Kirjahaku

The discovery of an old chest in the attic of the Austen family home reveals secrets about Jane's private romantic life and the inspiration of her beloved works. Original. 100,000 first printing.

Syrie James takes us into the unquiet soul of Charlotte Bronte. Poor, plain and unconnected, Charlotte, her sisters live in the wilds of Yorkshire. Their eccentric father allows no curtains on the windows and no rugs on the floors. Their brother is a drunkard and a drug addict. But these three sisters write some of the most beloved books ever created. Many don't know that Charlotte's life held hidden passions. And while many remember Jan Eyre, few know about her romance with Arthur Bell Nichols. After her death, he destroyed so much of the personal writing of her adulthood, but now, Charlotte's secrets are about to be told.

Many have read and loved Bram Stoker's "Dracula". But questions remain. What is the true story of Dracula's origin? What if Mina could not bring herself to record the true story of their scandalous affair-until now? In "Dracula, My Love: The Secret Journals of Mina Harker", Syrie James explores these questions and more. A vibrant dramatization, told from Mina's point of view, brings to life the crucial parts of Stoker's story while showcasing Mina's sexual awakening and evolution as a woman, and revealing a secret that could destroy her life. Torn between two men - a loving husband and a dangerous lover - Mina struggles to hang on to the deep love she's found within her marriage, even as she is inexorably drawn to Dracula himself - the vampire that everyone she knows is determined to destroy.

Many rumors abound about a mysterious gentleman said to be the love of Jane's life--finally, the truth may have been found. . . .What if, hidden in an old attic chest, Jane Austen's memoirs were discovered after hundreds of years? What if those pages revealed the untold story of a life-changing love affair? That's the premise behind this spellbinding novel, which delves into the secrets of Jane Austen's life, giving us untold insights into her mind and heart.Jane Austen has given up her writing when, on a fateful trip to Lyme, she meets the well-read and charming Mr. Ashford, a man who is her equal in intellect and temperament. Inspired by the people and places around her, and encouraged by his faith in her, Jane begins revising Sense and Sensibility, a book she began years earlier, hoping to be published at last.Deft and witty, written in a style that echoes Austen's own, this unforgettable novel offers a delightfully possible scenario for the inspiration behind this beloved author's romantic tales. It's a remarkable book, irresistible to anyone who loves Jane Austen--and to anyone who loves a great story.

When a runaway heiress runs into trouble, she may end up exactly where she belongs in this brand new series by USA Today bestselling author Syrie James... Brainy and college-educated, American heiress Alexandra Atherton will do anything to avoid marriage to the English peer her mother has chosen for her--even abandon the life of privilege she's always known. But as her escape goes horribly wrong, Alexandra must invent a new identity to gain the help of a handsome stranger.Thomas Carlyle, the Earl of Longford, sweeps in and out of London disguised as a humble artist, earning just enough to keep his ancestral Cornwall estate afloat. When Alexandra crashes into his life, she awakens feelings and desires that he vows will stay buried. Despite himself, he needs this beautiful newcomer, for his sisters have run off another governess.Alexandra is surprised to find she thrives in her new position at Longford's home. But as she grows closer to Thomas and his sisters, and her relationship with the emotionally guarded earl unleashes their hidden passions, the truth Alexandra's been forced to hide may end up coming between her and the only man she's ever loved.

An American heiress and an English earl fight against the conventions of society -- and their attraction to each other -- in the second book in the Dary to Defy series by USA Today bestselling author Syrie James.Madeleine Atherton is no typical American heiress, sent to England to marry an English lord. A brilliant college graduate who secretly dreams of becoming a published author, she wants to marry for love. After receiving a proposal from a future duke, Madeleine flees the London Season for Cornwall to seek her sister’s advice, never expecting her decision to be complicated by a charming, handsome earl she’s certain she dislikes—even though his every touch sets her blood on fire.Charles Grayson, the Earl of Saunders, has secrets and ambitions of his own. Although under pressure from his mother and gravely ill father to marry his cousin, Charles cannot find the words to propose. But this fascinating American visitor does not figure into his plans, either.Thrown together unexpectedly at Trevelyan Manor, Madeleine and Charles struggle to rise above their intense attraction. But as things heat up between them over a summer that becomes increasingly scandalous, Madeleine and Charles will both be forced to make a difficult choice. Can two dreamers dare to defy convention and find their own happily ever after?

