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Good and evil, right and wrong, innocence and sinfulness, redeemed and fallen.'Songs of Innocence and of Experience' is a classic book of two halves - encapsulated by the extended original title that included 'Shewing the Two Contrary States of the Human Soul'.Accompanied throughout by William Blake's edgily beautiful illustrations, the book is broken into 19 poems of 'Innocence' and 26 of 'Experience'.'Songs of Innocence' are lyrical and evocative verses depicting life in pastoral harmony and youthful naivety - but with a brooding undercurrent of what is to come.That undercurrent flows rapidly throughout 'Songs of Experience', as the innocence gives way to darkness, threat and worldliness.These mind-bending poems and illustrations are ideal for fans of the poetry of John Milton and Dante Alighieri.William Blake (1757-1827) was an English poet, painter and printmaker whose writings and artwork often explored Heaven and Hell, and the state of the human heart.His best-known work includes 'Songs of Innocence and of Experience', 'The Marriage of Heaven and Hell' and 'Jerusalem'.Blake's work was largely ignored during his lifetime, but he is now considered to be among the greatest and most influential poets and visual artists of the Romantic Age. Blake's work continues to inspire authors, artists and filmmakers today. Bestselling author, Philip Pullman, has described William Blake as one of three major literary influences on 'His Dark Materials' and references to his artwork is found in films like The Wachowskis' 'V for Vendetta' (2006).

Brilliantly intelligent, rich and stylish Myra is a living legend in her hometown.But she sends shockwaves through the community when she rejects her riches and elopes with hard-up Oswald Henshawe.When Nellie, a long-time acquaintance of Myra's, next sees the couple, they are living a glamorously poor Bohemian life in post-Revolution Paris, with singers, actors, poets and artists in and out of their apartment.But, when elegant poverty becomes real poverty in a tumbledown hotel, Myra realises the identity of her 'Mortal Enemy'.This heart-rending study of the blessings and curses of love is perfect for fans of Thomas Hardy's 'Tess of the d'Urbervilles' and 'Middlemarch' by George Eliot.Willa Cather (1873-1947) was an American writer best known for her novels of life on the Great Plains of the United States.After a time as a magazine writer and editor, then as an English teacher, Cather began to publish collections of her poetry and short stories.Her first novel, 'Alexander's Bridge', was published in 1912, followed by her 'Prairie Trilogy' - 'O Pioneers!', 'The Song of the Lark' and 'My Antonia'.Numerous other novels followed as Cather became one of the US's most celebrated authors.In 1923 she won the Pulitzer Prize for her First World War-based novel, 'One of Ours'.

‘The Soul of Man Under Socialism’ is an incisive essay on the nature of art, politics, freedom, and the individual. Insightful and sometimes satirical, it dissects the conventions of socialism, run as an authoritarian system. Wilde also goes on to discuss the role of the artist under capitalism and relationship between the needs of the public and art itself.This essay also explores the idea of art as the central pillar to revolution. Divisive at its time of publication, ‘The Soul of Man Under Socialism’ is a fascinating read for those with an interest in art, politics, philosophy, and the great man himself.Oscar Wilde (1854 – 1900) was an Irish novelist, poet, playwright, and wit. He was an advocate of the Aesthetic movement, which extolled the virtues of art for the sake of art. During his career, Wilde wrote nine plays, including ‘The Importance of Being Earnest,’ ‘Lady Windermere’s Fan,’ and ‘A Woman of No Importance,’ many of which are still performed today. His only novel, ‘The Picture of Dorian Gray’ was adapted for the silver screen, in the film, ‘Dorian Gray,’ starring Ben Barnes and Colin Firth. In addition, Wilde wrote 43 poems, and seven essays. His life was the subject of a film, starring Stephen Fry.

This is a love story, set in the Irish literary world between 1986 and 2015. When they were first introduced by the poet Derek Mahon, Alannah Hopkin was an arts journalist turned full-time writer and Aidan Higgins, twenty-three years her senior, was a literary stylist, often cited as the heir to Ireland’s great Modernist tradition. They wrote steadily during their twenty-nine years together, but their careers could not have been more different: while Aidan focused on fiction and memoirs, Alannah prioritised work that paid the bills. This gave Aidan the most stable and productive years of his life. But as his eyesight failed and his memory began to fade, Alannah became his carer and had to fight to keep her own writing career alive.Drawing from diaries and notebooks, and correspondence with writers such as Samuel Beckett, Alice Munro and Harold Pinter, this is a unique record of a major Irish writer. From the joyful honeymoon years – filled with launches, festivals and visits to their Kinsale home by Richard Ford, Edna O’Brien and other literary legends – to the increasingly difficult years of Aidan’s decline, Hopkin tells their story candidly and without commentary. She shows us how, in spite of all, they remained the best of friends, in love until Aidan’s very last breath.A Very Strange Man is an exceptional piece of writing, objective and authoritative, personal, honest and moving.Allannah Hopkin is based in southwest Ireland. She is The 2020 Frank O’Connor International Fellow. Her story collection "The Dogs of Inishere" was published by Dalkey Archive Press in 2017. Her stories have appeared in the London Magazine and The Cork Literary Review, among others, and have been short-listed for the RTÉ Short Story Award. She has published two novels with Hamish Hamilton.

