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'Mankind in the Making' is a collection of papers written by Wells about the construction of a better future. These essays discuss topics such as educational reforms, poverty, the modern state, and political institutions in general. Wells critiques the Victorian system and provides a socialist perspective on how it can be improved. While Wells' ideals are socialist, he injects a unique futurist viewpoint as only he can. The book received praise from other authors such as Henry James for its interesting and well-justified ideas. 'Mankind in the Making' provides a deeper understanding of Wells' progressive and futuristic ideas that are abundant in his novels. Wells' thoughtful critiques of modern society remain relevant to this day and this book should be read by all fans of his other work, and anyone interested in politics.-

Showcasing a true-to-life and compelling menagerie of characters, Edith Wharton's 'Tales of Men and Ghosts' is an assortment of ten different uncanny, paranormal and tragic stories. While depicting vivid and fascinating characters, 'Tales of Men and Ghosts' also studies the social attitudes of 20th century society. Repressed sexuality, strained relationships and class distinctions are among the issues explored by Wharton. A bare bones exhibition of the vices of mankind is paraded by the characters, but it is presented without harsh criticism or judgement. This gives rise to a beautiful and enthralling collection of character sketches. Timelessly written prose, 'Tales of Men and Ghosts' is as relatable and enticing a masterpiece of gothic fiction as it was when it was first published.A perfect fit for fans of the American horror drama series 'Lovecraft Country'. Starring Jurnee Smollet, Jonathan Majors, Michael. K. Williams and Wunmi Mosaku.-

‘The Invisible Man’ is one of H.G. Wells’ most celebrated and widely read novels. The story revolves around Griffin, a scientist who discovers the serum of invisibility that sends his whole life into chaos. The invisible man embarks on a ‘reign of terror’ across England from burglary to assault and murder, all while being pursued by the police. Wells masterfully blends the terrifying and the humorous in this engrossing story as mischief quickly turns to mayhem. ‘The Invisible Man’ is as poignant as it is entertaining as Wells’ acclaimed social critique questions whether unlimited power creates evil. Each reader can take a different meaning from ‘The Invisible Man’ which is one of the reasons it remains relevant to this day and was adapted into a movie starring Elisabeth Moss in 2020. This captivating and thought-provoking novel should be read by fans of Ray Bradbury and George Orwell.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. A four-time Nobel Prize in Literature nominee, 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.

"e;And holding wave and wind in boy's despitePeered from his dripping seat across the wet and stormy night."e;Charmides is a beautiful and epic poem rooted in Greek mythology. Whether prose or poetry, drama or tragedy, Oscar Wilde's writing never fails to fascinate and capture one's attention. Displaying a different side to the famous Irish writer, this book of poems is no exception. A short but great read for any Wilde fan.-

This fascinating tale marks a milestone in world literature as being one of the first examples of the 'mummy's curse' narrative. It follows Paul Forsyth and the older professor Niles as they explore ancient Egyptian ruins, haplessly disturbing the ancient peace of a powerful sorceress' tomb. Upon his return home, Forsyth will present his young fiancee with an ancient souvenir from his travels, which unbeknown to him will have deathly consequences. It is a captivating and haunting tale, furthering Alcott's work with the 'femme fatale' narrative, in a story that is significant in world literature. This story is perfect for anyone who loved Brendan Fraser's 'The Mummy', just with a more serious, but equally enjoyable thrill.-

