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Books > Fiction > Genre fiction > Romance > Historical
A New York Times Bestseller From #1 New York Times bestselling author Julia Quinn comes the story of Hyacinth Bridgerton, in the seventh of her beloved Regency-set novels featuring the charming, powerful Bridgerton family, now a series created by Shondaland for Netflix. HYACINTH'S STORY Meet Our Hero . . . Gareth St. Clair is in a bind. His father, who detests him, is determined to beggar the St. Clair estates and ruin his inheritance. Gareth's sole bequest is an old family diary, which may or may not contain the secrets of his past . . . and the key to his future. The problem is--it's written in Italian, of which Gareth speaks not a word. Meet Our Heroine . . . All the ton agreed: there was no one quite like Hyacinth Bridgerton. She's fiendishly smart, devilishly outspoken, and according to Gareth, probably best in small doses. But there's something about her--something charming and vexing--that grabs him and won't quite let go . . . Meet Poor Mr. Mozart . . . Or don't. But rest assured, he's spinning in his grave when Gareth and Hyacinth cross paths at the annual--and annually discordant--Smythe-Smith musicale. To Hyacinth, Gareth's every word seems a dare, and she offers to translate his diary, even though her Italian is slightly less than perfect. But as they delve into the mysterious text, they discover that the answers they seek lie not in the diary, but in each other . . . and that there is nothing as simple--or as complicated--as a single, perfect kiss.
A Tale of False Fortunes is a masterful translation of Enchi Fumiko's (1905-1986) modern classic, Namamiko monogatari. Written in 1965, this prize-winning work of historical fiction presents an alternative account of an imperial love affair narrated in the eleventh-century romance A Tale of Flowering Fortunes (Eiga monogatari). Both stories are set in the Heian court of the emperor Ichijo (980-1011) and tell of the ill-fated love between the emperor and his first consort, Teishi, and of the political rivalries that threaten to divide them. While the earlier work can be viewed largely as a panegyric to the all-powerful regent Fujiwara no Michinaga, Enchi's account emphasizes Teishi's nobility and devotion to the emperor and celebrates her "moral victory"- over the regent, who conspired to divert the emperor's attentions toward his own daughter, Shoshi. The narrative of A Tale of False Fortunes is built around a fictitious historical document, which is so well crafted that it was at first believed to be an actual document of the Heian period. Throughout Enchi's innovation and skill are evident as she alternates between modern and classical Japanese, interjecting her own commentary and extracts from A Tale of Flowering Fortunes, to impress upon the reader the authenticity of the tale presented within the novel. Subplots abound involving servants, ladies-in-waiting, and most importantly female mediums, whose spiritual possession -- both feigned and real -- propels the momentum of the story toward an unexpected resolution.
Her daring bid for freedom could be her greatest undoing. Amid the Great War in 1918 England, munitions worker Rosalind Graham is desperate to escape the arranged marriage being forced on her by her ruthless guardian and instead follow her own course. When the Chilwell factory explodes, killing hundreds of unidentified workers, Rose realizes the world believes she perished in the disaster. Seizing the chance to escape, she risks all and assumes a new identity, taking a supervisory position in Gretna, Scotland, as Miss Tilly Lockhart. RAF Captain Alex Baird is returning home to Gretna on a secret mission to uncover the saboteur suspected in the Chilwell explosion, as Gretna's factory is likely next. Fearing for his family's safety, he's also haunted by guilt after failing to protect his brother. Alex is surprised to discover a young woman, Miss Lockhart, renting his boyhood room, but the two eventually bond over their mutual affection for his family--until Alex receives orders to surveil her. Rose squirms beneath Alex's scrutiny while she struggles to gain her workers' respect. But when her deception turns to danger, she and Alex must find a way to put their painful pasts behind them and together try to safeguard the future. "With her trademark attention to historical detail, Kate Breslin sweeps readers to a Great War home front full of intrigue, suspense, danger, and courage."--JOCELYN GREEN, Christy Award-winning author of Shadows of the White City "Readers will be captivated by this exquisite blend of historical intrigue and heartfelt romance from one of the finest voices in inspirational fiction."--AMANDA BARRATT, author of My Dearest Dietrich and The White Rose Resists "Breslin uses an exhilarating plotline and tender romance amid the tension of espionage to craft a gripping tale rife with double agents, corrupt foreign arms dealers, and secret missions. Ultimately, this is a story of forgiveness and family, and readers will revel once again in Breslin's superb chronicling of women's vital contributions to the war effort."--Booklist "Breslin keeps the tension up. . . . The stakes could not be higher--in both love and war--in this espionage tale drenched in intrigue."--Publishers Weekly
In a haunting romance set in Australia's far north in the middle of the twentieth century, Calum, a white ringer (cowboy), and Doreen, a mixed-descent girl, never once doubt their love even though, as a couple, they're disparaged by most whites. Calum joins a cattle drive-after he's proven that he can handle both himself and the wild horse he is given to ride. Enter Doreen, who has just been rescued by her mum from a mission school where she was treated badly by the Big Father. A chance encounter brings them together for the first time, but both of them believe their meeting was destined, regardless of what lies ahead for them. Through their experiences and those of the people around them, the racial discrimination that marked Australia's twentieth century-the tragedy of Australia's Stolen Generation, the murder of Aborigines, and the abduction and rape of Aboriginal girls-becomes the backdrop for this powerful love story. "Long Creek" offers an uplifting and beautiful romance and provides insight into the cattle-ranching life in a sparsely populated, beautiful, and unforgiving land.
