Book picks similar to
Sandstorm by June Knox-Mawer
romance-historical
tbr-4
20th-century
arabc-them
The Scottish Highland Series: Beloved Impostor, Beloved Stranger, and Beloved Warrior
Patricia Potter - 2017
The men of the Maclean Clan are fierce warriors. From the battle of Flodden Field to the waters off the Spanish Coast, they fight to protect their homes and those they love. In this spellbinding Scottish Highland series, the Maclean brothers find unexpected romance with women who heal and stir their souls. Beloved Imposter: Felicia Campbell has set a plan in motion to escape her wedding to the lecherous old Earl of Morneith—but she’s interrupted when she’s abducted. Her fury turns to curiosity when she discovers her captor is the handsome Rory Maclean, her clan’s hated enemy. And Rory, who has sworn never to love again, finds himself daring to care for the fiery captive who could save his broken soul . . . Beloved Stranger: Lachlan Maclean rode with King James IV of Scotland to free his country from English tyranny. In the slaughter at Flodden Field, he’s thrown from his horse and awakes to the beautiful visage of Kimbra Carlton, a border woman whose husband was killed by a Scot, leaving her to fend for her daughter alone. Now, she can neither let the wounded Lachlan die nor let anyone know his heritage. But perhaps in healing him, she may heal her own heart . . . Beloved Warrior: Patrick Maclean spent years enslaved aboard a Spanish galleon. But after he leads his fellow oarsmen in an uprising, he finds himself in charge of not only the vessel but also a fetching young passenger: Juliana Mendoza, the ship owner’s niece. Juliana was bound for a wedding and a man she never wanted. But the more she comes to know Patrick and his honorable clan, the more she realizes that only she can decide her fate . . .
The Last King of Scotland
Giles Foden - 1998
When Garrigan tends to Amin, the dictator, in his obsession for all things Scottish, appoints him as his personal physician. And so begins a fateful dalliance with the central African leader whose Emperor Jones-style autocracy would transform into a reign of terror.In The Last King of Scotland Foden's Amin is as ridiculous as he is abhorrent: a grown man who must be burped like an infant, a self-proclaimed cannibalist who, at the end of his 8 years in power, would be responsible for 300,000 deaths. And as Garrigan awakens to his patient's baroque barbarism--and his own complicity in it--we enter a venturesome meditation on conscience, charisma, and the slow corruption of the human heart. Brilliantly written, comic and profound, The Last King of Scotland announces a major new talent.
Falling for the Mysterious Viscount
Bridget Barton - 2020
Being rather spirited and bookish, high society bores and frustrates her. She believes that a man’s character is more important than his wealth, so when she meets a handsome commoner with refreshing ideas her heart will shiver for the first time. But what if this charming man is hiding something? Will Lavinia have the courage to accept the truth when it comes to surface? Samuel, an honorable Viscount, is tired of ladies chasing him just for his title and wealth and wishes to avoid this season at all cost. When the time comes, he and his friend concoct a marvelous plan: Samuel will disguise himself as a commoner, and find out who likes him for his character and not for his title. His plan will change unexpectedly when he meets a beautiful lady, who disdains nobility… Does he have any chance to change her mind and win her heart, without revealing who he truly is? Samuel knows that he is playing with fire, with the beautiful and opinionated Miss Lavinia Beaumont. But as the stakes are raised, and the deception deepens, they must face the truth about themselves or risk losing any chance of love or happiness. Can they find a way to finally resolve their differences and eventually reveal themselves, as they truly are?
"Falling for the Mysterious Viscount" is a historical romance novel of approximately 80,000 words. No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a guaranteed happily ever after.
A Lass to Love
Tammy Andresen - 2020
She’s got a fiancé, after all, who never bothered to come collect his bride. So when she decided to travel to England to track the rogue down, Fiona won’t be distracted by the rake, Thomas Mayweather. She’s dealt with rakes enough to last her a lifetime. The only problem is that he’s so handsome, he’s difficult to ignore and then his kisses? Well they make her wonder if rakes aren’t worth the trouble after all.He never intended to marry…Thomas Mayweather is a successful wool merchant which means he’s met his fair share of beautiful ladies. Many of which have wished to share his bed and then wash off the stench of the merchant class. He’s no appetite for another affair with a woman who’s set to be the wife of an earl. But one accidental kiss and he’s smitten. He had no desire to marry but he can’t deny that the innocent Fiona might be the most tempting woman of them all.
Dragonwyck
Anya Seton - 1944
A classic gothic romance, the story features an 18-year-old Miranda Wells who falls under the spell of a mysterious old mansion and its equally fascinating master. Tired of churning butter, weeding the garden patch, and receiving the dull young farmers who seek her hand in marriage, Miranda is excited by an invitation from the upstate New York estate of her distant relative, the intriguing Nicholas Van Ryn. Her passion is kindled by the icy fire of Nicholas, the last of the Van Ryns, and the luxury of Dragonwyck, and a way of life of which she has only dreamed. Dressed in satin and lace, she becomes part of Dragonwyck, with its Gothic towers, flowering gardens, acres of tenant farms, and dark, terrible secrets. This compelling novel paints a marvelous portrait of a country torn between freedom and feudal traditions; a country divided between the very wealthy and the very poor. Poor tenant farmers at Dragonwyck, the European royalty who visit, and American icons such as Edgar Allan Poe, Herman Melville, and the Astors are vividly brought to life. This is a heart-stopping story of a remarkable woman, her breathtaking passions, and the mystery and terror that await her in the magnificent hallways of Dragonwyck.
Hello, Rogue
Sasha Cottman - 2021
Get lost in each story as the ladies approach the gentleman and give them the happy news, or in some cases, the surprise they never expected.When a Rogue Falls by Sasha Cottman: For Sir Stephen Moore, love will never be on the cards. But Cupid is not without a sense of humor. After helping her family deal with a dangerous blackmailer, Lady Bridget Dyson and Sir Stephen celebrate. A little wine and some wicked flirting leads to a night of passion. Bridget now has to break the news of impending fatherhood to a man determined to avoid commitment at all costs.Escaping the Earl by Lauren Smith: Beatrix Lethbridge is desperate to avoid an arranged marriage, and the only way out is to get compromised. The best man for the job is notorious rakehell Richard Savage, the Earl Rivers. But when Beatrix and Richard’s one night of passion has more consequences than simply stopping an unwanted marriage, Richard must win Beatrix’s reluctant heart.This Rogue of Mine by Amanda Mariel: Lady Cordelia Daventry may be a spinster, but she has not given up all hope. When she finds herself alone with the well-known rogue, Nathaniel Lowell, Viscount Wolverton, she embraces her chance to experience desire. Now they must face the consequences of their actions.Loving My Wicked Rogue by Dawn Brower: When Lady Penelope finds herself in a delicate condition, she has a decision to make, and nothing seems quite right. Instead of discerning what she should do on her own, she pays Roman, the Duke of Lindsey a call and unburdens her troubles on him, hoping he will do the gentlemanly thing and take responsibility for the dilemma he helped create.The Trouble with Rogues by Nadine Millard: Ophelia Delacourt has made it her life's mission to teach poor, unsuspecting ladies about the dangers of rogues, rakes, and rapscallions. When one of her protégés faces ruin, Ophelia rushes to her rescue. And right into the path of one such troublesome rogue.Caleb Feldman, Marquess of Guilford is growing bored of his hedonistic lifestyle. Not that he plans to change it any time soon. When he sees a mysterious, dark-haired siren floating through his party, for the first time in a long time, Caleb feels the excitement of the hunt.Their encounter is not what either of them expects. And the life-changing consequences? Even less so. Ophelia will do anything to keep her secret, but that might not be as easy as she hoped. For the trouble with rogues is, sometimes they're just too hard to resist.My Lord, My Rogue by Anna St. Claire: Lady Honora Radcliff was betrothed to the catch of the Season. Too much champagne with a stranger leaves her life in tatters and married to the abusive man. To escape, she fakes her death. Lord Benjamin Crewe accepts a dangerous assignment and discovers the woman he wished he'd married—only she's been "dead" three years. His pursuit endangers both their lives.Can Honora and Benjamin survive the danger for a chance at love and happiness?
Scarlett
Alexandra Ripley - 1991
The most popular and beloved American historical novel ever written, Margaret Mitchell's Gone With the Wind is unparalleled in its portrayal of men and women at once larger than life but as real as ourselves. Now bestselling writer Alexandra Ripley brings us back to Tara and reintroduces us to the characters we remember so well: Rhett, Ashley, Mammy, Suellen, Aunt Pittypat, and, of course, Scarlett. As the classic story, first told over half a century ago, moves forward, the greatest love affair in all fiction is reignited; amidst heartbreak and joy, the endless, consuming passion between Scarlett O'Hara and Rhett Butler reaches its startling culmination. Rich with surprises at every turn and new emotional, breathtaking adventures, Scarlett satisfies our longing to reenter the world of Gone With the Wind, and like its predecessor, Scarlett will find an eternal place in our hearts.
Dark Eagle: A Novel of Benedict Arnold and the American Revolution
John Ensor Harr - 1999
His men worshipped him as a hero. But as the legendary general of the Continental Army neared the pinnacle of success, things began to go wrong, drawing Arnold inexorably toward the greatest crime of the age, one that would forever make his name synonymous with the word "traitor". Meticulously researched and brilliantly rendered, Dark Eagle illuminates both sides of the Revolutionary War from 1775 to 1780. Harr traces Arnold's spectacular rise, culminating in his victory at Saratoga and his marriage to Peggy Shippen, the beautiful loyalist daughter of a prominent Philadelphia family, and Arnold's decline, culminating in his plan with Major John Andre and Peggy to betray Washington and deliver West Point to the British.
Daffodils
Alex Martin - 2013
Jem Phipps has always loved Katy. His proposal of marriage rescues her from scandal but after tragedy strikes, Jem becomes a reluctant soldier on the battlefields of The First World War, leaving Katy behind, restless and alone. Lionel White, the local curate, has just returned from India bringing a dash of colour to the small village and offers Katy a window on the wider world. Only when Katy joins up as a WAAC girl does she finally break free from the stifling class-ridden hierarchies that bind her but the brutality of 20th-century global war brings home the price she has paid for her search. Through the horrors of WW1, she discovers only love brings freedom. In essence, Daffodils is a love story, whose tender heart is almost torn apart through this tumultuous time. COMPLETELY REVISED EDITION
Straight and True: A Regency Novella
Justice Joy - 2014
Unfortunately, he does not return her affections. When she is invited to a house party at his family's estate, she makes plans to win his heart. Alexander Brent, her childhood nemesis, has been in love with her for most of his life, but he could never hold a candle to his cousin, Nathan. Now, fresh from a tour of the continent and changed from the ungainly youth he once was, Alex is determined to foil Isabella's plans. He offers to help her so he could secretly thwart her...but in doing so, he just might end up ensuring her success. This sweet Regency novella is approximately 34,000 words.
Hornblower and His Majesty
C.S. Forester - 1940
For his first command after escaping from France, Hornblower is given charge of the royal yacht - and he soon requires all his skill and instinct to prevent disaster!
The Willy Lynch Letter: How To Make African-American Slaves For A 1000 Years
Willie Lynch - 2014
Lynch was a British slave owner in the West Indies. He was invited to the colony of Virginia in 1712 to teach his methods to slave owners. He argues that he can ensure that slaves remain slaves for a 1000 years by way of dividing rule, using, age, gender, skin shade and geography, as strategy that appears to have worked with great success.
The Waverly Women Series
Marion Chesney - 2014
Beaton—including The First Rebellion, Silken Bonds, and The Love Match. The First Rebellion (Book 1): The Earl of Tredair had had his fill of silly misses, and he despaired of finding anyone extraordinary—that is, until he met Miss Fanny Waverley. She and her two sisters had been raised to encourage poor females to stand up against the iniquities of the male sex! The beautiful and farouche Miss Fanny, however, found it hard to think of all men as cruel and lustful beasts—how could she, when now she found herself longing to kiss one of the most hated of his breed! Silken Bonds (Book 2): Frederica chafed at her restricted life as Mrs. Waverly’s adopted daughter, though she did agree with Mrs. Waverly’s philosophy. She knew that until men stopped preferring lisping dimwits over intellectual equals, Frederica would be better off without them. Still, the recent elopement of her sister sparked a fire in Frederica’s well-educated head. So it was that she was ripe for Lord Harry Danger’s charms, and he in turn was smitten from the moment he rescued her from a pack of drunken thugs. Now if he would only treat her as his equal—and stop his incessant flirting! The Love Match (Book 3): By day Felicity championed women’s rights, but by night she dreamed of romance. She was the secret author of a scandalous new novel—the tale of a lady “rake” and her passionate exploits. Yet one titled gentleman grew more and more intrigued with this headstrong young woman, and Felicity would soon learn that real life could be infinitely more interesting (and stranger) than fiction. About the Author M.C. Beaton is the pen name of bestselling novelist Marion Chesney. She is a prolific writer of historical romances and small village mysteries. Born in Scotland, the author began her writing career as a fiction buyer for a Glasgow bookstore and has worked as a theater critic, newspaper reporter, and editor. The author has written under various names, most notably as M.C. Beaton for her Hamish Macbeth and Agatha Raisin series. She has also written under the names Sarah Chester, Helen Crampton, Ann Fairfax, Marion Gibbons, Jennie Tremaine, and Charlotte Ward. The author lived in the United States, but now splits her time between the Cotswolds, England, and Paris, France. About the Series Waverly women pursue their aspirations no matter what the obstacle. They may marry if the cause seems to suit the purpose, or they may flirt until their heart is content—or perhaps until the gentleman who has until then proven to be the most elusive of all is clearly within reach. No matter what the obstacle, none is too big for a Waverly woman. These are books of dreams, lessons, fanciful thoughts, and most of all, tales of girls grown now to women who won’t settle for anything less than their full dreams, impossible as they may seem at the outset.
The Pretty Horse-Breakers
Barbara Cartland - 1971
But Major Hooper, the London stable owner who buys Pegasus is enchanted by Candida and offers her a job in his riding school.Blind to Major Hooper's hidden motives, Candida is lured into a world of high-paid mistresses and procureres, unaware that she is considered one of them. Then Candida falls in love with handsome Lord Manville - the "Heart-Breaker" - and her real trouble begins....
Undone by the Earl
Elizabeth Rue - 2018
Former hellion Adrian Sinclair is ready to prove he's a changed man. He vows to fulfill his duties as the new Earl of Wareton, which includes choosing a wealthy, suitable wife. When he takes charge of his cousin's home, his first priority is marrying off his cousin's troublesome stepsister. However, the more time he spends with the unconventional beauty, the harder it is to deny his attraction to her. While she's anything but suitable, she's everything he wants.She didn't want to be alone...But she had no choice. Anna Colbrook would rather everyone think she's content to be a spinster than have them know the truth. Unfortunately, Adrian seems determined to uncover the real reason she remains unmarried, and his powers of persuasion—namely his kisses in the moonlight—awaken Anna's long-denied dreams of love. But when a scandalous deception is revealed, she begins to doubt Adrian's honor. Worse, the secret puts Anna in grave danger, one even Adrian might not be able to save her from.