Books matching: engaging novella
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- #1
Save:A charming, atmospheric read that delights fans of historical cozies - think Downton Abbey with a dash of murder mystery. Quick, engaging, and a tasty entrée into the Kat Holloway series!
A first glimpse at how Kat Holloway came to unraveling mysteries. When her employer dies of poison after enjoying the dinner she prepared, Kat has to clear her name and reputation. The book is a prequel to the Below Stairs series, focusing on Kat's strength, cleverness, and her role in solving the murder mystery with the help of the mysterious Daniel and his son, James. The author, Jennifer Ashley, skillfully transports readers to Victorian London, providing a vivid depiction of the intricate social tapestry of the time through Kat's first-person point of view.
Sir Lionel Leigh-Bradbury of Portman Square gave me less than I might have had elsewhere, but when the agency told me he’d agreed to the large number of days out a month I’d requested, I leapt at the...December 2015•127 pages - #2
Save:A sweet, witty novella that delivers a satisfying bite-sized romance, ideal for a cozy afternoon - just keep in mind it’s short and light on the historical details.
'Winning the Wallflower' by Eloisa James is a regency romance novella that follows the story of Lucy Towerton, a tall and self-conscious wallflower who receives a large inheritance, giving her the freedom to choose her own path. Engaged to Cyrus Ravensthorpe, Lucy's parents pressure her to break off the engagement, leading to a series of events where Lucy and Cyrus navigate their feelings for each other amidst societal expectations and personal desires. The book is praised for its emotional depth, well-paced storytelling, and the development of the characters as they explore themes of love, self-worth, and societal norms.
“It’s like a fairy tale! One moment Lucy is a younger daughter with virtually no dowry, and the next she’s an heiress,” exclaimed Mrs. Martha Brindle, sitting down beside her sister. “You truly had no...December 2011•352 pages
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Fairy Tales ) A must-have for BDB fans who want extra stories, witty banter, and juicy behind-the-scenes secrets. If you love the Brothers, you’ll love this guide - just make sure you’ve caught up to book six first!
The Black Dagger Brotherhood: An Insider's Guide by J.R. Ward is a companion book that fans of the series should not miss. It features an engaging 81-page novella that continues the story of Zsadist and Bella as they navigate the challenges of new parenthood. The writing is both insightful and humorous, providing character interviews and background information that make the Brotherhood feel real and relatable. Ward's tone is friendly and conversational, which adds a fun vibe to the structure of the guide.
The book is filled with various extras that deepen the reader's understanding of the series. These include character stats, funny chatroom exchanges between the brothers, and even writing advice from Ward herself. The unique format reads almost like fiction due to Ward's wry voice and storytelling style. Fans will find answers to lingering questions while enjoying deleted scenes and personal anecdotes that enhance their connection to the Brotherhood world. Overall, it’s a comprehensive resource for anyone invested in the lives and adventures of these memorable characters.
He liked Doc Jane. Hell, he owed her. But he had to remind himself of his manners: It would be damn tacky to bite the head off a female who was not only your brother’s shellan, but who had saved the l...September 2008•504 pages- #4
Save:A witty, heartfelt novella with great chemistry and lovable characters - especially rewarding for series readers, but newcomers may want to start earlier in the Rescued from Ruin series for the full experience.
'Twelve Nights as His Mistress' in the 'Rescued from Ruin' series by Elisa Braden follows the story of Charles Wallingham and Julia Willoughby. Charles has been enamored with Julia for years, despite her resistance to his advances. The novella portrays their blossoming love and the challenges they face, including Julia's reluctance to marry due to her belief that she is unworthy of Charles. The writing style is described as sublime, drawing readers into the emotional roller coaster experienced by the characters as they navigate their feelings and circumstances towards a heartwarming conclusion.
“Heaven knows what he finds so blasted alluring. Perhaps he has a hidden fondness for peculiarity. And disaster.” —The Dowager Marchioness of Wallingham to her boon companion, Humphrey, while contempl...December 2016•148 pages
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Rescued from Ruin ) - #5
Save:A sweet, smartly written Regency romp with wonderful character growth and just the right sprinkle of holiday cheer - highly recommended for romance readers who love an earnest, starchy hero and a sunshine heroine who brings him to life.
A Christmas Gone Perfectly Wrong by Cecilia Grant is a delightful novella set in the Blackshear Family series. The story follows the eldest brother, Andrew Blackshear, who is responsible for his younger siblings. When he meets Lucy Sharp, a kind and unconventional young woman, during a Christmas road trip, their lives are unexpectedly intertwined. The book explores themes of duty, decorum, and the blossoming romance between Andrew and Lucy, all set against a festive backdrop. Grant's writing style is witty, elegant, and filled with humor, creating a well-rounded historical romance that captivates readers.
The trouble, Andrew Blackshear would later reflect, might all have been avoided if he’d simply kept to the main road. His first glimpse of the girl would then have been indoors, seated, with her hair...December 2014•188 pages
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Blackshear Family ) - #6
Save:A wild, art-fueled romp through an alternate Paris - brilliantly imaginative and weird, but best enjoyed if you’re open to surrealism and a bit of narrative chaos.
The Last Days of New Paris by China Mieville is a novella set in an alternate timeline where Paris is still resisting the Nazis in 1950. The story revolves around Surrealist artists uniting with the Partisans in resistance, where manifestations of surrealist art roam the streets, fighting Nazis and demons. The narrative delves into the power of art and cultural ideas, creating a world where art becomes a weapon against the enemy, blurring the lines between reality and surreality.
The book presents a chaotic yet captivating plot where surrealistic artworks come to life in a dystopian Paris, extending the World War II era into the 1950s. The writing style is described as inventive, imaginative, and head-breaking, showcasing Miéville's ability to create astonishing worlds and unique concepts that challenge conventional storytelling norms.
Past the barricade and a line of tailors’ mannequins assembled in a crude and motionless cancan, Thibaut could see the khaki of scattering Wehrmacht men, gray dress uniforms, SS black, the blue of the...August 2016•223 pages - #7
Save:A challenging but ultimately rewarding classic that uses a historical event to examine race, morality, and human nature - best suited for readers ready to dig into its layered storytelling and rich themes.
Herman Melville's novella 'Benito Cereno' is a tale that delves into the complexities of human nature and perception, set against the backdrop of a slave ship in distress. The narrative follows Captain Amasa Delano as he encounters the peculiar behavior of Captain Benito Cereno and the enslaved Africans aboard the San Dominick. Through Delano's eyes, the story unfolds, revealing themes of trust, deception, and the questioning of societal attitudes towards slavery. Melville's writing style, characterized by detailed descriptions and historical commentary, transports readers to a time when the issue of slavery was a contentious topic.
In the year 1799, Captain Amasa Delano, of Duxbury, in Massachusetts, commanding a large sealer and general trader, lay at anchor, with a valuable cargo, in the harbour of St. Maria—a small, desert, u...1855•160 pages - #8
Save:Essential for those interested in literary history, feminism, or the roots of anti-slavery literature, but the old-school prose and ambiguous message mean it may be best appreciated by students and classic lit fans.
'Oroonoko' by Aphra Behn is a 17th-century novella that tells the tragic story of an African prince named Oroonoko and his beloved Imoinda who are sold into slavery and reunited on a plantation in Surinam. The narrative explores themes of love, betrayal, enslavement, and rebellion through the lens of a compelling and gripping storytelling style. The book is written in a 17th-century prose style that may be challenging for modern readers, but it offers a unique perspective on the dehumanizing atrocities of slavery and the complexities of race relations during that time period.
The book is structured in an unusual narrative format, with about half of the story told from the title character's point of view and the rest from the author's perspective. 'Oroonoko' is considered one of the earliest novels and is hailed for its historical significance in portraying the sensitive treatment of its black characters, particularly Oroonoko, who is depicted as noble, loving, honest, and brave in contrast to the duplicitous and cruel white characters. Despite its age, the story remains relevant and thought-provoking, shedding light on the European fetishization of Africa, the horrors of slavery, and the complexities of social class and gender dynamics.
1688•140 pages - #9
Save:A short, stylish French classic - equal parts coming-of-age and cautionary tale about privilege and pleasure. Read it for the atmospheric vibes and Sagan’s psychological insight, but be warned: you may want to shake the characters at times!
Bonjour Tristesse by Francoise Sagan is a coming-of-age novel set in the 1950s on the French Riviera. The story follows seventeen-year-old Cecile, her widowed playboy father, and his two lovers as they navigate complex relationships during a summer holiday. Cecile, the protagonist, schemes to break up her father's engagement to Anne, a sophisticated and controlling woman, while also experiencing her first love affair with a local boy named Cyril. The book captures the moody atmosphere of the French Riviera and explores themes of teenage rebellion, family dynamics, and the transition from youth to adulthood.
She opened her eyes. A bluff, determined wind had entered the room, billowing the curtain into a sail, bending the flowers in a large vase on the floor, and now attacking her sleep. It was a spring wi...1954•153 pages - #10
Save:A quick, fun, and affirming queer Western romp - with librarian spies on horseback! It’s a blast, but leaves you wishing for more time in this intriguing world.
In a dystopian future America where resources are funneled into a never-ending war, the novella "Upright Women Wanted" follows Esther as she escapes an arranged marriage after witnessing her girlfriend's execution for possessing unauthorized material. Hoping to atone for her sins, Esther joins a group of traveling librarians who distribute approved materials but are secretly part of the rebellion. Set in a wild west-style world, the story blends elements of western and science fiction genres, focusing on queer self-discovery, resistance against a repressive society, and the journey of acceptance and empowerment.
The book features a diverse cast of characters, including queer and lesbian protagonists, who navigate a society where traditional gender roles and heterosexuality are strictly enforced. Through Esther's perspective, readers explore themes of freedom, rebellion, and the power of knowledge in a world where the state controls media and resources, offering a mix of action, romance, and hope in a compact and engaging narrative.
As Esther breathed in the sweet, musty smell of the horse blankets in the back of the Librarians’ wagon, she chewed on the I-told-you-so feeling that had overwhelmed her ever since her father had told...February 2020•176 pages
