England

Anne Elliot ist bereits siebenundzwanzig – und unverheiratet. Aus Standesdünkel riet ihre Familie ihr vor acht Jahren dazu, den Heiratsantrag von Annes großer Liebe, dem bürgerlichen und mittellosen Frederick Wentworth, abzulehnen. Allerdings langweilt der Alltag in den Kreisen des Landadels die kluge und unkonventionelle Anne und auch ihren Verlust scheint sie nie überwunden zu haben. Als sie eines Tages unverhofft erneut auf den mittlerweile wohlhabenden und geachteten Captain Wentworth trifft, erweckt diese Begegnung tiefe Gefühle in Anne. Wentworth scheint indes eher ihrer jungen und lebhaften Nachbarin Louisa Musgrove zugetan zu sein ... Jane Austen (1775-1817) ist eine der berühmtesten und bedeutendsten britischen Schriftstellerinnen der Regency-Zeit. Zu ihren bekanntesten Werken zählen etwa "Stolz und Vorurteil" und "Emma", die heute zu den Klassikern der Weltliteratur gehören. Austen ist vor allem für ihre scharfsinnige gesellschaftskritische Beobachtungsgabe bekannt, die sich in ihrer oft von feiner Ironie durchzogenen Analyse der menschlichen Natur und sozialer Interaktionen widerspiegelt. Im Zentrum ihrer Romane steht oft die Zerrissenheit und die Konflikte junger Damen des gehobenen ländlichen Bürgertums, die sich im Spannungsfeld gesellschaftlicher Erwartungen und der eigenen Vorstellungen von Glück befinden. Ihr letztes vollständiges Werk „Überredung" wurde posthum veröffentlicht.

El thriller psicológico más explosivo y vertiginoso desde La mujer de la ventana.¿Una historia de amor perfecta?¿O la historia de un crimen perfecto?La historia de amor entre Maddie e Ian comenzó en un encuentro casual durante una fiesta en el extranjero. Casi dos décadas después, casados y con un hermoso hijo, tienen una vida perfecta a las afueras de la ciudad. Pero cuando un accidente en un camping deja a Maddie gravemente herida, poco a poco ella irá revelando sus temores y sus preocupaciones por la seguridad de su hijo Charlie y por el complicado pasado de la pareja. Desde los Balcanes a Inglaterra, de Irak a la casa familiar en Kansas, los dieciséis años de amor y miedo, de aventura y sospecha, culminan en El día del Asesinato y en una desesperada llamada a la policía ante la escena de un crimen impactante.Annie Ward es licenciada en Literatura Inglesa por la UCLA, con un máster en Guion del American Film Institute. Recibió la beca Fullbright y la residencia para artistas Escape to Create. Vive en Kansas con su familia. Esta es su primera novela.

Przed czym się ucieka do Legii Cudzoziemskiej? I który z podejrzanych skradł drogocenny klejnot? Pewnego wieczoru lady Brandon pokazywała zgromadzonym na kolacji gościom, przepiękny szafir zwany ,,Błękitna Woda". Wkrótce potem klejnot zniknął, a po kilkunastu godzinach zaginęli też obecni na kolacji bracia: Beau, Digby i John. Mężczyźni odnajdują się jako legioniści Legii Cudzoziemskiej. Ich życie zmienia się w koszmar za sprawą dowódcy, który nawet za cenę życia usiłuje znaleźć złodzieja szafiru i przejąć go w swoje ręce. ,,Braterstwo krwi" to powieść przygodowa o młodzieńczych marzeniach, wojskowych przygodach i walce o męski honor. Na jej podstawie w 1939 r. powstał film, w którym zagrały sławy takie jak: Gary Cooper, Ray Milland, Robert Preston. Lektura przypadnie do gustu każdemu, kto ceni dynamiczną akcję, rodzinne intrygi i zagadkowe morderstwa. Percival Christopher Wren (ur. 1 listopada 1885 r. w Devon Shire, zm. 22 listopada 1941 r. w Amberley) - brytyjski pisarz, nauczyciel i dziennikarz, znany autor powieści przygodowych. Ukończył studia na Uniwersytecie w Oxfordzie, przez 10 lat pełnił funkcję asystenta dyrektora ds. edukacji w Bombaju. Miał też służyć we francuskiej Legii Cudzoziemskiej, a podczas I wojny światowej był majorem sił indyjskich we wschodniej Afryce. Największą sławę przyniosła mu powieść ,,Braterstwo krwi" z 1924 r., która doczekała się kontynuacji i stworzyła trylogię o Legii Cudzoziemskiej. Autor uchodził za człowieka bardzo skrytego i tajemniczego, zaś jego przynależność do Legii Cudzoziemskiej nigdy nie została oficjalnie potwierdzona. Nowele i powieści Wrena ukazują różnorodność ludzkich charakterów, niezmiennie zachwycając udanym połączeniem brutalnego realizmu z komizmem i romantycznym idealizmem.

