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Ester Ried #1
Ester Ried
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112 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1870
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274 people want to read
About the author
Pansy
338 books31 followersNote: In her lifetime, Isabella Macdonald Alden was usually published under the pseudonym Pansy, and occasionally under the name Mrs. G.R. Alden.
Aunt to Grace Livingston Hill
The sixth of seven children born to Isaac and Myra Spafford Macdonald, of Rochester, New York, Isabella Macdonald received her early education from her father, who home-schooled her, and gave her a nickname - "Pansy" - that she would use for many of her publications. As a girl, she kept a daily journal, critiqued by her father, and she published her first story - The Old Clock - in a village paper when she was ten years old.
Macdonald's education continued at the Oneida Seminary, the Seneca Collegiate Institute, and the Young Ladies Institute, all in New York. It was at the Oneida Seminary that she met her long-time friend (and eventual co-author), Theodosia Toll, who secretly submitted one of Macdonald's manuscripts in a competition, setting in motion a chain of events that would lead to the publication of her first book, Helen Lester, in 1865.
Macdonald also met her future husband, the Rev. Gustavus Rossenberg Alden, at the Oneida Seminary, and the two were married in 1866. Now Isabella Macdonald Alden, the newly-married minister's wife followed her husband as his postings took them around the country, dividing her time between writing, church duties, and raising her son Raymond (born 1873).
A prolific author, who wrote approximately one hundred novels from 1865 to 1929, and co-authored ten more, Alden was also actively involved in the world of children's and religious periodicals, publishing numerous short stories, editing the Sunday Juvenile Pansy from 1874-1894, producing Sunday School lessons for The Westminster Teacher for twenty years, and working on the editorial staff of various other magazines (Trained Motherhood, The Christian Endeavor).
Highly influenced by her Christian beliefs, much of Alden's work was explicitly moral and didactic, and often found its way into Sunday School libraries. It was also immensely popular, in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with an estimated 100,000 copies of Alden's books sold, in 1900.
Information taken from:
readseries.com
isabellamacdonaldalden.com
Aunt to Grace Livingston Hill
The sixth of seven children born to Isaac and Myra Spafford Macdonald, of Rochester, New York, Isabella Macdonald received her early education from her father, who home-schooled her, and gave her a nickname - "Pansy" - that she would use for many of her publications. As a girl, she kept a daily journal, critiqued by her father, and she published her first story - The Old Clock - in a village paper when she was ten years old.
Macdonald's education continued at the Oneida Seminary, the Seneca Collegiate Institute, and the Young Ladies Institute, all in New York. It was at the Oneida Seminary that she met her long-time friend (and eventual co-author), Theodosia Toll, who secretly submitted one of Macdonald's manuscripts in a competition, setting in motion a chain of events that would lead to the publication of her first book, Helen Lester, in 1865.
Macdonald also met her future husband, the Rev. Gustavus Rossenberg Alden, at the Oneida Seminary, and the two were married in 1866. Now Isabella Macdonald Alden, the newly-married minister's wife followed her husband as his postings took them around the country, dividing her time between writing, church duties, and raising her son Raymond (born 1873).
A prolific author, who wrote approximately one hundred novels from 1865 to 1929, and co-authored ten more, Alden was also actively involved in the world of children's and religious periodicals, publishing numerous short stories, editing the Sunday Juvenile Pansy from 1874-1894, producing Sunday School lessons for The Westminster Teacher for twenty years, and working on the editorial staff of various other magazines (Trained Motherhood, The Christian Endeavor).
Highly influenced by her Christian beliefs, much of Alden's work was explicitly moral and didactic, and often found its way into Sunday School libraries. It was also immensely popular, in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with an estimated 100,000 copies of Alden's books sold, in 1900.
Information taken from:
readseries.com
isabellamacdonaldalden.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
January 29, 2016
Very light reading... I love this author.... may not be everyone's cup of tea (old-fashioned, conservative Christian writing) but when I'm looking for a light, comfort read - this is one of the authors I turn to.
July 12, 2008
This is a great story, written around the turn of the century about a young girl, burdened with cares of this world and pretending to be something she is not. She is consequentially miserable and begins to see that without Christ, her life is vain. A sweet story, simply told, the message invaluable.
