American English

Sherwood Anderson built his literary reputation on his to-the-point novels about American life.When he turned his hand to poetry, he stayed on-message - producing a powerful collection of verse that sometimes punches hard enough to wind you.'A New Testament' pulls together at-times visceral poems describing the people and places around him and themes including death, hunger and a visit from God.Strap yourself in for a rugged ride!The work of Sherwood Anderson is ideal for fans of authors he influenced, including Ernest Hemingway and John Steinbeck.Sherwood Anderson (1876-1941) was an American novelist and short story writer.He became a copywriter and business owner in Ohio, but quit his business and his family after a nervous breakdown in 1912.A move to Chicago saw Anderson focus more on his writing as he mixed with well-known authors. His career was launched in 1919 by the short-story sequence 'Winesburg, Ohio', but he had by then published other titles, including the novels 'Windy McPherson's Son' and 'Marching Men' and a collection of prose poems, 'Mid-American Chants' (1918).His other bestseller, 'Dark Laughter', was published in 1925.

The girl in the photo was laughing, her head thrown back, her lips painted a bright red. Jessie could feel the simple joy reflected in that moment. And as she looked closer, she saw the same gold cross and chain that had adorned the first victim’s neck.When a young woman falls to her death from a parking garage, the Boston police department rule it as a suicide. But when Jessie Novak examines the scene, she isn’t so sure... The girl’s delicate hands are bruised and her fingernails torn: evidence of a struggle. Did someone push her from the roof?Then a second young woman is found dead, this time at the foot of her dorm building, her hands injured in the same way as the first victim’s with a gold cross and chain clutched in her fist. Jessie is convinced there is a connection and that a twisted killer is on the loose.Just as Jessie thinks she is closing in on the culprit, her worst fears are realized: a third girl is found dead. The gap between murders is closing: the killer is getting more confident. He will never stop until he is caught.But little does Jessie know that, while she works to pick up the trail of her suspect, he is already on hers. She is the only one who can stop this monster before he kills again—but to save the next innocent life, is she prepared to risk her own?A thrilling and totally gripping crime thriller that will grab you from the start and not let go until the final, heart-stopping page. Utterly addictive reading for fans of Lisa Regan, Angela Marsons and Tess Gerritsen.Readers are loving Her Mother’s Cry:"WOW! I am actually at a loss for words. This is the first book in a little while that I have got 100% stuck into and refused to put down. Reading late into the night and finishing in the early hours... Everything you could possibly want from a crime thriller. A pace that keeps you guessing and keeps you hooked. The creepiness that had the hairs on my arms standing up." Chloe’s Reading Room"Another fantastic five star read from this author... Intense, chilling and gripping. This book had me sat on the edge of my seat and constantly holding my breath and as for the climax I literally have no nails left. This author has done it again. A must read series and another explosive addition to this gripping and very addictive series. Loved it!!!!" NetGalley reviewer"Suspense, action, intrigue, murder and a great who-done-it!... Gave me the chills." Goodreads reviewer.

Papirslottet er en fortælling om hemmeligheder, kærlighed og løgne.Det er en dejlig sommermorgen på Cape Cod. Elle Bishop, lykkeligt gift med Peter og mor til tre, vågner på familiens sommersted Papirslottet. Her har hun tilbragt alle somre i sit liv: som barn, som ung og sammen med sin egen familie. Men denne morgen er anderledes. Aftenen før sneg Elle sig ud sammen med barndomsvennen Jonas og havde sex, mens deres intetanende familier opholdt sig indenfor. I løbet af det næste døgn må Elle træffe en stor og livsændrende beslutning: Skal hun blive hos Peter, som hun elsker, eller skal hun starte et nyt liv med Jonas, som var hendes første store kærlighed? Som ung var hun sikker på, at de en dag ville gifte sig, men en tragisk hændelse forandrede alt.Papirslottet er en fascinerende historie om en kvindes liv og svære valg.

