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Partners
Without friends or family, young Dale Hathaway relied on faith to brighten the lonely boarding house existence that had become her life. Pursued by unwanted lovers, Dale longed for a real home and a man she could love. Then one night an abandoned baby on her doorstep showed the way to a partnership guaranteed to last a lifetime.
308 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1940
87 people are currently reading
255 people want to read
About the author
Grace Livingston Hill
579 books568 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 - 29 of 54 reviews
December 13, 2018
This one was just so sweet. It’s definitely one of my favorites of Grace Livingston Hill’s works! Dale is a young woman during the Depression years who is orphaned and making her way in the big city. (Other than the difficulty finding work, the Depression figures very little.) She is facing winter in a cold city when her boss dies and the office is closed up. Since she was boarding in his house, she has to find a new place to live at the same time as her new job. Much of the book goes into her attempts to find permanent work and her life as a single boarder, and the baby mentioned in the book blurb doesn’t appear until about halfway.
I enjoyed Dale as a character and I also enjoyed the clear portrayal of the Gospel (occurring naturally instead of preached in forcibly) in the story. Definitely belongs in the “Christian fiction” section.
I enjoyed Dale as a character and I also enjoyed the clear portrayal of the Gospel (occurring naturally instead of preached in forcibly) in the story. Definitely belongs in the “Christian fiction” section.
October 28, 2020
Having found greener pastures some 80 years ago, old Grace wrote in extremes — her main characters frequently exemplify either angelic goodness or vile selfishness. In this book, the boarding house owner and her old granny were tantamount to baby killers.
This author has written better stuff, in my opinion. This classic holiday baby romance was published in 1940. Set during the Christmas season in a big city, probably New York or Philadelphia, given that the characters think Wisconsin is far out west. Lol. A journalist finds an abandoned infant in a snowstorm. He gets his destitute but kind and beautiful young neighbor to care for the freezing baby. They fall in love, get married, and baby makes three. A good basic plot, but the last half of the book was a bit boring and sometimes too sugary. I guess their relationship developed too fast. It is a Christian romance and there are so many Christmas hymns and Bible quotes — they sometimes felt redundant and interrupted the flow. But I enjoyed the likable baby, nurse, and doctor.
This author has written better stuff, in my opinion. This classic holiday baby romance was published in 1940. Set during the Christmas season in a big city, probably New York or Philadelphia, given that the characters think Wisconsin is far out west. Lol. A journalist finds an abandoned infant in a snowstorm. He gets his destitute but kind and beautiful young neighbor to care for the freezing baby. They fall in love, get married, and baby makes three. A good basic plot, but the last half of the book was a bit boring and sometimes too sugary. I guess their relationship developed too fast. It is a Christian romance and there are so many Christmas hymns and Bible quotes — they sometimes felt redundant and interrupted the flow. But I enjoyed the likable baby, nurse, and doctor.
February 18, 2022
Hmm...let me see if I can straighten out my thoughts on this one. First of all, I loved the strong faith message--more than I've seen in some other books by this author. I loved both the main characters and the way they took care of the baby dropped in their lap, despite all challenges and consequences. The only issue I really had was with the pacing. The first part of the book was slow--a lot of setup, but that was mostly okay. Then in the middle, things suddenly started to move lighting fast, and all kinds of exciting things happened. And then at the end, all the remaining questions and potential obstacles just seemed to fall away, and the last part of the book was basically a long, slow, happy wrap-up--which wasn't bad, but I kept waiting for something more to happen. Also, I have no problem with people falling for each other in the middle of/because of a crisis, but a few bits of their conversation did seem just a little bit over the top. (:
Content--some kissing (not descriptive); some nasty insinuations about a young man and woman who are working together to take care of an abandoned baby; mentions of drinking, nightclubs, etc. (not condoned); mentions of superstitions
Content--some kissing (not descriptive); some nasty insinuations about a young man and woman who are working together to take care of an abandoned baby; mentions of drinking, nightclubs, etc. (not condoned); mentions of superstitions
February 15, 2021
This story was slower paced which I really liked, yet it still kept my interest and made me want to keep reading or get back to it as soon as I could.
Dale was so sweet and I really wanted to be her friend.
I was glad when Rand came into the story, and his stand for doing what was right.
Such a lovely story. The romance was sweet and just right. I’m glad I read it and will probably read it again.