She’s given up on love. But one little letter might change everything...Single mum Bonnie is a born romantic. But she’s been seriously let down by love. Her good-for-nothing husband walked out on her and daughter Paige two years ago, and hasn’t been heard from since.Between trying to make ends meet, managing teenage mood swings and the serious lack of eligible bachelors in her small town, Bonnie has all but given up on finding her happily ever after.Although if real-life romance is in short supply, it doesn’t mean Bonnie can’t indulge in a harmless imaginary one. She’s started writing to her totally unattainable dream man, baring her soul before screwing up the pages and tossing them straight in the trash...But when fate intervenes and Bonnie actually meets the man she never thought she could have, events take an interesting turn. Envelopes addressed to her start mysteriously arriving on her doorstep. Although Bonnie never sent him any of the letters she wrote, he has now begun writing to her.Is Bonnie about to discover that dreams really do come true?A fabulously funny and warm romantic comedy that fans of Josie Silver, Holly Martin and Lindsey Kelk will absolutely love!Previously published as Hopelessly Devoted to Holden Finn.Praise for The Time of My Life:‘Has you hooked from page one with its light-hearted comedy... Tilly really managed to weave magic with this book... I just could not put it down and I was desperately sad when I reached the end.’ Goodreads Reviewer‘I loved this book. Tilly Tennant has an amazing gift of story-telling.’ Goodreads Reviewer.Tilly has sold over 280,000 copies. Previously published as Hopelessly Devoted to Holden Finn.For fans of Jenny Colgan, Lucy Diamond and Josie SilverFrom a young age, Tilly Tennant was convinced that she was destined for the stage. Once she realised she wasn’t actually very good at anything that would put her on the stage, she started to write stories instead. There were lots of terrible ones, like The Pet Rescue Gang (aged eight), which definitely should not see the light of day ever again. Thankfully, her debut novel, Hopelessly Devoted to Holden Finn was not one of those, and since it hit the Amazon best seller lists she hasn’t looked back. Born in Dorset, she currently lives in Staffordshire.

Demelza is caught up in the middle of chaos when her brother rents their family home to Valient, Earl of Trevarnon and his friends during the Royal Ascot races. Infamous playboy Trevarnon wins over Demelza, despite him being married. As she explores the secret chambers and underground passages in the manor, Demelza finds herself falling for Trevarnon but knowing he can never be hers. The drama unfolds when she spoils a plot against Trevarnon – could this be enough to win him over for good?In her lifetime, British author Barbara Cartland wrote over 700 novels and was most famous for her contemporary and historical romances. A prominent figure in London society, the young Cartland began her writing career as a gossip columnist for the Daily Express. It was partying in 1920's London that gave her inspiration for her first book, "Jigsaw", a racy society thriller.After marrying into the McCorquodale family, she began writing romance and holds a Guinness World Record for the most number of books published in one year: 191. Her books have been translated into many different languages, as well as adapted for stage and screen. She is beloved the world over and even counts the young Princess Diana as one of her many fans.

After the death of her parents, young Andrina Maldon has selflessly carried the responsibility of running a household impoverished by her father’s profligacy and also for the future happiness of her two sisters. Despite their striking looks, there is no hope of her sisters finding a suitable suitor without someone to introduce them into high society. So Andrina travels unchaperoned to London to seek the assistance of the Duke of Broxbourne, her father’s friend and the Godfather she has never met.On the journey, Andrina has an unpleasant encounter with a gentleman at a Posting inn and on arrival at Broxbourne House she is appalled to find that this man is none other than the Duke of Broxbourne himself.At first unwilling to help her, the Duke grudgingly agrees to her requests and although outwardly grateful, Andrina despises this arrogant and insensitive man. Forced to work together to secure the future of her sisters, Andrina gradually starts to see another side of the Duke and unexpected feelings begin to rise on both sides...A classic, swoon-worthy rags to riches tale, perfect for fans of Julia Quinn, Georgette Heyer and Jenny Hambly.In her lifetime, British author Barbara Cartland wrote over 700 novels and was most famous for her contemporary and historical romances. A prominent figure in London society, the young Cartland began her writing career as a gossip columnist for the Daily Express. It was partying in 1920's London that gave her inspiration for her first book, "Jigsaw", a racy society thriller.After marrying into the McCorquodale family, she began writing romance and holds a Guinness World Record for the most number of books published in one year: 191. Her books have been translated into many different languages, as well as adapted for stage and screen. She is beloved the world over and even counts the young Princess Diana as one of her many fans.

