Showing results by author "Mary Braddon" in All Categories

At just 15 years old, Eleanor Vane seems to have it all a luxurious education at a prestigious finishing school in Paris, her father’s unwavering affection, and a natural inclination for kindness. However, her life takes a tragic turn when her father unexpectedly passes away, leaving her vulnerable to the whims of her estranged half-siblings and the harsh judgment of society that views her as an orphaned beggar. Sent to serve as a ladys companion to an old friend of her late father, Eleanor faces the daunting challenge of carving out a respectable place for herself in a world that has turned...

In Dead Love Has Chains, we explore yet another dimension of Mary Elizabeth Braddons remarkable talent, crafted in her seventies. This novel delves deep into character and human psychology, setting it apart from her more conventional works centered on detection and crime. The story follows Irene Thelliston, a pregnant and unmarried woman sent back from India to live with her Aunt in Ireland. During her sea voyage, she confides in Lady Mary Harling, who promises to keep her secret safe. Years later, Lady Mary is horrified to discover that Irene is now engaged to her son, Conrad, who harbors his...

Weathering critical scorn, Lady Audley's Secret quickly established Mary Elizabeth Braddon as the leading light of Victorian 'sensation' fiction, sharing the honour only with Wilkie Collins. Addictive, cunningly plotted and certainly sensational, Lady Audley's Secret draws on contemporary theories of insanity to probe mid-Victorian anxieties about the rapid rise of consumer culture. What is the mystery surrounding the charming heroine?

As the festive season descends upon Penlyon Castle, the adults find themselves yearning for a touch of excitement. Sir John muses, If only I had a pack of children of my own, I would celebrate Christmas the way it should be! Enter his clever friend Mr. Danby, who has just the whimsical solution hiring a few children to bring joy and mischief to the holiday. With the arrival of the spirited Lassie, Laddie, and little Moppet, Christmas at the castle is about to transform in ways no one could have imagined! (Summary by ppcunningham) Proof Listener - hallejk

Immerse yourself in this exquisite and heart-wrenching love story. Violet Tempest and Roderick Vawdrey, known affectionately as Vixen and Rorie, are childhood sweethearts whose bond faces the ultimate test. Rories family has other plans for him, pushing him towards a marriage that threatens to tear them apart. While it may seem like a familiar tale of star-crossed lovers, this novel delves deeper, exploring the complex reality of relationships beyond the initial spark of love. It captures the earnest struggle of loving someone while navigating the weight of familial duties and societal ...

In Lovels of Arden, a young Englishwoman returns home after years of studying abroad, only to discover that her life is far from the fairy tale she envisioned. Clarissa Lovel confronts not only a father grappling with emotional and financial struggles but also her first encounter with love—a perspective that challenges her in unexpected ways. (Summary by Cathy Barratt)

Meet Aurora Floyd, the stunning daughter of a wealthy banker and a talented actress. Fresh from a prestigious finishing school in Paris, she possesses beauty, intelligence, and fortune. However, her life takes a tumultuous turn when two men fall for her, only to uncover a dark secret from her past. As they grapple with her history, the question remains who will remain loyal when the truth emerges? With a cast of unforgettable characters, the author weaves a captivating domestic drama that probes profound themes Is it right to love someone who has deceived you? Can we truly forgive the ...

From the author of The Christmas Hirelings comes this Audible Exclusive production of Mary Elizabeth Braddon’s classic sensation novel Lady Audley’s Secret. English actress Olivia Poulet gives an assured and captivating narration; a cornerstone of the genre and a scandal at the time of its publication, Lady Audley’s Secret is an entertaining and shocking tale of high drama and shifting perceptions.

Step beyond the lamplight and into the gilded darkness of a vanished world. Ghost Stories from the Gilded Age is a classic ghost story anthology featuring eerie tales by female authors who defied convention—Charlotte Perkins Gilman, Edith Wharton, Kate Chopin, and more. Narrated by an all-star ensemble of Audie, SOVAS, and One Voice award winners and nominees, this haunting audiobook collection blends Gothic elegance with supernatural unease.

Sir John Penlyon is planning to spend Christmas at his estate with his niece and his friend Danby, the closest thing he has to family since disowning his daughter years ago. (She eloped with the parson, who was, of course, penniless.) Danby suggests that at Christmastime the estate needs the presence of small children, and offers to find some - the “hirelings” - despite Sir John’s skepticism. Three children duly arrive, and the youngest, precocious four year-old Moppet, quickly endears herself to Sir John.

Almost always when we think of Ghost Stories, we first think of those written by the Victorians. Whatever the reasons given or proffered the reality and known facts are that if you want a really good ghost story to bring that edge of chill, that foreboding of dread, that feeling that in an empty house we are not quite alone and that sometimes the sharp, sheer shock of what just happened is upon us then look no further than ‘The Victorian Ghost Story’ for your listening pleasure.

A selection of 17 classic stories of horror and the supernatural by some of the greatest writers in the genre. This compilation includes a mix of well-known classics by authors such as Charles Dickens and M. R. James, alongside several unjustly overlooked gems by less familiar names who were hugely popular and prolific in their day.

Lady Audley is universally adored: Beautiful, kind and charming, she enamors all whom she meets. It is not until the strange disappearance of widower George Talboys that her behavior takes an odd turn. George's friend, Robert Audley, Lady Audley's nephew-in-law, is on the case; an upper-class layabout turned detective, he is determined to get to the bottom of things.

A heartwarming festive tale of redemption and cheer, The Christmas Hirelings is the story of a lonely widower who reluctantly invites a group of children to his manor for Christmas. It showcases the benefits of opening your doors and hearts during the holiday season.

This Victorian best seller, along with Braddon's other famous novel, Aurora Floyd, established her as the main rival of the master of the sensational novel, Wilkie Collins. A protest against the passive, insipid 19th-century heroine, Lady Audley was described by one critic of the time as "high-strung, full of passion, purpose, and movement." Her crime (the secret of the title) is shown to threaten the apparently respectable middle-class world of Victorian England.

Almost always when we think of Ghost Stories, we first think of those written by the Victorians. If you want a really good ghost story to bring that edge of chill, that foreboding of dread, that feeling that in an empty house we are not quite alone and that sometimes the sharp, sheer shock of what just happened is upon us then look no further than ‘The Victorian Ghost Story’ for your reading and listening pleasure.

Mary Elizabeth Braddon's first novel, "Lady Audley's Secret", was one of the most popular English novels of its day. Published serially in 1862, it tells the story of the lovely Lucy Graham, who becomes Lady Audley at the beginning of the novel, and who conceals a scandalous secret from her new husband and his family. The plot, which includes madness, bigamy, attempted murder, and seduction, made this a shocking but highly successful story for Victorian audiences. It remains one of the best examples of 19th century sensational fiction, and is a wonderfully absorbing book.

Once a dazzling star of London high society, Lady Maulevriers life spiraled into turmoil after her husband, a man she married solely for his wealth, committed a shocking crime in India. Now, four decades later, she finds herself raising her two granddaughters, Mary and Lesbia. Favoring the stunning Lesbia, their relationship is strained at best. While Mary embarks on a journey to marry her true love, Lesbia steps into the London social scene under the guidance of her grandmothers devoted friend. Will Lesbia seize the opportunities that come her way to secure a match that pleases her ...

Dive into a mesmerizing Victorian “sensation” novel by the acclaimed author of “Lady Audleys Secret.” Run to Earth weaves a thrilling tale filled with scoundrels, mercenaries, and a whirlwind of emotions—love, lust, jealousy, and suspense. Join the journey through intrigue and excitement, narrated by the talented Gail Mattern.

Step into a world reminiscent of Wuthering Heights, where a turbulent love triangle unfolds within the walls of a grand English manor. Olivia Marchmont has always adhered to her sense of duty, but when she unexpectedly falls for a man who is captivated by another, the darkness of her heart is unleashed. In this gripping narrative, the lush countryside plays a vital role, almost as if nature itself is part of the drama. Unlike many tales, this story defies the notion of justice—do any of the characters truly get what they deserve in the end? Dive into this captivating tale and discover the ...