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He Fell in Love with His Wife
Popular novel, first published around 1900.
Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1886
60 people are currently reading
333 people want to read
About the author
Edward Payson Roe
212 books14 followersReverend Edward Payson Roe (1838-1888) was an American novelist born in Moodna, Orange County, New York. He studied at Williams College and at Auburn Theological Seminary. In 1862 he became chaplain of the Second New York Cavalry, U.S. V., and in 1864 chaplain of Hampton Hospital, in Virginia. In 1866-74 he was pastor of the Presbyterian Church at Highland Falls, New York. In 1874 he moved to Cornwall-on-the-Hudson, where he devoted himself to the writing of fiction and to horticulture. During the American Civil War he wrote weekly letters to the New York Evangelist, and subsequently lectured on the war and wrote for periodicals. Amongst his works are Barriers Burned Away (1872), What Can She Do? (1873), Opening a Chestnut Burr (1874), Near to Nature's Heart (1876), A Face Illumined (1878), Success with Small Fruits (1880), A Day of Fate (1880), Without a Home (1881), An Unexpected Result (1883), His Sombre Rivals (1884), A Young Girl's Wooing (1884), An Original Belle (1885), He Fell in Love with His Wife (1886), Driven Back to Eden (1886) and The Earth Trembled (1887).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
January 23, 2026
Um. I love this so much 🫢😍😍😭❤️
The writing was fantastic with great character descriptions and development. It was comedic in many ways, and yet had a layer of depth that I loved. I adored Alida, and watching her and James's relationship form, first as friends, and then eventually falling in love, was the absolute sweetest. I haven't gotten giddy over a fictional romance in a long time but this one got me. I couldn't stop smiling while reading. (see my vlog here : https://youtu.be/NGp30Nvy8J4?si=LW600...)
I loved the faith elements in this story as well, and the way the marriage was portrayed - it was a beautiful depiction of a Biblical marriage, even though it started as more of a business arrangement. but hey, we love a good marriage of convenience trope. :) It was one of mutual respect, kindness, honor, value, with all the fun teasing and banter. And the way they came together in their different roles, complementing each other's strengths & weaknesses, allowing both to thrive, which then spilled over into creating a beautiful home atmosphere and a prosperous farm (that had been failing since James couldn't take care of everything on his own after his first wife passed away).
*chef's kiss, all around. This entire book was a delight to my soul. Will definitely be trying more of his books!
The writing was fantastic with great character descriptions and development. It was comedic in many ways, and yet had a layer of depth that I loved. I adored Alida, and watching her and James's relationship form, first as friends, and then eventually falling in love, was the absolute sweetest. I haven't gotten giddy over a fictional romance in a long time but this one got me. I couldn't stop smiling while reading. (see my vlog here : https://youtu.be/NGp30Nvy8J4?si=LW600...)
I loved the faith elements in this story as well, and the way the marriage was portrayed - it was a beautiful depiction of a Biblical marriage, even though it started as more of a business arrangement. but hey, we love a good marriage of convenience trope. :) It was one of mutual respect, kindness, honor, value, with all the fun teasing and banter. And the way they came together in their different roles, complementing each other's strengths & weaknesses, allowing both to thrive, which then spilled over into creating a beautiful home atmosphere and a prosperous farm (that had been failing since James couldn't take care of everything on his own after his first wife passed away).
*chef's kiss, all around. This entire book was a delight to my soul. Will definitely be trying more of his books!
January 10, 2025
I absolutely loved this! I got an old copy, because I don't trust the new ones that are published, where people can add or take away whatever they want. I found this old copy and I just completely fell in love with this book. Definitely a favorite of mine, and what a great way to start of a new reading year. A fantastic book with great characters and beautiful writing style. I am so thankful I could read this book and add it to my collection of older books.
March 31, 2023
I love them both so much *tears up*.
James Holcroft, our MMC, is an old widower who is on the verge of losing his farm, the only home he's ever known, after the death of his wife. There's no one to help him with inside work and dairy has been costing him money instead of earning some.
He has tried, again and again to bring some woman/women who'd do a fraction of what his late wife did so he could keep his house and farm but alas all he gets are leeches and thieves who are draining his already depleted finances.
Alida Armstrong, our FMC, is a poor seamstress who lives with her dying mother. Her father educated her but ever since his passing she's been penniless and has gone through a lot of hardships.
Everyone who knew her more than in passing would say — "She has seen better days."
To save her mother's already declining health, Alida worked enough for the both of them, went without food and until Wilson Ostrom asked, without any help or support. He helped Alida emotionally and monetarily during her mother's ailment and funeral. Her mother died happily thinking Alida has found a protector in him and they get married.
Just as Alida thought, she was happy. She discovers her husband's betrayal.
He is a bigamist and could be prosecuted for the crime. Alida leaves him not without asking him for the truth but not listening to any of his excuses.
When Holcroft's friend and owner of the poorhouse claims There's a woman here out of the common run. He proposes a business marriage between the two of them so Alida could have a solitary home with not much society and Holcroft could finally get a hand at his farm. Sharing their sad, sad history together made them quite emotional and when Holcroft shows her his hand saying —
Come, Alida! Here's a strong hand that's able to take care of you."
She clasped it like a lifeline and kissed it.
Since this was going to be a marriage in name only, Holcroft was a bit scared that since he's the first person to show her kindness she'd come to think of it as love when he had no such thing to offer. He calls on a minister and not a pastor to conduct the shortest ceremony possible.
'By this act of joining hands you do take each other as husband and wife. Therefore, in accordance with the law of the State of New York, I do hereby pronounce you husband and wife.'
Since Alida has been sick Holcroft forbids her to work, buys her necessary things for her stay and off they go. On the way to her new home, she deduces that her husband doesn't see her as someone broken, is only interested in keeping his farm and was very straightforward, which she appreciated. Holcroft's thoughts are much simpler and he didn't care much for the wife but only for his farm and home and wished for her to be hardworking and not to fall in love with him under these circumstances.
Holcroft cooks dinner that night to show Alida that he's capable of doing things for himself until she's better.
Next morning Alida makes him breakfast and coffee, he was quite happy and then said he felt equal to doing two men's work. He even exclaims -
"I've already found out that you have one fault that you and I will have to watch against. You are too willing. I fear you've gone beyond your strength this morning
He asks her to cook something simple for dinner and not over tax herself but finds himself wondering
"I wonder what that little woman has for dinner? Another new dish, like enough.
He keeps thinking of ways to keep her entertained and happy.
It's curious how interested I am to know how she's got along and what she has for dinner. And to think that, less than a week ago, I used to hate to go near the house!"
Eventhough she makes something common, she makes it so good he finds it tempting enough.
"Well, what have you been doing besides tempting me to eat too much?"
The casual domesticity and their conversations 🤌🏻
The appreciation he had for her and the effect she had on him —
On the contrary she entertained and interested him, although she said so little, and by some subtle power she unloosed his tongue and made it easy for him to talk to her. In the most quiet and unobtrusive way, she was not only making herself at home, but him also; she was very subservient to his wishes, but not servilely so; she did not assert, but only revealed her superiority, and after even so brief an acquaintance he was ready to endorse Tom Watterly's view, "She's out of the common run."
Their conversations were so casual. It's like people watching , no drama just casually observing people going about their days and lives.
When she suggests he could buy papers on farming techniques and let his experience guide him into using the correct ones and she'll even read the papers to him and he says
"I will, then, for the pleasure of hearing you read, if nothing else.
He hadn't had the luxury of good company in so long and Alida is perfect. FMCs have to be very horrible for me to badmouth them but Alida is angelic and not 18-23 years old, either.
And after she says this
"His dead wife will never be my enemy,"
I, a hater of dead spouse trope, fell in love with her. She's our wife now. ☭
His continuous request for her to not over work herself is so endearing
"I'm finding out how valuable you are, and I'd rather save you than the small sum I have to pay old Mrs. Johnson."
And when he found her raking leaves and she defended herself saying it's good for her to be in the sun.
She was persisting, but not in a way that chafed him. Indeed, as he looked into her appealing eyes and face flushed with exercise, he felt that it would be churlish to say another word.
He even jokes about how she's too eager too work. It's just something about a grumpy man joking around with the sunshine that just gets me.
"You can see that you get me right under your thumb when you talk that way. But we must both be on our guard against your fault, you know, or pretty soon you'll be taking the whole work of the farm off my hands."
If they find out there's a MOC with grumpy-sunshine written in Harappan tablets, I'll decipher the language.