"Do you have a name for her?" she asked.He shook his head. "You've decided it's a girl?"She looked at the skull and thought of it washing backwards and forwards in the dirty water of the Thames until coming to rest in sight of tip of the Isle of Dogs under the gaze of the grandiose buildings of Greenwich."We'll call her Flotsam," she said.Home truths are always the hardest.Beatrice Palmenter is 36, a successful filmmaker. And discontent. She is about to make two journeys, one back a thousand years to the world of the Anglo Saxons, the other to wartime France.It begins when she holds a small skull in the palm of her hand on the bleak foreshore of the River Thames. It continues as she travels to Paris and Marseille on the trail of the world famous restaurateur Joseph Troumeg. Along the way she meets three extraordinary women and archaeologist Harry Wesley. And discovers some home truths about herself.A Girl Called Flotsam is a captivating love story and a compelling mystery about the elusiveness of history and the messages, true and false, it leaves behind.For fans of William Boyd, Joanne Harris and Sebastian Faulks.John Tagholm was born in Cardiff. He has written all his working life, for newspapers, magazines, radio and television. There was a long gap between "Football: How Much Do You Really Know?", published by Independent Television Books in the 70's and "No Identifiable Remains", his first work of fiction, which was followed by"Bad Marriage", and "Parallel Lives".

After the heartbreak of losing his lover, King Francis I swears never to love another woman. His sister, Marguerite of Navarre, overhears his lament and vows to prove him wrong. Marguerite bets her brother that within one month she will find a woman that will prove him wrong.‘The False Rhyme’ (1829) is a short story by the English writer Mary Shelley, famous for her best-selling novel ‘Frankenstein’. It features the familiar strong female characters of Shelley’s work and the themes of love and forgiveness.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.

When Fanny is 17 years old, a house fire nearly kills her entire family and destroys their home. Lord Reginald Desborough saves her from the flames and the couple marry, but her father’s demands put her happiness in jeopardy and leaves Fanny with an impossible decision.This story mirrors the author’s relationship with her own father, in its depiction of the money troubles that plague Fanny’s family and their constant demands on Lord Reginald.‘The Parvenue’ (1836) is a classic, short 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.

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´.

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.

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.

‘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.

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.

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).

A laugh-out-loud, uplifting comedy about finding the courage to be yourself, the importance of dreams, and learning to grab life by the glitter balls.Dance like nobody’s watching. Love like you’ll never get hurt...Laura Watkin’s heart isn’t broken, she’s just forgotten how to use it.After years on her own, the highlight of single mum Laura’s week is watching Strictly Come Dancing with a glass of Pinot Grigio and a large helping of imagination.With her daughter Sophie going travelling, Laura knows the time is right to do something for herself for a change. One disastrous Zumba class later and Laura ends up at the feet (literally) of gorgeous dance instructor Tony Hernandez.A natural dancer and inspiring teacher, Tony rekindles in Laura a passion she inherited from her ballroom dancer father – and with it comes a dream... to make him proud.But when Tony enters them to perform at the National Dance Festival, can Laura’s new-found confidence survive the test? And with a once-in-a-lifetime chance to learn Flamenco in Spain, could Laura truly learn to dance like nobody’s watching... and love like she’ll never get hurt?What readers are saying about Summer Flings and Dancing Dreams...‘Ms. Watson wouldn’t be our favourite rom-com queen without her unique writing style and laugh-out-loud moments. I was reading alone in my yard and laughed so loud that my neighbour who was cutting the grass in his yard, stopped the machine and looked at me, all puzzled... Enjoy this wonderful book!’ This Chick Reads‘I am a HUGE fan of Sue Watson and if you have a rather filthy sense of humour, and like a good giggle her books don’t fail to raise a smile... By the time I finished this book I wanted to book myself on a trip to Grenada to see all the sexy Spanish men and women dancing Flamenco.’ Best Crime Books and More‘This book really has everything - laughter, fulfilling dreams, sexy strangers in exotic gorgeous settings, friendships and pretty dresses! ... A total 5* read for me - and would love to read this sat around a pool or on a beach listening to the waves crashing on the shore!’ Bookworms and ShutterbugsOver 24,000 copies soldSue Watson was a journalist on women’s magazines and national newspapers before leaving it all behind for a career in TV. As a producer with the BBC she worked on garden makeovers, kitchen takeovers and daytime sofas – all the time making copious notes so that one day she might escape to the country and turn it all into a book. After much deliberation and copious consumption of cake, Sue eventually left her life in TV to write. After a very successful debut novel, Fat Girls and Fairy Cakes Sue signed a deal with Bookouture.