Dale was so sweet and I really wanted to be her friend.
I was glad when Rand came into the story, and his stand for doing what was right.
Such a lovely story. The romance was sweet and just right. I’m glad I read it and will probably read it again.
December 12, 2024
I've always loved this book and enjoyed a chance to read it again today. What a beautiful story for Christmas!
The plot is simple. A poor girl in a boarding house who is struggling to survive on her own meets a young newspaperman who is likewise living there. Both are sad and lonely individuals, though neither know this yet. What brings them together is an abandoned child, a baby at death's door who needs immediate care if he's going to survive.
What follows is a lovely story about faith and partnership. As these young people work together to save this tiny child, they come to love each other. More importantly, they come to renew their love of the Lord as well.
While this particular story might be a little heavy on the melodrama, but you know something? It's a beautiful story with a sweet, happy ending. I love this couple and as a result love this book. What better way to set the tone for Christmas?
Edit to add: I'm so happy I ended 2023 reading this book and started 2024 with completing it. I hope this sets a tone for my year in reading. :) I still really love this book and call it as one of my favorites.
The plot is simple. A poor girl in a boarding house who is struggling to survive on her own meets a young newspaperman who is likewise living there. Both are sad and lonely individuals, though neither know this yet. What brings them together is an abandoned child, a baby at death's door who needs immediate care if he's going to survive.
What follows is a lovely story about faith and partnership. As these young people work together to save this tiny child, they come to love each other. More importantly, they come to renew their love of the Lord as well.
While this particular story might be a little heavy on the melodrama, but you know something? It's a beautiful story with a sweet, happy ending. I love this couple and as a result love this book. What better way to set the tone for Christmas?
Edit to add: I'm so happy I ended 2023 reading this book and started 2024 with completing it. I hope this sets a tone for my year in reading. :) I still really love this book and call it as one of my favorites.
November 17, 2017
This has been one of my least favorite GLH books. The first half of the book was pretty good, but I really did not like the second half.
The main characters adopt a baby, which is awesome, but
So yeah, not one of GLH's best books.
The main characters adopt a baby, which is awesome, but
So yeah, not one of GLH's best books.
October 21, 2023
Rating: 5 / 5
This was yet another relaxing and enjoyable read by Grace Livingston Hill, whose books I am quite taken with, I must admit. Not only is there such a purity to them, but there's a calming quality like a warm cup of tea after a walk through windy weather. It gives that "warm and fuzzy" feeling and besides which includes God in its plot, not as an overly-didactic element to the story, but rather a realization of the characters that there is something to appreciate in both God and religion. "Comfort" is the main word that I would use to characterize it.
Of all the books that I have read by this author, this is the one with the least amount of drama in it, and so my consideration of it is slightly different in ultimately choosing to give it a higher rating than the other three books I've read so far, even though this one isn't my favourite. Whereas in some of the other novels by Hill I've come across "villain" characters who are full of bad intent and take advantage of the good and honest main characters, this one is devoid of any malicious villains, and instead deals in minor conflict with people who are just inconsiderate. No family complications, no misunderstands, nothing--just tender care and a romance that develops around the main plot of caring for a baby and making sure that it survives after an ordeal on a cold winter's night. Much as I'm a girl for conflict usually, sometimes it's nice to just take a step back and appreciate the simplicity of a straightforward romance. After all, in real life, I don't think all romances have to be "put to the test" so to speak before marriage or anything. What's wrong with a smooth and easy progression? Is it realistic? Well, generally speaking, I guess not, but there are always exceptions to that, just as this story is an exception in being almost problem-free.
In any case, I appreciate it for what it is, and definitely see myself re-reading this when I need that snuggle-and-cuddle book to read. Perhaps around Christmastime, since that is the setting of this book. In any case, a great 5-star read!
This was yet another relaxing and enjoyable read by Grace Livingston Hill, whose books I am quite taken with, I must admit. Not only is there such a purity to them, but there's a calming quality like a warm cup of tea after a walk through windy weather. It gives that "warm and fuzzy" feeling and besides which includes God in its plot, not as an overly-didactic element to the story, but rather a realization of the characters that there is something to appreciate in both God and religion. "Comfort" is the main word that I would use to characterize it.
Of all the books that I have read by this author, this is the one with the least amount of drama in it, and so my consideration of it is slightly different in ultimately choosing to give it a higher rating than the other three books I've read so far, even though this one isn't my favourite. Whereas in some of the other novels by Hill I've come across "villain" characters who are full of bad intent and take advantage of the good and honest main characters, this one is devoid of any malicious villains, and instead deals in minor conflict with people who are just inconsiderate. No family complications, no misunderstands, nothing--just tender care and a romance that develops around the main plot of caring for a baby and making sure that it survives after an ordeal on a cold winter's night. Much as I'm a girl for conflict usually, sometimes it's nice to just take a step back and appreciate the simplicity of a straightforward romance. After all, in real life, I don't think all romances have to be "put to the test" so to speak before marriage or anything. What's wrong with a smooth and easy progression? Is it realistic? Well, generally speaking, I guess not, but there are always exceptions to that, just as this story is an exception in being almost problem-free.
In any case, I appreciate it for what it is, and definitely see myself re-reading this when I need that snuggle-and-cuddle book to read. Perhaps around Christmastime, since that is the setting of this book. In any case, a great 5-star read!
January 28, 2013
This historical romance takes place during the depression in the dead of winter in a city on the east coast. A poor frozen woman dies on the way to the hospital after depositing her newborn son on the steps of a dissolute boarding house. A busy newspaper reporter named George Rand finds the baby as he's trying to get into the door of the boarding house, which is being buffeted by snow drifts and freezing cold winds. He is aghast at the suggestion from the boarding house owner that he call the police and get "that baby out of her fine, upstanding house!" The baby is so cold and white that George didn't think he would live unless something positive was immediately done, so he hurriedly starts banging on the doors of the other boarders for help, but the people are either gone or can't be bothered. Finally he gets to the top floor, where the newest boarder lives, and at last someone opens the door and is willing to help. Follow the trials and travails of this man and woman as they try to take care of a newborn baby, and as they celebrate Christmas together. A great holiday romance! One you'll long remember!
July 28, 2015
A Quickie Review
Fans of Grace Livingston Hill know what to expect from her books...and that's just what they get here. A sweet romance with Christian values, it's the kind of story we need more of today, which might be why many of her books are still in print, decades after her death. If you're a fan of Christian fiction and haven't checked out the late Mrs. Hill's books...what are you waiting for? Go borrow one from the library, now!
Content Concerns: Nothing worth noting.
Score: 5/5
Fans of Grace Livingston Hill know what to expect from her books...and that's just what they get here. A sweet romance with Christian values, it's the kind of story we need more of today, which might be why many of her books are still in print, decades after her death. If you're a fan of Christian fiction and haven't checked out the late Mrs. Hill's books...what are you waiting for? Go borrow one from the library, now!
Content Concerns: Nothing worth noting.
Score: 5/5
October 21, 2021
I gave this 5 stars, not because it's great literature, but because I like it.
This book has many elements common to Grace Livingston Hill books: A young woman, alone in life, working a series of low-paying jobs and trying not to sink under discouragement; a shabby boarding-house run by a hard-hearted woman; an intriguing young man seen from time to time hurrying on his way up or down the stairs...
And then, one wintry night, in the foyer of the building, the young man discovers a bundle--a baby, desperately cold and sick, wrapped in an old jacket! Who will help him save the child?
The story was written in a time when there weren't as many social services, nor a procedure for dealing with abandoned children, a time when good-hearted people might take the task on themselves. This is what George decides to do, and he enlists Dale's help. As if, having spent one night caring for the little one, she would ever let that child out of her sight again!
I always loved the adventure of caring for an abandoned baby, keeping him safe through the cold, making a home for him (in spite of disapproval from the landlady). All that is part of why I enjoy the book.
Since it was written in the 30's, we get interesting glimpses of what was considered top-notch child-care at the time. Some of our ideas have certainly changed. But the joy and adventure of working together to care for a baby in need makes a great story.
This book has many elements common to Grace Livingston Hill books: A young woman, alone in life, working a series of low-paying jobs and trying not to sink under discouragement; a shabby boarding-house run by a hard-hearted woman; an intriguing young man seen from time to time hurrying on his way up or down the stairs...
And then, one wintry night, in the foyer of the building, the young man discovers a bundle--a baby, desperately cold and sick, wrapped in an old jacket! Who will help him save the child?
