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St. Simons Trilogy #3
The Beloved Invader
Lover, determination, and courage abound on a picturesque Georgia island as Eugenia Price's magnificent St. Simon's Trilogy concludes...
The romantic and deeply moving story of Anson Dodge, a wealthy young Northerner who lost his heart to the people of a Georgia island community and dedicated his life to them. And of the two very different women, the beautiful, worldly Ellen Dodge and the loyal Anna Gould, who loved him enough to surrender themselves completely to his dreams.
284 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1965
154 people are currently reading
710 people want to read
About the author
Eugenia Price
85 books230 followersEugenia Price was born in Charleston, WV, June 22, 1916, to Walter (a dentist) and Anna Price. At the age of ten, she decided she wanted to be a writer and entered a poem in her school's literary magazine. She was raised as a member of the Methodist Church, but had left the church behind by the time she graduated from high school, at the age of 15, in 1932. She decided to leave writing behind to follow in her father's footsteps and pursue a career in dentistry. She attended Ohio University for three years, declaring herself an atheist during this time. In 1935, she became a student at Northwestern Dental School, the only woman admitted that year. She studied dentistry for two years, but writing continued to draw her. In 1939, she was hired to work on the NBC radio serial In Care of Aggie Horn. She continued as one of the writers for the show until 1942. She left NBC, going to work for the Proctor and Gamble show Joyce Jordan, M.D. from 1944-1946. In 1945 she founded her own television and radio production company, Eugenia Price Productions, developing other serials for Proctor and Gamble.
In 1949 Eugenia Price underwent a profound life change, giving up her college atheism to embrace Christianity. She considered a career change, but accepted a position with WGN Radio as writer, producer, and director for Unshackled, another radio serial. The popularity of the show led her to a lecturing career throughout the United States and Canada for several years.
Price began yet another career in the early 1950s when she was approached by one of the owners of Zondervan publishing. The 1953 publication of Discoveries Made from Living My New Life, a chronicle of her newfound faith and the experiences that led her to it, launched Eugenia Price into a new career as an inspirational writer. Other inspirational books followed, addresses issues of importance to women and children and other self-help concerns and urging readers away from advances in psychology and analysis and toward a life based on Biblical tenants. Many of her inspirational books are still in print, a testimony to the comfort and empathy many readers found in her works.
Eugenia Price gained a much wider audience though when she began publishing historical romances set in the American South. These novels were praised as "compelling sagas that blend personal stories of love and tragedy. . . with the dramatic events of a region's history." Her first historical romance, The Beloved Invader, was inspired her visit to Saint Simons Island, Georgia and based on one of the island's nineteenth-century inhabitants. The Beloved Invader was published in 1965 and followed by two other romances, New Moon Rising (1969) and Lighthouse (1971), to form the St. Simons Trilogy.
Her historical romances made Price a frequent member of the best-seller lists and brought her millions of readers. Although she continued to write and to publish inspirational works, it was her romances that brought her the greatest attention.
Eugenia Price died May 28, 1996, in Brunswick, Georgia of congestive heart failure and is buried in the Christ Church cemetery, Frederica, GA. Many of her books remain in print and have translated into 17 languages, charming readers of all ages and nationalities. Her manuscripts are housed at Boston University.
In 1949 Eugenia Price underwent a profound life change, giving up her college atheism to embrace Christianity. She considered a career change, but accepted a position with WGN Radio as writer, producer, and director for Unshackled, another radio serial. The popularity of the show led her to a lecturing career throughout the United States and Canada for several years.
Price began yet another career in the early 1950s when she was approached by one of the owners of Zondervan publishing. The 1953 publication of Discoveries Made from Living My New Life, a chronicle of her newfound faith and the experiences that led her to it, launched Eugenia Price into a new career as an inspirational writer. Other inspirational books followed, addresses issues of importance to women and children and other self-help concerns and urging readers away from advances in psychology and analysis and toward a life based on Biblical tenants. Many of her inspirational books are still in print, a testimony to the comfort and empathy many readers found in her works.
