Cherry Square: A Neighborly Novel

by Grace S. Richmond

The story of a girl Josephine Jenney who decides to work as the maid of a preacher's wife for the summer. She soon finds new challenges and responsibilities in this job, as the preacher, Mr. Chase, takes ill and has to be cared for by his whole family. With trials with Mrs. Chase's cousin Adelaide; wooing from Danny Hunt, the nephew of the woman across the street; and a cross cook, how will she fare?

Genres: Fiction

341 pages, Hardcover

First published August 24, 1926

About the author

Grace Louise Smith Richmond (1866–1959), American romance novelist created the Dr. R.P. Burns series.

Her first short stories were published in various women's magazines including the Women's Home Companion, Ladies' Home Journal, and Everybody's Magazine as early as 1898. Richmond wrote 27 novels between 1905 and 1936. Red Pepper Burns was published in 1910. Like most of her strong-willed yet compassionate characters, R.P. Burns is a kind, old-souled country doctor who makes house calls. His fiery red hair and temper to match earned him his nickname Red Pepper, though he is still a charming and endearing gentleman. Mrs. Red Pepper (1913), Red Pepper's Patients (1917), and Red of the Redfields (1924) followed.

Reviews

[Dillon · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful story, very captivating. Grace ties the book to a satisfying end and I enjoyed this book very much. It is all too bad that this work is out of print.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

a very pleasant upbeat story. had several surprises even. several interesting characters. I had put off reading because of the title, thinking it would be a simple silly story. it was much more.

[Cynthia A. · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a collector of old books, I sometimes put them aside to read for later. I don't know how long this one has sat on my shelf, but I recently pulled it out for my mother to read in this snowy Covid winter. She is almost 90 and loved the characters and the story, wishing at the end that she could follow them along for whatever came next.
I read it next and was captivated, too, by the characters, especially Jo Jenney. A few plot turns, true introspection and examination of motives and the required happy ending. We both would love to read a sequel!