I mean how cute is this! HOW CUTE!
"I can't break you in a month."
"It looks more as if you'd make me"
*aggressively squeezes soft toy*
It isn't even some profound conversation. It's just them talking and I'm loving every second of it.
Honestly it saddened me when Holcroft said she should do things her way and not his late wife's way and Alida assumed he didn't want her to taint memories of his late wife.
Without the least intention on the part of either, chance words had been spoken which would not be without effect.
Holcroft's reason - "I'd much rather she'd take her own natural way in doing things. It would be easier for her and it's her right and—and somehow I like her way just as I used to like Bessie's ways. She isn't Bessie and never can be, and for some reason I'd like her to be as different as possible."
Alida's perception - "You can help me all you please, and I would rather you would do this in a way that will not awaken associations, but you must not think of me or expect me to think of you in any light that was not agreed upon."
It's so sad to read about miscommunication in this book given that in his pov we see instances like
He liked to watch her, not to see what she did to his advantage, but how she did it. She was awakening an agreeable expectancy, and he sometimes smilingly said to himself, "What's next?"
Ugh! I hate miscommunication and honestly, the big one that's yet to come made me want to tear my hair out and i love my hair more than any sane person should.
Anyway, he was only thinking about how since she's taking care of the chicken any money raised from that venture should be hers to spend as she wishes and whatever she can't they'd put it in the bank for her.
Everything you touch seems to turn out well.
This is a book without a single kiss let alone a sex scene staple in romance genre but the praise kink here. Absolutely filthy. He appreciates her so much and acknowledges her efforts.
"Come, you ought to go (to sleep) at once."
"Can't I smoke my pipe first please?"
"You'll find it quieter in the parlor."
"But it's pleasanter here where I can watch you."
"Do you think I need watching?"
"Yes, a little, since you don't look after your own interests very sharply."
"You won't mind being left alone a few hours tomorrow?"
"No, indeed, I like to be alone."
"I thought I did. Most everyone has seemed a crowd to me. I'm glad you've never given me that feeling."
Next day, when he woke up early and was stealthily escaping so he won't wake up Alida but she'd prepared a complete breakfast and when he couldn't find her there and looked outside —
She was so still and her face so white in the faint radiance that he had an odd, uncanny impression. No woman that he had ever known would stop that way to look at the dawn.
Holcroft's the one always tricking her into doing things for herself and this time it was her
"Did you mean to be up and have breakfast when I told you last night?"
"Yes. Of course I didn't let you know for you would have said I mustn't, and then I couldn't.
He even defended her to his friend and his wife. And ofcourse i love my MMCs threatening violence if anyone mistreats FMCs.
"If I'm no longer respectable for having married her, I certainly am better contented than I ever expected to be again. I want it understood, though, that the man who says anything against my wife may have to get me arrested for assault and battery."
He bought twice as many flowers and seeds as she had asked for, and also selected two simple flower vases; then started on his return with the feeling that he had a home.
In a world where people are trying to one-up each other with passive aggressiveness, be Holcroft and Alida.
It was eleven o'clock before Holcroft drove to the door with the flowers, and he was amply repaid by her pleasure in receiving them. "Why, I only expected geraniums," she said, "and you've bought half a dozen other kinds."
"And I expected to get my own coffee this morning and a good breakfast was given me instead, so we are quits."
I love how we can see that their relationship is progressing but for them who are living it, it's such a gradual change that from one day to another they don't even realize that the grump who didn't like to talk and the sunshine who sought solitude, took out time from their daily chores and sat together to talk and gossip.
And when the mob descended on them and Alida said —
"I only am to blame. I will go away forever if you will spare—"
But it's the Holcroft reaction. The fact that he's a man written by a man and so perfectly caters to me.. it's making me question things.
In an instant he was at her side, his arm around her, his square jaw set, and his eyes blazing with his kindling anger. He was not one of those men who fume early under provocation and in words chiefly. His manner and gesture were so impressive that his tormentors paused to listen.
"...This is my wife, and I'll break any man's head who says a word to hurt her feelings—"
And he delivered on the promise he didn't even get to verbalize.
She saw him seize the hickory sapling he had leaned against the house, and burst upon the group like a thunderbolt. Cries of pain, yells, and oaths of rage rose above the rain of blows.
When he thought about it, he was so upset that she'd think that she was to blame for any of it and would even think about leaving him.
"I'd fight all Oakville—men, women, and children—before I'd permit that,"
And when she saw that he was wounded
Oh! You're wounded!"
"What's that, compared with your talk of going away?"
My heart! My heart is going to burst.
"Don't you know you can't go away?"
"I could for your sake,"
"No, it wouldn't be for my sake. I don't wish you to go, and wouldn't let you"
"I'm beginning to find you out. You may get some foolish, self-sacrificing notion in your head that it would be best for me, when it would be my ruination. Will you promise?
"You don't know how a woman feels when a man stands up for her as you did tonight."
"Well, I know how a man feels when there is a woman so well worth standing up for."
Bury me. For now I'm dead. No don't bury me. If there's afterlife, I'll be forced to see creepy crawlies eat my body. But you get my point.
With her income from the chickens Alida starts improving the condition of her home and when Holcroft sees the difference.
"Phew! When do the silk dresses come in?"
"When your broadcloth does."
"Well, if this goes on, I shall certainly have to wear purple and fine linen to keep pace."
I've stopped associating the word bewitched with Mr Darcy.
"I never believed in magic, but I'll have to come to it. You are bewitched, and are being transformed into a pretty young girl right under my eyes; the house is bewitched, and is growing pretty, too, and pleasanter all the time. The cherry and apple trees are bewitched, for they never blossomed so before; the hens are bewitched, they lay as if possessed; the—"
"Oh, stop! Or I shall think that you're bewitched yourself."
"I truly begin to think I am."
I'm trying not to give away all the romantic things, just the slice of life but this was too good to not have in my post.
How romantic is it to carry a chair to just sit there watch your wife churn butter?
"Mr. Holcroft," she asked very gravely, "will you do something for me?"
"Yes, half a dozen things."
And then she tells him to wear a coat cause it's chilly in the room.
"So you are going to take care of me as if I were a small boy?"
"You need care—sometimes."
He soon came back and asked, "Now may I stay?"
"You're catching cold? Come, you must go right upstairs."
"I was never more contented in my life."
"What would I do if you got sick?"
"Well then, little boss, goodbye."
With a half suppressed smile at his obedience Alida watched his reluctant departure.
I'm going to have to read their miscommunication part and I'm already dreading it. It's making me so sad.
So when Jane, child of previous leech makes a comeback, Holcroft observes how, eventhough she seems to hate her, Alida does her duty by her by being kind and taking her in when neither of them wishes to disturb the coziness of their home.
It makes him wonder if she's with him for the same reason, out of some sense of duty but he also seems to understand that she's under no obligation to do more by him than she's already doing and obviously love wasn't in the bargain.
And Holcroft's aloofness and lack of warmth makes Alida wonder if she's to him as Mrs. Mumpson before and decides that she'll keep her end of the bargain and won't bother him outside of it.
Thus husband and wife reached the same, conclusion and were rendered equally unhappy.
Alida was beside herself and losing colour trying to do everything to please him and he wished —
I'd rather have had one of her old smiles and gone without my dinner
I can't even go by a wild posy in the lane without thinking she'd like it and see in it a sight more than I once could.
Hanged if I don't believe I'm in love with my wife, and, like a thundering fool, I had to warn her against falling in love with me
He once thought how he would've liked any woman who was as sensible as Alida and worked for him so that he could keep his farm, now I don't seem to care a rap for the corn or the farm either, compared with Alida; and I care for her just because she is Alida and no one else.
And when he's speaking to the wind about his misfortune he even wishes she was in the hazelnut bushes to overhear him and save him the heartache.
They did everything for each other that they could, and yet each thought that the other was acting from a sense of obligation. Of course, such mistaken effort only led to a more complete misunderstanding.
He was in love and he was hurting and so was she but the way he thinks and feels about her and then he seems to think of himself as unworthy of her. h-e-a-r-t-b-r-e-a-k-i-n-g. There's alot of MMCs who don't deserve FMCs and vice versa but these two were perfect.
The world was full of wonderful beauty before unrecognized, and the woman who walked lightly and gracefully at his side was the crown of it all.
