Review of Gown of Glory by Agnes Sligh Turnbull

This one’s a keeper. It may turn out to be my favorite book of all time. It’s got it all. The story in this excellent novel is set in Pennsylvania around 1910. David and his wife Mary are just moving to a new community, Ladykirk. He is the new minister at the church, and Mary … Continue reading Review of Gown of Glory by Agnes Sligh Turnbull →

Valentine’s Day Book Review of Winter Solstice by Rosamunde Pilcher

Often, in February, after several long cold months of winter, I long for a mini-holiday in a place guaranteed to be warm and sunny. It’s been ages since I’ve been able to go, but this year the flight and hotel deal was amazing, so off my sister-in-law and I went to San Diego. (More photos … Continue reading Valentine’s Day Book Review of Winter Solstice by Rosamunde Pilcher →

Quality Classic Christmas stories that Stand the Test of Time

With the holiday activities slowing down, now is a great time to chill with a classic Christmas story. Here are some recommendations from my recent discoveries. “Uncle Richard’s New Year Dinner” by Lucy Maud Montgomery, a fortuitous mix-up.You can read the story here Unable to find a publisher, the author printed 200 copies of this … Continue reading Quality Classic Christmas stories that Stand the Test of Time →

Review of Sweet Caroline, my Blind Date With a Book

In February I shared the fun I had participating in one of my library’s many creative activities. When I walked into my local library and discovered their Valentine’s themed activity, “Blind Date With a Book”, I jumped right in! My rating So, here’s how I rated my Book “Date”, using the my public library’s "Rate … Continue reading Review of Sweet Caroline, my Blind Date With a Book →

The Wonderful World of Cats

I recently re-read this precious book--after 58 years! In a testament to the quality of the stories, I was surprised at how many of the plots I still remembered. And almost as much as the stories, I also remembered the unique drawings. Unlike some contemporary children's books, these stories aren’t written “down” to children. They … Continue reading The Wonderful World of Cats →

Not Mine, But His by Emma S. Pratt

This lovely book was next on my books to review, and it is fitting that I post it today, Easter! The story is about Mary, a young woman who is endeavoring to live rightly. This is a common theme in late 19th century fiction, one reason I find these so fascinating and interesting! One of … Continue reading Not Mine, But His by Emma S. Pratt →

Middlemarch: Humility is beautiful

Humility seems to be out of fashion these days. People have a tendency to want attention, and preferably fame, regardless of what they have to do to get it. So it was with pleasure that I encountered beautifully understated qualities of humility and simple goodness in a 19th century novel, Middlemarch, by George Eliot. If … Continue reading Middlemarch: Humility is beautiful →

Author Edward Payson Roe

One of E.P. Roe's most popular novels is Barriers Burned Away. In my last post I shared my thoughts on the novel, and how a visit to Chicago not long after the Chicago Fire of October 8, 1871 inspired him to write it. This fascinating book was actually his first attempt at writing a novel! … Continue reading Author Edward Payson Roe →

Review of Barriers Burned Away; remembering the1871 Chicago Fire

A visit to Chicago not long after the Chicago Fire of October 8, 1871--151 years ago today--touched the heart of the author, Edward Payson Roe, and inspired him to write this novel, published in 1872. Diorama of 1871 Chicago Fire - Chicago History Museum, Lincoln Park, Chicago, Illinois He seems to have asked himself: How … Continue reading Review of Barriers Burned Away; remembering the1871 Chicago Fire →

Gesta Romanorum: A unique glimpse into history

Gesta Romanorum is Latin for "Deeds of the Romans", which makes it sound like this book is a narration of the early culture of Rome, its history and battles. However, it is actually a Latin compilation of morality stories believed to be written approximately at the end of the 13th century. There are 181 stories. … Continue reading Gesta Romanorum: A unique glimpse into history →