Classic Victorian Romance

Jo, Meg, Beth and Amy are coming of age, and stirring temptations await them around every corner. The handsome young neighbor, attentive doctor, and mysterious foreigner introduce the little women to the passion-filled world of the feminine arts. Will these steamy encounters fulfill their deepest yearnings? Have they found true love or been blinded by lust?

Tess of the d’Urbervilles is a complex and impactful novel by Thomas Hardy. The novel follows the life of Tess, the eldest child of a family who believes they have a small claim to royalty because of their family name. When misfortune hits the family, Tess takes it upon herself to seek out a wealthier relative and ask for money, but instead is taken into the service of a libertine, who takes advantage of her situation and youth.

The Pennycomequicks by Sabine Baring-Gould is a captivating tale of a wealthy family whose fortune is in decline. Set in Victorian England, this audiobook takes the listener on a journey through the joys and sorrows of the Pennycomequick family, who must navigate their changing financial circumstances while dealing with their own personal demons. The story is rich in detail and full of complex characters, each with their own struggles and desires.

A late 19th Century sensation novel following the young life of Ida Palliser as she searches for fortune and love within England's Gentry Class. Victorian sensation books were often set in ordinary, familiar setting, undermining the perceived adherence to social convention. They exposed the true lives of Victorian England's upper class - lives they tried to keep hidden.

The novel traces the return of a young Englishwoman from several years of schooling abroad, to find that her life will not take up where she thought it would. Clarissa Lovel faced not only an emotionally and financially bereft father, but her first glimpse at love - and that not from the best vantage point.

This early work by Mary Elizabeth Braddon was originally published in 1889 and we are now republishing it with a brand new biography of the author. 'The Day Will Come' is one of Braddon's novels in the sensation literature genre. Mary Elizabeth Braddon was born in Soho, London, England in 1835. She was educated privately in England and France, and at the age of just nineteen was offered a commission by a local printer to produce a serial novel "combining the humour of Dickens with the plot and construction of G. P. R. Reynolds".

In "The Hand of Ethelberta", Thomas Hardy explores the complexities of love and class in Victorian England through the story of a young woman who rises from being a governess to marrying into the aristocracy. With his signature wit and insight, Hardy delves into themes of social mobility, gender roles, and the power of love to transcend societal expectations. The audiobook brings this delightful tale to life, immersing the listener in the richly detailed world of 19th-century England.

In "The Mayor of Casterbridge", Thomas Hardy tells the gripping story of Michael Henchard, a man who, after selling his wife and daughter, rises from poverty to become the wealthy and respected mayor of his town. But when his past comes back to haunt him, he is forced to confront the consequences of his actions. This classic tale of redemption and tragedy is sure to captivate listeners with its rich characters and powerful themes.

Clara and Robert Hatrell lead an ideal life with their young daughter Daisy in a beautiful old fashioned cottage on the banks of the Thames. When his son Cyril goes away to school their friend and neighbor Ambrose Arden who is a notable scholar offers to tutor Daisy. Some time later Robert carrying a large amount in banknotes is found stabbed to death in a London rooming house supposedly lured there by the mention of someone called Toinette. The murderer is not found and the money trail implicates a Frenchwoman exchanging the notes in Cannes, Nice and Paris.

"He was a stranger in Matcham, a 'foreigner' as the villagers called such alien visitors. He had never been in the village before, knew nothing of its inhabitants or its surroundings, its customs, ways, local prejudices, produce, trade, scandals, hates, loves, subserviencies, gods, or devils , and yet henceforward he was to be closely allied with Matcham, for a certain bachelor uncle had lately died and left him a small estate within a mile of the village."

John Fausset persuades his wife that they should take his ward, Fay, under their roof. Their young daughter, Mildred, instantly takes Fay to her heart, but mystery surrounds the young girl.

Mary Elizabeth Braddon's first novel, "Lady Audley's Secret", was one of the most popular English novels of its day. Published serially in 1862, it tells the story of the lovely Lucy Graham, who becomes Lady Audley at the beginning of the novel, and who conceals a scandalous secret from her new husband and his family. The plot, which includes madness, bigamy, attempted murder, and seduction, made this a shocking but highly successful story for Victorian audiences. It remains one of the best examples of 19th century sensational fiction, and is a wonderfully absorbing book.

Against a background of industrial unrest, misery, suspicion, jealousy, and the deaths of family and dear friends, the star-crossed love between mill owner John Thornton and the cultivated Margaret Hale is put to the test.

"The Well-Beloved" is a beautifully crafted novel by Thomas Hardy, exploring the complexities of love and desire. Set in the scenic Isle of Slingers, it tells the story of a sculptor, Jocelyn Pierston, and his obsessive search for his perfect muse, who he calls his "well-beloved". As he searches for this elusive figure, he faces a series of trials and tribulations, each leading him closer to his ultimate desire. This poignant and lyrical tale is a must-read for any lover of classic literature.

A classic Victorian sensation novel filled with romance, mystery, and murder with the emphasis on romance. Christabel, a beautiful young heiress, has been brought up properly by her wealthy aunt. The aunt’s greatest longing is for Christabel to marry her scoundrel son, whom the mother believes to be perfect. While her son is off traveling in America, a wonderful young man comes to stay in their home for a while, and he wins Christabel's heart. So Christabel must choose between the man she loves and the scoundrel son of the woman who brought her up and whom she loves and respects.

Considered by many critics to be Jane Austen's finest achievement, Emma is the witty classic about youthful hubris and matchmaking gone awry. Emma Woodhouse, a privileged young lady with little to occupy her time, imagines that she dominates those around her in the small town of Highbury, but her inept matchmaking creates problems for herself and others.

A classic Victorian sensation novel filled with romance, mystery, and murder with the emphasis on romance. Christabel, a beautiful young heiress, has been brought up properly by her wealthy aunt. The aunt’s greatest longing is for Christabel to marry her scoundrel son, whom the mother believes to be perfect. While her son is off traveling in America, a wonderful young man comes to stay in their home for a while, and he wins Christabel's heart. So Christabel must choose between the man she loves and the scoundrel son of the woman who brought her up and whom she loves and respects.

Pasjonujący cykl powieściowy, który przyniósł Johnowi Galsworthy’emu literacką Nagrodę Nobla! Trzytomowa powieść obejmuje losy kilku pokoleń bogatej mieszczańskiej rodziny. Historia zaczyna się w 1886 r., kiedy młody Jolyon wdaje się w romans z guwernantką swojej córki, a kończy w 1920 r., gdy umiera Tymoteusz - "ostatni ze starych Forsyte'ów". Bazując na własnych doświadczeniach, autor z humorem i ironią opisuje charakterystyczne postawy członków angielskiej socjety epoki wiktoriańskiej.

Francis Sheridan paints a detailed picture of 18th century aristocracy and outlines Miss Sidney as a complex, virtuous, communicative, and unassuming young woman. Her emotional responses, however, begin to change after the disaster caused in her life by her first engagement. As she learns that her fiance has been in a previous relationship, and the affair had led to pregnancy, Miss Sidney was distraught, breaking off the engagement, and eventually finding someone else.

L'action se situe dans les premières années du XIXe siècle. Silas Marner, tisserand, fait partie d'une petite congrégation calviniste à Lantern Yard, dans un faubourg déshérité d'une ville du nord de l'Angleterre. Il est accusé à tort d'avoir volé l'argent de la congrégation pendant qu'il veillait le diacre, gravement malade. Deux indices accusent Silas : un couteau de poche, et la découverte à son domicile du sac ayant contenu l'argent.