Showing results by narrator "Elaine Claxton" in All Categories

Barsetshire in the war years. Miss Bunting, governess of choice to generations of Barsetshire aristocracy, has been coaxed out of retirement by Sir Robert and Lady Fielding to tutor their daughter Anne, delicate, sixteen years old, and totally lacking in confidence. When Anne makes friends with...

What does Jane Austen mean when she writes approvingly of a character's 'gentility' and ‘delicacy’, or critically of another's 'indolence' and 'impertinence’? What are her characters doing when they take the measure of a person's 'air' and 'address'? These questions and more are answered in this Janeite treasure trove, which examines the distinctive language woven through Austen’s signature stories. Maria Frawley takes 50 of those words - words that are integral to the fabric of Austen's fiction - and explores them in short, accessible and lively entries.

DSI Billie Wilde’s romantic relationship is intense—but it’s nothing compared to the pressure of her latest case, especially since the new chief of police is gunning for her squad. If they don’t get a handle on a series of deaths—which seem to have a connection to Alice in Wonderland—they could wind up being demoted. And the identity of one of the victims has made things devastatingly personal for Billie.

'Charming, very funny indeed. Angela Thirkell is perhaps the most Pym-like of any twentieth-century author, after Pym herself' Alexander McCall Smith It is wartime in Barsetshire, and so much has changed. Belier's Priory is now a hospital for wounded soldiers, and Sir Harry and Lady Waring have...

Faith Lavender's funeral and the arrival of a stranger upsets the balance of Haverstock. Undercurrents of fierce emotion reach the surface while the tensions rise and the ladies of Haverstock find their actions motivated by mutual suspicion and fear.

Lei's fed up – she still hasn't found out what her unicorn magic is. But when Lei, Cora and Isabelle arrive back in Blossom Wood, there's a bigger problem. A summer storm is pouring down and everywhere is being flooded! Will it ever stop raining – and will Lei find out her magical power?

It is September 1068. Thea, also known as Gytha, the elder daughter of King Harold II, travels with her brothers and grandmother into exile carrying revenge in her heart. She is soon betrothed to a prince of Kiev. Will her betrothal and marriage bring her happiness, as she confronts enemies from inside and outside Russian territories? Will she prove herself the courageous princess she surely is, win her princely husband's respect and establish her independence in a society protective towards its women?

The third story in the charming Little Grey Rabbit series, in which Hare visits the famous Toad, is fooled by a very clever fox and makes a daring escape through Fox's kitchen window.

Erin, Amber and Kayla are best friends who love dogs. So when they discover an enchanted collar that transforms them into adorable puppies and whisks them to the beautiful Blossom Meadow, it's the best day ever! But someone is stealing all the bluebells.

It's bitingly cold but Little Grey Rabbit, Hare and Squirrel wrap themselves up in warm clothes and make their way to the frozen pond. There they join the many animals having fun on the ice.

Little Grey Rabbit is returning to the little house on the edge of a wood with Hare and Squirrel's Christmas present: a beautiful scarlet sledge. With great excitement they all take it to their favourite hill. But later that night careless, adventurous Hare takes the sledge for a moonlight ride and loses it... until Rat comes to the rescue!

Guests are arriving to celebrate Christmas at Lady Holly's ball, and at the top of each guest's wish list is a last chance to find true love before the new year. Amid the sumptuous delicacies, glittering decorations, and swell of the orchestra, every duchess and debutante, lord and lackey has a hopeful heart.

A sensational debut novel: gothic, romantic gaslamp fantasy at it’s very best. A magical tale of intrigue on dangerous waters and a love story for the ages. Perfect for fans of V.E. Schwab and China Mieville Arden Beacon arrives in the salt-swept port of Vigil with a job to do. Tasked with...

Once again, three best friends find themselves in Blossom Meadow where they have been transformed into adorable puppies and play with their animal friends. In Sprite Surpise, the puppies must work together...

Three friends, Erin, Amber and Kayla, are transported back to Blossom Meadow where they become adorable puppies and are ready for another magical adventure! But something’s definitely not right!

Since losing her great love to the Queen of the Sainted Isles, Arden must fulfil an impossible promise before she can return home—she must complete the dangerous Rite that will return Jonah’s spirit to the abyssal Court of the Deepwater King. This sets her off on a journey far out at sea to find believers of the old religion on the oil-slick and mysterious islands beyond the horizon. But such a responsibility will not come without sacrifice, for the Deepwater folk who worship the king require the most desperate payments the soul.

Ida Copeland's life was full of drama; her father's mysterious death by shotgun, an escape from Italy to Britain at the end of the 19th century, nursing in the first world war, fighting Britain's would-be dictator, Sir Oswald Mosley and becoming one of the first female Members of Parliament. It's a story worth listening to.

In Blossom Meadow three friends are magicked into adorable puppies and get to know a whole host of cute animal friends. It's time for the annual Blossom Banquet! But oh no, where are the Gnomes with their flower garlands?

Arden Beacon has nothing left to lose. Having fought monsters, the deep waters and the establishment to fulfil a promise the man she loved—she is no closer to peace. But against the odds, she has found Jonah once more and they are together now. She means to keep it that way. Jonah, Arden and Chalice are bound for Clay city. Warnings come that the scorned yet powerful Miah and Bellis have joined forces and turned their eyes to the capital, now following the direction of the slippery Mr Lindsay. 

Two years ago, Sarah’s husband was jailed for her murder; her body was never found. Now, her grieving mother, Claire, spends her sleepless nights running a helpline for vulnerable women. Claire takes many calls, but one caller isn’t like the rest. She isn’t calling for help – she’s calling because she claims to know what happened to Sarah. But when Claire hears the terrifying news that her daughter’s killer has escaped from prison, she realises her nightmare is far from over – and her family are in danger yet again.