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Saved at sea A lighthouse story
Amy Catherine Walton (1849-1939), better known as Mrs. O. F. Walton, was a British author of Christian children's and teenage books, mainly but not exclusively fiction. Her career as an author of children's books began in 1870 with My Mates and I, followed by at least two others. Then in 1874 came one of her best known books, Christie's Old Organ, which has been regularly reprinted up to the present day. It is the story of orphaned Christie and his friend the aged organ-grinder Treffy. Although she wrote many more books, it is A Peep Behind the Scenes and Christie's Old Organ which have remained well known, continuing to be published by the Lutterworth Press, successor to her original publisher, the Religious Tract Society, until at least the late 20th century, and later available from other publishers, along with occasional reprints of a few of her other works, such as Saved at Sea (1879), to the present day. Her other works include Christie, The King's Servant (1898) and The King's Cup-Bearer (1891).
52 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1887
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328 people want to read
About the author
Mrs. O.F. Walton
73 books19 followersAmy Catherine Walton, better known as Mrs O.F. Walton, was a British author of Christian children's and teenage books, mainly but not exclusively fiction. She was born Amy Catherine Deck in 1849, and died in Leigh, Kent in 1939.
Amy was the daughter of the vicar of St Stephen's Church, Spring Street, Hull.
Her career as an author began with My Mates And I, written in 1870 but not published until 1873. Her first published work was My Little Corner in 1872. In 1874 came one of her most famous books, Christie's Old Organ, which has been regularly reprinted up to the present day. It is the story of orphaned Christie and his friend, the aged organ-grinder Treffy. It was introduced to Japan in 1882 and was published in 1885 by the translation of Tajima Kashi. It was one of the earliest books in history of both Christian's and children's literature of Japan and was re-translated in 1903 and 1994.
In 1875 she married Octavius Frank Walton, who was her father's curate at the time. It was under her husband's name, as Mrs O. F. Walton, that she was to become better known. In the year of their marriage they moved to Jerusalem where Octavius took up a ministry in a church on Mount Zion until 1879. While there in 1877, her book A Peep Behind The Scenes was published. It is the story of Rosalie, a child who works in a travelling theatre.
The Waltons lived at Cally, Kirkcudbrightshire for a while, and from 1883 to 1893, Octavius was in the ministry at the church of St Thomas, York, moving to St Jude's, Wolverhampton in 1893. He retired in 1918.
Although she wrote many more books, it is A Peep Behind the Scenes and Christie's Old Organ that have remained well known, continuing to be published by the Lutterworth Press, successor to her original publisher, the Religious Tract Society.
(from Wikipedia)
Amy was the daughter of the vicar of St Stephen's Church, Spring Street, Hull.
Her career as an author began with My Mates And I, written in 1870 but not published until 1873. Her first published work was My Little Corner in 1872. In 1874 came one of her most famous books, Christie's Old Organ, which has been regularly reprinted up to the present day. It is the story of orphaned Christie and his friend, the aged organ-grinder Treffy. It was introduced to Japan in 1882 and was published in 1885 by the translation of Tajima Kashi. It was one of the earliest books in history of both Christian's and children's literature of Japan and was re-translated in 1903 and 1994.
In 1875 she married Octavius Frank Walton, who was her father's curate at the time. It was under her husband's name, as Mrs O. F. Walton, that she was to become better known. In the year of their marriage they moved to Jerusalem where Octavius took up a ministry in a church on Mount Zion until 1879. While there in 1877, her book A Peep Behind The Scenes was published. It is the story of Rosalie, a child who works in a travelling theatre.
The Waltons lived at Cally, Kirkcudbrightshire for a while, and from 1883 to 1893, Octavius was in the ministry at the church of St Thomas, York, moving to St Jude's, Wolverhampton in 1893. He retired in 1918.
Although she wrote many more books, it is A Peep Behind the Scenes and Christie's Old Organ that have remained well known, continuing to be published by the Lutterworth Press, successor to her original publisher, the Religious Tract Society.
(from Wikipedia)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
February 9, 2021
On going into this book, I wasn’t sure at all of what to expect. I haven’t read much by Mr. O. F. Walton, and I *thought* this was going to be a book for younger. I was trying t oblige my younger siblings by reading this one that they had been recommending and pestering me to read.
What started as a mere attempt to be obliging quickly became something I did for myself. While short, this book taught so much biblical truth, and it was a joy to read. To see Alick and his grandfather and their neighbor as they tended to the light, and fought the sea to save little Timpey was a delight. And what seemed a tragedy – a whole ship being lost and only one child being saved – the blessings that came from that simple act of catching the bundle that was thrown to them in the boat were worth so much more than the mere saving of a life.
I cried as Timpey, with a childlike faith, awakened in the lightkeepers minds and hearts the stirring of better things, heavenly things. And when the gentlemen come, and ask the keepers if their foundation is built on the rock or the sand . . . it was a simple question, that caused them to search for the truths of Scripture.
As I was reading this one, I was thinking about how apt a description the lighthouse is to illustrate the hymn, On Christ the Solid Rock, and the passage in the Bible that talks about building our houses on the rock, so when the rain comes and the floods rise, it will stand firm. This was lovely reminder, in the form of a short little book, to build our houses on the rock that will never fail.
What started as a mere attempt to be obliging quickly became something I did for myself. While short, this book taught so much biblical truth, and it was a joy to read. To see Alick and his grandfather and their neighbor as they tended to the light, and fought the sea to save little Timpey was a delight. And what seemed a tragedy – a whole ship being lost and only one child being saved – the blessings that came from that simple act of catching the bundle that was thrown to them in the boat were worth so much more than the mere saving of a life.
I cried as Timpey, with a childlike faith, awakened in the lightkeepers minds and hearts the stirring of better things, heavenly things. And when the gentlemen come, and ask the keepers if their foundation is built on the rock or the sand . . . it was a simple question, that caused them to search for the truths of Scripture.
As I was reading this one, I was thinking about how apt a description the lighthouse is to illustrate the hymn, On Christ the Solid Rock, and the passage in the Bible that talks about building our houses on the rock, so when the rain comes and the floods rise, it will stand firm. This was lovely reminder, in the form of a short little book, to build our houses on the rock that will never fail.
July 2, 2012
"On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand."
All other ground is sinking sand."
October 12, 2022
Everyone should read this book! Love the allegory.
November 17, 2017
Sweet little story, probably originally aimed at young people. This LibriVox version is read by a young girl who did a pretty good job.
November 8, 2024
I loved this one as a little girl and just finished sharing it with my daughter. She loved it as much as I did. Such a sweet, meaningful story.
June 23, 2023
I read the book for school and wrote a book report.
Saved at Sea by O.F Walton is a heart-warming story about a boy named Aleck who is the grandson of a lighthouse keeper. When a ship wrecks by their Island they rescue a little girl whose pet name is Timpey. It goes it great detail about the importance of “being on the rock”; living a Christ-like life. I think that beautiful. I think that’s important for Aleck to grow up “on the rock.” I love how well Aleck handles little Timpey (her real name being Lucy, which is my name too!) being sent away to live with her real parents. I love when Aleck’s Father returns. If you’re looking for an easy, heart warming read, Saved at Sea is for you.
Saved at Sea by O.F Walton is a heart-warming story about a boy named Aleck who is the grandson of a lighthouse keeper. When a ship wrecks by their Island they rescue a little girl whose pet name is Timpey. It goes it great detail about the importance of “being on the rock”; living a Christ-like life. I think that beautiful. I think that’s important for Aleck to grow up “on the rock.” I love how well Aleck handles little Timpey (her real name being Lucy, which is my name too!) being sent away to live with her real parents. I love when Aleck’s Father returns. If you’re looking for an easy, heart warming read, Saved at Sea is for you.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 21, 2018
I read this to my boys at bed time. It is meant as a children’s book but at 8 they weren’t quite ready to read it themselves. They needed a bit explained to them to help them follow and the Old English confused them a bit.
I love that it expanded their vocabulary and ear for literature. The story itself was sad, suspenseful, happy and true to life with biblical truths intertwined throughout. I would definitely recommend!!
I love that it expanded their vocabulary and ear for literature. The story itself was sad, suspenseful, happy and true to life with biblical truths intertwined throughout. I would definitely recommend!!
October 30, 2025
I am a homeschooler who uses The Good and Beautiful, and I’ve read a lot of books from it. This book was one of them!
Saved at Sea by O.F Walton tells the story of a lighthouse keeper’s grandson named Alick who rescues a little girl named Timpey. Alick and his grandfather take in Timpey for a while.
Unfortunately, I didn’t have a very good understanding of it, likely because it came out in 1879. It may even be one of my least favorites. But wait! I’m just a 6th grader who was told to read it, so you should probably take this review with a grain of salt! It is still very well written, and I would recommend it if you like these kinds of books. It just wasn’t for me, is all. I give it 3 stars. So yeah, if you like books like this, then try it!
Saved at Sea by O.F Walton tells the story of a lighthouse keeper’s grandson named Alick who rescues a little girl named Timpey. Alick and his grandfather take in Timpey for a while.
Unfortunately, I didn’t have a very good understanding of it, likely because it came out in 1879. It may even be one of my least favorites. But wait! I’m just a 6th grader who was told to read it, so you should probably take this review with a grain of salt! It is still very well written, and I would recommend it if you like these kinds of books. It just wasn’t for me, is all. I give it 3 stars. So yeah, if you like books like this, then try it!
August 8, 2017
This is a cute story with lots of emotion! Simply written, which would make it good for younger readers. Explains simply what it means to build our lives on the Rock, Jesus Christ, while telling a story that will captivate interest.
The plot is interesting, but only mentions a few major events, which made the book feel like it was flying by faster than I could keep up. The way it was written, it feels like everything happened in a week, which just doesn't compute well in my mind, haha. Still, I enjoyed the emotion in it, and the intensity of the events that take place in it.
The plot is interesting, but only mentions a few major events, which made the book feel like it was flying by faster than I could keep up. The way it was written, it feels like everything happened in a week, which just doesn't compute well in my mind, haha. Still, I enjoyed the emotion in it, and the intensity of the events that take place in it.
April 1, 2019
I listened to the LibriVox audiobook edition, which I didn’t see listed as an option to review. The narrator sounded like a little girl. There wasn’t a credit listed for the reader, but at the end of the book she identified herself as Rachel.
Having a child read this book was very appropriate as the story is told from the viewpoint of a young boy. She did a very impressive job, with the exception of the hymn she sang at the end of the book.
It’s a quick read/listen but if you aren’t open to religion, or rather not a believer, it may not be for you.
Having a child read this book was very appropriate as the story is told from the viewpoint of a young boy. She did a very impressive job, with the exception of the hymn she sang at the end of the book.
It’s a quick read/listen but if you aren’t open to religion, or rather not a believer, it may not be for you.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 2, 2024
When a shipwreck orphans a little girl, Alick and his grandfather must take action to help her. Timpey, the little girl isn’t more than two years old, but she still is like a shining light to everyone at the lighthouse. But could there still be some family who are missing her. I loved this book because of the great message it gives. My favourite characters is Timpey and Alick, and my favourite part is when they rescue Timpey. If you are for a cute book with a good message that isn’t too long, Saved at sea might be the book for you.
January 15, 2025
Review completed by boy+ age 11.
