. . and the woman who uncovers their dark secretFor Kate O’Connor, desperate to escape her tragic past in England, the opportunity to immigrate to New Zealand with Sir John Devenish and his wife and daughter is a chance to start over.Exhilarated by this wild, primitive place on the other side of the world, Kate’s happiness is marred by a love she knows is taboo. When a sudden and suspicious death throws her life into turmoil, she begins to uncover the real reason the Devenish family left England.From a grand townhouse in London to a sheep farm in New Zealand, An Important Family, which was hailed by the Cleveland Plain Dealer as “a compulsive page turner,” is the story of a country in the midst of colonization—a transformation that parallels Kate O’Connor’s own rite of passage into womanhood as she finds her future in a magnificent new land.

    Commissioned by her widowed father, she descends on the green Sussex hills with three assignments. Ready Loden Hall for her father's arrival as the new earl. Find the perfect husband for her gorgeous half-sister. Acquire a tutor for her rapscallion twin brothers. At twenty-eight Claire--now Lady Claire--has had years of experience running an orderly household in India and cannot imagine England will be any different. Older. Wiser. That's Claire.But England refuses to cooperate with Claire's well laid plans. How did beautiful Loden Hall become such a ruin and how will she make it right in time? Why is her usually cooperative sister so resistant to Claire's recommendation for a husband? Why are her brothers so unhappy that stowing away on a merchant ship holds more appeal than her loving care at home? Really, if it weren't for the unexpectedly practical advice of her neighbor the Marquis of Symonton, she would feel quite alone.For Claire, focused on the tangled knots of her own family, Symonton is the perfect ally. Who better to offer guidance than a man savvy enough to maneuver his way through society for six and thirty years without being trapped into matrimony? And how fortunate that the man is entertained by her family's exploits! But even with Symonton, Claire manages to get it wrong. It's not her family he's interested in and amusement is not what he feels. The man has other plans entirely. Maturity and experience are all well and good, but Claire will learn that neither is as valuable as love.Book I of The Penwarrens, a series of 3 light-hearted Victorian romances.Claire, After All   ~   Listening to Abby   ~   Jubilee Rose

    This chapel, a stained glass folly set on the moors of Shropshire, was built by de Bonne sixteen years earlier to house the remains of his beloved wife and muse, Ada. Since then, the chapel has been locked and abandoned, a pilgrimage site for the rabid fans of de Bonne’s last book, The Lost History of Dreams.However, Ada’s grief-stricken niece refuses to open the glass chapel for Robert unless he agrees to her bargain: before he can lay Hugh to rest, Robert must record Isabelle’s story of Ada and Hugh’s ill-fated marriage over the course of five nights.As the mystery of Ada and Hugh’s relationship unfolds, so does the secret behind Robert’s own marriage—including that of his fragile wife, Sida, who has not been the same since the tragic accident three years ago, and the origins of his own morbid profession that has him seeing things he shouldn’t—things from beyond the grave.Kris Waldherr effortlessly spins a sweeping and atmospheric gothic mystery about love and loss that blurs the line between the past and the present, truth and fiction, and ultimately, life and death.

    A delightful set of three of Philippa Gregory's bestselling Tudor Court series, THE QUEEN'S FOOL, THE VIRGIN'S LOVER and THE OTHER QUEEN, perfect for a great Christmas present.

    A series of events soon prove she’s capable of standing on her own two feet. However, she’s not prepared to follow her heart and accept marriage from the one man who truly loves her. Many Feathers' chance encounter with a blue-eyed blonde woman sets him on a path that lands him between the white man's ways and the traditions of his people. Determined to protect his people and prove his worthiness as a suitable husband to a white woman, he stakes claim to land and establishes a ranch. But there's one outlaw focused on destroying Many Feathers and everything he's trying to accomplish.

    Until the unthinkable happens: her brother, the current Laird, arranges a marriage for her, in order to help the clan. And it devastates her.A widower and a father, Connan MacLaren needs to find a wife for the sake of his son and for this purpose only. But the woman that is presented as his future wife is the most beautiful creature he has ever seen. Not to mention the wildest.When the death of a maid sparks an ongoing investigation, Connan has to protect April from both herself and the one who wants to harm her. Yet, Connan has to choose: stay with April or follow his King’s orders. But did the King actually order an attack on April’s clan? And how is everything tied to the death of a simple maid?

    But if she thinks she’s safe at home, she is wrong.Her scheming brother wants to marry her off to a fortune-hunter, and he won’t take no for an answer. Out on a lonely walk, Catherine is attacked and left for dead.Could this be her brother’s doing?Catherine won’t wait to find out. Her childhood friend, Martin Lacey, lives in the manor house across the woods, and there was a time when he would have done anything for her.But in the turmoil of Restoration England, nothing lasts forever. Will turning up at Martin’s door be the saving of her — or the end?

    She’ll marry whoever her father chooses, likely to add to her father’s holdings and secure her family’s future, regardless of who her heart desires. However, she’s met the man of her dreams…and he’s her father’s sworn enemy. An Intrepid Soldier Lieutenant Richard Osborne always does his duty and knows that when he rescues the beautiful Highland lass, he should have turned in her and her family. He can’t do it, and not just because he’s not sure that he can doom her to the fate she’ll receive. His superiors will not agree with his decision though, and the duty-bound Richard must make a hard choice: his career or his honor. A Forbidden Romance The handsome soldier and beautiful lass fall in love…but their love may be no match for the cold and cruel father known as the Earl of Duncliffe. He is determined to preserve their family honor now that Arabella’s reputation is ruined, even if it means marrying her off to the first option on the table. Now Richard must choose between what his head and heart believe of the situation…because a wrong choice will ruin both of their futures. Should Arabella do her duty and protect her younger siblings by marrying the detestable and unfeeling man her father has chosen? Or follow her heart—even if the handsome soldier only wants her hand in order to protect her? Can Richard trust Arabella’s declaration of love when he learns that it may be her choice to marry someone else, or is she lying in order to protect someone? "The Highlander's Trust" is a standalone historical Scottish romance novel of approximately 60,000 words. No cliffhangers, pure content and an awesome happily ever after, guaranteed to ignite your imagination in one sitting. Get This Book FREE With Kindle Unlimited! Enjoy!

    Fredrik Nath is one of those few."- The Masked PersonaFrom the author of wartime adventure novel 'The Cyclist', the Historical Novels Society editor's choice February 2011.A reluctant hero in war-torn France...A teacher in St Cyprien, a small town in Aquitaine, France, descends into an alcoholic daze, after his son dies in the Spanish Civil War. His life seems meaningless and he moves to Bergerac where he survives by poaching and fishing. Isolating himself from the world, he ruminates over his hatred of the Fascists who killed his son. He is dragged back to reality when, after the occupation of France by the Nazis, he witnesses Security Police beating a young Jewish girl. He reacts by killing the Germans and hides Rachelle, the young teenager. She breathes life into the world in which he has hidden himself and gives him a reason to go on.Dufy begins a path of revenge on the occupying Germans. A sniper in the Great War, he uses his skills to devastating effect, always posing as the town drunk.Then the British drop supplies and a beautiful SOE agent whom Dufy falls in love with. But as the invaders hunt down the partisans in the deep, crisp woodland, nothing works out as Dufy had hoped.Farewell Bergerac is an unforgettable wartime tale of fragile love, loss and redemption.

    Finally, a ghost story that reminds you why the basement is so terrifying!’ Brett McNeill of Rue Morgue Magazine ‘Ashforth does Edgar Allen Poe and Bram Stoker proud delivering a solid contribution to the literary movement. It is time that the ghost story made a comeback. With writers like Benedict Ashforth writing Abbot’s Keep, a revival just might be at hand.’ Matthew J. Barbour of Horror Novel Reviews ‘A really entertaining read with a delightful frisson of fear.’ Simon Ball of Horror Hothouse ‘Ashforth builds on the tension and the feeling of unease with each page to revel in a wonderfully tense and unnerving finale.’ Jim Mcleod of Ginger Nuts of Horror ‘Reminiscent of Poe, Abbot's Keep by Benedict Ashforth is a haunting novella with unique form and beautiful prose.’ Michael Bailey (HWA Bram Stoker Award Nominee) ‘. . . an eerie, atmospheric ghost story . . . has a gentle eeriness that keeps the reader wanting to find out more.' Julie K Top 50 Reviewer ‘Perfect ghost story.’ Christine Waddington 'Ashforth successfully builds a dark and relentless dread that steadily creeps through the text. Extremely accomplished.’ L Sharif ‘A gripping read right from the beginning. Couldn't put it down.’ D Boydell ‘I just could not put this story down. I wanted to know what happened as soon as I picked up my kindle. Strongly recommend.’ Mr Tony Cordon ‘The actual writing is wonderful, beautifully descriptive.’ Fiona White ‘I could not stop reading! it was as though I was in a trance, the story is captivating and very original.’ Safa R ‘A fantastic read, lots of twists and turns. Would recommend this to all Mystery readers. A book that is hard to put down.' Ms P Frain ‘. . . great plot and a well developed storyline. It is elegantly told with well built atmosphere and tension . . . a well conceived idea and would make excellent viewing were it ever to be dramatized.’ Cate Hamilton Read over 190 more reviews on amazon.co.uk

    The family members talk about a curse, lights move through the ruins at night, and Kate’s maid won’t spend the night in the house. Thomas is hiding something from Kate as well, but as she grows closer to him, a series of accidents makes her suspect that someone is willing to kill to keep Wishwood’s secrets buried in the past.

    A Puritan who believes to show one's bare arm is a sin, now finds herself in Williamsburg where the residents strive to follow the latest fashions in London. REVIEWS A poignant, heartwarming story of a love that transcends religious, political, and cultural differences. This is an author to watch... Romantic Times Magazine Rainy weaves an endearing tale of romance that will bring tears to your eyes and laughter that will capture your heart, Make room on your shelf - this one is a keeper Judy Spagnola Book Trends Bewitchingly funny, tender and emotional... another winner from Kirkland's lyrical pen. Elaine Barbieri Author AUTHOR INFORMATION A national award winning author - Rainy Kirkland has written several historical romances. A graduate from Maryland University, she spent time in the Peace Corp, then taught elementary school in New Jersey. Now living in Florida Ms. Kirkland has returned to her writing career. Look for the continuation of Bewitching Kisses in the second book of the series - Silver Flame coming soon.

    As the First World War enters its most brutal phase, back home in England, everyone is seeking answers to the darkness that has seeped into their lives. At Blackwater Abbey, on an island off the Devon coast, Lord Highmount has arranged a spiritualist gathering to contact his two sons who were lost in the conflict. But as his guests begin to arrive, it gradually becomes clear that each has something they would rather keep hidden. Then, when a storm descends on the island, the guests will find themselves trapped. Soon one of their number will die. For Blackwater Abbey is haunted in more ways than one...

    When her friend Doris proposed sending for a mail order husband for Gretchen, who was seven months pregnant and unwed, she hoped for the best for her friend, but still felt badly for herself. Darryl Miller has always been known as one of the demon horde. If he stays in Beckham, Massachusetts, he will never rise above the reputation, but he has nowhere to go! When he receives a letter from his sister asking him to marry her pregnant friend, he only hesitates for a moment. Two weeks later, he arrives in Salmon to marry a stranger. The only trouble is the stranger refuses to marry him. Within an hour, he finds himself married to another friend of his sister’s. Will he be able to make a go of life with the beautiful straight-laced schoolteacher? Or has he made a huge mistake leaving everything to travel across country? A Distant Shore: a Kansas Crossroads novelette by Amelia C. Adams Collette Barnard has traveled from England to America to work as a ladies’ maid for a spoiled socialite who doesn’t want the California life her husband is seeking. When her employer leaves her husband in the middle of the night, Collette is discharged and abandoned in the town of Creede, Colorado, with little money and no idea what to do next. When the kind hand of fate lands her at the Brody Hotel in Topeka, Kansas, she meets a handsome young man named Gabriel Brody, who is also struggling to choose the right path for his life. Perhaps together, they can piece together a future from the bits that have been left them. Mail Order M’Lady by Carra Copelin Lady Anne Medvale, the daughter of the Marquess of Thamesford, has created a scandal by running away with a prominent politician. In America, alone and penniless, she answers an ad in the Grooms’ Gazette and travels to Beaumont, Texas as a mail order bride. Morgan Grant, a dedicated cattleman/lawman isn’t looking for a wife, but circumstances present themselves and he marries an unlikely mail order bride. Can the two of them overcome their differences to live happily ever after? Mail Order Millennium by Peggy L Henderson Growing up in a privileged society may seem glamorous, but having every material possession has left Sherri Stucki feeling empty, exploited by her friends, and abandoned. A world where people see past her money seems like a far off dream, until a mysterious stranger offers her a second chance at the life she seeks. Alexander Walker learned the hard way that city life – and its women – were not meant for him. He must complete one final job before returning to a life of solitude in his beloved mountains. The last thing he needs is a distraction from a spunky socialite who seems like a fish out of water. As they travel together toward new destinies, Alexander and Sherri discover that the life they desire can only be found in each other. Mail-Order Brides of Coldwater Creek Josie by Margery Scott Josephine (Josie) Parker’s birthday is coming up, which means she’ll have to leave the Chicago orphanage where she’s lived her entire life. With nowhere to go and no future to look forward to, she agrees to become a mail-order bride to Cooper Thompson, a rancher in Coldwater Creek, Montana. Cooper Thompson is happy with his life. He has his work, his family, and enough money to get by. He doesn’t need – or want – anything more, especially a wife. When Josie arrives in Montana, she’s shocked to learn that Cooper’s sister actually wrote the letter, and that he knows nothing about it.

    When her father's dies, she's left as the guardian to her younger brother, Sholto Grant, who, through his drinking and gambling, loses the family property to the infamous Devil Fallon. Griselda devises a scheme to regain the family estate, but she must first win a wager between her and the most notorious gamester in London . . . and not fall in love with him.THE KING’S DOLLThe Duke of Landsdale and his mother are sent a written request from the King of England to take in and support the Comtesse and her beautiful daughter, Tiri. The Duke's mother is enraged by the inconvenience and endeavors to make life as difficult as possible for her unwanted houseguests. To be rid of them once and for all, she begins by searching for the first available bachelor to marry off Tiri, but she's horrified to discover that the young tart has caught the eye of her son the Duke.LADY DEARBORN’S DEBUTClea Bradford’s Aunt, Lady Floss Dearborn, intends on marrying off her niece, though it’s no easy deed finding a suitable parti for a young lady who stands six feet of height, not counting the golden halo of blond hair. Lady Floss goes so far as to announce her niece’s engagement to Glendon, though he couldn't be more wrong for her niece and more right for her! When Lord Ranulf gets wind of a Dearborn entering the Ton, he believes he’s been given a chance at revenge for a wrong committed against him by Lady Floss Dearborn. But he mistakes Clea for the Lady, and suddenly there’s a lot more at stake than Clea’s reputation . . . it just may be her life.LORD RANDAL’S TIGERLord Randal found Chloe living in a horse’s stable, dressed in rags. Despite her impoverished appearance, she claims to have an affinity with horses and will one day teach children to ride and care for them properly—as soon as she can get away from her abusive half-brother. Lord Randal is charmed by the big beautiful cat eyes and devises a plan to masquerade her as his servant, to have her become his “tiger”. After she’s cleaned up, he finds himself besot by her beauty, and as the young girl grows into a capable woman, she attracts more attention than just that of Lord Randal.