It is the essence of deep, unselfish love to depreciate itself and exalt its object. There was a superiority in Alida which Holcroft was learning to recognize more clearly every day, and he had not a trace of vanity to sustain him. Now he was in a mood to wrong and undervalue himself without limit
It's hurting me to copy paste this. Please don't judge me. I have a very hard time being indifferent to any sort of pain, real or fictitious. If i were a fraction more stupid and thrice my age, I would've sent Nigerian prince money.
"I hope we have done things right?" she ventured, turning away to hide tears of disappointment.
"Her self-sacrifice is giving out," he thought bitterly. "She finds she can scarcely look at me as I now appear in contrast with this June evening.
You ever hold your e-reader and feel like shaking it so the MCs will stop being stupid. Yeah.
Beneath him lay the farm and the home that he had married to keep, yet now, without a second's hesitation, he would part with all to call his wife WIFE. How little the name now satisfied him, without the sweet realities of which the word is significant!
I thought my old burdens hard to bear; I thought I was lonely before, but it was nothing compared with living near one you love, but from whom you are cut off by something you can't see, yet must feel to the bottom of your heart."
Alida drew conclusion ranging from he thinks I'm as repulsive as Mrs. Mumpson to he doesn't want me to take his late wife's place, one he truly loved and even goes on to think that given her history he doesn't wish for her to love him and he can't lover her, either.
She grew paler and paler and Holcroft couldn't understand why since in his own way he was doing everything he thought she wanted. Like being unobtrusive. He didn't even eat her cherry pie.
Alida was so weary and felt so ill that she went to the parlor and lay down upon the lounge. "My heart feels as if it were bleeding slowly away," she murmured. "If I'm going to be sick the best thing I can do is to die and end it all," and she gave way to that deep dejection in which there seems no remedy for trouble.
And then an unsavoury character from the past shows up and Alida had to face both his disposition towards her and her feelings toward him.
And after listening to Jane's account when he tries to hurry home to check if she's being honest and she says —
"Oh, yes!" said Jane contemptuously; "run right to her to find out somethin' as plain as the nose on her face,
Holcroft again dropped his face into his hands, and before Jane was through, tears of joy trickled through his fingers.
Also, we have a The Wall Of Winnipeg And Me moment.
if you ever trouble my wife or me again, I'll break every bone in your body
Now there's a reason it's called 'He Fell In Love With His Wife' so I'll leave you be with this quote. You can read their confessions and reconciliation yourself.
"Happiness never kills, after all," she said.
"Shouldn't be alive if it did,"
Bye.
James Holcroft, our MMC, is an old widower who is on the verge of losing his farm, the only home he's ever known, after the death of his wife. There's no one to help him with inside work and dairy has been costing him money instead of earning some.
He has tried, again and again to bring some woman/women who'd do a fraction of what his late wife did so he could keep his house and farm but alas all he gets are leeches and thieves who are draining his already depleted finances.
Alida Armstrong, our FMC, is a poor seamstress who lives with her dying mother. Her father educated her but ever since his passing she's been penniless and has gone through a lot of hardships.
Everyone who knew her more than in passing would say — "She has seen better days."
To save her mother's already declining health, Alida worked enough for the both of them, went without food and until Wilson Ostrom asked, without any help or support. He helped Alida emotionally and monetarily during her mother's ailment and funeral. Her mother died happily thinking Alida has found a protector in him and they get married.
Just as Alida thought, she was happy. She discovers her husband's betrayal.
He is a bigamist and could be prosecuted for the crime. Alida leaves him not without asking him for the truth but not listening to any of his excuses.
When Holcroft's friend and owner of the poorhouse claims There's a woman here out of the common run. He proposes a business marriage between the two of them so Alida could have a solitary home with not much society and Holcroft could finally get a hand at his farm. Sharing their sad, sad history together made them quite emotional and when Holcroft shows her his hand saying —
Come, Alida! Here's a strong hand that's able to take care of you."
She clasped it like a lifeline and kissed it.
Since this was going to be a marriage in name only, Holcroft was a bit scared that since he's the first person to show her kindness she'd come to think of it as love when he had no such thing to offer. He calls on a minister and not a pastor to conduct the shortest ceremony possible.
'By this act of joining hands you do take each other as husband and wife. Therefore, in accordance with the law of the State of New York, I do hereby pronounce you husband and wife.'
Since Alida has been sick Holcroft forbids her to work, buys her necessary things for her stay and off they go. On the way to her new home, she deduces that her husband doesn't see her as someone broken, is only interested in keeping his farm and was very straightforward, which she appreciated. Holcroft's thoughts are much simpler and he didn't care much for the wife but only for his farm and home and wished for her to be hardworking and not to fall in love with him under these circumstances.
Holcroft cooks dinner that night to show Alida that he's capable of doing things for himself until she's better.
Next morning Alida makes him breakfast and coffee, he was quite happy and then said he felt equal to doing two men's work. He even exclaims -
"I've already found out that you have one fault that you and I will have to watch against. You are too willing. I fear you've gone beyond your strength this morning
He asks her to cook something simple for dinner and not over tax herself but finds himself wondering
"I wonder what that little woman has for dinner? Another new dish, like enough.
He keeps thinking of ways to keep her entertained and happy.
It's curious how interested I am to know how she's got along and what she has for dinner. And to think that, less than a week ago, I used to hate to go near the house!"
Eventhough she makes something common, she makes it so good he finds it tempting enough.
"Well, what have you been doing besides tempting me to eat too much?"
The casual domesticity and their conversations 🤌🏻
The appreciation he had for her and the effect she had on him —
On the contrary she entertained and interested him, although she said so little, and by some subtle power she unloosed his tongue and made it easy for him to talk to her. In the most quiet and unobtrusive way, she was not only making herself at home, but him also; she was very subservient to his wishes, but not servilely so; she did not assert, but only revealed her superiority, and after even so brief an acquaintance he was ready to endorse Tom Watterly's view, "She's out of the common run."
Their conversations were so casual. It's like people watching , no drama just casually observing people going about their days and lives.
When she suggests he could buy papers on farming techniques and let his experience guide him into using the correct ones and she'll even read the papers to him and he says
"I will, then, for the pleasure of hearing you read, if nothing else.
He hadn't had the luxury of good company in so long and Alida is perfect. FMCs have to be very horrible for me to badmouth them but Alida is angelic and not 18-23 years old, either.
And after she says this
"His dead wife will never be my enemy,"
I, a hater of dead spouse trope, fell in love with her. She's our wife now. ☭
His continuous request for her to not over work herself is so endearing
"I'm finding out how valuable you are, and I'd rather save you than the small sum I have to pay old Mrs. Johnson."
And when he found her raking leaves and she defended herself saying it's good for her to be in the sun.
She was persisting, but not in a way that chafed him. Indeed, as he looked into her appealing eyes and face flushed with exercise, he felt that it would be churlish to say another word.
He even jokes about how she's too eager too work. It's just something about a grumpy man joking around with the sunshine that just gets me.
"You can see that you get me right under your thumb when you talk that way. But we must both be on our guard against your fault, you know, or pretty soon you'll be taking the whole work of the farm off my hands."
If they find out there's a MOC with grumpy-sunshine written in Harappan tablets, I'll decipher the language.
I mean how cute is this! HOW CUTE!
"I can't break you in a month."
"It looks more as if you'd make me"
*aggressively squeezes soft toy*
It isn't even some profound conversation. It's just them talking and I'm loving every second of it.
Honestly it saddened me when Holcroft said she should do things her way and not his late wife's way and Alida assumed he didn't want her to taint memories of his late wife.
Without the least intention on the part of either, chance words had been spoken which would not be without effect.
Holcroft's reason - "I'd much rather she'd take her own natural way in doing things. It would be easier for her and it's her right and—and somehow I like her way just as I used to like Bessie's ways. She isn't Bessie and never can be, and for some reason I'd like her to be as different as possible."
Alida's perception - "You can help me all you please, and I would rather you would do this in a way that will not awaken associations, but you must not think of me or expect me to think of you in any light that was not agreed upon."
It's so sad to read about miscommunication in this book given that in his pov we see instances like
He liked to watch her, not to see what she did to his advantage, but how she did it. She was awakening an agreeable expectancy, and he sometimes smilingly said to himself, "What's next?"
Ugh! I hate miscommunication and honestly, the big one that's yet to come made me want to tear my hair out and i love my hair more than any sane person should.
Anyway, he was only thinking about how since she's taking care of the chicken any money raised from that venture should be hers to spend as she wishes and whatever she can't they'd put it in the bank for her.
Everything you touch seems to turn out well.
This is a book without a single kiss let alone a sex scene staple in romance genre but the praise kink here. Absolutely filthy. He appreciates her so much and acknowledges her efforts.
"Come, you ought to go (to sleep) at once."
"Can't I smoke my pipe first please?"
"You'll find it quieter in the parlor."
"But it's pleasanter here where I can watch you."
"Do you think I need watching?"
"Yes, a little, since you don't look after your own interests very sharply."
"You won't mind being left alone a few hours tomorrow?"
"No, indeed, I like to be alone."
"I thought I did. Most everyone has seemed a crowd to me. I'm glad you've never given me that feeling."
Next day, when he woke up early and was stealthily escaping so he won't wake up Alida but she'd prepared a complete breakfast and when he couldn't find her there and looked outside —
She was so still and her face so white in the faint radiance that he had an odd, uncanny impression. No woman that he had ever known would stop that way to look at the dawn.
Holcroft's the one always tricking her into doing things for herself and this time it was her
"Did you mean to be up and have breakfast when I told you last night?"
"Yes. Of course I didn't let you know for you would have said I mustn't, and then I couldn't.
He even defended her to his friend and his wife. And ofcourse i love my MMCs threatening violence if anyone mistreats FMCs.
"If I'm no longer respectable for having married her, I certainly am better contented than I ever expected to be again. I want it understood, though, that the man who says anything against my wife may have to get me arrested for assault and battery."
He bought twice as many flowers and seeds as she had asked for, and also selected two simple flower vases; then started on his return with the feeling that he had a home.
In a world where people are trying to one-up each other with passive aggressiveness, be Holcroft and Alida.
It was eleven o'clock before Holcroft drove to the door with the flowers, and he was amply repaid by her pleasure in receiving them. "Why, I only expected geraniums," she said, "and you've bought half a dozen other kinds."
"And I expected to get my own coffee this morning and a good breakfast was given me instead, so we are quits."
I love how we can see that their relationship is progressing but for them who are living it, it's such a gradual change that from one day to another they don't even realize that the grump who didn't like to talk and the sunshine who sought solitude, took out time from their daily chores and sat together to talk and gossip.
And when the mob descended on them and Alida said —
"I only am to blame. I will go away forever if you will spare—"
But it's the Holcroft reaction. The fact that he's a man written by a man and so perfectly caters to me.. it's making me question things.
In an instant he was at her side, his arm around her, his square jaw set, and his eyes blazing with his kindling anger. He was not one of those men who fume early under provocation and in words chiefly. His manner and gesture were so impressive that his tormentors paused to listen.
"...This is my wife, and I'll break any man's head who says a word to hurt her feelings—"
And he delivered on the promise he didn't even get to verbalize.
She saw him seize the hickory sapling he had leaned against the house, and burst upon the group like a thunderbolt. Cries of pain, yells, and oaths of rage rose above the rain of blows.
When he thought about it, he was so upset that she'd think that she was to blame for any of it and would even think about leaving him.
"I'd fight all Oakville—men, women, and children—before I'd permit that,"
And when she saw that he was wounded
Oh! You're wounded!"
"What's that, compared with your talk of going away?"
My heart! My heart is going to burst.
"Don't you know you can't go away?"
"I could for your sake,"
"No, it wouldn't be for my sake. I don't wish you to go, and wouldn't let you"
"I'm beginning to find you out. You may get some foolish, self-sacrificing notion in your head that it would be best for me, when it would be my ruination. Will you promise?
"You don't know how a woman feels when a man stands up for her as you did tonight."
"Well, I know how a man feels when there is a woman so well worth standing up for."
Bury me. For now I'm dead. No don't bury me. If there's afterlife, I'll be forced to see creepy crawlies eat my body. But you get my point.
With her income from the chickens Alida starts improving the condition of her home and when Holcroft sees the difference.
"Phew! When do the silk dresses come in?"
"When your broadcloth does."
"Well, if this goes on, I shall certainly have to wear purple and fine linen to keep pace."
I've stopped associating the word bewitched with Mr Darcy.
"I never believed in magic, but I'll have to come to it. You are bewitched, and are being transformed into a pretty young girl right under my eyes; the house is bewitched, and is growing pretty, too, and pleasanter all the time. The cherry and apple trees are bewitched, for they never blossomed so before; the hens are bewitched, they lay as if possessed; the—"
"Oh, stop! Or I shall think that you're bewitched yourself."
"I truly begin to think I am."
I'm trying not to give away all the romantic things, just the slice of life but this was too good to not have in my post.
How romantic is it to carry a chair to just sit there watch your wife churn butter?
"Mr. Holcroft," she asked very gravely, "will you do something for me?"
"Yes, half a dozen things."
And then she tells him to wear a coat cause it's chilly in the room.
"So you are going to take care of me as if I were a small boy?"
"You need care—sometimes."
He soon came back and asked, "Now may I stay?"
"You're catching cold? Come, you must go right upstairs."
"I was never more contented in my life."
"What would I do if you got sick?"
"Well then, little boss, goodbye."
With a half suppressed smile at his obedience Alida watched his reluctant departure.
I'm going to have to read their miscommunication part and I'm already dreading it. It's making me so sad.
So when Jane, child of previous leech makes a comeback, Holcroft observes how, eventhough she seems to hate her, Alida does her duty by her by being kind and taking her in when neither of them wishes to disturb the coziness of their home.
It makes him wonder if she's with him for the same reason, out of some sense of duty but he also seems to understand that she's under no obligation to do more by him than she's already doing and obviously love wasn't in the bargain.
And Holcroft's aloofness and lack of warmth makes Alida wonder if she's to him as Mrs. Mumpson before and decides that she'll keep her end of the bargain and won't bother him outside of it.
Thus husband and wife reached the same, conclusion and were rendered equally unhappy.
Alida was beside herself and losing colour trying to do everything to please him and he wished —
I'd rather have had one of her old smiles and gone without my dinner
I can't even go by a wild posy in the lane without thinking she'd like it and see in it a sight more than I once could.
Hanged if I don't believe I'm in love with my wife, and, like a thundering fool, I had to warn her against falling in love with me
He once thought how he would've liked any woman who was as sensible as Alida and worked for him so that he could keep his farm, now I don't seem to care a rap for the corn or the farm either, compared with Alida; and I care for her just because she is Alida and no one else.
And when he's speaking to the wind about his misfortune he even wishes she was in the hazelnut bushes to overhear him and save him the heartache.
They did everything for each other that they could, and yet each thought that the other was acting from a sense of obligation. Of course, such mistaken effort only led to a more complete misunderstanding.
He was in love and he was hurting and so was she but the way he thinks and feels about her and then he seems to think of himself as unworthy of her. h-e-a-r-t-b-r-e-a-k-i-n-g. There's alot of MMCs who don't deserve FMCs and vice versa but these two were perfect.
The world was full of wonderful beauty before unrecognized, and the woman who walked lightly and gracefully at his side was the crown of it all.
It is the essence of deep, unselfish love to depreciate itself and exalt its object. There was a superiority in Alida which Holcroft was learning to recognize more clearly every day, and he had not a trace of vanity to sustain him. Now he was in a mood to wrong and undervalue himself without limit
It's hurting me to copy paste this. Please don't judge me. I have a very hard time being indifferent to any sort of pain, real or fictitious. If i were a fraction more stupid and thrice my age, I would've sent Nigerian prince money.
"I hope we have done things right?" she ventured, turning away to hide tears of disappointment.
"Her self-sacrifice is giving out," he thought bitterly. "She finds she can scarcely look at me as I now appear in contrast with this June evening.
You ever hold your e-reader and feel like shaking it so the MCs will stop being stupid. Yeah.
Beneath him lay the farm and the home that he had married to keep, yet now, without a second's hesitation, he would part with all to call his wife WIFE. How little the name now satisfied him, without the sweet realities of which the word is significant!
I thought my old burdens hard to bear; I thought I was lonely before, but it was nothing compared with living near one you love, but from whom you are cut off by something you can't see, yet must feel to the bottom of your heart."
Alida drew conclusion ranging from he thinks I'm as repulsive as Mrs. Mumpson to he doesn't want me to take his late wife's place, one he truly loved and even goes on to think that given her history he doesn't wish for her to love him and he can't lover her, either.
She grew paler and paler and Holcroft couldn't understand why since in his own way he was doing everything he thought she wanted. Like being unobtrusive. He didn't even eat her cherry pie.
Alida was so weary and felt so ill that she went to the parlor and lay down upon the lounge. "My heart feels as if it were bleeding slowly away," she murmured. "If I'm going to be sick the best thing I can do is to die and end it all," and she gave way to that deep dejection in which there seems no remedy for trouble.
And then an unsavoury character from the past shows up and Alida had to face both his disposition towards her and her feelings toward him.
And after listening to Jane's account when he tries to hurry home to check if she's being honest and she says —
"Oh, yes!" said Jane contemptuously; "run right to her to find out somethin' as plain as the nose on her face,
Holcroft again dropped his face into his hands, and before Jane was through, tears of joy trickled through his fingers.
Also, we have a The Wall Of Winnipeg And Me moment.
if you ever trouble my wife or me again, I'll break every bone in your body
Now there's a reason it's called 'He Fell In Love With His Wife' so I'll leave you be with this quote. You can read their confessions and reconciliation yourself.
"Happiness never kills, after all," she said.
"Shouldn't be alive if it did,"
Bye.
September 7, 2024
One of the best books I’ve ever read. I can’t!!!! Wow😭🥹🫶🏼
August 3, 2018
Although the end of the story is summed up in the title, this plot had enough going on that it wasn't terribly predictable, especially in the beginning. Mrs. Mumpson deserves a spot right next to Mrs. Bennet (Pride and Prejudice) in the list of literature's most annoying and ridiculous women! I actually liked Jane a lot, in spite of her sometimes uncomfortable ways. And Alida's first "husband"--what an absolute villain!
I can't figure out whether it was intentional, but I found it funny that so much of the author's explanations seemed to go to waste--he'd spend a full page on what an unsympathetic character Jane was and immediately rouse sympathy for her. Or he'd launch into a very lengthy explanation of how at this point Mr. Holcroft was nowhere close to actually being in love with Alida while it was extremely obvious (and not just from the title) that he was moving closer and closer all the time. Long sections of the book were devoted to what a simple, unpoetic, rather shallow man Holcroft was supposed to be, but there was a lot more depth and complexity to him than it seemed at the start, and I'm honestly not sure if the author was kidding the readers or himself in his long discourses on what really wasn't.
The spiritual thread was muted and took a while to come in, but when it did appear, it was solid and packed a punch in its short appearances. The titular romance doesn't start until about halfway in--the first part of the book is devoted to the couple's various trials before they meet each other--and is very sweet and understated. Of course, almost the minute they begin to acknowledge their feelings, they must also frustrate me to distraction by completely misunderstanding each other. Sigh--nothing new under the sun.
Content-wise, there's some unnamed profanity (of the "he swore" variety), although it's not condoned, and two instances where the word is actually shown. Alida is unknowingly "married" to a married man and suffers much from the insinuations of neighbors and her own too-sensitive conscience, but nothing explicit.
3.5 stars
I can't figure out whether it was intentional, but I found it funny that so much of the author's explanations seemed to go to waste--he'd spend a full page on what an unsympathetic character Jane was and immediately rouse sympathy for her. Or he'd launch into a very lengthy explanation of how at this point Mr. Holcroft was nowhere close to actually being in love with Alida while it was extremely obvious (and not just from the title) that he was moving closer and closer all the time. Long sections of the book were devoted to what a simple, unpoetic, rather shallow man Holcroft was supposed to be, but there was a lot more depth and complexity to him than it seemed at the start, and I'm honestly not sure if the author was kidding the readers or himself in his long discourses on what really wasn't.
The spiritual thread was muted and took a while to come in, but when it did appear, it was solid and packed a punch in its short appearances. The titular romance doesn't start until about halfway in--the first part of the book is devoted to the couple's various trials before they meet each other--and is very sweet and understated. Of course, almost the minute they begin to acknowledge their feelings, they must also frustrate me to distraction by completely misunderstanding each other. Sigh--nothing new under the sun.
Content-wise, there's some unnamed profanity (of the "he swore" variety), although it's not condoned, and two instances where the word is actually shown. Alida is unknowingly "married" to a married man and suffers much from the insinuations of neighbors and her own too-sensitive conscience, but nothing explicit.
3.5 stars
November 8, 2025
Loved it sooo incredibly much!🥹🤍🤍🤍
January 18, 2026
What a dear little old book.
A friend recommended it, so I found a copy on EBay.
Such a sweet and heartfelt story.
The characters are so well written- I found myself getting angry, sad, and so happy right along with them.
I wish the ending would be more expounded on, but all in all- a very good read.
A friend recommended it, so I found a copy on EBay.
Such a sweet and heartfelt story.
The characters are so well written- I found myself getting angry, sad, and so happy right along with them.
I wish the ending would be more expounded on, but all in all- a very good read.
June 5, 2023
Holcroft: "So after some trouble getting hired help, I woke up this morning deciding to be a hermit but my best friend talked me out of it and now I've remarried strictly as a business arrangement."
Also Holcroft: *insists Alida not overwork herself, buys more flowers and seeds than she asked for, threatens to wallop anyone who says anything against her - and then wallops a bunch of hooligans who insult her*
I can't believe I actually read this in a day. Well, I stated yesterday but read the majority of it today.
Dudes. Mrs. Mumpson could give Mrs. Bennett a run for her money; in fact, I'd much rather Mrs. Bennett talk my ear off than Mrs. Mumpson. The absolute nerve of that woman!
And poor Jane, to have a mother such as Mrs. Mumpson!
Also Alida's supposed husband was SUCH a villain! But he gets his just reward in the end!
But the romance. THE ROMANCE. ACK. MY HEART. THE WAY THEY CAME TO CARE FOR EACH OTHER AND THEN WERE SO STUBBORNHEADED TO ADMIT IT BC THEY THOUGHT THE OTHER ONLY CARED OUT OF A SENSE OF DUTY.
BUT AHHHHH. SO SWEET. I kept updating my 18-yro sister and making her read snippets, lol. And man, if that wasn't such a blatant interloping of the 'found family' trope in the end...
If you'll excuse me, I'm checking to see if I can get a physical copy of this 'cause I wanna read it again...
Also Holcroft: *insists Alida not overwork herself, buys more flowers and seeds than she asked for, threatens to wallop anyone who says anything against her - and then wallops a bunch of hooligans who insult her*
I can't believe I actually read this in a day. Well, I stated yesterday but read the majority of it today.
Dudes. Mrs. Mumpson could give Mrs. Bennett a run for her money; in fact, I'd much rather Mrs. Bennett talk my ear off than Mrs. Mumpson. The absolute nerve of that woman!
And poor Jane, to have a mother such as Mrs. Mumpson!
Also Alida's supposed husband was SUCH a villain! But he gets his just reward in the end!
But the romance. THE ROMANCE. ACK. MY HEART. THE WAY THEY CAME TO CARE FOR EACH OTHER AND THEN WERE SO STUBBORNHEADED TO ADMIT IT BC THEY THOUGHT THE OTHER ONLY CARED OUT OF A SENSE OF DUTY.
BUT AHHHHH. SO SWEET. I kept updating my 18-yro sister and making her read snippets, lol. And man, if that wasn't such a blatant interloping of the 'found family' trope in the end...
If you'll excuse me, I'm checking to see if I can get a physical copy of this 'cause I wanna read it again...
May 28, 2020
Ok, this book was just adorable. It was charming, lovely, and totally smile-inducing. I will highly recommend to anyone who loves old-fashioned romances.
I had previously read "A Young Girl's Wooing" by the same author. I enjoyed that one - it is a close friend's favorite book, so I expected a good read. But wow - this book just blows "Wooing" out of the water! I feel like you can't even compare the two!
Some of the characters in "Wooing" seemed poorly drawn, or shallow and unlikable - at times you even wonder why the main character is still in love with the love interest. I chalked it up to not understanding the time period. However, that is not even remotely the case in this novel! Both of the main characters are completely fleshed out with interesting and compelling backstories. They are flawed, but in ways that still make the reader root for them. Moreover, they are likable characters who I would love to read more about - honestly, even just mundane details of their lives. Oh! Did Alida learn a new way to make butter? Tell me more, because she is just so dang interesting I have to know! Did James just sow another field of wheat? How interesting! I bet he had something new to talk about that evening! Maybe these characters seemed down-to-earth and relatable to this working girl, as opposed to wealthy characters who can vacation all summer in the mountains...hmmm...don't know anything about that...sounds nice though.
ANYWAY...all that to say...I didn't really even say anything about this book! Suffice it to say, there is nothing I can say other than that everyone should read it. If you want a charming tale from yesteryear about a middle aged farmer discovering that he has *gasp* feelings for his wife, pick up this book and expect to smile for a good week after you finish turning the last page!
I had previously read "A Young Girl's Wooing" by the same author. I enjoyed that one - it is a close friend's favorite book, so I expected a good read. But wow - this book just blows "Wooing" out of the water! I feel like you can't even compare the two!
Some of the characters in "Wooing" seemed poorly drawn, or shallow and unlikable - at times you even wonder why the main character is still in love with the love interest. I chalked it up to not understanding the time period. However, that is not even remotely the case in this novel! Both of the main characters are completely fleshed out with interesting and compelling backstories. They are flawed, but in ways that still make the reader root for them. Moreover, they are likable characters who I would love to read more about - honestly, even just mundane details of their lives. Oh! Did Alida learn a new way to make butter? Tell me more, because she is just so dang interesting I have to know! Did James just sow another field of wheat? How interesting! I bet he had something new to talk about that evening! Maybe these characters seemed down-to-earth and relatable to this working girl, as opposed to wealthy characters who can vacation all summer in the mountains...hmmm...don't know anything about that...sounds nice though.
ANYWAY...all that to say...I didn't really even say anything about this book! Suffice it to say, there is nothing I can say other than that everyone should read it. If you want a charming tale from yesteryear about a middle aged farmer discovering that he has *gasp* feelings for his wife, pick up this book and expect to smile for a good week after you finish turning the last page!
November 23, 2022
Peak romance!
Read
October 19, 2024*dnf at 40-50%*
I really wanted to like this, but there was language in what was supposed to be a Christian book. Disappointed, but I’ll move on
I really wanted to like this, but there was language in what was supposed to be a Christian book. Disappointed, but I’ll move on
August 26, 2012
I picked this book because I read A Young Girl's Wooing (by this author) years ago and loved it and I always assume if I loved one book by an author, I'll love another. Well, I liked this one fine - not at par with the other, but good. The author was a reverend (which probably is why religion colors his books at time), but while AYGW had some religion in it, it was secondary to the plot at all times. In this one, it felt a little preachy at times, which I don't typically like.
There was a fair amount of internal dialogue (sometimes you would be reading someone's thoughts for more than a page) and I would have liked to see more interaction among the characters.
My favorite character was definitely Mrs. Mumpson. Someone else here described her as a female Mr. Collins, but I'd have to say she reminds me more of a Mrs. Elton ;)
There was a fair amount of internal dialogue (sometimes you would be reading someone's thoughts for more than a page) and I would have liked to see more interaction among the characters.
My favorite character was definitely Mrs. Mumpson. Someone else here described her as a female Mr. Collins, but I'd have to say she reminds me more of a Mrs. Elton ;)
January 12, 2026
I LOVED reading this with my 16yo daughter. It doubled as both an amazing work of fiction (the language alone!) and a marriage study. The Gospel is woven throughout but not in an unnatural way. Because of the title, you know what is going to happen but the character development journey to get there is worth the reading.
“In the general consciousness Nature is regarded as feminine, and even this who love her most will have to adopt Mrs Mumpson’s oft expressed opinion of the sex and admit she is sometimes a ‘particular female’. During the month of March, in which our story opens, there was scarcely any limits to her varying moods.” (Pg 67)
If that doesn’t bring a smile to your face as a woman then you don’t have a grasp of what we are really like 😂
“In the general consciousness Nature is regarded as feminine, and even this who love her most will have to adopt Mrs Mumpson’s oft expressed opinion of the sex and admit she is sometimes a ‘particular female’. During the month of March, in which our story opens, there was scarcely any limits to her varying moods.” (Pg 67)
If that doesn’t bring a smile to your face as a woman then you don’t have a grasp of what we are really like 😂
Read
April 18, 2022This book was really hard for me to keep reading during the beginning, but my sisters wouldn’t let me alone about it - claiming it got better/easier to read. It did and I’m glad I finished it.
March 25, 2025
I don't even know what to say - except that this dear little book could be an outline for a perfect romance story. The title intrigued me, but it wasn't on my must read immediately list... that is until I started reading it - my eyes literally couldn't read the words on the page fast enough! That being said, it is not an "action book" or "romantic novel" but instead a story about people, faith, love, and the strength of human nature. Also!!! It was written in 1886 (and I consider it to be a time capsule of words :).
April 5, 2017
A charming vintage romance about a poor farmer and friendless woman that enter into a marriage of convenience . . . you'll never guess what happens. ;)
December 22, 2023
Thoroughly enjoyed this book. It should be a movie.
“Alida had won his esteem as well as his good will, and it was the instinct of his manhood to protect and champion her. He bought twice as many flowers and seeds as she had asked for, and also selected two simple, flower vases; then started on his return with the feeling that he had a home.”
“ ‘You don’t know how a woman feels when a man stands up for her as you did.’ It is the nature of her sex to adore hardy, courageous manhood. Beyond all power of expression, Alida felt her need of a champion and protector.”
“Alida had won his esteem as well as his good will, and it was the instinct of his manhood to protect and champion her. He bought twice as many flowers and seeds as she had asked for, and also selected two simple, flower vases; then started on his return with the feeling that he had a home.”
“ ‘You don’t know how a woman feels when a man stands up for her as you did.’ It is the nature of her sex to adore hardy, courageous manhood. Beyond all power of expression, Alida felt her need of a champion and protector.”
December 17, 2025
I'd never heard of this until a friend recommended it and I found a free Kindle copy, and I'm so glad I did. A delightful little tale. I was charmed.
September 16, 2024
Easy 5 stars - wholesome, witty, and just 🥹🥹.
I love how the author describes the characters in such a way to make you love or hate or be annoyed at them.
I love how the author describes the characters in such a way to make you love or hate or be annoyed at them.
February 10, 2025
Very nice, peaceful (except a few blows) book that was just right for a weekend. Author was a discovery for me.
November 7, 2021
Just a sweet and tender vintage romance.
August 6, 2016
This book was published in 1886 and, considering its time and place, deserves all 5 stars. Mr. Roe wrote novels with a high moral tone and some feel he influenced his generation to accept novels as an appropriate thing to read. It is racist against Irish but being Irish American myself, I could accept it as a sign of the times.
The backstory is simple. The heroine came from a well-to-do family but after her father died there was nothing. She and her mother moved to another town and began making a living as seamstresses. She falls in love, gets married, her mother dies, and she discovers that her husband is a bigamist. (This dreadful scene is complete with the entrance of weeping wife and child)
She has no means of support and is sent to the poor house where she is scorned by all because, of course, it is all her fault.
The hero is a widower who is about to lose his farm because he needs a wife to help make things work. He goes through several housekeepers or maids (Here's where the Irish stuff comes in). In town he visits his friend who runs the poorhouse, who recommends the heroine as a wife in name only.
The rest of the book is about her gradual return to health and both of them gradually falling in love.
There are also many details of how a farm works the second half of the nineteenth century.
The backstory is simple. The heroine came from a well-to-do family but after her father died there was nothing. She and her mother moved to another town and began making a living as seamstresses. She falls in love, gets married, her mother dies, and she discovers that her husband is a bigamist. (This dreadful scene is complete with the entrance of weeping wife and child)
She has no means of support and is sent to the poor house where she is scorned by all because, of course, it is all her fault.
The hero is a widower who is about to lose his farm because he needs a wife to help make things work. He goes through several housekeepers or maids (Here's where the Irish stuff comes in). In town he visits his friend who runs the poorhouse, who recommends the heroine as a wife in name only.
The rest of the book is about her gradual return to health and both of them gradually falling in love.
There are also many details of how a farm works the second half of the nineteenth century.
December 29, 2023
A widower who cherished his first wife and the simplicity of their marriage life--a quiet farm, just the two of them. A woman in need of a place of refuge in a difficult world. He brought her home as a housekeeper so he might save his farm, but he didn't imagine he'd ever love someone again. She didn't know if her broken life could ever be put back together.
Edward P. Roe was inspired to write HE FELL IN LOVE WITH HIS WIFE by a newspaper article about a farmer who said he'd marry a woman from the poor house if she was worthy. And this sweet classic book set on a rural north American farm with twists and turns, funny side characters, difficult familial relationships, and brokenness turning to hope is the wonderful story he came up with.
This is just a great book. I'd definitely recommend it to people who enjoy a good classic with sweet romance, a good dose of heart, an interestingly moody main character, and a host of great side characters.
Edward P. Roe was inspired to write HE FELL IN LOVE WITH HIS WIFE by a newspaper article about a farmer who said he'd marry a woman from the poor house if she was worthy. And this sweet classic book set on a rural north American farm with twists and turns, funny side characters, difficult familial relationships, and brokenness turning to hope is the wonderful story he came up with.
This is just a great book. I'd definitely recommend it to people who enjoy a good classic with sweet romance, a good dose of heart, an interestingly moody main character, and a host of great side characters.
May 3, 2017
They need a "It-was-the-best-thing-ever" rating bar, because five stars just isn't enough.:)
A sweet, gentle romance of a man who marries in a business sense, (he needs someone to tend the house and do the chickens and butter making), and a woman who needs a place of refuge after a harrowing ordeal. Yet, as each sees more of the others heart, they begin to feel keeping a business marriage might be harder than they thought.
Full of delightful passages to thrill the soul, sometimes amusing, sometimes angering characters, and of course the most lovely couple of all! But when you pick up an E.P. Roe book, you'll never be disappointed.:)
A sweet, gentle romance of a man who marries in a business sense, (he needs someone to tend the house and do the chickens and butter making), and a woman who needs a place of refuge after a harrowing ordeal. Yet, as each sees more of the others heart, they begin to feel keeping a business marriage might be harder than they thought.
Full of delightful passages to thrill the soul, sometimes amusing, sometimes angering characters, and of course the most lovely couple of all! But when you pick up an E.P. Roe book, you'll never be disappointed.:)
April 27, 2016
Very nice old-fashioned romance. I liked this better than "A Young Girl's Wooing" by the same author, though that one had more action. This story is about older MC's, both of whom have suffered some severe disappointments. Their story unfolds slowly, as they eventually make a marriage of convenience that develops into love.
This would probably have been a 5 star book except that Alida occasionally acts like a ninny, which I didn't like and didn't really fit her character. Other than that, it was delightful.
This would probably have been a 5 star book except that Alida occasionally acts like a ninny, which I didn't like and didn't really fit her character. Other than that, it was delightful.
May 24, 2012
This is the story of a farmer who has two options in his life at the moment— sell the farm he loves or get married. The first half of the book is mostly about this farmer, who goes through maids (all of them terrible), including Mrs. Mumpson-Roe, who must certainly be a female version of Mr. Collins in odiousness.
The second half of the book is the love story, as it were. It's lovely.
October 29, 2025
“As she stood in the garden, wearing the rose, her neat dress outlining her graceful form, the level rays of the sun lighting up her face and turning her hair to gold, he felt that he had never seen or imagined such a woman before. She was in harmony with the June evening and a part of it, while he, in his working clothes, his rugged, sun-browned features and hair tinged with gray, was a blot upon the scene. She, who was so lovely, must be conscious of his rude, clown-ish appearance.”
I cannot believe I’d never even heard of this book before, it pretty much checked all the boxes for me. (I think I could write an essay on this book, I have way too much to say about it.)
To begin, the book has an extremely slow pace and is very repetitive in some parts. I find that it’s a lot like Blue Castle in this way. It feels almost like everything is happening in real time, I read this in three days but I can barely believe that, it’s felt like a month! I’m not upset with the speed at which it moved, but I did skim a few of the more repetitive trains of thought. Oh and the actual meeting of man and wife doesn’t happen until the middle of the book.
The romance is very sweet, very gradual, and down to earth. It’s not stressful at all, there’s no encroaching conflict or threats. The “miscommunication” is likely the fastest thing to be resolved in the whole book. The details are also immaculate. The descriptions of his wife’s beauty and the comfort she brings him get longer and longer until you’re falling in love with her too. It’s such an unhurried experience, it’s not really “slow burn”, it’s more of a slow expansion of tenderness between friends into something naturally more.
The characters were all well written, introduced, and then thoroughly known. Each person collected depth from multiple avenues until I could write a profile piece on every individual one. Alida particularly reminded me of Polly Milton from An Old-Fashioned Girl. I can’t think of anyone I could really compare James to, he was so humble and kind, he was a good ol’ farmer man, but he wasn’t bland. I guess he reminded me a little of Ray Singleton from that movie The Magic of Ordinary Days.
The overall writing was pleasant and the country scenes really did make things peaceful. Also, when I talk about those little bits and details, I mean the kind that are in this book. Though I don’t find the love between James and Alida to be intense, they do know each other. Everything is in the details, not in colorful descriptions of eye color , but in the way James watches Alida just living and breathing. There were also many other small things going on that made the whole book more interesting and detailed.
As far as plot goes, I was pleasantly surprised at the uniqueness of the storylines. This was a well thought out, well crafted book. There was a lot more to it than what the title led me to believe.
In short, this book checks all of my boxes (of ways in which a book can be good) in its own way:
1. Dialogue or discussions
2. Characters
3. Vibe or atmospheric impression
4. Chemistry
5. Plot/story
6. Little bits/details
7. Beautiful writing
8. Perfect ending
9. Plot twists
I cannot believe I’d never even heard of this book before, it pretty much checked all the boxes for me. (I think I could write an essay on this book, I have way too much to say about it.)
To begin, the book has an extremely slow pace and is very repetitive in some parts. I find that it’s a lot like Blue Castle in this way. It feels almost like everything is happening in real time, I read this in three days but I can barely believe that, it’s felt like a month! I’m not upset with the speed at which it moved, but I did skim a few of the more repetitive trains of thought. Oh and the actual meeting of man and wife doesn’t happen until the middle of the book.
The romance is very sweet, very gradual, and down to earth. It’s not stressful at all, there’s no encroaching conflict or threats. The “miscommunication” is likely the fastest thing to be resolved in the whole book. The details are also immaculate. The descriptions of his wife’s beauty and the comfort she brings him get longer and longer until you’re falling in love with her too. It’s such an unhurried experience, it’s not really “slow burn”, it’s more of a slow expansion of tenderness between friends into something naturally more.
The characters were all well written, introduced, and then thoroughly known. Each person collected depth from multiple avenues until I could write a profile piece on every individual one. Alida particularly reminded me of Polly Milton from An Old-Fashioned Girl. I can’t think of anyone I could really compare James to, he was so humble and kind, he was a good ol’ farmer man, but he wasn’t bland. I guess he reminded me a little of Ray Singleton from that movie The Magic of Ordinary Days.
The overall writing was pleasant and the country scenes really did make things peaceful. Also, when I talk about those little bits and details, I mean the kind that are in this book. Though I don’t find the love between James and Alida to be intense, they do know each other. Everything is in the details, not in colorful descriptions of eye color , but in the way James watches Alida just living and breathing. There were also many other small things going on that made the whole book more interesting and detailed.
As far as plot goes, I was pleasantly surprised at the uniqueness of the storylines. This was a well thought out, well crafted book. There was a lot more to it than what the title led me to believe.
In short, this book checks all of my boxes (of ways in which a book can be good) in its own way:
1. Dialogue or discussions
2. Characters
3. Vibe or atmospheric impression
4. Chemistry
5. Plot/story
6. Little bits/details
7. Beautiful writing
8. Perfect ending
9. Plot twists
April 11, 2018
The story opens with James Holcroft at a low point. His only ambition was to enjoy a quiet life on the farm where he grew up. He had married a quiet, sensible girl he had known since childhood, and though their relationship wasn’t a highly romantic one, they had “something that often wears better—mutual respect and affection.”
But his wife had died a year before, and on top of missing her, he found he was having a hard time working the farm alone. He was just about to give it up, but he decided to try hiring a housekeeper. The two he tried, however, made his life much worse.
He decided to sell his stock, went into town for that purpose, and stopped to talk with his friend who ran the poorhouse. His friend told him of a woman there, Alida, who was in dire straits. She had been deeply wronged and felt horribly ashamed and feared town gossip, even though her troubles were not her fault. She currently had almost nothing to her name.
Holcroft’s heart went out to the woman after he heard her story, and eventually he devised a plan to help them both. His previous housekeepers were older widows, and one had a daughter, so it was acceptable for him to employ them at his out-of-the-way farm. But Alida was near his own age, so he suggested that they have a “business” marriage in name only. She could help him on the farm, and he would provide for her, and the marriage would protect her reputation. The quietness and remoteness of his home appealed to her, and he seemed a kind man, but she was afraid the stain of her background would taint him. After a lot of discussion, though, they agreed.
Of course, the title tells what happened. This isn’t the first story of a “business” or arranged marriage where the couple truly came to love one other. But this avoids silly, flighty romance and portrays a mature story of two wounded souls finding healing and respite, and for Holcroft, a faith he thought he had lost. This is the sweetest story – not in a syrupy or cloying way. It’s the first book in a long time that had me trying to squeeze in extra minutes to read and missing the characters when I finished.
Some parts, especially with the first two housekeepers, are quite comical, but the rest of the story is full of warmth and pathos. Since it’s written in an older style (it was published in 1886) it’s more descriptive than current books, but to me the story flowed nicely without getting bogged down as some older narratives do.
Just to forewarn some of you, there is one expression in the book that today is considered quite vulgar, but I think it can’t have meant then what it does today, partly because Roe was a Presbyterian preacher, and partly because I hadn’t heard the term myself until the last few years. I don’t usually read or listen to much where I know I am going to come across vulgar terms, so I am sure it has been around longer than I was aware. Still, nothing in the character of the book would lend itself to thinking it was used then as it is now. Plus Holcroft reacts to some rabblerousers in a way we’d consider violent today, but it seems to have been taken in stride then.
But his wife had died a year before, and on top of missing her, he found he was having a hard time working the farm alone. He was just about to give it up, but he decided to try hiring a housekeeper. The two he tried, however, made his life much worse.
He decided to sell his stock, went into town for that purpose, and stopped to talk with his friend who ran the poorhouse. His friend told him of a woman there, Alida, who was in dire straits. She had been deeply wronged and felt horribly ashamed and feared town gossip, even though her troubles were not her fault. She currently had almost nothing to her name.
Holcroft’s heart went out to the woman after he heard her story, and eventually he devised a plan to help them both. His previous housekeepers were older widows, and one had a daughter, so it was acceptable for him to employ them at his out-of-the-way farm. But Alida was near his own age, so he suggested that they have a “business” marriage in name only. She could help him on the farm, and he would provide for her, and the marriage would protect her reputation. The quietness and remoteness of his home appealed to her, and he seemed a kind man, but she was afraid the stain of her background would taint him. After a lot of discussion, though, they agreed.
Of course, the title tells what happened. This isn’t the first story of a “business” or arranged marriage where the couple truly came to love one other. But this avoids silly, flighty romance and portrays a mature story of two wounded souls finding healing and respite, and for Holcroft, a faith he thought he had lost. This is the sweetest story – not in a syrupy or cloying way. It’s the first book in a long time that had me trying to squeeze in extra minutes to read and missing the characters when I finished.
Some parts, especially with the first two housekeepers, are quite comical, but the rest of the story is full of warmth and pathos. Since it’s written in an older style (it was published in 1886) it’s more descriptive than current books, but to me the story flowed nicely without getting bogged down as some older narratives do.
Just to forewarn some of you, there is one expression in the book that today is considered quite vulgar, but I think it can’t have meant then what it does today, partly because Roe was a Presbyterian preacher, and partly because I hadn’t heard the term myself until the last few years. I don’t usually read or listen to much where I know I am going to come across vulgar terms, so I am sure it has been around longer than I was aware. Still, nothing in the character of the book would lend itself to thinking it was used then as it is now. Plus Holcroft reacts to some rabblerousers in a way we’d consider violent today, but it seems to have been taken in stride then.
August 10, 2025
He Fell in Love with His Wife is the story of James Holcroft, a farmer that has met with misery and a series of misfortune since the untimely death of his wife. Quite unexpectedly, he remarries. It is supposed to be a marriage of convenience – one that rescues his farm and the poor, wronged Alida from a life of servitude amongst strangers. Yet both gradually realise that their business agreement has grown into something more.
It is a well written, gratifying story, although not one that sustained my interest continually. The middle felt incredibly verbose, and all of the chaos and action – so prevalent in the first part – stalled. I did not realise it at the time, but Mrs Mumpson, with her farcical ways and exaggerated airs, brought an energy and humour to the early chapters which made them so enjoyable. Although her manner was highly irritating, there was always a sense of – what on earth will she do next? How much more vexation will she cause? How far can she try Holcroft’s patience? I suppose Roe wanted to slow things down that we might fully appreciate the beauty of the farm and country, the changing season, and the simultaneous change in Alida and Holcroft as they warmed to each other. Indeed, he was able to paint a cosy picture of their life together, a life that was adorned by the beauty of apple and cherry blossoms, a chorus of birdsong, and meals lovingly prepared in a homely kitchen.
Things did pick up again before long, although I did find the misunderstanding between the two very tiring – two silly people punishing themselves over nothing! There comes a point where you are practically shouting at the characters to sit down and talk things through sensibly, instead of assuming each other’s thoughts.
A few things more - the thwarting of Henry Ferguson was excellent, I laughed aloud. Such a repulsive and slimy character, I was glad to see the back of him. Finally, I found Roe’s sketch of Jane incredibly poignant, and I am glad that he gave her the opportunity to be a hero after all the callousness and hardship she had endured in her short life.
This is a good story, a slow one, but worth the read if you enjoy gentle romance and appreciate strong morals, all against a beautiful countryside backdrop.
It is a well written, gratifying story, although not one that sustained my interest continually. The middle felt incredibly verbose, and all of the chaos and action – so prevalent in the first part – stalled. I did not realise it at the time, but Mrs Mumpson, with her farcical ways and exaggerated airs, brought an energy and humour to the early chapters which made them so enjoyable. Although her manner was highly irritating, there was always a sense of – what on earth will she do next? How much more vexation will she cause? How far can she try Holcroft’s patience? I suppose Roe wanted to slow things down that we might fully appreciate the beauty of the farm and country, the changing season, and the simultaneous change in Alida and Holcroft as they warmed to each other. Indeed, he was able to paint a cosy picture of their life together, a life that was adorned by the beauty of apple and cherry blossoms, a chorus of birdsong, and meals lovingly prepared in a homely kitchen.
Things did pick up again before long, although I did find the misunderstanding between the two very tiring – two silly people punishing themselves over nothing! There comes a point where you are practically shouting at the characters to sit down and talk things through sensibly, instead of assuming each other’s thoughts.
A few things more - the thwarting of Henry Ferguson was excellent, I laughed aloud. Such a repulsive and slimy character, I was glad to see the back of him. Finally, I found Roe’s sketch of Jane incredibly poignant, and I am glad that he gave her the opportunity to be a hero after all the callousness and hardship she had endured in her short life.
This is a good story, a slow one, but worth the read if you enjoy gentle romance and appreciate strong morals, all against a beautiful countryside backdrop.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 9, 2025
I picked this up on a whim, thinking that the synopsis was sweet and I was due for a classic. I did not expect to find such an underrated romance. Before picking up this book, I had never heard of Edward Payson Roe’s work. Now I can say with confidence that I will be reading more.
I have such a soft spot for romances between two people who are already married… whether it is a marriage of convenience or just two people who seem to have fallen out of love. He Fell in Love with His Wife is no exception.
I found Holcroft and Alida to be two incredibly captivating characters, and watching them fall in love and find personal healing in the process was a delight. But it was not just them that made this story so good: even minor characters stood out so beautifully. From ridiculous characters like Mrs. Mumpson (whose silliness arguably put Mrs. Bennet to shame) to sympathetic characters like Jane. In each case, I found that the story treated these characters with the respect (or ridicule) that they deserved.
I considered giving this book five stars, but as I tend to reserve that spot for books that I develop something of a crush (or obsession) around. This book did not quite meet that standard this time. But who knows? Maybe I will read it again sometime and give it five stars then.
In any case, I would recommend this book to any reader who loves classic romance, marriages of convenience, or sweet books about characters finding quiet healing.
4/5🌟
I have such a soft spot for romances between two people who are already married… whether it is a marriage of convenience or just two people who seem to have fallen out of love. He Fell in Love with His Wife is no exception.
I found Holcroft and Alida to be two incredibly captivating characters, and watching them fall in love and find personal healing in the process was a delight. But it was not just them that made this story so good: even minor characters stood out so beautifully. From ridiculous characters like Mrs. Mumpson (whose silliness arguably put Mrs. Bennet to shame) to sympathetic characters like Jane. In each case, I found that the story treated these characters with the respect (or ridicule) that they deserved.
I considered giving this book five stars, but as I tend to reserve that spot for books that I develop something of a crush (or obsession) around. This book did not quite meet that standard this time. But who knows? Maybe I will read it again sometime and give it five stars then.
In any case, I would recommend this book to any reader who loves classic romance, marriages of convenience, or sweet books about characters finding quiet healing.
4/5🌟
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