Edith Layton Books

Featuring four heart-warming tales, this anthology brings together Edith Layton's beloved Regency romance Christmas stories, previously published separately and now available in one volume for the first time. These holiday novellas capture the spirit of the season through enchanting characters and romantic plots, showcasing Layton's signature storytelling style. Perfect for fans of Regency romance, this collection revives timeless tales that celebrate love and the magic of Christmas.

This collection brings together four previously published novellas into one volume for the first time. Each story offers a unique narrative, showcasing diverse themes and characters, allowing readers to explore a variety of experiences and emotions. The compilation highlights the author's storytelling prowess and provides an opportunity for fans to enjoy these tales in a single, convenient format.

Mary Balogh, Anne Barbour, Elisabeth Fairchild, Carla Kelly, and Edith Layton present a collection of five spectacular song-inspired Christmas tales that capture the true spirit and romance of the holidays.

Living paycheck to paycheck in Paris, American book translator Chloe Underwood would give anything for some excitement and passion--even a little danger. So when she's offered a lucrative weekend gig translating at a business conference in a remote chateau, she jumps at the chance to shake things up.Then by chance Chloe discovers her employers are anything but the entrepreneurs they appear, and suddenly she knows far too much. Her clients are illegal arms dealers, and one of them is ordered to kill her. But instead, Bastien Toussaint drags Chloe away, and the next thing she knows she's on the run with the most terrifying and seductive man she's ever met. What were his motives--and would she live long enough to find out?

He sailed to England for revenge... She journeyed there for love. Five-year-old Della Kensington first saw the proud, half-starved bond boy who dared call himself a dispossessed earl on the docks of Virginia Colony. The moment she laid eyes on him she loved him. And from that day, in spite of all evidence, she believed his bizarre story, that he was truly Jared St. Andrew Bellington, Earl of Aveston--nobly born, kidnapped, and sold into bondage. Della had grown into a woman wanting him. Jared had grown into a man burning for revenge. When at last he could return to his beloved Hawkstone Hall, he entered a world of bejeweled ladies and elegantly attired gentlemen, a world he intended to conquer--no matter the cost to his life. Fashionable Georgian England dazzled sweet Della, but her eyes remained clear. She saw that if Jared gained everything he'd sought, she might lose him forever, and he might lose his chance at real happiness. She was ready to fight on this new terrain for his love--dancing a quadrille of intrigue and desire, risking all, and challenging his elegant world with her irrepressible heart.

Regina Berryman finds herself at the center of a fierce competition between two of London's most notorious bachelors: the seductive Duke of Torquay and his rival, the Marquis of Bessacarr. As they vie for her affection, Regina must navigate their advances while safeguarding her honor and heart. In a clever twist, she decides to turn the tables on her suitors, challenging the conventions of Regency London's romantic pursuits. This tale explores themes of love, honor, and the power dynamics in courtship.

The story follows Julia Hastings, a beautiful young woman whose life is shattered when her fiancé, Robin Marlowe, leaves her on their wedding night, tarnishing her reputation. Struggling to navigate a world where men see her as an easy target, Julia becomes wary of love. However, her defenses are tested by the charming Lord Nicholas Daventry, Robin's uncle, as she grapples with the complexities of trust and desire. Julia's journey reveals the dangers of both ignorance and excessive wisdom in matters of the heart.

Set against the backdrop of the Caribbean, the story revolves around Cristabel Stew, the spirited daughter of the notorious pirate Old Captain Whiskey. Her father, valuing her above all treasures, arranges a hasty marriage to Magnus Titus Snow, a reluctant English nobleman. This unexpected union transforms Cristabel into Lady Cristabel Snow, blending the worlds of piracy and aristocracy. The plot explores themes of love, identity, and the clash between duty and desire in a vibrant, adventurous setting.

Francesca Wyndham, burdened by her family's gambling history, finds herself drawn to the enigmatic Arden Lyons, a man whose charm masks a ruthless nature. Despite her reservations, she is captivated by him from their first encounter, unaware of his dark past and motives. As Francesca navigates her feelings, she embarks on a risky romance, pitting her innocence against Arden's calculated desires in a passionate game that challenges her understanding of love and trust.

