Emma

Jane Austen

Summary

Emma by Jane Austen is a novel about youthful hubris and romantic misunderstandings, written by Jane Austen. It is set in the fictional country village of Highbury and the surrounding estates of Hartfield, Randalls and Donwell Abbey, and involves the relationships among people from a small number of families.

The novel was first published in December 1815, with its title page listing a publication date of 1816. As in her other novels, Austen explores the concerns and difficulties of genteel women living in Georgian–Regency England. Emma is a comedy of manners, and depicts issues of marriage, sex, age, and social status.

Before she began the novel, Austen wrote, "I am going to take a heroine whom no one but myself will much like." In the first sentence, she introduces the title character as "Emma Woodhouse, handsome, clever, and rich, with a comfortable home and a happy disposition... had lived nearly twenty-one years in the world with very little to distress or vex her."

Emma is spoiled, headstrong, and self-satisfied; she greatly overestimates her own matchmaking abilities; she is blind to the dangers of meddling in other people's lives; and her imagination and perceptions often lead her astray.

Emma, written after Austen's move to Chawton, was her last novel to be published during her lifetime, while Persuasion, the last complete novel Austen wrote, was published posthumously.

Available since: 06/01/2022.

Other books that might interest you

A Sea View Christmas - An On...

Julie Klassen

The holiday stirs up excitement as fondly remembered guests come to stay and acquaintances grow into more. . . .

With a promise to her youngest sister, Sarah Summers declares that this year's Christmas at Sea View will exceed all expectations. But an upcoming trip to Scotland--and the prospect of becoming reacquainted with dashing widower Callum Henshall--blows a flurry of doubts into her mind. Sarah had discouraged his attentions before yet soon finds herself once again torn between attraction and duty as alluring thoughts of a second chance at love weave their way into her practical heart.

Meanwhile, seventeen-year-old Georgiana eagerly anticipates the exciting Christmas of her dreams after last year's dull, disappointing holiday filled with endless chores. She enjoys all the promised parties, music, and dancing, but is taken by surprise when young love comes knocking. Does the festive romance of a Sea View Christmas hold the key to a happily-ever-after for both sisters?

Spend the holiday season with the Summers sisters on the charming Devonshire coast, where family bonds are strengthened, love is rekindled, and Christmas joy abounds.

Julie Klassen's heartwarming Christmas companion to the On Devonshire Shores series holds themes of friends to more, sisterhood bonds, and matchmaking that will fill you with holiday spirit. This novella can be read separately or along with the series and will appeal to fans of Jane Austen, English Regency romance, and Downtown Abbey.

Show book

Champagne Girl

Diana Palmer

The plans of a free-spirited young woman are upended by a gruff cowboy in this classic romance by a New York Times–bestselling author. 
 
“Nobody does it better!” —Linda Howard 
 
Underneath her bubbly carefree facade, there was more—much more—to the champagne girl. Catherine Blake had high personal standards, including a sense of duty to her widowed mother, which brought her back to Comanche Flats, the family ranch. 
 
Once she’d returned, her stepcousin, Matt Kincaid, only complicated matters. Matt demanded that she stay on at the ranch, under his watchful eye. But Catherine had a job offer waiting for her in New York City. There was only one thing that could keep her on a dusty cattle ranch in Texas—the love of the rangiest cowboy in the Lone Star State! 
 
First published in 1986.

Show book

Chosen as the Frenchman's Bride

Abby Green

One night of passion with a billionaire Frenchman leaves an innocent beauty carrying his heir in this sexy international romance. 
 
It isn’t easy for a woman to say no to a man like, tall, bronzed Xavier Salgado-Lézille. Jane tries to play it cool with the billionaire Frenchman, but she’s inexperienced . . . and a virgin. Falling in love isn’t part of the plan. But giving into his seduction leaves her pregnant! 
 
Though it was only meant to be a passing affair, Xavier is in need of an heir. Once he learns that Jane is carrying his child, there is only one option. Jane has been chosen as his bride!

Show book

Texas Born & Maggie's Dad

Diana Palmer

Alpha cowboys struggle with their feelings for the innocent women in their lives in these two western romances from the New York Times–bestselling author.Gabriel Brandon had been her hero ever since he’d rescued her, an orphan, from sure ruin. And Michelle Godrey had loved him forever, the mysterious rancher with the dark eyes, her protector and guardian angel. But something kept his heart closed off, seemingly for good. Could Michelle ever cast aside the shadows that lingered between them? Could she show Gabriel that their Lone Star love was true?BONUS STORY INCLUDED IN THIS VOLUME! Maggie’s Dad by Diana PalmerHot-tempered rancher Powell Long had once stolen Antonia Hayes’s heart. But their love had faced too many obstacles, and Antonia fled. Now she’s back, finding Powell raising a daughter alone. Fatherhood hasn’t diminished the attraction she feels whenever he is near. Is taking a chance at a future family with Powell simply too much to wish for?“Palmer knows how to make the sparks fly!” —Publishers Weekly“Diana Palmer is a mesmerizing storyteller who captures the essence of what a romance should be.” —Affaire de Coeur

Show book

Boys Come First

Aaron Foley

Three Black gay millennial men look for love, friendship, and professional success in the Motor City in this hilarious and touching debut novel. Suddenly jobless and single after a devastating layoff and a breakup with his cheating ex, advertising copywriter Dominick Gibson flees his life in Hell’s Kitchen for a fresh start in his hometown of Detroit. He’s got one objective—exit the shallow dating pool ASAP and get married by thirty-five—and the deadline’s approaching fast. Meanwhile, Dom’s best friend, Troy Clements, an idealistic teacher who never left Michigan, finds himself at odds with all the men in his life: a troubled boyfriend he’s desperate to hold onto, a perpetually dissatisfied father, and his other friend, Remy Patton. Remy, a rags-to-riches real estate agent known as “Mr. Detroit,” has his own problems—namely choosing between making it work with a long-distance lover or settling for a local Mr. Right Now who’s not quite Mr. Right. And when a high-stakes real estate deal threatens to blow up his friendship with Troy, the three men must figure out how to navigate the pitfalls of friendship and a city that seems to be changing overnight. Full of unforgettable characters, Boys Come First is about the trials and tribulations of real friendship, but also about the highlights and hiccups—late nights at the wine bar, awkward Grindr hookups, workplace microaggressions, situationships, frenemies, family drama, and of course, the group chat—that define Black, gay, millennial life in today’s Detroit.

Show book

An Insatiable Passion

Lynne Graham

Fame and fortune can’t erase her memories of being in his arms. An emotionally powerful shared-past romance from the USA Today–bestselling author. 
 
As Kitty Colgan returns home for her beloved grandmother’s funeral she is determined to lay the ghosts of her past to rest. Gone is the innocently naive young girl whose heart was broken so terribly by Jake Tarrant, and in her place stands an internationally renowned actress full of poise and grace. 
 
But when face-to-face with Jake once more, the layers of cultivated sophistication drop away, for Jake is still incredibly attractive . . . and infinitely more dangerous.

Show book