"In a world where no one can die, she alone can kill..." COBWEB EMPIRE (Cobweb Bride Trilogy, Book Two) is the second book of the intricate epic fantasy flavored by Renaissance history and the romantic myth of Persephone, about death's ultimatum to the world. Now that she's Death's Champion, what will Percy do? In a world where all death and dying has ceased, and only one person can kill, everyone can only expect a miracle. But what if it's just the tip of the iceberg? Percy Ayren must make her way south, despite all odds, to the place where the death shadow of the Cobweb Bride calls her. With the help of her companions and the invincible black knight, Lord Beltain Chidair whose enigmatic presence disturbs her in a way she cannot explain, Percy must continue her quest, while the mortal world falls apart around them.... Meanwhile, the Marquis Vlau Fiomarre faces the truth of his impossible feelings for Claere Liguon, the Emperor's daughter. He had cruelly taken her life, and now he must serve her until his last dying breath -- it is no longer a matter of honor but secret passion. And now, the world itself is changing.... A new dark witch rises, and she will make your heart freeze with her beauty and power.... Empires clash, kings and emperors and gods vie for supremacy, the living and the dead are at war, while love stories play out in amazing directions, and new mind-blowing mysteries are born. Experience the stunning continuation of the epic story in Cobweb Empire.
Born at the end of the nineteenth century, David Mendy comes from the upper Thames valley in England, a place haunted by memories and customs thousands of years old. These include the "good man's croft," an untilled patch reserved for the land's spirit and rumored to have been the site of child sacrifice. David's family legend also includes ties to stone ruins next to the local good man's croft. But as a lad, he is warned to stay away from the area-that it was to be left to the devil. David later goes to medical school, where he meets and marries Maud Millen, a shopkeeper's daughter-and then the world descends into chaos as the Great War begins. While serving in the Royal Army Medical Corps in France, David suspects his wife's affections may be torn between him and Peter Landrum, heir to the land that includes the good man's croft and David's nemesis since their school days. But Landrum has another secret that he will kill to protect, and when David returns home, more than just his marriage is at stake. Evil has once again come to the good man's croft and though David may have survived the war to end all wars, it's uncertain whether he'll survive Landrum.
The world is at war. And time is running out... London, 1940. Britain is gripped by the terror of the Blitz, forcing Nell Spelman to flee the capital with her young daughter - leaving behind her husband, Arthur, the clockmaker who keeps Big Ben chiming. When Arthur disappears, Nell is desperate to find him. But her search will lead her into far darker places than she ever imagined... New York, Present Day. When Ellie discovers a beautiful watch that had once belonged to a grandmother she never knew, she becomes determined to find out what happened to her. But as she pieces together the fragments of her grandmother's life, she begins to wonder if the past is better left forgotten... A powerful and unforgettable tale of fierce love, impossible choices and a moment that changes the world forever, perfect for fans of Jennifer Chiaverini and Hazel Gaynor. Readers love Daisy Wood: 'A ticking time-bomb of intrigue, wrapped around stark but rich descriptions of the Blitz. An unforgettable wartime debut.' Mandy Robotham, internationally bestselling author of The Berlin Girl 'I couldn't put it down. My favourite kind of historical fiction.' Reviewer 'Wonderful.' Reviewer 'Brilliantly captures the essence of 1940s England. Highly recommended!' Reviewer Set between WWII and today, and America and England, I totally loved this outstandingly amazing book. Five stars!' Reviewer 'Daisy Wood skillfully navigates between two timelines, and her descriptions of the war are really masterful.' Reviewer 'The perfect blend of historical fiction and espionage.' Reviewer 'Beautifully written... I highly recommend this treasure!' Reviewer
The first of a funny, fast-paced, Regency-set duet from Julia Quinn, the bestselling author of the global phenomenon Bridgerton When Caroline Trent is kidnapped by Blake Ravenscroft, she doesn't even try to elude this dangerously handsome agent of the crown. After all, she's been running from unwanted marriage proposals. Yes, Blake believes she's a notorious spy named Carlotta De Leon, but for six weeks until her twenty-first birthday, when she'll gain control of her fortune, hiding out in the titillating company of a mysterious captor is awfully convenient - and maybe just a little romantic, too. Blake Ravenscroft's mission is to bring 'Carlotta' to justice, not to fall in love. His heart has been hardened by years of intrigue, but this little temptress proves oddly disarming and thoroughly kissable. And suddenly the unthinkable becomes possible - could this mismatched couple be destined for love? Find out why readers love Julia Quinn . . .