Why is it that people mistake sincerity, kindness and positivity as stupidness? Lev Myshkin has all these great character qualities and certainly is no idiot though everyone assumes him to be one."The Idiot" is one of Dostoevsky’s most emotional and private novels, where the author talks about intimate issues, often neglected or totally ignored in contemporary Russian society.Religious discussions and symbolism, philosophical endeavours, and existential ups and down mark the novel’s entirety, turning it into a compelling and remarkable read, perfect for fans of Dostoevsky and Russian literature in general.Fyodor Dostoevsky (1821-1881) was a famous Russian writer of novels, short stories, and essays. A connoisseur of the troubled human psyche and the relationships between the individuals, Dostoevsky’s oeuvre covers a large area of subjects: politics, religion, social issues, philosophy, and the uncharted realms of the psychological.There have been at least 30 film and TV adaptations of Fyodor Dostoyevsky’s 1866 novel "Crime and Punishment" with probably the most popular being the British BBC TV series starring John Simm as Raskolnikov and Ian McDiarmid as Porfiry Petrovich."The Idiot" has also been adapted for films and TV, as has "Demons" and "The Brothers Karamazov".

Despite being a pacifist, Wells masterfully explains and gathers all the prerequisites for waging a war... with toy soldiers. 'Little Wars' can be said to be the original instruction manual for how to run a tabletop battle. Satire and pacifist views blend in this narrative that expresses Wells' idea that wars should be waged on the dining room floor rather than among the corpse-ridden trenches of Europe. The book's influence on modern warfare manuals and board games is indisputable, as tabletop conflicts are conducted to this day. Wells portrays the harrowing nature of war, but his humour ensures the book remains an entertaining read. The whimsical writing and stunning sketches create a book that should be read by all fans of tabletop war games.-

‘The War of the Worlds’ is H. G. Wells’ most popular novel and is celebrated as one of the most influential and greatest science-fiction stories ever. Its popularity stems largely from the fact that it is one of the earliest stories dealing with an alien invasion on Earth. An army of Martians lands in England and their three-legged robots wreak havoc and destruction upon the unsuspecting civilians. The protagonist is separated from his wife during the onslaught and must defeat the invaders and find his wife. This thrilling novel features non-stop action from the start as the protagonist must journey through a nightmarish world in which aliens are not the only monsters. The novel remains timeless due to its critique of imperialism and its belief that civilisation will turn to other planets once their native resources have been plundered. Well’s vivid and terrifying imagery caused widespread panic when ‘The War of the Worlds’ was broadcast as a radio play in 1938 as people believed the invasion was real. The novel spawned an Academy Award-nominated movie adaptation directed by Steven Spielberg and starring Tom Cruise in 2005. It is clear to see why ‘The War of the Worlds’ remains influential as it is the definition of a page-turner and should be read by fans of authors such as George Orwell or Frank Herbert.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. A four-time Nobel Prize in Literature nominee, 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.

Evelyn's pride and high standards lead her to marry a man she doesn't love, while leaving the man she does love in the past as a piece of history. Her true love is one who is "e;rich in youth, comeliness, talent, and ardor"e;, but poor in "e;fortune and friends"e;. 'Doctor Dorn's Revenge' is a tragic story about a love triangle gone wrong. It also incorporates a potent social critique of the institution of marriage as it existed in the 19th century.A poignant and thought-provoking novel written by one of America's leading suffragettes, 'Doctor Dorn's Revenge' is the perfect for fans of strong female characters in 19th century literature. Recommended for fans of the 2019 movie 'Little Women' based off the famous novel by Alcott - starring Florence Pugh, Emma Watson, Saoirse Ronan and Timothee Chalamet.-

Stella Barrington a wealthy trainer and stable owner comes across a mysterious tramp one day at the stables after he has fended off an attack from some fellow tramps. Impressed by his demeanour and stature and assuming him to be a war veteran she offers him the position of Head Lad in her stable. Bill the tramp accepts, and joins the team as they compete at the worlds most renowned race tracks. However, a rival stable plots on their downfall, seeking to topple the premier stable once and for all they will stop at nothing to crush Stella. Soon Bill begins to raise questions in Stella’s mind as well, is he truly who he says he is? This mystery novel is threaded with a dynamic plot and a stunning cast, making this punchy novel a must for anyone who loved ‘Secretariat’ or ‘Black Beauty’.Edgar Wallace (1875-1932) was an English writer, poet and journalist. He was such a prolific writer that his publisher claimed his work could account for a quarter of all books sold in England. He wrote countless books, screenplays, poems and historical non-fiction, spawning over one hundred and sixty films based on his work. He unfortunately passed away suddenly before he could see his most famous creation ‘King Kong’ come to life. It has been adapted several times over the years, notably by Peter Jackson of Lord of the Rings fame, and more recently in ‘Godzilla vs Kong’ starring Millie Bobby Brown.

