Top 5 books with ballgowns on the cover

Emma, first published in 1816, was written when Jane Austen was at the height of her powers.

In a novel remarkable for its sparkling wit and modernity, Austen presents readers with two of literature’s greatest comic creations — the eccentric Mr. Woodhouse and that quintessential bore, Miss Bates.

Here, too, we have what may well be Jane Austen’s most profound characterization: the witty, imaginative, self-deluded Emma, a heroine the author declared “no one but myself will much like,” but who has been much loved by generations of readers.

Delightfully funny, full of rich irony, Emma is regarded as one of Jane Austen’s finest achievements.

James Cordier is a master of intrigue, a brilliant thief, a first-class lover, and an intimate friend of danger — all for King and Country — and thoroughly sick of it. He just has to complete one last mission, and then he can retire peacefully, and resume his aristocratic life in Regency London, where his most dangerous task will be courting sweet, respectable heiresses. But first, James must charm a set of incriminating letters from a woman who is anything but quiet or the notorious Francesca Bonnard…

Francesca Bonnard has overcome heartbreak, scorn, and scandal to become independent, happy, and definitely fallen! She’s learned the hard way that “gentlemen” are far more trouble than they’re worth, so she can certainly see that her wildly attractive new neighbor is bad news.

But as bad as James is, others — far worse — are also searching for Francesca’s letters. And, as James and Francesca are thrust ever closer, suddenly nothing is simple — especially the nearly incendiary chemistry between the two most jaded, sinful souls in Europe. And just as suddenly, risking every danger seems to be worth every reward.

For thirty-five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity to escape the life laid out for them since birth. To be swept up in a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels. To live in a palace and compete for the heart of gorgeous Prince Maxon.

But for America Singer, being Selected is a nightmare. It means turning her back on her secret love with Aspen, who is a caste below her. Leaving her home to enter a fierce competition for a crown she doesn’t want. Living in a palace that is constantly threatened by violent rebel attacks.

Then America meets Prince Maxon. Gradually, she starts to question all the plans she’s made for herself — and realizes that the life she’s always dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined.

There’s something achingly familiar about Daniel Grigori.

Mysterious and aloof, he captures Luce Price’s attention from the moment she sees him on her first day at the Sword & Cross boarding school in sultry Savannah, Georgia. He’s the one bright spot in a place where cell phones are forbidden, the other students are all screw-ups, and security cameras watch every move.

Even though Daniel wants nothing to do with Luce — and goes out of his way to make that very clear — she can’t let it go. Drawn to him like a moth to a flame, she has to find out what Daniel is so desperate to keep secret… even if it kills her.