From the acclaimed author of The Chilbury Ladies' Choir and The Kitchen Front, Jennifer Ryan, comes a novel inspired by true events in the Second World War. After renowned London fashion designer Cressida Westcott loses both her home and her design house in the Blitz, she has nowhere to go but the family manor house she fled decades ago. She arrives with nothing but the clothes she stands in, at a loss as to how to rebuild her business from a quaint country village. Her niece, Violet, is thrilled that her famous aunt is coming to stay - the village has been interminably dull with all the men off fighting. Meanwhile, the local vicar's daughter, Grace Carlisle, is trying in vain to repair her mother's gown, her only chance of a white wedding. When Cressida Westcott appears at the local sewing circle meeting, Grace asks for her help - but Cressida has much more to teach the ladies than just simple sewing skills. Before long, Cressida's spirit and ambition galvanizes the village group into action, and they find themselves mending wedding dresses not only for local brides, but for brides across the country. And as the women dedicate themselves to helping others celebrate love, they might even manage to find it for themselves . . . The Great British Sewing Bee meets the Second World War in this warm, charming and nostalgic novel The Wedding Dress Sewing Circle.
Six year old Lily Montgomery wanders from her home in Patras on that fateful night of 1821 when the Ottomans set fire to the Greek city, and is captured by gypsies. Ten years later, she learns about her true identity from her gypsy grandmother and begins her search for her father, who is an English Lord and her mother, a Greek heiress. Her personal journey leads her to England, where she is informed by her cousin, Mrs. Bennington, that her father is away on a trip to the Indies and her mother presumably dead from the war. Lily is sent away to boarding school by Mrs. Bennington. There, she falls in love with Edward Grant, an English lord, but he is engaged to another. When Lily receives news that her father has died in a shipwreck, her whole world turns upside down. She has no funds and is forced to work as a maid to pay her tuition. Love wins the day, however, and a surprise ending will bring happiness to all.
Fleeing war-torn Britain and the threat of Nazi invasion, youngsters Michael Evans and Elizabeth Beauchamp become inseparable companions when they board the H.M.S. Empress of Wales, bound for New York. Elizabeth is comforted when Michael gives her an intricate gold cross which Michael recently received when an elderly British gentleman insisted he take it to thank him for his kindness. Upon arrival in New York the children are separated. Michael's aunt and uncle become his guardians and provide him all the advantages their wealth affords. A successful stockbroker, he is engaged to Anne Gordon, who hails from a wealthy New York family. Elizabeth, who boarded the wrong ship in 1944, is presumed dead by her grieving English mother. Originally intended to disembark in Canada, no records identify her in New York. Assuming she is an orphan, Elizabeth is adopted by a loving American couple. Unknowingly, the lives of Michael and Elizabeth cross years later in small diner where Elizabeth works as a waitress while attending Columbia University. The two sense a common connection, but Michael's impending marriage dampers hopes of a romantic relationship.
A prima ballerina. Two American medics. And a young Jewish girl with no name . . . At the height of the Nazi occupation of Rome, an unlikely band of heroes comes together to save Italian Jews in this breathtaking World War II novel based on real historical events. Rome, 1943. With the fall of Italy’s Fascist government and the Nazi regime occupying the streets of Rome, British ballerina Julia Bradbury is stranded and forced to take refuge at a hospital on Tiber Island. But when she learns of a deadly sickness that is sweeping through the quarantine wards—a fake disease known only as Syndrome K—she is drawn into one of the greatest cons in history. Alongside hospital staff, friars of the adjoining church, and two Allied medics, Julia risks everything to rescue Italian Jews from the deadly clutches of the Holocaust. But when one little girl who dreams of becoming a ballerina arrives at their door, Julia and the others are determined to reunite the young dancer with her family—if only she would reveal one crucial secret: her name. Present Day. With the recent loss of her grandfather—a beloved small-town doctor and WWII veteran—Delaney Coleman returns home to help her aging parents, even as she struggles to pick up the pieces of her own life. When a mysterious Italian woman claims she owns one of the family’s precious heirlooms, Delaney is compelled to uncover what’s true of her grandfather’s hidden past. Together with the woman’s skeptical but charming grandson, Delaney learns of a Roman hospital that saved hundreds of Jewish people during the war. Soon, everything Delaney thought she knew about her grandfather comes into question as she wrestles with the possibility that the man she’d revered all her life had unknown ties to Rome and may have taken noble secrets to his grave. Based on true accounts of the invented Syndrome K sickness, The Italian Ballerina journeys from the Allied storming of the beaches at Salerno to the London ballet stage and the war-torn streets of WWII Rome, exploring the sometimes heart-wrenching choices we must make to find faith and forgiveness, and how saving just one life can impact countless others.
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