Relaxire

Rebecca is a 1938 Gothic novel written by English author Daphne du Maurier. It is narrated by Relux a.k.a Soha - Chapter 2

Rebecca's narrative takes the form of a flashback. The heroine, who remains nameless, lives in Europe with her husband, Maxim de Winter, traveling from hotel to hotel, harboring memories of a beautiful home called Manderley, which, we learn, has been destroyed by fire. The story begins with her memories of how she and Maxim first met, in Monte Carlo, years before.In her flashback, the heroine is working as the young traveling companion to a wealthy American named Mrs. Van Hopper. In her flashback, Maxim is staying at the same hotel as the heroine and her employer, and after knowing the heroine for only a few weeks, he proposes marriage. She accepts, and he marries her and takes her back to his ancestral estate of Manderley. But a dark cloud hangs over their marriage: Maxim's first wife, Rebecca, drowned in a cove near Manderley the previous year, and her ghost haunts the newlyweds' home. Rebecca's devoted housekeeper, the sinister Mrs. Danvers, is still in charge of Manderley, and she frightens and intimidates her new mistress. Despite the encouragement of the house overseer, Frank Crawley, and Maxim's sister, Beatrice, the heroine struggles in her new life at Manderley. She feels that she can never compare favorably to Rebecca, who was beautiful, talented, and brilliant--or so everyone says--and soon she feels that Maxim is still in love with his dead wife.
Manderley traditionally hosts a costume ball each year, and it is soon time for the gala to take place. Swept up in the preparations, the heroine's spirits begin to revive. But the ball ends in disaster: on Mrs. Danvers's suggestion she wears a costume that, it turns out, is the same dress that Rebecca wore at the last ball. Upon seeing the heroine, Maxim is horrified, and the heroine becomes convinced that he will never love her, that he is still devoted to Rebecca. The following day, Mrs. Danvers almost convinces her to kill herself, and she only breaks away from the old woman's spell when rockets go off over the cove, signaling that a ship has run aground. When divers swim near the grounded ship, they find the wreckage of Rebecca's sailboat, with Rebecca's dead body in the hold. This discovery prompts Maxim to tell the heroine the truth: Rebecca was a malevolent, wicked woman, who lived a secret life and carried on multiple affairs, including one with her cousin, Jack Favell. On the night of her death, Maxim had demanded a divorce, and she had refused, and told him that she was pregnant with Favell's child. Furious, he seized a gun and shot her, and then sailed out to the harbor in Rebecca's boat and sank it, with the body stowed safely inside.

This revelation restores the heroine's marriage, and enables her to finally shake off the burden of Rebecca's ghost. Meanwhile, however, the noose of justice tightens around Maxim: first, it is found that holes have been drilled in the bottom of Rebecca's boat; luckily the coroner delivers a report of suicide, rather than murder. But soon Rebecca's cousin Favell, certain that Rebecca did not kill herself, accuses Maxim of the crime. The local magistrate, Colonel Julyan, investigates, and finds that on the day of her death, Rebecca went up to London to see a Doctor Baker. Favell, Maxim, and the heroine accompany Julyan to London; the heroine is certain that Baker will reveal that Rebecca was pregnant, thus revealing Maxim's vengeful motive for murder. But instead, it turns out that Rebecca was dying of cancer, and that furthermore she was infertile; she had lied to Maxim about her pregnancy. Her terminal illness now supplies a motive for Rebecca's supposed suicide, and Maxim is saved. He and the heroine drive all night back to Manderley, stopping only once, when Maxim calls home and learns that Mrs. Danvers has disappeared. As they crest the ridge near the mansion, they look down and find it in flames.