In Syrie James’s newest Dare to Defy novel, a devastating duke goes head to head with a determined young woman. Lance Granville, the Tenth Duke of Darcy, was none too happy to give up his career in the Royal Navy to inherit the family title, complete with an ancient castle he needs to renovate. When an architect arrives on his doorstep, Darcy is astonished to discover that she’s a woman. Kathryn Atherton has one goal: to become the first woman architect in Britain. Marriage doesn’t figure in her plans. Despite the odds, her schooling is behind her. Now she needs experience. When she’s sent to a small tidal island in Cornwall to remodel a castle, the last thing Kathryn wants is to be attracted to its roguishly handsome owner. Kathryn is determined to keep things professional, but the sizzling attraction between her and the duke quickly blazes out of control. When Darcy learns that Kathryn is an heiress whose fortune would save St. Gabriel’s Mount, he wages the most important battle of his life: to woo and win the woman who’s captured his heart. But duchesses can’t be architects. And Kathryn has worked too long and too hard to give up her dreams…

"The minute I saw the letter, I knew it was hers. There was no mistaking it: the salutation, the tiny, precise handwriting, the date, the content itself, all confirmed its ancient status and authorship..."""Samantha McDonough cannot believe her eyes--or her luck. Tucked in an uncut page of a two-hundred-year old poetry book is a letter she believes was written by Jane Austen, mentioning with regret a manuscript that "went missing at Greenbriar in Devonshire." "Could there really be an undiscovered Jane Austen novel waiting to be found? Could anyone resist the temptation to go looking for it?" Making her way to the beautiful, centuries-old Greenbriar estate, Samantha finds it no easy task to sell its owner, the handsome yet uncompromising Anthony Whitaker, on her wild idea of searching for a lost Austen work--until she mentions its possible million dollar value. After discovering the unattributed manuscript, Samantha and Anthony are immediately absorbed in the story of Rebecca Stanhope, daughter of a small town rector, who is about to encounter some bittersweet truths about life and love. As they continue to read the newly discovered tale from the past, a new one unfolds in the present--a story that just might change both of their lives forever.

INSPIRED BY ACTUAL EVENTS Fifteen-year-old Jane Austen dreams of three things: doing something useful, writing something worthy, and falling madly in love. When she visits her brother in Kent to celebrate his engagement, she meets wealthy, devilishly handsome Edward Taylor--a fascinating young man who is truly worthy of her affections. Jane knows a match between her and Edward is unlikely, but every moment she spends with him makes her heart race--and he seems to return her interest. Much to her displeasure, however, there is another seeking his attention Unsure of her budding relationship, Jane seeks distraction by attempting to correct the pairings of three other prospective couples. But when her matchmaking aspirations do not all turn out as anticipated, Jane discovers the danger of relying on first impressions. The human heart cannot be easily deciphered, nor can it be directed or managed. And if others must be left to their own devices in matters of love and matrimony, can Jane even hope to satisfy her own heart?

From the bestselling author of The Missing Manuscript of Jane Austen comes a novel for obsessed Jane-ites--inspired by actual events.Fifteen-year-old Jane Austen dreams of three things: doing something useful, writing something worthy, and falling madly in love. When she visits her brother in Kent to celebrate his engagement, she meets wealthy, devilishly handsome Edward Taylor--a fascinating young man who is truly worthy of her affections. Jane knows a match between her and Edward is unlikely, but every moment she spends with him makes her heart race--and he seems to return her interest. Much to her displeasure, however, there is another seeking his attentionUnsure of her budding relationship, Jane seeks distraction by attempting to correct the pairings of three other prospective couples. But when her matchmaking aspirations do not all turn out as anticipated, Jane discovers the danger of relying on first impressions. The human heart cannot be easily deciphered, nor can it be directed or managed. And if others must be left to their own devices in matters of love and matrimony, can Jane even hope to satisfy her own heart?

It's just business.Or madness A fiercely independent graphic artist gets the opportunity of a lifetime working with the headstrong owner of an advertising agency. But can business and pleasure mix?At a holiday mixer on a cold winter's eve in December 1987, freelance graphic artist Kelli Ann Harrison gets an unexpected job offer that throws all her plans into disarray. She came to South Lake Tahoe to oversee the final phase of construction on her brother's glamorous vacation house and hoped to get in a little skiing on the side.But when Grant Pembroke, a smart, attractive, take-charge advertising executive invites her to team up with him for two weeks on an ad campaign for a local casino, it's a proposition that's too exciting to refuse.Professionally, they make a wonderful team. But privately their strong personalities clash, a situation further complicated by the high-voltage charge that sizzles between them.Is this two-week deal business ... or madness? If Kelli and Grant play their cards right, can a whirlwind love affair last forever?This novel can be read as a standalone ... or enjoy the series Previously published as Propositions and The Sky's the Limit.

A siren called.He answered.A successful radio deejay embarks on a thrilling, long distance love affair with a charismatic entrepreneur, a relationship that plays havoc with her carefully controlled life-and heart.On a hot summer's day in 1986, Southern California radio deejay Desiree Germain is hosting a contest on the air when she's entranced by the deeply masculine voice of caller number twelve.Voices never matched faces. Desiree knows that better than anyone. As KICK's hottest radio host, she has a sultry voice that leads people to expect a tall, voluptuous bombshell. Petite in every sense of the word, she hardly lives up to that image.To Desiree's surprise, caller number twelve turns out to be Kyle Harrison, a handsome, wealthy businessman from Seattle. Kyle has come to claim his prize-and her heart.They are soon involved in a whirlwind love affair that makes Desiree's heart sing. Is it worth the risk? All the rules say that long-distance romance and radio don't mix.But a man who is answering a siren's call doesn't care about rules. This novel can be read as a standalone ... or enjoy the series Previously published as Songbird.

She vowed to solve a murder.Now she's in danger of losing her heart ... and her very life.Diana Taylor, a bright and spirited governess who has sworn off love, is sent to Pendowar Hall in Cornwall to honor a pledge. She vows to teach her godmother's niece and to find out who was behind the suspicious death of the former baronet. But her new charge is also a mystery, as is the man who inherited the ancient coastal estate-the charismatic but brooding Royal Navy Captain William Fallbrook, who is home on leave to recover from an injury.As Diana investigates, her feelings for the enigmatic Captain Fallbrook blossom, and her guard goes up. Pendowar Hall is brimming with secrets as well as a frightening legend about a Mermaid's Curse. What is behind the mysterious footsteps in the night? Is there more to the story of the tragic deaths of the former baronet's wife and son? What secrets is Captain Fallbrook hiding? Can she trust the man who has stolen her heart?He looks to be entranced by Diana, even though her determination to dig up the past seems to get on his last nerve. Soon, Diana's bold quest to unmask his uncle's killer leads her into terrifying danger, for someone is determined to end her life before she can discover the truth.The Audacious Sisterhood of Smoke & FireBook 1 - The Mysteries of Pendowar HallBook 2 - The Secrets of Thorndale ManorBook 3 - Danger at Darkmoor Park

She risks everything for the truth. He threatens her heart.Athena Taylor realizes a life dream when she and her sister open the Darkmoor Bridge School for Girls at beautiful Thorndale Manor in Yorkshire. But the standing of the ancient estate is tarnished by the story of a convicted murderess who once lived there, and soon after school starts, one of the maids is found dead. Athena believes the maid's death is connected to the murder that took place nine years ago, a crime of passion of which an innocent woman may have been unjustly convicted.Athena's determination to investigate both deaths puts her at odds with Ian Vernon, a handsome, talented architect who lives on a scrap of land next door. Thorndale Manor was Mr. Vernon's birthright, but he was obliged to sell it after his father gambled away the family fortune. He harbors a grudge against Athena, the new owner, and he is firmly against her looking into the old murder case. His sister paid for that crime with her death and revisiting it, he tells her, will just stir up old wounds.Athena refuses to give up. Although she and Mr. Vernon start off on the wrong foot, she is soon heart-thumpingly attracted to him, and their stolen kisses cause her to rethink her policy to never wed. But her sleuthing threatens to complicate everything. As the clues mount up against a growing list of suspects, Athena uncovers long-held secrets that threaten her bond with Mr. Vernon and put her own life in mortal danger. Can Athena solve the mystery and reconcile her feelings for her home's former owner before a determined villain silences her forever?The Audacious Sisterhood of Smoke & FireBook 1 - The Mysteries of Pendowar HallBook 2 - The Secrets of Thorndale ManorBook 3 - Danger at Darkmoor Park