The Invincible Miss Cust
The Invincible Miss Cust

Author: Penny Haw

Publisher: Sourcebooks, Inc.

Published: 2022-10-04

Total Pages: 383

ISBN-13: 1728257727

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SheReads Best Historical Fiction of 2022 Finalist! "Inspiring, heartwarming, and ultimately triumphant." —Lisa Wingate, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Book of Lost Friends "What a remarkable woman—and what an enthralling story!" —Janet Skeslien Charles, New York Times bestselling author of The Paris Library Must-read historical fiction for fans of Marie Benedict and Tracey Enerson Wood, based on the real life of Britain's first woman veterinary surgeon. Aleen Cust has big dreams. And no one—not her family, society, or the law—will stop her. Born in Ireland in 1868 to an aristocratic English family, Aleen knows she is destined to work with animals, even if her family is appalled by the idea of a woman pursuing a veterinary career. Going against their wishes but with the encouragement of the guardian assigned to her upon her father's death, Aleen attends the New Veterinary College in Edinburgh, enrolling as A. I. Custance to spare her family the humiliation they fear. At last, she is on her way to becoming a veterinary surgeon! Little does she know her biggest obstacles lie ahead. The Invincible Miss Cust is based on the real life of Aleen Isabel Cust, who defied her family and society to become Britain and Ireland's first woman veterinary surgeon. Through Penny Haw's meticulous research, riveting storytelling, and elegant prose, Aleen's story of ambition, determination, family, friendship, and passion comes to life. It is a story that, even today, women will recognize, of battling patriarchy and an unequal society to realize one's dreams and pave the way for other women in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds. More Praise for The Invincible Miss Cust: "The Invincible Miss Cust is an absolute delight, an exceptional, immersive work of historical fiction set amid the beautifully detailed landscapes of Ireland and England." —Jennifer Chiaverini, New York Times bestselling author of Switchboard Soldiers "A skillfully told story of an extraordinary woman's grit, determination, and devotion to her dream. Detailed and evocative, The Invincible Miss Cust is an engrossing read." —Shana Abé, New York Times bestselling author of The Second Mrs. Astor "I loved this gripping and inspirational book! Her courage and independence of spirit shine through on every beautifully-written page as she faces life's triumphs and tragedies." —Fiona Valpy, bestselling author of The Dressmaker's Gift "An amazing story! Haw's descriptive prose and deft characterizations lead us through Cust's remarkable life, setbacks and triumphs, and leaves us in awe of her perseverance, determination, and loyalty." —Katherine Reay, bestselling author of The London House and The Printed Letter Bookshop

The Wilderness Between Us
The Wilderness Between Us

Author: Penny Haw

Publisher:

Published: 2021-07-31

Total Pages: 282

ISBN-13: 9781646634149

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Faye Mackenzie and her friends' anorexic daughter, Clare, are thrown together when a flood separates them from their hiking group in the remote, mountainous Tsitsikamma region of South Africa. With Clare critically injured, Faye is compelled to overcome her self-doubt and fear of the wild to take care of the younger woman, who opens her heart to Faye. As their new friendship takes the women on an unexpected journey of discovery, the rest of the group wrestles with the harrowing aftermath of their own near tragedy. When the hiking party is reunited, their number is reduced by one. Juxtaposing physical and psychological suspense, The Wilderness Between Us is a tale of two fragile women who unexpectedly find clarity, independence, and renewed purpose as they fight to survive. It is a vivid, moving story about family, friendship, adventure, and the healing power of nature and compassion.

The Radcliffe Ladies' Reading Club
The Radcliffe Ladies' Reading Club

Author: Julia Bryan Thomas

Publisher: Sourcebooks, Inc.

Published: 2023-06-06

Total Pages: 272

ISBN-13: 1728248582

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For readers of Martha Hall Kelly and Beatriz Williams, "a story of female freedom and constraints that doesn't shy away from the trauma—and joy—that faced U.S. women"(Kirkus) during a pivotal period in American history. Literature impacts us all uniquely — but also unites us. Massachusetts, 1954. Alice Campbell escapes halfway across the country and finds herself in front of a derelict building tucked among the cobblestone streets of Cambridge, and she turns that sad little shop into the charming bookstore of her dreams. Tess, Caroline, Evie, and Merritt become fast friends in the sanctuary of Alice's monthly reading club at The Cambridge Bookshop, where they escape the pressures of being newly independent college women in a world that seems to want to keep them in the kitchen. But they each embody very different personalities, and when a member of the group finds herself shattered, everything they know about each other—and themselves—will be called into question. A heart-wrenching, inspiring, extraordinary love letter to books set against the backdrop of one of the most pivotal periods in American history, The Radcliffe Ladies' Reading Club explores how women forge their own paths, regardless of what society expects of them, and illuminates the importance of literature and the vital conversations it sparks.

The Woman at the Wheel
The Woman at the Wheel

Author: Penny Haw

Publisher: Sourcebooks, Inc.

Published: 2023-10-03

Total Pages: 313

ISBN-13: 1728257751

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Inspiring historical fiction based on the real life of Bertha Benz, whose husband built the first prototype automobile, which eventually evolved into the Mercedes-Benz marque. "Unfortunately, only a girl again." From a young age, Cäcilie Bertha Ringer is fascinated by her father's work as a master builder in Pforzheim, Germany. But those five words, which he wrote next to her name in the family Bible, haunt Bertha. Years later, Bertha meets Carl Benz and falls in love—with him and his extraordinary dream of building a horseless carriage. Bertha has such faith in him that she invests her dowry in his plans, a dicey move since they alone believe in the machine. When Carl's partners threaten to withdraw their support, he's ready to cut ties. Bertha knows the decision would ruin everything. Ignoring the cynics, she takes matters into her own hands, secretly planning a scheme that will either hasten the family's passage to absolute derision or prove their genius. What Bertha doesn't know is that Carl is on the cusp of making a deal with their nemesis. She's not only risking her marriage and their life's work, but is also up against the patriarchy, Carl's own self-doubt, and the clock. Like so many other women, Bertha lived largely in her husband's shadow, but her contributions are now celebrated in this inspiring story of perseverance, resilience, and love.

The Woman with No Name
The Woman with No Name

Author: Audrey Blake

Publisher: Sourcebooks, Inc.

Published: 2024-03-12

Total Pages: 336

ISBN-13: 1728270847

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"Resilience, courage, and bravery outshine the enemy is this fast-paced, historical read." — Booklist Older, diminutive, overlooked...she becomes one of the most ferocious and feared espionage agents in the are against the Nazis. World War II London, 1942. Though she survived the bomb that destroyed her home, Yvonne Rudellat's life is over. She's estranged from her husband, her daughter is busy with war work, and Yvonne—older, diminutive, overlooked—has lost all purpose. Until she's offered a chance to remake herself entirely... The war has taken a turn for the worse, and the men in charge are desperate. So, when Yvonne is recruited as Britain's first female sabotage agent, expectations are low. But her tenacity, ability to go unnoticed, and aptitude for explosives set her apart. Soon enough she arrives in occupied France with a new identity, ready to set the Nazi regime ablaze. But there are adversaries on all sides. As Yvonne becomes infamous as the nameless, unstoppable woman who burns the enemy at every turn, she realizes she may lose herself to the urgent needs of the cause... Based on a true story, The Woman With No Name is a gripping story of secrets, spies, and the women behind the Resistance, from USA Today bestselling author Audrey Blake.

The Man Who Never Was
The Man Who Never Was

Author: Douglas Kruger

Publisher: Penguin Random House South Africa

Published: 2022-01-03

Total Pages: 176

ISBN-13: 1415210950

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How far would you go to save your child? David shares a close bond with his eight-year-old son, Chris, but their family is destroyed when David dies. In the afterlife, he is given an opportunity. He is told that he may be granted three viewings by which to look in on his son. The terms are strict: he cannot help his boy. He cannot reach him, or teach him, or in any way change the course of his life. David agrees, and on three separate occasions observes his son’s unfolding story. The first viewing takes place one year after his own death. The second shows him his son at the age of nineteen. David’s final viewing shows him the final days of Chris’s life. What David sees will not leave him, and he decides to make a simple but impassioned request.

Sea of Memories
Sea of Memories

Author: Fiona Valpy

Publisher: Lake Union Publishing

Published: 2018-03

Total Pages: 0

ISBN-13: 9781542046657

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When Kendra first visits her ailing grandmother, Ella has only one request: that Kendra write her story down, before she forgets... In 1937, seventeen-year-old Ella's life changes forever when she is sent to spend the summer on the beautiful Île de Ré and meets the charismatic, creative Christophe. They spend the summer together, exploring the island's sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters, and, for the first time in her life, Ella feels truly free. But the outbreak of war casts everything in a new light. Ella is forced to return to Scotland, where she volunteers for the war effort alongside the dashing Angus. In this new world, Ella feels herself drifting further and further from who she was on the Île de Ré. Can she ever find her way back? And does she want to? From the windswept Île de Ré to the rugged hills of Scotland, Sea of Memories is a spellbinding journey about the power of memory, love and second chances.

Nicko, the Tale of a Vervet Monkey on an African Farm
Nicko, the Tale of a Vervet Monkey on an African Farm

Author: Penny Haw

Publisher: Penguin Random House South Africa

Published: 2018-02-19

Total Pages:

ISBN-13: 9781432307592

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This is the true tale of Alice Kirk and Nicko, the baby vervet monkey that was found abandoned on her home farm in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands of South Africa. Alice and her husband Jack shared their home with a menagerie of animals - both domestic and wild African! Alice agreed to raise Nicko and he remained there as her companion until he died of old age at 17. The story encompasses his interaction with the other animals of the household, as well as humans. It carries the reader through a range of adventures and emotions from the wonderfully whacky and hilarious to alarming and sometimes sad. Author Penny Haw is the granddaughter of Alice and throughout her childhood, Penny was entertained with the stories of Nicko's escapades. She now retells these tales in the first person through Alice's 'voice'. Children (of all ages) will enjoy them, and the relationship between Nicko and Alice, and Nicko and other animal species, will fascinate all animal lovers.

Feast of Sorrow
Feast of Sorrow

Author: Crystal King

Publisher: Simon and Schuster

Published: 2017-04-25

Total Pages: 464

ISBN-13: 1501145150

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Longlisted for the Center for Fiction First Novel Prize A Massachusetts Book Award “Must Read” Set amongst the scandal, wealth, and upstairs-downstairs politics of a Roman family, this “addictively readable first novel” (Kirkus Reviews) features the man who inspired the world’s oldest cookbook and the ambition that led to his destruction. In the twenty-sixth year of Augustus Caesar’s reign, Marcus Gavius Apicius has a singular ambition: to serve as culinary adviser to Caesar. To cement his legacy as Rome’s leading epicure, the wealthy Apicius acquires a young chef, Thrasius, for the exorbitant price of twenty thousand denarii. Apicius believes that the talented Thrasius is the key to his culinary success, and with the slave’s help he soon becomes known for his lavish parties and sumptuous meals. For his part, Thrasius finds a family among Apicius’s household, which includes his daughter, Apicata; his wife, Aelia; and her handmaiden Passia, with whom Thrasius falls passionately in love. But as Apicius draws closer to his ultimate goal, his dangerous single-mindedness threatens his young family and places his entire household at the mercy of the most powerful forces in Rome. “A gastronomical delight” (Associated Press), Feast of Sorrow is a vibrant novel, replete with love and betrayal, politics and intrigue, and sumptuous feasts that bring ancient Rome to life.