Showing results by author "Mary Elizabeth Braddon" in All Categories

EXCERPT In everything he did, the doctor prioritized Floras happiness above all else. He filled his home with delightful company—esteemed professionals and their charming wives—hoping to cultivate friendships that would bring joy to her life. Despite her initial reservations, Floras gentle nature won over those who came to know her. In Cuthbert Ollivants close-knit circle, she was simply known as his beloved ward, and to know her was to love her.

Discover the enthralling world of Mary Elizabeth Braddons Lady Audleys Secret, a captivating tale of mystery, deception, and the complexities of Victorian society. Follow the enigmatic Lady Audley as she navigates love, ambition, and the dark secrets that threaten to unravel her life. This classic novel weaves a rich tapestry of suspense that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

In Asphodel, Daphne finds herself far from home, much like the resilient plant of the same name that flourishes in distant lands. At nearly 17, she seizes her first taste of freedom, yearning to escape the painful reality of her fathers indifference and the haunting absence of her mother, who vanished in the South of France. As the butchers daughter from Oxford Street, she navigates a world where she can manipulate her friends choices and indulge in a fantasy romance with a nameless man. But returning home forces her to confront the harsh truths of her past and strive for her fathers elusive ...

Welcome, dear listener, to The Mary Elizabeth Braddon Library. A chamber of secrets, a gallery of restless hearts, and a lantern-lit corridor of whispered confessions.Here, behind the drawn curtain and within the quiet walls of respectable houses, you shall find what polite society would rather leave undiscovered: hidden marriages, perilous affections, fortunes won and lost, and heroines whose beauty is rivalled only by their resolve. In these pages, love is seldom safe, innocence is not always pure, and the past is never so thoroughly buried as one might wish.

In Mary Elizabeth Braddons gripping Victorian novel, Henry Dunbar, the titular character returns to England after a 30-year exile in India for forgery. His arrival sparks a thrilling tale filled with murder, deception, and the moral dilemmas surrounding guilt and responsibility. As he navigates the treacherous waters of societal expectations and gender barriers of the Victorian era, Dunbars journey unfolds into a captivating adventure that challenges the very fabric of morality. (Summary by Rosie)

After two long decades, the mystery surrounding the murder of the beloved Mr. Blake has finally come to light. Enter Humphrey Vargas, a man who seemingly appeared out of nowhere with his dog, to confess his crime to the county magistrate. His shocking revelation unravels a gripping tale filled with unexpected twists and turns. As the truth comes to the surface, the community grapples with the haunting memories of the past, forcing relationships to evolve in unforeseen ways. Discover how the uncovering of a murderer can shake a town to its core. - Summary by Stav Nisser.

Step into the intriguing world of The Fatal Three, a captivating novel by one of the 19th centurys most celebrated authors, Mary Elizabeth Braddon. While it may not boast the sensationalism of some of her other works, this story presents a rich tapestry of complex characters and thought-provoking themes. Dive into discussions on moral and religious education, the constraints of Victorian marriage laws, the nuances of mental illness, and the profound impact of upbringing on ones destiny. Set against the backdrop of charming country homes and breathtaking scenery, this is an enjoyable read that ...

Immerse yourself in Golden Calf, a captivating late 19th Century sensation novel that chronicles the journey of Ida Palliser as she navigates the treacherous waters of love and ambition within Englands Gentry Class. Set against the backdrop of Victorian society, this tale reveals the hidden truths of the upper class, challenging the facade of social conformity. Join Ida as she uncovers the secrets that lie beneath the surface of a world steeped in propriety. (summary by James Dow)

In the quaint village of Matcham, a newcomer arrives—an outsider referred to as a foreigner by the locals. Unfamiliar with the villages traditions, its people, and the intricate web of their lives, he finds himself unexpectedly tied to this place. Following the recent passing of a bachelor uncle, he inherits a small estate just a mile away, thrusting him into the heart of Matcham’s secrets, prejudices, and passions.