Lady Leonora Talwin is determined to resist the charms of the notorious Marquess of Severne, known for his seductive prowess and past conquests. Despite her resolve, she underestimates the power of her own emotions and the Marquess's allure. As the story unfolds, themes of love, temptation, and the struggle between heart and reason come to the forefront, challenging her vow to remain untouched by his rakish ways.

Jessica Eastwood faces a pivotal choice among three compelling suitors, each representing different aspects of her identity. Tom Preston, her country sweetheart, encourages her independence, while her charming cousin Anton Von Keller seeks to refine her into a worldly woman. Meanwhile, the charismatic Lord Leith envisions her as the epitome of elegance in high society. As she navigates these contrasting influences, Jessica must discover her true self and determine who she truly loves.

Set against the backdrop of high society, Amanda Amberly strives to maintain her virtue amidst the scandalous reputation of her mother, the Countess of Clovelly. While she hopes to secure a respectable match with Sir Giles Boothe, her fate takes a turn when she is thrust into a passionate encounter with the notorious Viscount North. Torn between her desire and her principles, Amanda faces the challenge of protecting her virtue while grappling with her growing feelings for a man known for his charm and infamy.

Set in London, the story revolves around Kate Thacker, a determined young woman supporting her brother. When her holiday bonus arrives as a large turkey, she must find a way to sell it, leading to unexpected drama and romance. This festive tale, originally part of a Victorian Christmas collection, showcases the charm and excitement of the holiday season through the lens of a skilled romance author, promising a delightful and quick read.

Set against the backdrop of the Regency era, the narrative intricately weaves a rich tapestry filled with captivating characters and vivid settings. It masterfully captures the essence of the time, offering readers a deeply immersive experience. The story is celebrated for its emotional depth and engaging plot, making it a standout gem in historical romance literature.

Set against a backdrop of intrigue and deception, the story follows a clever protagonist who navigates a world of social hierarchies and hidden identities. As they assume a new persona, unexpected alliances and romantic entanglements emerge, challenging their original intentions. Themes of self-discovery and the complexities of love are woven throughout, creating a rich narrative that explores the fine line between reality and pretense. With a blend of wit and drama, the tale captivates readers and keeps them guessing until the end.

Facing disgrace and isolation, Victoria Dawkins finds herself in a desperate situation after being wronged by society. With no means of support, she reluctantly accepts an offer from the Earl of Clune to serve as a companion to an elderly woman at his country estate. Despite her pride, she must navigate the complexities of her new role and the Earl's questionable character, revealing themes of resilience and the struggle for dignity in a world that has turned against her.

Set against the backdrop of Victorian London during Christmas, this novella follows a poor boy and his sister as they search for their missing cat, believed to have been mistakenly taken by Queen Victoria's entourage. As they navigate the bustling city, an earnest Beefeater, his jaded superior, and a cunning criminal all join the quest to retrieve the cat without alarming the Queen. The story weaves through various locales, showcasing the vibrant tapestry of high and low life in the era, while intertwining themes of adventure, loyalty, and romance.

Set against the backdrop of the Great Fire of London, a beautiful young woman named Mary Monk finds herself in a desperate situation. To escape destitution, she surrenders her innocence to the charming Cavalier nobleman Gideon Hawkes. Initially driven by lust, their relationship evolves into a profound love that transforms both of them. Gideon helps Mary discover her passions, while she reveals a depth of emotion he has never experienced before, creating a powerful bond that transcends their initial circumstances.

In a quest for independence, Miss Faith Hamilton travels from America to England, seeking to escape the constraints of societal expectations and romantic entanglements. However, she attracts the attention of two compelling suitors: the notorious rake Lord Barnabas Deal, who sees her as a challenge, and the financially troubled Earl of Methley, who views her as a solution to his problems. Amidst their seductive pursuits, Faith remains resolute in her determination not to yield to either man, setting the stage for a captivating struggle between desire and autonomy.

Five captivating heroines navigate the complexities of love and societal expectations in a series of interconnected tales. Felicia grapples with the allure of a charming rake, while Adela struggles to forgive her husband. Bronwen faces a dilemma between societal norms and her true desires, and Marjorie, an unrefined heiress, attracts the attention of a cynical gentleman. Rachel discovers the shocking realities of marriage in high society. Each story showcases Edith Layton's signature storytelling, blending passion and intrigue.