August 11, 2011
This old-fashioned and simple story focuses on Ester, a Christian girl who was so irritable around the house in her daily life that her younger, unsaved sister didn't see her own need for Christ because she never saw that Christian belief had changed her older sister for the better. Yikes! That was convicting! Ester thought she was "good," but she wasn't letting Christ control her attitude in the trivial day-to-day events of her life. I desire my family to see Christ in me, not just hear me talk about Him.
May 4, 2008
Ester’s story reminds us all how important our Christian witness is and not to waste any of our time here on earth. But it is also a story of “2nd chances” and of redeeming what the Lord has given us. This one really inspired me in my walk with Christ and how every word and every action do count in my witness for Christ.
April 9, 2022
O carte foarte bună. Prin viața Esterei Ried, autorul dorește să ne transmită un mesaj important și anume că trebuie să fim atenți la viața noastră, ca nu cumva prin faptele noastră să fim o piatră de poticnire pentru cineva, devenind în acest fel o piedică în calea sa spre Hristos.
Viata noastră este scurtă, niciodată nu știm când se va sfârși, însă ceea este important este faptul că trebuie să ne trăim viața noastră pentru Hristos!
Recomand!
Viata noastră este scurtă, niciodată nu știm când se va sfârși, însă ceea este important este faptul că trebuie să ne trăim viața noastră pentru Hristos!
Recomand!
May 22, 2024
Oh, dear 'Ester Ried', how you captured my heart! During a season when I felt isolated in my faith and longing for meaningful connections, your pages became a warm embrace. Abby and Esther, your characters, became dear friends who understood my struggles and doubts, and walked alongside me with compassion and wisdom.
Your story is a gentle yet profound exploration of the human experience - a beautiful dance of light and shadow, hope and struggle. You spoke directly to my soul, addressing the deepest longings and fears I'd been carrying. Your words were a balm to my weary heart, reminding me that I'm not alone in my quest for purpose and spiritual growth.
As a Christian, I've often found myself struggling to reconcile my faith with the challenges of everyday life. 'Ester Ried' is a precious gift for anyone navigating these same struggles. With tender honesty, you confront the doubts and fears that can creep in when our prayers seem unanswered and our paths uncertain. You remind us that even in the darkest moments, God is present, working all things for our good.
Your characters' journeys are a testament to the power of faith and perseverance. Through their triumphs and setbacks, you show us that spiritual growth is a lifelong journey, marked by moments of joy and struggle, but always guided by the loving hand of our Heavenly Father.
In many ways, dear 'Ester Ried', you surpassed even 'Little Women' in my affections. While both books share similar themes, your gentle yet unflinching examination of the human condition resonated more deeply with me. You are a treasure, a timeless classic that will continue to nourish and inspire generations to come. Thank you for being a beacon of hope and light in my life - I will hold you dear forever!
If you're seeking a book that will comfort, challenge, and inspire you in your Christian walk, look no further than 'Ester Ried'. This beloved classic has been a source of strength and encouragement for over a century, and its message is just as relevant today. Let Abby and Esther's stories become your own, and may their experiences guide you deeper into the heart of God.
Your story is a gentle yet profound exploration of the human experience - a beautiful dance of light and shadow, hope and struggle. You spoke directly to my soul, addressing the deepest longings and fears I'd been carrying. Your words were a balm to my weary heart, reminding me that I'm not alone in my quest for purpose and spiritual growth.
As a Christian, I've often found myself struggling to reconcile my faith with the challenges of everyday life. 'Ester Ried' is a precious gift for anyone navigating these same struggles. With tender honesty, you confront the doubts and fears that can creep in when our prayers seem unanswered and our paths uncertain. You remind us that even in the darkest moments, God is present, working all things for our good.
Your characters' journeys are a testament to the power of faith and perseverance. Through their triumphs and setbacks, you show us that spiritual growth is a lifelong journey, marked by moments of joy and struggle, but always guided by the loving hand of our Heavenly Father.
In many ways, dear 'Ester Ried', you surpassed even 'Little Women' in my affections. While both books share similar themes, your gentle yet unflinching examination of the human condition resonated more deeply with me. You are a treasure, a timeless classic that will continue to nourish and inspire generations to come. Thank you for being a beacon of hope and light in my life - I will hold you dear forever!
If you're seeking a book that will comfort, challenge, and inspire you in your Christian walk, look no further than 'Ester Ried'. This beloved classic has been a source of strength and encouragement for over a century, and its message is just as relevant today. Let Abby and Esther's stories become your own, and may their experiences guide you deeper into the heart of God.