Who wouldn't want passionate love in their life? Of course, this love is usually accompanied by a lot of jealously, conflict and tragedy and this novel is no exception to that rule! Poor Bathsheba has three different suitors; however will she choose between them? Each suitor adds more uncertainty and complications to the ordered world of Bathsheba and she is soon lost in a vortex of passion, love, and social problems. 'Far from the Madding Crowd' is the novel that brought Thomas Hardy considerable literary success and has been made into a movie many times, most notably in the Oscar-nominated 1967 version. The most recent film is from 2015 and starred Carey Mulligan as Bathsheba, Matthias Schoenaerts as Gabriel Oak and the famous Martin Sheen, Charlie Sheen's dad.-

"I never travel without my diary. One should always have something sensational to read in the train."Jack Worthing is an important and respected person in Hertfordshire. Being a guardian to a young girl and an employer of many in the community, the list of his responsibilities is never-ending. His brother, Earnest, however, leads a scandalous life and Jack is often forced to leave for London to sort it out. What no one knows is that Earnest is not real, but Jack’s alibi, his way of creating havoc and blowing off some steam in the big city.The Importance of Being Earnest is Oscar Wilde’s most popular and enduring play. Poking fun at the ridiculousness of human nature, especially that of the Victorian elite, it is both incredibly clever and undeniably silly.It has been performed and made into films and for television many times, most recently in the 2002 film starring Colin Firth, Reese Witherspoon and Judi Dench.Oscar Wilde (1854-1900) was an Irish playwright, novelist, essayist, and poet, famous for ‘The Picture of Dorian Gray’ and ‘The Importance of Being Earnest’ to name a couple. He died in Paris at the age of 46. Oscar Wilde remains one of the best-loved authors in the English-speaking world.

In 'Perilous Play' we are thrust amongst a group of wealthy Southern Belles and boys on a particularly boring day, until a young doctor among them produces treats infused with cannabis. Taking them eagerly, the group soon finds themselves falling through a raucous, cannabis fuelled thrill ride with some almost fatal consequences. In many ways it is the 19th century equivalent of 'Pineapple Express' but with frocks and no Seth Rogen.-

Inspired by true events from the Paris Opera, ‘The Phantom of the Opera’ is the most famous novel from French author Gaston Leroux. A strange phantom haunts the opera, causing fatal accidents on stage and committing some gruesome murders when his demands aren’t met. The phantom soon becomes enamoured with the young singer Christine, becoming her ‘Angel of Music’ and guiding her musical career. However, when Christine’s childhood friend Raoul comes in to her life, the phantom’s jealously will have fatal consequences. It is an immortal tale of love, lust and tragedy. We can all sympathise with the love that never was or could be, in this tale of destructive desire reminiscent of ‘Wuthering Heights’. The novel was famously adapted in 1925, starring Lon Chaney as the Phantom and later arranged into a musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber.Gaston Leroux (1868-1927) was a French author of detective fiction who’s contribution to the genre has drawn parallels to Arthur Conan Doyle. After working for several years as a journalist, he began to write fiction with tremendous success. He is best-known for his novel "The Phantom of the Opera" (1910) which has been successfully adapted numerous times for film and stage productions, most notably in Andrew Lloyd Webber's 1986 musical adaptation. Among his other most notable works are "The Mystery of the Yellow Room", "The Bride and the Sun", and "The Man Who Came Back From the Dead".

‘A Garland for Girls’ is a collection of stories written by Alcott for her own amusement in a time of "enforced confinement". The collection is a wonderful assortment of hopelessly sweet tales of the everyday lives and troubles of a number of young girls. The girls are discovering who they are, how capable they are and learning some valuable life lessons along the way. It is a collection that exemplifies Alcott’s feminist beliefs, by highlighting the importance of virtue, patience and self-reliance. The collection offers a fantastic and compelling read, perfect for anyone who loved ‘Pride and Prejudice’ or ‘Sense and Sensibility’.Louisa May Alcott (1832-1888) was an author, abolitionist and proud feminist. Her family suffered financially while she was growing up and so she was forced to take on multiple jobs in her youth to help provide for her family. Her writing became her outlet, forming her ideas and beliefs in the empowerment of women and people into literature that reverberates to this day. Her most notable works include "Little Women", which is now a movie starring Saoirse Ronan and Timothée Chalamet, its sequel ‘Little Men’ and ‘An Old Fashioned Girl’.

‘A Strange Island’ is Alcott’s take on many Mother Goose characters and tales, Mother Goose being the anonymous poet and writer behind timeless pieces such as ‘Jack and Jill’, ‘Baa Baa Black Sheep’ and ‘Humpty Dumpty’. The tales are perfect for all ages and are jam packed with uplifting anecdotes and soothing moral messages. Alcott incorporates her own characters into these legendary tales to create something wholly new and fantastical, perfect for a quick, joyful nights reading or anyone looking for a trip down memory lane.Louisa May Alcott (1832-1888) was an author, abolitionist and proud feminist. Her family suffered financially while she was growing up and so she was forced to take on multiple jobs in her youth to help provide for her family. Her writing became her outlet, forming her ideas and beliefs in the empowerment of women and people into literature that reverberates to this day. Her most notable works include "Little Women", which is now a movie starring Saoirse Ronan and Timothée Chalamet, its sequel ‘Little Men’ and ‘An Old Fashioned Girl’.

It is the year 1800 and a young medical practitioner has opened his own surgery. Scalpel in hand, he eagerly awaits his first patient. Yet no one comes. Late one night a tall woman dressed all in black mourning attire, a veil covering her face, steps into his practice. The woman does not say a word. Dickens creates a palpable atmosphere with the inclement weather, the mourning clothes and the woman’s chilling request.In true Dickens style, The Black Veil is a Gothic thriller that is sympathetic, mysterious and has a twist you never saw coming.Charles Dickens (1812-1870) was an English author, social critic, and philanthropist. He achieved wide spread popularity and success during his lifetime , and is recognised as a literary genius to this day. He created some of the world’s best fictional characters and is regarded as the best writer of the Victorian era. His writing has inspired its own literary theme and genre with works today being described as ‘Dickensian’ thanks to his contribution to writing. His most famous novels include Oliver Twist (1839), David Copperfield (1850), and Great Expectations (1861), all of which have been adapted to majorly successful and beloved film adaptations.

Originally published under a pseudonym, this tale set in Victorian Britain follows the journey of the simple and sweet governess of the Coventry family, Jean Muir. But all is not as it seems, this sweet governess has a dark secret that might spell the end for the Coventry family. Like a sickness she will worm her way into the hearts of this family, and it will take everything for them not to crumble. It is a tale distinctly unlike anything like Alcott had published before, while still incorporating many larger discussions on social class and the struggle for agency. It is a book that has had a profound impact on feminist literature with its potent plot twists, Gothic imagery and perfectly crafted villain. It is one of Alcott's masterpieces and perfect for anyone who loved 'Jane Eyre'. -

