Gill Hornby Books

"A wonderfully original, emotionally complex novel that delves into why Cassandra burned a treasure trove of letters written by her sister, Jane Austen - an act of destruction that has troubled academics for centuries. 1840- twenty three years after the death of her famous sister Jane, Cassandra Austen returns to the village of Kintbury, and the home of her family's friends, the Fowles. She knows that, in some dusty corner of the sprawling vicarage, there is a cache of family letters which hold secrets she is desperate should not be revealed."--Publisher.

On 21 January 1804, Anne Sharpe arrives at Godmersham Park in Kent to take up the position of governess. At 31 years old, she has no previous experience of either teaching or fine country houses. Her mother has died, and she has nowhere else to go. Anne is left with no choice. For her new charge - twelve-year-old Fanny Austen - Anne's arrival is all novelty and excitement.The governess role is a uniquely awkward one. Anne is neither one of the servants, nor one of the family, and to balance a position between the 'upstairs' and 'downstairs' members of the household is a diplomatic chess game. One wrong move may result in instant dismissal. Anne knows that she must never let down her guard.When Mr Edward Austen's family comes to stay, Anne forms an immediate attachment to Jane. They write plays together, and enjoy long discussions. However, in the process, Anne reveals herself as not merely pretty, charming and competent; she is clever too. Even her sleepy, complacent mistress can hardly fail to notice.Meanwhile Jane's brother, Henry, begins to take an unusually strong interest in the lovely young governess . . .And from now on, Anne's days at Godmersham Park are numbered.

Bridgeford Community Choir is in crisis. Numbers are down. The choir leader is missing. The tea urn is behaving in an ominous fashion. And there's a competition to win. All hope rests on two new recruits. Tracey Leckford sounds like a pop star, but is hiding a big secret. Bennett Parker is the perfect tenor, though baffled by the modern world. Both feel quite lost, and alone. But if they can somehow work togerther, they might just save the choir, their community ... and even each other

Welcome to St Ambrose Primary School. A world of friendships, fights and feuding. And that's just the mothers. It's the start of another school year at St Ambrose. But while the children are in the classroom colouring in, their mothers are learning sharper lessons on the other side of the school gates. Lessons in friendship. Lessons in betrayal. Lessons in the laws of community, the transience of power... and how to get invited to lunch.

Set in 1820, the story revolves around Fanny Knight, who marries wealthy widower Sir Edward Knatchbull and becomes a mother figure to his five children, particularly young Mary. As Mary navigates her sheltered life, she finds joy and adventure with the charming Knight siblings, especially the eldest, Ned. Their growing bond leads to a secret romance, but Sir Edward's outrage at the prospect of their union complicates matters, prompting thoughts of elopement. The narrative weaves themes of love, family dynamics, and societal expectations reminiscent of Austen's style.

Entdecke die fantastische Welt der Austen-Schwestern in einem einfühlsamen historischen Roman, der die Regency-Ära lebendig werden lässt. Diese Erstübersetzung des britischen Bestsellers feiert das 250. Jubiläum von Jane Austen und dient als Vorlage für die hochkarätig besetzte BBC-Serie (2025). Im England des Jahres 1840, zwei Jahrzehnte nach dem Abschied von Cassandra Austen von ihrer geliebten Schwester Jane, widmet sich Cassandra weiterhin dem Andenken der berühmten Schriftstellerin. Bei einem Besuch bei ihrer Freundin Eliza Fowle entdeckt sie Janes Briefe und beginnt, sie heimlich in der Nacht zu lesen. Diese Briefe bergen Geheimnisse, die nicht nur Janes Leben in neuem Licht erscheinen lassen, sondern auch Cassandras eigene Geschichte offenbaren. Gill Hornby erzählt mit tiefem Einfühlungsvermögen und feinem Witz von der besonderen Beziehung der Schwestern, der Chance auf große Liebe und dem Mut, das eigene Vermächtnis zu gestalten. Diese prachtvolle Schmuckausgabe mit Goldfolienveredelung ist ein Muss für jeden Jane-Austen-Fan. Zehn zwischen die Seiten gelegte Extras wie Briefe, Postkarten und ein zeitgenössischer Stadtplan von Kintbury bieten ein einzigartiges Leseerlebnis und lassen die Leser tief in die Zeit des Romans eintauchen.