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The Rose Of Sebastopol: A Richard and Judy Book Club Choice
by Katharine McMahonA spellbinding novel of love and courage set in the England, Italy and Florence Nightingale's Crimea.A Richard and Judy Book Club bestseller - includes a fascinating and moving brand new final chapter.Russia, 1854. As the Crimean War grinds on, Rosa Barr - young, headstrong and beautiful - travels to the battlefields, determined to join Florence Nightingale and save as many of the wounded as she can. For Mariella, Rosa's cousin, the war is contained within the pages of her scrapbook, her sewing circle, and the letters she receives from Henry, her fiancé, a celebrated surgeon who has also volunteered to work within the shadow of the guns. But when Henry falls ill, and Rosa's communications cease, Mariella finds herself drawn inexorably towards the war.Following the trail of her elusive and captivating cousin, Mariella's epic journey takes her from the domestic restraint of Victorian England to the ravaged landscape of the Crimea. As she ventures deeper into the dark heart of the conflict, Mariella discovers her own strengths and passions through Rosa's tough lessons of concealment, faithfulness and love.When Henry falls ill and is sent to recuperate in Italy, Mariella impulsively decides she must go to him. But upon their arrival at his lodgings, she and her maid make a heartbreaking discovery: Rosa has disappeared. Following the trail of her elusive and captivating cousin, Mariella's epic journey takes her from the domestic restraint of Victorian London to the ravaged landscape of the Crimea and the tragic city of Sebastopol. As she ventures deeper into the dark heart of the conflict, Mariella's ordered world begins to crumble and she finds she has much to learn about secrecy, faithfulness and love.'This is everything a good historical romance should be' GOOD BOOK GUIDE'This book is little short of masterful. ..This is easily one of my favourite books of the last decade.' Goodreads 5 stars'Absolutely loved this book, a real insight to women of a certain time' Goodreads 5 stars'Feels like a dramatic, sweeping, tragic historical epic that you could imagine as a brilliant costume drama film' Goodreads 5 stars
The Rose Of Sebastopol: A Richard and Judy Book Club Choice
by Katharine McMahonRussia, 1854: the Crimean War grinds on, and as the bitter winter draws near, the battlefield hospitals fill with dying men. In defiance of Florence Nightingale, Rosa Barr - young, headstrong and beautiful - travels to Balaklava, determined to save as many of the wounded as she can. For Mariella Lingwood, Rosa's cousin, the war is contained within the pages of her scrapbook, in her London sewing circle, and in the letters she receives from Henry, her fiancé, a celebrated surgeon who has also volunteered to work within the shadow of the guns. When Henry falls ill and is sent to recuperate in Italy, Mariella impulsively decides she must go to him. But upon their arrival at his lodgings, she and her maid make a heartbreaking discovery: Rosa has disappeared. Following the trail of her elusive and captivating cousin, Mariella's epic journey takes her from the domestic restraint of Victorian London to the ravaged landscape of the Crimea and the tragic city of Sebastopol. As she ventures deeper into the dark heart of the conflict, Mariella's ordered world begins to crumble and she finds she has much to learn about secrecy, faithfulness and love.Read by Clare Wille(p) 2008 Orion Publishing Group
The Rossetti Letter
by Christi PhillipsIn this captivating debut, Christi Phillips blends fact and fiction, suspense and sensuality into a vibrant, richly imagined novel in which a modern historian uncovers a courtesan's secret role in a shocking conspiracy of seventeenth-century Venice. Claire Donovan always dreamed of visiting Venice, though not as a chaperone for a surly teenager. But she can't pass up this chance to complete her Ph.D. thesis on Alessandra Rossetti, a mysterious courtesan who wrote a secret letter to the Venetian Council warning of a Spanish plot to overthrow the Venetian Republic in 1618. Claire views Alessandra as a heroine and harbors a secret hope that her findings will elevate Alessandra to a more prominent place in history. But an arrogant Cambridge professor is set to present a paper at a prestigious Venetian university denouncing Alessandra as a co-conspirator -- a move that could destroy Claire's paper and career. As Claire races to locate the documents that will reveal the courtesan's true motives, Alessandra's story comes to life with all the sensuality, political treachery, and violence of seventeenth-century Venice. Claire also falls under the city's spell. She is courted by a handsome Italian, matches wits with her academic adversary, bonds with her troubled young charge, and, amid the boundless beauty of Venice, recaptures the joy of living every moment.... Layering wit and warmth into her portraits of two very different yet equally dynamic heroines, Christi Phillips shifts effortlessly between past and present in a remarkable novel that is at once a love story, a mystery, and an intriguing historical drama. Filled with beautifully rendered details of one of the world's oldest and most magical cities, The Rossetti Letter marks Phillips's debut as a writer of extraordinary skill and grace.
The Royal House of Cacciatore Bundle
by Sharon KendrickThe Royal House of Cacciatore -A brand-new trilogy by celebrated Presents author Sharon Kendrick!Welcome to Mardivino -a beautiful and wealthy Mediterranean island principality, with a prestigious and glamorous Royal family. There are three Cacciatore princes -Nicolo, Guido and the eldest, the heir, Gianferro. Passion, power & privilege -the dynasty continues. . . ;Bundle includes The Mediterranean Prince's Passion, The Prince's Love-Child,andThe Future King's Bride.
The Royal Mess
by Maryjanice Davidson Kathleen DanteJeffrey Rodinov is descended from one of the oldest families in Alaska, and a Rodinov has been protecting a Baranov for generations. No one ever sees Jeffrey Rodinov coming, and no one-not even a mouthy, illegitimate princess-is going to keep him from playing bodyguard when his king decrees it.But no Rodinov ever had to protect Princess Nicole Krenski. Her credentials? Hunting guide in the Alaskan wilderness. Smart. Stubborn bordering on exasperating. The lady says she doesn't need a bodyguard, but that's where she's wrong. Someone needs to watch her and show her the royal ropes. Someone who can make her feel like a queen-in and out of bed. Praise for MaryJanice Davidson"Unwavering in her humor..." -Romantic Times
The Royal Wedding Night
by Day LeclaireWith a secret agenda and an identity-obscuring veil, Miri Montgomery tricked His Royal Highness into marriage. Sources say Prince Brandt did not uncover her deception untilafterthe royal wedding night...a night one palace insider claims was quite steamy! Could Miri be plotting against her husband to steal his throne? Would Brandt dare to demand an annulment? Or do the raven-haired beauty and the stoically sexy prince have a hidden history the nation knows nothing about?
The Rules of Gentility: A Novel
by Janet MullanyRegency heiress Philomena Wellesley-Clegg has rather strong opinions about men and clothing. As to the former, so far two lords, a viscount, and a mad poet have fallen far short of her expectations. But she is about to meet Inigo Linsley, an unshaven, wickedly handsome man with a scandalous secret. He's nothing she ever dreamed she'd want—why then can she not stop thinking about how he looks in his breeches?A delightful marriage of Pride and Prejudice with Bridget Jones's Diary, Janet Mullany's The Rules of Gentility transports us to the days before designer shoes, apple martinis, and speed dating—when great bonnets, punch at Almack's, and the marriage mart were in fashion—and captivates us with a winsome heroine who learns that some rules in society are made to be broken.
The Russian Concubine
by Kate FurnivallOn opposite sides of a political and social divide, an exiled Russian girl and a Chinese Communist boy find love; a mother must face what she would rather forget; and an idealist realizes his greatest enemies might be his own kind. Junchow, China, 1928. Perhaps it's her red hair, or her hard life. Whatever the reason, Lydia Ivanova has a fierce spirit. Nothing can dim it, not even the foul waters of the Peiho River. Into the river's grime, bodies are tossed, those of thieves and Communists alike. So every time she steals some marketplace treasure, the sixteen-year-old takes her life in her hands. Her mother, Valentina, numbered among the Russian elite until Bolsheviks rounded them up. They took her husband, but Valentina managed to buy back her child and bring her to China. Now, though mother and daughter live in the whites-only International Settlement, no walls can keep Lydia in. She escapes to meet Chang An Lo, a handsome youth with fire in his eyes. He returns her love, but other dangers threaten him. Chiang Kai-shek's troops are headed toward Junchow to kill Reds like him -- and in his possession are the priceless jewels of a dead tsarina, meant as a gift for the despot's wife. Their all-consuming love can only bring shame and peril upon the pair, from both sides. Those in power will do anything to quell it. But Lydia and Chang are powerless to end it..