Rebecca is a 1938 Gothic novel written by English author Daphne du Maurier. It is narrated by Relux a.k.a Soha

Rebecca's narrative takes the form of a flashback. The heroine, who remains nameless, lives in Europe with her husband, Maxim de Winter, traveling from hotel to hotel, harboring memories of a beautiful home called Manderley, which, we learn, has been destroyed by fire. The story begins with her memories of how she and Maxim first met, in Monte Carlo, years before.In her flashback, the heroine is working as the young traveling companion to a wealthy American named Mrs. Van Hopper. In her flashback, Maxim is staying at the same hotel as the heroine and her employer, and after knowing the heroine for only a few weeks, he proposes marriage. She accepts, and he marries her and takes her back to his ancestral estate of Manderley. But a dark cloud hangs over their marriage: Maxim's first wife, Rebecca, drowned in a cove near Manderley the previous year, and her ghost haunts the newlyweds' home. Rebecca's devoted housekeeper, the sinister Mrs. Danvers, is still in charge of Manderley, and she frightens and intimidates her new mistress. Despite the encouragement of the house overseer, Frank Crawley, and Maxim's sister, Beatrice, the heroine struggles in her new life at Manderley. She feels that she can never compare favorably to Rebecca, who was beautiful, talented, and brilliant--or so everyone says--and soon she feels that Maxim is still in love with his dead wife.
Manderley traditionally hosts a costume ball each year, and it is soon time for the gala to take place. Swept up in the preparations, the heroine's spirits begin to revive. But the ball ends in disaster: on Mrs. Danvers's suggestion she wears a costume that, it turns out, is the same dress that Rebecca wore at the last ball. Upon seeing the heroine, Maxim is horrified, and the heroine becomes convinced that he will never love her, that he is still devoted to Rebecca. The following day, Mrs. Danvers almost convinces her to kill herself, and she only breaks away from the old woman's spell when rockets go off over the cove, signaling that a ship has run aground. When divers swim near the grounded ship, they find the wreckage of Rebecca's sailboat, with Rebecca's dead body in the hold. This discovery prompts Maxim to tell the heroine the truth: Rebecca was a malevolent, wicked woman, who lived a secret life and carried on multiple affairs, including one with her cousin, Jack Favell. On the night of her death, Maxim had demanded a divorce, and she had refused, and told him that she was pregnant with Favell's child. Furious, he seized a gun and shot her, and then sailed out to the harbor in Rebecca's boat and sank it, with the body stowed safely inside.

This revelation restores the heroine's marriage, and enables her to finally shake off the burden of Rebecca's ghost. Meanwhile, however, the noose of justice tightens around Maxim: first, it is found that holes have been drilled in the bottom of Rebecca's boat; luckily the coroner delivers a report of suicide, rather than murder. But soon Rebecca's cousin Favell, certain that Rebecca did not kill herself, accuses Maxim of the crime. The local magistrate, Colonel Julyan, investigates, and finds that on the day of her death, Rebecca went up to London to see a Doctor Baker. Favell, Maxim, and the heroine accompany Julyan to London; the heroine is certain that Baker will reveal that Rebecca was pregnant, thus revealing Maxim's vengeful motive for murder. But instead, it turns out that Rebecca was dying of cancer, and that furthermore she was infertile; she had lied to Maxim about her pregnancy. Her terminal illness now supplies a motive for Rebecca's supposed suicide, and Maxim is saved. He and the heroine drive all night back to Manderley, stopping only once, when Maxim calls home and learns that Mrs. Danvers has disappeared. As they crest the ridge near the mansion, they look down and find it in flames.

The principal object of Gothic novel is the evocation of terror by exploiting mystery and a variety of other horrors. Because of its powerful writing, and because of its concern with moral and social issues beyond the immediate plot, Jane Eyre is not generally considered a Gothic novel as such. However, it makes use of many of the elements found in the Gothic genre popular in the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries. Charlotte Brontë invests gothic elements in Jane Eyre with a symbolic meaning to create a new, ‘female’ language. It is through this female Gothic language that Brontë creates a heroine whose autobiographical mode of writing is used to trace a story of female rebellion and search for identity.

Narrated by Relux Aka Soha

This podcast comprises an intense reading from the Gothic romance novel 'Jane Eyrie'. It captures a scene where protagonist Jane, perceived as socially lower and different by her family, enjoys solitude with her books before an encounter with John Reed, her tormenting elder cousin. John's cruel behaviour leads to a violent act, hitting Jane with a book. Jane, with her blood and anger boiling, retaliates uncharacteristically, leaving her punished in the red room. The narrative subtly unravels the themes of social class, cruelty, and Jane's growing independence.

00:00 Introduction to Jane Eyrie's World
02:20 Jane's Solitude and Love for Books
07:32 Encounter with John Reed
11:33 Jane's Defiance and Punishment
14:52 The Aftermath and Jane's Confinement

In today's episode, we delved into the opening chapter of Carly Forshung's romantic novel, "Every Summer After." Our protagonist, Persephone, also known as Percy, finds herself grappling with the aftermath of a breakup and the impulsive decision to get bangs. As she stumbles home from a party, she reflects on her past relationship with Sebastian, an up-and-coming corporate lawyer whose pretentiousness ultimately led to their split.

Percy's narrative takes us through her history of casual relationships and her struggle to connect deeply with others, including Sebastian. She admits to never having been in love with any of her partners, except for one from her past.The episode takes a dramatic turn when Percy receives an unexpected late-night phone call from Charlie, the brother of her long-lost love, Sam. Charlie informs her of their mother Sue's passing due to cancer, a woman who was like a second mother to Percy during her formative years.

Despite the shock and the years of distance, Charlie invites Percy to attend Sue's funeral. This invitation forces Percy to confront her past and the memories of Sam, the one who got away. After 12 years of avoiding the place that once felt like home, Percy decides to return, setting the stage for a poignant journey back to the lake where it all began.Join us next time as we continue to explore the depths of love, loss, and the paths we take to find our way back home in "Every Summer After."

In today's episode, we delved into the opening chapter of Carly Forshung's romantic novel, "Every Summer After." Our protagonist, Persephone, also known as Percy, finds herself grappling with the aftermath of a breakup and the impulsive decision to get bangs. As she stumbles home from a party, she reflects on her past relationship with Sebastian, an up-and-coming corporate lawyer whose pretentiousness ultimately led to their split.
Percy's narrative takes us through her history of casual relationships and her struggle to connect deeply with others, including Sebastian. She admits to never having been in love with any of her partners, except for one from her past.The episode takes a dramatic turn when Percy receives an unexpected late-night phone call from Charlie, the brother of her long-lost love, Sam. Charlie informs her of their mother Sue's passing due to cancer, a woman who was like a second mother to Percy during her formative years.
Despite the shock and the years of distance, Charlie invites Percy to attend Sue's funeral. This invitation forces Percy to confront her past and the memories of Sam, the one who got away. After 12 years of avoiding the place that once felt like home, Percy decides to return, setting the stage for a poignant journey back to the lake where it all began.Join us next time as we continue to explore the depths of love, loss, and the paths we take to find our way back home in "Every Summer After."

Timestamp:

• 00:00:03 - Post-Breakup Reflections
• 00:01:10 - Sebastian's Pretentiousness
• 00:02:20 - Persephone's Relationship Philosophy
• 00:03:35 - Late Night Call and Memories
• 00:04:50 - The Unexpected News
• 00:06:10 - Remembering Sue
• 00:07:25 - The Funeral Invitation
• 00:08:40 - Decision to Return

Quotes:

1. "The fourth cocktail had seemed like a good idea. So did the bangs come to think of it." - 00:00:03
2. "June told me breakup bangs were almost always a very bad choice when I sat in her chair for a cut today." - 00:00:03
3. "Sebastian is kind of snob and up-and-coming corporate lawyer." - 00:00:03
4. "He just buys expensive stuff to give the impression of being discerning." - 00:00:03
5. "I've had long ago learned to tamp down on my tendencies to let random thoughts spew unfiltered from my mouth." - 00:00:03
6. "I like making men laugh, I like having company, I like taking a break from my vibrator once in a while, but I don't get attached and I don't go deep." - 00:00:03
7. "Percy is the name nobody calls me anymore. These days I am Persephone, to almost everyone." - 00:00:03
8. "I'm suddenly 13 years old and slathered in SPF 45 reading paper bags on the dock." - 00:00:03
9. "It's been 12 years since I've seen Charlie. 12 years since that catastrophic Thanksgiving weekend when everything between Sam and me fell apart." - 00:00:03
10. "Sue, who made the best pierogies in the universe? Sue, who treated me like a daughter?" - 00:00:03

In this podcast episode, Vivian visits her parents and faces intense pressure to marry. Her critical mother and self-made CEO father have arranged a marriage for her with Dante Russo, a powerful man she's never met. The family dinner reveals the arranged match, causing shock and tension between Vivian and Dante. Vivian feels trapped and powerless, dreading the future with a stranger. The episode explores themes of familial expectations, societal pressure, and the clash between personal autonomy and traditional values.

Timestamp:

1. The pressure to get married (00:00:00) Vivian's parents criticize her appearance and pressure her to get married, highlighting their fixation on her marital prospects.
2. Arranged marriage bombshell (00:05:31) Vivian's father reveals that he has arranged a suitable match for her without her consent, shocking her and leading to a sense of dread and horror.
3. Meeting Dante Russo (00:11:12) Vivian meets Dante Russo, her arranged fiancé, and experiences a mix of attraction, discomfort, and uncertainty about their future together.

Quotes:

1. "You know, I'm still young. I have plenty of time to meet someone."
2. "It's clear you don't feel the same urgency as we do, which is why I took matters into my own hands."
3. "Does Mr. Perfect have a name, or is he known only by his net worth?"

Summary:​

In this episode, the speaker expresses their love and joy for the Christmas season through heartfelt and poetic verses. They describe Christmas as a gift from above, a time for love and celebration. The speaker shares their feelings of love and adoration for their partner, emphasizing the importance of being together during this special time. They mention the beauty of Christmas decorations, the warmth of a fireplace, and the magic of the holiday season. The speaker also highlights the significance of the mistletoe, symbolizing love and the exchange of tender kisses. They express gratitude for the love they have found and the happiness it brings. The episode concludes with a wish for a merry Christmas and a happy new year.​

Key Takeaways:​

1. Christmas is a gift from above, bringing love and joy to the world.
2. Love is the best gift one can receive during the holiday season.
3. The warmth and joy of Christmas are everlasting, unlike the fleeting nature of the season itself.
4. The mistletoe represents love and the opportunity to share tender kisses.
5. Christmas is a time to open our hearts and show kindness to others.​

Quotes:​-

• "Christmas is love, a gift from above."
• "Christmas with you is a dream come true."
• "I love you more than a gift under the tree."
• "Meet me under the mistletoe, and we'll share a tender kiss."
• "Christmas is merry, I feel so bright, for you are my light in the darkest night."

About The Narrator:

The narrator for this episode is Soha a.k,a Rulux. She will read the novel "King of Wrath.", Who's author is Anna Huang. A talented writer known for her captivating storytelling and ability to create complex and compelling characters. With "King of Wrath," she has once again delivered a gripping tale of love, power, and unexpected connections.

Summary:

In this episode, Anna Huang takes us into the world of her novel "King of Wrath." The story revolves around Dante Russo, a ruthless and arrogant billionaire CEO, and Vivian Lau, an elegant and ambitious woman from a new money family. Forced into an arranged marriage, Dante and Vivian find themselves drawn to each other despite their initial reservations. As their relationship develops, they must navigate the challenges of their respective backgrounds and the secrets that threaten to tear them apart.The episode begins with a description of Dante and Vivian's characters and their unexpected engagement. Vivian, the perfect daughter from a new money family, agrees to the arranged marriage for the sake of her family's social standing. Dante, on the other hand, is determined to destroy the evidence of their betrothal. However, as they spend more time together, they find it difficult to resist their growing attraction.The story is set against the backdrop of a high society event, where Dante's unexpected presence causes a stir among the guests. As Vivian navigates her responsibilities as an event planner, she can't help but be drawn to Dante's enigmatic presence. However, their budding romance is threatened by external forces and the secrets they both carry.As the episode progresses, Vivian receives a call from her father, who summons her for an important dinner. This news adds to Vivian's anxiety and raises questions about her family's intentions. The episode ends with Vivian's uncertainty about what awaits her at the dinner and the potential impact it could have on her life.Key Takeaways:

1. Dante Russo, a ruthless billionaire CEO, is forced into an arranged marriage with Vivian Lau, the daughter of his newest enemy.
2. Vivian, an ambitious and well-mannered woman, agrees to the marriage for the sake of her family's social standing.
3. Despite their initial reservations, Dante and Vivian find themselves drawn to each other and struggle to resist their growing attraction.
4. The story is set against the backdrop of a high society event, where Dante's unexpected presence causes a stir among the guests.
5. Vivian's father summons her for an important dinner, raising questions about her family's intentions and adding to her anxiety.

Quotes:

• "He'll do everything in his power to destroy the evidence and their betrothal." - Anna Huang
• "Now that he has her, he can't bring himself to let her go." - Anna Huang
• "Marrying a blue-blooded Russo means opening doors that would otherwise remain closed to her new money family." - Anna Huang
• "I can't believe he showed up. People will be talking about this for weeks." - Anna Huang
• "No one actually cares about the piping plovers. I mean, I'm sad that they are endangered, but let's be honest, the people are here for the scene only." - Anna Huang
• "Dante Russo, the enigmatic CEO of luxury goods conglomerate the Russo group?" - Anna Huang
• "We have important news. Did something happen with the company? Was someone sick or dying?" - Anna Huang

About The Host:

Relux is the host of "Relaxer," a podcast that aims to provide listeners with a romantic getaway through enchanting stories, poetry, and novels. With a soothing voice and a talent for creating a relaxing atmosphere, Relux helps listeners destress, relax, and sleep comfortably.

Summary:

Relaxer, hosted by Relux, offers a tranquil escape through dreamy stories, poetry, and novels. In this episode, Relux shares a selection of poems that evoke deep emotions and contemplation. The first poem, "If" by Ruded Kibling, explores the qualities of resilience, trust, and self-belief. The second poem, "Defeat" by Khalil Jabran, delves into the acceptance of defeat as a means of self-discovery and growth. The third poem, "The Tyger" by William Blake, captivates with its vivid imagery and contemplation of creation. Lastly, "A Psalm of Life" by H.W. Longfellow encourages listeners to embrace the present, strive for greatness, and leave a lasting impact on the world.

Key Takeaways:

1. Resilience and self-trust are essential qualities to navigate through challenging times.
2. Defeat can lead to self-discovery and the courage to embrace one's true self.
3. The beauty and mystery of creation can inspire awe and contemplation.
4. Embrace the present, strive for greatness, and leave a lasting impact on the world.

Quotes:

• "If you can keep your head when all about you are losing theirs and blaming it on you." - Ruded Kibling
• "Defeat, my defeat? My bold companion." - Khalil Jabran
• "Tyger, tyger, burning bright in the forest of the night." - William Blake
• "Tell me not in moanful numbers life is but an empty dream." - H.W. Longfellow
• "Act, act in the living present heart within and God overhead." - H.W. Longfellow

Timestamp:

1. [0:00:00] Introduction to the podcast and reading of "If" by Rudyard Kipling
2. [0:02:06] Reading of "Defeat" by Khalil Gibran
3. [0:06:04] Reading of "The Tyger" by William Blake
4. [0:08:16] Reading of "A Psalm of Life" by H.W. Longfellow

Novel: It Ends with Us | Genre: Romance, Fiction

Book Synopsis:

Lily hasn’t always had it easy, but that’s never stopped her from working hard for the life she wants. She’s come a long way from the small town in Maine where she grew up — she graduated from college, moved to Boston, and started her own business. So when she feels a spark with a gorgeous neurosurgeon named Ryle Kincaid, everything in Lily’s life suddenly seems almost too good to be true.

Ryle is assertive, stubborn, maybe even a little arrogant. He’s also sensitive, brilliant, and has a total soft spot for Lily. And the way he looks in scrubs certainly doesn’t hurt. Lily can’t get him out of her head. But Ryle’s complete aversion to relationships is disturbing. Even as Lily finds herself becoming the exception to his “no dating” rule, she can’t help but wonder what made him that way in the first place.

As questions about her new relationship overwhelm her, so do thoughts of Atlas Corrigan — her first love and a link to the past she left behind. He was her kindred spirit, her protector. When Atlas suddenly reappears, everything Lily has built with Ryle is threatened.

Winner for Best Romance (2016)
Author: Colleen Hoover

In Podcast Novel Narrated By: Soha a.k.a Relux

Podcast Episode: 05

In this podcast episode I will read Chapter 1 Part B
(Chapter 1 Part B is coming in the next podcast episode)

*Important Note*

Dear readers, if you want me to read More chapters of this beautiful romantic novel, you can let me know in the comments or email: [email protected]

I will read few chapters of different novels in upcoming podcast episodes as well. Though a full novel read will be based on an audience choice exclusive. I will only read a full novel if my listeners really liked the story and want to listen to it till the end. So friends your comments and feedback is much appreciated.
Thanks, regards!