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Daphne Deane
Lovely Daphne Deane is a small-town girl who has been trained for a life of faith and simple devotion. Then she falls helplessly in love with architect Keith Morrell, who is investigating a series of mysterious happenings at his deserted family home--and who is engaged to another woman! Suddenly Daphne finds herself drawn into a world of money and social intrigue as her faith is tested to its limits.
317 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1937
42 people are currently reading
160 people want to read
About the author
Grace Livingston Hill
572 books564 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 - 21 of 21 reviews
May 22, 2017
Grace Livingston Hill is always my go-to author when I need a nice, clean, sweet read. I love the sweetness of these characters. The climax was cool. There's not a lot to ramble about in GLH's books, they're just awesome.
March 17, 2024
Rating: 3.7 / 5
While true to form with the usual Grace Livingston Hill formula, this book was interesting in that...you'd THINK that Daphne Deane is the main character, but actually she isn't.
This is 100% Keith Morell, the hero's story. He's the one who drives the main plot--i.e. the selling or not selling of his old family house--and he's the one who undergoes a transformation and realization of faith. Granted, we can assume that the author's romances were mainly directed towards women, and therefore having a heroine as the titular character makes sense; but still, I was surprised just how little Daphne really featured in the story for the majority of the book.
Not to say that it made it any less interesting, of course; on the contrary, I did enjoy it, and felt that it had enough of a plot and established enough between Keith and Daphne to make us care what happens to them and want a good ending. I think on my end, I was just confused by the mixed advertising of Daphne having to deal with the intrigues of the social classes and come out strong in faith and love, when it's really Keith who has to do this. That being said, I also wasn't a fan of his back-and-forth with Anne Casper, since while I know she's supposed to be a "threat" to the characteristics of goodness and whatnot, I never saw Keith as having really been into her in the first place as opposed to trying to convince himself that he was interested, and so it wasn't a convincing relationship and just felt like a "finally!" moment when he finally broke away from her.
All in all, a decent enough read, though not one of my Grace Livingston Hill favourites.
(Which reminds me, one of these days I'll have to make a top 10 or something, having read enough of this author's books to be able to rank my favourites by now!)
While true to form with the usual Grace Livingston Hill formula, this book was interesting in that...you'd THINK that Daphne Deane is the main character, but actually she isn't.
This is 100% Keith Morell, the hero's story. He's the one who drives the main plot--i.e. the selling or not selling of his old family house--and he's the one who undergoes a transformation and realization of faith. Granted, we can assume that the author's romances were mainly directed towards women, and therefore having a heroine as the titular character makes sense; but still, I was surprised just how little Daphne really featured in the story for the majority of the book.
Not to say that it made it any less interesting, of course; on the contrary, I did enjoy it, and felt that it had enough of a plot and established enough between Keith and Daphne to make us care what happens to them and want a good ending. I think on my end, I was just confused by the mixed advertising of Daphne having to deal with the intrigues of the social classes and come out strong in faith and love, when it's really Keith who has to do this. That being said, I also wasn't a fan of his back-and-forth with Anne Casper, since while I know she's supposed to be a "threat" to the characteristics of goodness and whatnot, I never saw Keith as having really been into her in the first place as opposed to trying to convince himself that he was interested, and so it wasn't a convincing relationship and just felt like a "finally!" moment when he finally broke away from her.
All in all, a decent enough read, though not one of my Grace Livingston Hill favourites.
(Which reminds me, one of these days I'll have to make a top 10 or something, having read enough of this author's books to be able to rank my favourites by now!)
November 10, 2015
Following the deaths of his parents, Keith Morrell, 23 years old, returns from his job as an architect in New York City, NY, to his hometown of Rosedale to make arrangements for the sale of his family home. While there, he happens to see Daphne Deane, perhaps a year or so younger, who is a former classmate of his in high school but whom he has forgotten. Daphne lives with her father, mother, two younger brothers, and younger sister in the former gardener’s cottage from the Morrell estate which her family had bought from Keith’s father. The two begin to develop feelings for one another, although Keith is practically engaged to another woman, Anne Casper, a New York socialite, and Daphne is being courted by the new, “progressive” minister Drew Addison.
While Keith is away on a business trip, mulling over whether he really wants to sell the old house or not and starting to question his affection for Anne, his less than scrupulous real estate agent, William Knox, promises to sell it to a shady Mr. Bill Gowney, even promising the would-be buyer immediate possession. Mysterious events begin happening in the deserted mansion at nights. Meanwhile, Anne Casper is desperately trying to figure how to get her hooks back into Keith, even conferring with her high-financier father about threatening to have Keith dismissed from his job. When Keith returns from his trip exceptionally late and goes to spend the rest of the night in his old home, he is shot and hangs between life and death. Will he recover? If he does, what will he do about the house, Anne Casper, and his job? What is going on in the house? And what will happen to Daphne Deane?
Even though it is “romance,” I liked this book, which is listed as Book 19 in the Grace Livingston Hill series. The euphemism “gosh” is used a couple of times, but no bad language occurs. There are references to drinking wine, even getting drunk, smoking cigarettes, wearing abbreviated bathing suits, and unfair business practices but these are all done by clearly worldly people and thus discouraged. In contrast, Daphne, her family, and their friends are characterized by deep faith in God, fervent prayer, and regular Bible reading. David Pratte noted in his Family Reading Booklist, “Religious error includ[es] ‘once saved, always saved.’” Aside from this, one can admire Daphne for standing up for her convictions, especially in the face of “Rev.” Addison’s accusations of prudishness, and also appreciate her beneficial influence on Keith’s thinking.
While Keith is away on a business trip, mulling over whether he really wants to sell the old house or not and starting to question his affection for Anne, his less than scrupulous real estate agent, William Knox, promises to sell it to a shady Mr. Bill Gowney, even promising the would-be buyer immediate possession. Mysterious events begin happening in the deserted mansion at nights. Meanwhile, Anne Casper is desperately trying to figure how to get her hooks back into Keith, even conferring with her high-financier father about threatening to have Keith dismissed from his job. When Keith returns from his trip exceptionally late and goes to spend the rest of the night in his old home, he is shot and hangs between life and death. Will he recover? If he does, what will he do about the house, Anne Casper, and his job? What is going on in the house? And what will happen to Daphne Deane?
Even though it is “romance,” I liked this book, which is listed as Book 19 in the Grace Livingston Hill series. The euphemism “gosh” is used a couple of times, but no bad language occurs. There are references to drinking wine, even getting drunk, smoking cigarettes, wearing abbreviated bathing suits, and unfair business practices but these are all done by clearly worldly people and thus discouraged. In contrast, Daphne, her family, and their friends are characterized by deep faith in God, fervent prayer, and regular Bible reading. David Pratte noted in his Family Reading Booklist, “Religious error includ[es] ‘once saved, always saved.’” Aside from this, one can admire Daphne for standing up for her convictions, especially in the face of “Rev.” Addison’s accusations of prudishness, and also appreciate her beneficial influence on Keith’s thinking.
February 23, 2013
I decided to weed out the not-as-good GLH books in my personal library, but having never read this one, I wanted to give it a chance. Overall it is decent, but not one of my favorite GLH books. Still, there is something endearing about it, and it kept me reading. There is the quite usual range of characters--the handsome man with principles yet some confusion and waywardness, the sweet, lovely girl with strong faith, the gung-ho, supportive brothers, the nosy and gossiping neighbor, the haughty, selfish, and conniving girl. The contrasts in the "good" and "bad" young ladies are a little too polar, sometimes, so that the selfish one is almost a caricature, one who hates to give up and then wants her revenge. The story-line is not as questionable as the write-up makes it sound, and there were some good lessons, though I didn't agree with every little thing, and the young man in some ways doesn't really seem to be a Christian. In other ways he does. The story also includes a small mystery--odd lights in the old house. :)
February 10, 2015
This wasn't my favorite GLH book, but it was still okay. It is about a young girl who grew up in a small "gardener's house" near the property of a very wealthy family. As in most GLH books, her family is very respectable and educated. Still, they are not considered to be worthy to associate with the wealthy neighbors. The wealthy son comes back to town to sell the old mansion, when he meets the neighbor girl and suddenly is not in such a hurry to sell.
September 5, 2013
Ok - I read the 1937 version without the ridiculous cover (but still... while it was a sweet story, I definitely caught myself rolling my eyes at the corniness...)
January 1, 2020
Slightly unrealistic, yes, but as charming as ever. I'm beginning to see that Grace Livingston Hill is a big-picture author. No need to get broiled in all the details of complicated feelings, motives, and actions. Big-picture, black-and-white: that's how I think this book can best be described. Unfortunately, this sweeping approach to writing a story makes the story sometimes laughable and less than believable.
Setting: Rosedale, a quaint and somewhat rural town. Also set in New York. (Since the book was published in 1937, I assume that's the time period of the story; there were a few subtle references to economic troubles, which led me to believe it was set during the Great Depression.) Again, like many G.L. Hill books, the country is shown as superior to the city, as seen in the many descriptions of Rosedale's beautiful and cozy houses. Too bad those city-slickers can't appreciate the simplicity and tradition of Keith's childhood home. Likewise, New York and all of its underhanded dwellers is a place to stay away from; nothing good can come from living there, obviously.
Characters: These characters, although all classic G.L. Hill characters, seemed almost too black-and-white, cut-and-dry for me. Daphne Deane was a perfect angel, Anne Casper was a perfect demon, and don't worry--Keith Morrell could always be counted on doing the right thing, seeing through Anne's wiles. Keith was precious, I admit, but he came across as unrealistic because of certain decisions he made at various times. My favorite characters were Mrs. Gassner--because although she was a terrible gossip, she wasn't an obvious antagonist--and Donald, because his supporting character-brother role didn't stop him from exhibiting un-Christianlike behavior, which is realistic, no matter how strong of a Christian one is. All that to say, the cast of characters in Daphne Deane wasn't the strongest cast G.L. Hill has ever written.
Romance: Honestly, the romance didn't play much of a role in this book. It was more of an after-thought, just a "This is what's part of a happily-ever-after ending." Maybe that's why I didn't become as attached to Keith and Daphne.
Mystery: Hate to say it, but G.L. Hill isn't much of a mystery writer. She just isn't that interested in details. Which is fine, and there's nothing objectively wrong with her writing style. It's only that the mystery wasn't written like it was a mystery novel--instead, it was written like the mystery was a side plot.
Faith content: Where the romance lacked, the spiritual content made up for it. The remembering of long-ago Christian activities took a major part of the first half of the book. One major message at the end was basically this: once a Christian, always a Christian, despite if you've backslid.
Setting: Rosedale, a quaint and somewhat rural town. Also set in New York. (Since the book was published in 1937, I assume that's the time period of the story; there were a few subtle references to economic troubles, which led me to believe it was set during the Great Depression.) Again, like many G.L. Hill books, the country is shown as superior to the city, as seen in the many descriptions of Rosedale's beautiful and cozy houses. Too bad those city-slickers can't appreciate the simplicity and tradition of Keith's childhood home. Likewise, New York and all of its underhanded dwellers is a place to stay away from; nothing good can come from living there, obviously.
Characters: These characters, although all classic G.L. Hill characters, seemed almost too black-and-white, cut-and-dry for me. Daphne Deane was a perfect angel, Anne Casper was a perfect demon, and don't worry--Keith Morrell could always be counted on doing the right thing, seeing through Anne's wiles. Keith was precious, I admit, but he came across as unrealistic because of certain decisions he made at various times. My favorite characters were Mrs. Gassner--because although she was a terrible gossip, she wasn't an obvious antagonist--and Donald, because his supporting character-brother role didn't stop him from exhibiting un-Christianlike behavior, which is realistic, no matter how strong of a Christian one is. All that to say, the cast of characters in Daphne Deane wasn't the strongest cast G.L. Hill has ever written.
Romance: Honestly, the romance didn't play much of a role in this book. It was more of an after-thought, just a "This is what's part of a happily-ever-after ending." Maybe that's why I didn't become as attached to Keith and Daphne.
Mystery: Hate to say it, but G.L. Hill isn't much of a mystery writer. She just isn't that interested in details. Which is fine, and there's nothing objectively wrong with her writing style. It's only that the mystery wasn't written like it was a mystery novel--instead, it was written like the mystery was a side plot.
Faith content: Where the romance lacked, the spiritual content made up for it. The remembering of long-ago Christian activities took a major part of the first half of the book. One major message at the end was basically this: once a Christian, always a Christian, despite if you've backslid.
October 5, 2017
I love Grace Livingston Hill's books, mainly because she writes from a different era. Though the publishers tried to update her books by putting a 70's picture on the front, her stories are still set in the classic Grace Livingston Hill time period, the 30's and 40's. This was a time in our history where life had rules, there was a distinct right and wrong, and classes of people were defined differently than today. Not that it was better, it was just different; unlike our world today where everything is relative to our feelings. The Bible played a major part in people's lives, but the sins of today were going on then too.
Grace Livingston Hill's books always have a beautiful and exciting love story, one where Christians and non-Christians lives collide. I read her books to my 97 year old mother-in-law, Anna, and she relates in a different way than me. I am awed by the way people lived in that time period, and she actually lived in the 30's. When Grace describes clothing of the day, Anna remembers having a dress made out of that material. If I don't understand an idiom of that day, Anna explains it to me. These are wonderful books to share with an older friend or relative. You can read them aloud and not worry that people listening will be shocked by any passages. Instead they will be encouraged.
Grace Livingston Hill's books always have a beautiful and exciting love story, one where Christians and non-Christians lives collide. I read her books to my 97 year old mother-in-law, Anna, and she relates in a different way than me. I am awed by the way people lived in that time period, and she actually lived in the 30's. When Grace describes clothing of the day, Anna remembers having a dress made out of that material. If I don't understand an idiom of that day, Anna explains it to me. These are wonderful books to share with an older friend or relative. You can read them aloud and not worry that people listening will be shocked by any passages. Instead they will be encouraged.
December 14, 2024
It’s funny, because the synopsis written on the book doesn’t really have much to do with the actual plot of the book. “Daphne Deane is the story of a lovely girl trained for a life of faith and simple devotion-a girl who is swept into a world of money and social intrigue when she falls helplessly in love with a man who is engaged to another woman.” It’s not really accurate.
This is a Hallmark movie. A city boy returns home to sell his childhood home. He has a fancy city girl waiting for him but he meets a fellow school chum that has blossomed into a lovely religious girl. The plot builds to include gossipy neighbors and a counterfeiting gang. There’s a car chase and a shooting. And Keith, our city boy, was never engaged to his city girl. But she arrives in town and causes as much chaos as she can. Why this hasn’t been adapted for a Christmas Hallmark, I’ll never know.
I used to read Grace Livingston Hill years and years ago. But I came across a huge pile at a local thrift shop for less than 3¢ each, and I bought them all. So I’m going to enjoy reading through these.
This is a Hallmark movie. A city boy returns home to sell his childhood home. He has a fancy city girl waiting for him but he meets a fellow school chum that has blossomed into a lovely religious girl. The plot builds to include gossipy neighbors and a counterfeiting gang. There’s a car chase and a shooting. And Keith, our city boy, was never engaged to his city girl. But she arrives in town and causes as much chaos as she can. Why this hasn’t been adapted for a Christmas Hallmark, I’ll never know.
I used to read Grace Livingston Hill years and years ago. But I came across a huge pile at a local thrift shop for less than 3¢ each, and I bought them all. So I’m going to enjoy reading through these.
May 28, 2024
Want to See How God Works?
Grace Livingston Hill never ceases to amaze with her imagination and creativity. But she has translated this story, like all others, into a believable story that gives an accurate picture of the many different kinds of people in this world. The best part is that it demonstrates the ways in which God really does work on behalf of those who are His very own. He is patient with us and extends fresh mercies every morning. I thoroughly enjoyed reading Daphne Deane and wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone who loves an excellent novel. The “God” part is as natural a part as all the other events in the story. People are robbed by the way anything that mentions God reverently is set aside and categorized as “Christian.” If they don’t identify as Christian, they generally stay away as though it might give them an incurable disease. Such a pity! (Because God is so good and He loves us all so much that Jesus died for all of our sins.)
Grace Livingston Hill never ceases to amaze with her imagination and creativity. But she has translated this story, like all others, into a believable story that gives an accurate picture of the many different kinds of people in this world. The best part is that it demonstrates the ways in which God really does work on behalf of those who are His very own. He is patient with us and extends fresh mercies every morning. I thoroughly enjoyed reading Daphne Deane and wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone who loves an excellent novel. The “God” part is as natural a part as all the other events in the story. People are robbed by the way anything that mentions God reverently is set aside and categorized as “Christian.” If they don’t identify as Christian, they generally stay away as though it might give them an incurable disease. Such a pity! (Because God is so good and He loves us all so much that Jesus died for all of our sins.)
October 3, 2024
Another offering by GLH of the same bent as she usually writes.
What's the same: Single guy, his family all just passed away, he's rich, he's kinda stupid and hooks up with a 'painted woman' who has shady designs on him. Girl is wholesome, has a wonderful family, lives happily frugal, has God as her guiding light.
What's different: Halfway thru the book the guy gets *SHOT*, and is out of it for half of the story.
What I didn't like: Once saved, always saved BS that GLH always tries to jam in there. ((See Rev 14:9-10, Matthew 12:32, John 15:2, 2 Peter 2:20-21, Ezekiel 18:24 for debunking.)) Also the pastor of her very conservative, small-town church is pushing progressivism from the pulpit, is dating a woman who smokes, drinks, and goes to the theatre... and nobody in town has a problem with it?
MOSTLY it's a really sweet story, though. If you can get past the harpy 'painted lady' that is just over the top, in this one.
What's the same: Single guy, his family all just passed away, he's rich, he's kinda stupid and hooks up with a 'painted woman' who has shady designs on him. Girl is wholesome, has a wonderful family, lives happily frugal, has God as her guiding light.
What's different: Halfway thru the book the guy gets *SHOT*, and is out of it for half of the story.
What I didn't like: Once saved, always saved BS that GLH always tries to jam in there. ((See Rev 14:9-10, Matthew 12:32, John 15:2, 2 Peter 2:20-21, Ezekiel 18:24 for debunking.)) Also the pastor of her very conservative, small-town church is pushing progressivism from the pulpit, is dating a woman who smokes, drinks, and goes to the theatre... and nobody in town has a problem with it?
MOSTLY it's a really sweet story, though. If you can get past the harpy 'painted lady' that is just over the top, in this one.
February 4, 2019
The main trouble with this book is that it should not have been called Daphne Deane, but rather Keith Morrill because it is his story, not hers, she is just in a supporting role. (Of course her name just rolls off the tongue in such a nice way which is perhaps why the full name is repeated quite often throughout the book.) The plot as a whole was scattered and the gangster elements superfluous, but still an enjoyable read with a few really good moments.
Popsugar challenge 2019: A book with a two-word title
Popsugar challenge 2019: A book with a two-word title
July 5, 2021
Still on my quest to read every GLH book. I had to read this one, because I accidentally marked it off my list when I hadn't actually read it. So...now I'm honest!
It was pretty good. I get a little tired of the trope of the good guy falling for the beautiful wicked woman of the world, but this one wasn't the worst.
It was pretty good. I get a little tired of the trope of the good guy falling for the beautiful wicked woman of the world, but this one wasn't the worst.
October 8, 2022
I read this book many years ago at the recommendation of my mother-in-law. I enjoyed several of this author’s books at the time.
It is nice to come back to them, some twenty years later. This is the second of her books that I have read recently. It had a good plot and good character development, and even a little bit of suspense. A Very clean read. A good example of Christian fiction.
It is nice to come back to them, some twenty years later. This is the second of her books that I have read recently. It had a good plot and good character development, and even a little bit of suspense. A Very clean read. A good example of Christian fiction.
July 26, 2021
As Always a wonderful Story
I love Hill's stories of love and suspense full of love and FAITH in a God of love! Her character is why I enjoy reading her books! Pure, clean and classy! Enjoyable experience for those who have morals!
I love Hill's stories of love and suspense full of love and FAITH in a God of love! Her character is why I enjoy reading her books! Pure, clean and classy! Enjoyable experience for those who have morals!
September 11, 2024
Such a good book!
I enjoy books by Grace Livingston Hill! They are always so victorious and full of Christian character and no foul language! Love hearing about how things were a 100 years ago. Simpler than now, much more wholesome.
I enjoy books by Grace Livingston Hill! They are always so victorious and full of Christian character and no foul language! Love hearing about how things were a 100 years ago. Simpler than now, much more wholesome.
December 16, 2019
Pretty good. I do enjoy a good snooty-woman-gets-her-comeuppance story. 3.5 stars.
March 22, 2020
This is a typical GLH story with her typical perfect female main character and typical less than perfect male main character who finds his way to God through love of that female.
December 20, 2007
read 03.08.84
February 24, 2016
Interesting story
This isn't my usual type of book, but I enjoyed every moment. It's about faith and a lasting love that endures all things.
This isn't my usual type of book, but I enjoyed every moment. It's about faith and a lasting love that endures all things.
July 6, 2016
My favorite author!
I read this authors books while in high school, it is a delight to re-read them 40 years later!! This book is excellent!!
I read this authors books while in high school, it is a delight to re-read them 40 years later!! This book is excellent!!
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews