AustLit

'A wallflower will put everything on the line ...

'When John Barnesworth inherits unexpectedly, he abandons his solitude and returns to London to settle his brother's affairs, only to discover his estates are crumbling and he is now betrothed to his brother’s unpleasant fiancée. Her dowry might save him from ruin, but at what cost? His only hope lies with the vivacious, charming Lady Charlotte Stirling, whose audacious solution to John's troubles might actually work. If only he can keep his feelings for her out of the equation ...

'Lady Charlotte Stirling knows she can’t fall for John. He’s her brother’s best friend, he’s engaged to her mortal enemy, and he wants to return to America. Not to mention he’d never survive in her bustling social life. She can, however, try to solve his money problem. But the closer she gets to ensuring his freedom, the harder it is to let him go ...'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'Fiona McTavish is an engineer, a chemist, a rebel—and no one’s idea of a proper lady. She prefers breeches to ballrooms, but her new invention—matches—will surely turn as many heads. There’s just a little matter of her being arrested for a crime she didn’t commit. And the only person she can turn to for help is the man who broke her heart years ago.

'Edward Stirling, Duke of Wildeforde, will do anything to restore his family’s name and put his father’s scandalous death behind them. But when Fiona needs his help getting released from prison, he can’t deny her—even though it means she must live with him as a condition of her freedom. With the desire between them rekindling as fast as the gossip about their arrangement is spreading among the ton, Edward will have to choose what matters most to him—his reputation or his heart.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'Lady Amelia was raised to be the perfect duchess, accomplished in embroidery, floral arrangement, and managing a massive household. But when an innocent mistake forces her and the uncouth, untitled Benedict Asterly into a marriage of convenience, all her training appears to be for naught. Even worse, she finds herself inexplicably drawn to this man no finishing school could have prepared her for.

'Benedict Asterly never dreamed saving Amelia’s life would lead to him exchanging vows with the hoity society miss. Benedict was taught to distrust the aristocracy at a young age, so when news of his marriage endangers a business deal, Benedict is wary of Amelia’s offer to help. But his quick-witted, elegant bride defies all his expectations . . . and if he’s not careful, she’ll break down the walls around his guarded heart.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'Paris, 1940: While working at the Louvre, Éliane Dufort falls for handsome painter Xavier. But when the Nazis occupy Paris, Xavier leaves for England and Éliane must send her sisters to the country. A broken-hearted Éliane finds herself working with Rose Valland on a dangerous secret mission for the French Resistance: to uncover what the Nazi’s plan to do with the artworks that they have been stealing from museums and Jewish families.

'French Riviera, 2015: Remy Lang has come to a private house at Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat in part for her vintage fashion business, and in part to leave her grief behind. When she finds a catalogue of the artworks stolen by the Germans during World War II, Remy is shocked to see a painting that has hung on her bedroom wall since she was a child. This discovery sets her on a quest to understand her connection to this painting and to the brave women who worked against the Nazis.

'The Riviera House is a heartbreaking and unforgettable story from the New York Times bestselling author of The French Photographer and The Paris Secret.' (Publication summary)

'England, 1939 Talented pilot Skye Penrose joins the British war effort where she encounters her estranged sister, Liberty, and childhood soulmate Nicholas Crawford, now engaged to enigmatic Frenchwoman Margaux Jourdan.

'Paris, 1947 Designer Christian Dior unveils his extravagant first collection to a world weary of war and grief. He names his debut fragrance, Miss Dior, in tribute to his sister, Catherine, who worked for the French Resistance.

'Present day Australian fashion conservator Kat Jourdan discovers a secret wardrobe filled with priceless Dior gowns in her grandmother's vacant cottage. As she delves into the mystery, Kat begins to doubt everything she thought she knew about her beloved grandmother.

'An unspeakable betrayal will entwine all of their fates.

'The Paris Secret is an unforgettable story about the lengths people go to protect one another, and a love that, despite everything, lasts a lifetime.' (Publication summary)

'You were adopted'. Three short words and Sabina's life fractures. There would forever be a Before those words, and an After. Pregnant with her own child, Sabina can't understand how a mother could abandon her daughter, or why her parents have kept the past a secret. Determined to find the woman who gave her away, what she discovers will change everything, not just for Sabina, but for the women who have loved her all these years. From the bestselling author of Me Without You comes another touching, beautifully told story about the pain of separation and the enduring strength of love.' (Publication summary)

'How much will a young Parisian seamstress sacrifice to make her mark in the male-dominated world of 1940s New York fashion? 

'1940. Parisian seamstress Estella Bissette is forced to flee France as the Germans advance. She is bound for Manhattan with a few francs, one suitcase, her sewing machine and a dream: to have her own atelier.

'2015. Australian curator Fabienne Bissette journeys to the annual Met Gala for an exhibition of her beloved grandmother's work - one of the world's leading designers of ready-to-wear clothing. But as Fabienne learns more about her grandmother's past, she uncovers a story of tragedy, heartbreak and secrets - and the sacrifices made for love.

'Crossing generations, society's boundaries and international turmoil, The Paris Seamstress is the beguiling, transporting story of the special relationship between a grandmother and her granddaughter as they attempt to heal the heartache of the past.' (Publication summary))

'Anything can happen in the moonlight . . .

'Justice. That's all Nell Trim wants-for her sister and for the countless other young women the Marquess of Leath has ruined with his wildly seductive ways. Now she has a bold plan to take him down . . . as long as she can resist the scoundrel's temptations herself.

'From the moment Nell meets James Fairbrother, the air positively sizzles. Yet for all his size and power, there's something amazingly tender in his touch. Could he really be such a depraved rogue? The only way to find out is to beat the devil at his own game . . . one tempting kiss at a time.' (Publication summary)

'Lady Lydia Rothermere has spent the past decade trying to make up for a single, youthful moment of passion. Now the image of propriety, Lydia knows her future rests on never straying outside society's rigid rules; but hiding away the desire that runs through her is harder than she could have ever dreamed. Now as Lydia prepares for a marriage that will suit her family, but not her heart, Lydia must decide what's more important: propriety or passion?

'Simon Metcalf is a rake and adventurer. But for all his experience, nothing can compare to the kiss he stole from the captivating Lydia Rothermere ten years ago. Simon can scarcely believe he's about to lose the one woman he's never forgotten. The attraction between them is irresistible, yet Lydia refuses to forsake her engagement. With his heart on the line, will Simon prove that love is a risk worth taking?'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'Sir Richard Harmsworth might be a darling of society, but nothing can erase the stain of his bastardy. Richard′s cool stare, indolent manner and insolent humor hide deep-seated feelings of unworthiness. He vowed young that nothing will pierce his elegant exterior to affect the man beneath, because the man beneath is capable of hurt and suffering. Safety lies in superficiality.'

'When Lord Packham rejects Richard as a suitor for his daughter, it′s the straw that breaks the camel′s back. After a lifetime of defying the world′s contempt, enough is enough. Richard vows to challenge his scandalous birth head on. There is a family legend that possession of a medieval relic, the Harmsworth Jewel, confirms the rightful heir. He will locate the jewel and brandish it under the noses of anyone reckless enough to question his right to the Harmsworth name.'

'Genevieve is a brilliant scholar who has led a secluded life, translating manuscripts, writing about medieval architecture and researching the authenticity of artifacts like the Harmsworth Jewel.'

'Against his better judgement, Richard falls under Genevieve′s spell. He′s never met a woman like her, clever, perceptive, kind, ardent, confident in her own opinions, uncaring of society′s shallow judgements. But can he reveal the real man under the façade he wears? ' (Publisher's blurb)