The Day of the Storm

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Helen Argers

Raised by an clutch-fisted, vulgar, uncaring father who is deeply in debt and cares for nothing but horses Caroline Richmond faces a bleak future. The only possible escape is through marriage. So she plots (with the help of her invalid mother) to get her father’s permission to spend a small inheritance from her uncle to finance a London Season, on the understanding that she will attract a marriage proposal and generous settlement from her prospective spouse. The plan seems to be working when she attracts, amongst many others, the notice of Branville, Marquis of Kimston. Branville appears to fall in love with the impoverished young woman. Despite giving her reason to think he will declare himself, his own weaknessses make him a willing victim of manipulation by his devious friend, Lefbridge. He is convinced that what he feels is infatuation and Caroline is forced to return home - humiliated and without an offer, but with the promise that Branville will visit her father’s estate. She waits and waits but he never arrives. In the next three years her disappointed mother weakens further and finally dies. Her furious father then promises Caroline to an elderly gentleman, the Duke of Walverston, who also happens to be Branville’s father. Despite Caroline’s initial horror and Branville's objections, the couple is married - but the Duke doesn't survive the wedding night. Caroline is now a widow whose purse strings are controlled by Branville, who behaves appallingly to Caroline, before coming to realise that he has been duped.

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Santa Montefiore

"England, 193[3]. Grace Hamblin is growing up on the beautiful estate of the Marquiss and Marchioness of Penselwood. The beekeeper's daughter, she knows her place and her future--that is until her father dies and leaves her alone. Her childhood friend Freddie has recently become her lover, and she is thankful when they are able to marry and take over her father's duties ... Massachusetts, 1973. Grace's daughter Trixie Valentine is in love with an unsuitable boy. Jasper Duncliffe is wild and romantic, and in a band that might be going somewhere. But when his brother dies and he is called home to England, Jasper promises to come back for Trixie one day, if only she will wait for him"--

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Patricia Gaffney

The New York Times bestselling author is back with a warm, winning new novel about daring to love, braving a loss, and setting yourself free. Caddie Winger's mother died when she was nine, and Caddie was raised by her grandmother. Now their roles are reversed, and it's Caddie -- thirty-two years old, still living with her grandmother, and giving piano lessons to neighborhood children -- who takes care of Nana. When Nana breaks a leg and insists on going into a convalescent home, Caddie finds herself being pulled out of her comfy, self-made nest. Jolted & living alone for the first time since college, she looks at the world with new eyes and begins to take charge of her future. As she makes a new best friend, takes risks she never dreamed she could, and navigates the depths and shallows of true love and devastating heartbreak, Caddie learns how to trust other people and, ultimately, how to trust herself.“A jewel of a book and every facet sparkles.”--Nora RobertsThe New York Times bestselling author of the much-beloved The Saving Graces is back with a warm, winning new novel about daring to love, braving a loss, and setting yourself free.How much change can one summer bring? If you're Caddie Winger -- thirty-two years old, still living with her grandmother, and giving piano lessons to neighborhood children -- one summer can make the whole world look different.Caddie's mother died when she was nine, and Caddie was raised by her grandmother. Now their roles are reversed, and it's Caddie who takes care of Nana. When her grandmother breaks a leg and insists on going into a convalescent home, Caddie finds herself being pulled out of her comfy, self-made nest. Living alone for the first time since college, she uncovers some startling truths from her past.Jolted, she looks at the world with new eyes and begins to take charge of her future. As she makes a new best friend, takes risks she never dreamed she could, and navigates the depths and shallows of true love and devastating heartbreak, Caddie learns how to trust other people and, ultimately, how to trust herself.Wise, moving, and reassuringly real, The Goodbye Summer offers us a deeper understanding of the perplexing and invigorating magic that is life itself.

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Victoria Holt

Born a village girl, Kerensa Carlee had only her beauty and wit to live by. From the moment she saw it, Kerensa determined to become mistress of St Larnston Abbas, home of the aristocratic St Larnston family for many generations. When Mellyora Martin befriended her, she seized her chance.