Two old rivals. One dream job. And a summer they’ll never forget.Freya Johanssen needs a fresh start. A recently heartbroken and newly-qualified veterinarian, she will take any job that gets her away from Seattle—for now. Her plan is to spend two years in the small town of Whisper Falls, and then head back to the city and civilisation.And then Trent Crossley shows up, and her carefully laid plans are blown to pieces. He’s the last person she expected—or wanted—ever to see again. This is the guy who thinks he’s God’s gift to women; who breezed through vet school without studying and who betrayed her in a way she’ll never forgive. She thinks he’s an arrogant party boy; he thinks she’s an uptight perfectionist. Now he’s in her clinic, and the fluttering in her stomach must mean she’s still mad at him.It seems they have both been hired for the same job—and now neither is backing down. But as Freya works to outdo Trent at every turn, she starts to see a different side to the man she thought she knew. Falling in love was never part of her plan. And if she wants the new beginning she’s worked so hard for, can she afford to give away her heart?A totally unputdownable feel-good read about finding yourself, and love, in the most unexpected places. Fans of Virgin River, Debbie Macomber, Jill Shalvis and Carolyn Brown will love The Gable House.Readers can’t get enough of Ellyn Oaksmith:"Kept me hooked from start to end, I read it in one sitting... heart-warming." Bookworm 86, 5 stars"I found myself staying up through the night swooning and sniffling in this heart-wrenchingly amazing romance... I was hooked from the very first page." Nurse Bookie, 5 stars"I adored it... Some funny little things that made me smirk and some sad ones that broke my heart AND a scene that made my eyes well up and my heart melt. Great ingredients mixed into a wonderful story." B for Bookreview, 5 stars.USA Today bestselling authorEllyn Oaksmith is the USA Today and Kindle bestselling author of the Blue Hills Series, featuring the Alvarez family. After graduating from Smith College and attaining her MFA from The American Film Institute, Ellyn began her writing career as an award-winning screenwriter in Hollywood. Her books explore the same themes as her screenplays: grit, humor, family and love. Ellyn lives on one of Seattle's many hills with her husband and spends as much time as possible on the water as part of a competitive rowing team.

Stepping off the Greyhound bus, I look at the town glinting in the distance beyond a crystal-clear mountain lake. The lines I’ve memorized from the ad are on repeat in my mind: accommodation and employment provided to women willing to relocate to a historic town with a shortage of women.When Virginia first sees the ad, her breath catches. Female? Check. Small-town seclusion needed? Check. Currently without a home or a job? Check and check. She dabs an extra layer of concealer over the bruise on her cheek, bundles up her belongings, and her secrets, and escapes her life in Savannah.But arriving at Fortune Springs, Colorado, Virginia realizes that her plan to lay low and heal her tattered heart won’t stand up against the prying questions from Calla, the brusque older woman who gives her a place to live. She’s on the brink of leaving when Calla’s twelve-year-old granddaughter arrives at the house, abandoned and alone. Virginia recognizes the feeling, and she realizes she can’t be another adult to let the girl down. Then there’s the handsome, aloof firefighter Owen, whose company is giving her a whole ’nother reason to stay...But when she returns one day from a walk amongst the wildflowers to find a face from her past waiting for her, Virginia realizes that a secret she’s kept has exposed the people around her to a new world of danger. Can she find the strength to fight for the life, and love, she’s found in Fortune Springs?An emotional, gripping story full of family drama. Fans of Carolyn Brown, Robyn Carr and Debbie Macomber will be hooked.Readers love Alys Murray:"Swept me away in its warmth. I couldn’t stay away until I finished... feels and fun, family and love." Goodreads reviewer"Fabulous. Will remain with you long after you’ve reached the last page... HIGHLY RECOMMENDED." Brook Cottage Books Blog"The warmth of the story enveloped my soul." Goodreads reviewer"Full of lovely characters, witty dialogue and wonderful settings, the kind of place where you’d like to live." Goodreads reviewerThe first book featuring the Anderson family, The Magnolia Sisters, reached #40 in the US top 100. Alys' previous title, The Christmas Company, was turned into a Hallmark movieFor fans of Jenny Hale, Debbie Macomber and Carolyn BrownAlys Murray writes novels for the romantic in all of us. Born and raised in New Orleans, she received her BFA from NYU's Tisch School of the Arts and her Master's in Film Studies from King's College London. Though she's moved away from home, she'll always be a Southern girl at heart.