London im Jahr 1793. Der siebzehnjährige Illusionist, Akrobat und Zirkusstar Adrian Pratt staunt nicht schlecht, als er eines Tages eine besondere Gabe entdeckt: Er kann mit anderen Menschen den Körper tauschen. Ungewollt findet er sich im Körper eines zwielichtigen Fremden wieder, der sich prompt in Adrians Körper davonmacht. Um seinen eigenen Körper zurückzuerlangen begibt Adrian sich in den nebligen Gassen Londons auf die Suche nach dem Fremden und trifft dabei auf Mira. Mit ihrer Hilfe stößt er auf ein dunkles Geheimnis, das ihn auf eine abenteuerliche Reise nach Paris führt, mitten in den Hexenkessel der Französischen Revolution.Ralf Isau wurde 1956 in Berlin-Tempelhof geboren. Nach einer kaufmännischen Ausbildung war er zunächst als Programmierer tätig, bevor er 1988 zur Schriftstellerei fand. Nach einem erfolgreichen Start im Bereich Kinder- und Jugendbuch wechselte Isau in das Erwachsenengenre. Er hat zahlreiche Fantasyromane veröffentlicht, die häufig mit historischen Fakten gespickt sind. Isau lebt mit seiner Frau in der Nähe von Ludwigsburg.

"Racconti dell’inquietudine" raccoglie cinque brevi testi che offrono –al fan di lunga data, così come a chi intenda leggere Conrad per la prima volta – un prontuario dei temi più cari e delle ambientazioni più esotiche dell’avventuroso scrittore polacco. Il motivo del doppio tradimento, quando l’ordine sociale viene sovvertito per l’amore di una donna, accomuna due dei racconti più belli, quelli malesi ("Karain: un ricordo", "La laguna"), mentre "Un avamposto del progresso", ambientato in Congo, echeggia il capolavoro "Cuore di tenebra", riflettendo sull’ipocrisia del colonialismo. Non mancano, infine, due racconti ambientati in Europa, che propongono una versione un po’ inconsueta di Conrad: dalla meditazione sul matrimonio come istituzione ("Il ritorno"), alle suggestioni decadentiste de "Gli idioti", ambientati rispettivamente a Londra e nella Francia rurale.Questo audiolibro è stato realizzato in collaborazione con Edizioni Clichy.Józef Teodor Konrad Korzeniowski (1857-1924) nasce a Berdyčiv in una nobile famiglia polacca. Rimasto orfano a soli undici anni, viene affidato ad uno zio. Nel 1874, nonostante le iniziali diffidenze famigliari, riesce ad imbarcarsi su un brigantino francese diretto in Martinica: è l’inizio di una vita estremamente avventurosa, che lo porterà a visitare l’Estremo Oriente, le Americhe e l’Africa. Nel 1894, finalmente, abbandona la vita di mare, dedicandosi interamente alla scrittura. Firmandosi come Joseph Conrad, quindi, pubblicherà in inglese molti romanzi e racconti di successo – spesso ispirati alla sua vita – fra cui si possono citare "Cuore di tenebra", "La linea d’ombra" e "Nostromo".

Fans of Sheila O’Flanagan, Amanda Prowse and Jojo Moyes will love The Lost Wife, the compelling story of a woman’s deepest secrets, and the friends and family who must learn to live without her.‘An incredible, beautiful story of loss, love, forgiveness, moving on, overcoming grief, redemption and above all, hope.’ Renita D’SilvaWhen Ellie Moran passes away, she leaves her newborn son and husband Ed behind her. Their marriage was perfect, their lives everything they had hoped for. So why was Ellie keeping secrets from Ed?Knowing he can never ask his wife the truth, Ed is struggling to cope. When the secrets threaten to tear his whole family apart, Ed turns to Rachel, the one person who sees him as more than just Ellie’s widower.But then Rachel discovers something Ellie was hiding, something that would break Ed’s heart. Can Rachel help Ed to find peace without the wife he lost – and a second chance at happiness?Read what everyone is saying about 'The Lost Wife':‘Heartbreaking... I was absorbed... I put down the book thinking "This is it. This was perfect." Emotional doesn't even begin to describe this story... The Lost Wife is an exceptional and poignant tale of love.’ Chocolate ‘n’ Waffles, 5 stars‘This stunning book blew me away, I couldn’t put it down... I was hooked from the start... This book has everything! It’s very emotional, touching and moving!... A magnificent story.’ Simona’s Corner of Dreams, 5 stars‘Oh Anna Mansell, what have you done to me, woman!!... Unbelievably beautiful... You NEED to read The Lost Wife.’ The Writing Garnet, 5 stars.Anna spent almost twenty years trying to shoehorn writing in to her career as a marketing manager for dance and theatre companies. Eventually, she did what you are not remotely supposed to do and walked away from an excellent job in order to try and become a published author. Three years, lots of tears and some slightly hairy bank balances later, she met Kirsty Greenwood and the rest, as they say, is history. Anna lives in Cornwall with her husband and two kids. She feels very fortunate!

