Shirley Kennedy Bücher

Set in the chaotic environment of the River Queen Hotel, a former Gold Rush establishment, the story follows new widow Rose Peterson as she navigates her challenging new life. Despite the hotel's rough clientele and her late husband's family's doubts about her abilities, Rose is determined to transform the inn and create a better future for herself and her daughter. Her journey is one of resilience and defiance against societal expectations, as she strives to establish her independence in a world that has left her feeling isolated.

Set against the backdrop of post-Civil War America, Belle Ainsworth, once immersed in luxury, seeks a new life after the loss of her fiancé. With few marriage prospects in the South, she ventures westward in search of hope and love. Answering an ad for a mail-order bride, she travels to San Francisco to meet the affluent restaurateur Robert Romano, aiming to fulfill her dreams of family and companionship.

Laurie Sinclair, accustomed to a lavish lifestyle, finds herself in the harsh environment of Lucky Creek after her father's mining venture. Initially resentful of the town, her perspective shifts when tragedy strikes: her father's death in a mine explosion and her brother's serious injury. As she grapples with her family's misfortune, Laurie's feelings for Brandon resurface, complicating her choices. The story explores themes of resilience, love, and the clash between privilege and hardship in a mining town.

Janey má plné ruce práce s přípravami na svatbu. Má si brát Jerryho Boswella a na svůj "velký den" se velice těší. Náhodou se seznámí s Robertem Campionem, a náhle má pocit, že už netouží stát se paní Boswellovou. Robert je totiž muž jejich snů, ale také jí nabízí nádherné místo na nádherném ostrově. A všechno je tak lákavé...