This anthology features four captivating holiday novellas by renowned Regency romance author Edith Layton, now compiled in one volume for the first time. Each story, previously published separately and long out-of-print, offers a unique blend of romance and festive spirit. Readers can enjoy "The Christmas Thief," "High Spirits," "Best Wishes," and "The Two Dancing Daughters," showcasing Layton's enchanting storytelling and the charm of the Regency era during the holiday season.

Eliza Merriman faces a daunting challenge in winning the heart of Julian Dylan, the most sought-after lord in England. Competing against her stunning cousin Constance and her charming friend Anthea, Eliza must outshine them both to capture Julian's attention. As she navigates the seductive world of high society and its temptations, Eliza is determined to weave a unique allure that will draw Julian to her. With passion as her guiding force, she embarks on a journey to discover the true path to his heart.

Set against the backdrop of London's debtor's prison, Dulcie Dawn Blessing's desperate marriage of convenience to Crispin West takes an unexpected turn when he unwittingly signs his true name. As Crispin's fortunes change, he plans to propose to another, but Dulcie's sudden reappearance complicates matters. With their marriage certificate missing and potential threats looming, they must navigate deception and societal expectations, leading to a tale of unexpected romance and intrigue.

“Tell me who it is you want…” Surrounded by greed and treachery, Rachel Chandler feels completely alone in the world—until her brother, who’s been missing for fifteen years, is spotted in Hawaii. Rachel will stop at nothing to find him… But when she arrives at her brother’s cottage, she encounters a stranger. A man haunted by his past. A man looking to use Rachel for his own purposes. A man Rachel wants as she’s never wanted another…

Francouzská princezna Isabela je jako dvanáctiletá provdána za anglického krále Eduarda II. Krásný mladík se jí zpočátku jeví jako vysněný šlechetný rytíř, postupně však dívka procitne do hořké reality. Král ji zanedbává a nechá se ovládat svým ctižádostivým milencem. Isabela se rozhodne jednat, ale musí postupovat ostražitě. Je totiž mnoho těch, kdo se chystají královskou rodinu zničit...

Nevěsta, která má zachránit jeho čest... Pokud si markýz Ian Sutcombe nenajde bohatou nevěstu - a to nejlépe ihned - ztratí vše. Dluhy zanechané pošetilým otcem a nenasytnou macechou nelze splatit jinak než pomocí vhodného sňatku. Hannah Leedsová, dcera prosperujícího obchodníka, si právě prožila nešťastný milostný románek a není si jistá, dokáže-li v životě ještě někdy milovat. Když jí otec dohodne sňatek s elegantním lordem, souhlasí. Není to nic víc, než manželství z rozumu. Mohou se respektovat a snášet, ale skutečná láska jim zůstane odepřena... Pokud mezi nimi nepřeskočí jiskra. Zvládne Hannah naplnit Ianovy tužby a překonat počáteční nedůvěru londýnské společenské smetánky?

Od chvíle, kdy Phillipa Carstairsová vstoupila na tento svět, o ní každý tvrdil, že je neskonale půvabná. Nyní jí bylo čtyřiadvacet a byla krásnější než kdy dřív. Měla stříbřitě zlaté vlasy, zlatohnědé oči, malý, lehce zašpičatělý nosík, plné rty a štíhlou, velmi ženskou postavu. Žádného muže, který ji spatřil, už nezajímalo nic jiného. Pippa o svém vlivu na muže věděla, ale přála si, aby nebyl. Domnívala se, že je pošetilé pyšnit se tím, co sama nevytvořila, a hloupé předstírat, že o tom neví. A přesto právě ji opustil snoubenec krátce před svatbou bez jediného slova vysvětlení... Maxwell André Sutton, lord Montrose, byl krásný muž, velmi dobře si vědom přitažlivosti, jakou má pro ženy. Nikdy také nezastíral, jak ho jejich přízeň těší. Nyní se dostává do neobvyklé situace - nemá se nádherné ženě dvořit, ale má jí pomoci nalézt ztraceného snoubence... Jak asi dopadne putování dvou mladých lidí, na jehož začátku stojí tak prazvláštní okolnosti?