Pyecraft jest odpychająco otyłym i nieprzyjemnym mężczyzną. Dręczy pana Formalyna do tego stopnia, że ten postanawia opisać i tym samym ujawnić jego prawdziwą, dość kompromitującą historię. Opowieść zaczyna się od tego, że Pyecraft użala się nad swoją tuszą i niemożnością zrzucenia kilogramów. Formalyn załatwia dla niego specyfik odchudzający swojej hinduskiej prababki. Okazuje się, że mikstura tylko pogorszyła stan mężczyzny, który nie pozbył się tkanki tłuszczowej, ale... stał się lekki jak piórko. Opowiadania zostało zekranizowane w trzecim odcinku serialu z 2001 r. "The Infinite Worlds of H. G. Wells".Herbert George Wells (1866-1946) - jeden z prekursorów gatunku science fiction. Z wykształcenia biolog, jednak od najmłodszych lat odznaczał się bujną wyobraźnią i lekkim piórem. Gdy z przyczyn zdrowotnych musiał zrezygnować z zawodu nauczyciela, zaczął utrzymywać się z pisania - początkowo były to materiały dziennikarskie, a z czasem także literatura. Autor powieści "Wojna światów", "Wehikuł czasu" i "Wyspa doktora Moreau".

Czy warto narażać własną wolność, by chronić przypadkowo poznaną kobietę? Odpowiedź wydaje się prosta. Ale kiedy przeciwko logicznym argumentom staje kobiecy czar, wszystko się komplikuje. Jak bardzo? Poznaj historię Herberta Raysona, który pewnej nocy wraca do swojego mieszkania i zastaje w nim nieznajomą. Kobieta przeszukuje jego biurko, ale to dopiero początek serii tajemniczych zdarzeń.Autor "Spiskowców" w swoim kraju uważany jest za "księcia storytellingu". Nic dziwnego, bo jego książki czyta się na jednym oddechu. Wciągające historie, szybka akcja i zaskakujący finał to gwarancja dobrze spędzonego wieczoru. Idealny zamiennik dla oczu zmęczonych oglądaniem kolejnego serialu.E. Phillips Oppenheim (1866-1946) był angielskim powieściopisarzem, który w swoim czasie cieszył się ogromną popularnością. Sławę przyniosły mu opowieści o międzynarodowych spiskach, tajnych agentach i przekrętach dyplomatów. Historie szpiegowskie spod jego pióra cechowała szybka akcja i prosta, choć chwytliwa intryga. Najbardziej popularne tytuły przetłumaczone na język polski to: "Spiskowcy", "Jednooki Budda", "Morderstwo w Monte Carlo".

Poruszająca historia konia Karego to doskonały wybór dla wszystkich, którym los zwierząt nie jest obojętny.Anna Sewell, wielka miłośniczka koni napisała w życiu tylko jedną książkę, a ta zapewniła jej miejsce w klasyce literatury światowej. To właśnie opowieść o pięknym koniu Karym poruszyła serca czytelników. Zwierzę poznajemy jako małego źrebaka, który przez kolejne lata trafia w ręce coraz to nowych właścicieli. Czasem trafia na osoby pełne troski i czułości, innym razem nie ma tyle szczęścia...Historia Karego pokazuje, że każde zwierzę zasługuje na dobre traktowanie. To lekcja empatii, którą w XXI wieku powinien odrobić każdy z nas. Powieść w 2020 roku została przeniesiona na ekrany. W disneyowskim filmie pod tytułem "Czarna piękność" główną rolę zagrała Mackenzie Foy, a głosu tytułowemu zwierzęciu w oryginalne użyczyła Kate Winslet.Anna Sewell (1820 - 1878) - brytyjska pisarka. Była córką Mary Wright Sewell, w swoim czasie popularnej poetki i autorki książek dla dzieci. Anna od dziecka chorowała, miała kłopoty z chodzeniem, dlatego poruszała się głównie wozem. Zasłynęła jako autorka powieści Mój Kary, opowieści o relacjach tytułowego konia z ludźmi. To jedyna opublikowana przez Sewell książka, która zapewniła jej miejsce w klasyce światowej literatury.

Burzliwe losy miłosnego czworokąta w małej angielskiej wiosce. Hetty Sorrel to urocza, choć jeszcze dość naiwna dziewczyna, która staje się obiektem uczuć tytułowego Adama oraz ponętnego (i majętnego!) kapitana Arthura. W relacje między bohaterami miesza się dodatkowo Dinah - piękna i zaangażowana religijnie kuzynka Hetty. Mężczyźni decydują się stoczyć pojedynek, w efekcie którego jeden z rywali odstępuje od swych matrymonialnych zamiarów. I gdy wydaje się, że miłosny konflikt został rozstrzygnięty, na jaw wychodzi sprawa, której nikt się nie spodziewał... Książka doczekała się licznych adaptacji - zarówno filmowych, jak i teatralnych, telewizyjnych i radiowych. Realistyczna w opisie scenerii i relacji pomiędzy bohaterami powieść zyskała dużą popularność. Podobno jej miłośniczką była sama królowa Wiktoria, która zleciła namalowanie obrazów ilustrujących pewne sceny tej literackiej historii.George Eliot (1819-1880) - w rzeczywistości Mary Ann Evans, angielska pisarka ukrywająca się pod męskim pseudonimem. Zaliczana do grona najwybitniejszych twórców epoki wiktoriańskiej, jej utwór "Miasteczko Middlemarch" zajął pierwsze miejsce w rankingu BBC dla 100 najlepszych brytyjskich powieści w historii. Wychowana w religijnej rodzinie ortodoksyjnie przestrzegającej zasad protestantyzmu, Mary w dorosłym życiu coraz bardziej oddalała się od kościoła, aż utraciła wiarę i stała się agnostyczką. Na ewolucję jej poglądów miało z pewnością wpływ środowisko, w jakim się obracała. Znała osobiście m.in. Karola Dickensa, Williama Makepeace’a Thackeraya, Karola Darwina i Johna Stuarta Milla. Jej wolny związek z nierozwiedzionym jeszcze Georgem Henrym Lewesem był traktowany jako skandal obyczajowy. Zła sława towarzyszyła jej aż do śmierci. Mimo ogromnych zasług dla literatury, odmówiono jej pochówku w Opactwie Westminster, gdzie miała spocząć wśród wybitnych twórców angielskich.

Your best friend deserves the truth. But it will ruin her life. What would you do?It’s been over twenty years since four very different teenage girls sat on that beach at Goran Haven, and swore to be best friends forever. Their lives went different ways after Emily left. But each remembered that promise. And none truly found friendship like it again.Now, Emily’s back, with a secret she can’t face. She tries to hide away, take time to heal and make some difficult choices, but she runs into one of her old friends, and soon the four are reunited. Lolly, warm as ever, is a successful physiotherapist, married with kids. Yet smart, strong Amanda, who cherishes her teenage daughter, is alone and seemingly stuck in a dead-end job. And creative Jess is so much quieter than Emily remembers.The bond is still there, and Emily realises their friendship might keep her together, but there are reasons why the women fell out of touch. Secrets that have lain dormant for decades start to surface, and then one of the women discovers a betrayal so big, it could turn each of their lives upside down.It’s always those we’re closest to who have the power to tear us apart. Can friendship give Emily and her friends the strength to survive a devastating shock, or are some things unforgivable?Full of truths about friendship, marriage, and the relationships that define us, Her Best Friend’s Secret is a powerful, relatable and emotionally gripping novel for fans of Jojo Moyes, Diane Chamberlain, and "The Silent Wife".Readers are loving Her Best Friend’s Secret:‘Totally loved it! The intricate storyline, the beautiful settings and the fascinating yet flawed characters. I could not stop reading... A truly amazing piece of escapism, dramatic and insightful.’ Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars‘Should be on your must-read list for the summer... heartbreaking and gripping! It is also thought-provoking and eye-opening, and you will find yourself having a favorite character as I did. And if you are also like me, you will get swept up in the beautiful writing and outstanding story.’ Cara’s Book Boudoir, 5 stars‘I'm a huge fan of books that celebrate strong, independent women and this is definitely one of those... There was a brilliant OMG moment midway through the book which had me reeling,.. A warm, funny, enjoyable read.’ Mrs Roadley Reads.Author has sold over 30,000 copies to date and is a top 20 Amazon CA and top 70 Amazon UK author.Anna spent almost twenty years trying to shoehorn writing in to her career as a marketing manager for dance and theatre companies. Eventually, she did what you are not remotely supposed to do and walked away from an excellent job in order to try and become a published author. Three years, lots of tears and some slightly hairy bank balances later, she met Kirsty Greenwood and the rest, as they say, is history. Anna lives in Cornwall with her husband and two kids. She feels very fortunate!

England im Jahre 1848.Die Adlige Erin Greystone kehrt nach vielen Jahren als Abenteurerin in Frankreich zum Landgut ihrer Großmutter Lady Charlotte zurück, da diese im Sterben liegt.Leider erwartet sie dort nicht das reiche Erbe, welches sie sich erhofft hat. Stattdessen muss sie feststellen, dass Greystone Manor unmittelbar vor dem Bankrott steht.Da sich die rebellische Erbin strikt weigert, eine Ehe mit einem reichen Mann auch nur in Erwägung zu ziehen, sieht sich die strenge Haushälterin Helena Lowell ihrer Hoffnung beraubt, dass Lady Erin das Herrenhaus retten könnte.Doch nicht nur das, auch ihre wohlgeordnete Gefühlswelt wird von der schönen Adligen, die sich immer wieder gegen gesellschaftliche Zwänge auflehnt, vollkommen durcheinandergebracht.Während Erin sich auf ein überaus gewagtes Spiel einlässt, um ihren Familiensitz zu bewahren, verliebt sie sich Hals über Kopf in Helena.Doch kann sie das Herz der spröden Schönen erobern?„Fantasie kennt keine Grenzen“ – mit diesem Motto könnte man die Arbeit der Autorin Martina Bernsdorf gut beschreiben, denn sie lässt sich nicht in ein Genre einordnen. Sie geht mutig dorthin, wohin ihre Fantasie sie führt.Gleichgültig, welches Genre die Autorin auch schreibt, sei es Fantasy, Science-Fiction, Thriller, Horror, Liebesgeschichten oder auch romantische Komödien, sie verliert nie ihre lesbischen Charaktere aus dem Blick und schickt sie in unzählige Abenteuer.

