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Kerry
After her beloved father's death, it is up to Kerry to get his manuscripts published at all costs. While her own mother is against the very idea of publishing, someone is plotting to steal the papers and take all the credits. Will Kerry be able to fulfil her father's mission? And who is the handsome young man who is helping her? Is he her true love or the traitor?
256 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1931
66 people are currently reading
201 people want to read
About the author
Grace Livingston Hill
595 books570 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 30 reviews
June 9, 2021
Kerry is a beautiful child asked to be adult, not even of age, with a spoiled childlike mother who makes terrible decisions upon the death of Kerry's father. Forced to flee with her father's manuscript, Kerry crosses the ocean alone, endangered by those who would do her harm. Unsure whom to trust, our heroine faces adversity with a great deal of courage and faith.
Love reading these books. The evil individuals are frightening and absolutely maddening. I am absolutely inspired every time I read the books of Ms. Hill. I keep thinking as I finish one, that I can be a better person. And crazy enough, I find myself trying to live up to the ideals presented even if they are a bit old-fashioned for most.
Love reading these books. The evil individuals are frightening and absolutely maddening. I am absolutely inspired every time I read the books of Ms. Hill. I keep thinking as I finish one, that I can be a better person. And crazy enough, I find myself trying to live up to the ideals presented even if they are a bit old-fashioned for most.
May 12, 2024
Rating: 5 / 5
This was a lovely, really darling story that had a little bit of everything in it! We've got a silly but beautiful little mother who betrays poor Kerry (our heroine) and thus sets her off on a journey that takes her across the high seas and to New York, with developments of faith and love all along the way! That being said, we've also got a dashing and faith-driven young man who's interested in Kerry, as well as a dastardly young man after her father's work and reputation. We've got London, the Atlantic, New York, and the lovely countryside all as settings to the story, and through it all a sense of awakening faith and a realization of what's right and good in the world.
Like all Grace Livingston Hill works with a lovely and interesting story like this, of course I love it and can only praise it for what it does well. Yet another add to my Christian romance shelf, and a definite re-read in the future!
This was a lovely, really darling story that had a little bit of everything in it! We've got a silly but beautiful little mother who betrays poor Kerry (our heroine) and thus sets her off on a journey that takes her across the high seas and to New York, with developments of faith and love all along the way! That being said, we've also got a dashing and faith-driven young man who's interested in Kerry, as well as a dastardly young man after her father's work and reputation. We've got London, the Atlantic, New York, and the lovely countryside all as settings to the story, and through it all a sense of awakening faith and a realization of what's right and good in the world.
Like all Grace Livingston Hill works with a lovely and interesting story like this, of course I love it and can only praise it for what it does well. Yet another add to my Christian romance shelf, and a definite re-read in the future!
February 15, 2016
Kerry's father is a scientist who is investigating Einstein's theory of relativity and spends years writing a book on the subject. His wife is beautiful on the outside, but is spoiled, selfish and whiny and complains because she doesn't have all the clothes and furs and jewels that she wants. They have traveled all over the world while Mr. Kavanaugh does research and Kerry has gone to a lot of different schools. She loves her "beautiful little mother" but idolizes her father. When the story opens, Kerry is 17 and is helping her father complete his book.
Kerry's father becomes ill and dies. He leaves the manuscript to Kerry because he trusts her to make the final edits and get it to the publisher. She works frantically to get it done, planning to take it to New York to be published, but she doesn't know where she will get the money for her passage.
Because her mother has been on a shopping spree! And then Kerry finds out her mother is seeing a man named Sam Morgan, an old boyfriend. Kerry and her father have never liked Sam because he is loud and rude and drinks too much. But he is very rich, and so Kerry's mother marries him.
Kerry packs her stuff, including some rare books of her fathers, and leaves her mother a letter but doesn't say where she is going. Kerry sells the books to get money for a ticket on an ocean liner. In the bookshop are two young men who hear her conversation with the shop owner, an old friend of Mr. Kavanaugh, about her plans to publish her father's book.
So she sails and it seems that she has escaped. But those two young men are also on the ship. One is very nice, a Christian who talks to her about the Bible. The other is a crook who tries first to steal the manuscript then later, in New York, stalks her and kidnaps her to try to force her to marry him.
The other one, Graham MacNair, falls in love with her and they get married. The crook is arrested and convicted and goes to prison. HEA.
I've always liked this one. Has some Betty elements - the selfish mum, refurbishing her wardrobe with ribbons, etc. 4 stars.
Kerry's father becomes ill and dies. He leaves the manuscript to Kerry because he trusts her to make the final edits and get it to the publisher. She works frantically to get it done, planning to take it to New York to be published, but she doesn't know where she will get the money for her passage.
Because her mother has been on a shopping spree! And then Kerry finds out her mother is seeing a man named Sam Morgan, an old boyfriend. Kerry and her father have never liked Sam because he is loud and rude and drinks too much. But he is very rich, and so Kerry's mother marries him.
Kerry packs her stuff, including some rare books of her fathers, and leaves her mother a letter but doesn't say where she is going. Kerry sells the books to get money for a ticket on an ocean liner. In the bookshop are two young men who hear her conversation with the shop owner, an old friend of Mr. Kavanaugh, about her plans to publish her father's book.
So she sails and it seems that she has escaped. But those two young men are also on the ship. One is very nice, a Christian who talks to her about the Bible. The other is a crook who tries first to steal the manuscript then later, in New York, stalks her and kidnaps her to try to force her to marry him.
The other one, Graham MacNair, falls in love with her and they get married. The crook is arrested and convicted and goes to prison. HEA.
I've always liked this one. Has some Betty elements - the selfish mum, refurbishing her wardrobe with ribbons, etc. 4 stars.
January 28, 2015
Raised in a series of hotels while helping her father, Shannon Kavanaugh, research and write his book, Kerry knew they had little and her mother wanted more. When Shannon’s death shatters the illusion that life is fine, Kerry’s mother goes on a spending spree and hastily marries a louse that had been dogging her steps since she was a teen.
Knowing the only way to proceed is to get her father’s book published so that she’ll have the money to fix her mother’s poor judgement, Kerry runs away and boards a ship to New York and her father’s publisher. While on board, sheltered Kerry will meet up with several tests.
Kerry finally realizes that she’ll need someone to trust – but, will it be God?
Hott Review:
What I liked: I couldn’t put Kerry down! I loved the character of Kerry’s mother, Isobel. She’s a selfish, childish adult and I really liked that she finally left unprotected and needed to be an adult. It felt very reflective of what I see happen so often around me and I think it’s an important lesson, especially to the YA crowd that reads these.
I loved the character of Kerry. She’s a strong, mature, humble girl that reacts well to difficult circumstances and unwanted attention. Everyone can learn from her composure!
What I didn’t like: The copy I acquired has several typos, it is a galley and several years old so the errors have probably been fixed, but it was a bit distracting.
Also, a little of halfway through the book felt like a good stopping point, but the novel continues making it a bit boring and tedious for a while.
Personal Note: It’s so funny to me, watching how God works. While reading this book, sometimes, while I was reading the very page, I was brought questions about God from my children and had the answers right there in front of me.
More…
Author: Grace Livingston Hill
Source: Barbour Books via Netgalley (A million years ago)
Grade: B+
Ages: 15+
Steam: YA
Setting: New York
Knowing the only way to proceed is to get her father’s book published so that she’ll have the money to fix her mother’s poor judgement, Kerry runs away and boards a ship to New York and her father’s publisher. While on board, sheltered Kerry will meet up with several tests.
Kerry finally realizes that she’ll need someone to trust – but, will it be God?
Hott Review:
What I liked: I couldn’t put Kerry down! I loved the character of Kerry’s mother, Isobel. She’s a selfish, childish adult and I really liked that she finally left unprotected and needed to be an adult. It felt very reflective of what I see happen so often around me and I think it’s an important lesson, especially to the YA crowd that reads these.
I loved the character of Kerry. She’s a strong, mature, humble girl that reacts well to difficult circumstances and unwanted attention. Everyone can learn from her composure!
What I didn’t like: The copy I acquired has several typos, it is a galley and several years old so the errors have probably been fixed, but it was a bit distracting.
Also, a little of halfway through the book felt like a good stopping point, but the novel continues making it a bit boring and tedious for a while.
Personal Note: It’s so funny to me, watching how God works. While reading this book, sometimes, while I was reading the very page, I was brought questions about God from my children and had the answers right there in front of me.
More…
Author: Grace Livingston Hill
Source: Barbour Books via Netgalley (A million years ago)
Grade: B+
Ages: 15+
Steam: YA
Setting: New York
December 10, 2013
MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK
Kerry’s father didn’t complete the book he was writing before he passed away, but Kerry knew her fathers wishes were for her to finish the book for him. But the problem was, someone didn’t want Kerry to succeed in finishing her dad’s book. Then she meets Graham Mc Nair, who claims that he knew Kerry’s dad years ago. Could this be the man of Kerry’s dreams, or should she be suspicious of him since things are suspicious about her dad’s book?