"Tugged on my heartstrings... I loved every minute I spent reading this adorable story... my heart was aching... Such a sweet heart-warming story" Audio Killed the BookmarkCan you ever really forget your first love?It’s been eight long years since May Anderson’s high school sweetheart Tom Riley drove down Main Street in his truck, leaving Hillsboro—and May—in his rearview mirror. Now he’s back and, try as they might, the pair can’t avoid each other.As Hillsboro prepares to host the prestigious North West Food and Wine Festival, Tom and May are reluctantly called in to plan the big event. Tom needs May’s help to repair his bad-boy reputation and, with the whole town counting on them, May and Tom need to learn to trust each other again.May is determined to protect her heart, but a lot has changed since high school. She can’t help but notice how the skinny boy she used to know is now a man who perfectly fills out his button-down, and Tom can’t seem to tear his gaze away from May’s sweet smile. It’s clear old feelings are surfacing again, but there is a secret keeping them apart and, until they find the courage to face it, their second chance summer will be only that...A heartwarming story about first love, family and the importance of second chances. Fans of Jenny Hale, Debbie Macomber and Robyn Carr will adore Sweet Pea Summer.Readers love Sweet Pea Summer:"I binge-read this book... Very charming setting in a charming town. Highly recommend this great summer read!’ Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars"Read as fast as I could. It's a heartwarming read perfect for escaping from these bleak times and I thoroughly enjoyed it." Scrapping and Playing, 5 stars"Right away, I knew I was going to love Sweet Pea Summer... It set a standard of charm, romance, and lovability that will be incredibly difficult for other summer reads to outdo." Tamsterdam Reads, 5 stars"I loved this book. Great storyline, characters, humor, romance and emotions. Everything I look for in a great book. This is one book you need to read and enjoy." Goodreads reviewer, 5 starsThe first book featuring the Anderson family, The Magnolia Sisters, reached #40 in the US top 100. Alys' previous title, The Christmas Company, was turned into a Hallmark movie.Alys Murray writes novels for the romantic in all of us. Born and raised in New Orleans, she received her BFA from NYU's Tisch School of the Arts and her Master's in Film Studies from King's College London. Though she's moved away from home, she'll always be a Southern girl at heart.

'Herland' is a adventurous book that looks at what an all female utopia could look like. Written by Charlotte Perkins Gilman, the story is about three explorers that crash land in a community where women have created a utopia without any men. The book questions feminism, the structure of society and the concept of gender itself. The book paves the way to feminist discussions explored in titles such as 'The Handmaid's Tale' by Margaret Atwood, and by trailblazers like Judith Butler.Charlotte Perkins Gilman is an American novelist that was known for her feminist and humanitarian literature. Considered a utopian-feminist, Perkins paved the way for future generations of feminists through her writing. Best known for her semi-autobiographical short 'The Yellow Wallpaper', Perkins examined women's role in society, and the concept of gender itself.

'Iola Leroy', one of the first novels published by an African-American woman, follows a group of slaves who are seeking refuge with the approaching Union army during the Civil War. The Union commander is made aware that a beautiful young woman is being held as a slave in the neighbourhood and sets her free.The narrative then switches to Iola Leroy's point of view and follows her turmoil with being tricked, misled, and eventually sold off and taken away from her mother.In a story exploring the serious social issues of education for women, religion and social responsibility, we follow Iola as she attempts to track down her family once again.People who are familiar with Harriet Jacobs' 'Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl' will like this novel!Frances Ellen Watkins Harper was an American abolitionist, suffragist, poet, teacher and writer. She was one of the first African-American women to be published in the United States. Harper was born free in Baltimore, Maryland, and had a long career, publishing her first book of poetry at 20-years-old. She published her novel 'Iola Leroy' aged 67 in 1892, making her one of the first Black women to publish a novel.In 1851, while she was living with the family of William Still, a clerk who helped refugee slaves make their way along the Underground Railroad, Harper turned to writing anti-slavery literature. A couple of years later she joined the American Anti-Slavery Society and began her career as a public speaker and political activist.Harper founded, supported, and held positions in several progressive organizations, becoming the superintendent of the Colored Section of the Philadelphia and Pennsylvania Women's Christian Temperance Union. She also helped found the National Association of Colored Women and served as its vice president.Harper died at age 85 in February, 1911, nine years before women gained the right to vote.

