In 1942, Europe remains in the relentless grip of war. Just beyond the tents of the Russian refugee camp she calls home, a young woman speaks her wedding vows. It?s a decision that will alter her destiny?and it?s a lie that will remain buried until the next century. Slipping between Nazi-occupied Poland and the frenetic pace of modern life, two women?s stories are woven together into a tapestry of perseverance, loyalty, love and honor.
Zatímco svět oslavuje konec Velké války, blíží se další hrozba – španělská chřipka. Nová hrůza dolehne i na Filadelfii, kde žije třináctiletá německá imigrantka Pia, jejíž otec narukoval do americké armády, ale stále se ještě nevrátil domů. Město se ocitá v karanténě, objevují se znamení nákazy a lidé nosí masku, za níž skrývají nejen strach z nákazy, ale temnější úmysly… Jak Pia zjistí, když musí zanechat brášku samotného a shánět potraviny. Bernice Grovesová zešílela z žalu, když ztratila kvůli chřipce vlastní dítě. A rozhodne se pro něco strašlivého: rozervat rodiny v jejich nejzranitelnější chvíli a vytvořit nové, dokonalé Američany…
Irland im Kampf gegen die Hungersnot, eine schöne Farmerstochter mit einem tyrannischen Ehemann und ein mutiger Rebell, der für die Freiheit des Landes kämpft. Ann Moore legt mit Geliebte Gracelin ein fesselndes historisches Liebesepos vor, einen herzergreifenden Roman mit einem ungeheuren Sog, den man nicht mehr aus der Hand legen mag.
Die Tyrannei der Engländer und die Hungersnot haben Gracelin O¿Malley aus ihrem Heimatland vertrieben. Die Liebe ihres Lebens hat sie auf immer verloren, und so macht sie sich, nur von ihrer Tochter Mary Kate begleitet, auf die Schiffsreise in die Neue Welt. Den kranken Vater und den kleinen Sohn muß sie schweren Herzens in Irland zurücklassen, aber sobald sie genug Geld verdient hat, will sie die beiden nachholen. Auf der Insel Manhattan verdingt sie sich als Kellnerin in einem Saloon. Bald muß sie feststellen, daß auch im gelobten Land Amerika Ungerechtigkeit und Unterdrückung herrschen. Grace will nicht schweigen, und die Freundschaft mit Lily, einer ehemaligen Sklavin, gibt ihr Kraft. Allerdings bringt ihr mutiger Kampf für die Rechte der Ärmsten auch ihre Freunde in Gefahr. Und da tritt ein Mann in ihr Leben, mit dem sie nicht gerechnet hat ...
Teprve čtrnáctiletá Elżbieta Rabineková žije pod bedlivým dozorem adoptivních rodičů v domě blízko varšavského židovského ghetta. Nemá ráda Němce, protože pořád vymýšlejí nová nařízení a neustále hlídkují v ulicích města. Ale o tom, co se děje za zdmi ghetta, nikdy příliš nepřemýšlela. Vše se změní ve chvíli, kdy se spřátelí s mladou zdravotní sestrou Sarou. Ta pašuje z ghetta malé děti a pomáhá jim najít náhradní rodiny. Elżbieta je rozhodnutá téměř okamžitě – chce Saře pomáhat. Díky svému hrdinnému rozhodnutí potkává židovského mladíka Romana, který má dva malé sourozence. Má jejich láska vůbec šanci, nebo je rovnou odkázána do záhuby?