‘The Time Machine’ is a celebrated sci-fi novella by H. G. Wells that was adapted into a movie starring Guy Pearce in 2002. It is the work that helped skyrocket Wells’ career and its impact on the sci-fi genre can still be felt as it is the first usage of the term ‘time machine’. The protagonist travels 800,000 years into the future, and he initially believes that Earth has become a utopia. However, he quickly discovers that Earth is more inequitable than ever as there is an underground race of ape-like creatures that ensure the society above remains blissful. These violent creatures capture the protagonist's time machine, and he must journey through the dark and dangerous underground caves to retrieve it. ‘The Time Machine’ is a gripping read as Wells’ descriptions of the futuristic world and its inhabitants are strikingly disturbing. This is an incredibly poignant story as Wells criticises the rising inequality of Victorian Britain which is still relevant to this day. The blend of adventure and sentimentality in this strange and dark future turns the novel into a remarkable read that fans of shows such as ‘Doctor Who’ and directors such as Jordan Peele will find difficult to put down.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. A four-time Nobel Prize in Literature nominee, 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.

"Women have a wonderful instinct about things. They can discover everything except the obvious."Sir Robert Chiltern is a moral and upstanding politician with a wife who adores and idolizes him, but when one of her old classmates shows up at their party the image of her perfect husband crumbles. She learns that, in the early days of her husband’s political career, he sold a state secret in order to advance his position. Now the couple has to deal with blackmail and their own moral failings.'An Ideal Husband' is a must-read for Wilde fans and anyone who appreciates wit and sarcasm. In 1999 an adaptation starring Julianne Moore, Minnie Driver and Cate Blanchett came out to great reviews.Oscar Wilde (1854-1900) was an Irish playwright, novelist, essayist, and poet, famous for ‘The Picture of Dorian Gray’ and ‘The Importance of Being Earnest’ to name a couple. He died in Paris at the age of 46.The Importance of Being Earnest is Oscar Wilde’s most popular and enduring play. Poking fun at the ridiculousness of human nature, especially that of the Victorian elite, it is both incredibly clever and undeniably silly.It has been performed and made into films and for television many times, most recently in the 2002 film starring Colin Firth, Reese Witherspoon and Judi Dench.

"e;One is impressed in America, but not favourably impressed, by the inordinate size of everything. The country seems to try to bully one into a belief in its power by its impressive bigness."e;In 1881 Oscar Wilde boarded the "e;Arizona"e; and sailed to New York to embark on a year-long lecture tour. In 'Impressions of America' he examines the cultural differences between America and Britain. He notes, for instance, that the Americans aren't necessarily well-dressed but comfortably dressed. He argues that the American youth is more acceptive of new ideas because their education is more practical, and he recounts how unimpressed he was with Niagara Falls and the ugly yellow protective wear he had to put on. Like Charles Dickens' 'American Notes for General Circulation' from some forty years prior, this essay is both entertaining and thought-provoking.-

Imagine being torn away from the person you love most in the world! The pain would be just too terrible to bear! This is exactly what happens to Shah Mah Phru after she falls passionately in love with King Meng GengThe king promises to return but time passes, and he never does. One day, Shah Mah Phru spots a group of horsemen riding her way, and she is overcome with joy thinking her lover has finally returned, however the horsemen bring news she could never have predicted.Oscar Wilde wrote 'For Love of the King' for his friend Mabel Cosgrove, and it was not published until after his death, in the 1920's. Its publication sparked a great deal of controversy that resulted in a trial because Mabel Cosgrove was accused of having written the play herself.A great read for any short story and Oscar Wilde fan.-

'Work: A Story of Experience' is a semi-autobiographical novel loosely based on Alcott's own life, which explores the social standing of women in the US, in the years around the Civil War. Christie, our heroine, is a single woman who works outside the home doing a number of odd jobs to make ends meet. This story tracks the change in women's work with the dawn of the new industrial age, the meaning of work to women and the tension and dilemmas that came with this work. It is a story of women trying to find their place in the world, in a society that continually hampers their progress. It is a mature story full of insightful and uplifting anecdotes, that gives an excellent window in to Alcott's own life as well. It is a profoundly uplifting read, with a triumphant conclusion that makes perfect reading for any fans of underdog stories.-

