She is a young maid in a stately home; he is a dashing British army officer trapped in an unhappy marriage. The pair strike up a close friendship and, just as he's departing for war, they surrender to their passion. Years later, he returns triumphant from defeating Napoleon at the Battle of Waterloo, to reunite not only with his wife and their two sons, but also with the maid Mary Ann and their illegitimate daughter, Elizabeth. They all have to find a way through the tangle of affairs and ...

Raise a glass to celebrate love, community and Christmas spirit with four festive rural stories from favourite authors, all featuring the iconic setting of Australian small-town pubs.A Gingerbread Christmas written by Alissa Callen and read by Marissa EconomoCity-girl Tory Halifax is on a mission to bring joy, and gingerbread, to small-town Windamere. Christmas grinch Blake Randall is hibernating with his kelpie until the festive m...

Never let the truth get in the way of a good story. That's a life lesson Alice Aspinall, a reality TV starlet trapped in a fake marriage, has learnt the hard way. When her carefully curated life explodes, she flees to the small town of Wattle Junction. Trying to reinvent herself – again – while learning to stand on her own two feet is complicated and so are her feelings for her hot, new lawyer. Owen James is a helper, despite what people say about his serious personality. He's recently mov...

Anaesthetist Clare Carpenter has just lost her husband and her memory in a single-vehicle accident. So why is a stranger following her? After questioning patients about their dreams, she becomes convinced that an anaesthetic drug might help her access missing memories. But there's no way to be certain without jeopardising her career or her life. As unexplained threats escalate, Clare realises she must take matters into her own hands to learn the uncomfortable truth about her secretive husb...

Sydney, Christmas, 1901. Federation has been achieved but Australian women are yet to gain the right to vote in their new nation's elections and have a say in the laws that govern them. Bolshy, boisterous Frankie Merriweather is a fervent advocate for women's rights, determined to dedicate herself to the cause, never marrying or becoming a mother. She can't understand her artistic sister Ivy, who wants a life of ease and beauty with her soon-to-be fiancé, law student Patrick Earle. Meanwhi...

Ladybirds Do Not Go to Day Care: Mum says it's the first day of day care, but Ravi's dressed up as his favourite insect, and he is quite certain that ladybirds do not go to day care. Can an anxious and unsure Ravi find the bravery he needs to take flight? Kittens Do Not Care for Baths: Dad says it's time for a bath, but Maya is certain that kittens do not need baths. Can this feisty kitten be coaxed into starting her night-time routine? Butterflies Do Not Ride Their Bikes: Grandad surprise...

In this heartwarming story from the bestselling Preschool Problems series, Grandad surprises Zara with her very first bike, but learning to ride is trickier than it looks! Zara isn't sure butterflies even ride bikes ... surely they are better suited to pollinating flowers. But maybe butterflies prefer to learn together?

Dad says it's time for a bath, but Maya is certain that kittens do not need baths. In fact, this curious kitten would much rather hunt for prey and climb trees all night than wash herself and get ready for bed. Can this feisty kitten be coaxed into starting her night-time routine?

Manu has an action-packed day ahead, and Dad reminds him that even busy crocodiles need to use the toilet at day care. But Manu doesn't want to miss out on any fun – not when there's painting to do, friends to chase and games to play! Can this energetic crocodile find the time to use the loo and show off his best moves at the afternoon dance party?

Mum says it's the first day of day care, but Ravi's dressed up as his favourite insect, and he is quite certain that ladybirds do not go to day care. In fact, this ladybird would rather stay home and eat aphids, thank you very much! Can an anxious and unsure Ravi find the bravery he needs to take flight?

What woman doesn't love a real-life hero? Harriet Scott, for one. The fiercely independent daughter of famous adventurers, she grew up travelling the world on the environmental flagship The Watch. So when Harriet's ship sinks in Antarctica and she has to be rescued by Commander Per Amundsen, an infuriatingly capable Norwegian naval officer and living breathing action hero, her world is turned upside down. Like their namesakes, the original Scott and Amundsen who competed to reach the South...