Sunday, September 05, 2010
Book Lists - Popular British Women's Fiction
Looking for women's fiction from across the pond? Check out one of these jolly good reads!
Cruel Habitations (2000)
by Kate Charles
After moving from London to the cathedral town of Westmead, where her husband teaches history, Sophie, struggling with infertility and in need of distraction, begins to investigate the murder of a young woman killed in the town 11 years earlier.
Harte’s Desire (2007)
by Cynthia Harrod-Eagles
Living in posh Shepherds Bush, two attractive friends Polly and Ginnie seem to have it all – careers, well married, leisurely girly lunches, expensive dinners with frequent bottles of pricy wine. For different reasons they remain bored and unhappy, until the handsome and worldly American Simon Harte moves to the neighborhood and works his magic.
Hens Dancing (2001)
by Rafaella Barker
Venetia Summers future seemed set when she abandoned her life in London for marriage and a new life in the countryside. But that was ten years ago, before her husband left her and their three children for his masseuse. Left with no particular skills and living in the sticks, Venetia keeps a blog-like journal as she uses her wit and resourcefulness to keep her lopsided family together.
The Little House (1996)
by Philippa Gregory
Moving away from the author's trend toward historical fiction, this is a contemporary tale of Ruth, a successful journalist who is talked into moving to the country, just down the road from her husband’s upper-class parents. Tension mounts as Ruth slowly realizes the sinister control her in-laws are gaining in this riveting domestic thriller.
Notting Hell (2007)
by Rachel Johnson
An amusing glimpse into the mores and manners of a trendy, communal Notting Hill neighborhood through the eyes of Mimi, working mother of three and her best friend Clare, a childless, neat-freak garden designer.
Paradise Fields (2003)
by Katie Fforde
Romance blooms for long celibate Cotswold widow, Nel Innes, as she fights to save the land used by the local farmer’s market from a villainous estate developer. Appalled, Nel mounts a vigorous campaign to stop the whole process, when she meets Jake, the hunky attorney handling the developer’s legal affairs.
The Rector’s Wife (1991)
by Joanna Trollope
Anna Bouverie’s life as the wife of a village rector is governed by the rigid expectations of her husband’s parishioners. Tired of living on her husband’s paltry salary, Anna takes a job at the local supermarket, becoming the center of outraged parish gossip. The suffocating parishioners, combined with her husband’s enraged reaction, lead Anna to broaden her perspective and reach for changes in her life.
Sleeping Beauty (1953)
by Elizabeth Taylor
Emily lives in seclusion, withdrawn from the world, following a car accident and reconstructive plastic surgery until a guest of her neighbor’s finds his curiosity aroused and is attracted to the elusive Emily – leaving his secret to be revealed later.
Thornyhold (1995)
by Mary Stewart
Following the death of her clergyman father, seemingly homeless Gilly Ramsey inherits Thornyhold, her godmother’s home in the English countryside, complete with magic, witchcraft and romance.
The Undomestic Goddess (2005)
by Sophie Kinsella
After making a horrendous mistake that could cost her a chance of partnership, attorney Samantha Sweeting suffers a breakdown, hops the next train and finds herself in the country. Inquiring about a hotel at the first house she sees, Samantha is mistakenly hired as the new cook and housekeeper.
The Wives of Bath (2005)
by Wendy Holden
The prospects of new parenthood and birthing classes bring together two very different set of parents – Hugo and spoiled wife Amanda who plan on an expensive private hospital affair, and nature lovers Jake and Alice, who are opting for a home delivery with birthing pool and whale music – in this engaging and charming farce.
New Fiction Titles
If you are interested in any of these new titles, give us a call at 847-720-3280. We'd be happy to help!