The Girl In The Gatehouse

Miss Mariah Aubrey, banished after a scandal, hides herself away in a long-abandoned gatehouse on the far edge of a distant relative's estate. There, she supports herself and her loyal servant the only way she knows how--by writing novels in secret. Captain Matthew Bryant, returning to England successful and wealthy after the Napoleonic wars, leases an impressive estate from a cash-poor nobleman, determined to show the society beauty who once rejected him what a colossal mistake she made. When he discovers an old gatehouse on the property, he is immediately intrigued by its striking young inhabitant and sets out to uncover her identity, and her past. But the more he learns about her, the more he realizes he must distance himself. Falling in love with an outcast would ruin his well-laid plans. The old gatehouse holds secrets of its own. Can Mariah and Captain Bryant uncover them before the cunning heir to the estate buries them forever?

Regency Romance and Mystery from Bestselling Author Julie Klassen Pampered Margaret Macy flees London in disguise to escape pressure to marry a dishonorable man. With no money and nowhere else to go, she takes a position as a housemaid in the home of Nathaniel Upchurch, a suitor she once rejected in hopes of winning his dashing brother. Praying no one will recognize her, Margaret fumbles through the first real work of her life. If she can last until her next birthday, she will gain an inheritance from a spinster aunt--and sweet independence. But can she remain hidden as a servant even when prying eyes visit Fairbourne Hall? Observing both brothers as an "invisible" servant, Margaret learns she may have misjudged Nathaniel. Is it too late to rekindle his admiration? And when one of the family is nearly killed, Margaret alone discovers who was responsible. Should she come forward, even at the risk of her reputation and perhaps her life? And can she avoid an obvious trap meant to force her from hiding? On her journey from wellborn lady to servant to uncertain future, Margaret must learn to look past appearances and find the true meaning of "serve one another in love."

Sophie Warrington McPhalen finally lands a long-awaited job at the Daily Trib. Ironically on her first day at work, a story comes in about bones being found on her family plantation. Forensic examination discovers that the bones date back to the Civil War, but there is no headstone to mark the grave. Intrepid reporter Jack McFallen starts an investigation. Meanwhile Sophie continues renovations to the old family gatehouse on the plantation. In the process, two spirits are loosed, one good, the other evil. During the renovation, the discovery of her great-great-grandmothers journal only adds to the mystery. While continuing to investigate, an attraction was obviously developing between Jack and Sophie as they poured over the old letters and documents. A jealousy conspiracy by outsiders moves the lovers closer together as they work to solve the mystery. Both are forced into the tangled world of the occult, mysticism, and demonology in their effort to purge the gatehouse of its spirits.

At twenty-six, Chance Delaney decides her life isn't working so she swaps it for a different one. On a quest for adventure, meaning and a girlfriend, she finds herself transported from her safe job in a San Francisco gay and lesbian bookstore to No.1 on the charts, as lead vocalist for the all-women band Virgin Blessing. An instant celebrity, Chance is surrounded by hot women, especially her fellow band members Peaches, Siren and cigar smoking Lucrezia. Finding sexual partners is not a problem, yet true love seems more elusive than ever. When the band's hit songwriter, Layla Wilde refuses to date her, let alone sleep with her, Chance sets out to change her mind. Chock full of unforgettable characters, Chance is the sexy, funny, touching story of two women who, in finding themselves, also find one another.

New from the Top Author of Inspirational Regency Romance Return to Ivy Hill in The Ladies of Ivy Cottage as friendships deepen, romances blossom, and mysteries unfold. Living with the two Miss Groves in Ivy Cottage, impoverished gentlewoman Rachel Ashford is determined to earn her own livelihood . . . somehow. When the village women encourage her to open a subscription library with the many books she has inherited or acquired through donations, Rachel discovers two mysteries hidden among them. A man who once broke her heart helps her search for clues, but will both find more than they bargained for? Rachel's friend and hostess, Mercy Grove, has given up thoughts of suitors and fills her days managing her girls' school. So when several men take an interest in Ivy Cottage, she assumes pretty Miss Ashford is the cause. Exactly what--or who--has captured each man's attention? The truth may surprise them all. Meanwhile, life has improved at the coaching inn and Jane Bell is ready to put grief behind her. Now if only the man she misses would return--but where is he? As the women of Ivy Hill search for answers about the past and hope for the future, might they find love along the way?

Join beloved teenage girl detective, Trixie Belden, for fun, adventure, and intrigue as she explores an abandoned gatehouse in the next book in the iconic mystery series starring the beloved teenage girl detective! When Trixie and Honey explore an abandoned gatehouse, they discover more than dust and spiderwebs. Stuck in the dirt floor is a huge diamond! Could a ring of jewel thieves be hiding out in Sleepyside?

'Joan Aiken's invention seemed inexhaustible, her high spirits a blessing, her sheer storytelling zest a phenomenon. She was a literary treasure, and her books will continue to delight for many years to come.' - Philip Pullman The Paget Family Saga comes to a thrilling conclusion with The Girl from Paris, a gripping Gothic historical romance from acclaimed author Joan Aiken. Longing to flout convention and spread her wings in society, Ellen Paget accepts a position as a governess in Paris. Old family friend Benedict Masham has long carried a torch for Ellen and is naturally stunned when she makes her departure. But, when family tragedy and a subsequent scandal force Ellen to return to London, Benedict’s passion is reignited and he vows to express his love through unwavering help and support. Ellen will need to use all of her ingenuity and daring to solve the mysteries of the past and present and keep her family safe. But will she also find romance in a place she least expected? Praise for The Girl From Paris: 'The tale has echoes of both Charlotte and Emily Bronte, but the fast moving narrative and thoroughly modern sense of the ambiguities of character are all Miss Aiken’s own' - Guardian 'Joan Aiken blends elements of Villette, George Eliot and Thomas Hardy into a strong redemptive plot' - Observer