Professor Preston at Home – Elizabeth Corbett

A novel about an aging professor who accidentally hits a woman with his umbrella, and as a result his life quickly changes—to something better than he ever imagined possible. 1957.

Tregaron’s Daughter – Madeleine Brent

A historical novel about a woman who lives a quiet life in Cornwall with her fisherman father, until a series of strangers and events lead her to Venice and a possible inheritance. 1971.

The Young Clementina – D. E. Stevenson

A novel about a woman who is heartbroken when the love of her life unexpectedly marries her sister; years later, when they divorce, she’s asked to look after their daughter. 1935. 

Minerva – Marion Chesney

A Regency historical novel about a vicar’s daughter who is sent off to London to make her debut, with specific instructions to make a wealthy match and thereby help her debt-ridden family. 1982. 

 

The Incomplete Amorist – Edith Nesbit

A novel about a young, naive woman who falls for a rakish artist, but fate and the woman’s family intervene to keep the two apart. 1906. 

The Vet’s Daughter – Barbara Comyns

A novel about a young woman who has a desperately ill mother, a violent father, and yet in the midst of never-ending hardship possesses a secret of her own. 1959. 

Sara Dane – Catherine Gaskin

A historical novel about a woman who is initially transported to Australia as a convict, but through an advantageous marriage comes to play a legendary role in the development of the new colony. 1954. 

A Fair Barbarian – Frances Hodgson Burnett

A novel about a young American woman who comes to visit her aunt in England, and the effect her unrefined candor has on the conservative inhabitants of the town. 1880. Continue reading →

After Noon – Susan Ertz

A novel about a man who, as a single parent, must reconcile himself to his daughters growing up and his own life becoming full again. 1926. Continue reading →