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A Dinner Of Herbs

It started with one scandalous kiss caught on camera. She expected damage control not to be declared the girlfriend of the billionaire who ruined her life. He’s cold, calculating, and her ex’s powerful cousin. They agree to fake it for four months for money, for revenge, for survival. She became the fake girlfriend of the billionaire who ruined her life. He’s ruthless. She’s vengeful. Four months. One deal. No feeling But soon, the lies cut deep… and neither of them can tell if the obsession is still pretend. Amira Santis, a sharp-tongued investigative journalist, ruins billionaire Montez De Vitalio’s company with one exposé. In return, he blacklists her. Her career is over. But after an odd encounter when photos of Montez sharing a kiss with her in a hotel gets out, he has no option but to announce her as his lover to the public. Now with them both in a compromising situation, Amira takes his offer to pretend to be his girlfriend in the eyes of the public for a period of four months in exchange that he pays her and gets back at her cheating ex, who also happened to be his cousin but Amira is not the same girl he once destroyed. She has secrets of her own. And Montez? He didn’t plan on falling for the one woman who swore to ruin him. Their lies ignite an obsession neither can control, and soon, love and war become indistinguishable.

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56 Chapters

For the Love Of A Vampire

Ken has always hated who he is: a half-vampire. His guardian, Allen, encourages the young man to embrace the darkness within. Vampires can’t help but feed on humans. Why fight something that’s a part of you? Ken knows that behind Allen’s charismatic demeanor lies a monster. He also realizes that every step he takes into the world of blood and brutality moves him further away from love and humanity. Ken has managed to carve half a life for himself by refusing to give in to his temptations, but that all changes when he meets Teya. Teya is a lonely college student who is recovering from a painful breakup. After she witnesses several vampires savagely murder her roommate at a frat party, she finds herself in grave danger. She has information that vampires would kill to keep secret and that vampire hunters would just plain kill to keep. Ken vows to protect Teya but begins breaking his own rules as he grows closer to her. Ken has always believed he can never be with a woman due to his nature, but Teya just might inspire him to start thinking differently about his identity and his future.

29 Chapters

Waiting for a Heart Long Dead

Everyone in the city knows Nathan Cooper only agreed to marry me because he had no choice. No matter how many times I tried to seduce him over the past seven years, he would just run his fingers over his rosary beads. Never once had he shown a trace of desire in his eyes. It isn't until that night, when I see him answer a long-distance call from his first love. Upon hearing her voice, Nathan loses control. It's as if heat was surging through his body like a live wire. The next day, Lily Hunt flies back. Nathan shoves me out of the car and drives off to pick her up. As I fall from the bridge and lose my memory, news of Nathan's proposal to his beloved sets the whole city ablaze. The next day, he shows up late to the hospital. As Nathan stands by my bedside, he says he will marry me, but only if he can hold a wedding ceremony with Lily. Then, he announces the wedding date. I lean against his bitter enemy, Luke Patton, and look at Nathan in confusion. "Sorry, who are you?"

15 Chapters

My Son Died Because of a White Dress

When my husband accompanies his childhood sweetheart to the vet to treat her pet fish, my son accidentally spills his drink on her. My husband watches as his childhood sweetheart's eyes redden. Then, he slaps my son hard and throws a stack of cash at him. "This is your chance to make up for your mistakes. Buy Wendy a dress—make sure it's white!" My son dries his tears while holding onto the money. He roams the streets, searching for a white dress in the middle of the night. When he finally finds one, he ends up getting beaten to death by some drunk hooligans. Even in death, he clutches the bloodied skirt tightly. I burst into tears of despair as I hold onto his body and call my husband over a dozen times. However, he's too busy with his childhood sweetheart's fish. He blocks my number. When he finally calls me back, he sounds icy and angry. "Wendy is still waiting for that dress! Where has the little brat gone to? Can't he even handle such a simple task?"

12 Chapters

Ascension of a Gamma

(Completed)I always knew who I was born to be, but the Goddess had other plans. She deprived me of the one thing I needed to fulfill my duty. I disappointed my pack, I lost the ones I loved, and my purpose was losing its worth.I persevered for years, waiting for the day I could leave my pack. But my plans were thwarted yet again when She fated me as mate to an infamous Alpha. It would’ve been alright had I not known about his dirty little secret.Lost and confused, who would’ve known that I would one day stumble upon something that would undo everything I knew about the past. And because of it, I’d find myself asking about my real identity and destiny.I’m Anna Bella Fiora, future Head Gamma of the White Lake Pack. Well, at least I thought I was.---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------*This contains both parts:Part I: Broken Hearts and Fragile SoulsPart II: Cures and Soulmates---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------WARNING: CONTAINS MATURE THEMESINTENDED AUDIENCE: MATURE ADULT (18+)(Locked on 12/04/2020)Book Cover Designed By Saii Designs

8.9

84 Chapters

Killer instinct- a tale of unspeakable horror

Petunia, a 19-year-old girl from a rural village in Limpopo province, moves to the big city of Johannesburg to study. She then falls head over heels for the popular guy on campus. Unfortunately, life in the big city is not as good as she thought. Will she be consumed by the glitz, the Glamour, and the dark side of the golden city?

33 Chapters

What Is The Main Conflict In 'A Dinner Of Herbs'?

4 Answers2025-06-14 12:15:34

The central conflict in 'A Dinner of Herbs' revolves around the tension between human desires and moral boundaries, set against a backdrop of rural hardship. The story follows two cousins, Kate and Roan, whose bond is tested by jealousy, unspoken love, and the struggle for survival. Roan's ambition to escape their impoverished life clashes with Kate's loyalty to their land and family. Their relationship fractures when Roan becomes entangled with a wealthy outsider, exploiting Kate's trust to secure his own future.

The conflict deepens as Kate grapples with betrayal and the erosion of her dreams. The novel paints a vivid picture of how poverty can twist relationships, forcing characters to choose between love and self-preservation. Nature itself becomes a battleground—storms mirroring emotional turmoil, barren fields reflecting desolation. It’s a raw exploration of how scarcity can turn even the closest bonds into weapons.

What Genre Does 'A Dinner Of Herbs' Belong To?

4 Answers2025-06-14 10:46:07

'A Dinner of Herbs' is a rich tapestry of historical fiction and romance, woven with threads of human resilience and rural life. Set against the backdrop of the English countryside, it immerses readers in the 19th century, where class struggles and personal redemption take center stage. The novel’s vivid descriptions of nature—herbs, fields, and seasons—mirror its characters’ growth, blending pastoral charm with emotional depth. It’s not just a love story; it’s a gritty exploration of survival, where herbs symbolize both healing and hardship. The genre bends slightly toward family saga, too, tracing generations bound by land and legacy.

What sets it apart is its authenticity. The dialogue crackles with dialect, and the plot avoids sentimental traps. Instead, it digs into themes like poverty and forgiveness, grounding the romance in real-world stakes. Fans of 'Lark Rise to Candleford' or Hardy’s works will find familiar comforts here, but with a sharper focus on female agency. The book’s quiet moments—characters gathering herbs, sharing meals—carry as much weight as its dramatic turns, making it a standout in historical romance.

Who Wrote 'A Dinner Of Herbs' And When Was It Published?

4 Answers2025-06-14 21:51:59

I adore classic literature, and 'A Dinner of Herbs' is one of those hidden gems. The novel was penned by Mary Elizabeth Braddon, a prolific Victorian-era author known for her sensational fiction. Published in 1890, it’s a gripping tale of love, betrayal, and revenge, set against a rural English backdrop. Braddon’s knack for weaving intricate plots and flawed characters shines here. The book’s themes of moral ambiguity and social constraints reflect the era’s tensions, making it a fascinating read even today.

While not as famous as her work 'Lady Audley’s Secret,' this novel showcases her talent for blending domestic drama with darker undertones. The pacing is deliberate, letting the characters’ psyches unravel slowly. It’s a must-read for fans of 19th-century fiction who enjoy layered storytelling.

Are There Any Film Adaptations Of 'A Dinner Of Herbs'?

4 Answers2025-06-14 00:52:01

I’ve dug deep into this because 'A Dinner of Herbs' is one of those rare gems that feels tailor-made for the screen. Surprisingly, there hasn’t been a direct film adaptation yet, but its themes of love, betrayal, and rural life have inspired similar works. The closest might be the 1984 British TV series, which captured the novel’s gritty emotional core beautifully. It’s odd—such a visual story, rich with landscapes and dramatic confrontations, still waits for its cinematic moment.

Fans often speculate about casting or directors who could do it justice. Imagine someone like Ken Loach bringing its raw honesty to life, or Emma Thompson adapting the script to preserve its lyrical dialogue. The novel’s episodic structure might suit a limited series better, though. Until then, we’re left with the book’s vivid imagery, which honestly paints pictures no film could replicate.

Why Is 'A Dinner Of Herbs' Considered A Classic Novel?

4 Answers2025-06-14 17:47:57

'A Dinner of Herbs' earns its classic status through its timeless exploration of human nature and rural life. The novel’s strength lies in its vivid portrayal of Yorkshire’s harsh yet beautiful landscape, mirroring the emotional turbulence of its characters. The story weaves themes of love, betrayal, and redemption with such raw authenticity that it feels less like fiction and more like a window into 19th-century England. Mary Webb’s prose is lush yet precise, painting scenes that linger in the mind long after reading—like the scent of herbs crushed underfoot.

What elevates it further is its psychological depth. Characters aren’t just archetypes; they’re flawed, yearning souls shaped by their environment. The protagonist’s struggle between duty and desire resonates universally, while secondary figures add layers of social commentary. It’s a masterclass in how setting can fuel narrative, turning a regional tale into something mythic. Critics often compare Webb to Hardy, but her voice is distinctly her own—unflinching yet tender, like frost on a cobweb.

