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"It Might Have Been: The Story of the Gunpowder Plot," written by Emily Sarah Holt, is a historical novel that reimagines one of the most famous conspiracies in British history—the Gunpowder Plot of 1605. Holt delves into the lives and motivations of the key figures behind the plot, offering readers a compelling narrative that blends historical facts with fictionalized accounts. The book explores the daring, and ultimately tragic, attempt to assassinate King James I and blow up the Houses of Parliament in an effort to restore Catholic rule in England. Through richly developed characters and vivid storytelling, Holt examines the complex political and religious tensions of the time. The story provides insight into the lives of the plotters, particularly Guy Fawkes, and explores the broader religious conflict between Catholics and Protestants. Holt’s writing brings to life the fear, betrayal, and moral dilemmas faced by the conspirators, as well as the dramatic fallout from their failure. "It Might Have Been" is a fascinating exploration of one of the most infamous events in English history, offering a unique perspective on the Gunpowder Plot. Holt's narrative draws readers into the heart of this historical moment, providing a balanced and thoughtful portrayal of the motivations, hopes, and fears of those involved. The book brings the plot to life, highlighting the sense of intrigue and suspense that has surrounded this event for centuries. Readers are drawn to "It Might Have Been" for its historical depth, strong character development, and rich portrayal of a pivotal moment in English history. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the Gunpowder Plot, early modern British history, or historical fiction. Owning a copy of "It Might Have Been" allows readers to gain a deeper understanding of the political and religious struggles of the time, making it a valuable addition to any collection of historical novels or works on English history.

This fascinating new look at the artistic legacy of the Tudors reveals the dynasty’s enduring influence on the arts of Renaissance England and beyond. Ruling successively from 1485 through 1603, the five Tudor monarchs brought seismic changes to England that reverberated throughout Europe. They used the arts to legitimize and glorify their tumultuous rule, from Henry VII’s bloody rise to power, through Henry VIII’s breach with the Roman Catholic Church, to the reign of the “Virgin Queen” Elizabeth I. With incisive scholarship and sumptuous new photography, this book explores the extreme politics and outsize personalities of the Tudors, and how they used art in their diplomacy at home and abroad. Tudor courts were truly cosmopolitan, attracting top artists and artisans from across Europe. At the same time, the Tudors nurtured local talent and gave rise to a distinctly English aesthetic, one that is forever connected to the myth and visual legacy of their dynasty. The Tudors reveals the true history behind a family that has long captured the public imagination, bringing to life their extravagant and politically precarious world through the exquisite paintings, lush textiles, gleaming metalwork, and countless luxury objects that adorned their spectacular courts.

One woman’s journey to find the lost love her grandfather left behind when he fled pre-World War II Europe, and an exploration into family identity, myth, and memory. Years after her grandfather’s death, journalist Sarah Wildman stumbled upon a cache of his letters in a file labeled “Correspondence: Patients A–G.” What she found inside weren’t dry medical histories; instead what was written opened a path into the destroyed world that was her family’s prewar Vienna. One woman’s letters stood out: those from Valy—Valerie Scheftel. Her grandfather’s lover who had remained behind when he fled Europe six months after the Nazis annexed Austria. Valy’s name wasn’t unknown to her—Wildman had once asked her grandmother about a dark-haired young woman whose images she found in an old photo album. “She was your grandfather’s true love,” her grandmother said at the time, and refused any other questions. But now, with the help of the letters, Wildman started to piece together Valy’s story. They revealed a woman desperate to escape and clinging to the memory of a love that defined her years of freedom. Obsessed with Valy’s story, Wildman began a quest that lasted years and spanned continents. She discovered, to her shock, an entire world of other people searching for the same woman. On in the course of discovering Valy’s ultimate fate, she was forced to reexamine the story of her grandfather’s triumphant escape and how this history fit within her own life and in the process, she rescues a life seemingly lost to history.

With the Czarist empire in turmoil, a young Mennonite couple in what is now Ukraine adopts a Russian baby. Over the next years their lives twist, alter, and face very unexpected challenges. Amalia and Isaak Albrecht’s new family is not at all what they had dreamed of; nevertheless, it is a treasure essential for them to nourish and protect in the violent and unstable era of the Russian Revolution. In plain, direct language, Sarah Klassen offers a story of hardship, uncertain loyalty, and strange moments of gratitude. At the novel’s centre is the surprising and defiant Sofia, the adopted Russian daughter, so unlike everyone around her, yet still needing love. This quiet, delicately written novel explores themes of belonging, responsibility, and the places we call home.

Aging at one-tenth the rate of the average human, Helena has never really understood her place in the mortal world. The first six decades of her life, she lived behind the walls of a convent, but after committing a horrendous crime, Helena is sent to a maximum security institute and spends another seven decades in solitary confinement. When she finally escapes her imprisonment, she has the physical looks of a thirteen-year-old girl but with a highly developed mental ability. Now on the run, Helena embarks on a journey to discover more about herself but finds her abilities are far more intricate than she could ever imagine, and dealing with mortal emotions is even more strenuous than managing her insatiable urge to hunt the evil that lurks around every corner. While seeking refuge at a southern plantation, she meets an eccentric psychic, who may hold the key to Helenas past, while unintentionally falling for an exotic mortal boy with a past just as mysterious as her own. Unable to run from her past or mortal emotions any longer, Helena must free herself not only from her captors but also from the people she truly cares about and decide whether to keep the one person who truly makes her happy or to let him go entirely.

It's 1944. Twelve-year-old Grace Devine lives at Blacksod Lighthouse and weather station in County Mayo with her parents and little brother. When a German plane crashes nearby, she and her best friend Sibby risk their lives to save the young pilot. Grace's family take him in, but their neighbours are horrified at having an 'enemy' in their midst. Meanwhile, the Met Office in England suddenly asks Blacksod to send them weather reports every hour. But why? As the wind and rain howl outside, Grace begins to understand that something important is happening, something to do with the war – and she is right in the eye of the storm. A tale of bravery, adventure and a remarkable friendship, inspired by true events from World War 2.

Step back in time and experience the grandeur and romance of a previous era as Harlequin® Historical brings you three new full-length titles in one collection! This boxset includes: WED IN HASTE TO THE DUKE A Season of Celebration by Sarah Mallory (Regency) Angeline Carlow’s hasty marriage to her childhood best friend, Jason, the Duke of Rotherton, was purely practical. She knew that he could never love her the way that he loved his late wife. Yet in her new husband’s month-long absence, she’s found her place as mistress of their estate. Now that he’s back, just as guarded but undeniably handsome, can Angel find her place as his wife—and boldly claim their wedding night? A COURTSHIP TO FOOL MANHATTAN by Lauri Robinson (Gilded Age) At his sister’s society wedding, Lincoln Dryer finds himself paired up with heiress Victoria Biggs. Tired of being matchmade, Lincoln is surprised to learn Victoria feels the same. So they agree to pretend to be a couple! Though he enjoys Victoria’s refreshing company, Lincoln’s seen the heartache love can cause… Yet while their charade fools Manhattan, how long can Lincoln fool himself into believing he can let Victoria go when the wedding party’s over? A LIAISON WITH HER LEADING LADY by Lotte R James (1830s) Ruth Connell’s beloved theater is under threat! In desperation, she approaches reclusive playwright Artemis Goode. If Artemis can write a hit, Ruth can save her troupe from financial ruin. Yet it’s not just Ruth’s livelihood in need of saving, but Artemis’s shattered heart, too. As quickly as their personalities clash, their passion ignites! But while that leads their play toward success, it also leads Ruth closer to the end of her partnership with Artemis…