Der zweite Teil der Harry Ludlow-Reihe – fesselnd und voller Intrigen.Die ligurische Küste im Jahre 1794: Eigentlich sollte es ein einfacher Botendienst werden – doch als Harry Ludlow, der sich als »Detektiv der Meere« einen Namen gemacht hat, und sein Bruder James, der als Künstler zu Ansehen gekommen ist, im schmutzigen Hafen von Genua ankommen, sind schon bald ihre ungleichen Fähigkeiten gefragt: Der gewaltsame Tod eines britischen Kapitäns hat die Stadt in Aufruhr versetzt, die Stimmung ist zum Zerreißen gespannt. Aber haben ihn wirklich die französischen Seeleute auf dem Gewissen, die den Engländern nur zu gerne an die Kehle gehen würden? In diesem politischen Pulverfass, in dem ein einzelner Funken einen Krieg auslösen könnte, muss Harry unter Hochdruck ermitteln – aber bringt er dabei nicht nur sich, sondern auch seinen Bruder in tödliche Gefahr?»Abenteuer pur voller Spannung und Wagemut ... Historische Unterhaltung vom Feinsten.« Historical Novels Review OnlineEnde des 18. Jahrhunderts: Harry Ludlow schmeißt seinen Offiziersposition in der Royal Navy hin um fortan als Freibeuter über die Meere zu ziehen. Auf seinen Reisen stolpern er und seine Gefährten immer wieder in brenzlige Situationen und Mordfälle, die aufgeklärt werden wollen. Mit dieser fesselnden Reihe kommen nicht nur Fans von historischen Seefahrer-Romanen, sondern auch begeisterte Krimi-Leser auf ihre Kosten.David Donachie, 1944 in Edinburgh geboren, ist ein schottischer Autor, der auch unter den Pseudonymen Tom Connery und Jack Ludlow Bekanntkeit erlangte. Sein Werk umfasst zahlreiche Veröffentlichungen; besonders beliebt sind seine historischen Seefahrerromane.

Ella’s life just hit rock bottom, but can a summer by the sea mend her broken heart? When life gives you lemons... make ice cream!Life hasn’t always been easy for single mum Ella, but she has just hit an all-time low; she’s jobless, loveless, very nearly homeless and, to make matters worse, now the owner of a pocket-sized pooch with a better wardrobe than her.Packing her bags (and a bigger one for the dog), Ella sets off for the seaside town of Appledore in Devon to re-live the magical summers of her youth and claim her portion of the family ice-cream business: a clapped-out ice-cream van and a complicated mess of secrets.There she meets gorgeous and free-spirited solicitor, Ben, who sees things differently: with a little bit of TLC he has a plan to get the van – and Ella – back up and running in no time.Ella’s Ice-Cream Summer is a heart-warming and hilarious romance that will scoop you off your feet and prove it’s never too late for a fresh start. The ideal holiday read for fans of Lucy Diamond, Abby Clements and Debbie Johnson.What readers are saying about Ella’s Ice-Cream Summer:‘Beware! While reading this book you will get major cravings for ice cream of all sorts of flavours and depending on which page you are reading, you may end up snorting that ice cream through your nose, as you are laughing at the fabulousness of the story!’ Rachel’s Random Reads‘This book came at the perfect time for me. It made me a little emotional, it made me smile, it made me laugh and if offered me the escape I needed. I'm looking forward to the second book in this series!’ Novel Deelights‘I really enjoyed reading this book! This beautifully told story really explored families and their relationships in a feel-good way. A delicious book, a must-read. Can't wait for your next book Sue Watson!’ Goodreads 5*Sue Watson was a journalist on women’s magazines and national newspapers before leaving it all behind for a career in TV. As a producer with the BBC she worked on garden makeovers, kitchen takeovers and daytime sofas – all the time making copious notes so that one day she might escape to the country and turn it all into a book. After much deliberation and copious consumption of cake, Sue eventually left her life in TV to write.