As the festive season descends upon Penlyon Castle, the adults find themselves yearning for a touch of excitement. Sir John muses, If only I had a pack of children of my own, I would celebrate Christmas the way it should be! Enter his clever friend Mr. Danby, who has just the whimsical solution hiring a few children to bring joy and mischief to the holiday. With the arrival of the spirited Lassie, Laddie, and little Moppet, Christmas at the castle is about to transform in ways no one could have imagined! (Summary by ppcunningham) Proof Listener - hallejk

At just 15 years old, Eleanor Vane seems to have it all a luxurious education at a prestigious finishing school in Paris, her father’s unwavering affection, and a natural inclination for kindness. However, her life takes a tragic turn when her father unexpectedly passes away, leaving her vulnerable to the whims of her estranged half-siblings and the harsh judgment of society that views her as an orphaned beggar. Sent to serve as a ladys companion to an old friend of her late father, Eleanor faces the daunting challenge of carving out a respectable place for herself in a world that has turned...

Dive into Mary Elizabeth Braddons captivating debut novel, Lady Audleys Secret, which took Victorian readers by storm upon its serial publication in 1862. This enthralling tale follows the enchanting Lucy Graham, who transforms into Lady Audley, all while hiding a scandalous secret from her husband and his family. With a gripping mix of madness, bigamy, attempted murder, and seduction, this sensational narrative remains one of the quintessential examples of 19th-century fiction, sure to keep you spellbound from beginning to end. (Summary written by gloriana).

Step into the world of Charlottes Inheritance, a captivating yet lesser-known novel by the brilliant English novelist. The story unfolds in a shabby boarding house in Paris, where students are managed by a rather inadequate landlady. Meet Gustave, a young provincial who arrives in the city under the guise of studying law but is secretly bound to marry his sponsors unappealing daughter. Disillusioned with his predetermined fate, Gustave leaves the boarding house but finds himself drawn to a mysterious young English widow who seeks his help. Discover the twists and turns of their intertwined ...

In the captivating first part of this two-part tale, we delve into the lives of four cunning con men whose paths intertwine as they execute their elaborate schemes against one another. Prepare for a thrilling ride filled with deception and intrigue that sets the stage for the sequel, Charlottes Inheritance.

In Beyond These Voices, we delve into the captivating life of Veera Davis, the daughter of a poet and a struggling noblewoman. Left in the care of her grandmother, Veera endures a solitary and uneventful childhood, compelled to forge her own path in a world where everything comes at a cost. As she navigates the intricate social conventions that once marginalized her, the novel poignantly explores themes of love, ambition, and the heavy burden of loss. And just when you think you have it all figured out, a gripping murder mystery unfolds, adding layers of intrigue to her journey. Summary by ...

Immerse yourself in this exquisite and heart-wrenching love story. Violet Tempest and Roderick Vawdrey, known affectionately as Vixen and Rorie, are childhood sweethearts whose bond faces the ultimate test. Rories family has other plans for him, pushing him towards a marriage that threatens to tear them apart. While it may seem like a familiar tale of star-crossed lovers, this novel delves deeper, exploring the complex reality of relationships beyond the initial spark of love. It captures the earnest struggle of loving someone while navigating the weight of familial duties and societal ...

Once a dazzling star of London high society, Lady Maulevriers life spiraled into turmoil after her husband, a man she married solely for his wealth, committed a shocking crime in India. Now, four decades later, she finds herself raising her two granddaughters, Mary and Lesbia. Favoring the stunning Lesbia, their relationship is strained at best. While Mary embarks on a journey to marry her true love, Lesbia steps into the London social scene under the guidance of her grandmothers devoted friend. Will Lesbia seize the opportunities that come her way to secure a match that pleases her ...

Dive into a mesmerizing Victorian “sensation” novel by the acclaimed author of “Lady Audleys Secret.” Run to Earth weaves a thrilling tale filled with scoundrels, mercenaries, and a whirlwind of emotions—love, lust, jealousy, and suspense. Join the journey through intrigue and excitement, narrated by the talented Gail Mattern.

In Lovels of Arden, a young Englishwoman returns home after years of studying abroad, only to discover that her life is far from the fairy tale she envisioned. Clarissa Lovel confronts not only a father grappling with emotional and financial struggles but also her first encounter with love—a perspective that challenges her in unexpected ways. (Summary by Cathy Barratt)

In Dead Love Has Chains, we explore yet another dimension of Mary Elizabeth Braddons remarkable talent, crafted in her seventies. This novel delves deep into character and human psychology, setting it apart from her more conventional works centered on detection and crime. The story follows Irene Thelliston, a pregnant and unmarried woman sent back from India to live with her Aunt in Ireland. During her sea voyage, she confides in Lady Mary Harling, who promises to keep her secret safe. Years later, Lady Mary is horrified to discover that Irene is now engaged to her son, Conrad, who harbors his...