The Axe
Sigrid Undset
Historical / Historical Fiction / Fiction
Set in 13th-century Norway, The Axe is the first volume in Undset's epic tetralogy, The Master of Hestviken. In it, we meet Olav Audunsson and Ingunn Steinfinnsdatter, who were betrothed as children and raised as brother and sister. In the heedlessness of youth, they become lovers, unaware that their ardor will forge the first link in a chain of murder, exile, and disgrace. Undset's novel is also a meticulous re-creation of a world split between pagan codes of retribution and the rigors of Christian piety--a world where law is a fragile new invention and manslaughter is so common that it's punishable by a fine."Undset reproduces medieval Norway in all the rich pageantry of color and form...she can transport us eight centuries and several thousand miles more effectively than most writers can take us into the house next door."--The Nation
Read online
The Giant's Necklace
Michael Morpurgo
Children's Books / Poetry / Historical Fiction
It all began with a necklace, made of glistening pink cowrie shells. A long, long necklace that had taken Cherry days – weeks – of careful, painstaking work. It was nearly complete, and Cherry was determined not only that it would be the longest necklace she had ever made, but that it would be fit for a giant! But the end of the summer holidays had arrived. "You've only got today, Cherry," said her mother. "Just today, that's all." Cherry didn't mind, a day would be enough – she only needed a few more shells after all. So, amidst the taunts of her older brothers, she set out to search for them. Then the clouds grew dark and the waves grew large, and as the storm blew in, Cherry realized, to her horror, that she was cut off from the shore. From then on, events began to take a decidedly dark turn. And one from which there was no turning back...
Read online
To Dwell among Cedars
Connilyn Cossette
Historical Fiction / Christian / Romance
Determined to return the Ark of the Covenant to Shiloh, Levite musician Ronen never expected that Eliora, the Philistine girl he rescued years ago, would be part of the family he's tasked to deceive. As his attempts to charm her lead them in unexpected directions, they question their loyalties when their beliefs about the Ark and themselves are shaken.
Read online
Proposing Mischief
Regina Jennings
Historical Fiction / Romance / Religion & Spirituality
Left to rue her mistake of falling in love with the wrong man, Maisie Kentworth keeps busy by exploring the idle mine nearby. While managing his mining company, Boone Bragg stumbles across Maisie and the crystal cavern she's discovered. He makes her a proposal that he hopes will solve all their problems, but instead it throws them into chaos.
Read online
With the Allies to Pekin: A Tale of the Relief of the Legations
G. A. Henty
Children's / Historical Fiction
With The Allies to Pekin
Read online
Second Summer
Shirleen Davies
Romance / Suspense / Historical Fiction
Following a divorce, Heath MacLaren spends his nights with women who are beautiful, yet unable to provide what he seeks. His friendship with Annie sustains him.It’s been two years since Annie’s husband died. She cherishes the friendship she’s found with Heath, until he drops a bombshell that changes everything. Do they settle for what they have—or fight for it all?“In this passionate Contemporary Romance, author Shirleen Davies introduces her readers to the modern day MacLarens starting with Heath MacLaren, the head of the family.”The Chairman of both the MacLaren Cattle Co. and MacLaren Land Development, Heath MacLaren is a success professionally—his personal life is another matter.Following a divorce after a long, loveless marriage, Heath spends his time with women who are beautiful and passionate, yet unable to provide what he longs for . . .. . . Heath has never experienced love even though he witnesses it every day between his younger brother, Jace, and wife, Caroline. He wants what they have, yet spends his time with women too young to understand what drives him and too focused on themselves to be true companions.It’s been two years since Annie’s husband died, leaving her to build a new life. He was her soul mate and confidante. She has no desire to find a replacement, yet longs for male friendship.. . . Annie’s closest friend in Fire Mountain, Caroline MacLaren, is determined to see Annie come out of her shell after almost two years of mourning. A chance meeting with Heath turns into an offer to be a part of the MacLaren Foundation Board and an opportunity for a life outside her home sanctuary which has also become her prison. The platonic friendship that builds between Annie and Heath points to a future where each may rely on the other without the bonds a romance would entail.However, without consciously seeking it, each yearns for more . . .. . . The MacLaren Development Company is booming with Heath at the helm. His meetings at a partner company with the young, beautiful marketing director, who makes no secret of her desire for him, are a temptation. But is she the type of woman he truly wants?. . . Annie’s acceptance of the deep, yet passionless, friendship with Heath sustains her, lulling her to believe it is all she needs. At least until Heath drops a bombshell, forcing Annie to realize that what she took for friendship is actually a deep, lasting love. One she doesn’t want to lose. Each must decide to settle—or fight for it all.
Read online
Light of the World
James Lee Burke
Mystery & Thrillers / Historical Fiction / Crime
Louisiana Sherriff's Detective Dave Robicheaux and his longtime friend and partner Clete Purcel are vacationing in Montana's spectacular Big Sky country when a series of suspicious events leads them to believe their lives--and the lives of their families--are in danger. In contrast to the tranquil beauty of Flathead Lake and the colorful summertime larch and fir unspooling across unblemished ranchland, a venomous presence lurks in the caves and hills, intent on destroying innocent lives. First, Alafair Robicheaux is nearly killed by an arrow while hiking alone on a trail. Then Clete's daughter, Gretchen Horowitz, whom readers met in Burke's previous bestseller Creole Belle, runs afoul of a local cop, with dire consequences. Next, Alafair thinks she sees a familiar face following her around town--but how could convicted sadist and serial killer Asa Surette be loose on the streets of Montana? Surrette committed a string of heinous murders while capital punishment was outlawed in his home state of Kansas. Years ago, Alafair, a lawyer and novelist, interviewed Surette in prison, aiming to prove him guilty of other crimes and eligible for the death penalty. Recently, a prison transport van carrying Surette crashed and he is believed dead, but Alafair isn't so sure. Says The Plain Dealer (Cleveland), "Already designated a Grand Master by the Mystery Writers of America, Burke should get another title, say, for sustained literary brilliance in his Dave Robicheaux series." Light of the World is a harrowing novel that examines the nature of evil and pits Dave Robicheaux against the most diabolical villain he has ever faced.
Read online
How Green Was My Valley
Richard Llewellyn
Historical Fiction
A poignant coming-of-age novel set in a Welsh mining town, Richard Llewellyn's How Green Was My Valley is a paean to a more innocent age, published in Penguin Modern Classics
Growing up in a mining community in rural South Wales, Huw Morgan is taught many harsh lessons - at the kitchen table, at Chapel and around the pit-head. Looking back on the hardships of his early life, where difficult days are faced with courage but the valleys swell with the sound of Welsh voices, it becomes clear that there is nowhere so green as the landscape of his own memory. An immediate bestseller on publication in 1939, How Green Was My Valley quickly became one of the best-loved novels of the twentieth century. Poetic and nostalgic, it is an elegy to a lost world.
Richard Dafydd Vivian Llewellyn Lloyd (1906-1983), better known by his pen name Richard Llewellyn, claimed to have been born in St David's, Pembrokeshire, Wales; after his death he was discovered to have been born of Welsh parents in Hendon, Middlesex. His famous first novel How Green Was My Valley (1939) was begun in St David's from a draft he had written in India, and was later adapted into an Oscar-winning film by director John Ford. None But the Lonely Heart, his second novel, was published in 1943, and subsequently made into a film starring Cary Grant and Ethel Barrymore. As well as novels including Green, Green My Valley Now (1975) and I Stand on a Quiet Shore (1982), Llewellyn wrote two highly successful plays, Poison Pen and Noose
If you enjoyed How Green Was My Valley, you might like Barry Hines' A Kestrel for a Knave, also available in Penguin Modern Classics.
'Vivid, eloquent, poetical, glowing with an inner flame of emotion'
The Times Literary Supplement
Read online
Remember Love
Mary Balogh
Romance / Historical Fiction
“One of the best.” – Julia Quinn The beloved queen of Regency romance is back with a brand-new story perfect for fans of Bridgerton. The handsome and charismatic Earl of Stratton, Caleb Ware, has been exposed to the ton for his clandestine affairs—by his own son. As a child, Devlin Ware thought his family stood for all that was right and good in the world. They were kind, gracious, and shared the beauty of Ravenwood, their grand country estate, by hosting lavish parties for the entire countryside. But at twenty-two, he discovered his whole world was an elaborate illusion, and when Devlin publicly called his family to account for it, he was exiled as a traitor. So be it. He enlisted in the fight against Napoleon and didn’t look back for six years. But now his father is dead, the Ware family is broken, and as the heir he is being called home. It’s only when Gwyneth Rhys—the...
Read online
Rook
William Ritter
Young Adult / Fantasy / Historical Fiction
This standalone adventure set in the world of the New York Times bestselling Jackaby series brims with humor, heart, and—of course—a hefty dose of supernatural mayhem. Abigail Rook never intended to be the mortal bridge between the human and supernatural world. But now, the power of the Sight—and all the chaos that comes with seeing the essential truth of everything, every human, fairy, werewolf, enchanted slip of paper, and municipal building, at all times—is hers alone. With this overwhelming new gift, she should be able to solve crimes and help New Fiddleham, New England find calm in its supernatural chaos. The only problem? She has no idea what she’s doing. And New Fiddleham isn't waiting for Abigail to be ready. Local witches and other magical beings are going missing, as tensions between human and supernatural residents curdle into a hatred that could tear the city apart....
Read online
Evolving Man
Bonnie Dee
Romance / Gay and Lesbian / Historical Fiction
Past, present or future, a man is a man. The beast never changes.You think men have changed over the centuries? Forget about it! Scratch the surface of any twenty-first century male and you'll find a cock-wielding caveman underneath.In this time travel comedy, three roommates discover the truth about men as each becomes involved with a special lover. The friends also learn a little about themselves. Skeptic Chrissy sets her logic aside and allows her libido to run free with a primitive barbarian named Gareth. Scientist Lila experiences the testosterone hidden in her geeky cyber-buddy, Zach. Free-spirited Taylor brings sexuality and fun into the life of John, a repressed businessman from the future.As they unravel the tangled knot transporting people through time creates, the women all come to realize a man is a man. The beast never changes.
Read online
The Grail Quest Books 1-3: Harlequin, Vagabond, Heretic
Bernard Cornwell
Historical Fiction / Mystery & Thrillers
Bernard Cornwell’s bestselling Grail Quest Trilogy in one complete eBook for the first time. Follow the famed archer Thomas of Hookton as he avenges his father’s death and retrieves a stolen relic.
HARLEQUIN
1342. The English, led by Edward III, are laying waste to the French countryside. The archers, the common men, are England’s secret weapon. The French know them as Harlequins. Thomas Hookton is one of these archers. But he is also on a personal mission: to avenge his father’s death and retrieve a stolen relic. Thomas begins a quest that will lead him to finally where the two armies face each other at Crecy.
VAGABOND
1346. England lies exposed to the threat of invasion. Thomas of Hookton finds himself back in the north as the Scots invade on behalf of the French. He is determined to pursue his quest: to discover whether a relic he is searching for is the Holy Grail.
HERETIC
The Hundred Years War has been suspended. The truce release Thomas of Hookton to pursue his arch enemy and resume his quest for the prized relic: the Holy Grail. But fate strikes and the plague grips hold. And the Holy Grail is needed more than ever as a sign of God’s favour.
Read online