For those interested in a more philosphical aspect of war, ‘The Meaning of the War’ by Henri Bergson is a short non-fiction work that explores ‘Life & Matter in Conflict’, as the subtitle of the book tells us.A renowned French philosopher, Bergson delves into the history and politics of war, specifically examining Germany during World War I. This book criticizes the ideology that might is right. A policy that has been fatal for regions that neighbour Germany.To further get insight into the philosophical aspect of war, Sigmund Freud's essay ´Reflections on War and Death´ provides a great perspective on the modern mental state of people during WWI.Henri Bergson was a French philosopher, born in 1859, who criticised his contemporary Kant, and debated Albert Einstein. In 1927, Bergson won the Nobel Prize in Literature "in recognition of his rich and vitalizing ideas and the brilliant skill with which they have been presented".

When a retired police inspector suddenly drops dead in a train carriage arriving at Charing Cross station, young London barrister Hetherwick finds himself the key witness to the murder.Thrust into the centre of this terrifying mystery, Hetherwick must unveil the disturbing truths of the case and locate the nefarious culprit.Fans of ‘Sherlock Holmes’ will be enthralled by this 20th century crime classic, a gripping tale of mystery and suspense that will have them on the edge of their seats till the very end.Joseph Smith Fletcher (1863 – 1935), better known as J.S Fletcher, was a prolific English journalist and author of over 230 books. Raised as the son of a clergyman in West Yorkshire, Fletcher would go on to become a creative powerhouse of crime fiction during ‘The Golden Age of Detective Fiction’.Best remembered for his crime novels featuring Private Investigator Ronald Camberwell, Fletcher was considered a contemporary of Sir Arthur Doyle of ‘Sherlock Holmes’ fame.Any fans craving classic crime after watching ‘Knives Out’ or Robert Downey Jr’s ‘Sherlock Holmes’ simply must read some of J.S. Fletcher’s fantastic work.

Sent on a mission to Northern Italy by the King of Naples, Ferdinando Eboli is captured by the enemy. When he finally returns home, Eboli is arrested as a spy and discovers his identity has been stolen and no one believes he is who he says he is.‘Fernando Emboli’ (1828) is one of many classic short stories by the English writer Mary Shelley, famous for her best-selling novel ‘Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus’ (1818).Mary Shelley (1797–1851) was an English author and travel writer best known for her ground-breaking Gothic novel ‘Frankenstein’ (1818). Considered one of the first true works of science-fiction, the book became an instant bestseller.It has been adapted for TV, stage and film on many occasions, with Boris Karloff famously playing Frankenstein’s monster on screen in 1933. Other adaptations include ‘Mary Shelley's Frankenstein’ (1994) starring Kenneth Branagh and Robert De Niro and ‘Viktor Frankenstein’ (2015) starring Daniel Radcliffe and James McAvoy.Shelley’s other novels include ´Valperga´ (1823), ´The Last Man´ (1826), ´Perkin Warbeck´ (1830), ´Lodore´ (1835), ´Falkner´ (1837), and the posthumously published ´Mathilde´ (1959). However, she will always be remembered as the creator of ´Frankenstein´.The book continues to influence filmmakers, writers and popular culture to this day, inspiring and terrifying new audiences the world over.

‘One of Ours’ is Willa Cather's Pulitzer prize-winning story about life on the American frontier. The country teeters on the brink of World War I and Claude Wheeler finds himself a conflicted man. The son of a successful farmer, Wheeler is unhappy, despite a comfortable life and guaranteed fortune.A pious mother, demanding father and loveless marriage push the young idealist to a new and bloodier frontier. As America enters the war, Claude Wheeler is about to find what he’s been searching for all his life.Willa Cather’s acclaimed novel is an examination of the changing American frontier and the making of a soldier.Willa Cather (1873-1947), was an American Pulitzer prize-winning writer who won acclaim for her novels that captured the American pioneer experience. Her books include ‘O Pioneers!’ (1913), ‘The Song of the Lark’ (1915), ‘My Ántonia’ (1918) and Death Comes for the Archbishop (1927) which was an instant critical success.In 1923, Cather gained widespread international acclaim when she was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for ‘One of Ours’, a novel set during World War I. Willa Cather was granted honorary degrees by Princeton, Berkeley and Yale and in 1931 she was honoured with the cover of 'Time Magazine'. The American Academy of Arts and Letters awarded her a gold medal for fiction in 1944.

