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Books matching: charming novella

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  1. #1

    The Infamous Miss Rodriguez - Ciudad Real by Lydia San Andres
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    The Infamous Miss Rodriguez by Lydia San Andres is a charming historical romance novella set in the early 1900s on an imaginary island in the Caribbean. The story follows Graciela Rodriguez, a headstrong young woman engaged to a man chosen by her aunt, who is determined to thwart her aunt's plans by tarnishing her own reputation. However, her attempts are constantly thwarted by Vicente, a man hired by her aunt to keep her out of trouble. As their relationship evolves from a marriage of convenience to something more, they find themselves creating a scandal that captivates the town of Ciudad Real.

    The book is praised for its well-drawn and sympathetic characters, particularly Graciela and Vicente, who are portrayed as fun, headstrong, and determined individuals. The story is described as short but rich in setting and voice, offering a full emotional journey despite its brevity. Readers appreciate the mutual admiration, respect, and honesty in the relationship between Graciela and Vicente, highlighting the growth of their romance as adorable and lovely.


  2. #2

    The Uncommon Reader by Alan Bennett
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    'The Uncommon Reader' by Alan Bennett is a novella that explores what happens when the Queen of England unexpectedly discovers a love for reading. The story follows the Queen's journey as she delves into the world of books, much to the surprise and dismay of her palace staff. Through her newfound passion for reading, the Queen undergoes a transformation, becoming more observant and thoughtful. The book humorously portrays the clash between the Queen's reading obsession and her royal duties, providing a light-hearted yet insightful commentary on the power of books to influence one's life.

    At Windsor it was the evening of the state banquet and as the president of France took his place beside Her Majesty, the royal family formed up behind and the procession slowly moved off and through i...

  3. #3

    Once Ghosted, Twice Shy - Reluctant Royals by Alyssa Cole
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    'Once Ghosted, Twice Shy' by Alyssa Cole is a novella in the 'Reluctant Royals' series that follows the romance between Likotsi and Fab. The story alternates between past and present, showcasing the development of their relationship from their first meeting to confronting the reasons behind Fab ghosting Likotsi. The writing style is described as charming, engaging, and sweet, with a focus on the f/f romance that is both lovely and sexy. Readers enjoy the alternating POVs and the exploration of contemporary issues within the Black American community.

    “Attention, passengers, we apologize for the delay.” The MTA conductor’s voice was tinny, but the exasperation rang clear as the voice fuzzed through the speakers in the stalled subway car. “We are be...

    (Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Reluctant Royals )

  4. #4

    The Red Notebook by Antoine Laurain
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    The Red Notebook by Antoine Laurain is a charming novella set in Paris, where a bookseller named Laurent Letellier finds an abandoned handbag on the street and becomes determined to track down its owner using the clues found inside. The story follows Laurent's captivating journey as he delves into the contents of the bag, particularly a red notebook filled with the owner's thoughts, in an attempt to solve the mystery of the woman's identity and what happened to her.

    The book is praised for its light and charming storytelling, incorporating elements of mystery, romance, and intrigue. Readers enjoy the unique premise of a bookseller turning detective, the well-paced plot that keeps them engaged, and the delightful Parisian backdrop that adds to the overall charm of the narrative. The translation from French to English is also commended for capturing the essence of the story and making it an enjoyable read for those who appreciate a heartwarming love story.

    The taxi had dropped her on the corner of the boulevard. She was barely fifty metres from home. The road was lit by streetlamps which gave the buildings an orange glow, but even so she was anxious, as...

  5. #5

    The Fur Person by May Sarton
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    'The Fur Person' by May Sarton is a heartwarming tale told from the perspective of a tomcat named Tom Jones. It follows Tom's journey from being a stray cat to finding a loving home with his human housekeepers, May Sarton and Judy Matlack. The story is filled with delightful observations of cat behavior, humor, and touching moments that showcase the special bond between cats and humans. Written in a charming and engaging style, the book captures the inner life of a cat and the joys of companionship between pets and their owners.


  6. #6

    The Pleasure of My Company by Steve Martin
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    'The Pleasure of My Company' by Steve Martin is a novella that delves into the life of the neurotic protagonist, Daniel Pecan Cambridge, who struggles with obsessive-compulsive disorder. The story follows Daniel's daily routines, his eccentricities, and his desire for love and companionship amidst his mental challenges. Through a series of humorous and poignant moments, Daniel navigates his small world in Santa Monica, forming connections with those around him and seeking ways to break free from his self-imposed limitations.

    Martin's writing style in 'The Pleasure of My Company' is described as witty, charming, and tender, with a touch of absurdity and humor that adds depth to the narrative. The book explores themes of loneliness, mental illness, and personal growth, all while maintaining a light and enjoyable tone that keeps readers engaged from beginning to end.

    Without the clerical error, I wouldn’t have been thinking this way at all; I wouldn’t have had time. I would have been too preoccupied with the new friends I was planning to make at Mensa, the interna...

  7. #7

    The Silent Gondoliers by William Goldman
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    The Silent Gondoliers is a charming novella that follows the story of Luigi, a talented gondolier in Venice who struggles with his terrible singing voice. Despite being gifted in navigating the canals, Luigi's lack of vocal ability leads to him being shunned by the city's residents and his fellow gondoliers. The book explores Luigi's journey of redemption as he dreams of singing on the Grand Canal and eventually earns the respect of his peers through an act of bravery and skill. Written in a whimsical and humorous style, the novella flashes back and forth through the decades of the twentieth century, presenting a heartwarming and entertaining tale that captures the essence of Venice and the gondolier tradition.


  8. #8

    The Private Lives of Trees by Megan McDowell, Alejandro Zambra
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    "The Private Lives of Trees" by Alejandro Zambra is a novella that delves into the life of Julian, a literature professor, as he waits anxiously for his wife Veronica to return home, all while telling his stepdaughter Daniela stories about the private lives of trees. Through Julian's musings and memories, the reader is taken on a journey of love, hope, and vulnerability, as past and present intertwine in a dream-like narrative. Zambra's writing style intricately weaves together ordinary stories of everyday life, allowing characters to slowly develop and mature, creating a poignant and introspective atmosphere.

    At the heart of the novella is the exploration of human emotions and experiences, as Julian grapples with feelings of anxiety, love, and uncertainty while waiting for Veronica. The author skillfully captures the essence of storytelling and the complexity of relationships, offering a glimpse into the inner thoughts and imaginings of the characters, ultimately leading to a reflection on the nature of fiction and the importance of human connection.


  9. #9

    Parnassus on Wheels by Christopher Morley
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    "Parnassus on Wheels" is a charming novella that follows the story of Helen McGill, a middle-aged farm woman who decides to purchase a traveling bookstore, setting off on an unexpected literary adventure. The book captures the essence of simpler times and the transformative power of books as Helen embarks on a journey of self-discovery, friendship, and even romance with the original proprietor of the Parnassus, Roger Mifflin. Written in a light-hearted and whimsical tone, the narrative unfolds with delightful surprises and heartwarming moments, making it a perfect read for book lovers seeking a feel-good story.

    Helen's decision to break away from her mundane life and embrace the freedom and independence offered by the traveling book wagon resonates with readers, as they witness her growth from a housekeeper to a spirited adventurer. The interactions between Helen and Roger Mifflin, the enthusiastic bookseller, highlight the joy of literature and the impact it can have on one's life. As the plot unfolds, themes of love, friendship, and the transformative nature of books are beautifully interwoven, creating a heartwarming tale that celebrates the magic of storytelling and the pursuit of one's dreams.

    I wonder if there isn’t a lot of bunkum in higher education? I never found that people who were learned in logarithms and other kinds of poetry were any quicker in washing dishes or darning socks. I’v...

  10. #10

    The Rat-Catcher's Daughter - Lilywhite Boys by K.J. Charles
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    The Rat Catcher's Daughter by KJ Charles is a charming novella set in the Lilywhite Boys series, focusing on the sweet and tender romance between Miss Christiana, a musical hall singer and female impersonator, and Stan, the Lilywhite Boys' fence. The story follows Christiana's struggle with a debt owned by a gang leader, Kammy, and Stan's unwavering support and admiration for her, leading to a heartwarming connection between the two characters. KJ Charles's writing style is described as impeccable, with an exciting plot, endearing characters, and a focus on LGBTQ representation, making it a delightful and engaging read for fans of the series.


    (Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Lilywhite Boys )

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