Brilliantly intelligent, rich and stylish Myra is a living legend in her hometown.But she sends shockwaves through the community when she rejects her riches and elopes with hard-up Oswald Henshawe.When Nellie, a long-time acquaintance of Myra's, next sees the couple, they are living a glamorously poor Bohemian life in post-Revolution Paris, with singers, actors, poets and artists in and out of their apartment.But, when elegant poverty becomes real poverty in a tumbledown hotel, Myra realises the identity of her 'Mortal Enemy'.This heart-rending study of the blessings and curses of love is perfect for fans of Thomas Hardy's 'Tess of the d'Urbervilles' and 'Middlemarch' by George Eliot.Willa Cather (1873-1947) was an American writer best known for her novels of life on the Great Plains of the United States.After a time as a magazine writer and editor, then as an English teacher, Cather began to publish collections of her poetry and short stories.Her first novel, 'Alexander's Bridge', was published in 1912, followed by her 'Prairie Trilogy' - 'O Pioneers!', 'The Song of the Lark' and 'My Antonia'.Numerous other novels followed as Cather became one of the US's most celebrated authors.In 1923 she won the Pulitzer Prize for her First World War-based novel, 'One of Ours'.

If you are a dog lover, you will love this book.For Albert Payson Terhune is a dog lover, too - and it shines out of every page of this book of stories about man's best friend.Each of the stories features vivid and moving descriptions of dogs and of their ebb-and-flow relationships with people. In one, called 'Chums', a homeless boy befriends two stray dogs and develops a deep friendship with them - only to see them snatched by the dog-catcher while he is working to pay for dinner.There is heartbreak in abundance throughout the book - but plenty of heartwarming endings, too.Terhune's stories are perfect for fans of 'Lassie Come Home' by Eric Knight and 'Black Beauty' by Anna Sewell.Albert Payson Terhune (1872-1942) was an American author, journalist and dog breeder. He had a strong following for his novels and short stories about the adventures of the collies that he bred and loved.His estate, Sunnybank in New Jersey, is now Terhune Memorial Park. It is open to the puboic and visitors can see the graves of many of the dogs from Terhune's novels.

"I'm so tired of Christmas I wish there never would be another one!"Nobody would be surprised if it were old Scrooge talking. But it's actually little Effie, a child with festive fatigue.Once you find out whether Effie dropped her impression of 'The Grinch', then you can go on a journey to 'Candy Country' or get to know 'Naughty Jocko' and find out more about 'The Piggy Girl'.A collection of 10 short children’s stories, brought to you by the iconic Louisa May Alcott. A winning compilation, perfect for youngsters from any generation.Louisa May Alcott (1832-1888) was an American writer of numerous beloved novels, short stories and poems. She was a feminist, and many of her stories are loosely based on her own life experiences. She is primarily known for her young adult fiction but also wrote gothic thrillers, albeit anonymously, and sensational stories under the pen name A.M. Barnard. One of her best-known works is "Little Women", a novel that has been turned into numerous film and television adaptations, such as the 2019 film, starring Saorise Ronan, Florence Pugh and Timothée Chalamet.

'A Modern Mephistopheles' is an eerie tale of passion, deceit, control and greed. It is little wonder Alcott's authorship of the novel was unknown for many years, as she sheltered behind a pseudonym.Felix Canaris, an anguished writer who is about to take his own life, is saved by Jasper Helwyze offering grand promises of fame and fortune - but on the condition that he promises his complete commitment.But when Helwyze exploits the naïve and graceful Gladys as a pawn in his scheme - the race is on, will Canaris break free of him in time to save Gladys?A 150 year-old spine-chilling tale that has never been more relevant today.If you enjoyed 'The Talented Mr. Ripley' by Patricia Highsmith, starring Matt Damon and Cate Blanchett in its film adaptation, then this psychological thriller is for you. Perfect for fans of the Netflix series 'You', starring Penn Badgley and Victoria Pedretti.Louisa May Alcott (1832-1888) was an American writer of numerous beloved novels, short stories and poems. She was a feminist, and many of her stories are loosely based on her own life experiences. She is primarily known for her young adult fiction but also wrote gothic thrillers, albeit anonymously, and sensational stories under the pen name A.M. Barnard. One of her best-known works is "Little Women", a novel that has been turned into numerous film and television adaptations, such as the 2019 film, starring Saorise Ronan, Florence Pugh and Timothée Chalamet.

Nancy Lavelle lies still on the floor. With her eyes looking towards her children’s rooms, her hands are clasped in prayer, as if the last thing she wished for was her children to be saved...When Detective Abby Pearce is called to the Beach House, a holiday home in the most affluent part of Martha’s Vineyard, she finds five bodies. An entire family has been killed in a frenzied attack... all except one. Fifteen-year-old Karin is the only survivor. Sitting in the house, surrounded by her family, she stares into the distance and doesn’t say a word.When Karin’s grandparents fly in to take her home, Abby’s investigation takes a shocking turn. Taking one look at the traumatised girl, they recoil—the girl curled up in a hospital bed isn’t their granddaughter. So who is she? And where is the real Karin Lavelle?Abby fears the missing girl is in serious danger, and with local residents worried that the killer is still on the island and the press questioning her every move, she’s under pressure to solve both crimes fast. But when she uncovers a link between Thomas Lavelle’s New York office and her previous job at the NYPD, she begins to fear that these brutal murders are a sign... and that she’s next. Can she find the killer before another life is taken, or is she walking into a trap?This fast-paced thriller is perfect for fans of Lisa Regan, Kendra Elliot and Mary Burton, but be warned—you won’t want to put it down!What readers are saying about Silent Island:"An ending that will leave you stunned." Just Reviews"Clever, twisty and altogether spine-chilling!" NetGalley reviewer"Hit the ground running and never let up... Kept me glued to the story right up to the last page." Goodreads reviewer.Dana Perry is a New York City author who writes mystery thrillers featuring newspaper reporter Jessie Tucker.

Among the many twentieth century treatises on the art of writing, there were few that attempted to analyze the development of form and style. But Edith Wharton's bestselling classic, 'The Writing of Fiction' did just that. Complete with chapters devoted to the invaluable insight on character, pacing, structure, the short story, the novel, and a wide-range of approaches to modern fiction.The book is a window into the mind of one of America's most important and enduring voices. In 1921, Edith Wharton became the first woman to win a Pulitzer Prize for her 1920 novel 'The Age of Innocence'.Edith Wharton (1862–1937) was a prolific novelist and one of the twentieth century’s greatest authors. 'The Age of Innocence', her Pulitzer-winning novel was made into the acclaimed Martin Scorsese film of the same name – starring Daniel Day-Lewis, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Winona Ryder. Wharton's work has sold millions of copies worldwide. Among her other renowned works are 'The House of Mirth' and 'Ethan Frome'.

"When anyone meets us," Meg said, "they always look surprised. Dogs which are not allowed in the house are like us. The only difference is that they don't drive us out—but we are just as much in the way."‘Two little Pilgrims’ Progress’ is the story of orphaned twins, Meg and Robin, left to the care of their Aunt Matilda, who doesn’t take much notice of them. Meg sleeps in a cold servant’s room, while Robin shares a room with someone else. All the two kids have in the world are each other and their dreams.Meg dreams of running away to "The City Beautiful" – Chicago – for the single reason that it is "millions of miles" away from Aunt Matilda's barn. She convinces her brother to run away with her, and through the eyes of the adventurous children, the reader gets to experience a truly magnificent moment in history; the Chicago World's Fair in the late 1890s.Readers who enjoyed ‘The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn’ by Mark Twain will also enjoy this book.Frances Hodgson Burnett was an English American playwright and author. Born in the UK in Manchester to a family of ironmongers, she later migrated to the United States where she would go on to write some of her most famous plays and novels.During the span of her career, Frances Hodgson Burnett wrote and published more than 53 novels, most of them for adults. However, she is perhaps best known for her work in children’s literature, including famous titles such as ‘The Little Princess’ (1905), ‘The Secret Garden’ (1911), and ‘Little Lord Fauntleroy’ (1886).Frances Hodgson Burnett is also known for her historical fiction, including acclaimed titles such as 'The Head of the House of Coombe' (1922) and its sequel, 'Robin' (1922).Burnett’s work has been adapted for film many times. The latest movie adaptation of ‘The Secret Garden’ was released in 2020, starring Colin Firth and Julie Walters.