'Hospital Sketches' is a collection of four sketches based on Alcott's time as a nurse for the Union during the American Civil War. The sketches follow Tribulation Periwinkle a bored city girl who decides against being a teacher, acting or getting married to instead serve on the front nursing the soldiers. It is a sensitive, heart-warming, humorous collection that made Alcott an overnight sensation. The horrors of war contrasted with the human goodness in these dark times make the collection incredibly compelling, creating an intelligent and remarkable insight in to the horrors of the civil war. It is a collection perfect for lovers of short stories and history buffs alike.-

France - Delicious food, beautiful buildings and an elegance of people rarely seen anywhere else!Dear reader, take my hand and enjoy this tour de France – with Henry James as your guide. Written as a first person narrative, "A Little Tour in France" is one of James’ most influential and interesting travel guides. Of course, the tour is not that "little" for the reader is invited to visit the Loire Valley, Britanny, the Bordeaux region, Provence, and Paris. And, in a typical Jamesian style, he never fails to describe the people he meets and their view of life and nature. A valuable book from James’ priceless treasure.Henry James (1843–1916) is regarded as one of the greatest novelists in the English language. Born in the United States, but mainly living and working in Europe, he was largely occupied with the clash of personalities and cultures between the Old World and the New World.He explored this topic in his famous novels 'The Portrait of a Lady' and 'The Wings of the Dove'. James was thrice nominated for the Nobel Prize in Literature."The Portrait of a Lady" has been adapted for the big screen many times with the most notable being from 1996 starring Nicole Kidman and John Malkovich.

‘An Old Fashioned Girl’ is a tale of the country girl in the big city before it had ever been done. Polly Milton, on a visit to her wealthy city dweller friend Fanny Shaw, is completely in awe at the splendour of their home and clothes. She is treated like a bumpkin, but soon wins the hearts of the family with her sweet heart and gentle honesty. When financial troubles arise, this country girl rises to the occasion to save her friends. It is a tale packed with romance, drama and hard hitting life lessons. Perfect for anyone that loved ‘Sex and the City’ just with frocks and corsets instead of Sarah Jessica Parker and Fendi.Louisa May Alcott (1832-1888) was an author, abolitionist and proud feminist. Her family suffered financially while she was growing up and so she was forced to take on multiple jobs in her youth to help provide for her family. Her writing became her outlet, forming her ideas and beliefs in the empowerment of women and people into literature that reverberates to this day. Her most notable works include "Little Women", which is now a movie starring Saoirse Ronan and Timothée Chalamet, its sequel ‘Little Men’ and ‘An Old Fashioned Girl’.

An uplifting rom-com about heartache and finding love again, 'The Spring of Second Chances' follows Phoebe who has spent the past year living under a cloud. She is determined to make a change in her life now and wants to fall in love for a second time after she lost the man she loved in a tragic accident.She has found her dream job, but there are a magnitude of stresses which have come with it. When single-dad Jack walks into her life, is she ready to fall in love again or is it too soon for her to get over her heartbreak?A story about second chances, this is a feel good read that will leave you grinning from ear to ear. For fans of Jenny Colgan, Lucy Diamond and Josie SilverTilly has sold over 290,000 copies.Previously published as four novellas and in the collection Mishaps in Millrise.From 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.

A laugh-out-loud, heart-warming read for every parent who has struggled bleary-eyed through toddler tantrums, school fancy dress fails and found unlikely friendships over wine and cakeAs a single mom, Frankie’s bold and brave, and right now she’s winning at life – isn’t she? Underneath her big smile and daring outfits, she’s hiding a secret. Her five-year-old son Liam is awesome. But life as a solo parent is tough. Her job as a barmaid sucks, her meddling mother is taking over and she’s far from living her best life.Maybe she’s lost her way and starting to feel... lonely.When Frankie’s overbearing mother breaks her leg and has to go and live with her saintly sister, it’s time for Frankie to hit shuffle and shake things up. Because she wants to turn things around for the little boy who holds the keys to her broken heart.Surrounded by perfect mothers, Frankie realises she needs some real mum friends to get her through the repetitive school runs and red-faced dating disasters. The kind of people who won’t judge your shop bought cakes and will bring wine to your door, just because.So Frankie sweeps up anxious Kate and organised Alison in her whirlwind. As the trio face the troubles and trials of motherhood, they learn that parenting is about taking one day at a time. And together they can wing it through anything, can’t they?Perfect for fans of The UnMumsy Mum, Why Mummy Drinks and Poppy Dolan.A 5-star must-read: ‘Oh my goodness this book is so so funny! It will have you laughing until you cry!... A fantastically funny read!’ - Jessica’s Book Biz‘A brilliant, laugh out loud read... I loved the characters... it really is the perfect read... such a wonderful novel... I highly recommend this book’ Lead Reads Books‘Made me laugh out loud with a big beamer of a smile on my face... A fabulous, fun-filled, gentle read which will make you laugh.’ The Writing Garnet‘EVERYONE can enjoy this book, even if you are not a mum. There is something for everyone I promise. I was laughing out loud a lot.’ Zooloo’s Book BlogGrowing up in Birmingham, Pippa James was never without at least one book on the go and therefore lived several different lives concurrently. As an adult, she would like to spend much of her time the same way, but she now lives a chaotic life in a small Derbyshire town with her husband and two children. Her writing is frequently interrupted by parenting duties and her day job as a teacher and the only way she can find a quiet space to think, is by taking her laptop to the pub, which she does at every opportunity.

Unfairly dismissed from her role as a governess after her lecherous employer forces himself upon her, Druscilla Morley is determined to keep her head down. Dressing drably to hide her beauty, she is surprised to find an old acquaintance staying with her new family. Valdo, Lord Marquis of Lynche, is handsome, charming and an absolute rogue. It soon becomes clear that he is having an affair with the lady of the house and proposes a marriage of convenience to Druscilla to cover his tracks.From miserable governess to Marchioness of Lynche, Druscilla can hardly believe her luck but are her feelings for the Lord Marquis as uncomplicated as it seems?An early contender in the fake dating genre, "The Audacious Adventuress" is perfect for fans of Julia Quinn, Eloisa James and Merry Farmer.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.

Der Duft von Meer und Wald, ein alter Gutshof und die LiebeDas Rascheln der Blätter, die in sanftes Licht getauchten Bäume und das Rauschen des Meeres. Als Ella in ihre Heimatstadt an der ostfriesischen Küste zurückkehrt, um eine Vertretungsstelle als Försterin anzunehmen, verzaubert die idyllische Landschaft sie erneut. Aber wieder in Ostfriesland muss sie sich ihrer Vergangenheit stellen und endlich wichtige Entscheidungen treffen, die ihr Familienerbe betreffen. Der attraktive Clemens, auf dessen Gutshof sie ein Haus gemietet hat, macht alles noch komplizierter. Er weckt eine tiefe Sehnsucht nach Zweisamkeit in ihr – vielleicht ist sie doch bereit, Wurzeln zu schlagen. Ist sie mutig genug, das Glück mit beiden Händen zu ergreifen?Jule Böhm ist ein richtiges Naturkind und hat es als kleines Mädchen geliebt, die Wälder und Felder ihrer Heimat zu durchstreifen. Sie studierte Germanistik und Musik und arbeitete als Kauffrau im Gesundheitswesen. Sie ist verheiratet, hat zwei Kinder und lebt bei Köln. So richtig auftanken kann sie am besten an der Nordsee, wo sie und ihre Familie mindestens einmal im Jahr zu finden sind, bei Ostfriesentee und Rosinenbrötchen.