How Does 'A Dinner Of Herbs' Explore Themes Of Family?

4 Answers2025-06-14 20:08:33

'A Dinner of Herbs' digs deep into the tangled roots of family, showing how love and duty often clash. The novel paints family as both a shelter and a cage—characters are bound by blood but also suffocated by expectations. The older generation clings to tradition, while the younger ones rebel, craving freedom. Yet, when crisis strikes, it’s the shared history that pulls them back together, messy but unbreakable. The meals they cook become silent apologies, the herbs they grow symbols of resilience.

The story also explores found family, where strangers become kin through shared struggles. A runaway finds warmth at a neighbor’s table, proving family isn’t just about DNA. The book’s brilliance lies in showing how family shapes identity, for better or worse. It’s not all cozy—betrayals cut deep, and some wounds never heal. But even fractured families leave fingerprints on the soul, and 'A Dinner of Herbs' captures that beautifully.

How Does 'The Dinner' End?

5 Answers2025-06-23 22:19:47

The ending of 'The Dinner' is a masterclass in psychological tension and moral ambiguity. The two couples, Serge and Babette, and Paul and Claire, finally confront their sons' horrific act—a brutal attack on a homeless woman caught on CCTV. Instead of turning the boys in, they engage in a twisted negotiation, prioritizing family reputation over justice. Serge, a politician, fears scandal, while Paul, increasingly unstable, vacillates between guilt and rage. The climax hinges on Claire's chilling decision to protect her son by any means, revealing her manipulative nature. The novel ends with an uneasy silence, the crime unresolved, leaving readers to grapple with the cost of complicity.

The lack of resolution is deliberate, mirroring how privilege shields perpetrators. The final scene shows the families returning to their lives, the dinner's facade of civility shattered. It’s a biting critique of bourgeois morality, where loyalty becomes a weapon. The abrupt ending forces you to question whether justice was ever possible in this world of calculated denial.

What Is The Significance Of Herbs In 'Albularyo The Filipino Shamans'?

3 Answers2025-06-11 17:41:17

In 'Albularyo the Filipino Shamans', herbs aren't just plants—they're living medicine with souls. The way albularyos use them shows deep respect for nature's balance. Certain leaves like lagundi work as natural painkillers, while sambong flushes out kidney stones better than modern drugs. What fascinates me is how each herb gets paired with prayers, like bayabas leaves for wounds while chanting ancient Visayan verses. The colors matter too—red ones for blood ailments, white for spiritual cleansing. It's not superstition; generations prove these combinations heal when Western medicine fails. The shamans say herbs absorb energy from the earth's ley lines, which explains why the same plant works differently when harvested under full moons or in sacred groves.

How Does 'Dinner For Two' End?

4 Answers2025-06-18 05:35:58

In 'Dinner for Two', the climax unfolds with a bittersweet revelation. After a tense, candlelit meal, the protagonist discovers their mysterious dinner companion is actually a long-lost sibling, separated during childhood. The emotional weight crashes over them as shared memories resurface—half-recalled lullabies, a fragmented family photo. The sibling confesses they orchestrated the meeting to reveal a hidden inheritance, but the real treasure is their reconnection. The final scene shows them leaving the restaurant together, silhouettes merging under streetlights, hinting at a future mending past wounds.

The twist recontextualizes earlier dialogues—veiled references to 'home' and 'missing pieces' now glow with double meaning. The sibling’s erratic behavior (vanishing acts, cryptic jokes) mirrors their fractured history. Food symbolism deepens the resolution: a shared dessert, once split by parental divorce, is finally finished as one. It’s a quiet yet powerful ending, where familial love triumphs over secrets.

Who Are The Main Characters In 'The Dinner'?

5 Answers2025-06-23 02:30:20

'The Dinner' revolves around two couples whose lives unravel over a single evening. Paul Lohman, the narrator, is a cynical former teacher with a sharp, often bitter perspective. His wife Claire is more compassionate but equally complex, balancing her empathy with quiet resilience. Serge Lohman, Paul’s brother, is a charismatic politician masking his ruthlessness behind charm, while his wife Babette appears polished but hides volatile insecurities. Their teenage sons, Michel and Rick, are central to the story’s tension—Michel’s violent act and Rick’s complicity force the adults into moral dilemmas. The characters’ interactions expose hypocrisy, privilege, and the lengths parents go to protect their children.

The novel’s power lies in how these personalities clash. Paul’s introspective narration contrasts Serge’s performative optimism, while Claire and Babette embody different coping mechanisms—one subdued, the other explosive. The boys’ absence from most scenes amplifies their symbolic weight, representing societal rot and parental failure. Each character is meticulously flawed, making their dinner conversation a battlefield of unspoken resentments and calculated lies.