Friendship can transcend class and background.Take the movie 'Napoleon Dynamite', Dory's friendship with Nemo in 'Finding Nemo' or chalk-and-cheese buddies Barbara Hershey and Bette Midler in 'Beaches'. In 'Mountain-Laurel and Maidenhair', it is city girl Emily and country girl Becky.Emily is fragile, but her family's wealth makes her complacent. Becky, on the other hand, works as a teacher to support and care for her three younger siblings. So when Emily stays at Becky's family farm in the mountains, they seem unlikely to hit it off.But Louisa May Alcott's moving, charming story sees them connect through poetry - and grow to understand and care for each other.Louisa May Alcott (1832-1888) was an American writer of numerous beloved novels, short stories and poems. She was a feminist, and many of her stories are loosely based on her own life experiences. She is primarily known for her young adult fiction but also wrote gothic thrillers, albeit anonymously, and sensational stories under the pen name A.M. Barnard. One of her best-known works is "Little Women", a novel that has been turned into numerous film and television adaptations, such as the 2019 film, starring Saorise Ronan, Florence Pugh and Timothée Chalamet.

Louisa May Alcott has penned a sparkling collection of novels, short stories and poems. In this collection of short stories, you get four little gems, written with Alcott's unmistakable gentle humour and keen observation of family life.Featuring a "prince charming" and a very important piece of footwear, despite both not being what you would expect, 'A Modern Cinderella', or 'The Little Old Shoe', is an amusing and irreverent version of The Brothers Grimm's 'Cinderella'.The other three stories are 'Debby's Debut', 'The Brothers', and 'Nelly's Hospital', and they collectively display Alcott's skills as well as covers important subjects such as racism, PTSD, and the barriers between social classes.Louisa May Alcott (1832-1888) was an American writer who is best known for her novel 'Little Women'. She also grew up among some heavyweight 19th-century intellectuals, including Henry David Thoreau and Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.With her parents struggling financially, Alcott worked to support them. At the same time, she began writing, initially under pseudonyms because her work was largely short stories and sensation novels for adults.'Little Women', published in 1868, was a success when it was released. Alcott also penned the follow-ups 'Little Men' and 'Jo's Boys'.

'Iola Leroy', one of the first novels published by an African-American woman, follows a group of slaves who are seeking refuge with the approaching Union army during the Civil War. The Union commander is made aware that a beautiful young woman is being held as a slave in the neighbourhood and sets her free.The narrative then switches to Iola Leroy's point of view and follows her turmoil with being tricked, misled, and eventually sold off and taken away from her mother.In a story exploring the serious social issues of education for women, religion and social responsibility, we follow Iola as she attempts to track down her family once again.People who are familiar with Harriet Jacobs' 'Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl' will like this novel!Frances Ellen Watkins Harper was an American abolitionist, suffragist, poet, teacher and writer. She was one of the first African-American women to be published in the United States. Harper was born free in Baltimore, Maryland, and had a long career, publishing her first book of poetry at 20-years-old. She published her novel 'Iola Leroy' aged 67 in 1892, making her one of the first Black women to publish a novel.In 1851, while she was living with the family of William Still, a clerk who helped refugee slaves make their way along the Underground Railroad, Harper turned to writing anti-slavery literature. A couple of years later she joined the American Anti-Slavery Society and began her career as a public speaker and political activist.Harper founded, supported, and held positions in several progressive organizations, becoming the superintendent of the Colored Section of the Philadelphia and Pennsylvania Women's Christian Temperance Union. She also helped found the National Association of Colored Women and served as its vice president.Harper died at age 85 in February, 1911, nine years before women gained the right to vote.