This is a really enjoyable read, and a real page turner. The mystery behind who-done-it will sure be enough to keep you interested in this book. And I was excited for Kerry about being able to finish her dad’s book. This is another awesome read by one of America’s favorite authors, Grace Livingston Hill.
I received this book from the publisher Barbour Books to read and review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 55.
Kerry’s father didn’t complete the book he was writing before he passed away, but Kerry knew her fathers wishes were for her to finish the book for him. But the problem was, someone didn’t want Kerry to succeed in finishing her dad’s book. Then she meets Graham Mc Nair, who claims that he knew Kerry’s dad years ago. Could this be the man of Kerry’s dreams, or should she be suspicious of him since things are suspicious about her dad’s book?
This is a really enjoyable read, and a real page turner. The mystery behind who-done-it will sure be enough to keep you interested in this book. And I was excited for Kerry about being able to finish her dad’s book. This is another awesome read by one of America’s favorite authors, Grace Livingston Hill.
I received this book from the publisher Barbour Books to read and review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 55.
April 16, 2016
I love this book. As a young girl, I read every Grace Livingston Hill book available at the Tom Green County library. I loved this story then and it still touches my heart. Such a sweet innocent romance with an incredibly power message of God's love. I had almost forgotten how much I loved GLH books. I will definitely re-read more of her books.
December 17, 2015
One of the more romantic and dramatic of the many GL Hill books I have read over the years, this is the perfect sweet little vintage story to escape into.
September 28, 2020
Old classic from circa 1930. Yikes. I wish GLH didn’t so thoroughly overwhelm the story with evangelism. Some of her books make only a light mention of Christianity. But this book ! It could have been so much better if Hill had not interrupted the flow with preaching. It has a strong stubborn young heroine, a near-shipwreck a la Titanic, espionage, theft, and an unusual plot wrapped around a scientific publication. I could do without the scenes with her childish mother.
October 16, 2013
When I first made the leap from the children’s section to the adult section of our pervious church’s library, Grace Livingston Hill was one of the first authors that I tried. Her stories were a sweet, clean breath of fresh air. Even though they can be (for lack of a better word) a bit sappy, there is something very pure about them, and I love the old-fashioned way they are written. I’ve read dozens of her books, but I don’t think I’d ever picked up Kerry, so when I saw it available on netgalley, being re-released from Barbour Publishing, it was an easy choice for me.
It’s been at least a couple of years since I’ve read any of Grace Livingston Hill’s books, so I was wondering if they were as good as I had remembered. The thing about her novels is that they never pretend to be anything they aren’t: they’re just sweet stories with a very strong message about Christ. Somehow, Grace Livingston Hill manages to include a strong Gospel message in her books without coming off as overly preachy, which is quite a feat, if you ask me!
Though Kerry isn’t my favorite of her books, I did enjoy it, although it took me several chapters to really get into it. I HATED Kerry’s mother and stepfather. Sam Morgan with his sleazy twenties-lingo and Isobel with her tears and selfishness were pills, let me tell you. Although they were nothing to Henry Dawson. What a snake! The characters did seem to be either “good” or “bad.” There wasn’t really any in-between. They were all very straightforward.
There was one bit where Graham was explaining creation and though most of what he said was good, there was something that didn’t sound quite accurate to me, but I’m not sure if I correctly understood what he was saying. However, for being written so very long ago, the issues they spoke of are remarkably relevant! This version of the story has been “lightly updated” and I’m not sure what that means. Since I hadn’t read Kerry before, I’m not sure what they changed (for all I know, they might have done nothing but updated the spellings of a few words or something)
I received this book for free from netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
It’s been at least a couple of years since I’ve read any of Grace Livingston Hill’s books, so I was wondering if they were as good as I had remembered. The thing about her novels is that they never pretend to be anything they aren’t: they’re just sweet stories with a very strong message about Christ. Somehow, Grace Livingston Hill manages to include a strong Gospel message in her books without coming off as overly preachy, which is quite a feat, if you ask me!
Though Kerry isn’t my favorite of her books, I did enjoy it, although it took me several chapters to really get into it. I HATED Kerry’s mother and stepfather. Sam Morgan with his sleazy twenties-lingo and Isobel with her tears and selfishness were pills, let me tell you. Although they were nothing to Henry Dawson. What a snake! The characters did seem to be either “good” or “bad.” There wasn’t really any in-between. They were all very straightforward.
There was one bit where Graham was explaining creation and though most of what he said was good, there was something that didn’t sound quite accurate to me, but I’m not sure if I correctly understood what he was saying. However, for being written so very long ago, the issues they spoke of are remarkably relevant! This version of the story has been “lightly updated” and I’m not sure what that means. Since I hadn’t read Kerry before, I’m not sure what they changed (for all I know, they might have done nothing but updated the spellings of a few words or something)
I received this book for free from netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
September 22, 2018
One of my favorites of Ms. Hill's. Kerry is a bright young woman who is doing the best she can to see her father's last request carried out. Fortunately, she meets a gentleman, Graham McNair, who is of great help to her, and who also leads her to know the Lord.I greatly appreciated the biblical references. Not all of her books have them. It is clear and concise, exactly how to become a Christian. I like that she differentiates between Christianity and Religion. Two very different things.There is an element of suspense where Harry Dawson is a bit of a villain. Which you can practically feel from the beginning, as he oozes off the pages.I highly recommend this to those that love a bit of a historical set in the early 1900's and with Christian values, with just a dash of romance.
November 20, 2015
A Quickie Review
I hate to bash a book by a late, legendary author, but, this is not what I've come to expect from Grace Livingston Hill. The main character of Kerry Kavanaugh was rather neurotic and not all that likable, and I really didn't like how callous her mother was. This seemed more like a soap opera or reality show than a work of Christian fiction. As I got into it, it improved...but it took a while. If this had been the first GLH book I'd read, I don't know if I would bother with any more; since I know her others were much better than this, I'll keep reading her writings.
Score: 3/5
I hate to bash a book by a late, legendary author, but, this is not what I've come to expect from Grace Livingston Hill. The main character of Kerry Kavanaugh was rather neurotic and not all that likable, and I really didn't like how callous her mother was. This seemed more like a soap opera or reality show than a work of Christian fiction. As I got into it, it improved...but it took a while. If this had been the first GLH book I'd read, I don't know if I would bother with any more; since I know her others were much better than this, I'll keep reading her writings.
Score: 3/5
October 9, 2020
A new favorite Grace book
The villain is maybe one of the worse that I have seen I have seen, the family dynamics are not typical and very relatable, the suspense in more than one situation more than typical Grace's books. The humility and openness of Kerry to the Lord's work in her life, unshakable.
The villain is maybe one of the worse that I have seen I have seen, the family dynamics are not typical and very relatable, the suspense in more than one situation more than typical Grace's books. The humility and openness of Kerry to the Lord's work in her life, unshakable.
February 23, 2021
A book of faith, love, and adventure
This book is pure GLH. A beautiful girl, a handsome stranger, a beady-eyed villain, storms at sea, robberies, street chases, kidnapping, not to mention courage, virtue, love and faith. Even a little shopping on 5th Avenue. Pure fun at every turn. It will never go out of style.
This book is pure GLH. A beautiful girl, a handsome stranger, a beady-eyed villain, storms at sea, robberies, street chases, kidnapping, not to mention courage, virtue, love and faith. Even a little shopping on 5th Avenue. Pure fun at every turn. It will never go out of style.
January 19, 2024
This is one of the best GLH books I've read. Loaded is adventure and action, suspense and danger, romance and redemption. Kerry is a strong and independent young woman who overcomes great challenges to achieve her dream.
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July 27, 2011This was actually a GLH that I had never read before. Predictable ending, but still a sweet story and great for a lazy, read a book in one afternoon, sort of day.
May 26, 2012
I was on a Grace Livingston Hill kick a while back and read several of her novels. They are always quaint and old-fashioned, sometimes a little preachy, but almost always a nice relaxing read.
June 21, 2015
This is a beautiful book; appropriate for all ages and has a wonderful ending. This is the perfect book to brighten a rainy and sad day! Five out of five stars!!!!!
May 18, 2021
Storm at sea
This book is full of adventures both physical and spiritual. enjoyable from beginning to end, Europe to America. Excellent read.
This book is full of adventures both physical and spiritual. enjoyable from beginning to end, Europe to America. Excellent read.
April 17, 2024
This is a lovely story about a young girl who had a very rough life. She traveled the world as her father collected information for an incredible scientific book that he was writing, but as they had little money (the book would set them, financially, he said), the travels were in small backrooms in poorer areas. Her mother was a rich socialite who'd married the scientist father because of his notoriety and the promise of this book... but eighteen years later, it STILL wasn't finished, and mother was NOT NICE any of those eighteen years. She complained and hated her life and bemoaned her fate and went out with other men.
Kerry got lost in the shuffle. And as a result of having to take care of herself, she grew to be a very responsible, amazing young woman. She wanted to help her father with his book (it brought them closer), so she became his typist. Much to her mother's consternation - she didn't need TWO fanatical people obsessed with 'the waste of time'.
Then her father dies. Almost immediately, her mother hooks up with the beau she's been seeing on the sly for years (a man Kerry's father detested). Kerry CANNOT abide the man because of her father's assessment, and when mother marries him and insists Kerry live off his money (the mother having spent ALL of Father's bequeathment - including what was earmarked for his funeral)... Kerry takes the manuscript and runs away.
She sells the books he'd left to her (rare editions, which brought her money for passage to the States), but in the bookshop were two other men, listening in on her conversation about her father and the manuscript she needed to get to the publisher in America. One of them is an oily thief hellbent on stealing the manuscript to pass off as his own work, and the other is a man who loves the Lord, realizes this girl needs a protector, and who looks out for her.
Thru break-ins, fires, storms at sea, kidnapping, and more... this story takes us on an incredible journey, with danger only trailing by a few feet behind, the whole way. It's excellently penned, and the spiritual message is amazing in this story.
I loved every bit. I did want to know what would happen to young Holbrook, and Ted Gallagher, but I suppose these are stories for another time.
Kerry got lost in the shuffle. And as a result of having to take care of herself, she grew to be a very responsible, amazing young woman. She wanted to help her father with his book (it brought them closer), so she became his typist. Much to her mother's consternation - she didn't need TWO fanatical people obsessed with 'the waste of time'.
Then her father dies. Almost immediately, her mother hooks up with the beau she's been seeing on the sly for years (a man Kerry's father detested). Kerry CANNOT abide the man because of her father's assessment, and when mother marries him and insists Kerry live off his money (the mother having spent ALL of Father's bequeathment - including what was earmarked for his funeral)... Kerry takes the manuscript and runs away.
She sells the books he'd left to her (rare editions, which brought her money for passage to the States), but in the bookshop were two other men, listening in on her conversation about her father and the manuscript she needed to get to the publisher in America. One of them is an oily thief hellbent on stealing the manuscript to pass off as his own work, and the other is a man who loves the Lord, realizes this girl needs a protector, and who looks out for her.
Thru break-ins, fires, storms at sea, kidnapping, and more... this story takes us on an incredible journey, with danger only trailing by a few feet behind, the whole way. It's excellently penned, and the spiritual message is amazing in this story.
I loved every bit. I did want to know what would happen to young Holbrook, and Ted Gallagher, but I suppose these are stories for another time.
November 30, 2023
This is a run-of-the-mill romance by GLH. Kerry is the daughter of a great scientist who died right after finishing his life's work, a great book. Kerry was kind of his right-hand assistant and he left the book for her to edit and have published, figuring that would be what she and her mother would live on. Mother was too impatient and got married again right away, and the new husband was awful, so Kerry sailed to America on her own with the book. She meets a new friend, and an enemy who would like to steal the book and get credit for it.
There is not much different about this book. One thing I noted was that this time the wicked step-mother is the actual mother. That doesn't happen in most GLH books. Usually the real mother is dead or ill where she can't help the girl.
There is not much different about this book. One thing I noted was that this time the wicked step-mother is the actual mother. That doesn't happen in most GLH books. Usually the real mother is dead or ill where she can't help the girl.
June 1, 2021
This was a fine read. Nothing to write home about. I enjoyed it while I was reading, but probably won't read again. The mother was so terrible, it made you want to hurl. A lot of miscommunication. Quite a bit of academic dishonesty...which made me wonder just how important this academic book could possibly be! But overall, if you want a decent GLH book, read this one. Just don't have high expectations.
January 30, 2019
Very good read. I enjoyed this story.
June 24, 2021
Awesome
June 2, 2023
Wonderful!...
I can always depend on Grace Livingston Hill's writings to fill me with excitement and joy...Simple and pure...Again...many, many thanks*...
I can always depend on Grace Livingston Hill's writings to fill me with excitement and joy...Simple and pure...Again...many, many thanks*...
May 10, 2024
All time favorite
August 2, 2025
There were a few places here that stretched credulity a bit, but it is certainly exciting.
August 27, 2025
Reading a Grace Livingston Hill book as an adult is much different than reading one at age 13. Even though they are sometimes sappy and unrealistic, I still love her stories. They are light and entertaining with good fairh content. GLH's main characters are easy to cheer on and the villains are easy to dislike. There is a distinct difference in living for God verses living for the world in her books.
June 20, 2025
This was okay. The theology in it was pretty flawed.
April 7, 2017
Good, clean romance. Everything by Grace Livingston Hill is a nice, easy escape.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 30 reviews