Jane Steen

A dynasty is at stake. It seemed like a straightforward request-and Helena is used to her sister Blanche making demands on her time and fortune. But the most ambitious of her sisters reveals a dilemma that may wipe out the title she holds. When tragedy strikes, Helena must reprise her role as the Investigating Lady to save a nephew she doesn't even like. And what about her own future? The return of a hero from the past awakens old emotions and suggests new possibilities, while the revelation of the full extent of Armand Fortier's family secret poses a challenge Fortier himself thinks insurmountable. Where will Cupid's arrows land? Join Helena as she contends with a potential scandal that's even bigger than the last one, gains new allies and an enemy with a most convincing argument, and learns a secret that may change the course of history.

A dynasty is at stake. It seemed like a straightforward request-and Helena is used to her sister Blanche making demands on her time and fortune. But the most ambitious of her sisters reveals a dilemma that may wipe out the title she holds. When tragedy strikes, Helena must reprise her role as the Investigating Lady to save a nephew she doesn't even like. And what about her own future? The return of a hero from the past awakens old emotions and suggests new possibilities, while the revelation of the full extent of Armand Fortier's family secret poses a challenge Fortier himself thinks insurmountable. Where will Cupid's arrows land? Join Helena as she contends with a potential scandal that's even bigger than the last one, gains new allies and an enemy with a most convincing argument, and learns a secret that may change the course of history.

Reflections for Daily Prayer continues to be one of the most popular and highly valued daily Bible reading companions. Continuing its tradition of excellence, regular favourites and new contributors offer insightful, informed and inspiring reflections on the scripture readings of the day, based on the Common Worship lectionary for Morning Prayer. Stephen Cottrell, the Archbishop of York, is the guest contributor for Holy Week. New voices this year include Gregory Cameron, the Bishop of St Asaph and author of the popular An Advent Book of Days and An Easter Book of Days; Chine MacDonald, author, broadcaster and Director of the religious think tank Theos; and Emma Parker, Deputy Warden of Cranmer Hall, Durham. For every day (excluding Sundays) of the 2023-24 church year, there are full references and a quotation from the day’s set of Scripture readings, concise and challenging commentary, and a collect. Also included is a simple order for Morning and Night Rrayer, and additional helps for nurturing a habit of regular daily prayer.

Does love conquer all? Nell's not so sure. Adjusting to wedlock isn't easy for a woman whose initial aversion to the married state took her to the Poor Farm. When a tragedy out of the blue prompts her to repay past debts, her charitable instincts threaten to wreck her happy new life. What does she really want-and what does she really need? Attraction to an old friend shakes Tess's world. Can she change his indifference to love? Martin struggles with demons from his own past as he oversees the rebuilding of the store and the creation of a new home. Will his ambitions hurt those he loves the most? Young Sarah faces the antagonist who knows the secret that might ruin her future. Join the beloved characters from the House of Closed Doors series as we bridge the years between Nell's story and Sarah's, interweaving stories of love and despair, darkness and light in the turbulent Chicago of the late 1870s.

Does love conquer all? Nell's not so sure. Adjusting to wedlock isn't easy for a woman whose initial aversion to the married state took her to the Poor Farm. When a tragedy out of the blue prompts her to repay past debts, her charitable instincts threaten to wreck her happy new life. What does she really want-and what does she really need? Attraction to an old friend shakes Tess's world. Can she change his indifference to love? Martin struggles with demons from his own past as he oversees the rebuilding of the store and the creation of a new home. Will his ambitions hurt those he loves the most? Young Sarah faces the antagonist who knows the secret that might ruin her future. Join the beloved characters from the House of Closed Doors series as we bridge the years between Nell's story and Sarah's, interweaving stories of love and despair, darkness and light in the turbulent Chicago of the late 1870s.

CONFLICTING DESIRES AND A DANGEROUS CITYChicago, 1876: Martin was doubtless joking when he told Nell that if she got herself mixed up with a murderer for the third time, he'd disown her. Butwhen Martin himself is arrested for murder, Nell's dreams of a new life appear to be swallowed up in the web of secrets she constructs to help him. Secrets that threaten to alienate everyone Nell holds dear. As Nell steps out into a new world of possibilities, she is assailed by the conflicting desires of loved ones who have had their own lives upended. Can she find her role in Chicago's commercial kingdom-and stay out of danger?

A NEW BEGINNING THREATENS TO END IN DISASTERThe Kansas plains offer Nell a chance to support her small family and bring Sarah up away from the prying eyes that might discover her illegitimate birth. But when her only ally among the seminary's leaders dies, Nell finds herself at the mercy of people she doesn't entirely trust-and she's not in a position to escape. As her talent as a dressmaker improves her fortunes, Nell attracts the attention of two suitors and struggles with the problem of reconciling love, independence, and respectability for her daughter's sake. Shocking news from back home and another death at the seminary force a decision. A disastrous winter journey, a treacherous game, and an impossible love could wrest control of Nell's life out of her hands for good.

CONFLICTING DESIRES AND A DANGEROUS CITYChicago, 1876: Martin was doubtless joking when he told Nell that if she got herself mixed up with a murderer for the third time, he'd disown her. Butwhen Martin himself is arrested for murder, Nell's dreams of a new life appear to be swallowed up in the web of secrets she constructs to help him. Secrets that threaten to alienate everyone Nell holds dear. As Nell steps out into a new world of possibilities, she is assailed by the conflicting desires of loved ones who have had their own lives upended. Can she find her role in Chicago's commercial kingdom-and stay out of danger?

HEEDLESS. STUBBORN. DISGRACED. Small town Illinois, 1870: Desperate to avoid marriage, Nell Lillington refuses to divulge the name of her child's father and accepts her stepfather's decision that the baby be born at a Poor Farm and discreetly adopted. Until an unused padded cell is opened and two small bodies fall out. Nell is the only resident of the Poor Farm who is convinced the unwed mother and her baby were murdered, and rethinks her decision to abandon her own child to fate. But even if she manages to escape the Poor Farm with her baby, she may have no safe place to hide.

A NEW BEGINNING THREATENS TO END IN DISASTERThe Kansas plains offer Nell a chance to support her small family and bring Sarah up away from the prying eyes that might discover her illegitimate birth. But when her only ally among the seminary's leaders dies, Nell finds herself at the mercy of people she doesn't entirely trust-and she's not in a position to escape. As her talent as a dressmaker improves her fortunes, Nell attracts the attention of two suitors and struggles with the problem of reconciling love, independence, and respectability for her daughter's sake. Shocking news from back home and another death at the seminary force a decision. A disastrous winter journey, a treacherous game, and an impossible love could wrest control of Nell's life out of her hands for good.

HEEDLESS. STUBBORN. DISGRACED. Small town Illinois, 1870: Desperate to avoid marriage, Nell Lillington refuses to divulge the name of her child's father and accepts her stepfather's decision that the baby be born at a Poor Farm and discreetly adopted. Until an unused padded cell is opened and two small bodies fall out. Nell is the only resident of the Poor Farm who is convinced the unwed mother and her baby were murdered, and rethinks her decision to abandonher own child to fate. But even if she manages to escape the Poor Farm with her baby she may have no safe place to hide.