Showing results by author "Mary Augusta Ward" in All Categories

Essentially the book covers the life of Robert Elsmere, a boyishly intellectual clergyman. The first part covers his meeting with and eventual marriage to Catherine Leyburn. After a period as a country vicar, Robert’s meetings with the local squire, an intellectual atheist, lead to his having a crisis of faith. The pair move to London where Robert works with the poor and uneducated. The lives of the people closely associated with the pair are also covered. The book is set against the late Victorian world and its reactions to Darwinism, Unitarianism and the rise of secularism and modernism. ...

Julie le Breton is the illegitimate daughter of Lady Rose, who severed her relations with her aristocratic family when she had the baby and moved to Belgium with her partner. Twenty years later, her parents having died, Julie moves to London to become the companion of Lady Henry, a pillar of society. Only very few know of Julie’s parentage. Julie creates a stir in London society. However, she and Lady Henry fall out, partly because of Lady Henry’s jealousy of Julie’s success in society. Meanwhile, Julie is promoting the cause of a young and handsome soldier, Warkworth. Julie sets up her ...

"Julie Le Breton enchants almost everyone around her with her smart, charm, and excellent manners. She almost belongs to the English highest nobility, but just almost… Her parents, 2 aristocrats who ran away from England in order to be together, could never marry - because her mother was married to someone else. Therefore, she is forced to work for the cruel Lady Henry Delafield, who hates her. She has a few good friends, amongst whom are 2 admirers… And that is only the beginning. This is a compelling drama, set mostly in England, among the English aristocracy. By turns smart, funny and ...

In the heart of the USA, handsome Englishman Roger Barnes meets and falls passionately in love with the determined and affluent American, Daphne Floyd. This captivating tale chronicles their journey through life together—navigating the complexities of their return to England, enduring an unhappy marriage, and ultimately facing a tumultuous divorce, all made more challenging by the stark differences in the legal systems of their two countries. (Summary by Simon Evers)

Dive into the world of Marcella, a captivating novel by Mary Augusta Ward (Mrs. Humphry Ward), a celebrated author of the late 19th century. The arrival of this powerful narrative sparked considerable discussion in London newspapers. The story follows Marcella Boyce, a striking beauty of the 1880s, who passionately embraces the ideals of socialism. At just 21, this art student finds her life turned upside down when her father inherits Mellor Park, their ancestral estate in the Midlands. Reluctantly leaving behind her studies, her cherished pursuits, and her friends, she embarks on a new ...

Julie le Breton, the secret daughter of Lady Rose, was raised far from the aristocratic world her mother abandoned when she chose love over lineage. Now, two decades later, with her parents gone, Julie arrives in London to serve as the companion to the influential Lady Henry. Few know of her noble heritage, but her presence creates a sensation in high society. As Julie navigates the complexities of her new life, tensions rise between her and Lady Henry, fueled by jealousy over Julies rising star. Meanwhile, Julie champions a dashing young soldier named Warkworth, leading her to establish her ...

Constance Bledlow is a strikingly beautiful and wealthy 20-year-old who arrives in Oxford, ready to embrace a new chapter while staying with her financially struggling uncle, a University reader, and his family. Captivating the hearts of Oxfords elite, she quickly becomes the center of attention, particularly for the arrogant aristocrat, Douglas Falloden. However, he soon learns that Constance is not one to easily submit to his charms. When a cruel act of hazing by Falloden and his peers causes a serious injury to a Polish musician, Radowitz, the lives of Constance, Douglas, and Radowitz ...

Embark on a gripping journey through the life of David Grieve, who navigates the challenges of his childhood on a secluded Peak District farm. As an orphan, his destiny is entwined with that of his spirited sister, Louie. Follow David as he transforms from a life of hardship to remarkable success in business, experiences the vibrant adventures of Paris, and ultimately seeks solace back in Manchester. However, just as he finds stability, tragedy strikes, altering the course of his life forever. (Summary by Simon Evers)

Join William Ashe, a rising political star, as he makes the impulsive decision to marry Kitty—a whimsical and unpredictable young woman who, rather than supporting his ambitions, chooses to follow her own whims. This captivating narrative explores the twists and turns of their unconventional marriage, leading to an unforeseen conclusion. - Summary by Simon Evers

In the wake of her fathers death, Delia Blanchflower finds herself the heir to a substantial fortune. Yet, entangled in the fervent world of the Suffragist movement, she becomes captivated by Gertrude Marvell, a prominent leader advocating for womens rights. Disapproving of his daughters radical pursuits, Delias father has placed her inheritance in trust, appointing his old friend Mark Winnington as the trustee. Set against the backdrop of the burgeoning Suffragist movement, this story intricately explores the evolving dynamics between Delia, Gertrude, and Mark, as personal desires clash with ...

Set against the tumultuous backdrop of 1915, Missing follows the poignant journey of Nelly and Lieutenant George Sarratt, who have just begun their married life. After a brief but idyllic honeymoon in the breathtaking Lake District, George is deployed to the Front in northern France. Left behind with her domineering sister, Bridget, Nelly finds herself drawn into the lives of the affluent, including Sir William Farrell, his companion Captain Marsworth, and his sister Cicely. As the war rages on, Nelly receives devastating news George is reported ‘missing, believed killed’ in action. The ...

In a gripping tale of family turmoil and political discord, Lady Coryston inherits her late husband’s estate, but to everyone’s surprise, she decides to deny her oldest son, Corry, the inheritance. Their fierce clashes over opposing political beliefs set the stage for a family drama filled with intrigue. Meanwhile, Marcia, the daughter, finds herself caught in a romance with the devout Edward Newbury, a neighbor with strong convictions. Arthur, the younger son and a rising MP, enjoys the admiration of his mother, who meticulously crafts his speeches. However, his heart leads him to the ...