Showing results by author "Gertrude Atherton" in All Categories

When a man of notable accomplishments enters the halls of power, he faces a steep learning curve and formidable challenges. Little does he realize the trials awaiting him—despite his knowledge of public affairs and his strong moral compass, he must navigate a landscape filled with temptations and the weight of public scrutiny. The pressure to maintain integrity amidst unjust criticism and the hurtful barbs of ignorance can be overwhelming. Yet, if he wishes to uphold his principles, he must forge ahead, relying on the hope that time will reveal the truth. In this compelling journey, Miss ...

In Ancestors, Flora, the daughter of a clergyman, navigates the complexities of class and relationships. Though she grew up alongside the castle children, she quickly learns that her beauty and good upbringing do not guarantee her a place among them. With her fathers sudden passing leaving her facing the harsh realities of poverty and the prospect of having to earn her own living, Floras life takes an unexpected turn. As she becomes a companion to Lady Victoria Gwynne, she encounters an American cousin on a quest to uncover their shared ancestry, leading her on a journey of self-discovery and ...

Join Englishman Dudley Thorpe on his captivating arrival in California, where the glimmering lights of a ball introduce him to the enchanting Nina Randolph. Sparks fly, but will Nina let her guard down? Despite her undeniable attraction to Dudley, she harbors a dark secret that could change everything. As Dudley navigates his feelings, he must also contend with the sinister presence of her cousin, Richard Clough. Who will stand by Nina in her time of need, and how will San Francisco society react to their unfolding drama? - Summary by Lynne Thompson

Join the semi-invalid Mrs. Moulton and her long-suffering husband on a European tour alongside their two adult daughters, Jane and Lydia, who hold steadfast views on propriety and decorum. Enter Catalina, Mr. Moultons spirited young relative, whose unconventional choices—short dresses, mingling with locals, and a desire to explore Spain—challenge the familys ideals. With travel funds only allowing for a third-class train compartment, Catalina is determined to embark on her journey, even if it means going solo. Will the Moultons stick together, or will they be forced to confront doom, ...

Step into a world where age and wisdom intertwine in Crystal Cup. The narrative kicks off with Mrs. Carteret’s grim proclamation “Old age will be served.” As a strong-willed and independent author, this writer has crafted numerous novels that often stir controversy, blending elements of Gothic romance with a rich backdrop of California, her beloved home state. This fictional tale spans 50 captivating chapters, inviting you to explore the complexities of life and the passage of time. Join April Reynolds as she brings this public domain classic to life.

Ralph Orth is an American novelist who decides to move to the English countryside. There he buys a marvellous estate called Chillingsworth. Inside Chillingsworth’s gallery, Orth finds an old portrait of a young girl who takes Orth’s breath away. He is fascinated and is determined to find out who this girl was. His obsession with little lady Blanche gets so strong that one day he sees her walking around in the neighborhood.

What is the worst thing that can happen in a cemetery? "The Dead and the Countess" gives one truly horrific description which will keep you at the edge of your seat until the very end. Now do you really want to know what happened in the Breton cemetery? Its inhabitants’ long sleep has been interrupted and they have become restless. What will follow is still unknown. B. J. Harrison started his Classic Tales Podcast back in 2007, wanting to breathe new life into classic stories.

The semi-invalid Mrs. Moulton and her long-suffering husband are touring Europe with their two adult daughters, Jane and Lydia. They have firm ideas of what is proper and decorous. Mr. Moulton's young relative, Catalina, does not fit this ideal. Her dress is too short. She mixes with the natives. She wants to visit Spain... not, in itself, a problem; except she proposes to travel in a third class compartment on the train! Funds will not stretch to any other class, and if the Moultons refuse to accompany her, she proposes to walk.

Enid Belfame: 42 years old, 22 of them as a married woman; eminently respectable; founder of The Friday Club; small town dignitary; a paragon of virtue. But does she have what it takes to commit murder? And will the young and handsome Dwight Rush benefit if she does?

Savage bears, a river rescue, capture by Indians, escape on wild mustangs and a revolutionary battle await the protagonists of this suspenseful adventure novel, set in California.

We are introduced to Englishman Dudley Thorpe on the evening of his arrival in California. At a ball, he is introduced to several belles, including the lovely Nina Randolph. Is this the start of something special? Dudley thinks so, but what about Nina? Why won't she open herself up to love? She is obviously attracted to Dudley.

She had been a gay and irresponsible young creature when he married her, so much so that he had found it expedient to put her on an allowance and ask her not to run up staggering bills in the fashionable shops; which she visited daily, as much for the pleasure of the informal encounter with other lively and irresponsible young luminaries of San Francisco society as for the excitement of buying what she did not want.

Enid Balfame: 42 years old, 22 of them as a married woman; eminently respectable; founder of The Friday Club; small-town dignitary; a paragon of virtue. But does she have what it takes to commit murder? And will the young and handsome Dwight Rush benefit if she does?

Price Ruyler has been sent to San Francisco from New York to salvage the family business after the 1906 earthquake. His success makes him one of the city's most eligible bachelors but he resists the machinations of the local girls (and their mothers). Then he meets the beautiful and captivating Helene. He proposes within a week. Into the fourth year of their marriage, he realizes something has changed. He still loves his wife and he believes she loves him but he begins to wonder about her mysterious past and questions whether family secrets were buried in the rubble left by the earthquake.

A rich and varied anthology of inventive classic tales by some of the world's top storytellers. 'A Deal in Ostriches' by H. G. Wells, 'The Scarecrow' by G. Ranger Wormser, 'Only a Dream' by H. Rider Haggard, 'The Magic Shop' by H. G. Wells, 'The Business of Madame Jahn' by Vincent O'Sullivan, 'The Old Portrait' by Hume Nisbet, 'The Yellow Globe' by Alexander W. Drake, 'The Last Trump' by Hugh Walpole, 'The White Cat' by W. W. Jacobs.

Gertrude Atherton was a gothic novelist and short story writer. A protégée of Ambrose Bierce, his influence can be seen in many of her stories, which often have overt references to the supernatural. In "Death and the Woman," a woman sits all alone in grief at her dying husband's side, waiting for Death to claim him. In the creepy, desolate surroundings, her imagination begins to get the best of her - but is it only her imagination?

When a child is born, the mysteries of temperament and character unfold before us. The eternal debate of nature versus nurture, heredity versus circumstance, remains unsolved. Yet, there are rare moments when the stars align to create an extraordinary individual—one destined to change the world. Such is the tale of Rudolf von Hapsburg, a man ahead of his time, brought to life in this captivating fictionalized historical narrative. - Summary by Lynne T.

Dive into the world of Enid Belfame a 42-year-old paragon of virtue, dignitary of a small town, and the founder of The Friday Club. Having spent half her life as a married woman, she is the epitome of respectability. But beneath this facade, could she be capable of murder? And if so, will Dwight Rush, a handsome young man, stand to gain from it? Join us as we unravel the mystery in this fascinating narrative.

Price Ruyler has been sent to San Francisco from New York to salvage the family business after the 1906 earthquake. His success makes him one of the city's most eligible bachelors but he resists the machinations of the local girls (and their mothers). Then he meets the beautiful and captivating Helene. He proposes within a week. Into the fourth year of their marriage, he realizes something has changed. He still loves his wife and he believes she loves him but he begins to wonder about her mysterious past and questions whether family secrets were buried in the rubble left by the earthquake. (...

Transplanted from New York to save his familys business in the aftermath of the 1906 San Francisco earthquake, Price Ruyler quickly ascends to the top of the citys bachelor list. Yet, he remains immune to the local girls advances and their mothers schemes. That is, until he encounters the enchanting Helene, leading to a whirlwind proposal within just a week. As they journey into their fourth year of marriage, Prices love for Helene remains steadfast. However, he begins to sense a shift, sparking questions about her enigmatic past and whether any family secrets were lost in the earthquakes ...