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The Red Signal
Hilda Lessing learns of a German plot in WWI era America. She must uncover their plot and reveal their true nature but she is alone, that is until engineer Dan Stevens is there to help Hilda in this thrilling Christian romance by Grace Livingston Hill.
162 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1919
35 people are currently reading
189 people want to read
About the author
Grace Livingston Hill
578 books561 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 - 27 of 27 reviews
July 13, 2018
This story was just a pure delight. It's a pretty quick read about a young girl who lands among some German spies when she goes to take a job her uncle found for her during what is presumably 1917-1918 (the book was published in 1919). There's a great deal of excitement as an everyday girl decides to take on a dangerous mission in order to save her country.
Though Hill is known for writing "romance," there is very little romance according to today's standards. Most of the story is a thriller about Hilda's attempts to stop the spies before they harm the nation, and the white knight only shows up in person a few times in the tale.
Content: Hilda's brother uses some schoolboy expletives
Though Hill is known for writing "romance," there is very little romance according to today's standards. Most of the story is a thriller about Hilda's attempts to stop the spies before they harm the nation, and the white knight only shows up in person a few times in the tale.
Content: Hilda's brother uses some schoolboy expletives
April 18, 2018
2018 reread: rtc
My FAVORITE GLH book HANDS DOWN. I seriously loved this book so so much! The story was fabulous and it was set in World War 1, so what is not to like? I love Grace Livingston Hill anyway, but this one was my absolute favorite. Just amazing!
My FAVORITE GLH book HANDS DOWN. I seriously loved this book so so much! The story was fabulous and it was set in World War 1, so what is not to like? I love Grace Livingston Hill anyway, but this one was my absolute favorite. Just amazing!
July 12, 2018
Okay, that was just delightful.
I wanted something that was clean, interesting, and perhaps a bit of romance. I had this on my kindle and decided to give it a try. I was pulled in at once and had to fight to put it down and do other things. At times I was on the edge of my seat reading with bated breath, other times I read as fast as I could trying to help the character reach their goal. When I reached the end I sighed with contentment. The characters were so real and wonderful. Well, except for the bad guys.
While there are parts in this story that are a bit "dramatic" these things were real. There really were spies during the Great War, there really were plots to destroy things, and I'm sure there really were people who helped uncover those plots. Most people never heard of them, however, because what gets thwarted doesn't usually get mentioned.
The romance in this book is the kind of romance I like. Sweet and clean, with no physical distractions to make me cringe. I could smile as I read instead of rolling my eyes.
I enjoyed the story so much that as soon as I had finished reading it on my kindle, I ordered a paper copy.
Complaint:
This is a complaint about the kindle version, not about the story itself. The version I read was rather distracting. There were sentences with no spaces between them. There were periods in strange places, typos that could easily have been corrected, and a couple places where entire paragraphs were mixed up and messed up. However, this did not affect my rating.
I wanted something that was clean, interesting, and perhaps a bit of romance. I had this on my kindle and decided to give it a try. I was pulled in at once and had to fight to put it down and do other things. At times I was on the edge of my seat reading with bated breath, other times I read as fast as I could trying to help the character reach their goal. When I reached the end I sighed with contentment. The characters were so real and wonderful. Well, except for the bad guys.
While there are parts in this story that are a bit "dramatic" these things were real. There really were spies during the Great War, there really were plots to destroy things, and I'm sure there really were people who helped uncover those plots. Most people never heard of them, however, because what gets thwarted doesn't usually get mentioned.
The romance in this book is the kind of romance I like. Sweet and clean, with no physical distractions to make me cringe. I could smile as I read instead of rolling my eyes.
I enjoyed the story so much that as soon as I had finished reading it on my kindle, I ordered a paper copy.
Complaint:
This is a complaint about the kindle version, not about the story itself. The version I read was rather distracting. There were sentences with no spaces between them. There were periods in strange places, typos that could easily have been corrected, and a couple places where entire paragraphs were mixed up and messed up. However, this did not affect my rating.
February 11, 2025
The original version of The Red Signal was written in 1917. The audiobook was made in 2017. Anne Hancock did an excellent job as narrator.
Grace Livingston Hill wrote this book which incorporated facts about the Great War in Europe. Our heroine discovers a spy ring here at home and is creative in how she handles the information she discovers.
Grace Livingston Hill wrote this book which incorporated facts about the Great War in Europe. Our heroine discovers a spy ring here at home and is creative in how she handles the information she discovers.
February 12, 2023
Rating: 4.6 / 5
Lovely re-read, although it did take me a bit longer to finish it this second time around. Still, it gave me just what I needed when I needed it, and that's something that I'll be grateful to Grace Livingston Hill for over and over again!
Rating: 4.5 / 5
The cover of this book promises thrills and action, and we certainly do get that! It’s during WWI and half-German half-American Hilda is sent to live with the Swartzes following the death of her father and separation from her mother and brother. Right away in the story, her life is saved by Dan Stevens, a train engineer and together they devise a subtle way to keep in touch in times of danger—which comes sooner than you might think in the form of German spies!
This is, apart from being an action-filled book with very few references to religion this time around, just about the most patriotic book that I’ve ever read from Hill. I guess, given the time period of 1919 when this was written though, that makes sense. It’s a nice little story with some aspects of danger, some of romance, a lot of action and otherwise complete enjoyment. A wonderful addition to my shelves.
Lovely re-read, although it did take me a bit longer to finish it this second time around. Still, it gave me just what I needed when I needed it, and that's something that I'll be grateful to Grace Livingston Hill for over and over again!
Rating: 4.5 / 5
The cover of this book promises thrills and action, and we certainly do get that! It’s during WWI and half-German half-American Hilda is sent to live with the Swartzes following the death of her father and separation from her mother and brother. Right away in the story, her life is saved by Dan Stevens, a train engineer and together they devise a subtle way to keep in touch in times of danger—which comes sooner than you might think in the form of German spies!
This is, apart from being an action-filled book with very few references to religion this time around, just about the most patriotic book that I’ve ever read from Hill. I guess, given the time period of 1919 when this was written though, that makes sense. It’s a nice little story with some aspects of danger, some of romance, a lot of action and otherwise complete enjoyment. A wonderful addition to my shelves.
February 11, 2023
I´ve read more than 50% of this book but definitively I couldn't finish it. I don't like books with unlike plot unless it's a science fiction book, which is not the case. The plot is already described elsewhere.
June 1, 2024
2024>> the first half was amazing, but the second half was very focused on people's appearances and it felt very silly.
This is probably one of my favorite GLH books. The plot, and characters were awesome. But what I loved best were the notes about the war. Seeing the war through the eyes of someone who was really there is amazing. There were lovely, poetical parts. There were also tense scenes. Goodness this one was lovely.
This is probably one of my favorite GLH books. The plot, and characters were awesome. But what I loved best were the notes about the war. Seeing the war through the eyes of someone who was really there is amazing. There were lovely, poetical parts. There were also tense scenes. Goodness this one was lovely.
January 3, 2012
This is the first of Grace Livingston Hill's books that I have read that has a contemporary setting. Published in 1919, this story of Hilda Lessing and her adventures foiling German spies, is set against the backdrop of World War I. I enjoyed the author's depiction of wartime America and how she shows that some people believed there were German spies everywhere while others believed quite the opposite. At first, the heroine is unaffected by the war, but as she realizes that she has landed in a nest of German spies, and meets the hero who is preparing to go overseas to fight, her patriotic spirit and love of country is awakened. This book reminded me of Emilie Loring's wartime romances, even though Ms. Loring's stories were set against a World War II backdrop, and I enjoyed it very much because of that. Ms. Loring's heroines were always as fervently patriotic and determined to be of use as Hilda Lessing is in this story. I appreciated also, that this isn't a book of nuances. The author had no doubt where she stood: the enemy is described as cruel, beastly, fiendish, etc., while Hilda and her soldier hero are brave, true and strong, and even, in Hilda's case, a "holy vision." It's interesting, too, to see how much more willing the author is to admit the existence of class distinctions in America than we are comfortable with today. The fact that the hero's family owns railroads while Hilda has hired herself out as a maid makes Hilda doubt whether she is good enough for Daniel. Naturally, no one else who sees her is in any doubt of her character, beauty, and worth--she is a GLH heroine, after all--but it is enjoyable to read the hero's reassurances to her as he sweeps her into his strong arms. A very enjoyable read.
December 23, 2018
A young girl goes into service after the death of her father and finds herself in a nest of German spies while WWI is being fought in Europe. With no idea what to do when the war comes to American soil, Hilda enlists the aid of a young engineer at great peril to herself, finding not only her courage but love as well.
I love this book and I love it anew each time I read it. Beautiful story with a lot of thrills. One of the author's best.