A Nazi doctor. A Jewish rebel. A little girl. Each one will fight for freedom--or die trying. Imprisoned in the Lodz Ghetto, Elsi discovers her mother's desperate attempt to end her pregnancy and comes face-to-face with the impossibility of their situation. Risking her own life, Elsi joins a resistance group to sabotage the regime. Blonde, blue-eyed Matilda is wrenched from her family in Romania and taken to Germany, where her captors attempt to mold her into the perfect Aryan child. Spirited and brave, she must inspire hope in the other stolen children to make her dreams of escape a reality. Willem, a high-ranking Nazi doctor, plans to save lives when he takes posts in both the ghetto and Auschwitz. After witnessing unimaginable cruelties, he begins to question his role and the future of those he is ordered to destroy. While Hitler ransacks Europe in pursuit of a pure German race, the lives of three broken souls--thrown together by chance--intertwine. Only love and sacrifice might make them whole again.
North Carolina, 1960. Newlywed Jane Forrester, fresh out of university, has sought what most other women have shunned: a career. But life as a social worker is far from what she expected. Out amongst the rural tobacco fields of Grace County, Jane encounters a world of extreme poverty that is far removed from the middle-class life she has grown up with. But worse is still to come. Working with the Hart family and their 15-year-old daughter Ivy, it s not long before Jane uncovers a shocking secret, and is thrust into a moral dilemma that puts her career on the line, threatens to dissolve her marriage, and ultimately, determines the fate of Ivy and her family forever.
The Book of Longings is a 2020 Christian novel by American author Sue Monk Kidd, written as a feminist reimagining of the New Testament, published by Viking. It follows a fictionalized Galilean scribe named Ana who becomes the wife of Jesus during the lost years, commenting on the silencing of women across historyand literature. It received positive reviews for its respect towards the Biblical material and the characterization of its protagonists. The novel has been translated into 17 languages and a six-part miniseries adaptation was announced in 2023.
A powerfully gripping and moving novel about a small town trying to conceal a terrible secret in its past from the Sunday Times Top Ten bestselling author.
Nach der Flucht aus Irland und der schweren Zeit an der Ostküste hat Grace sich mit ihren Kindern quer durch den Kontinent nach San Francisco durchgekämpft. Doch ihre Hoffnungen werden aufs Neue enttäuscht – der Kampf um ihr Lebensglück geht weiter.
Logan's captivating journey unfolds in this installment of the On Dublin Street series, where his intense and magnetic presence takes center stage. As he navigates complex relationships and personal challenges, the story delves into themes of love, redemption, and the search for belonging. Fans of the series will enjoy the rich emotional depth and the steamy romance that characterizes this tale, making it a must-read for those eager to dive back into the world of Echoes of Scotland Street.
The Man Is Practical As marriage proposals go, Charles Draysmith's suit is as romantic as the moors in December. Emma Peterson might be only a vicar's daughter, and he the new Marquis of Knightsdale, and perhaps he would rather marry her than endure the marriage mart. But when he suggests how much he'll enjoy securing an heir, well, a lady can only endure so much. But The Lady Is Passionate There's something about a woman throwing pottery at a man that piques his interest. Perhaps his proposal lacks grace, Charles thinks. But it does seem a perfect solution. He acquires a wife; his young charges have the mother they so desperately need, and Emma gains security and position. You see? Simple. Practical. Sensib--oh no, not the ceramic dog. . . He will have to confess the truth to calm her down. And the truth is, he's madly in love. . .
"Riley MacPherson has spent her entire life believing that her older sister Lisa committed suicide as a teenager. Now, over twenty years later, her father has passed away and she's in New Bern, North Carolina cleaning out his house when she finds evidence to the contrary. Lisa is alive. Alive and living under a new identity. But why exactly was she on the run all those years ago, and what secrets are being kept now? As Riley works to uncover the truth, her discoveries will put into question everything she thought she knew about her family. Riley must decide what the past means for her present, and what she will do with her newfound reality"--
Červenec roku 1919. První světová válka skončila. Zpustošená oblast Flander poblíž Ypry už není domovem vojáků, ale hloučků turistů. Kontroverzní turismus nyní přivádí na bojiště plné autobusy lidí, kteří chtějí vidět na vlastní oči, kde jejich milovaní padli a zemřeli. Do hotelu de la Paix ve vesničce Poperinghe přijíždějí tři ženy, aby se dozvěděly něco víc o mužích, které milovaly a které ztratily. Ruby, teprve jednadvacetiletá plachá Angličanka, hledá manželův hrob. Alice je sice jen o málo starší, ale překypuje sebedůvěrou. Přijela až z Ameriky, přesvědčená, že její bratr stále žije a zůstává ve Francii. A Martha se synem Ottem nejsou tak úplně těmi, za koho se vydávají… Tyto tři ženy pocházejí z odlišného prostředí, ale spojuje je touha po smíření: vnitřnímu smíření kvůli tomu, co jim válka vzala, ale také kvůli tomu, co jim život možná stále slibuje do budoucna…
Sophie never dreamed she would be able to sneak into Lady Bridgerton's famous masquerade ball - or that her Prince Charming would be there for her! Alas she knows all enchantments must end when the clock strikes midnight.
An absolutely gripping and heartbreaking WW2 historical novel
276 pages
10 hours of reading
The story revolves around a character urging Sophia to take decisive action in a tumultuous war, emphasizing the need for courage and stealth. As tensions rise, she is confronted with the reality of hidden forces at play, challenging her to step out of her comfort zone and fulfill her responsibilities. The narrative explores themes of duty, bravery, and the complexities of warfare, highlighting the importance of proactive involvement in the face of adversity.
A New York Times Bestseller From #1 New York Times bestselling author Julia Quinn comes the story of Anthony Bridgerton, in the second of her beloved Regency-set novels featuring the charming, powerful Bridgerton family, now a series created by Shondaland for Netflix. ANTHONY'S STORY This time the gossip columnists have it wrong. London's most elusive bachelor Anthony Bridgerton hasn't just decided to marry--he's even chosen a wife! The only obstacle is his intended's older sister, Kate Sheffield--the most meddlesome woman ever to grace a London ballroom. The spirited schemer is driving Anthony mad with her determination to stop the betrothal, but when he closes his eyes at night, Kate's the woman haunting his increasingly erotic dreams... Contrary to popular belief, Kate is quite sure that reformed rakes do not make the best husbands--and Anthony Bridgerton is the most wicked rogue of them all. Kate's determined to protect her sister--but she fears her own heart is vulnerable. And when Anthony's lips touch hers, she's suddenly afraid she might not be able to resist the reprehensible rake herself...
The New York Times bestselling author of On Dublin Street, Down London Road, and Before Jamaica Lane returns with a story about letting go of the past and learning to trust in the future.... When Hannah Nichols last saw Marco D’Alessandro five long years ago, he broke her heart. The bad boy with a hidden sweet side was the only guy Hannah ever loved—and the only man she’s ever been with. After one intense night of giving in to temptation, Marco took off, leaving Scotland and Hannah behind. Shattered by the consequences of their night together, Hannah has never truly moved on. Leaving Hannah was the biggest mistake of Marco’s life—something he has deeply regretted for years. So when fate reunites them, he refuses to let her go without a fight. Determined to make her his, Marco pursues Hannah, reminding her of all the reasons they’re meant to be together.... But just when Marco thinks they’re committed to a future together, Hannah makes a discovery that unearths the secret pain she’s been hiding from him—a secret that could tear them apart before they have a real chance to start over again....
After discovering her boyfriend in a compromising position, stress management expert Arilyn is hesitant to risk her heart again, but when police officer Stone Petty is sent to her for anger management lessons, there's no halting their flirtation.
When she asks Jack Holland to be her escort to her ex-fiancé's wedding and they end up in bed together, Emmaline Neal dismisses it as a one-night stand, but Jack is determined to convince her that it could be something more.
A New York Times Bestseller From #1 New York Times bestselling author Julia Quinn comes the story of Francesca Bridgerton, in the sixth of her beloved Regency-set novels featuring the charming, powerful Bridgerton family, now a series created by Shondaland for Netflix. FRANCESCA'S STORY In every life there is a turning point. A moment so tremendous, so sharp and breathtaking, that one knows one's life will never be the same. For Michael Stirling, London's most infamous rake, that moment came the first time he laid eyes on Francesca Bridgerton. After a lifetime of chasing women, of smiling slyly as they chased him, of allowing himself to be caught but never permitting his heart to become engaged, he took one look at Francesca Bridgerton and fell so fast and hard into love it was a wonder he managed to remain standing. Unfortunately for Michael, however, Francesca's surname was to remain Bridgerton for only a mere thirty-six hours longer--the occasion of their meeting was, lamentably, a supper celebrating her imminent wedding to his cousin. But that was then . . . Now Michael is the earl and Francesca is free, but still she thinks of him as nothing other than her dear friend and confidant. Michael dares not speak to her of his love . . . until one dangerous night, when she steps innocently into his arms, and passion proves stronger than even the most wicked of secrets . . .
A story full of passion and revenge, following one family living on the Texas Mexico border and a curse that reverberates across generations--"Fuentes has achieved something rare and indelible with this story of complex women.” (Erika L. Sánchez)In 1951, a mysterious old woman confronts Pilar Aguierre in the small border town of La Cienega, Texas. The old woman is sure Pilar stole her husband and, in a heated outburst, lays a curse on Pilar and her family.More than forty years later, Lulu Muñoz is dodging chaos at every turn: her troubled father’s moods, his rules, her secret life as singer in a punk band, but most of all her upcoming quinceañera. When her beloved grandmother passes away, Lulu finds herself drawn to the glamorous stranger who crashed the funeral and who lives on the alone and shunned on the edge of town.Their unexpected kinship picks at the secrets of Lulu’s family’s past. As the quinceañera looms—and we move between these two strong, irascible female voices—one woman must make peace with the past, and one girl pushes to embrace her future.Rich with cinematic details—from dusty rodeos to the excitement of a Selena concert and the comfort of conjunto ballads played at family gatherings—this memorable debut is a love letter to the Tejano culture and community that sustain both of these women as they discover what family means.
Lord Alexander Randall tuší, co se od něj jako od jediného dědice hraběte z Daventry očekává. Měl by si najít vhodnou partii pro život, řádně se oženit a založit rodinu. Jeho ale namísto vybrané nevěsty z dobře postavené rodiny uhranula obyčejná vesnická žena. Julie Bancroftová, která pomáhá místním ženám u porodů, si však navíc s sebou nese temné tajemství. Když se v jejím životě objeví lord Randall, ptá se sama sebe, zda může vůbec ještě nějakému muži v životě důvěřovat. Zdá se ale, že právě vznešený lord Randall může být její jedinou záchranou.
On the sixth of April, in the year 1812, Penelope Featherington fell in love.
She has secretly adored her friend's brother for... well, it feels like
forever. After half a lifetime of watching Colin Bridgerton, she thinks she
knows everything about him, until she stumbles across his deepest secret...
and fears she doesn't know him at all.
Jared MacKade loves the small town where he grew up so it didn't come as any surprise when he came back to practice law there. He remembers re-enacting battles fought during the Civil War in the woods near his family home and wrestling with his three brothers, Rafe, Shane and Devin. Those childhood memories and upbringing are the core of Jared MacKade.
A funny thing happened ... Unlike most men of his acquaintance, Gregory Bridgerton believes in true love. And he is convinced that when he finds the woman of his dreams, he will know in an instant that she is the one. And that is exactly what happened. Except ... She wasn’t the one. In fact, the ravishing Miss Hermione Watson is in love with another. But her best friend, the ever-practical Lady Lucinda Abernathy, wants to save Hermione from a disastrous alliance, so she offers to help Gregory win her over. But in the process, Lucy falls in love. With Gregory! Except ... Lucy is engaged. And her uncle is not inclined to let her back out of the betrothal, even once Gregory comes to his senses and realizes that it is Lucy, with her sharp wit and sunny smile, who makes his heart sing. And now, on the way to the wedding, Gregory must risk everything to ensure that when it comes time to kiss the bride, he is the only man standing at the altar ...
