The Floating Press: 2252 books

Step into another era with this fascinating glimpse at life in Victorian England. From the author of a number of abidingly popular works, including Lady Audley's Secret, the sweeping novel Fenton's Quest deals with many of the themes that Mary Elizabeth Braddon addressed in other stories, such as courtship, unrequited romance, and inter-class tensions.

In the aftermath of her father's death, the plucky Alison Leigh finds herself without any viable financial prospects. After considering her options, she decides to get a fresh start in Winnipeg, Canada, where a family member secures her a secretarial position. After adjusting to life in the remote outpost, Alison's fortunes begin to improve when she finds love.

Later in his career, the novelist who worked under the pen name Oliver Onions turned his focus to ghost stories and tales of the supernatural. However, his early work spanned a number of genres, including historical fiction, science fiction, and detective fiction. A Case in Camera delves deeply into a puzzling murder, and it's sure to please readers who appreciate well-written mysteries.

Set sail for high-seas adventure in this rollicking tale from renowned juvenile fiction scribe "Herbert Strang," which was actually the pseudonym adopted by a pair of enterprising English authors whose work came to represent the gold standard for fiction geared toward young boys in the early twentieth century. Palm Tree Island is a thrilling tale that is sure to please readers young and old alike.

Australian author Guy Boothby was extraordinarily prolific during his short-lived career. He produced dozens of works spanning numerous genres before his untimely death at age 38 during a bout of influenza. Sheilah McLeod is a rollicking romance packed with plenty of adventure, telling the tale of a couple who grew up together and whose love appeared to have been fated from the very start.

English author R.D. Blackmore is best remembered for his popular novel Lorna Doone, a sweeping romance and action-adventure tale. This short story returns to the world Blackmore created in that novel, depicting a tragic episode that unfolds in a majestic mountainous region of Wales.

For younger readers who can't get enough of brave knights, lovely maidens, noble kings, and medieval legends, this volume from Henry Gilbert is a must-read. Tales of Arthur, Lancelot, Gawaine, and many more are told in a manner that will challenge but engage those who are beginning to get the hang of independent reading.

Immerse yourself in the inner workings of a quaint French village in this charming novel from Honore de Balzac, an early master of literary realism. Brimming with finely observed details and Balzac's trademark insight into human motivations and morality, An Old Maid follows several men who have designs -- honorable and not-so-honorable -- on one of the village's wealthiest bachelorettes.

Geared for younger audiences, this sweet story will appeal to fans of Louisa May Alcott's Little Women or Frances Hodgson Burnett's The Secret Garden. Margaret Vandaleur's early life is beset by tragedy and ill fortune, but thanks to the kindness of a relative who takes her in, she is able to enjoy a happy childhood and befriend a number of girls who will be lifelong pillars of support.

Many of Mary E. Wilkins Freeman's novels and short stories center around an outsider who tries to fit into the strict social mores of nineteenth-century rural New England. In Madelon, the eponymous heroine is a hot-blooded young woman who finds herself accused of a horrible crime that resulted from a case of mistaken identity.

Helena Richie has seen far more than her fair share of tragedy. When she finally works up the courage to leave her abusive, alcoholic husband, she decides to make a fresh start in a new town. But her new lease on life is threatened when Helena's many secrets begin to be revealed.

Born in England, author Ernest William Hornung traveled to Australia as a teenager to improve his failing health. Once there, he found himself charmed by the region's cultural quirks and went on to use Australia as a setting for many of his most popular novels. In Tiny Luttrell, a young woman from Australia...

In this charming novel for younger readers, fifteen-year-old heroine Betty Leicester returns to her small hometown in New England after having lived abroad for several years. Though she initially encounters some culture shock as she begins the process of re-acclimating to her native region, it ultimately turns out to be a positive experience for her and for the local townspeople.

Fans of classic westerns will appreciate this unique take on the genre. Set in the wide open prairies of western Canada, A Damaged Reputation focuses on a rancher who finds himself stuck in a perilously tricky situation. Will Brooke be able to restore his once-unimpeachable standing before it's too late?