August 31, 2024
I listened to this story again for the first time since I was a teenager. Such a precious book.
Key concepts:
Don't sleep as a Christian, but be awake to the Lord and the lives of those around you. Live that all those who meet you may come to Christ.
Daily tasks and trials are opportunities to serve the Savior with joy.
Christian disciplines (daily Bible reading and prayer, memorizing verses, worshipping and praying with other Christians, talking about Jesus...) can prepare you for the day of greater trial.
Key concepts:
Don't sleep as a Christian, but be awake to the Lord and the lives of those around you. Live that all those who meet you may come to Christ.
Daily tasks and trials are opportunities to serve the Savior with joy.
Christian disciplines (daily Bible reading and prayer, memorizing verses, worshipping and praying with other Christians, talking about Jesus...) can prepare you for the day of greater trial.
July 27, 2014
I've just recently been introduced to Isabella Alden's books. I read "Ester Ried” for the first time this year and really enjoyed it as I am encouraged anew to fulfill each task as for Christ. Ester is not a pious, angelic girl who is nearly perfect. She is just a normal girl with everyday experiences which I’m sure most of us can relate to, though the book was written in the 1800’s. I highly recommend this author for helping us to put our Christian faith to "work."
January 29, 2012
I read this book when I was 15 years old. Wonderful book. It's one of my absolute favorites.
I not listened to this book, however it was read for LibriVox by TriciaG: http://librivox.org/ester-ried-by-isa... Tricia is a good reader.
I not listened to this book, however it was read for LibriVox by TriciaG: http://librivox.org/ester-ried-by-isa... Tricia is a good reader.
August 11, 2015
Love this author. Great story, though slow in spots. Isabella Alden throws in a surprise in the story which catches you off guard. Must read this one before any others in the Ester Reid series or it will spoil the others.
April 13, 2011
great book. :) inspiring!
November 15, 2024
Last Victober (a Victorian reading challenge), I chose this book for the reading prompt “religion”, and couldn’t have selected a more apt novel. Ester Ried tells the story of the eponymous character’s journey away from nominal Christianity and toward a life lived for Christ. On the way, we meet her wayward sister Sadie, her faithful cousin Abbie, Abbie’s fiance Mr. Foster, and a number of other memorable personages. I knew very little about the story before reading it, and I must say the plot went in a sadder direction than I had anticipated—but it does not detract from its air of hope and encouragement. I couldn’t recommend this book more to anyone looking for a well-written Victorian Christian novel.
August 14, 2009
This is a great book showing where one is and how Christ can change a life.
May 14, 2024
One of my absolute favorite "old" books! So convicting, so powerful.
December 16, 2012
Most beautiful, convicting, sweet book that I have ever read. Seriously my new favorite book. Okay, okay, so it's kinda sad, but it's just sooo good.
March 7, 2012
I loved it.
May 21, 2013
This is fiction that counts! Recommended to every Christian girl.
September 30, 2015
An old-fashioned Christian book about how a girl gives her life to Christ. A good book if you like that sort of thing which I do.
March 1, 2023
Quick & easy read even though this book is so old. Wasn’t expecting it to be so dark in the end. Maybe it was a little on the nose- but also probably typical for its time.
September 14, 2019
This is actually a review of the book, "Ester Ried's Awakening" which I couldn't find in Goodreads.
Timeless Christian message! One of being circumspect and watchful in your life as a Christian. Examine yourself, judge YOURSELF, so you won’t be judged by God! Hebrews 2:1-3 comes to my mind, when thinking about the book: [1] Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip.
[2] For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward;
[3] How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him;
Ester Reid was a typical lukewarm Christian, who believed she was quite pious and long-suffering, when in fact she was the opposite. She helps to run her family’s boardinghouse, and works long hours, cooking, cleaning, and caring for sick residents.
During a visit to a long-time friend’s house, Ester’s conscience gets an awakening.
Isabella Macdonald Alden was a gifted Christian writer. Learn more about her here: https://www.librarything.com/author/a...
Read some of her books free, online, here: http://onlinebooks.library.upenn.edu/...
Timeless Christian message! One of being circumspect and watchful in your life as a Christian. Examine yourself, judge YOURSELF, so you won’t be judged by God! Hebrews 2:1-3 comes to my mind, when thinking about the book: [1] Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip.