The story was written in a time when there weren't as many social services, nor a procedure for dealing with abandoned children, a time when good-hearted people might take the task on themselves. This is what George decides to do, and he enlists Dale's help. As if, having spent one night caring for the little one, she would ever let that child out of her sight again!
I always loved the adventure of caring for an abandoned baby, keeping him safe through the cold, making a home for him (in spite of disapproval from the landlady). All that is part of why I enjoy the book.
Since it was written in the 30's, we get interesting glimpses of what was considered top-notch child-care at the time. Some of our ideas have certainly changed. But the joy and adventure of working together to care for a baby in need makes a great story.
September 28, 2021
Meh...this book was maybe a 2.5? Honestly, I felt like this book epitomizes every single inspirational romance paperback written between 2000 and 2010 (maybe beyond). Single man finds abandoned baby and gets beautiful single woman to help him raise it. They fall in love, get married, and now they're a ready made family! Sappy, but sweet.
I didn't mind the first half of the book with the introduction of Dale, one of our main characters. She was interesting and I enjoyed reading about her. The meet cute with Rand was also adorable. Once Rand found the baby though, things seemed to speed wwwwaaaayyyy up (previously, the writing was a little slow). They basically fell in love and got married in like a week and a half. And weirdly enough Dale got like 3 other marriage proposals within that timeframe, which just felt off to me. After the first half of the book, it almost felt like GLH just threw in a bunch of random plot things to fill in the pages. Baby - check. Business trip - check. Unexpected inheritance - check. Villainous would be lovers - check, check, check.
Definitely not one of my favorite GLH novels. If you're looking for a sweet Christmas romance from GLH, skip this one and read The Christmas Bride instead.
I didn't mind the first half of the book with the introduction of Dale, one of our main characters. She was interesting and I enjoyed reading about her. The meet cute with Rand was also adorable. Once Rand found the baby though, things seemed to speed wwwwaaaayyyy up (previously, the writing was a little slow). They basically fell in love and got married in like a week and a half. And weirdly enough Dale got like 3 other marriage proposals within that timeframe, which just felt off to me. After the first half of the book, it almost felt like GLH just threw in a bunch of random plot things to fill in the pages. Baby - check. Business trip - check. Unexpected inheritance - check. Villainous would be lovers - check, check, check.
Definitely not one of my favorite GLH novels. If you're looking for a sweet Christmas romance from GLH, skip this one and read The Christmas Bride instead.
July 9, 2025
I found this to be a typical Grace Livingston book. Her stories typically involve a young man and a young woman who are brought together under a dire circumstance. In this book, it's a young woman named Dale who is struggling to find a good job and a safe home. Rand is a busy young man with a job that requires him to travel a lot so he doesn't need a home, just a place to sleep once in a while. Their paths cross and soon they find themselves taking care of a precious baby boy who's been abandoned. Dale already believes in God but Rand is doubtful. The baby is desperately ill and through that Rand starts to talk to God and believe again. What follows is a whirlwind romance with a quick wedding and a ready-made family!
The thing that I appreciate most about Grace Livingston is that she incorporates God and faith in every single book. Some might find it redundant or over the top but it's inspiring to me. So many "Christian" authors nowadays are afraid to include God in their books.
The thing that I appreciate most about Grace Livingston is that she incorporates God and faith in every single book. Some might find it redundant or over the top but it's inspiring to me. So many "Christian" authors nowadays are afraid to include God in their books.
December 8, 2019
This book is quiet touching as a young girl is struggling to survive in the city. A young handsome lawyer in her apartment building finds an abandoned baby in the foyer one cold snowy night. He immediately seeks the young woman's help to take care of the infant, because of course a young unmarried man knows nothing about babies and all young unmarried women do. It is typical of Grace Livingston Hill's romances and another charming read. If you're looking for character development or intricate plots, look elsewhere. However, if you want an easy uplifting read, this is a good pick.
May 9, 2021
A sweet story
Not many people will think this story is sophisticated enough, but after living thru 2020 this story about two lonely people who are linked together by circumstances neither thought to be possible gave me a few hours of Peaceful reflection. The main characters were living in quiet desperation hoping for better lives when they received a gift that they couldn't return.This shabby, dirty little gift made all the difference to both of their lives.
Not many people will think this story is sophisticated enough, but after living thru 2020 this story about two lonely people who are linked together by circumstances neither thought to be possible gave me a few hours of Peaceful reflection. The main characters were living in quiet desperation hoping for better lives when they received a gift that they couldn't return.This shabby, dirty little gift made all the difference to both of their lives.
December 12, 2024
A wonderful real-meaning-of-Christmas romance
In a hard, lonely world, a man finds an abandoned baby in the snow at the door of the boarding house where he lived. The only one willing to help is a pure, sweet young woman and fellow-boarder, also in a desperate situation. From there, a story of redemption, romance, and heavenly rescue unfolds. Partners is favorite of mine among many awesome books by Grace Livingston Hill.
In a hard, lonely world, a man finds an abandoned baby in the snow at the door of the boarding house where he lived. The only one willing to help is a pure, sweet young woman and fellow-boarder, also in a desperate situation. From there, a story of redemption, romance, and heavenly rescue unfolds. Partners is favorite of mine among many awesome books by Grace Livingston Hill.
June 21, 2024
This one is more preachy than the others, and that’s saying something! And they don’t even pick a name for the baby until the last couple of pages, even though they have been caring for him for a few weeks by then. That seemed unrealistic to me. I like the found family aspect of this, but I could have done without the one dimensional suitors!
April 8, 2018
Partners
I've read lots of Grace Livingstone's books and enjoyed them, but this one was probably the worst of the lot. Not much of a plot and quite unrealistic even for the date it is set in. It seemed to drag on without ever coming to any real final point.
I've read lots of Grace Livingstone's books and enjoyed them, but this one was probably the worst of the lot. Not much of a plot and quite unrealistic even for the date it is set in. It seemed to drag on without ever coming to any real final point.
September 9, 2021
A sweet story from my jr. High school days.
I really appreciated the characters devotion to
the baby. Mrs. Hill has a wonderful way of
bringing Christ into the story. We need more
writers like her today.
I really appreciated the characters devotion to
the baby. Mrs. Hill has a wonderful way of
bringing Christ into the story. We need more
writers like her today.
October 6, 2022
Partners, great book ,awesome writer.
Partners is the story of two lonely people who meet to save a child left in a doorway. It was snowing when his mother put him there, she died trying to keep him alive. This book I give the best rating. If I could go higher it would be a 10.
Partners is the story of two lonely people who meet to save a child left in a doorway. It was snowing when his mother put him there, she died trying to keep him alive. This book I give the best rating. If I could go higher it would be a 10.
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January 12, 2023I love her stories, they always give hope
To read these stores today should enlighten us as to how far we have fallen as a people. We hopefully will realize that we must go to our knees.
To read these stores today should enlighten us as to how far we have fallen as a people. We hopefully will realize that we must go to our knees.
January 16, 2023
A sweet little story that pulled my heart strings because it’s about a little baby that gets saved and I just pictured my baby the whole time. As always I love the setting in the early 1900’s and the descriptions indicating the culture back then.
June 18, 2023
a very sweet old fashioned story
I liked the simple, sweet nature of this story, it’s Christian message, and the old-timey, nostalgic feelings it evoked. I’m going to read more of her books because they make you feel good to read them.
I liked the simple, sweet nature of this story, it’s Christian message, and the old-timey, nostalgic feelings it evoked. I’m going to read more of her books because they make you feel good to read them.
June 30, 2024
So lovely…
As usual, Grace Livingston Hill writes a story of sorrow and suffering tempered with hope and redemption. You cannot go wrong reading any of her books, but this was a lovely story and I highly recommend it!
As usual, Grace Livingston Hill writes a story of sorrow and suffering tempered with hope and redemption. You cannot go wrong reading any of her books, but this was a lovely story and I highly recommend it!
September 24, 2024
I’m a big fan of GLH These novels are not especially excellent from a literary perspective but the characters are inspiring nonetheless. I find myself cheering for the heroine and boo-ing the heartless villains by the end.
January 27, 2019
A nice trip down memory lane but the development of their relationship was too quick for my taste.
February 21, 2019
Great book
May 2, 2020
A lovely Christmas story!
It's a simple story rather like a fairy tale with the story of salvation. A good short story to enjoy.
It's a simple story rather like a fairy tale with the story of salvation. A good short story to enjoy.
September 2, 2020
It is a fairly simple plot. Two lonely people connect through the discovery of an abandoned baby. It is cute menu without a lot of meat.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 54 reviews