Books matching: rural england setting
54 result(s)
- #1
The House of Hopes and Dreams, a novel by Trisha Ashley, revolves around the lives of Carey Revell and Angel Arrowsmith, old college friends who come together to work on Carey's inherited estate and start a stained glass studio. The book intricately weaves together multiple storylines, including a friends-to-lovers romance, a historical mystery surrounding a Victorian artist, and the art of glassmaking. The writing style is described as warm, comforting, and filled with humor, making the characters and their interactions the focal point of the story.
- #2
Snap by Belinda Bauer is a crime mystery novel that follows Jack, a young boy forced to care for his two younger sisters after their mother's murder. The story revolves around Jack's journey to find his mother's killer, the involvement of a peculiar police department, and the discovery of a crucial piece of evidence. Despite the dark themes of grief and crime, the book is noted for its dark humor, intriguing plot twists, and a cast of characters that readers can't help but care for. Bauer's writing style effectively combines heart-wrenching moments with wry humor, keeping readers engaged and eager to unravel the mystery.
The windows were down, but no air moved; only small bugs whirred, with a sound like dry paper. Overhead hung a single frayed cloud, while an invisible jet drew a chalky line across the bright blue sky... - #3
'The Rainbow' by D.H. Lawrence is a multi-generational novel that follows the lives of the Brangwen family over several decades, set against the backdrop of industrialization in England. The book explores themes of sensuality, consciousness, familial bonds, and societal constraints. Lawrence's writing style is described as hypnotizing, biblical, and chthonic, with beautiful descriptions of nature and pastoral landscapes intertwined with in-depth character studies.
THE Brangwens had lived for generations on the Marsh Farm, in the meadows where the Erewash twisted sluggishly through alder trees, separating Derbyshire from Nottinghamshire. Two miles away, a church... - #4
'East Lynne' by Mrs. Henry Wood is a sensation novel set in Victorian England, revolving around the character of Lady Isabel, a naive young woman from an impoverished aristocratic family. The story unfolds with her marriage to Archibald Carlyle, a wealthy lawyer, and the subsequent events of infidelity, deception, and mysterious occurrences. The plot is filled with twists and turns, coincidences, and moralistic themes typical of Victorian literature, all presented in a melodramatic style that captures the essence of the era.
The narrative of 'East Lynne' is rich in descriptive scenery, portraying rural England vividly and delving into the complexities of human relationships under societal norms of the time. Mrs. Henry Wood's writing style combines elements of suspense, melodrama, and moral lessons, creating a compelling story that explores themes of love, betrayal, redemption, and societal expectations in the Victorian era.
IN an easy-chair of the spacious and handsome library of his townhouse, sat William, Earl of Mount Severn. His hair was grey, the smoothness of his expansive brow was defaced by premature wrinkles, an... - #5
'The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry' follows the story of Harold, a recently retired man who embarks on a 600-mile walk across England to visit his dying friend, Queenie. As Harold walks, he meets various people who impact his journey and reminisces on his life, leading to revelations and self-discovery. The narrative delves into themes of love, loss, redemption, and the complexities of relationships, portraying Harold's transformation and his wife Maureen's parallel journey of self-discovery.
THE LETTER THAT would change everything arrived on a Tuesday. It was an ordinary morning in mid-April that smelt of clean washing and grass cuttings. Harold Fry sat at the breakfast table, freshly sha... - #6
'Caught!' in 'The Shamwell Tales' series by J.L. Merrow follows the story of Robert Emeny, a young elementary school teacher in rural England who fled his high school teaching position under a cloud of scandal. The book delves into themes of class consciousness, bisexuality, and the complexities of relationships. The narrative is filled with humor, romance, and moments of self-discovery as Emeny navigates his feelings for Sean, a rough and tumble rat catcher, and grapples with his own insecurities and anxieties.
The writing style of 'Caught!' is described as extremely well-crafted, with gentle humor, and moments of laugh-out-loud hilarity. J.L. Merrow's storytelling brings to life a cast of characters that are relatable, flawed, and endearing. The book offers a blend of sweet romance, wit, and emotional depth, creating a narrative that resonates with readers through its exploration of love, self-acceptance, and personal growth.
- #7
Set in the 1960s in a rural village in England, 'The Limits of Enchantment' follows the story of Fern, a teenage girl raised by a hedgerow healer and traditional midwife, Mammy Cullen. The book explores the clash between old-fashioned ways of life and the encroachment of modern practices, particularly in the field of medicine. As Fern navigates the changing atmosphere of her village, she grapples with her identity as a woman and a witch, torn between traditional beliefs and the evolving society around her. The plot delves into themes of prejudice, trust, friendship, and self-discovery, painting a vivid picture of a community in flux.
- #8
Equoid, a novella in the Laundry Files series by Charles Stross, delves into the dark horrors of eldritch creatures lurking in the UK countryside. Stross masterfully combines mythology, Lovecraftian weirdness, and government bureaucracy to reveal the truth behind the unicorn legend. Through a blend of modern storytelling and literary homage, the book follows protagonist Bob Howard as he navigates through a world filled with action, gore, and pop culture references, all while uncovering the unsettling secrets of the unicorn phenomenon.
Stross intricately weaves together past and present narratives, drawing from sources like H.P. Lovecraft and pop culture references to create a gripping tale that explores the biological underpinnings of the unicorn myth. Equoid stands out as a worthy addition to the Laundry Files series, showcasing the author's unique writing style that seamlessly blends horror, humor, and sheer terror, keeping readers engaged from start to finish.
Those thirteen words never bode well—although coming from my new manager, Iris, they’re less doom-laden than if they were falling from the lips of some others I could name. In the two months I’ve been...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Laundry Files ) 'The Sketch-Book of Geoffrey Crayon' by Washington Irving is a collection of short stories including The Legend of Sleepy Hollow and Rip Van Winkle. The book offers a variety of stories, ranging from light and enjoyable fiction to essays on historic and cultural interests. The writing style may vary, with some finding it worth wading through for the captivating stories, while others find certain sections to be too wordy or not interesting.
THE following papers, with two exceptions, were written in England, and formed but part of an intended series for which I had made notes and memorandums. Before I could mature a plan, however, circums...- #10
In "Kittens in the Kitchen," Mandy and James, children of veterinarians, take it upon themselves to find good homes for a litter of kittens born to a stray cat. The story revolves around their efforts to care for the kittens and prevent the school custodian, Mr. Williams, from getting rid of them. The book showcases Mandy's determination and love for animals, as well as the positive role models and suspenseful storyline that captivate young readers. The writing style is engaging, focusing on the theme of animal welfare and the bond between humans and animals.