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.

Love – Elizabeth von Arnim

A novel about a younger man who pursues an older widow, much to the chagrin of their friends, family, and society in general. 1925.

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 Corner Shop – Elizabeth Cadell

A novel about a woman who helps a grumbling professor catalogue his late mother’s possessions, and in doing so manages to change the trajectory of her own life. 1966. 

Random Harvest – James Hilton

A novel about a man who wakes up one day in 1919 and finds he can’t remember anything about the last three years of his life. 1941. 

Shadow of a Lady – Jane Aiken Hodge

A historical novel about a woman who is pressed into marrying a wealthy but potentially dangerous man, then finds herself trapped in Naples during the early Napoleonic wars. 1973. 

Fortune is a Woman – Winston Graham

A novel about a claims adjuster who falls for a married woman who may or may not be involved in an insurance fraud. 1953. 

A Horseman Riding By

A historical saga about an Englishman who buys an estate and finds fulfillment in looking after the land and its tenants during the first half of the 20th century. 1966. 

A Shower of Summer Days – May Sarton

A novel about an aging couple who return to their country estate in Ireland, and the American niece who comes to spend the summer with them. 1952. 

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.