The Salt Maiden
by Colleen ThompsonA woman's search for her missing sister takes her into a desert of danger and desire.
The Sanctity of Marriage
by Philippa Grey-GerouSarah Adams is content with her lot in life as a dependent spinster. When she meets wealthy lumberman Matthew Ingram and his boorish friend Jason Sinclair, all that changes. To her surprise, Matthew proposes marriage, and with no better options available to her, she agrees. But marriage to the handsome, reserved Matthew is not what she expects, nor is her new husband.When she discovers him in the stables with Jason, she realizes that his reserve disguises deeper, darker passions than she can ever satisfy. But she has desires as well, desires that her growing intimacy with both men slowly help her explore and develop. Desires that make her willing to put aside the demands and mores of society to experience. But the world outside isn't done with them, and it is secrets in their own pasts that finally drive them apart. There's no denying the feelings the three of them share, but is there any way for them to overcome the obstacles to be together again? Content: scenes of m/m and m/m/f interaction as well as borderline nonconsensual sex.
The Scarlet Trefoil (Tahn #2)
by Leisha Kelly"IT'S LIKE A DREAM— The life we have now. Like a dream corriE Tr^e/* ( reed FROM A life OF darkness, Tahn Dorn finds God’s J ~ grace toward him a comfort he has never known before. He has put away his painful past and is looking forward to a bright, peaceful future with his bride-to-be. But the past returns to haunt him, threatening to ruin all that he loves. On the eve of their blessed union, Lady Netta’s gilded carriage is attacked by a team of rogue bandits hired by the ruthless Baron Lionell Trent. Despite the baron’s noble talk and pretended peace, Tahn is lured into a trap that will secure Lionell’s hold on the House of Trent. Can Tahn free his true love? Or will his dream be forever lost?
The Scottish Companion (Avon Romantic Treasure)
by Karen Ranney“An emotional and romantic tale of the darker side of human nature” from the New York Times–bestselling author of My Highland Rogue (Fresh Fiction).Haunted by the mysterious death of his two brothers, Grant Roberson, 10th Earl of Straithern, fears for his life. Determined to produce an heir before it’s too late, Grant has promised to wed a woman he has never met. But instead of being enticed by his bride-to-be, Grant can’t fight his attraction to understated beauty and wit of her paid companion.Gillian Cameron long ago learned the danger of falling in love. Now, as the companion to a spoiled bluestocking, she has learned to keep a firm hold on her emotions. But, from the moment she meets him, she is powerless to resist the alluring and handsome earl.Fighting their attraction, Gillian and Grant must band together to stop an unknown enemy from striking. Will the threat of danger be enough to make them realize their true feelings?Praise for Karen Ranney“Karen Ranney writes with power, passion, and dramatic flair.” —Stephanie Laurens, #1 New York Times–bestselling author“A writer of rare intelligence and sensitivity.” —Mary Jo Putney, New York Times–bestselling author
The Scrapbook
by Lynnette KentAnyone looking at the photographs in Celia's scrapbook would see a portrait of a wonderful marriage, from Celia and Mack Butler's beautiful white wedding-the beginning of her life as a Navy wife-to her growing, smiling family. But Celia's life is not so easily summed up in photographs. The value of these moments frozen in time is the stories behind them. From the sweetness of a child's birth, or the excitement surrounding a much-belated honeymoon-to the crisis that almost tears her family apart. From the love that began, almost by chance, all those years agohellip;.
The Second Time Around
by Angie DanielsBrenna Gathers returned to her hometown to help her ailing aunt, hoping to get out of small-town Sheraton Beach as soon as she could! Unfortunately, once there she ran into Jabarie Beaumont, the wealthy jerk who'd jilted her at the altar. And the truth was that even though he'd broken her heart years before, she still wanted him. Jabarie had intended to sleep with Brenna and finally get her out of his system. After all, according to his father, she was nothing but a gold digger. Then Jabarie learned the truth. His father lied to keep him and Brenna apart. Now Jabarie was on a mission to show Brenna the ultimate truth. Love could be even sweeter the second time around.
The Secret Diaries of Miss Miranda Cheever (Bevelstoke Series #1)
by Julia Quinn2 March 1810 . . . Today, I fell in love. At the age of ten, Miranda Cheever showed no signs of Great Beauty. And even at ten, Miranda learned to accept the expectations society held for her--until the afternoon when Nigel Bevelstoke, the handsome and dashing Viscount Turner, solemnly kissed her hand and promised her that one day she would grow into herself, that one day she would be as beautiful as she already was smart. And even at ten, Miranda knew she would love him forever. But the years that followed were as cruel to Turner as they were kind to Miranda. She is as intriguing as the viscount boldly predicted on that memorable day--while he is a lonely, bitter man, crushed by a devastating loss. But Miranda has never forgotten the truth she set down on paper all those years earlier--and she will not allow the love that is her destiny to slip lightly through her fingers . . .
The Secret Dreams of Emily Porter
by Judith RaxtenIn a cottage by the sea. . . Emily Porter never truly thought she'd find the kind of love that would fill her soul with tenderness, passion. . . and peace. But that was before Ethan Douglas. In Ethan she found a love that shaped her life. In his seaside cottage she found a whole new world. Then Ethan dies suddenly and Emily--miraculously pregnant with his baby--is left to grieve alone in their isolated cottage. But there are signs that she may not be alone after all. Slowly, almost imperceptibly, Emily begins to feel Ethan. But whether Ethan is memory or ghost or dream, Emily is determined to keep him with her. When her beloved cottage burns to ashes, she hires Josh Lundgren to rebuild it. Josh, the carpenter chosen by Ethan himself. Chosen for her?
The Secret Goddess Code
by Peggy WebbWhat happens when two women swap lives?Soap Opera Star Gloria Hart: After losing her celebrated soap opera role, she winds up crashing her Ferrari Spider and getting stranded in Mooreville, Mississippi. Will America's TV goddess discover the role of her life with handsome rancher Matt Tucker playing the leading man? After all, he's the first man she's kissed off camera in over five years!Married Mom Jenny Miller: Up to her ears in pies she bakes for her husband's restaurant and the trials of an angst-ridden teenager, she's lost touch with herself. Can her budding friendship with Gloria change that? With a few margaritas, a memorable road trip and a little help from each other, these women are about to find friendship, love and their own secret goddesses!
The Secret Life of Lady Gabriella
by Liz FieldingLady Gabriella March is the perfect domestic goddess-at least, that's what her editor at Milady magazine thinks! In truth she's simply Ellie March, cleaner and aspiring writer, who uses the beautiful mansion she is house-sitting to inspire her. When the owner returns unexpectedly, Ellie's fledgling writing career is threatened. But even more dangerous is the man himself! Gorgeous Dr. Benedict Faulkner is quite the opposite of the aging academic she imagined, and soon it is her heart, and not just her secret, that is exposed. . . ;.
The Secret Life of a Teenage Siren
by Wendy ToliverGeeky to gorgeous in sixty seconds... Roxy's about to turn sixteen, but life isn't so sweet. As a band geek, Roxy can barely get the cute guys to notice her, much less go out with her. Then, on her birthday, Roxy is transformed into a siren: seductively beautiful with the power to control all men. She thought sirens were an ancient myth, but suddenly Roxy can get any guy she wants with just a few notes on her flute. There are only two rules: don't tell anyone about being a siren, and don't fall in love. When she starts dating Zach, the guy everybody's crushing on, Roxy realizes she could get used to this siren thing...but how can she keep herself from falling in love?
The Secret Passion of Simon Blackwell (Avon Historical Romance)
by Samantha JamesA new bride unravels her husband’s tortured soul in USA Today bestselling author Samantha James’s Victorian romance The Secret Passion of Simon Blackwell.A cruel twist of fate changed Simon Blackwell’s life irreparably. A man of intense passions, he resolved to deny his emotions and desires forever, taking refuge in the wilds of the moorlands and shutting himself off from the world. But on one extraordinary night, on a rare trip to London, the unthinkable occurs. An intoxicatingly beautiful stranger stirs the sensuous hunger he has sworn to resist. Simon Blackwell believed that no woman could tempt him.No woman . . . save Annabel McBride.Annabel knows nothing of Simon’s secret pain. But one irresistible kiss plunges her into marriage with a man she scarcely knows, a man who hides a shattered past. She can feel the blistering heat of the fire that smolders within this exquisitely handsome man, making her yearn for much more than the union in name only he has promised her.But Simon dares not love again—for fragile love can be lost in an instant. And now Annabel must find a way to open his heart to the most glorious risk of all . . .“Rich, meaty, sexy and honest.” —Publishers Weekly“Filled with delicious angst and quiet beauty.” —Booklist
The Secret Psychology of How We Fall in Love
by Paul Dobransky L. A. StamfordRead Paul Dobransky's posts on the Penguin Blog. A scientifically proven 9-step program for understanding the dating brain and finding the love of your life Psychiatrist Paul Dobransky presents a patented, clinically proven, easy-to-follow nine-step program that can lead to lasting love. Successful romantic relationships have three phases: 1. Attraction 2. Bonding in friendship 3. Commitment Dr. Dobransky demonstrates how each of these stages is dealt with by a particular part of the brain. By appealing to each of these three "brains" in order, we can build a relationship that will last for a lifetime. Drawing on real-life case studies and accessible scientific theory, Dr. Dobransky explains how and why we make the romantic choices we make and shows how we can identify the right person for us and enjoy true love that stands the test of time.
The Secret to Seduction
by Julie Anne LongSabrina Fairleigh arrives at an exclusive country soiree with marriage in mind. How shocking-and intriguing-to discover her host is an infamous ladies' man known for his indecent (and, ah, inspiring) poetry! They call him The Libertine, and his poetry is just as scandalous-and irresistible-as he is. But after one duel too many forces Rhys Gillray, Earl of Rawden, from lively London to his country estate, he's in desperate need of a cure for boredom. And the proper but beautiful vicar's daughter seems like the perfect test of his sensual skills. With wit and wiliness, Rhys strips away Sabrina's defenses. But as he teaches her pleasure, the emotional stakes of their sensual duel go beyond anything Rhys has ever known. For deep in his past lies the missing clue to the crime that destroyed Sabrina's family. And all The Libertine's seductive secrets may not be enough to save their future and their hearts
The Secretary's Secret
by Michelle CelmerSleeping with Nick Bateman wasn't the smartest thing Zoë had ever done. He was her boss! And since they had crossed the line, she had to make some rules and stick to them. One night was all they would ever have. His assistant's passion had astounded him, and now Nick knew one night with Zoë would never be enough. Yet, with his track record, he couldn't chance ruining the only relationship that meant anything to him. Then his secretary revealed a little secret....
The Senator's Daughter
by Christine CarrollSophisticated Sylvia Chatsworth and up-and-coming attorney Lyle Thomas seem like the perfect couple. The future looks rosy until the romantic Victorian inn where they're staying is set on fire and questions abound. Does it have something to do with the real estate investigation Lyle's working on? Is Sylvia's U. S. Senator father involved in something shady? They need to know in a hurry#151;before whoever wants them dead succeeds.
The Serpent Bride: DarkGlass Mountain (DarkGlass Mountain Series #1)
by Sara DouglassSara Douglass has won legions of fans around the world for her epic tales of sorcery, forbidden love, and heart-pounding action. Now, with the DarkGlass Mountain saga, she reveals her biggest adventure yet.Rescued from unspeakable horror, Ishbel Brunelle has devoted her life to a Serpent cult that reads the future in the entrails of its human sacrifices. But the Serpent has larger plans for Ishbel than merely being archpriestess, plans that call for a dangerous royal marriage balancing on the edge between treachery and devotion, and an eerie, eldritch warning: Prepare for the Lord of Elcho Falling . . . And there are other dangers. For while Tencendor is gone, even its fall cannot destroy the Icarii. As the Tyrant of Isembaard reaches for glory, both StarDrifter SunSoar and his son, Axis, are pulled into the deadly dance of intrigue and sorcery. The DarkGlass Mountain—once known as the Threshold—is waiting, and as the Dark God Kanubai rises from his prison in exile, no one will escape unscathed.