Publisher: Classica Libris
In the early 1700s, the cultural group now known as Romani had made inroads into much of Europe. In some areas, they were granted special privileges and dispensations; in others, they were mercilessly persecuted and even sold into slavery. British historical novelist G. P. R. James captures the shifting role of the Gypsy people during the period in this remarkably detailed book.
From a #1 New York Times–bestselling author: A “magnificent” epic based on the early life of Genghis Khan (New York Herald Tribune). This sweeping saga captures life in the Far East during the Middle Ages and dramatizes the events that transformed a Mongol tribesman named Temujin into the man who would conquer Asia and be known to the world for centuries to come as Genghis Khan. Raised by an indomitable woman and educated by his outcast uncle, Temujin becomes a fearsome warrior who inspires loyalty in his friends and hatred in his enemies. But he is also blessed with a keen intelligence and the charisma of a natural born leader. In an era marked by treachery and savage violence, these gifts lead Temujin to a relentless pursuit of power. From the Gobi Desert to Samarkand, Taylor Caldwell transports readers to a distant world and shines a brilliant light on one of history’s most enigmatic figures. On her “huge historical canvas . . . blood spurts from the knife; beads of sweat stand out on straining flesh; lusts are consummated and revenges achieved” (New York Herald Tribune).Show book
Perfect for fans of Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens, The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah, and Sal by Mik Kitson, with its celebration of the natural world, its misunderstood central characters living on the outside of society's norms, their survival in the wilderness, and the ultimate fight for justice. Before the Swallows Come Back is a story of love, found family, and redemption that will break your heart and have it soaring time and time again as you sit on the edge of your seat desperately hoping. Tommy struggles with people, with communicating, preferring solitude, drifting off with nature. He is protected by his Tinker family who keep to the old ways. A life of quiet seclusion under canvas is all he knows. Charlotte cares for her sickly father. She meets Tommy by the riverside and an unexpected friendship develops. Over the years it becomes something more, something crucial to both of them. But when tragedy strikes each family they are torn apart. Charlotte is sent far away. Tommy might have done something very bad. What people are saying about Before the Swallows Come Back “It is impossible to avoid falling under the spell of Before the Swallows Come Back.” “A wonderful story highlighting the beauty of nature. And of those who understand the importance of keeping wild places where nature can thrive. It is at the same time a love story. What’s not to love?” “I will read it again and again...” “One of the best books I’ve ever read, beautifully written, a lovely heartwarming story, one to remain in my memory for ever.” “So well written, emotional, beauty of nature, good, evil, mystery, and human connections. Wow, absolutely loved this read. I highly recommend this exceptional book.” “Like forest bathing on a stiflingly hot day...”Show book
Short stories have always been a sort of instant access into an author’s brain, their soul and heart. A few pages can lift our lives into locations, people and experiences with a sweep of landscape, narration, feelings and emotions that is difficult to achieve elsewhere. In this series we try to offer up tried and trusted ‘Top Tens’ across many different themes and authors. But any anthology will immediately throw up the questions – Why that story? Why that author? The theme itself will form the boundaries for our stories which range from well-known classics, newly told, to stories that modern times have overlooked but perfectly exemplify the theme. Throughout the volume our authors whether of instant recognition or new to you are all leviathans of literature. Some you may disagree with but they will get you thinking; about our choices and about those you would have made. If this volume takes you on a path to discover more of these miniature masterpieces then we have all gained something. The Century races to a close but the reality of a woman’s place within it is still accepted as downtrodden and disposable. Society is slow to recognise and even slower to act. Our female authors begin to shine a light on where the future lies through these magnificent literary gems. 1 - The Top 10 - Women. The 1890's - An Introduction 2 - The Yellow Wall Paper by Charlotte Perkins Gilman 3 - From The Dead by Edith Nesbit 4 - Desiree's Baby by Kate Chopin 5 - The Burglar's Christmas by Willa Cather 6 - Passed by Charlotte Mew 7 - The Hired Baby, A Romance of the London Streets by Mary Mackay writing as Marie Corelli 8 - A New England Nun by Mary E Wilkins Freeman 9 - Another Freak by Mary Angela Dickens 10 - The Ghost at the Wrath by Rosa Mulholland 11 - Irremediable by Ella D'ArcyShow book
THE THEATRE MAY SEEM GLAMOROUS, BUT SECRETS WAIT BEHIND THE CURTAIN1926. Running a theatre may appear to be all about the showbiz, but times are hard at The Empire. Following a turbulent period Jack Treadwell, erstwhile proprietor, his mother Lillian, and his playwright wife Grace, know they need to get things back on track - and how better than with the annual pantomime, a new venture, and an all-singing all-dancing talent contest, showcasing the best performers around.But could Lillian's new admirer, Grand Duke Nikolai Kuznetsov, be bringing disaster in his wake? Will The Empire be caught up in the scandal surrounding West End star, Stella Stanmore? And what are their enemies in Highbridge planning?While Jack and Grace fight to ensure the show does go on, a royal visitor raises the stakes and a young widow, Sally Blow, dares to dream that the talent contest might be her big break.As the talent contest draws closer, tragedy strikes. Amid the glitz and glamour there are strange goings on and a plot afoot. Is everything Jack and Grace have worked so hard for about to come crashing down? And could this be curtains for The Empire?Musical theatre legend Michael Ball brings his trademark warmth, wit and glamour to this sparkling new Empire Theatre novel.'A wonderful book. A love letter to the theatre' Rev. Richard Coles'A fantastic book. Brilliant' Don Black OBE'A wonderful read' Jeffrey Archer'A golden debut - charming, funny and romantic' Cameron Mackintosh'Takes you to the magical world of theatre' Rosie GoodwinShow book
This audiobook is narrated by an AI Voice. When brilliant but reckless archaeologist Dr. Sophia Hass discovers a sealed tomb on a remote Greek island, she ignores local warnings about an ancient curse. But as her team members begin turning to stone and mysterious figures appear at the edge of vision, she's forced to confront the terrifying truth: the Medusa of legend is awakening. ⛏️🏛️ 🐍 What if everything we know about Medusa is wrong? 🐍 As Sophia delves deeper into the mystery, she uncovers a shocking revelation—Medusa wasn't the monster history painted her to be, but a victim whose story was rewritten by those in power. Now, thousands of years later, the Gorgon seeks someone to carry her truth into the modern world. 👁️💔 ⚡ A race against time and myth ⚡ With a mythologist's help and her own connection to the excavation site, Sophia faces an impossible choice that will determine not just her fate, but how an ancient injustice will be remembered. Will she contain the awakened power, banish it forever, or become something neither human nor myth has seen before? 🔮⏳ 💫 Perfect for fans of archaeological thrillers with supernatural twists, feminist retellings of ancient myths, and stories that challenge what we think we know about history. MEDUSA will leave you questioning whose version of events you've been believing... 💫 🌟 Don't just read history—discover the truth behind the myth! 🌟Show book
The Western Maryland, Garret family, struggle to maintain their farm as their neighbors argue the slavery issue. They live in a border state where folks take both sides and emotions run hot. Their stoic matriarch, known only as "Mother" holds the family together in the absence of her dead husband. The deceased patriarch, Valentine,was a giant of a man both in stature and character. He acts as the family conscience and mentor throughout the novel. It is his admonition that people who get snakebit think and act crazy which is how he viewed the state of the country when he died. Gabe the eldest and an adventurer, has wandered off to Bleeding Kansas. This has left taciturn Geoffrey, the spitting image of Valentine. as man of the house. Intelligent and beautiful, Becca is being suited by two beaus, twins no less. But she aspires to something better than being just a backwoods wife. Samuel is the youngest is the wildest member of the clan. Impetuous and ornery. he keeps the family occupied - for good or ill. As the novel progresses historical characters are also introduced including Abraham Lincoln, future President of the Union and Alexander Stephens, future vice President of the Confederacy. Some characters attend historical milestones like the 1859 Republican Political Convention in Chicago, the Contentious Democratic Convention in Charleston South Carolina and the tense trial of John Brown in Charles Town, Virginia. In each instance the question of race tears at the fabric of American society. Ultimately, bitter recriminations lead to secession and war in book two, FIRE-EATERS. Each chapter of each book is a self-contained story. just as each book can stand alone. But through it all the Garretts, their friends and family tell our American story, the story we didn't hear about in school.Show book
