Subject
Nieces -- Fiction Books
Best books
Anthony Trollope
Doctor Thorne
"Doctor Thorne" by Anthony Trollope is a novel published in 1858. It tells the story of Mary Thorne, a young woman of mysterious parentage raised by her uncle, a country doctor. When she falls in love with Frank Gresham, heir to the local estate, their union seems impossible—his family needs him to marry wealth, and Mary is penniless. Meanwhile, secret connections between the families and a complex web of debts threaten to determine everyone's fate in unexpected ways.
Sara Ware Bassett
Shifting Sands
"Shifting Sands" by Sara Ware Bassett is a novel written in the early 20th century. Set against the backdrop of Cape Cod, the story follows Marcia Howe, a young widow living in isolation, who finds her life intertwined with that of Stanley Heath, a stranger who arrives at her home under mysterious circumstances. The narrative presents a mix of romance and intrigue revolving around Marcia, her enigmatic guest, and the cove they inhabit, suggesting themes of community, resilience, and the search for love. At the start of the book, we are introduced to Marcia Howe, who lives a solitary life on a sand spit at Crocker's Cove after the death of her unsteady husband, Jason. The arrival of Stanley Heath, a man who has run aground while operating his boat, disrupts her quiet existence. As Marcia cares for him, the townsfolk speculate about her past and their potential romance, while an intriguing twist comes with Stanley's possession of a leather case filled with gems, hinting at secrets that could complicate their developing relationship. Marcia, with her strong spirit and practical skills, is portrayed as a woman ready to embrace a new chapter in her life, yet haunted by her past and the community's expectations.
Laura Elizabeth Howe Richards
Geoffrey Strong
"Geoffrey Strong" by Laura E. Howe Richards is a novel likely written in the late 19th century. The story centers around young Doctor Geoffrey Strong, who arrives in the quaint village of Elmerton, eager to establish himself as a physician alongside the esteemed Blyth sisters—Miss Phoebe and Miss Vesta. The narrative hints at themes of love, healing, and community interwoven with the lives of the sisters, particularly focusing on Vesta, a woman still touched by years of grief from a lost love. The opening of the novel introduces us to Doctor Strong as he drives into the village, struck by the beauty of the Blyth sisters' residence, the Temple of Vesta. His interaction with the older doctor sets the tone by revealing the characters of the enigmatic sisters, particularly Vesta, who keeps a light burning in memory of her fiancé drowned years prior. As the young physician acclimatizes to small-town life, we see his determination to connect with both Miss Phoebe and Vesta, while also battling societal expectations and his own emotions. The enchanting descriptions of the setting and character dynamics suggest a thoughtful exploration of relationships, loss, and the human experience.
Amy Le Feuvre
Jock's inheritance
"Jock''s inheritance" by Amy Le Feuvre is a novel written in the early 20th century. It follows capable, kind‑spirited Orris Coventry, who accepts work cataloguing a great country‑house library while caring for her lively niece, Pippa. In the secluded world of Pinestones, she contends with the formidable housekeeper Mrs. Snow, her exacting sister‑in‑law Venetia, and the return of disinherited Jock Muir, whose presence stirs questions of justice, duty, and affection. Village gossip, a rumored ill‑omened house, and the pull of the farmland frame a tale of character and belonging. The opening of the novel introduces Orris in London, where a desperate letter from her sister‑in‑law Venetia (ruined by a failed oil scheme and abandoned by her fiancé) brings Venetia and little Pippa to her flat. Offered the chance to order and catalogue the Muirs’ famous library at Pinestones by Mrs. Calthrop, Orris moves to the pine‑ringed estate with Pippa and their maid, settling into the old nursery while the child thrives in the fresh air and befriends villagers. As Orris works, she meets local figures—the shy Miss Dashwood, the Rector, and author Mr. Dunscombe—and is startled when Jock Muir, the disinherited nephew, slips in through a window, befriends Pippa, and explains how he was edged out of his childhood home. Jock’s light, impulsive charm, his love of farming, and his frank interest in Orris contrast with Mrs. Snow’s hostility and with talk of nearby Ivy Towers, said to bring misfortune, where new tenants arrive and promptly lose their servants. After a tea visit to Dunscombe and the welcoming Prestons at Lilac Farm, Jock vows to help on the land and continues to visit—playfully revealing a hidden “powder‑room” and urging Orris to accept scholarly help. The section ends with Venetia’s arrival at Pinestones, bringing tension and setting up conflicts in the household.
Margaret M. (Margaret Murray) Robertson
The Twa Miss Dawsons
"The Twa Miss Dawsons" by Margaret M. Robertson is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story revolves around Jean and her younger brother, George Dawson, who rise from humble beginnings to establish a successful business in the seaside town of Portie. The narrative explores themes of determination, love, and societal expectations as it follows their struggles and triumphs. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to the characters of Jean and George Dawson, highlighting their exceptional resilience and resourcefulness after the death of their mother. At just fifteen years old, Jean takes on the responsibility of caring for her brother while managing to support themselves through hard work and clever business practices. As Jean successfully builds a life for them, she faces various challenges, including familial expectations, the loss of love, and the trials of maintaining her integrity and compassion in a world that often prioritizes wealth and social standing. The opening sets the stage for a rich exploration of their lives and relationships, inviting readers to delve into the complexities of their journey.
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