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The Ransom
It was their stepmother's death that brought Christobel Kershaw and her younger brother Randall home at last. But the large elaborate mansion chosen by their deceased stepmother didn't really seem like home. And their father seemed different too--so tired, so weighed down. Christobel wondered if there was any way they could help him. Could they start over again and become a close, loving family?
Slowly they learned to trust and love each other. Then, just when it seemed they were indeed becoming a real family, disaster struck! Randall--young, impetuous, Randall who was just beginning to understand what true manhood meant--was kidnapped. Would they be able to come up with the ransom? And would they be in time?
Slowly they learned to trust and love each other. Then, just when it seemed they were indeed becoming a real family, disaster struck! Randall--young, impetuous, Randall who was just beginning to understand what true manhood meant--was kidnapped. Would they be able to come up with the ransom? And would they be in time?
235 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1934
33 people are currently reading
160 people want to read
About the author
Grace Livingston Hill
574 books566 followersalso wrote under the pseudonym Marcia MacDonald
also published under the name Grace Livingston Hill Lutz
A popular author of her day, she wrote over 100 novels and numerous short stories of religious and Christian fiction. Her characters were most often young female ingénues, frequently strong Christian women or those who become so within the confines of the story.
niece to Isabella MacDonald Alden
also published under the name Grace Livingston Hill Lutz
A popular author of her day, she wrote over 100 novels and numerous short stories of religious and Christian fiction. Her characters were most often young female ingénues, frequently strong Christian women or those who become so within the confines of the story.
niece to Isabella MacDonald Alden
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
March 2, 2017
This was a sweet GLH. It was perfect for reading some every night, which was what I was doing. I enjoyed the plot, and surprising lack of romance. 'Watching' the family grow closer together and closer to God was really sweet.
June 13, 2021
This is the classic GLH that I know and love! Domestic details, a wicked stepmother, a kidnapping, and finding God in a meaningful way, all against the backdrop of the Great Depression. Originally published in 1934.
April 13, 2021
Christobel and her brother Rannie aren't particularly sorry when their stepmother dies. Neither felt particularly close to her, or appreciative of her lifestyle. What comes from this moment is a surprising blessing, a reconnection to their distant father. But things are complicated. Their father has taken a severe hit financially and Rannie is taken by kidnappers looking for a king's ransom. Thankfully there is a young man in the picture ready to lend aid wherever he can.
I love this book no matter how many times I read it. Christobel is a little off-putting initially and perhaps too delicate for words sometimes, but she's sweet and earnest as any good GLH heroine should be. My favorite character though is Randall, who really is a scamp you can't help but love. He's a nervy kid and not one to sit idly by and wait for rescue. Great read all around!
I love this book no matter how many times I read it. Christobel is a little off-putting initially and perhaps too delicate for words sometimes, but she's sweet and earnest as any good GLH heroine should be. My favorite character though is Randall, who really is a scamp you can't help but love. He's a nervy kid and not one to sit idly by and wait for rescue. Great read all around!
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January 25, 2008Hill, Grace Livingston
December 4, 2021
Rating: 3.9 / 5
With all the charm of a usual Grace Livingston Hill story, The Ransom is a lovely addition to my shelves.
The story starts off just after the funeral of Christobel's stepmother, Charmian. Because Christobel spent most of her childhood away from home, she's not really attached to anything there apart from her distant father, and of course her wayward brother, Rannie. As soon as she gets home, Christobel uncovers a crisis as it seems the family servants are getting ready to clear out now that Charmian's dead--and take a few of the expensive knicknacks with them. It's only due to Christobel, Rannie, and their father teaming up that they're able to stop the plot, and become closer together as a family as a result. But then Rannie gets kidnapped, and it's based on that that the rest of the story progresses.
In terms of plot, character, and progression of the story, I suppose I'd rate this as just average based on other books that I've read by Hill. It has charming characters, but I think that I would've really just liked to see more of the developing family dynamic for the Kershaws before Rannie got kidnapped. He spends a good deal of the plot separate from his family, so that took away from some of my engagement to what was happening. Christobel and her father had a fine relationship and are in many ways closer than they are to Rannie, but that kid brother character gave a wholesomeness to the story like in Re-Creations that I really missed out on. The more the merrier, right?
All in all though, a pleasant read, and a great addition to my ever-growing shelves.
With all the charm of a usual Grace Livingston Hill story, The Ransom is a lovely addition to my shelves.
The story starts off just after the funeral of Christobel's stepmother, Charmian. Because Christobel spent most of her childhood away from home, she's not really attached to anything there apart from her distant father, and of course her wayward brother, Rannie. As soon as she gets home, Christobel uncovers a crisis as it seems the family servants are getting ready to clear out now that Charmian's dead--and take a few of the expensive knicknacks with them. It's only due to Christobel, Rannie, and their father teaming up that they're able to stop the plot, and become closer together as a family as a result. But then Rannie gets kidnapped, and it's based on that that the rest of the story progresses.
In terms of plot, character, and progression of the story, I suppose I'd rate this as just average based on other books that I've read by Hill. It has charming characters, but I think that I would've really just liked to see more of the developing family dynamic for the Kershaws before Rannie got kidnapped. He spends a good deal of the plot separate from his family, so that took away from some of my engagement to what was happening. Christobel and her father had a fine relationship and are in many ways closer than they are to Rannie, but that kid brother character gave a wholesomeness to the story like in Re-Creations that I really missed out on. The more the merrier, right?
All in all though, a pleasant read, and a great addition to my ever-growing shelves.
October 25, 2021
I read GLH's books when I need something inspirational that I can relax into in the midst of the world's trials and anxieties. I hadn't read this one for over a decade, and always when I re-read her books new things stand out to me. This time it was a wonderful prayer that the main character overhears at a friend's house. Things are tight at the friend's house, with a disabled father and scarce work for the two young adults of the family in the midst of the depression.
"Oh, our Father!" the woman was saying, "You care for the sparrows. We know you are going to care for us. We're down to the last dollar, Heavenly Father, and the mortgage interest is due next week. Take over our burdens and undertake for us. The man said we'd have to give up the house if we couldn't pay this time, and my poor John is lying there worrying. Help him to trust Thee, Father. Give us all more faith. And, if it be Thy dear will, give my Philip a job. He's been a good boy to us all, and he loves Thee, dear Lord. And now we are going to thank and praise Thee for what Thou art going to do for us. Lord give us faith to praise Thee even though we cannot see the way ahead, and now listen to my boy too as he claims Thy promise that where two of Thine own shall ask, it shall be done for them."
Then a young strong earnest voice took up the petition. "Oh God our Father, if there is any thing in me to hinder giving what I ask, show me what it is. Cleanse me and give me more faith. You know that I want Your will to be done in me at any cost, Lord, but oh, my Father, God, if it be possible don't let my dear family have to suffer. We know that You hear when Your children cry to You. Hear now, Lord according to Your promise, for we ask in the name of Your Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ."
This overheard petition plants a seed of faith in Christobel, the main character, which comes to fruition through the long, difficult days ahead, as she watches Philip live out his faith, and be a true Christian example to the floundering Kershaw family.
This is why I read (and love) Grace's novels.
"Oh, our Father!" the woman was saying, "You care for the sparrows. We know you are going to care for us. We're down to the last dollar, Heavenly Father, and the mortgage interest is due next week. Take over our burdens and undertake for us. The man said we'd have to give up the house if we couldn't pay this time, and my poor John is lying there worrying. Help him to trust Thee, Father. Give us all more faith. And, if it be Thy dear will, give my Philip a job. He's been a good boy to us all, and he loves Thee, dear Lord. And now we are going to thank and praise Thee for what Thou art going to do for us. Lord give us faith to praise Thee even though we cannot see the way ahead, and now listen to my boy too as he claims Thy promise that where two of Thine own shall ask, it shall be done for them."
Then a young strong earnest voice took up the petition. "Oh God our Father, if there is any thing in me to hinder giving what I ask, show me what it is. Cleanse me and give me more faith. You know that I want Your will to be done in me at any cost, Lord, but oh, my Father, God, if it be possible don't let my dear family have to suffer. We know that You hear when Your children cry to You. Hear now, Lord according to Your promise, for we ask in the name of Your Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ."
This overheard petition plants a seed of faith in Christobel, the main character, which comes to fruition through the long, difficult days ahead, as she watches Philip live out his faith, and be a true Christian example to the floundering Kershaw family.
This is why I read (and love) Grace's novels.
April 6, 2024
I desperately needed a break from the 'Love, Inspired' drivel that I'm mired in, at present... so I picked up a Grace Livingston Hill book. The difference was like stale air in a crowded subway car (Love, Inspired) compared to a fragrant field of wildflowers.
YES, the book is from 1933 and extraordinarily dated in it's clothing, settings, and vernacular. YES, the mindset is very different from ours. But then again, maybe not so much - there is underhandedness, thievery, kidnappings, businesses failing, spoilt sons and abused daughters, even today. There are selfish and pampered trophy wives as easily to be found in 2024 as Hill's time.
The story is a bit Cinderella-ish: Christabel's mother dies, and her father decides his children need a new mother. Charmain is beautiful, young, and seems to adore him, so he marries her. Little does he know that she's money obsessed, and only married him for his wealth. She sends both young children off to boarding school, has her husband buy her a new house, cars, furs, jewels, and makes sure the kids are never around, even on breaks. The money the father gives Charmain to buy things for his daughter is pocketed by the stepmother, and cast-offs are sent to the girl, instead.
Then the stepmother dies.
And everything - EVERYTHING - changes.
Realizations result in catching thieves, facing down drunks, dealing with vulture-like in-laws, getting rid of materialistic clutter, and trying to find their way back to being a WHOLE family - in spite of the damages caused over the past ten years.
I had THREE issues with the story:
1) I was aggravated by the 'culprits' of the kidnapping. It could've been revengeful servants, or spiteful relatives of Charmaine's or even the gold-digging Mrs. Romayne... but Hill copped out and made it... absolute strangers in some previously unconnected national crime ring? SERIOUSLY!?!
2) The fact that Cristabel's father NEVER ENCOUNTERS Mrs. Romayne in the book. We are never even sure if the woman is who she says she is (his dearest friend), or if she's a complete stranger. We're cheated out of the knowledge of just WHO and WHAT Mrs. Romayne is, as far as connections to the family go.
3) There is *NO* romantic evidence of any kind of developing relationship between Philip and Cristabel. They barely see each other - he shows up for four very short encounters, and that's *IT*... but then he's announcing at the end that he will be asking for her hand in marriage?! What left field did THAT come out of?! I... would've liked a little more development between the two of them.
So while it was MILES away better than the LI drivel I've been slogging thru, this wasn't my absolute favorite of GLH's books. (('The Substitute Guest' and 'Crimson Roses' are still my favorites.))
I still would recommend this. Definitely.
YES, the book is from 1933 and extraordinarily dated in it's clothing, settings, and vernacular. YES, the mindset is very different from ours. But then again, maybe not so much - there is underhandedness, thievery, kidnappings, businesses failing, spoilt sons and abused daughters, even today. There are selfish and pampered trophy wives as easily to be found in 2024 as Hill's time.
The story is a bit Cinderella-ish: Christabel's mother dies, and her father decides his children need a new mother. Charmain is beautiful, young, and seems to adore him, so he marries her. Little does he know that she's money obsessed, and only married him for his wealth. She sends both young children off to boarding school, has her husband buy her a new house, cars, furs, jewels, and makes sure the kids are never around, even on breaks. The money the father gives Charmain to buy things for his daughter is pocketed by the stepmother, and cast-offs are sent to the girl, instead.
Then the stepmother dies.
And everything - EVERYTHING - changes.
Realizations result in catching thieves, facing down drunks, dealing with vulture-like in-laws, getting rid of materialistic clutter, and trying to find their way back to being a WHOLE family - in spite of the damages caused over the past ten years.
I had THREE issues with the story:
1) I was aggravated by the 'culprits' of the kidnapping. It could've been revengeful servants, or spiteful relatives of Charmaine's or even the gold-digging Mrs. Romayne... but Hill copped out and made it... absolute strangers in some previously unconnected national crime ring? SERIOUSLY!?!
2) The fact that Cristabel's father NEVER ENCOUNTERS Mrs. Romayne in the book. We are never even sure if the woman is who she says she is (his dearest friend), or if she's a complete stranger. We're cheated out of the knowledge of just WHO and WHAT Mrs. Romayne is, as far as connections to the family go.
3) There is *NO* romantic evidence of any kind of developing relationship between Philip and Cristabel. They barely see each other - he shows up for four very short encounters, and that's *IT*... but then he's announcing at the end that he will be asking for her hand in marriage?! What left field did THAT come out of?! I... would've liked a little more development between the two of them.
So while it was MILES away better than the LI drivel I've been slogging thru, this wasn't my absolute favorite of GLH's books. (('The Substitute Guest' and 'Crimson Roses' are still my favorites.))
I still would recommend this. Definitely.
July 25, 2021
Continuing on with my goal of reading all 100+ Grace Livingston Hill novels.
This was a good story about an apparently rich young man getting kidnapped and held for ransom. Little do his captors realize, but his father does not have the money to pay the ransom. In typical GLH fashion, the title has a double meaning, and in his captivity, the young man finds Jesus- the one who paid his sin ransom.
The whole book honestly feels a little padded...like I'm not sure how the events of a few weeks (?) can fill an entire book. The characters, with the exception of the kidnapped teen, are not exceptionally fleshed out. The story line itself was fairly exciting and interesting, but as a whole, it felt a little bland ( not like The White Flower...now that was an exciting GLH!).
Overall, I would recommend reading this one, but it's not high on my re-read list.
This was a good story about an apparently rich young man getting kidnapped and held for ransom. Little do his captors realize, but his father does not have the money to pay the ransom. In typical GLH fashion, the title has a double meaning, and in his captivity, the young man finds Jesus- the one who paid his sin ransom.
The whole book honestly feels a little padded...like I'm not sure how the events of a few weeks (?) can fill an entire book. The characters, with the exception of the kidnapped teen, are not exceptionally fleshed out. The story line itself was fairly exciting and interesting, but as a whole, it felt a little bland ( not like The White Flower...now that was an exciting GLH!).
Overall, I would recommend reading this one, but it's not high on my re-read list.
October 4, 2018
Nothing special for a GLH. Seemed more Christian Romance-ish than usual, maybe because there were more evangelical buzz words? The romance certainly wasn't the focus, so it's not that. Perfectly readable, but kind of forgettable too; no stand-out characters or situations for me. This despite the fact that there's a kidnapping and daring escapes and a girl trapped in a house with robbers and all manner of excitement, plot wise. Maybe I was interrupted too often while reading it, I dunno, but while it held my attention well enough when I had time for it, I never felt much urgency to get back to it when I was busy.
July 18, 2024
Reread of another old favorite. I loved the old time 30’s talk, the old time values, and the message in this one. GLH keeps her stories relatively uncomplicated, and that’s part of their charm for me. We have no idea how they knew where to search for the heroine’s kidnapped brother, but who cares? It was fun and cozy to read, and the end brought a tear to my eye. I’m looking forward to rereading my way through her entire library over the next few years.
June 28, 2019
This book has a slightly different plot from most of GLH books. A family who is not Christian experiences a crisis. Each finds the if Jesus, in their own way. A bit of mystery, pain of a devoted family, a long forsaken home, neighborhood friends who pray for a serve them. It is one if my favorite Hill books.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 27, 2019
I love Grace
GLH stories are full of American history as well as telling of the grace of God. Even though she left us 72 years ago, she still witnesses for Christ! This is a great story of redemption.
GLH stories are full of American history as well as telling of the grace of God. Even though she left us 72 years ago, she still witnesses for Christ! This is a great story of redemption.
November 27, 2019
I loved this novel !
Ransom by Grace Livingston Hill gave me a deep insight into the heart of a Christian family. I'm reminded of the question, "How then shall we live?" This family learned how and this narrative more clearly showed me how.
Ransom by Grace Livingston Hill gave me a deep insight into the heart of a Christian family. I'm reminded of the question, "How then shall we live?" This family learned how and this narrative more clearly showed me how.
July 2, 2024
This is one of Hill's more suspenseful reads. I enjoyed it, though one part of the ending bothered me .
October 20, 2023
Classic Christian fiction book! I would highly recommend Grace Livingston Hill's books!
June 9, 2022
it was just so boring and not something i would personally read
March 6, 2024
I loved this book. I did not remember anything about the story from when I read it years ago except the cabin in the mountains part. What a creative way to introduce people to the Book of John and the way of salvation.
September 2, 2021
Enjoyable read.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews