Showing results by narrator "Polly Edsell" in All Categories

March, 1914. When talented artist Isobel embarks on a journey to Egypt, it's to reunite her best friend, Alice, with her husband, Wilfred—and to use the stunning sights of Cairo as inspiration for her own paintings. A whirlwind romance was the last thing she expected, but when Isobel meets Wilfred's handsome brother, Edward, neither can deny the strong connection between them—especially when unexpected tragedy strikes, leaving them all reeling. Just as they get to grips with their grief, WW1 erupts, and the lovers are forced to separate.

The wild Scottish landscape is a far cry from Rose Saintclair's Saharan oasis, although she'll endure it for Lord Cameron McRae, the man she married after a whirlwind romance in Algiers. But when stormy weather leads to Rose's ship docking on Cape Wrath - the land of Cameron's enemy, Bruce McGunn - could her new life already be in jeopardy?

From the outside, Lorna has everything sorted. A cool job in radio, a home to call her own, plenty of friends. And anyone would be happy to attend their school reunion if they'd had the kind of post-adolescent glow up she's managed to pull off. Library Lorna is no more, and this new Lorna is 100%, definitely over her teenage crush on Finn, the most popular boy in school. But on the inside, Lorna's got to admit she is trying too hard.

In the world of upstairs and downstairs, Lady’s maid Penny Smith is able to work anonymously, quietly hiding in the shadows of of Lord William Renquist’s household. She’s seeking out perpetrators of the Devils Sons and she suspects the man she works for to be a member. But when she meets the infamous Liam, she’s taken aback by his disarming eyes and feels her resolve begin to waiver.

Looking for a new start after her father’s death, Lara Hope arrives in Lisbon in search of a family she’s never met. As war storms across Europe, Lara finds solace and belonging in her landlady’s tranquil bookshop in one of the most beautiful corners of the city. But when she witnesses a customer secretly swapping a book, she realises the bookshop is not all it seems. Lara is plunged into a labyrinthine world of mystery and facades, encountering new friends, an unexpected romance, and even royalty…

Being female means that Charlotte Dovedale's dreams are likely out of reach. Her mother is eager to support Charlotte's brother in his quest to join the newly formed Royal Flying Corps, but Charlotte is left to channel her energy into the suffragette movement. When she meets upper-class Scott Fanshawe, though, he opens a door for her: teaching her to fly. It soon becomes clear that Charlotte has not only the skill, but the bravery required for aviation. However, when she finally earns her pilot's license, the Great War breaks out and threatens to keep her grounded.

For 20 years, Channelers - women with a magical ability - have been persecuted in Malam by those without magic. Now, King Aodren wants to end the bloody divide and unite his kingdom. But decades of hatred can't be overcome by issuing decrees, and rumors of a deadly Channeler-made substance are only fueling people's fears. Lirra has every reason to distrust Aodren. Yet, when he asks for her help to discover the truth behind the rumors, she can't say no. Can they rewrite the mistakes of the past before Aodren's enemies destroy the world he's working so hard to rebuild?

England, 1913. Eighteen-year-old Rose Strong has loved childhood friend Michael Redfern for as long as she can remember. However, believing that Michael loves her beautiful but aloof younger sister, Delphi, Rose vows to keep her feelings hidden. When war breaks out, Michael enlists, and Rose fears for his life as he heads to the trenches in France. As the war rages on, Rose strikes up a friendship with Thom, a budding engineer. And when Thom’s feelings for her grow warmer, Rose must decide whether she is prepared to betray her heart.

In Judea, under the brutal rule of King Herod, a woman yearns for a child but is outcast when she does not fall pregnant. Against all convention, she masters the art of glassblowing. In Renaissance Florence, a young wife is left penniless by her hopelessly unfaithful husband and struggles to find a way to support herself and her young son. In contemporary Australia, a talented textile conservator, devastated by loss, is desperate to regain control of her life. Each woman wants something that seems unattainable, and it will take all their courage, creativity and determination to achieve it.