Brave New World

Huxley’s best-known novel; a prophetic classic of speculative fiction that continues to resonate. More

The Exorcist

The first horror story to reach number one on the New York Times bestseller list. More

How Harlequin Became Romance

When Richard H.G. Bonnycastle, a former Arctic explorer with the Hudson Bay Company, launched Harlequin Books in Winnipeg in 1948, he had little interest in building a publishing empire around romance novels. More

The Woman in White

One of the earliest works of detective fiction, this story caused a sensation with readers at the time. More

Bleak House

Dickens’s tenth novel, often considered his finest; significantly influenced the development of mystery novels. More

Letter from Agatha Christie

This letter from Agatha Christie (here signing with her second married name, Mallowan) shows the close relationship she had with Collins publisher Billy Collins. More

The Hospital in Buwambo

First Mills & Boon romance novel published by Harlequin; established the iconic relationship between the two companies. More

Jack Higgins

Why I write: Some years ago, although enjoying great success, I was accused by certain literary critics of repeating myself too much in my work. More

American Gods

An instant classic and winner of both the Hugo and Nebula Awards. More

1972: Avon launches the historical romance genre…

Avon launches the historical romance genre when it publishes Kathleen Woodiwiss’s The Flame and the Flower, a historical romance with a strong female lead and sexual situations that go a step beyond the tame romances of earlier eras. More