‘Joseph and His Friend: A Story of Pennsylvania’ was written by American author Bayard Taylor.After marrying a wealthy woman, young Joseph discovers a deep and powerful love for his friend Philip. Confused by his feelings and unhappy with his manipulative wife, Joseph’s love for Philip grows stronger.Considered to be the ‘first gay novel’ in America, the book discusses the friends' special attachment and their romantic but not sexual relationship. Noted for its enigmatic treatment of homosexuality, critics were divided over their interpretation of the novel with many arguing it was a political argument for gay relationships while others thought it an idealization of male spirituality. A great read for fans of E. M. Forster's novel 'Maurice' and 'Brokeback Mountain' by Annie Proulx.Bayard Taylor (1825–1878) was an American poet, author, literary critic and diplomat. Widely travelled, he was known primarily for his travelogues, which were popular in the UK and the United States.Visiting California at the height of the gold rush, Taylor published a hugely successful travel book called ‘El Dorado; or Adventures in the Path of Empire’ (1850). His other works include ‘Views Afoot, or Europe seen with Knapsack and Staff’ (1846), ‘A Journey to Central Africa; or Life and Landscapes from Egypt’ and ‘A Visit to India, China and Japan in the Year 1853’ (1855).Taylor is also credited with writing the ‘first gay novel’ in America, with his 1870 novel ‘Joseph and His Friend: A Story of Pennsylvania.’ His later work included Poems of the Orient (1855) and his famous translation of ‘Faust’ (1870–71).

The famous Alhambra Palace in Granada, Spain, served as the major influence for this collection of essays and sketches by Washington Irving. Blending history, myth, and natural descriptions, Irving's book became an indispensable attribute of the city's newsstands and boutique shops. The truthful and picturesque account of the palace, the book is often deemed responsible for the revival of interest in this masonry of old. The pages are saturated with Irving's own personal account during his stay, turning this work into a magical adventure for readers and tourists alike.-

Touching upon the legends surrounding the infamous captain William Kid, Washington Irving’s short story deals in feats of adventures, pirates, and buried treasure. The tempestuous life of William Kid and his return "laden with booty" gives vent to the rise of treasure-seekers, chasing wild rumours. Superstition, devilry, and magic intertwine in this short story that forms the backbone of American folklore tales about pirates and hidden, stolen goods. But do not hasten to grab the shovel – the aforesaid treasure is often guarded by the Devil himself.Versatile as the subject matter of his literary oeuvre, the name of Washington Irving still echoes in the corridors of the American literary canon. Having earned special status as a man of letters in America and Europe alike, Irving’s fame stems primarily from his short stories "Rip Van Winkle" and "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow". An avid biographer and historian, his influence can be felt within a vast group of American and British authors such as Nathaniel Hawthorne, E. A. Poe, Charles Dickens, and Sir Walter Scott.

"Enter, sir; you are the first to arrive..." When young traveller Hugh Austen, hungry and weather-beaten, seeks refuge in a lonely mansion, he finds himself entwined in the gruesome business of an appalling family. Mistaken for a relative himself, he soon learns that the will of a dead man is about the be read, an inheritance about to be divided. But only between the family members who are present at the appointed hour. With `The House in the Mist‘ (1905), detective writer Anna Katharine Green departs from the genre that made her famous and tells a surprising and deliciously horrific story full of twists and revenge, which is bound to satisfy.Anna Katharine Green (1846-1935) was an American poet and novelist. She is best known for her novel `The Leavenworth Case‘ (1878) with which she became one of the first American writers of detective fiction. Agatha Christie cited Green as an influence on her own writing.