Dani’s on a mission to get her life back on track by the end of the summer. Running, rowing, aerobics and more, but perhaps all she needs are sweet treats and a second chance?Ten years ago, Dani fled Appledore with a broken-heart and a suitcase full of shattered dreams. Only now is she brave enough to put her past behind her and return for a summer selling homemade ice cream and getting fit by doing sit-ups by the sea.But the new-look cafe is filled with old memories of Jude, her teenage sweetheart-turned-sour. She thinks of him every time she swirls warm sauce onto a ‘chocolate-bockaglory’ and even with the help of Chris, her gorgeous personal trainer, the urge to break her diet is everywhere she turns.When Jude makes an appearance at the cafe on the eve of Dani’s birthday party, history threatens to repeat itself. Is Dani strong enough to say no? And is the love she’s been longing for much closer than she thinks?A truly delicious, laugh-out-loud beach read that’s guaranteed to melt your heart. Perfect for fans of Lucy Diamond, Abby Clements and Debbie Johnson.What readers are saying about Curves, Kisses and Chocolate Ice-Cream:‘Without a doubt, my new favourite book by Sue Watson – it’s fabulous, it’s funny, its full of ice-cream, its full of all around goodness, wrapped into one fantabulous story! I can't express how satisfying and enjoyable I found every second of this wonderfully entertaining story.’ Rachel’s Random Reads, 5 stars‘This is such a truly wonderful book. In fact, it is now my personal favourite of the author’s. I feel like it should be my personal bible to keep going back to, to give me inspiration that it's never too late to turn yourself around. Thank you Sue Watson for creating such larger than life characters who never fail to give us hope whilst giving us an utterly enjoyable reading experience.’ By The Letter Book Reviews, 5 stars‘This was a fantastic read, one that kept a huge smile on my face and had me laughing right the way through it... Overall this was a super summer read: one I think a lot of people can relate to and be inspired by the character Dani.’ Goodreads, 5 starsOver 11,000 copies soldSue Watson was a journalist on women’s magazines and national newspapers before leaving it all behind for a career in TV. As a producer with the BBC she worked on garden makeovers, kitchen takeovers and daytime sofas – all the time making copious notes so that one day she might escape to the country and turn it all into a book. After much deliberation and copious consumption of cake, Sue eventually left her life in TV to write. After a very successful debut novel, Fat Girls and Fairy Cakes Sue signed a deal with Bookouture.

LONGLISTED FOR THE POLARI PRIZE 2022‘Gay love and desire, past and present, has never been so beautifully articulated as in Neil Bartlett’s Address Book. He takes us into the homes and minds of a handful of strangers and then—in prose full of gentle foreboding—slowly peels away the layers until their truths are revealed. Defiant, potent—and ultimately uplifting.’JULIAN CLARYAddress Book is the new work of fiction by the Costa-shortlisted author of "Skin Lane". Neil Bartlett’s cycle of stories takes us to seven very different times and situations: from a new millennium civil partnership celebration to erotic obsession in a Victorian tenement, from a council-flat bedroom at the height of the AIDS crisis to a doctor’s living-room in the midst of the Coronavirus pandemic. They lead us through decades of change to discover hope in the strangest of places.‘Bartlett is a pioneer on and off the page and we are lucky to have him telling our stories’—DAMIAN BARR​‘One of England’s finest writers’—EDMUND WHITE

What if we're all just searching for something?Anna Stewart is lost. After barely surviving a car accident as a teenager, Anna is scared of settling. Flitting between jobs, boyfriends and homes whenever she gets bored, she has no idea what the future holds. Then her brother Brodie, minister of Glendale, suggests she moves to the beautiful Scottish village, lining up a housekeeper job for her at Glendale Hall.Out of options, Anna agrees to take the job just for the summer. Once at the hall, her culinary skills impress everyone, and she agrees to give Hilltop Farm's new manager, Cameron, cooking lessons. Sparks fly between Anna and the handsome Scot, but Cameron keeps pushing Anna away, and Anna definitely isn't looking for love. But it's wedding season at Glendale Hall, and Anna is about to discover that her new home has a way of working its magic on even the coldest of hearts.Will she really be able to just walk away at the end of summer, or could Anna have finally found a place to belong?It's summertime so pack your bags and escape to the beautiful Highlands village of Glendale with this gorgeously uplifting, romantic read. Fans of Milly Johnson, Heidi Swain and Holly Martin will love this charming romance.Readers are falling in love with Always and Forever at Glendale Hall:"Oh my, my heart definitely belongs in Glendale - it's just like coming home.""A lovely series full of warmth, inspiration, community spirit, friendship and love, set in the most idyllic village in the Scottish hills.""So brilliantly written that I felt as though I was right there in the story!! Pure perfection as always."Victoria Walters writes up-lifting and inspiring stories. She's the author of the bestselling Glendale Hall series and two standalone novels - Summer at the Kindness Cafe, and The Second Love of My Life.She has been chosen for WHSmith Fresh Talent and shortlisted for a Romantic Novelists Association award. Victoria was also picked as an Amazon Rising Star, and her books have won vast reader acclaim.As well as being an author, Victoria works as a Waterstones bookseller. She lives in Surrey with her cat Harry (named after Harry Potter) and loves books, clothes, music, going out for tea and cake, and posting photos on Instagram.