In an effort to keep himself footloose and single in spite of the efforts of the town's matchmakers, Simon Basset, Duke of Hastings, begins a sham courtship with Daphne Bridgerton
The New York Times best-selling author presents two full-length stories in one fabulous novel that captures the glamour, passion, and excitement of the City that Never Sleeps. Original.
This sheikh takes his revenge! Sheikh Salim al Taj never mixes business with pleasure. But one night with his employee Grace Hudson and his rule is broken – now he wants her exclusively! When Salim ends their passionate affair, he can’t believe it when Grace walks out on her job, apparently taking company secrets with her.
Molly Gray, the dedicated Head Maid at the Regency Grand Hotel, takes pride in her role, ensuring every room is immaculate and every guest's secret is kept. However, when a famous mystery writer unexpectedly dies in the grand tea room, Molly finds herself in the midst of a perplexing situation. As rumors and suspicions circulate among the hotel guests, it becomes apparent that not everything is as polished as it seems. Molly holds the key to unraveling the mystery, but doing so requires her to confront her past, including memories of her Gran and a connection to the deceased guest.
Readers have been captivated by the story, praising the engaging and endearing character of Molly. Critics have described it as an excellent and entertaining thriller, filled with gripping twists and an unforgettable protagonist. The narrative has drawn comparisons to classic mysteries, evoking a modern homage to Agatha Christie. With its clever plot and rich character development, the book has resonated with over a million readers, making it a must-read for fans of the genre.
In 1942 New York, as war engulfs Europe, Lily Rose enjoys a seemingly perfect life with her affluent parents and her position as a chef at Valentino's, a prestigious restaurant. However, she feels a magnetic pull towards the vibrant Sicilian community in Greenwich Village, where the allure of fresh produce and the aroma of cannoli beckon her. Central to this attraction is Tom Morelli, a talented chef and the charming grandson of Sicilian immigrants, whose captivating eyes ignite her passion. Amid wartime rationing, Lily and Tom bond over late-night culinary dreams, hoping to uplift New Yorkers during turbulent times. But their world shatters when Tom is drafted to Italy, leaving Lily with only memories of their last kiss. Seeking solace, she turns to her parents, only to face their wrath upon discovering her relationship. They present her with a heartbreaking ultimatum: abandon Tom and her career or lose her family and inheritance. Torn between love and duty, Lily resolves to follow her heart, but when Tom is reported missing in action, her dreams hang in the balance. As she grapples with the consequences of her choices, she must confront the uncertainty of what awaits her after the war.
From the author of The Dark Garden (written under the name Eden Bradley)A sensual new novel of losing control-and finding the ultimate pleasure.For beautiful erotica author Dylan Ivory, being in control is everything. Then she meets the man who is everything she is not...and everything she wants.Alec Walker writes dark psychological thrillers-and he lives for thrills. His tastes extend into the bedroom as well, where he lets no rules bind his desires. The only thing he fears is true love...While researching a book, Dylan interviews Alec-and longs to taste the temptation he offers. But he's a self-proclaimed dominant and she refuses to surrender control. Slowly, Alec shows her that by letting go and submitting to his every desire she can experience the ultimate pleasure. But to keep the woman who for the first time brings him to his knees, can Alec take the ultimate risk and surrender his heart?
*THE NO.1 NEW YORK TIMES & SUNDAY TIMES TOP TEN BESTSELLER *WINNER OF THE NED KELLY AWARD FOR BEST INTERNATIONAL CRIME FICTION *A BBC RADIO 4 BOOK AT BEDTIME PICK
It begins like any other day for Molly Gray, as she dusts through the luxury rooms at the Regency Grand Hotel. However, her routine takes a shocking turn when she discovers an infamous guest dead in suite 401, setting off a messy mystery. Molly, with her keen eye for detail, finds herself at the center of the investigation, uncovering secrets hidden beneath the surface.
Readers are captivated by Molly, the endearing protagonist, as she navigates this thrilling whodunnit. Critics praise the book as "excellent and totally entertaining," with Stephen King highlighting the charm of its main character. The narrative is described as gripping and deftly written, with a colorful cast of characters that adds depth to the mystery.
With twists and turns that keep readers on the edge of their seats, the story has been likened to a modern homage to Agatha Christie. The blend of beautiful writing, intriguing plot, and Molly's unique perspective ensures that this tale sparkles with wit and tension, making it a must-read for fans of the genre.
One murder. Four confessions. Every. Word. A. Lie. 'Smart, twisty and heartbreaking' TM LOGAN 'Keeps you hooked' SUNDAY TIMES 'Jackie Collins meets Miss Marple in this sassy whodunnit' PETERBOROUGH TELEGRAPH 'Up there with Big little Lies and Desperate Housewives' CLAIRE ALLAN 'Twisty and entertaining' HEAT, 'Read of the Week' ________________ Why would four women confess to the same murder? At the luxurious Serenity Spa Resort on the Californian coast, guests arrive ready to celebrate what is set to be the wedding of the year. But things are about to go horribly wrong . . . Among them are four brilliant but desperate women - Ginger, Lulu, Emily and Kate - all harbouring a secret they'd do anything to protect. Just twenty-four hours later, a man is found dead at the hotel. In the ensuing investigation, each of these women confess to the crime, insisting they acted alone. The police know they're lying, but why? Only these four women know the answer. And they're not telling . . . ________________ 'Had me absolutely hooked' JENNY BLACKHURST 'Loved the strong female characters' HARRIET TYCE 'Totally gripping' VANESSA SAVAGE 'A book to completely lose yourself in' JO SPAIN ________________ *WHAT READERS ARE SAYING ABOUT PRETTY GUILTY WOMEN* 'I haven't enjoyed a book this much in a long time!' 'You won't be able to put this book down' 'A deliciously dishy page turner' 'The most addictive novel I've read in ages'
The Maid series is captivating and emotional, featuring a charming protagonist, Molly the Maid, who resonates deeply with readers. With gripping twists and turns, it has garnered high praise, even compared to beloved characters like Eleanor Oliphant. A Sunday Times bestseller, it's a must-read for fans of powerful storytelling.
Když si Kate v idylickém přístavním městečku otevře řemeslný obchůdek, má pocit, že se jí splnily všechny sny. Brzy zjistí, že její krámek ukrývá tajemství – dávný milostný příběh vyprávěný prostřednictvím nádherných obrazů a složitých výšivek. Majitel obchodu s uměním Jack se nabídne, že Kate pomůže záhadu rozluštit. Jenže přitom si oba uvědomí, že jejich vlastní životy mají s Clarou a Artym, jejich protějšky z padesátých let, podobného víc, než by je napadlo. Podaří se Kate a Jackovi napravit desítky let starou křivdu a třeba najít i své vlastní štěstí?
Jedenáctiletou Lisavet Levyovou o křišťálové noci otec ukryje před nacisty na tajemném místě nazývaném Časoprostor, což je knihovna, kde jsou uchovávány vzpomínky minulosti. Když se otec nevrátí, Lisavet zde zůstává uvězněná, prochází vzpomínkami zemřelých a snaží se je zachránit tím, že je ukládá do knihy. O řadu let později potkává Američana Ernesta Duquesnea, který ji má zastavit. V roce 1965 se Ernestova neteř Amelia dozvídá o existenci Časoprostoru a o knize, již její strýc hledal. Brzy zjistí, že minulost není tak jasná a přímočará, jak se zdá.