It is a misty day at the beach, and Barbie’s friends Teresa and Nikki are out having fun, while Barbie is at home helping her younger sister with a pesky bike chain. They decide to race each other, but the competition comes to a halt when they suddenly spot a mysterious, dragon-like figure in the water. What could this be?Better call the Sisters Mystery Club and their loyal puppies! No secret is safe from the super sleuthing sisters. Come on an amazing adventure with Barbie and all her friends! Solve mysteries with secret doors, sea monsters and messages in a bottle, catch the baddies as a secret agent, sing in Barbie’s rock band, celebrate Chelsea’s birthday in Dreamtopia and fly to tropical beaches and distant planets in far-away galaxies. Let’s go!Mattel’s Barbie doll is a fashion icon, world adventurer and every child’s best friend. Since the 1950’s she remains a popular toy in homes worldwide and the star of countless tv shows, movies, and books. The popular Netflix series Barbie Dreamhouse Adventures follows Barbie, her sisters and her boyfriend Ken, as they hang out in LA and travel the world in the Barbie camper van. For younger fans, Barbie’s little sister, Chelsea, takes centre stage in Barbie Dreamtopia as the sisters meet mermaids and fairies in a magical dreamland. In recent years, Barbie has taken YouTube by storm as a popular vlogger. She talks fashion, family, her life in Malibu but also sensitively tackles tough issues like racism, mental health and body image. Barbie’s new mission is to inspire girls to dream big. A recent line of empowering role model dolls includes Indian Paralympian, Manasi Joshi, and American soccer player, Alex Morgan. While Inspiring Women celebrates heroines such as Maya Angelou, Florence Nightingale and astronaut, Sally Ride.Barbie and associated trademarks are owned by Mattel and used under license from Mattel Europa. © 2021 Mattel

From the acclaimed author of Frankenstein, Mary Shelley,‘Tales and Stories’ is a collection of short stories that bring romance and gothic horror together.This collection of tales is set against a variety of backdrops, from medieval chivalry to wars and revolution, and it ultimately showcases Mary Shelley’s gothic storytelling art.These short stories are full of passion, peril, and transformation, and will interest readers familiar with the works of Charlotte Brontë and Ann Radcliffe.Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley was an English novelist, best known for writing the classic gothic novel ‘Frankenstein’ or ‘The Modern Prometheus’ which is considered to be an early example of science fiction.Mary Shelley’s mother was the feminist activist Mary Wollstonecraft, and her husband Percy Shelley was one of the major English romantic poets. It was during a summer spent in Geneva with Percy Shelley or Lord Byron that Mary Shelley conceived the idea for Frankenstein.

A cross between ´West Side Story´ and Shakespeare's ‘Romeo and Juliet’, this is a love story with a twist.The fierce rivalry between two Italian families, the Mancinis and the Tolomeis, has brought years of war to the city of Siena. But when a member of the Mancini family falls for a Tolomeis, they must heal their family’s rift or lose each other forever.‘The Brother and Sister’ (1832) is classic short story by the English writer Mary Shelley, famous for her best-selling novel ‘Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus’ (1818).Mary Shelley (1797–1851) was an English author and travel writer best known for her ground-breaking Gothic novel ‘Frankenstein’ (1818). Considered one of the first true works of science-fiction, the book became an instant bestseller.It has been adapted for TV, stage and film on many occasions, with Boris Karloff famously playing Frankenstein’s monster on screen in 1933. Other adaptations include ‘Mary Shelley's Frankenstein’ (1994) starring Kenneth Branagh and Robert De Niro and ‘Viktor Frankenstein’ (2015) starring Daniel Radcliffe and James McAvoy.Shelley’s other novels include ´Valperga´ (1823), ´The Last Man´ (1826), ´Perkin Warbeck´ (1830), ´Lodore´ (1835), ´Falkner´ (1837) and the posthumously published ´Mathilde´ (1959). However, she will always be remembered as the creator of ´Frankenstein´.The book continues to influence filmmakers, writers and popular culture to this day, inspiring and terrifying new audiences across the globe.

Barbie, her sisters and their loyal puppies are enjoying a beautiful day at the beach. But the otherwise ordinary day takes an unexpected turn, when visiting Barbie’s friend Teresa at the lifeguard station. Teresa reveals four sandy bottles she has stumbled upon, each of them containing a message! Could these be secret messages? Another major mystery case for the super sleuthing sisters!Come on an amazing adventure with Barbie and all her friends! Solve mysteries with secret doors, sea monsters and messages in a bottle, catch the baddies as a secret agent, sing in Barbie’s rock band, celebrate Chelsea’s birthday in Dreamtopia and fly to tropical beaches and distant planets in far-away galaxies. Let’s go!Mattel’s Barbie doll is a fashion icon, world adventurer and every child’s best friend. Since the 1950’s she remains a popular toy in homes worldwide and the star of countless tv shows, movies, and books. The popular Netflix series Barbie Dreamhouse Adventures follows Barbie, her sisters and her boyfriend Ken, as they hang out in LA and travel the world in the Barbie camper van. For younger fans, Barbie’s little sister, Chelsea, takes centre stage in Barbie Dreamtopia as the sisters meet mermaids and fairies in a magical dreamland. In recent years, Barbie has taken YouTube by storm as a popular vlogger. She talks fashion, family, her life in Malibu but also sensitively tackles tough issues like racism, mental health and body image. Barbie’s new mission is to inspire girls to dream big. A recent line of empowering role model dolls includes Indian Paralympian, Manasi Joshi, and American soccer player, Alex Morgan. While Inspiring Women celebrates heroines such as Maya Angelou, Florence Nightingale and astronaut, Sally Ride.Barbie and associated trademarks are owned by Mattel and used under license from Mattel Europa. © 2021 Mattel

While she might be best known as the author of ‘The Age of Innocence’ (adapted for film, and starring Michelle Pfeiffer, and Daniel Day-Lewis), Edith Wharton wrote an extensive range of novels, journals, and poetry.Containing 24 poems, ‘Artemis to Actaeon’ muses on the themes of life, love, death, and the passing of time, with a few well-chosen words set aside for her beloved France. As the title suggests, there is plenty of classical inspiration as Wharton draws on ancient legends surrounding mythical figures, such as Orpheus, and Actaeon.Her writing is lyrical and has a yearning quality to it, particularly in poems such as ‘All Souls,’ and ‘Vesalius in Zarate.’ A superb collection for those familiar with Wharton’s work, and those new to her.Edith Wharton (1862 – 1937) was an American designer and novelist. Born in an era when the highest ambition a woman could aspire to was a good marriage, Wharton went on to become one of America’s most celebrated authors.During her career, she wrote over 40 books, using her wealthy upbringing to bring authenticity and detail to stories about the upper classes. She moved to France in 1923, where she continued to write until her death.

George is a young man exploring the West when he comes upon a small town called The Corners. What he didn’t expect from this little town was to fall in love, or how desperately this love would ravage him.Blinded by love he will be dragged into Machiavellian plots, hired to do a rich man’s killing. It is a complicated and tragic affair, where the power of love and lust can at once flip the plot on its head. ‘Gunman’s Reckoning’ is a nigh Shakespearean tale of innocence, manipulation and tragedy.If you loved Liam Neeson’s ‘Seraphim Falls’ you will love this dramatic epic.Max Brand, the pseudonym of Frederick Schiller Faust (1892-1944) was an American author of Western’s and pulp fiction stories. He was a prolific author of nigh on a hundred books, in several series spanning many genres. His character, Dr. Kildare, has been adapted several times over the decades in film, radio, T.V and comics. As well as that, he is credited with keeping the passion for the Wild West alive in his dozens of spell-binding novels. Brand’s untimely passing was another hallmark of his dedication to writing, keen to write a war novel he got himself assigned as a war correspondent with an American battalion in Italy, where he was sadly killed by shrapnel. His best known works include the series "Dan Barry", "Ronicky Doone", "Silvertip", "Dr. Kildare", and "Tizzo the Firebrand".

Rosina is secretly engaged to Henry, the son of her guardian Sir Peter Vernon. On discovering their relationship, an angry Sir Peter casts her out into the Welsh countryside and to her death.When Henry returns home, he is heartbroken and searches for Rosina’s body, only to learn of a villager’s tale about ‘The Invisible Girl’, a ghostly figure that wanders the woods at night.‘The Invisible Girl’ (1832) is a short, Gothic, ghost story by the English writer Mary Shelley, famous for her best-selling novel ‘Frankenstein’.Mary Shelley (1797–1851) was an English author and travel writer best known for her ground-breaking Gothic novel ‘Frankenstein’ (1818). Considered one of the first true works of science-fiction, the book became an instant bestseller.It has been adapted for TV, stage and film on many occasions, with Boris Karloff famously playing Frankenstein’s monster on screen in 1933. Other adaptations include ‘Mary Shelley's Frankenstein’ (1994) starring Kenneth Branagh and Robert De Niro and ‘Viktor Frankenstein’ (2015) starring Daniel Radcliffe and James McAvoy.Shelley’s other novels include Valperga (1823), The Last Man (1826), Perkin Warbeck (1830), Lodore (1835), Falkner (1837) and the posthumously published Mathilde (1959). However, she will always be remembered as the creator of Frankenstein.The book continues to influence filmmakers, writers and popular culture to this day, inspiring and terrifying new audiences the world over.

‘The Swiss Peasant’ (1830) is a short story by the famous English writer Mary Shelley. The story tells of the brutal effect the French Revolution had on those living in the Alps. Told through the eyes of a Swiss peasant called Fanny, it exposes the flaws of the class system and highlights the strength of women - a common Shelley theme.Mary Shelley wrote several successful books but is best known for her highly acclaimed novel ‘Frankenstein’ (1818).Mary Shelley (1797–1851) was an English author and travel writer best known for her ground-breaking Gothic novel ‘Frankenstein’ (1818). Considered one of the first true works of science-fiction, the book became an instant bestseller.It has been adapted for TV, stage and film on many occasions, with Boris Karloff famously playing Frankenstein’s monster on screen in 1933. Other adaptations include ‘Mary Shelley's Frankenstein’ (1994) starring Kenneth Branagh and Robert De Niro and ‘Viktor Frankenstein’ (2015) starring Daniel Radcliffe and James McAvoy. Shelley’s other novels include Valperga (1823), The Last Man (1826), Perkin Warbeck (1830), Lodore (1835), Falkner (1837) and the posthumously published Mathilde (1959). However, she will always be remembered as the creator of Frankenstein. The book continues to influence filmmakers, writers and popular culture to this day, inspiring and terrifying new audiences the world over.

Pregnant. Single. Dating. It's going to be... a bumpy year!Trish Kirkpatrick never expected to find herself unmarried, pregnant... and not entirely sure who the baby's father is.With her ex, Pete, and her colleague, Elliot, in line for daddy duty while waiting on the DNA results, Trish finds her complicated world getting even more chaotic when a meet-cute on a plane to Tokyo with gorgeous architect Scott sparks a new flame.Now, as her bump grows so do Trish's troubles. Between family issues reappearing on her doorstep and the delivery date fast approaching, Trish will need to make up her mind not only on who she wants to be but who she wants to become.Praise for Olivia Spooner:'Wonderful... Will keep you turning the pages and before you know it you are on the final chapter... Utterly likeable characters and a lovely book' NetGalley reviewer on A Way Back to Happy'FIVE STARS! I flew through it in two days and hated putting it down. I admittedly stayed reading up way too much reading when I should have been sleeping. I loved the story but loved the characters even more... I could almost feel tightness in my own chest and heart, and tears in my own eyes' Goodreads reviewer on A Way Back to HappyOlivia Spooner has been writing fiction for twenty years. She lives in New Zealand and is the proud owner of an independent bookshop where she happily shares her love of books with everyone who walks through the door. When not creating stories, Olivia is most likely to be found at the beach or simply out walking: the more remote the location, the better.

‘Hands down one of the best books I've read in a long time. This story hooks you immediately, one cannot put it down. I even dreamed about the book!’ Goodreads Reviewer 5*Victoria Langley needs to find a refuge when her husband leaves her. She finds it, in the shape of Seafall Cottage on a Cornwall clifftop.The unkempt cottage in the village of Tregollan is a perfect place to recharge - particularly when she finds a fascinating diary from 1905.Victoria determines to solve the secrets the diary contains, but locals blank her when she asks about its author, Tilly Asprey.In walks a handsome lawyer with a missing piece of the puzzle. Now Victoria knows that Tilly's story is just like hers.Can Victoria learn from TIlly's mistakes or is she destined to suffer the same fate?An evocative and romantic read about lost love and new beginnings, this is perfect for fans of Phillipa Ashley, Emma Burstall and Liz Fenwick.Previously published as The Cornish EscapeWhat everyone’s saying about 'Summer at Seafall Cottage':‘My anguished howl of "nooooo" as I finished was so loud I had to go and check I hadn’t woken my three-year-old ... I wanted the book to carry on and on and on ... I was caught from the very first, beautifully written, paragraph.’ After the Rain‘I read it in one sitting and so will you.’ Goodreads Reviewer 5*‘Oh, this was such an enjoyable book! ... To sum up, The Cornish Escape is one enjoyable, feel-good book I totally recommend. You’ll simply be flying through it, devouring it in one sitting.’ This Chick ReadsOver 21,000 copies sold. Amazon US and UK Top 20 bestselling author.Lily has been telling stories since she was a child, starting with her imaginary rabbit, Stephanus, and their adventures in the enchanted peach tree in her garden, which she envisioned as a magical portal to Enid Blyton’s Faraway Tree. She’s never really got out of the habit of making things up, and still thinks of Stephanus rather fondly. She lives with her husband and her English bulldog, Fudge, and brings her love for the sea and country-living to her fiction.

Sometimes true life spins more shocking stories than the minds of writers. That is the case with 'The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano'.The understated title masks an autobiography where truth trumps fiction, featuring kidnapping, death, slavery, jail, transportation, rape, Christian faith and much more.It is also one of the most important books of its time, the late 18th century. For its publication told the truth about the trans-Atlantic slave trade, and sowed the seeds for the abolition movement that eventually stopped it.The scandal of slavery that Equiano helped get into the public's consciousness has been featured in a host of films, including '12 Years a Slave', directed by Steve McQueen and based on a novel by Solomon Northup.Olaudah Equiano (1745-1797) was known throughout most of his life as Gustavus Vassa. He was born in Benin, where he and his sister were kidnapped and sold to slave traders.They were separated and Equiano endured the horrors of transportation to the Caribbean, was sold to three slave owners and witnessed the very worst of the truly shameful trade. After buying his freedom, he lived in London and supported the British abolitionist movement.His autobiography, 'The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano', went through nine editions and helped the abolitionist movement gain the momentum that saw the British Slave Trade Act passed in 1807.

Don Juan is more than just an infamous womaniser. For he has been the 'Don Juan' of Bryon's epic poem, the 'Don Giovanni' of Mozart's opera and the main man in the play 'The Trickster of Seville and the Stone Guest'. George Bernard Shaw added to Don Juan's many identities with his play 'Man and Superman', which is a four-act play based on the Don Juan theme.It features John Tanner, an eloquent anarchist who is one of two men named in Mr. Whitefield's will to care for his daughter Ann. The other, wealthy old Roebuck Ramsden, is rejected as guardian by Ann in favour of Tanner. The "political firebrand and confirmed bachelor" is not keen at all: he fears the guardianship will interfere with his commitment to anarchy.But when the two minds collide, the results are unexpected. While Ann gently leads Tanner to rethink his revolutionary ideas, the determined singleton finds himself falling for Ann, despite his close friend wanting to marry her.Will the rebel lose his cause? And who will prevail in the romance race? 'Man and Superman' is perfect for fans of the play 'Private Lives' by Oscar Wilde and 'Endgame' by Samuel Beckett.George Bernard Shaw (1856–1950) was a giant of the literary and political world at the end of the 19th century and deep into the 20th century. Best known as a playwright, he was also a famous critic, political activist and polemicist, stoking controversy to provoke debate.His first successful play was 'Arms and the Man', followed by classics including 'Man and Superman' and 'Pygmalion', which was turned into the musical 'My Fair Lady'. In 1925, he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature. His opinions still divide critics, but he is widely acknowledged as second only to William Shakespeare as a playwright.

Having lived in France during the First World War, it’s no surprise that Wharton documented the impact on her spiritual homeland, both in fiction and non-fiction.‘Coming Home’ is told from the perspective of an American aid worker, who helps a wounded French soldier, Jen Réchamp. A bond between the two sees them travel to Jean’s home to see that everything is as it should be.While Wharton might be better known for her high-society satires, ‘Coming Home’ reveals an author who can capture the horrors of war and the heroic spirits of those who choose to stand against it.A gripping insight into how the First World War was perceived in France, Wharton's ´Coming Home´ will delight fans of other WWI narratives such as Sam Mendes' Oscar-nominated movie ´1917´.Edith Wharton (1862 – 1937) was an American designer and novelist. Born in an era when the highest ambition a woman could aspire to was a good marriage, Wharton went on to become one of America’s most celebrated authors.During her career, Wharton wrote over 40 books, using her wealthy upbringing to bring authenticity and detail to stories about the upper classes. She moved to France in 1923, where she continued to write until her death.

Experience the masterful prose of Katherine Mansfield in "The Garden Party and Other Stories." Published in 1922, this collection of 15 short stories is a perfect distillation of Mansfield's keen observations, emotional depth, and deft storytelling.The title story, "The Garden Party," thrusts readers into an enthralling exploration of class division as it juxtaposes the lavish Sheridan garden party with the stark reality of a neighbour's death. Each additional tale offers its intimate examination of human nature and relationships, painting vivid portraits that leave lasting impressions.Dive into this timeless collection to witness one of modernism's finest short story writers weaving her magic. If you like the work of Virginia Woolf and Sylvia Plath, you will love this.A pivotal modernist short story writer and poet, New Zealand-born Katherine Mansfield (1888-1923) transformed the short story genre with her lyrical style. She was admired by literary peers like Virginia Woolf and D.H. Lawrence and had her stories memorialized in TV series and films.

In thirteenth-century Florence, Italy, the pro-Papacy Guelphs defeated and expelled the pro-imperial Ghibellines. The triumphant Guelphs await their champion, the Frenchman Charles d'Anjou, while their opponents pin their hopes on the arrival of Corradino and his troops from Germany.In an unexpected turn of events, the androgynous Ghibelline, Ricciardo de' Rossini, knows secrets that could change everything, and they set out on a secret mission to bring an end to the war.‘A Tales of the Passions; or, The Death of Despina’ (1823) is one of many classic short stories by the English writer Mary Shelley and is perfect for fans of her best-selling novel ‘Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus’ (1818).Mary Shelley (1797–1851) was an English author and travel writer best known for her ground-breaking Gothic novel ‘Frankenstein’ (1818). Considered one of the first true works of science-fiction, the book became an instant bestseller and continues to influence filmmakers, writers, and popular culture to this day, inspiring and terrifying new audiences the world over.It has been adapted for TV, stage, and film on many occasions, with Boris Karloff famously playing Frankenstein’s monster on screen in 1933. Other adaptations include ‘Mary Shelley's Frankenstein’ (1994) starring Kenneth Branagh and Robert De Niro and ‘Viktor Frankenstein’ (2015) starring Daniel Radcliffe and James McAvoy.Shelley’s other novels include ´Valperga´ (1823), ´The Last Man´ (1826), ´Perkin Warbeck´ (1830), ´Lodore´ (1835), ´Falkner´ (1837), and the posthumously published ´Mathilde´ (1959). However, she will always be remembered as the creator of ´Frankenstein´.

Written by the 1913 winner of the Nobel Price in Literature, Rabindranath Tagore, 'The Home and the World' follows the characters of Nikhil and Sandip, who have very different ideals around using violence to reach their goals.The novel illustrates the battle Tagore had with himself, between the ideas of Western culture and revolution against the Western culture. This is ultimately shown through Nikhil and Sandip.Covering themes such as truth, love and union, religion vs nationalism, and the role of women, 'The Home and the World' gives a real insight into societal problems in the Bengal region following the turn of the 19th century.Rabindranath Tagore (1861–1941) was an Indian poet and philosopher. He was the first non-European to receive the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1913.Rebellious to classical studies, he was sent to England to study law. Back in India, he devoted himself to poetry and musical dramas, and in 1883 began writing his collection 'Chants de l'aurore'.Dreaming of harmony between men, he wrote in 1904 a political essay in favour of the Independence of India. In 1910, 'L'Offrande lyrique' was published, translated by André Gide. At the end of his life, he supported Gandhi in his struggle.

When the research vessel "Idun" arrives in Smögens harbour one early winter morning, the head of research, Kaj Malmberg, is found murdered in his cabin. For the university's rector, Regina Löfdahl, the tragedy is leaving her short, because Malmberg is supposed to present the research elite's top prize in marine research at Smögens Havsbad that same evening.Dennis Wilhelmson and Sandra Haraldsson are drawn into a murder investigation that puts both their cooperation and important relationships across national borders at risk.Is the person behind the crime in Smögen or is he still on board the "Idun", which despite protests, is given permission to complete its expedition along the Norwegian coast up to Svalbard?Could an event during the icy winters of the Second World War have a bearing on the case?The Ice Fisher is the exciting continuation of the 'Murders on Smögen' series, and the sequel to 'The Man on the Beach'.Perfect for fans of Jo Nesbø, Anne Holt, and Lars Kepler. Anna Ihrén grew up in Stockholm and in Gothenburg, but spent her childhood summers on the island of Smögen. Now she resides in Sjövik with her husband and children. Her series of crime novels "The Smögen Murders" has become very popular, "The Ice Fisher" being the second book in the series.

In this great historical adventure novel, Ransal Holles, a former soldier in Cromwell’s army, feels like there is no place for him now that the monarchy has been restored and the exploits of the Republicans are being condemned.Desperate for an escape from his hopeless situation and the very certain threat of execution that lingers over him, Holles has no choice but to accept the Duke of Wellington’s commission to abduct a famous actress and bring her to him.Set in London, 1665, ‘Fortune's Fool’ by Rafael Sabatini is a story of love, adventure, villains, and swashbuckling heroes that will be enjoyed by fans of 'The Three Musketeers' and Hilary Mantel’s 'Wolf Hall'.Rafael Sabatini was an Italian-English writer of romance and adventure novels. He produced 34 novels, eight short story collections, six non-fiction books, several uncollected short stories, and several plays, and he is best known for his worldwide bestsellers; ´The Sea Hawk´, ´Scaramouche´, and ´Bellarion the Fortunate´.

29 and unmarried, gasp! - can you think of anything worse? In 1920s rural Canada, Valancy Stirling is considered "past it" and with a controlling, nagging mother and petty gossips for relatives she feels trapped in the life she has ended up in and when she is diagnosed with a terminal heart condition and given a year to live, it seems she will die without ever experiencing happiness.And so, she rebels.She leaves her family home slamming the door as she does and moves in with her old friend Cissy and starts working as a housekeeper.The independence is intoxicating - as is a growing friendship with local man, Barney Snaith.It looks as though Valancy will have love to warm her heart in her final months. But secrets on both sides threaten to ruin things.The intoxicating story of love and loss is perfect for fans of Elizabeth Gaskell and Jodie Picoult.Lucy Maud (L.M.) Montgomery was a Canadian author best known for a series of children's books beginning with 'Anne of Green Gables'. The books were a huge hit in her lifetime and were recently made in the Netflix series 'Anne with an E'.Montgomery published 20 novels, 530 short stories, 500 poems and 30 essays in her lifetime. Most were set in Canada's smallest province, Prince Edward Island.