Eugenia Price gained a much wider audience though when she began publishing historical romances set in the American South. These novels were praised as "compelling sagas that blend personal stories of love and tragedy. . . with the dramatic events of a region's history." Her first historical romance, The Beloved Invader, was inspired her visit to Saint Simons Island, Georgia and based on one of the island's nineteenth-century inhabitants. The Beloved Invader was published in 1965 and followed by two other romances, New Moon Rising (1969) and Lighthouse (1971), to form the St. Simons Trilogy.
Her historical romances made Price a frequent member of the best-seller lists and brought her millions of readers. Although she continued to write and to publish inspirational works, it was her romances that brought her the greatest attention.
Eugenia Price died May 28, 1996, in Brunswick, Georgia of congestive heart failure and is buried in the Christ Church cemetery, Frederica, GA. Many of her books remain in print and have translated into 17 languages, charming readers of all ages and nationalities. Her manuscripts are housed at Boston University.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
August 29, 2012
All three of the books in the St. Simons Island Trilogy belong here. You know I love a story when I plan a whole trip to the setting to visit the same sights and walk the same paths that the characters did. Since the series is historical fiction based on people who really lived, one can even see the graves of the people in the stories!
January 4, 2020
”’Can you define loving me?’
‘No.’
‘But you do love me. No one can define living or loving, I think we help people learn to live or love by giving them the courage to try it. You’re my life and my love, Anson, but I can’t explain it.’”
Later this month my husband and I are visiting St. Simon’s Island off the coast of Georgia. When I told my friend where we are headed, she said I had to read this novel. So, of course, I obliged.
Somehow, I missed all of Eugenia Price’s books when I was in my romance phase in high school. Maybe I didn’t read them because my grandmothers were reading them – I don’t remember.
I know I would have had a less critical eye if I had read this back then. Although I liked this story, I struggled with some of the characterizations. Price’s portrayal of African Americans was stereotypical as was her characters who were anti-Northerners. I would not have been phased by this back in the 1970’s.
Price does a good job telling the story of Anson Dodge and his love of St. Simon’s Island. I am glad I read the book and I can see why my friend likes this novel so much. I also liked the description of the island itself and the views of water and trees. Thanks to Price, I am looking forward to seeing some of what she described.
‘No.’
‘But you do love me. No one can define living or loving, I think we help people learn to live or love by giving them the courage to try it. You’re my life and my love, Anson, but I can’t explain it.’”
Later this month my husband and I are visiting St. Simon’s Island off the coast of Georgia. When I told my friend where we are headed, she said I had to read this novel. So, of course, I obliged.
Somehow, I missed all of Eugenia Price’s books when I was in my romance phase in high school. Maybe I didn’t read them because my grandmothers were reading them – I don’t remember.
I know I would have had a less critical eye if I had read this back then. Although I liked this story, I struggled with some of the characterizations. Price’s portrayal of African Americans was stereotypical as was her characters who were anti-Northerners. I would not have been phased by this back in the 1970’s.
Price does a good job telling the story of Anson Dodge and his love of St. Simon’s Island. I am glad I read the book and I can see why my friend likes this novel so much. I also liked the description of the island itself and the views of water and trees. Thanks to Price, I am looking forward to seeing some of what she described.
July 4, 2017
I believe this is my favorite of the trilogy. I so enjoy reading historical fiction, especially when it's a place close to where I grew up. I know why my grandmother loved reading Eugenia Price - she just had a way with words, descriptions, characters, and faith.
October 10, 2008
This trilogy is a must read. I have now put St. Simons as a place to visit sometime before I die. I almost feel a part of that island and community even though I have never set foot on the place.
May 8, 2012
The book was so good that I have made several trips to St. Simons to see the church and all the people from the books who are buried in the cemetery.
January 3, 2012
Anson Dodge. The very name says MONEY! After all who names their child Anson? (Just like who names a child Edsel Ford?) Anyway the story starts with Anson as a young man just forming his ideas of what he wants to be as a man going to visit his dad at his lumber mill on St. Simons Island. His father wants nothing to do with Anson or with Anson's mother and he leaves to advance his fortune in Canada. Anson in the meantime has reconnoitered the island and is entranced particularly by the old Episcopal Church that has remained in disrepair since the civil war. He decides that he wants to restore the church building and the congregation. He has chosen his vocation and the choosing is real.
He meets Anna who is down to earth and capable but marries Ellen, who is elegant and beautiful. Ellen dies of cholera on their honeymoon trip but Anson tries to soldier through life on the island. After a gut wrenching false accusation as a bachelor he finds that he needs a female presence in his life and asks Anna to be his housekeeper and though totally above board she soon becomes his dear wife.
Stories of neighbors, vestrymen, servants and many relatives-high and lower, near and farther give you plenty to mull over and enjoy.
He meets Anna who is down to earth and capable but marries Ellen, who is elegant and beautiful. Ellen dies of cholera on their honeymoon trip but Anson tries to soldier through life on the island. After a gut wrenching false accusation as a bachelor he finds that he needs a female presence in his life and asks Anna to be his housekeeper and though totally above board she soon becomes his dear wife.
Stories of neighbors, vestrymen, servants and many relatives-high and lower, near and farther give you plenty to mull over and enjoy.
November 17, 2023
2014: I read this book many years ago, but recently stopped to view the cemetery at Christ Church on St. Simons Island and couldn't recall all the details. The author did extensive research on the historical characters, but in re-reading, I found I had forgotten all the sadness. Still, I guess I liked it! The tragic events at least appear to be true. One has to admire dear Anna Gould in any case, and the descriptions of the St. Simon's Island were lovely.
2023: Listened this time, after listening to Eugenia's book, on writing this, her first novel. The history is of interest, but the dreamscape narrator reads so very slowly!! Had again forgotton how truly mournful this story was, and despite all the research, one wonders how the real people would feel about their characterizations!!! I did not think it was necessary to invent the hateful Emma Bass for the storyline. I would have appreciated hearing a brief afterward of actual events. For example, I believe Anna ran the home for boys for some time after Anson's death.
2023: Listened this time, after listening to Eugenia's book, on writing this, her first novel. The history is of interest, but the dreamscape narrator reads so very slowly!! Had again forgotton how truly mournful this story was, and despite all the research, one wonders how the real people would feel about their characterizations!!! I did not think it was necessary to invent the hateful Emma Bass for the storyline. I would have appreciated hearing a brief afterward of actual events. For example, I believe Anna ran the home for boys for some time after Anson's death.
December 27, 2008
Anna Gould has had longtime feelings for Anson Dodge, who is training to be a minister. She learns when he comes home from school, he is engaged to beautiful, sophisticated Ellen, she is devasted. Then Ellen dies of cholera on her wedding trip to India. Anson is unable to cope with his grieve and ask Anna the neighbor to be his housekeeper. Anna accepts the position, but finds it painful to be close to the man she loves and longs to marry. As they go through crisis together love begins to develop. I saw the gravesites of the people this book is based on. He shows his love by being buried between both of his wives.
May 23, 2024
This book will always hold a special place in my heart. Rereading the story of Anson Greene Phelps Dodge Jr., Anna, and Anson III made me fall more in love with Saint Simons Island and the history there. Anna Gould Dodge was an amazingly strong woman who loved well and selflessly. I love the people of the Island in the 1800s. The Goulds, Coupers, and Dodges... sigh. 💕
October 17, 2015
I liked this one better than New Moon Rising; it's also based on real people, but it doesn't try to cover so much history. There is some honest writing here about relationships, grief, and faith. Besides, how many books that old start out with someone hugging a tree?
February 15, 2010
Loved this one too! I really want to go back to St. Simon's now!
August 6, 2023
Audible credit 11 hours Narrated by Tessa Richards (A)
This is the last and most spiritually powerful of the series.
This is the last and most spiritually powerful of the series.
November 10, 2023
I found that this was a hard book to rate and honestly was my least favorite of the three books in the trilogy. This book’s central character was Anson Greene Phelps Dodge and the secondary characters were Ellen, Anna Gould, Horace Jr. (Anna’s brother), and of course, the island of St. Simons and its people. The story opens with Anson about to depart for St. Simons to visit his Father, who was an absentee father most of his life. We find out that Anson is besotted with his first cousin Ellen. Outside sources say he met her the first time at the Golden Wedding Anniversary of their grandparents and almost immediately “fell-in-love,” planned an elopement, but family prevented the pre-mature wedding, which would have linked sixteen-year-old Ellen with eighteen-year-old Anson. However, they were married two years later and then went on an around-the-world honeymoon, which ended tragically in India where Ellen contracted Cholera and died. Ellen’s death happens near the beginning of the book and from that point the book become a very personal one, highlighting Anson life. His life seemed very single focused on ministry and devotion to ministry in and around St. Simons Island and Georgia. The supporting cast of characters, which are based on real people enable and support him in all he wants to do, especially Anna and Horace after Ellen’s death. Anson is benevolent to his parishioners, even the nasty ones.
The main focus is Anson, and for me I viewed him as a multifaceted person; one who kept or held his feelings and rationales to himself. I’m guessing his fatherless upbringing and situation in life left a mark on his personality. I just rarely felt I was reading about the true, inner, and real Anson. Because of that, I didn’t connect with him like I normally would to the book’s central character. I did find him tragic, but also a little distant. Anna on the other hand was fabulous, selfless, a real type of Matthew 22:37-39 woman. You know, Anna loved her neighbors even better than herself. She oversaw the workings of Black Banks, took care of her widowed Dad, functions as a housekeeper for Anson, and ultimately agrees to become his wife, although it felt like a marriage-of-convenience. They suffer the loose of a son, the only child born to Anson. Rather sad is the fact that Anna spends far, far more time single than she spent as a married woman.
This story spoke, it leaves a real impression on the reader, as all Eugenia Price books do, but it still didn’t measure up to books one or two of the St Simons trilogy in my opinion. (Rated 4.2)
The main focus is Anson, and for me I viewed him as a multifaceted person; one who kept or held his feelings and rationales to himself. I’m guessing his fatherless upbringing and situation in life left a mark on his personality. I just rarely felt I was reading about the true, inner, and real Anson. Because of that, I didn’t connect with him like I normally would to the book’s central character. I did find him tragic, but also a little distant. Anna on the other hand was fabulous, selfless, a real type of Matthew 22:37-39 woman. You know, Anna loved her neighbors even better than herself. She oversaw the workings of Black Banks, took care of her widowed Dad, functions as a housekeeper for Anson, and ultimately agrees to become his wife, although it felt like a marriage-of-convenience. They suffer the loose of a son, the only child born to Anson. Rather sad is the fact that Anna spends far, far more time single than she spent as a married woman.
This story spoke, it leaves a real impression on the reader, as all Eugenia Price books do, but it still didn’t measure up to books one or two of the St Simons trilogy in my opinion. (Rated 4.2)
August 14, 2020
This book is more historical and less character driven than the first two in the series. It covers the life of Aaron Dodge, a Northerner (from Massachusetts) who comes to live on St Simon's Island after the Civil War. The Island suffered a lot of damage from the Union Army's occupation, so the residents who had been evacuated and then returned were understandably unhappy with the changes in their circumstances. Dodge is very wealthy and also staunchly religious (Episcopalian) and desperately wants to assist the residents whos lives were uprooted by the War and its aftermath. However, many of those people do not want help from an outsider. Dodge eventually works and pays for the rebuilding of Christ Church which has been a center of island life. His efforts are not universally well received as he is seen as a Carpetbagger.
There is a lot of hate and distrust leftover and Aaron Dodge has to work his way through it. This book spends quite a bit of time on the hassles between religious groups and how it tears at a community. I feel it is the weakest part of the trilogy.
There is a lot of hate and distrust leftover and Aaron Dodge has to work his way through it. This book spends quite a bit of time on the hassles between religious groups and how it tears at a community. I feel it is the weakest part of the trilogy.
September 21, 2024
Beloved Invader is the first novel Eugenia Price wrote, but chronologically it is #3 in the St. Simons trilogy. Price is the writer who got me hooked on historical fiction as my favorite genre. I finished rereading them all in order, and Beloved Invader is more overtly Christian than the other two. Anson Dodge is a northerner who comes to Georgia to work in the mills, elects to stay, and pursues the calling to be a rector at Christ Church. He genuinely struggles with his faith, his belief in God, and in his relationship with his father. It is a heart-wrenching story of death, faith, and tolerating irregular people. I related to Anna Gould quite well, and was genuinely amused with Emma Bass’s depiction in both the writing and the narration. At this point, the Civil War is over, and the South is rebuilding, the freed slaves are adjusting to new lives and opportunities as free people.
Highly recommend this series, taking place in Georgia.
Highly recommend this series, taking place in Georgia.
May 9, 2018
This was my least favorite of the trilogy. If this had been the first book (yes, it was written first but took place 3rd chronologically) I might not have continued with the series. I really didn't care for Anson, I thought he was a very selfish and vain man, even though he kept saying he was doing it all for the others and not for him. He built all the churches for him, he used his money because he knew that the St. Simon families and others couldn't afford it. I feel that he married Anna finally because he needed her to do his bidding, not because he loved her; even though later on he claimed that he did love her. He never asked others what they wanted or thought, he just told them what was going to happen.
June 25, 2019
The story of Anson Dodge’s remarkable 38 years and the two women he loved, this is a sweet book about a saint of the Episcopal Diocese of Georgia whose legacy is still felt in the Golden Isles and beyond.
Anson says in the novel, “He is not only a Redeemer of our sin, but He is a Redeemer of our circumstances as well. He will not waste a single problem, a single heartache, a single tear. Our God is a Redeemer God, and He stands minute by minute before us, inviting us to let him have the sorrow, to let him have the pain, to let him have the disappointment. Trust Him to make something useful, something creative with every tragedy that darkens our lives.”
The book is the story of just such redemption.
Anson says in the novel, “He is not only a Redeemer of our sin, but He is a Redeemer of our circumstances as well. He will not waste a single problem, a single heartache, a single tear. Our God is a Redeemer God, and He stands minute by minute before us, inviting us to let him have the sorrow, to let him have the pain, to let him have the disappointment. Trust Him to make something useful, something creative with every tragedy that darkens our lives.”
The book is the story of just such redemption.
October 23, 2024
Price did not write these trilogies in historical chronological order. This was the first book written in the three trilogies and quartet. I loved the history of this one because it even told of the little town in Georgia where I grew up. And St. Simon’s is a place that I hold dear to my heart. So, I’m rather biased about the history of these places.
I’m enjoying these historical novels in the stories they tell. I love the Afterwards of the books that keep you up to date on the character’s living relatives. I’m forging ahead to learn more history about where I grew up.
Are they great literary wonders? Not at all. I even cringe when the Southern women pass out from fright. Have Northern women ever been depicted as so fragile as the Southern Belles? Just asking.
I’m enjoying these historical novels in the stories they tell. I love the Afterwards of the books that keep you up to date on the character’s living relatives. I’m forging ahead to learn more history about where I grew up.
Are they great literary wonders? Not at all. I even cringe when the Southern women pass out from fright. Have Northern women ever been depicted as so fragile as the Southern Belles? Just asking.
October 3, 2025
Historical fiction. Post Civil War. St Simons Island, GA.
Anson Dodge comes to the island to meet his absent father who owns the local mill. He determines to rebuild the little church ruined during the war but is resented by the locals. He suffers one tragedy after another. This book is full of melodrama and tragedy.
I read this decades ago and have a memory of thinking it was so good. Can’t say I had the same reaction this time. Enjoyable but I’m not going to rush to reread the others in the series.
Anson Dodge comes to the island to meet his absent father who owns the local mill. He determines to rebuild the little church ruined during the war but is resented by the locals. He suffers one tragedy after another. This book is full of melodrama and tragedy.
I read this decades ago and have a memory of thinking it was so good. Can’t say I had the same reaction this time. Enjoyable but I’m not going to rush to reread the others in the series.
November 22, 2023
Got to love a book that not only has a great story lines but encourages one’s faith. I know this is a novel but Anson Green Phelps Dodge Jr was real and he did rebuild Christ Church following its destruction during the civil by the Yankees. It’s is a beautiful church with lovely stained glass windows. Through the death of some of the characters, we are reminded of God’s redemption- because He lives those who believe in Him live too!
May 13, 2018
A very heartwarming trilogy. Fell in love with the characters, & one of the most beautiful places I’ve seen. I was there 3 months ago. I toured the island & Christ Church in Frederica. A place filled with peace. This series brought it all back! May have to read it over & over so I can travel there again & again!
August 27, 2022
Highly disappointed, the writing was great through and through but the plot towards the end made me want to physically throw up. I had to stay up late to read this heart breaking ending and what Anna had to go through with Anson and and and just.....no words. No words.The grief aspect of this novel was so amazing, that I will hand it to the author. But wow.
February 11, 2023
Last in the trilogy, but written first, Beloved Invader may be the best. There is so much island history here, and I suggest a visit to St Simons Island to see the setting and catch the historical fever about the island people and Christ Church at Frederica. Yes, you should read the trilogy.
Warning: I find the treatment of African Americans very dated in this series, written in 1965.
Warning: I find the treatment of African Americans very dated in this series, written in 1965.
December 28, 2017
Great And Easy Read
A good diversion when an uplifting "time out" from life is needed. It contrasts current daily issues to those of past generations and how they dealt with them and the outcome they received. A good walk down memory lane based on actual facts.
A good diversion when an uplifting "time out" from life is needed. It contrasts current daily issues to those of past generations and how they dealt with them and the outcome they received. A good walk down memory lane based on actual facts.
November 14, 2019
I only read this for book club as it is something I never would pick up on my own but I was moderately pleased with it. The historical aspects of it kept me entertained and it was beautifully written. I might recommend to some friends who don’t mind Christian literature.
February 28, 2020
I love Eugenia Price books. These novels draw you into the warmth and humanity of her characters.
Her works are historical fiction at it's very best.
Walk back into another time, another place and be immersed in the stories of her characters.
Her works are historical fiction at it's very best.
Walk back into another time, another place and be immersed in the stories of her characters.
March 1, 2021
Wonderful! I am from St.Simons Island and I can’t believe it took me 38 years to read this novel. This is a beautiful account of the history of the island. If you are familiar with St.Simons at all this is a must read!
April 1, 2024
I guess Price's work is either something you enjoy or something you don't enjoy. I fall into the latter category. Too much time period covered in the book to adequately delve into all the story lines, love stories, and plots. And the Basses were nothing but a distraction.
April 23, 2024
Golden Isles
I have thoroughly enjoyed rereading The St Simons trilogy.
Everything Ms Price writes just draws you into the story and it is hard to find a stopping point
She's one of the best .
I have thoroughly enjoyed rereading The St Simons trilogy.
Everything Ms Price writes just draws you into the story and it is hard to find a stopping point
She's one of the best .
May 3, 2018
I read all three of the books in the St Simons trilogy, in anticipation of a trip to the island. I loved the characters, and can’t wait to see the places on the island where they lived.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews