The Treasured Brides Collection

by Grace Livingston Hill

Take a step back to a slower paced life the 1930s and 40s, and discover the joy of old-fashioned romance as penned by one of America’s most beloved authors. Lightly updated for today’s reader, this collection of three romances—including The Big Blue Soldier, Found Treasure, and The Patch of Blue —is the perfect pathway to discovering a timeless author. Grace Livingston Hill created enduring characters who go through every human emotion. They are realistic individuals looking to fit in and find a place of contentment in life. Love meets them in their struggles and faith points them to eternal hope and peace.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Christian, Historical Fiction, Romance, Historical Romance, Fiction, Novella

442 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 2014

About the author

also 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

Reviews

[Rebekah Morris]

I haven't read many books by this author and wasn't sure if I'd enjoy these stories. I did. Though I couldn't help shaking my head over the "brides" part in this title. Only one of the three girls got married, one got engaged, and the other didn't even do that.

The Big Blue Soldier
(I still am puzzled over the title of this story as the soldier's uniforms from WWI were not blue.)
Taking me back to 1918, I landed in a small town or village, with "Auntie Rill" and really wished I could spend a month with her in her home. It was a sweet story even if there weren't many "Christian" things in it.

Found Treasure
(This might be my favorite of the three stories.)
I fell in love with Effie almost from the first even if no one else wanted or liked her because she was a wild tomboy with no manners. I wanted to help her and was so delighted when Lawrence Earle came home. My one complaint was that I wanted the story to go on. I wanted to find out what happened next even thought I was pretty sure of what happened.

The Patch of Blue
(Still puzzling over this title too.)
This might be my least favorite of the three stories, though I did enjoy it. There wasn't really anything wrong with it. A little more "romance-y" then I usually read, but still written in a sweet and wholesome way. Clear Christian message in this story.

Altogether, I enjoyed this book and am sure I'll read these stories all again.

[Lindsey (Books for Christian Girls)]

About this book:

“Take a step back to a slower paced life the 1930s and 40s, and discover the joy of old-fashioned romance as penned by one of America’s most beloved authors. Lightly updated for today’s reader, this collection of three romances—including The Big Blue Soldier, Found Treasure, and The Patch of Blue—is the perfect pathway to discovering a timeless author. Grace Livingston Hill created enduring characters who go through every human emotion. They are realistic individuals looking to fit in and find a place of contentment in life. Love meets them in their struggles and faith points them to eternal hope and peace.”


Series: They are all part of the Grace Livingston Hill books.

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“The Big Blue Soldier” by Grace Livingston Hill

“Aunt Marilla Chadwick wants to find a young man for her lovely young friend, Mary Amber. She sees a tall young soldier walking slowly toward her house. It doesn't matter that his uniform is bedraggled and dirty or that she had never seem him before in her life, for Aunt Marilla has an idea, a plan, a sudden inspiration--and soon she, Mary Amber, and the mysterious soldier are all entangled in an adventure that will change their lives forever.”


Spiritual Content- Prayers are said & two Scriptures are quoted.

Negative Content- Minor Cussing including: a “you can go to thunder” and a “go to thunder”.

Sexual Content- a ‘hussy’; Love


-Mary Amber
-Miss Marilla
-Lyman Gage / Dick
P.O.V. switches between them in a narration form
Set in 1918
95 pages

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Pre Teens- Two Stars (If you don’t mind a small amount of romance}
New Teens- Three Stars
Early High School Teens- Four Stars
High School Teens- Four Stars
My personal Rating- Two Stars (and a half)

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“Found Treasure” by Grace Livingston Hill

“Effie Martin was humiliated! Lawrence Earle, the football hero, was coming back from college, and all the girls were planning a big picnic for him. She had been planning to go, too--until she overheard the girls saying they didn't want her along because she was too rough, too much of a tomboy. Well, she'd show them. She could be as much a lady as any of them!
Or could she? Almost immediately Effie found herself caught in a struggle between "acting ladylike" and being herself--a struggle she was afraid of losing. Then suddenly, wonderfully, an act of heroism throws Effie into an extraordinary friendship with the football star himself! And she begins the thrilling journey of becoming a woman who understands strong faith and lasting love.”


Spiritual Content- Proverbs 22:1 at the front & Philippians 4:8 gets quoted a few times; Guardian angels are mentioned; Lawrence has a strong Faith and witness to Effie; Prayers & a Scripture are said; Talks about God & knowing Him.

Negative Content- Ugly, hate and wanting to die because nobody likes you (Effie feels like this); a flask gets emptied by others.

Sexual Content- *Spoiler* When Eleanor gets married Euphemia says she can make Eleanor’s lingerie (nothing is said about what Eleanor will use it for, except that when Effie’s making it she says it’s underwear). *End of Spoiler*


-Euphemia “Effie” Martin
-Lawrence Earle
P.O.V. switches between them in a narration form.
Set in 1928 (but skips 5 years, then 1, then 3, then 2.)
140 pages

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Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- One Star (and a half)
Early High School Teens- Two Stars
High School Teens- Three Stars
My personal Rating- Two Stars (and a half)

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“The Patch of Blue” by Grace Livingston Hill

“They lived in separate worlds until his world fell apart. Now Chris and Natalie will never be the same.”


Spiritual Content- Chris goes to church but only because his parents want him to; A sermon does get written; Natalie has a strong Faith; Prayers & two Scriptures are quoted; Many talks about God & Faiths get stronger.

Negative Content- A semi-detailed robbery; Chris says a man is yellow and that you “couldn’t depend on him”.

Sexual Content- a ‘hussy’, two ‘tramps’; Chris wants to kiss Natalie but doesn’t; A not-detailed kiss; Love & falling in it.


-Natalie Halsey
-Chris Walton
P.O.V. switches between them in a narration form.
Set in 1932
185 pages

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Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- One Star (and a half)
Early High School Teens- Two Stars
High School Teens- Three Stars
My personal Rating- Two Stars (and a half)


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Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- One Star (and a half)
Early High School Teens- Two Stars
Older High School Teens- Three Stars
My personal Rating- Two Stars (and a half)

Let’s break them down;
The first book, “The Big Blue Soldier”, was a cute story but very, very rushed. The “I love you” part came out of left field to me.
Book Two, “Found Treasure”, well, before the middle of the book, I was dreading finishing it! Effie was so annoying, rude & and just plain hateful! Many times I wanted to smack her (I know, I know, that’s wrong but honestly!) She (finally!) got better but then her bratty, selfish older sister took the hateful show over. Lawrence was the only good part in this book.
And Number #3, “The Patch of Blue”, was my favorite out of the three but the negative part was hard for me to read. It was a cheesy plot, but I did like, however, when Natalie shared her Faith with Chris.
Overall, it was an okay, but pretty clean, read.


Link to review:
Coming 8/8/14


*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
*I received this book for free from the Publisher (Barbour) for this review.

[Orianna]

This book was okay- not entirely my thing, but I can see why some of these stories would be deemed classics. I enjoyed the second of the three stories best, but I thought it ended quite abruptly and felt incomplete. The first story seemed very drawn out. There are many drawn out descriptions of settings, thoughts and moments throughout the book. I've noticed that quality in most of the books I've read from older authors, so it may have been the stylistic trend of the times. The third story was interesting as well- the message comes through quite clearly. The third story is the one written most similarly to today's style.

One of the main cons was that I felt as though the love confessions of the first and last stories came from left field. The title of this collection is also confusing, since only the last couple is married. By the end of the second story the protagonists haven't even seen each other for years, so I can't imagine why that story was thought to be "bridal".

Still, good stories. I don't regret reading them. They do take you back to a simpler, slower time and give you a couple good lessons to ponder.

[Carolyn Scheidies]

My mother introduced me to Grace Livingston Hill books as a teenager. I never stopped appreciating reading about a different time and place that might seem simpler than our lives and world today. However, the the need for knowing and following Jesus was just as critical. I like collections and getting to read several books/stories at once. This contains three complete novels. I really enjoyed the first and last, but would have liked more of a an ending on the middle one. While the ending implied was implied, I would have liked to have seen something more solid. Still and all, this book is a good read.

[Derinda Babcock]

THE TREASURED BRIDES Collection is a set of three stories of faith written by Grace Livingston Hill (1865 - 1947).

The Big Blue Soldier is set in Purling Brook New York, 1918. World War I veteran, Lyman Grace, returns home, sick and exhausted, to find his business has failed and he is now a debtor. He sells everything he has to get out from under the crushing load, and though he no longer has the debt, he also no longer has a home or job. His hopelessness increases when the girl who said she loved him dearly engages herself to another who can provide her with the lifestyle she craves. As he walks the road through Purling Brook, he questions the value of his life. It is at this low point, that he meets Miss Marilla Chadwick.

Miss Marilla Chadwick is an elderly spinster who longs to love and be loved. When she hears her nephew, Dick, will soon return from Europe as a war hero, she makes plans to show her love by providing a delicious meal and lavishing attention on him. As soon as he lands, she sends a note requesting his presence, but is crushed when he spurns her. Deep down she's always known he never really cared for her, yet his rejection hurts. To save face in front of the neighbors and her young friend, Mary Amber, the girl next door, she convinces a worn out soldier in a blue uniform to dine with her and, for just that evening, to allow her to call him Dick. She doesn't think her actions will hurt anyone, though she does wonder if the saying, “Oh, the tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive,” is true.

Mary Amber is an unwilling participant in Miss Marilla's plans. Though she helped the woman make dinner for her nephew and agreed to stay and dine, she had concerns. She never liked Dick. He was mean and rude to her and others in the past, and though she knew war changed people, she had no confidence that Dick had changed. She is suspicious of the man who comes to dinner. He doesn't look much like Dick, and her suspicions increase when he can't answer her questions about the past correctly. She feels she must protect Miss Marilla from this deceiver.

Found Treasure is set in New York City, Summer 1928. Womanhood comes hard to tomboy, Euphemia “Effie” Martin. She doesn't fit in. She plays baseball, runs, and rides her bike better than most boys, and her rough-edged exuberance often causes her mother to sigh and her older sister to complain. When Effie overhears what the other girls her age think about her and how she acts, she is infuriated and hurt. She has always been shunned by them, so why should she care? She decides that is she can change some things, people might like her better. Lawrence Earle, the sought-after young man who taught her how to pitch a mean fast ball, shows her how Christ can change her from the inside out. She no longer has to be the old Effie, but can know be Euphemia, a person of “good report.”

The Patch of Blue is set in New York City, Fall 1932. Christopher Walton, Jr., has everything a young man his age could desire: wealth, loving parents and sister, respect, admiration, athletic ability, and the expectation of returning to his senior year of college as the star football player and leader of his fraternity. On Sunday, he attends church with his parents, but his mind is not on the message. Instead, he sees the new car he will test drive the next day, and make plans to show it off. His attention is momentarily caught by the Pastor's message about being thankful when bad things happen, but he shrugs it off. He doesn't think this is possible.

On Monday, Christopher's beautiful world is shattered. There is a run on his father's bank and his life is threatened. Due to circumstances out of his control, he no longer has wealth, respect, admiration, or the expectation of returning to college. He and his family must move to Sullivan Street on the worst side of town, and he must hunt for a job. He is grateful to find a lowly job in a store where quiet Natalie Halsey works. Her faith has been tried, and when she shares it with him, he begins to see how one could be thankful for hard times.

The inside and outside covers of this book are attractive and let readers know right away they will be reading a “timeless romance.” The Big Blue Soldier was interesting, but ended so abruptly that it left me wondering if G.L.H. died before she could finish. The other two stories were engaging and worth the read, though the overuse of the words “nice” and “sweet” slowed me down. I sympathized with Euphemia in Found Treasure, and enjoyed the scene in The Patch of Blue where Chris Walton saves Natalie from the armed robber by pelting him with hard green apples.

Hill's voice could be heard during times she stepped in the story to narrate a passage. Though this kind of author intrusion is not often tolerated with editors today, it gave me an opportunity to understand the importance of social class to people of this time, and what G.L.H. considered respectable or entertaining. Though social values have changed, one thing that hasn't is the way

I received this book from Book Club Network in exchange for my honest review, and have posted this review on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Goodreads, DeeperShopping, and Christianbooks.

[carol price]

The Treasured Brides Collection: Three Timeless Romances

I got hooked on Grace Livingston Hill books when I was in grade school and checked out my first books by her from school library. Collected her books for many years now reading them as ebooks.

[P. Upshaw]

Fantastic Christian stories

Fantastic Christian stories of romance. This was my first time reading this author's stories and I was so wonderfully surprised and pleased at the stories and depth of each one.

[Lisabeth Fluitt]

Nice book

The book is refreshingly innocent without the gratuitous, graphic sex scenes found in so many romance books of today. Each story has a happy ending.

[Darlene Luton]

Three good stories !

I liked the first two stories better than the last one. Very well written Christian tales written years ago ! For easy reading and "feel good" time's.

[Margaret Boehm]

One of my favorite authors. Her stories are so vivid they make you feel like you are seeing a movie

[Megan]

3.75 stars. I enjoyed these 3 Christian romances, though I know they are not for every modern reader. Very old-fashioned (& a bit preachy) with vibes of Jean Webster.

[Milynfer]

GLH is one of my favourite authors. though the stories are old fashioned, the sentiment is timeless and her writing is like a gentle breeze on a summer's day.

[Meagan Myhren-Bennett]

The Treasured Brides Collection
By Grace Livingston Hill

Three Timeless Romances
from a Beloved Author

I've always loved the simple beauty found in Grace Livingston Hill's books. So when The Book Club Network offered a chance to read and review this just released collection from Barbour I jumped at the chance. After all these were 3 stories from Grace Livingston Hill that I had never read before.

The first story is The Big Blue Soldier. The First World War has ended and Sergeant Lyman Gage has just received word that his business has failed, his fiancee has become engaged to another man, and he is in debt to his former fiancee's father. Lyman is understandably dejected when he is approached by an unusual woman who invites him to dinner and to pretend that he is her nephew.

What follows is a delightful and sweet story about seeing past the outer person and seeing the heart. The kindness of strangers heals a broken heart and brings happiness to a hurting lonely heart.

The second story is Found Treasure. Effie Martin is a despised young woman - her youthful, tomboyish habits are felt to be an embarrassment to anyone unfortunate to be caught in her company. Her mother despairs of ever turning this selfish, self-centered girl into a lady and her sister Eleanor loathes her little sister who tries to get her part in Eleanor's activities. But Effie is searching for something, she feels unwanted by anyone and wonders if there is even a purpose to her very being.

But when Effie steps forward and saves a life she comes to the attention of several people, including Lawrence Earle. Lawrence helps Effie to become more than she ever saw herself becoming. She became Euphemia a "woman of good repute" all because someone was willing to give her a chance.

This story finds the worth and treasure of a person within their heart. Outward appearance and monetary worth mean nothing if one cannot find peace and comfort in a relationship with God.

The third story is The Patch of Blue. Chris Walton had everything. A father of good standing who was the bank president. He lived in a spacious house in an elegant well-to-do neighborhood. He was heading for his final year of college, played football, and was making the most of his life when everything changed. When his family's life of privilege was suddenly over Chris learns who his true friends are. And he learns who he truly is thanks to Natalie Halsey.

This story shows that one's happiness need not be tied to wealth, position, and possessions but rather in a daily walk with God and contentment with what we do have. This is shown in the changes of Chris's demeanor and attitude from the opening until the closing of the story.

One item of note concerning this book it is not large print, but the print is larger than most books that are regular print - so if you like large print books this maybe one you want to check-out.

Thanks to The Book Club Network and Barbour for offering me this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Staciy Wilson Wilson]

A Real Fine Read!

Grace Livingston Hill was the very first Christian author I had the pleasure of reading. This book is just one shining example of the many great books she has written!

[Pamela Jo]

A Classic Collection

The Treasured Brides Collection by Grace Livingston Hill is a three-in-one volume. The stories include The Big Blue Soldier (set just after WWI), Found Treasure (set in 1928), and The Patch of Blue (set in 1932). All three stories are positive and enjoyable.

Grace Livingston Hill wrote many Christian fiction novels during her lifetime. She is still popular today, years after her death. Her books have become classics, and this collection is a classic, too.

The Big Blue Soldier is about a woman named Marilla who is expecting her nephew, Dick, to visit after his discharge from the Army. She especially wants her neighbor, Mary Amber, to meet him. They knew each other as children, but Dick did not impress Mary Amber then. Circumstances take an unexpected turn and Marilla weaves a web of deceit about Dick. Mary Amber is not so easily fooled and sparks fly. I really enjoyed this light read, especially the relationships between the primary characters.

Found Treasure is the second story. Effie Martin is a tomboy who is not well liked by other girls. She is just too different and does not fit in. Effie tries very hard to improve her social graces, but finds acceptance by simply being herself. It is a sweet story of being true to one's own character and not trying to impress others. This one was another enjoyable story which held my interest.

The Patch of Blue is the last story in this book. Chris Walton has lived a charmed life. His world is turned upside down when his father's bank fails. His friends reject him and he rejects his faith during the hard times that follow. Natalie Halsey is a girl who has never had much, but she has a kind heart. The two connect and Natalie ends up changing Chris' life for the better. I enjoyed this story, too.

The Treasured Brides Collection is a wonderful read, not too deep, but inspirational and uplifting. If you enjoy an easy read with a positive message, you will enjoy this collection very much!

I received a copy of this book from the publisher, through The Book Club Network (bookfun.org) in exchange for my honest review.

[Sarah]

The Treasured Brides Collection is awesome, especially if you're looking for a book that won't break the bank because not only does it contain 3 book, it's also only $14.99.

The Stories included are The Big Blue Soilder, Found Treasure and The Patch of Blue. All three of these stories are very different, but are set back in the 1930's and 1940's. I can really appreciate the different climate of the culture shift between then and now. You won't be disappointed by any of these stories.

In The Big Blue Solider, Lyman Grace a vet from WW I in 1918 is sick, and returns home to find he has lost his money, his business, everything that seemed important to him. What's more important is he is in debt to his eyeballs and he has nothing. Marilla Chadwick invited her nephew Dick who returned from war to dinner but he has refused to come, so She sees Lyman Grace walking down the street and invites him in for dinner. She only asks that he will pretend to be her nephew. Mary Amber has lots of questioning for Marila. In the end, I did see this story turning out the way it did, but I won't ruin the ending. You'll have to read it for yourself.

In Found Treasure we meet Effie who wants to be like all the other ladies, but no matter how much she attempts to be a lady, she acts like a tomboy. I think many of us women can relate to that, however during this time period it was frowned upon if you were not lady like. Enter in Lawerence Earle into the picture and her world changes. He starts quoting scripture and telling her about Jesus. Will this lead her to a hero? A relationship with The Lord or will she find romance?

The last and final story is The Patch of Blue where Chris Walton, a privilege kid who has everything loses his faith and completely acts like a jerk when his fathers banking business fails. Enter in Natalie, a girl who is thankful for everything, sweet as pie, doesn't have much and seems to just be content. Despite Chris's unhappiness he wants to figure out why she's so happy. Is love in the air for these two?

Thank you Bookfun for this book! These were light heart reads. My reviews can be found on goodreads, Deepershopping and Amazon.

[Marilyn Johnson]

The Big Blue Soldier - Marilla Chadwick only wants to have a nice dinner for her nephew coming home from the war, when he can not come does she make a mistake when she invites a soldier off the street to come in and eat with her and her lovely young neighbor? Or was this the best decision possible?

Mary Amber loves her neighbor, whom she calls Aunt Rilla. She is not excited to greet Marilla’s nephew back. He has never been a favorite of hers. Yet, when this stranger shows up is he up to no good or can he really be trusted?

Lyman Cage feels that no one cares anymore what happens to him, and has nowhere to go and no money to get there. So when this sweet older lady invites him in for supper he figures why not, until he realizes there is a ‘girl’ at the supper too. Girls are the enemy, so he thinks. Will this be a good idea or not?


Found Treasure - There are many different characters we meet in this novel. Two sister in particular, Eleanor and Effie Martin, they are have very different personalities. Will they ever get along? Can God change the heart of one and turn her into a treasure?
Can a ‘tomboy’ find a true balance. There is forgiveness, even when not asked for, love and peace found in this story.


The Patch of Blue - Chris Walton, born of wealth and privilege, seems to have everything one could want: loving parents, friends, popularity, money and one more year of collage. When his world comes crashing down will he find the faith and peace his parents have? What good can God have in store when you loose all you think is important?

Natalie Halsey, raised with a great Godly mother but is extremely poor, seems to always be happy. Natalie and Chris went to school together but were worlds apart. When their paths continue to cross will she be able to be the light God intended? Can somthing develop between them?

[Tima]

1st story - Miss Marilla is a bit embarrassed. She's told everyone she knows that her war hero nephew is coming to visit. She's even enlisted the help of her next door neighbor to help her cook. But then he rudely sends a note saying he won't come. Marilla looks up from reading the note to see a young man in uniform walking down the lane. No one has seen her nephew since he was a young boy. Can she convince this young man to pretend to be her nephew for just one meal?

This was a sweet story. The story definitely had a vintage feel to it, but it was a refreshing change from the contemporary stories I've been reading. It was romantic and heartwarming.

2nd story - Effie hasn't ever thought about being girly. She knows that she enjoys riding her bike at top speed and playing baseball. But when she overhears some girls cruelly discussing her behind the hedge she is devastated. What happens as a result sets event in motion that will change the very course of her life.

This was a nice story with a message of salvation woven throughout. But the slight romance that was added felt off and the story ended rather abruptly with no build up. This was my least favorite.

3rd story - Chris is living the life most young men dream of. His father is a wealthy, respected banker. He is the proud owner of a expensive new car. He'll be taking that new car back to college with him in a few days. But someone steals from the bank and in the process, his family looses everything. When Chris is at his lowest point, he learns who his true friends really are.

I enjoyed this story. It was a bit unrealistic at times, but in a sweet way. This story was also very vintage and reminded me a lot of a George MacDonald book.

I received this book free of charge from Barbour Publishing in exchange for my honest review.

[Donna Mcginnis]

This is the first book written by Grace Livingston Hill that I have read and I enjoyed it very much. Three delightful stories of three Treasured Brides in one book.

The Big Blue Soldier: Lyman Grace a returning vet from WW I in 1918 is sick, has lost his business, his money, is now very much in debt and has lost his girl to another man. Marilla Chadwick has invited her nephew Dick who is also returning from the war to dinner but he has refused to come. She sees Lyman walking down the road and invites him for dinner and asks that he pose as her nephew. Marilla's neighbor Mary Amber does not think much of Dick and feels she needs to protect her.

Found Treasure: The setting is in 1928. Effie Martin is a tomboy through and through. She is now at the age where she needs to act more like a lady. She does not fit in with the other girls who say cruel things about her and laugh at her actions. Why should she care? She feels she could change some things about herself but how? Lawrence Earle teaches her that Christ can change her in every way. Will their relationship become more than just friends?

The Patch of Blue: Set in 1932. Christopher Walton, Jr. has it all. His family is very wealthy. He is about to start his final year in college. All of his piers respect him. He has a loving family, a beautiful home, great car and lacks for nothing. His world is shattered when there is a run on his father's bank and they are let penniless and they have to move into a poor neighborhood where he meets Natalie Halsey and she changes his life.

A very sweet and inspirational book. Hope to read more books by this talented author.

I received a copy of this book from bookfun.org for my honest opinion and review.

[Olivia]

These collection is the first books I've read by Grace Livingston Hill. I love her writing-it is fresh and made me smile on many occasions. I definitely look forward to reading more by her.

The Big Blue Soldier {3 stars} This one was sweet. I loved how it was set after WW1, but personally I felt it was too short, and there wasn't Christianity in it. The ending, I thought, was a little sily.

Found Treasure {4 stars} Effie Martin, a tomboy and disliked by a lot of people, finally sees her need to change when Lawrence Earle gives her hope of living for Christ. At first I didn't like Effie, but after several pages I could really feel her discouragement and trouble trying to do what is right. I would have like Effie to have seen Lawrence at the end, but all in all I like this one. Grace Livingston Hill really grasped the time frame quite well.

The Patch of Blue {4 stars} This one is my favorite of the three. Chris, his family having lost all their money and grand house, must help them get back on their feet. He starts working at a grocery story next to Natalie and becomes drawn to Jesus Christ through her testimony. The only thing I didn't like was how much Chris talked sometimes. It sounded too much like the girls and how they went on. But I love the 30s and all the characters were endearing.

A great Christmas present and I'm glad to be introduced to a new author :)

[Jean]

I really enjoyed this book! ....but, not immediately. After reading the first story, which, I have to say I enjoyed, but, it did not keep me riveted, as some books do, but, it did provide a suspense of what would be the outcome. I would go about my day, thinking, "I have to get back and see what happens". I started the second novella immediately after finishing the first one, because I was afraid I would "put it off", and, again, it did not provide that inability to put down the book, but, yet, it provided an innocent transference to a time that you could just envision, with that same "wonder" as to what would become of the character in the story. Mid way through the second story, I acquired that "must finish this" feeling that was previously lacking. Upon completion, I just sat and thought about the story's events, and had such a 'warm and comfortable' feeling about the era that existed and how those feelings could be applied today. It was so powerful for me, and I couldn't wait to start the third story. It was perfect! I finished it in one reading! LOVED IT! This book was really unique! I am so happy that I had the opportunity to read it because, in the end, it became one of those "remembered" reads!

I highly recommend it.

I received this book through bookfun.org in exchange for my honest review.

[Lori Weller]

The Treasured Brides Collection by Grace Livingston Hill is a three-in- one volume. The stories are The Big Blue Soldier(set just after WWI), Found Treasure(set in 1928), and The Patch of Blue(set in 1932). All three are enjoyable and entertaining.
The Big Blue Soldier involves a woman named Marilla who is expecting her nephew to visit her after he is discharged from the Army. Due to circumstances out of her control, her nephew is replaced with the soldier. She has the soldier for dinner and introduces him to her neighbor. Relationships develop.
Found Treasure involves the Martin sisters and their relationships, especially Effie. She has been labeled a tomboy and made fun of by the girls growing up. This story shows that being yourself is the best way to be.
A Patch Blue is the last story and the one I enjoyed the most. Chris Walton has come from a wealthy family and that changes when his father's bank fails. He loses his friends and has to get a job. But throughout it all his family remains positive and happy.
This collection is inspirational and enjoyable. It is light-reading.
I recieved this book from the publisher and the Book Club Network in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Paula-O]

~The Treasured Brides collection by Grace Livingston Hill~

About Grace Livingston Hill

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also wrote under the pseudonym Marcia MacDonald

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.

I enjoyed reading these stories by this author of long ago.
her stories "The Big Blue Soldier", "Found Treasure", "The Patch of Blue" are of brides who will make you smile, cry and just remember the days that you were a bride too.
Love in the midst of their trials and faith leads them to eternal hope and peace..

I received this book from the Bookclub Network for an honest read and review, thank you and the Barbour publishing for a book to add to my collection on this beloved author.

[Kimberly]

The Treasured Brides Collection by Grace Livingston Hill is a three-in-one collection. I was very impressed with all three stories.
The stories included are The Big Blue Soldier, Found Treasure, and The Patch of Blue. Each individual story stands alone and are very well written. The one common thread throughout all of these stories is that the one source of our finding happiness, healing, redemption, peace and love is God. These stories will truly move you.
If you enjoy inspirational fiction--stories of timeless romance, from an amazing author, then this is a book you must this add to your collection.
I was given this book by bookfun.org in exchange for my honest review.

[Joanna Harris]

I was a little disappointed with the first two stories in this collection. I liked the characters and the plots, but then the stories just ended. It felt like they needed a few more chapters. The third story was well done though.

[Lynn Davidson]

Three Christian flavoured romance stories, old-fashioned settings for today, but nice reading.

[Peggy]

You just can't beat a Grace Livingston Hill book. And this one was 3 in 1!! Even better!!