[2] For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward;
[3] How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him;
Ester Reid was a typical lukewarm Christian, who believed she was quite pious and long-suffering, when in fact she was the opposite. She helps to run her family’s boardinghouse, and works long hours, cooking, cleaning, and caring for sick residents.
During a visit to a long-time friend’s house, Ester’s conscience gets an awakening.
Isabella Macdonald Alden was a gifted Christian writer. Learn more about her here: https://www.librarything.com/author/a...
Read some of her books free, online, here: http://onlinebooks.library.upenn.edu/...
September 2, 2018
This is an incredible book! I can hardly wait to read more by Isabella MacDonald Alden (or “Pansy.”) I had exhausted all of the Grace Livingston Hill audiobooks that LibriVox.org had on file, and so was looking for something similar. After I read the book, I found out that its author is the aunt to GLH. I was quite taken by this story on several fronts. First of all, it is an extremely well written story. The characters are neither all good nor all bad, but seem very true to life, even for a book written over 100 years ago. She is a nominal Christian, overburdened and cranky as she helps her widowed mother run their boarding house. Her life is transformed when she spends several weeks in the big city with her cousin, who is a radiant Christian, in spite of her mother’s denigrating chatter about her lifestyle. I was captivated by the depth of her cousin’s desire to do all for Christ, to speak gentle words about her savior, and to kindly ask others about their own spiritual life. It’s a story about second chances, dealing with death, and probing your own conscience about how your own life, words, and priorities affect the faith of others.
July 20, 2019
I tried. It had it's good points, although it was very preachy. I don't mind preaching- I mean, obviously!- but fiction requires a different sort of touch. And "Pansy" doesn't have it.
I'm giving up on page 60 of 110 because I CANNOT abide the best male character of the book twisting Ester's mind all up on the subject of women speaking in church. Ester is correct here! And Mr. Foster's arguments have nothing to do with Scripture. Yet another reason to wish Ester had been reading her Bible- perhaps she could have quoted "women should keep silent in the church" or "it is a shame for a woman to speak in church", but then Mr. Feminist-in-Hiding Foster would probably have twisted that all up, too, because that's how it seems to work. *sigh* Anyway, I'm not sticking around to find out. Books that make me want to throw things don't get finished.
I'm giving up on page 60 of 110 because I CANNOT abide the best male character of the book twisting Ester's mind all up on the subject of women speaking in church. Ester is correct here! And Mr. Foster's arguments have nothing to do with Scripture. Yet another reason to wish Ester had been reading her Bible- perhaps she could have quoted "women should keep silent in the church" or "it is a shame for a woman to speak in church", but then Mr. Feminist-in-Hiding Foster would probably have twisted that all up, too, because that's how it seems to work. *sigh* Anyway, I'm not sticking around to find out. Books that make me want to throw things don't get finished.
November 25, 2021
Wow, I identified with Ester Ried immediately! I, too, have a tendency to be impatient and a little short-tempered when I think of all the things that I have to do and how little time I have to do them. This book was a great reminder to me that the fault doesn't lie in my list of things to do or the number of hours in a day. The fault is in my expectations. This book shows that everyone has challenges that can seem overwhelming (even Ester's wealthy cousin Abbie). The surest way to cope with those troubles is with our strong, daily walk with Christ. It's a really uplifting and inspiring story. I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
January 25, 2019
I cried through the last chapter. What a charge was given to pray for younger siblings and to do our best to not stand in the way of them coming to the Savior. I would recommend this book over and over again! I have already loaned my copy out to a friend. The first chapter is hard to get through, but after that it is hard to pry it out of one's hands.
January 7, 2019
If the book is needing a clearer understanding.
This book needed a clearer understanding about use God and his son Jesus. Instead of a misunderstood line of not breaking her comfort zone, Ester should have taken herself into a good bible study.
This book needed a clearer understanding about use God and his son Jesus. Instead of a misunderstood line of not breaking her comfort zone, Ester should have taken herself into a good bible study.
December 21, 2022
This book really touched my heart. I often ended up comparing my character to that of Ester's. Oftentimes I wanted to cry because I saw that I was making the same mistakes in my life as Ester. One thing is for certain, It made me think a lot about my life and relationships.
December 19, 2017
Another book out of my antique collection. This version is from 1870.
April 30, 2020
I really enjoyed reading this book and was in awe by it as I finished the last page.
June 15, 2020
Awesome book!!!
September 20, 2021
Fantastic, Biblical encouragement and admonishion with out feeling "preachy"
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews