Engelske bøger

Just the Two of Us will make you laugh and cry, and remind you never to give up on love.Lucy is the wrong side of thirty and tormented daily by the idyllic family pictures cluttering up her Facebook newsfeed. All of her friends seem to be getting married and having babies, and yet here she is, resolutely single, and no prospect of creating the perfect family she's always dreamt of.How she longs for it to be her turn. But finding love is complicated, and as time passes she wonders if there might just be another way to make her dreams come true. Is she brave enough to go it alone, or is the fantasy of 'baby makes three' just too precious to give up on?What people are saying about 'Just The Two of Us' :'A beautifully written, thought provoking read, highlighting the underlying strength of a mother's unconditional love''I forgot it was a book and got lost in another dimension of love and hope''This book will wrench at your heartstrings and fill you with hope'Georgie lives in South West London with her husband and daughter. Alongside her writing she works as a primary school teacher and she particularly enjoys teaching English. She studied Italian and History of Art at the University of Edinburgh and did a PGCE in primary education at the University of London.

In the wake of tragedy, two sisters have to piece their family back together again...Grace never thought she'd have to return home to Floral Street. Having spent most of her life building a successful career in London, she's done everything she possibly can to avoid the flower stall that's been in her family for generations. But when tragedy hits, she's got no choice. It's time to face the demons of the past and support her family.Faith has returned home after years travelling the world. The baby of the family, she always struggled to find her place. She thought that her life would be different after a trip across the globe, but as she settles back into life in her childhood room she has to come to terms with the fact her life isn't quite what she expected. And she has no way of getting out of the rut she finds herself in. Faith and Grace have never seen eye-to-eye, always clashing, never forgiving. But they might just find a way to understand one another, to fight their way through their grief and come out stronger. By opening up, they'll discover they aren't so different at all. And family will always be there for you.Perfect for fans of Jodi Picoult, David Nicholls and Kerry Fisher

A wonderful warm, seasonal treat, whisking you on a magical adventure to the Swiss Alps. Full of food, laughter and fun. Perfect for the fans of Trisha Ashley.With a recent divorce and empty nest Eloise Brandon is facing Christmas alone until a harried phone call from her godfather changes everything.Accepting his challenge, Eloise finds herself en-route to Verbier and to her godfather's chalet in the beautiful Swiss Alps to help cater for some seriously rich, high rolling guests.What ensues makes it a Christmas to remember. A heady alpine mixture of old friends, ex-husbands, mega-rich, super demanding guests, a dishevelled proprietor and Bert the dog.What people are saying about "A WINTER AFFAIR"'This is the perfect winter read''Really exciting and page turning''Magical, wonderful and Christmassy'

'Do monsters always stay in the book where they were born? Are they content to live out their lives on paper, and never step foot into the real world?'The Villa Diodati, on the shore of Lake Geneva, 1816: the Year without Summer.As Byron, Polidori, and Mr and Mrs Shelley shelter from the unexpected weather, old ghost stories are read and new ghost stories imagined. Born by the twin brains of the Shelleys is Frankenstein, one of the most influential tales of horror of all time.In a remote mountain house, high in the French Alps, an author broods on Shelley's creation. Reality and perception merge, fuelled by poisoned thoughts. Humankind makes monsters; but who really creates who? This is a book about reason, imagination, and the creative act of reading and writing.Marcus Sedgwick's ghostly, menacing novel celebrates the legacy of Mary Shelley's literary debut in its bicentenary year.Marcus Sedgwick was the bestselling author of over thirty books. He was shortlisted seven times for the Carnegie Medal, and in 2014, he received the eminent Printz Award for his novel 'Midwinterblood'. Marcus also received two Printz Honors, for 'Revolver' in 2011 and 'The Ghosts of Heaven' in 2016.

Book 1 in the best-selling Roland Benito series. On a humid and rain-filled summer day in the Danish suburb of Brabrand, the body of a ten-year-old girl is found lifeless in a dumpster. Detective Inspector Roland Benito is immediately put on the case. Reporter Anne Larsen and freelance photographer, Kamilla Holm, are covering the case for The Daily News and the deeper they look into the story, the more entangled they become. It quickly becomes apparent to all involved, that the crime is linked to an internet chat site where the murdered girl had a profile. The hunt for the killer is on. But things start to get complicated when the victim’s best friend mysteriously disappears. She too had a profile on the chat site. She too lied about her age. ‘Doll Child’ is the chilling story of the dark side to the internet, where no-one knows who is hiding behind that username or what they're capable of doing. For fans of Karin Slaughter, Tess Geritsen and Ian Rankin.

Two worlds, two timelines and one person's impact.Manhattan, 1963: weeks before the assassination of President Kennedy, fresh-faced Raymond Wallace lands in the New York Times newsroom on a three-month bursary from Cambridge University.He soon discovers his elusive boss, Bukowski, is being covertly blackmailed by an estranged wife, and that he himself is to assist the straight-laced Doty on an article about the ‘explosion of overt homosexuality’. On an undercover assignment, a secret world is revealed to Raymond: a world in which he need no longer pretend to be something or someone he cannot be; a world in which he meets Joey.Like so many men of his time and of his kind, Raymond faces a choice between conformity, courage and compartmentalization. The decision he makes will ricochet destructively through lives and decades until—in another time, another city; Paris, 2003—Raymond’s son Joe finally meets Joey. And the healing begins.I Am not Raymond Wallace is a multi-stranded story of queer redemption spanning multiple generations, told with precision-tooled prose, sharply-imagined settings and compassionately-observed characterization.

As Halloween approaches in the Cotswold village of Wendlebury Barrow, Sophie Sayers, new to the village, is suspicious of the fierce new vicar and his ban on the villagers' seasonal celebrations.Especially when he plans to replace them with a traditional Guy Fawkes' Night party, and invites everyone to bring a guy (scarecrow) to burn on his giant bonfire.Sophie thinks the vicar's not the only one with dark secrets to hide. What about her boss, the beguiling bookseller, Hector Munro? Whose body will be found outside his village bookshop? Not to mention the one secretly buried beneath the vicar’s bonfire...Just as Sophie had been starting to feel at home in Wendlebury, she must call on all her inner resources and trust her instincts to save the day before anyone else can come to harm - and to get Hector back on her side.For fans of cosy mysteries everywhere, Sophie’s second adventure will have you laughing out loud as you try to solve the mystery before she does, in the company of engaging new characters, as well as familiar favourites from "Best Murder in Show".Perfect for fans of Richard Osman, Verity Bright and Ann Sutton.Debbie Young is a British writer of cosy mystery novels. She is the UK ambassador for ALLi and the founder of the annual Hawkesbury Upton Literary Festival. Her warm, witty, feel-good contemporary fiction is full of English humour, inspired by life in the Cotswold village which has been her home for over 30 years. Her bestselling ‘Sophie Sayers Village Mystery’ series includes the trailblazing ‘Murder Your Darlings’, which was shortlisted for the Selfies Award for best independently published fiction in 2021.

'This gorgeous Christmassy second chance love story was exactly what I needed to warm my heart and soothe my soul' Rachel BurtonWhen old friends return, sparks ignite this Christmas in Springhollow... Tomboy Scarlett thought Devon would be her best friend forever. He was the only person in Springhollow who supported her ambitious artist dreams. But then one winter, Devon and his parents disappear without warning to start a new life in NYC and a devastated Scarlett is left alone to face her high-school bullies and overbearing mother.Fast-forward ten years: Scarlett is playing it safe in her childhood village with a dull PA job and a wardrobe that passes her mother's old-fashioned standards. Meanwhile, Devon is a Hollywood heartthrob, starring in the latest superhero blockbuster. And he's finally coming home for Christmas...Scarlett can't help blaming her former best friend for the way her life has turned out, but Devon's cheeky charm and gorgeous smile prove difficult to resist. Devon always did make her feel on top of the world, but Scarlett knows her heart isn't racing just because she has her friend back. Is it mistletoe madness, or is she seeing Devon in a completely new light?Could this Christmas of second chances finally be her time to shine?Perfect for fans of Sarah Morgan, Jo Thomas and Holly Martin.Readers LOVE "One Snowy Week in Springhollow"'A super read - quite possibly Lucy's best yet!''A wonderful story of friendship, love, superheroes and being true to yourself''A story you must pick up and devour over a mug of hot chocolate, curled up under a blanket'

The perfect Christmas romance for fans of Karen Swan.As the snowflakes start to fall, Holly Cove welcomes a new tenant to the beautiful old cottage on the beach...For lifestyle magazine journalist Tia Armstrong, relationships, as well as Christmas, have lost all their magic. Yet Tia is up against a Christmas deadline for her latest article 'Love is, actually, all around...'So, Tia heads to Holly Cove where the restorative sea air and rugged stranger, Nic, slowly but surely start mending her broken heart. Tia didn't expect a white Christmas, and she certainly never dared dream that all her Christmas wishes might just come true...Set in Caswell Bay on the stunningly beautiful Gower Coast, the cottage nestles amid the limestone cliffs and the woodlands, where the emotions run as turbulently as the wind-swept sea.As cosy as a marshmallow-topped mug of cocoa, fall in love with a heart-warming festive story from the bestselling author of "The French Adventure".What readers are saying about Lucy Coleman...'I adored this book. A wonderful escapist read... For me, it's a 5 star read!' Katherine, Katherine's Book Universe.'This book gives you all the feels. It'll make you want to move to France and start a new life''Lucy Coleman has a way of writing where it feels like you're actually there standing beside Anna and you mentally really feel involved in the story'Stacey, The Cosiest Corner

Romance blossoms under the stars in this feelgood love story!Lily Harper is an events organiser, but her neat, ordered world has just exploded. First she lost her job, then she lost her fiancé. Her five-year plan is looking increasingly shaky.Lost and lonely, Lily heads home to her childhood village, and accepts the position of live-in housekeeper at the grand but welcoming Willow Tree Hall. It's not exactly her dream job – Lily is more used to arranging parties than pantries – but at least she's working. Her first task is to arrange the Willow Tree Hall summer fete. Lily is in her element, writing to-do lists and organising bunting and baking – until her old flame Jack Carter turns up in the village. Lily hasn't seen Jack in over ten years, when he sped off on his motorbike, taking with him the pieces of her broken heart. Lily vowed she would never forgive him. But as Willow Tree Hall weaves its magic, Lily finds she might just give Jack a second chance after all...What readers are saying about 'Willow Tree Hall':'A sympathetically heart-warming story about family, loyalty, love and friendship... I look forward to reading more in the series' -Donna Orrock, NetGalley.'A beautiful and exquisite read. I couldn't put it down. Loved it' -Karen Whittard'A brilliant, uplifting mix of romance, drama and fun. Recommended!' -Agi KlarPerfect for fans of Milly Johnson and Heidi Swain.

A feelgood Christmas love story set in a gorgeous country village, perfect for fans of Milly Johnson and Heidi Swain.Previously published as "A Way Back Home"After recent heartbreak, Skye Jackson is homeless and on the road with only a classic Airstream trailer to her name.A surprise inheritance of a rundown little lodge in the grounds of beautiful Willow Tree Hall forces her to change her plans.The only problem is that the lodge is co-owned by care-free playboy Will Harris, currently in hiding after a recent tabloid scandal.Skye desperately wants a home to call her own. Will needs a place to escape the ghosts of his past. So they decide to put aside their differences and renovate the cottage together.But when a storm hits, Skye and Will are forced to stay on to ensure that a Christmas wedding goes ahead. Can Skye finally find a home of her own? Can Will ever stop running from his past?The magic of winter at Willow Tree Hall is about to change everything...What readers are saying about Willow Tree Hall:'A sympathetically heart-warming story about family, loyalty, love and friendship... I look forward to reading more in the series' Donna Orrock, NetGalley.'I absolutely adored this book. Felt like a proper fairytale'Natasha Potter, NetGalley.'A wonderful, enchanting story... I am very much looking forward to reading further stories in this series' Lis Beasley, NetGalley.Alison Sherlock enjoyed reading and writing stories from an early age and gave up office life to follow her dream. Alison lives in Surrey with her husband and a daft golden retriever.

What if the Lift driver who finds your cheating boyfriend's phone holds the directions to true love?'Who are you and why do you have my boyfriend's phone?''He left it in my car. You must be the blonde in the red dress? I'm the Lift driver who dropped you two off earlier.'And with these words, the life of the brunette and t-shirt wearing Maya Maas is turned upside down. Having planned to surprise her boyfriend, she finds herself single and stranded in an unknown city on her birthday.So when the mystery driver rescues Maya with the suggestion that she cheers herself up at a nearby beach town, she jumps at the chance to get things back on track. She wasn't expecting a personalised itinerary or the easy companionship that comes from opening up to a stranger via text, let alone the possibility it might grow into something more...Readers love The Meeting Point!'Fun, feel-good read. I breezed through this in one sitting... The romance had me swooning and I couldn't stop smiling. Need to find my own rideshare now' Netgalley Review'My god, how I love this book!... A must read... Obviously, a big, fat, shiny stars from me!' The Artsy Reader'YA'LL!!!!! This was one of the most unique written plots I have ever experienced in my life! The Meeting Pointhad me in all my feels and even made my eyes leak! Ah-Mazing!... This is a book you do NOT want to miss!'Perfect for fans of Mhairi McFarlane, Josie Silver and Sally Thorne.

The page-turning sequel to the best-selling psychological thriller 'Wrong Number'With her husband gone, and his legacy in her hands, Amanda Thorne is hell-bent on revenge.Amanda Thorne is on a mission to avenge her husband. Restoring his honour and protecting his legacy will be dangerous, but she will not rest until all those who have hurt her loved-ones have been dealt with.Her only option is to go undercover in the murky world of the gang kingpin McAllister. So, with her loyal companion Shane by her side, she heads back to Scotland to finish what they started.McAllister's world is one of seedy nightclubs, drug deals and beautiful women, but he is a hard man to get close to. As Amanda gets deeper and deeper into his dangerous world, what secrets from the past will come back to haunt her, and will she be able to protect the last witness from the truth?A compelling, heart-stopping thriller which you won't be able to put down...'Very suspenseful ... I simply had to see how it all ended. Definitely well worth the read!' Dena Martin, NetGalley.'It really did keep me on my toes ... the perfect example of a book that shows a female character taking charge of her own choices' Book Mood Reviews.'Packed with chills and thrills, Last Witness is one addictive read you'd be a fool to miss!' Bookish Jottings.

Best friends tell each other the truth – don't they?When North Stones best friend Kelly Orton is found hanging lifeless in a tree, North knows for certain it wasn't suicide.Kelly had everything to live for – a loving boyfriend, a happy life, and most importantly of all, Kelly would never leave North all by herself.The girls have been friends since childhood, devoted to each other, soul sisters, or at least that's what North has always believed. But did Kelly feel the same way, or was she keeping secrets from her 'best friend' – deadly secrets...When the police refuse to take North's suspicions seriously, she sets out to investigate for herself. But her search soon takes her to a glamorous world with a seedy underbelly, and before long North is out of her depth and getting ever closer to danger. Determined to find the truth, she soon wishes that dead girls could lie, because the truth is too painful to believe...'In this well written novel the author made me feel North's frustration, and enjoyed the flashbacks of her friendship with Kelly which illustrated their mutual dependence, or was it North's need for Kelly which made their bond so strong?' Anita Davison.

With a sweeping narrative that features revolution, restoration, and colonial war, 'The Two Brothers' is Honore de Balzac at his masterful best.It focuses on the Bridau family, including Agathe, her two sons, and her elder brother, as they engage in increasingly undignified battles for their inheritance.The eldest son, Philippe, is a courageous soldier but a gambler and a crook. The youngest, Joseph, is a misunderstood artist.When the Bourbons are restored and Napoleon exiled, Philippe becomes embroiled in an anti-government conspiracy.Meanwhile, a mysterious "long-lost uncle" appears and worms his way into the family - with unsavoury intentions.With the plot's fuse lit, it burns through priceless paintings, racist persecution, a knife attack, a duel, and an explosive climax.If you like this, you will love 'Les Miserables' by Victor Hugo and 'A Tale of Two Cities' by Charles Dickens.Honoré de Balzac (1799-1850) was a French novelist and playwright, most famous for a sequence of novels, collectively called 'The Human Comedy'. His signature style was a warts-and-all representation of post-Napoleonic French life, rich in detail and featuring complex, unfiltered characters.The style means Balzac is regarded as one of the pioneers of European literary realism. He is named as an influence on writers including Emile Zola, Henry James, Charles Dickens, and Gustave Flaubert.The first novel he published under his own name was 'Les Chouans' in 1829. In 1834 he hit upon the idea of grouping his novels together to record all of society. The result, over a period of years, was 'The Human Comedy', which comprised three categories: 'Analytic Studies'; 'Philosophical Studies'; and 'Studies of Manners'.

‘The War That Will End War’ is a collection of thought-provoking esssays, in which H. G. Wells examines the causes and effects of the First World War.For the pacifist Wells, the First World War is an unredeemable atrocity, but he argues that it may be the only way to ‘exorcise a world madness and end an age’. Wells states the goal of the war should be to avoid future wars through a fair peace treaty and a global ‘Peace League’.It is interesting now to see which of Wells’ unique prophecies were accurate or not, as an unsuccessful attempt was made to create peace after the First World War. This book was influential at the time and impressed U.S. President Woodrow Wilson, and it is still cited to this day about different wars.Well-balanced, passionate, and creative, ‘The War That Will End War’ is recommended for those interested in the First World War.H. G. Wells (1866-1946) was a celebrated English writer, remembered mostly for his science fiction works. Often described as a futurist, H. G. Wells’ influence cannot be overstated for his works foresaw many technological innovations such as space travel, the atomic bomb, and the Internet.Nominated for a Nobel Prize in Literature four times, Wells explored a wide array of themes in his works, from religion to social criticism and beyond. Some of his best works include the time-travel novel ‘The Time Machine’, the sci-fi adventure novel ‘The Island of Dr. Moreau’, and the mankind-versus-aliens novel ‘The War of the Worlds’.Wells occupies one of the central seats in the canon of science-fiction literature and his writing inspired other celebrated authors such as Ray Bradbury and Philip K. Dick. Wells’ stories are still widely read to this day and have had numerous cinematic adaptations including ‘The Invisible Man’ starring Elisabeth Moss.

‘Woman and Labour’ (1911) was written by South African writer and intellectual, Olive Schreiner, best known for her novels ‘From Man to Man or Perhaps Only’ (1926) and ‘Undine’ (1929).This collection of letters represents Schreiner’s call for changes to the gender inequalities of early 20th-century labour practices. In it, she explains how women’s domestic labour destroys their intellectual life and the importance of a woman having full economic independence from men.The collection includes letters written while Schreiner lived in England as well as on her return to South Africa, and it is regarded as a feminist classic.Fans of Schreiner's novel ‘The Story of an African Farm’ (1883) or people interested in feminism, will be delighted by this collection.Olive Schreiner (1855 –1920) was a South African author, anti-war campaigner, intellectual and feminist, best known for her highly acclaimed novel ‘The Story of an African Farm’ (1883).An advocate for Afrikaners and other minority South African groups, Schreiner’s work reflected her interest in socialism, pacifism, feminism and other issues.Her posthumously published novel ‘From Man to Man or Perhaps Only’ (1926) was said to be her favourite. It dealt with the life of white women in South Africa and their confinement to domestic life. The novel also covers the racism and sexism the author grew up with on the colonial frontier.Schreiner’s other works include ‘Dreams’ (1890), ‘Dream Life and Real Life’ (1893), ‘Trooper Peter Halket of Mashonaland’ (1897), ‘Thoughts on South Africa’ (1923), and ‘Undine’ (1929).

When 19-year-old Paul Manning moves to the countryside, his cousin Phillis is thrown into turmoil and insecurity as she falls for the charms of Paul’s sophisticated friend.Paul is dismayed when he discovers that he must leave London and stay with his religious uncle in the country. But when he arrives, he discovers his relatives are far from pious bores - especially his beautiful cousin Phyllis.However, when Phyllis falls for the charms of Paul's dashing friend, he fears for his cousin's reputation.This haunting story is a masterful piece of Victorian fiction about heartbreak and tragedy and was adapted for a BBC TV series in 1982.A leading figure in Victorian literature, Gaskell’s work continues to resonate with readers to this day.Elizabeth Gaskell (1810-1865) was an English novelist, biographer, and short story writer, renowned for her earnest and detailed descriptions of Victorian society. Among her most famous novels are ‘North and South’, ‘Mary Barton’, and ‘Wives and Daughters’.Her work has been adapted for film and TV on numerous occasions, including the BBC TV drama ‘Cranford’, starring Dame Judi Dench. Gaskell also wrote ‘The Life of Charlotte Brontë’ (1857), which was the first-ever biography of the famous English writer, Charlotte Brontë.

Everybody is running from The Terror. But when nobody knows what it is, suspicion grows. Especially in the darkest corners of the world.And when governments enter a false show of care and love after years of turmoil, it is clear that a complex case needs to be cracked.Towards the end of World War One, can one lead detective unpack the web of lies and deceit to get to the truth?In Edgar Wallace’s ‘The Day of Uniting’, readers are in for a rip-roaring tale of crime and mystery.Perfect for fans of George Orwell’s ‘1984’.Edgar Wallace (1875-1932) was an English writer so prolific, that his publisher claimed that he was responsible for a quarter of all books sold in England.An author, journalist and poet, Wallace wrote countless novels, short stories, screen plays, stage plays, along with historical non-fiction.His work has been adapted into more than 160 films. In 1932, Wallace died suddenly in Hollywood, during the initial drafting of his most famous work, ‘King Kong’.

‘The Two Dianas’ is historical fiction at its most romantic and swashbuckling.Set in 16th century France, ´The Two Dianas´ offers a fictionalised account of the death of the French king, Henry II, at the hands of Gabriel, Comte de Montgomery.The Dianas in question are the king’s mistress, Diana de Poitiers, and her daughter, Diana de Castro. As the story unfolds, we are taken through Protestant uprisings, political deceptions, sword-rattling battles, and desperate romance.A fine tale packed with swagger and poise that defines much of Dumas’ work, ´The Two Dianas´ will surely delight anyone familiar with his other novels, such as ´The Three Musketeers´.Alexandre Dumas (1802 – 1870) was one of the most popular French authors and playwrights of the 19th Century. After the death of his father, Dumas travelled to Paris where he eventually decided to work in the theatre. He first came to public attention at the age of 27 with his first play, ‘King Henry III and his Courts.’After a succession of successful stage plays, Dumas turned his hand to writing novels. Many of these were serialised in newspapers, such as ‘La Comtesse de Salisbury; Édouard III,’ and ‘Le Capitaine Paul.’Many of Dumas’ later works have been hailed as timeless classics and adapted for television and the silver screen, such as ‘The Three Musketeers’, starring ‘Lord of the Rings’´ Orlando Bloom, and ‘The Count of Monte Cristo’, starring ‘Superman’ star, Henry Cavill.

Superstition, sorcery, dark strangers, and a great poet in disguise, Honoré de Balzac takes a new turn in 'The Exiles'.Set in 14th century Paris, this novella sees sergeant Tirechair host two strangers at his house near Notre-Dame. One is a regular at the royal court, while the younger man is the son of a countess.Both of them spook the sergeant, as he believes they are sorcerers - and they are clearly incognito. As he gets ready to throw them out, there is a big reveal - and plenty of poetic justice.Balzac's 'The Exiles' is a clever exploration of the price of fame and the pressure of being born into the upper classes.If you like 'The Canterbury Tales' by Geoffrey Chaucer and 'World Without End' by Ken Follett, ´The Exiles´ will be a great read!Honoré de Balzac (1799-1850) was a French novelist and playwright, most famous for a sequence of novels, collectively called 'The Human Comedy'. His signature style was a warts-and-all representation of post-Napoleonic French life, rich in detail and featuring complex, unfiltered characters.The style means Balzac is regarded as one of the pioneers of European literary realism. He is named as an influence on writers including Emile Zola, Henry James, Charles Dickens, and Gustave Flaubert.The first novel he published under his own name was 'Les Chouans' in 1829. In 1834 he hit upon the idea of grouping his novels together to record all of society. The result, over a period of years, was 'The Human Comedy', which comprised three categories: 'Analytic Studies'; 'Philosophical Studies'; and 'Studies of Manners'.

‘The War of Women II’ follows the continuing rivalry between Nanon de Lartigues and Viscountess de Cambes, who have both fallen in love with the Baron de Canolles.Unlike many of his other works, this book and its predecessor focus their attention on the two women, casting the male characters in secondary roles.Set in 17th century France, the political unrest has deepened, and chaos threatens the monarchy. However, Baron de Canolles has more pressing matters on his mind.A boisterous romp, packed with twists and turns, dastardly villains, and historical detail, this is a must for fans of Dumas’ swashbuckling stories.Alexandre Dumas (1802 – 1870) was one of the most popular French authors and playwrights of the 19th Century. After the death of his father, Dumas travelled to Paris where he eventually decided to work in the theatre. He first came to public attention at the age of 27 with his first play, ‘King Henry III and his Courts.’After a succession of successful stage plays, Dumas turned his hand to writing novels. Many of these were serialised in newspapers, such as ‘La Comtesse de Salisbury; Édouard III,’ and ‘Le Capitaine Paul.’Many of Dumas’ later works have been hailed as timeless classics and adapted for television and the silver screen, such as ‘The Three Musketeers’, starring ‘Lord of the Rings’´ Orlando Bloom, and ‘The Count of Monte Cristo’, starring ‘Superman’ star, Henry Cavill.

If enduring popularity is a mark of quality, then 'She Stoops to Conquer' is among the greatest plays ever written; for the 1773 comedy has been performed almost without a break for 250 years.It centres on the efforts of Mr Hardcastle to marry his daughter Kate to his friend's son, Marlow. When Marlow arrives at their house, he is brusque with Mr Hardcastle because he has been tricked into believing it is a hotel.Mayhem and misunderstanding ensue as Marlow's companion Hastings plots with Hardcastle's niece to steal the family jewels. Then Marlow mistakes Kate for a serving maid and flirts with her. Is he a rude, licentious man? Or will Kate discover hidden depths to redeem him?A groundbreaking and sharp satire about the clash between town and country, ´She Stoops to Conquer´ gently mocks the sentimental plays of its era and is ideal reading for fans of Oscar Wilde and George Bernard Shaw.Oliver Goldsmith (1730-1774) was an Irish essayist, novelist, poet, and playwright.His work includes the essay collection 'The Citizen of the World' (1762), the novel 'The Vicar of Wakefield' (1766), the plays 'The Good Natur'd Man' (1768) and 'She Stoops to Conquer' (1773), and the poetry collections 'Traveller, or, a Prospect of Society' (1764), 'An Elegy on the Death of a Mad Dog' (1766), and 'The Deserted Village: A Poem' (1770).

Continuing the story told in the classic ‘The Prince of Thieves,’ ‘Robin Hood the Outlaw’ picks up where the first book left off.Maid Marian and the Merrie Men are all present, but readers hoping that Robin has time to put down his bow and relax will be sorely disappointed.Instead, he must consider his loyalty to King Richard, while keeping one step ahead of the Sherriff of Nottingham.Throw a dastardly betrayal into the mix and you’ve got all the ingredients for a rollicking read, packed with historical detail and heroic swordplay.Alexandre Dumas (1802 – 1870) was one of the most popular French authors and playwrights of the 19th Century. After the death of his father, Dumas travelled to Paris where he eventually decided to work in the theatre. He first came to public attention at the age of 27 with his first play, ‘King Henry III and his Courts.’After a succession of successful stage plays, Dumas turned his hand to writing novels. Many of these were serialised in newspapers, such as ‘La Comtesse de Salisbury; Édouard III,’ and ‘Le Capitaine Paul.’Many of Dumas’ later works have been hailed as timeless classics and adapted for television and the silver screen, such as ‘The Three Musketeers’, starring ‘Lord of the Rings’´ Orlando Bloom, and ‘The Count of Monte Cristo’, starring ‘Superman’ star, Henry Cavill.

Set in Montana, ‘Chip of the Flying U’ introduces us to the eponymous cowboy and the Happy family.Chip is awkward around women, but when he meets the gun-toting Dr Della Whitmore, things are about to take a different turn.A beautifully-detailed look at life in the Old West, this story has romance at its heart but doesn’t skimp on presenting things as they were, warts and all.´Chip of the Flying U’ is a superb read for fans of Oliver Wister's ´The Virginian´ and for those looking for an introduction to Bower’s work.Born Bertha Muzzy Sinclair Bower, BM Bower (1871 – 1940) was originally from Minnesota. However, when she was 18, her family moved to Montana, where she gained first-hand experience of the ranch life that was to so influence her books.A year later, she eloped with her first husband to Big Sandy. Finding herself in an unhappy marriage, she sought escapism through writing. Her first novel, ‘Chip of the Flying U’ gave Bower the financial independence to leave her husband.After relocating to Tacoma, Bower continued to write for ‘Popular Magazine’ before remarrying, this time to Bill Sinclair, who also had literary aspirations. This union, too, was short-lived and Bower moved to Hollywood, where she met her third and final husband, Bud Cowan.Over her career, Bower wrote more than 50 novels, all focussing on the western way of life. Unusually for the time, she paid as much attention to her female characters, as the male leads. She died in Los Angeles, aged 68.

‘Sylvia's Lovers’ is a novel by English novelist and short story writer Elizabeth Gaskell, best-known for her novels ´North and South’, ‘Mary Barton’, and ‘Cranford’.Set in the 1790s in an English seaside town, ‘Sylvia’s Lovers’ tells the story of Sylvia Robson, caught between the love of her cousin Philip Hepburn and whaling harpooner Charley Kinraid.As England wages war with France, press gangs roam the streets. When Charley is forcibly taken away to fight, he asks love-rival Philip to pass on a message to Sylvia, but his silence changes their lives forever.This haunting tale of love and loss is regarded as one of Gaskells finest works.Elizabeth Gaskell (1810-1865) was an English novelist, biographer, and short story writer, renowned for her earnest and detailed descriptions of Victorian society.Among her most famous novels are ‘North and South’, ‘Mary Barton’ and ‘Wives and Daughters’. Her work has been adapted for film and TV on numerous occasions, including the BBC TV drama ‘Cranford’, starring Dame Judi Dench.Gaskell also wrote ‘The Life of Charlotte Brontë’ (1857), which was the first-ever biography of the famous English writer, Charlotte Brontë.

‘Life Is a Dream’ (1635) is a play by Spanish dramatist and poet Pedro Calderón de la Barca. Considered one of the finest Spanish dramas of all time, it explores the mysteries of human destiny and examines the clash between free will and fate.Terrified by a prophecy that predicts his son will destroy the country and kill him, King Basilio imprisons his son Segismundo, Prince of Poland, in a tower. But what will happen if Basilio frees his son? Will the prophecy come true?Formerly listed as one of the most prominent plays of all time, ‘Life Is a Dream’ is an intriguing read that will surely pique the interest of those familiar with other influential plays, such as Shakespeare's ´Hamlet´ and Ibsen's ´A Doll's House´.Pedro Calderón de la Barca (1600—1681) was a Spanish soldier, priest, dramatist and poet, considered the greatest Spanish playwright of the Golden Age.Among his best-known works are ‘The Surgeon of His Honour’ (1635), ‘Life is a Dream’ (1635), ‘The Mayor of Zalamea’ (1640), and his masterpiece ‘The Daughter of the Air’ (1653).His works have been adapted for TV and film on many occasions and remain hugely important and influential to this day.

In ‘The Story of the Duchess of Cicogne and of Monsieur de Boulingrin’ (1920), Anatole France presents a fantastic reimagining of the classic fairy-tale ‘Sleeping Beauty’.However, rather than concerning himself with Sleeping Beauty herself, France focuses on the turmoil of her parents as they wait for their daughter to wake.France’s short story, ‘The Story of the Duchess of Cicogne and of Monsieur de Boulingrin’, offers a nuanced take on the classic tale and presents a sophisticated account that will enthral all.A must-read for anyone familiar with ‘Sleeping Beauty’ or a fan of any of Anatole France’s works, this imaginative reinterpretation is a fresh take on an already incredible story.François-Anatole Thibault (1844 – 1924), better known as Anatole France, was a French journalist, poet, novelist, and Nobel laureate for literature. Spending much of his early life in his father’s bookshop, France quickly rose to prominence as a respected author of over 25 works.A French Classicist writer with a style reminiscent of Voltaire and Fénélon, France’s work has a strong preoccupation with scepticism and hedonism. He is best remembered for his classic French novels ‘La Rôtisserie de la Reine Pédauque’ (1893) and ‘Le Crime de Sylvestre Bonnard’ (1881). France’s works have had a historic legacy, and he is recognised today as one of France’s most prominent authors.

From the author of the science fiction classic, 'The War of the Worlds', H.G. Wells' 'The Lost Inheritance' is a supernatural, suspense novella. In this short story, a young man's sole purpose in life is to persuade his rich and eccentric uncle to leave him his vast fortune. Although, when the elderly man finally passes, there is no will to be found...Greed, money, and family dynamics lead this comic tragedy tale, an early literary prototype for shows like HBO's 'Succession'.H.G. Wells (1866 – 1946) was a prolific writer and the author of more than 50 novels. In addition, he wrote more than 60 short stories, alongside various scientific papers. Many of his most famous works have been adapted for film and television, including ‘The Time Machine,’ starring Guy Pearce, ‘War of the Worlds,’ starring Tom Cruise, and ‘The Invisible Man,’ starring Elizabeth Moss. Because of his various works exploring futuristic themes, Wells is regarded as one of the ‘Fathers of Science Fiction.’