E. F. Dodd Books

Vanity Fair, Thackeray's panoramic, satirical saga of corruption at all levels of English society, was published in 1847 but set during the Napoleonic Wars. It chronicles the lives of two women who could not be more different: Becky Sharp, an orphan whose only resources are her vast ambitions, her native wit, and her loose morals; and her schoolmate Amelia Sedley, a typically naive Victorian heroine, the pampered daughter of a wealthy family. Becky's fluctuating fortunes eventually bring her to an affair with Amelia's dissolute husband; when he is killed at Waterloo, Amelia and her child are left penniless, while Becky and her husband Rawdon Crawley rise in the world, managing to lead a high life in London solely on the basis of their shrewdness. (The chapter entitled "How to Live on Nothing" is a classic.) Thackeray's subtitle, "A Novel Without a Hero," is understating the case; his view of humanity in this novel is distinctly bleak and deliberately antiheroic. Critics of the time misunderstood the book, decrying it as (among other things) vicious, vile, and odious. But VANITY FAIR has endured as one of the great comic novels of all time, and a landmark in the history of realism in fiction.

Regan "Rae" Murphy is determined to avoid romance after a painful betrayal, especially from a certain handsome figure from her past. Relocating to Charlotte, she believes she can escape her emotional baggage. However, when her best friend Kez asks her to be the maid of honor, Rae must confront her fears about love and commitment. This story explores themes of heartbreak, friendship, and the challenges of opening oneself up to love again, even when the past looms large.

Gideon West, a successful Boston real estate developer, seeks new opportunities in the picturesque town of Mimosa, North Carolina. While exploring the area, he experiences warm Southern hospitality, but his plans are disrupted by a runaway horse named Monty and the fierce, captivating Everest Kennedy. As he navigates the challenges posed by Everest and the town's charm, Gideon must confront his ambitions and the unexpected connections that could change his life.

A heartwarming holiday romance unfolds as a man yearns for the love of a special woman during the festive season. Amidst the backdrop of Christmas, their relationship faces challenges and misunderstandings, but the magic of the season brings hope and the possibility of rekindling their connection. Themes of love, redemption, and the spirit of giving are woven throughout the story, making it a perfect read for those seeking warmth and joy during the holidays.

Kez Walsh faces the harsh reality of her past when she discovers her ex, Miller Thompson, is engaged to someone else. This revelation shatters her belief that he would never truly move on from their relationship. As Kez grapples with feelings of betrayal and nostalgia, she must confront her own emotional journey and the gamble of revisiting old wounds. The story explores themes of love, loss, and the complexities of moving forward after heartbreak.