I love this book and I love it anew each time I read it. Beautiful story with a lot of thrills. One of the author's best.
June 16, 2015
Loved it! Don't let that picture on the cover fool you. This is not just a fluffy romance, it is an action-packed adventure! I loved the strong heroine. I guess you would call this historical fiction, but at the time it was written, it was not history, it was contemporary.
April 9, 2016
Set during WW1.
Hilda Lessing is sent to work on a truck farm run by Germans.
She is not welcomed.
And something strange is definitely going on.
Could these people really be plotting against America?
How can she get help?
Definitely one of Grace Livingston Hill's better stories.
August 6, 2017
Action packed!
This is an unusual book for this author. Action-packed and full of suspense, I quickly read through this. Fun read.
This is an unusual book for this author. Action-packed and full of suspense, I quickly read through this. Fun read.
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June 4, 2024This was my first time reading this book. I loved it! So much adventure in Hill's signature style. I loved also seeing some of the fears surrounding World War I on display.
November 15, 2017
Quite an adventure! Much more so than a typical Grace Livingston Hill romance. Hilda is a plucky and independent heroine who grows ever more capable as the book progresses.
Popsugar Challenge 2017: a novel set during wartime (WWI)
Popsugar Challenge 2017: a novel set during wartime (WWI)
May 15, 2025
Grace Livingston Hill's "The Red Signal" is a different kind of story that I have read from her being that it is WW 1 related with espionage at the home front. I loved the characters and found it very exciting. The need for Jesus Christ in one's life in helping to overcome troubles and difficulties is a powerful message.
Story in short- Hilda Lessing has been sent to work on a farm and keeps wondering what the young engineer had told her on the train about spies.
❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌spoiler alert
I loved the faith of Hilda and her looking in praying to help her be guided as to what she should do in her difficulties, where she starts to see Uncle Otto's German friends and their unkind and mysterious ways. When she found out the troubles of these Germans on the farm in America wishing to cause harm to her country, though her father who is dead has come to the USA from Germany. Mrs. Lessing was born in Chicago. Uncle Otto's character seems nefarious but that is never cleared up, it seems he has swindled the widow out of her dead husband's bank account. Many suspenseful troubles which Hilda had wit to overcome with God's help. I loved Dan, who has helped save Hilda several times and vice versa. In the end things turn out that Hilda and Dan love each other though they come from different societies, they have a most precious belongings to Christ. The senseless World War and the lives that it cost.
Story in short- Hilda Lessing has been sent to work on a farm and keeps wondering what the young engineer had told her on the train about spies.
❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌spoiler alert
I loved the faith of Hilda and her looking in praying to help her be guided as to what she should do in her difficulties, where she starts to see Uncle Otto's German friends and their unkind and mysterious ways. When she found out the troubles of these Germans on the farm in America wishing to cause harm to her country, though her father who is dead has come to the USA from Germany. Mrs. Lessing was born in Chicago. Uncle Otto's character seems nefarious but that is never cleared up, it seems he has swindled the widow out of her dead husband's bank account. Many suspenseful troubles which Hilda had wit to overcome with God's help. I loved Dan, who has helped save Hilda several times and vice versa. In the end things turn out that Hilda and Dan love each other though they come from different societies, they have a most precious belongings to Christ. The senseless World War and the lives that it cost.
November 29, 2020
Although Hill is widely thought of as a romance author, and this book does end with a romance, more than half of it reads like a Nancy Drew mystery rather than the typical love story; narrow escapes and help arriving just in the nick of time move the plot along. Significant suspension of disbelief is required to accept that a young woman from the city hired out to do farmhouse labor could uncover and foil a German spy ring (or that the spies could be that stupid). And the "girl" suddenly becomes a young woman ready for marriage at the end of the book, though her age is never specified. There's also an unanswered plot question: what happened to Uncle Otto, and the heroine's mother's money? Was Otto a spy as well?
June 30, 2025
It has been a hot minute since I have read a GLH book. Overall, it was a good story. The author did a good job of ramping up the tension as Hilda found herself in increasingly perilous situations. I also for the most part liked Hilda and Dan. Having said that there were times when Hilda came off as kind of silly. Also, GLH has a habit of writing people very dramatically, even if the situation doesn't really warrant it. I still enjoyed reading this book and would read more by this author.
September 2, 2025
Always love a cozy Grace Livingston Hill (GLH).
This was the audio book, that I hadn't listened to before, with narration by Anne Hancock. She has narrated several titles by GLH, and I'm familiar with her voice.
Completely not expecting the sound effects of a train whistle, repeated a few times throughout the audio book! No other sound effects or anything other than Anne Hancock's voice. Quite jarring! Especially if one is hoping to quietly listen and fall asleep!
This was the audio book, that I hadn't listened to before, with narration by Anne Hancock. She has narrated several titles by GLH, and I'm familiar with her voice.
Completely not expecting the sound effects of a train whistle, repeated a few times throughout the audio book! No other sound effects or anything other than Anne Hancock's voice. Quite jarring! Especially if one is hoping to quietly listen and fall asleep!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 4, 2025
Grace Livingston Hill is mainly known for romances. Those who are ardent fans knows she also writes a fair share of suspense and mysteries. The Red Signal, set during WWI, is definitely one of her suspenseful stories. I was in the mood for more suspense, less romance, so I enjoyed it. Just a heads up for any who may be in the mood for a romance.
April 29, 2020
World War I
April 8, 2021
I really enjoyed this story. I love Grace Livingston Hill and how she writes.
This story had a different plot, but was an enjoyable read.
This story had a different plot, but was an enjoyable read.
January 16, 2024
Great story
I love Grace Livingston Hill books. They are too good to be true but reading them to me is like going on vacation.
I love Grace Livingston Hill books. They are too good to be true but reading them to me is like going on vacation.
September 8, 2025
This book began my love of spy thrillers.
July 28, 2023
This may be the first GLH book that I was 100% certain was written during WWI about WWI and I absolutely LOVED it! Hill has definitely written her fair share of WWII novels (and they are quite popular), but this one might be better than at least 90% of her WWII novels!
The feel of this novel definitely reminded me of Hill's other work The White Flower - even though The White Flower would not be published for another 8 years. Both novels start very quickly and are full of action, drama, and adventure throughout. More importantly, though, both novels involve jumping trains. (My personal favorite *exciting* adventure that GLH includes in her novels.) In this novel, the action revolves around our heroes trying to break up a German spy ring in the US during WWI. And what an exciting trip it becomes!
While there is a lot of action in this novel, not all the characterization suffers. Yes we do see some pretty flat side characters, but I appreciated the fact that Hill wrote the mother character as having some grit and backbone towards the end. Instead of just taking the job her brother-in-law got for her, she up and leaves and gets a better job because, dang it, she is competent! I also liked Hill's characterization of the heroine as not being completely wishy-washy either. She did try to stand up for herself and her interests and when it came down to it, she did what she had to do to survive and protect herself, her friends, and her country.
Overall, I would highly recommend this book to anyone who would like to read an old fashioned WWI espionage novel with some light smatterings of romance. For GLH it is not overly religious, and very action packed. I will definitely read this again, and I will probably want to buy it for my collection. (Yes, it is THAT good!)
The feel of this novel definitely reminded me of Hill's other work The White Flower - even though The White Flower would not be published for another 8 years. Both novels start very quickly and are full of action, drama, and adventure throughout. More importantly, though, both novels involve jumping trains. (My personal favorite *exciting* adventure that GLH includes in her novels.) In this novel, the action revolves around our heroes trying to break up a German spy ring in the US during WWI. And what an exciting trip it becomes!
While there is a lot of action in this novel, not all the characterization suffers. Yes we do see some pretty flat side characters, but I appreciated the fact that Hill wrote the mother character as having some grit and backbone towards the end. Instead of just taking the job her brother-in-law got for her, she up and leaves and gets a better job because, dang it, she is competent! I also liked Hill's characterization of the heroine as not being completely wishy-washy either. She did try to stand up for herself and her interests and when it came down to it, she did what she had to do to survive and protect herself, her friends, and her country.
Overall, I would highly recommend this book to anyone who would like to read an old fashioned WWI espionage novel with some light smatterings of romance. For GLH it is not overly religious, and very action packed. I will definitely read this again, and I will probably want to buy it for my collection. (Yes, it is THAT good!)
April 18, 2016
Read between July & December 1983.
Original notes on book from 1983: Good supsens story. Well written.
Original notes on book from 1983: Good supsens story. Well written.
February 10, 2024
5 stars
WWI espionage and spies. I needn't say more.
WWI espionage and spies. I needn't say more.
August 5, 2023
One of the best by GLH.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews