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Paula, the Waldensian
I don't remember all. I would have liked to have kept the letter. It was such a letter that would help any one to die, for it was certainly a treasure. But my poor madame wished to carry it to the tomb with her, and no doubt it is there yet in her hands, poor little angel. As I remember it, the letter concluded thus: 'He that believeth on Me hath everlasting life, and him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out!'
Adapted and translated from the Spanish.
Adapted and translated from the Spanish.
175 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1899
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
April 23, 2016
Here's another I can hardly believe I never reviewed. Paula, orphaned, comes into a selfish, worldly French family and totally revolutionizes it by her faith and her witness. This story will break your heart and ignite your faith at the same time.
The Waldenses were a small sect who refused to join with the Catholic faith in the days before the Reformation. They were often persecuted, even feared for their beliefs. They might have had a quirk or two in their side theology, (such as standards of dress, etc) but the had the big things straight: salvation through faith alone. Some of their heritage can be traced through the Anabaptists and into modern groups such as Mennonites, Amish, Wesleyan Methodists, and Baptists.
The Waldenses were a small sect who refused to join with the Catholic faith in the days before the Reformation. They were often persecuted, even feared for their beliefs. They might have had a quirk or two in their side theology, (such as standards of dress, etc) but the had the big things straight: salvation through faith alone. Some of their heritage can be traced through the Anabaptists and into modern groups such as Mennonites, Amish, Wesleyan Methodists, and Baptists.
February 2, 2011
What a treasure to find. This book is a rarity in this day and age. I am having my daughters read it now, hoping that it will touch their hearts and minds with its sweetness, tenderness, honesty, and truth. I am so grateful to have stumbled upon it.
January 18, 2024
I reread this book to fulfill the reading challenge “read a book that was first read aloud to you”. I have always loved the song, “In the Land of Fadeless Day” because of this book. I have this sweet feeling of awe surrounding that song because the first time I heard it was when my mother read this book to us as a child. Paula, the main character, sang that song to her dying cousin who was enthralled. My mother knew the song and sang it instead of just reading it. I thought it was so incredibly beautiful and have loved it since.
I thoroughly enjoyed this sweet, sweet story. At the end of the story when Paula died, the tears were rolling. It’s the sort of old-fashioned, delightful book that inspires me to be unselfish and to long to be more like Jesus.
I thoroughly enjoyed this sweet, sweet story. At the end of the story when Paula died, the tears were rolling. It’s the sort of old-fashioned, delightful book that inspires me to be unselfish and to long to be more like Jesus.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 19, 2025
I assigned this book to my middle schoolers for our co-op, because it was suggested by the author of our history curriculum. What a WIN! This book is simple to read, not super long, but it is packed with so much goodness, it left me wanting to be a better person and praying for people who've hurt me. Paula is such a light and reflection of how we should all aim to live. I am going to do it as a read aloud for my other kids because I loved it so much.
January 13, 2021
Every young Christian girl (and older Christian ladies too) should read this! My mum gave this book to me when I was about 12 and it made huge impact on me. I still pick it up and read it just so I can be touched by the story of Paula.
November 4, 2022
What a sweet book this was! The story of a young Christian girl who moved in with some relatives who were not interested in religion and lovingly points them and the whole community to the Lord Jesus.
Gonna see if I can find a copy of this book for my siblings!
Gonna see if I can find a copy of this book for my siblings!
February 14, 2021
A classic story of a young life dedicated to Christ. It was a great reminder of what unhindered love looks like. The childlike faith that is not immature only pure.
June 11, 2025
Touching Truth-filled
Read aloud to my kids this book. What an amazing example of a story to have running in your head. Needed tissues at the end. Amazing book.
Read aloud to my kids this book. What an amazing example of a story to have running in your head. Needed tissues at the end. Amazing book.
March 28, 2011
"*Originally written in French; then adapted and translated from the Spanish version by W.M. Strong.(1940)
Paula was someone who loved God and loved her neighbors as herself.
A letter comes and it is decided that Paula (recently orphaned) will come to live with the family. The family consists of a father, two daughters and a son as well as their older servant. They are still in mourning over the loss of the wife and mother but Paula soon cheers them up! She brings joy and love into their family and over time, the father's heart is softened. Paula touches so many lives while shining "her light" for Jesus! :) She also brings several people to the Lord through-out the story.
Her sweet humble spirit is one that I admire very much.
I can honestly say that this book affected me in a way that no other book did this year. I was almost brought to tears more than once...
It convicted and gladdened my heart all at once!
Paula was someone who loved God and loved her neighbors as herself.
A letter comes and it is decided that Paula (recently orphaned) will come to live with the family. The family consists of a father, two daughters and a son as well as their older servant. They are still in mourning over the loss of the wife and mother but Paula soon cheers them up! She brings joy and love into their family and over time, the father's heart is softened. Paula touches so many lives while shining "her light" for Jesus! :) She also brings several people to the Lord through-out the story.
Her sweet humble spirit is one that I admire very much.
I can honestly say that this book affected me in a way that no other book did this year. I was almost brought to tears more than once...
It convicted and gladdened my heart all at once!
July 8, 2018
Beautiful Gospel Story
The story flows with such power and delight that it is hard to put down once begun. This edition contains some misspellings or typos. Not so much that it makes too much of a disruption. A couple of sentences read awkwardly, but for the most part it is a pleasure to read. It would be even better if there was an index to the Bible verses throughout. Either way it is most encouraging for a child of God to always be prepared to give an answer for the hope they have of salvation in the Lord Jesus Christ. We must always tell others of their need of the Saviour and of His great love toward us through the sacrifice of His cross where this blood was shed for all who repent and believe as they obey the Good Shepherd who came to save His sheep. May you too find rest in Him.
The story flows with such power and delight that it is hard to put down once begun. This edition contains some misspellings or typos. Not so much that it makes too much of a disruption. A couple of sentences read awkwardly, but for the most part it is a pleasure to read. It would be even better if there was an index to the Bible verses throughout. Either way it is most encouraging for a child of God to always be prepared to give an answer for the hope they have of salvation in the Lord Jesus Christ. We must always tell others of their need of the Saviour and of His great love toward us through the sacrifice of His cross where this blood was shed for all who repent and believe as they obey the Good Shepherd who came to save His sheep. May you too find rest in Him.
January 12, 2014
I really appreciate this story. Paula is an orphaned Waldensian girl that goes to live with her Uncle and his family. She's faithful and virtuous despite her Uncle's disdain for her faith. Through her years of kindness toward her new family she slowly wins them over. The story is a good introduction to the Waldensian faith. The one criticism is that Paula is perhaps a little too perfect for a child, somewhat reminiscent of Heidi. Overall, it's a very nice story.
January 27, 2016
4* A wholesome, inspiring book for children. Paula is such a perfect little Christian, some readers might even think the story is unrealistic. She is orphaned, comes to live with her cousins, and shows them the gospel message.
September 2, 2007
Read this book so many times as a child...amazing faith, amazing sacrifice, amazing love...
October 14, 2011
Good read
July 26, 2013
I sweet, sad story, but a light, gentle read. I find it hard to believe anyone could be that perfect, but it may well be my own stubborn, rebellious nature speaking
September 29, 2016
Beautiful story!!!
What a beautiful telling of a life lived for God! An example of a selfless life that it would do us all well to emulate. It touched my heart!
What a beautiful telling of a life lived for God! An example of a selfless life that it would do us all well to emulate. It touched my heart!
August 25, 2009
so Sad! yet the Amazing Faith of a child! awesome story!
July 4, 2012
This girl loves the gospel. Me too.
June 28, 2017
Good for Sunday family reading. very sweet.
December 29, 2017
i was re-reading this to see if i wanted to keep it. i prob won't keep it but it was a sweet little book about a young woman who lives out her faith in and love for God.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews