that is both modern and readable. With these accommodations, The Vampyre caters to a contemporary audience while preserving the original innovation of John William Polidori’s work.

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Book SynopsisA poverty-stricken man suddenly inherits a fortune and is guided by the mysterious Lucio who introduces him to a world of fame, greed and materialism. As he navigates a path of destruction, he begins to question his partner’s motives. Geoffrey Tempest is a struggling writer on the verge of homelessness. He lives in a bustling and expensive city that bends to the rich and powerful. His life dramatically changes when he receives an inheritance from a deceased relative. This sparks the arrival of Lucio, a gentleman who is eager to help Geoffrey manage his wealth. He introduces the new heir to vices that cause more harm than good. Geoffrey soon discovers Lucio’s true identity and must choose between the fruits of the spirit and desires of the flesh. The Sorrows of Satan is a commentary on the ancient battle of good versus evil. Corelli uses contemporary London to display man’s worldly temptations. The story centers opposing ideals driven by a charismatic and undeniable force. With an eye-catching new cover, and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of The Sorrows of Satan is both modern and readable.

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Book SynopsisWhen Jerome K Jerome and his friend decide to attend the Oberammergau Passion Play, an Easter pageant that is performed in Oberlin, Germany once every decade, they turn the trip into a vacation. From London to Germany, the pair plan a cross-continent trip, excited to sight-see and experience different cultures. However, the friends run into conflict before they even take off, unsure what to pack. While they sort through contradicting advice from others, the pair cannot decide if it would be worse to take more than they need, or less. After they defeat their relatable packing struggle, they finally embark on their journey. The men encounter even more troubles, as they struggle to find directions, board their train, and overcome cultural barriers. However, through unfamiliar foods, strange beds, and misunderstandings, it is impossible to miscommunicate the gorgeous landmarks they encounter, including the Cologne Cathedral and the Rhine river. Their vacation may not go as planned, but it most certainly will be memorable! Featuring misadventures, iconic settings, and admirable friendship, Jerome K. Jerome’s Diary of a Pilgrimage is a genius work of comedic nonfiction. Written in the form of essays depicting memorable anecdotes, Jerome’s work is composed by delightful, humorous prose and poignant observations. Mixing humor and sentiment, Jerome extends his observations to everyday life, and uses the details of his journey to paint broader truths about civilization and the human race. With vivid descriptions of the social scene and stunning landscapes of major European cities such as London, Cologne, and Munich, Diary of a Pilgrimage paints a perfect image of the journey, allowing readers to experience a vicarious adventure throughout 19th century Europe. p> This edition of Diary of a Pilgrimage by Jerome K. Jerome features a stunning new cover design and is printed in a font that is both modern and readable. With these accommodations, Diary of a Pilgrimage caters to a contemporary audience while preserving the original hilarity of Jerome’s work.

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Book Synopsis At a young age, author Jerome K. Jerome found a hobby that he was extremely skilled at, and very passionate about—idleness. He was thrilled at the amount of time he could waste doing nothing, frustrating those around him. However, when Jerome falls ill and is ordered to bedrest, this hobby is tested. Then, he learns that doing nothing is only fun when you have other commitments. This relatable sentiment is explored in the title essay of Idle Thoughts of an Idle Fellow. Taking sometimes mundane topics and twisting them into the extraordinary, Idle Thoughts of an Idle Fellow shares insight on a variety of topics. In On Being in Love Jerome applies his observations of couples to broader realizations of love and romance. Exploring an opposite, polarizing feeling, On Being in the Blues is a touching portrayal of living with depression, struggling through the lows and highs of mental health. While such essays invoke strong emotional reactions, others dabble in lighter topics, such as the attire of babies, the weather, and gluttonous appetites. Yet, whether the topic is profound or ordinary, Jerome finds a way to craft philosophical prose saturated in clever insight. Featuring fourteen witty and philosophical essays, Jerome’s Idle Thoughts of an Idle Fellow considers topics of varying importance, from the author’s opinion on cats to suffering through depressive episodes. Each accompanied by a personal, and usually hilarious narrative, these essays reach philosophic conclusions as they entertain with their captivating charm and sarcasm. Written with casual prose decorated with thorough imagery and figurative language, Idle Thoughts of an Idle Fellow imparts fun and frank wisdom on its readers, still delighting audiences over a century after it was first published. This edition of Idle Thoughts of an Idle Fellow by Jerome K. Jerome is presented in an easy-to-read font and features an eye-catching new cover design. With these accommodations, this edition is accessible and appealing to contemporary audiences, restoring Jerome K Jerome’s work to modern standards while preserving the original wit and charm of Idle Thoughts of an Idle Fellow.

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