Saved at Sea by O. F. Walton tells the story of a young boy and his grandfather living on an island when a young girl named Timpey was saved at sea. I really liked the book and thought that it was nicely written. It had wonderful messages and really showed how to be on the Rock. The book taught me what life was like living on an island and how a lighthouse helped sailors to find their way. If you are looking for a well-written book with good messages, Saved at Sea is highly recommended.
Saved at Sea by O. F. Walton tells the story of a young boy and his grandfather living on an island when a young girl named Timpey was saved at sea. I really liked the book and thought that it was nicely written. It had wonderful messages and really showed how to be on the Rock. The book taught me what life was like living on an island and how a lighthouse helped sailors to find their way. If you are looking for a well-written book with good messages, Saved at Sea is highly recommended.
May 15, 2019
Saved at sea is another great story, it teaches the importance of putting your faith in Christ on nothing else but rock. It also teaches the meaning of love, hope, faith, and most of all family. I so wish these books were taught when I was in school. I am 36, and I learned more about faith, love, kindness. Then I have my whole entire life. Please read this book if you are having doubts about your faith.
March 18, 2024
Saved at Sea is what I believe a true Christian children's book should be.
A good example where simplified for a child does not have to equal chucking good or compelling storytelling out.
I also appreciated the natural way of bringing God into it.
Saved at Sea is beautiful and bitter-sweet in many ways. While some emotional intricacies were brushed over for the reading age, it was none the less a wonderful read.
A good example where simplified for a child does not have to equal chucking good or compelling storytelling out.
I also appreciated the natural way of bringing God into it.
Saved at Sea is beautiful and bitter-sweet in many ways. While some emotional intricacies were brushed over for the reading age, it was none the less a wonderful read.
March 10, 2025
Saved at Sea by O.F Walton was one of the more disappointing books I have read even though I didn’t expect much of it. The entire story just felt off. One second there’s a calm island, the next an entire boat of people drowning. There was just a lot of death and it didn’t really add anything to the story. For instance,Why did this person’s husband die and then we never mention it again? Finally, to make things worse it had a very sudden ending with many story questions unanswered.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 11, 2025
It’s nice to remember the childhood some times, this books bring me memories…
First, why I become Christian and why I started falling in love with books.
This story besides it’s infant aura, it´s full of message and significance, the book englobes family, Faith and how they pass through vicissitudes and how deal with death, from a child visión what is strange in these days, I’m glad that I grew up with this kind of books and I hope that catch your Hearts, like it did with mine.
First, why I become Christian and why I started falling in love with books.
This story besides it’s infant aura, it´s full of message and significance, the book englobes family, Faith and how they pass through vicissitudes and how deal with death, from a child visión what is strange in these days, I’m glad that I grew up with this kind of books and I hope that catch your Hearts, like it did with mine.
May 4, 2022
Saved at Sea by O.F. Walton is a story about a boy who lives in a lighthouse, and saves the life of a baby girl (Timpey or Lucy as some might call her). I liked it as a story that you would like to read one chapter a day to have more suprises if you don't like suprises then this would be a one day read.
October 22, 2025
Saved at Sea by O.F. Walton is a story about a boy named Alick and his grandfather who live on a small island in Scotland. Alick’s grandfather works at the lighthouse on the island to guide and help ships to safety. This book was very heartfelt, tragic, and written beautifully. I would recommend this book because through life and death you can stand the storm.
October 1, 2017
3.5 stars (liked it)
A simply written and heartwarming 1887 Christian short story about a grandfather and young grandson who rescue a girl from the sea which has a lasting impact on their life. A book that can be enjoyed by adults and young people alike.
March 25, 2018
Character building book for young and old alike
Very well written. The characters were very well described. The story will have an impact on anyone's life. I am glad the book was required reading for my son, excellent reading for a child - which I ended up enjoying as much.
Very well written. The characters were very well described. The story will have an impact on anyone's life. I am glad the book was required reading for my son, excellent reading for a child - which I ended up enjoying as much.
April 17, 2020
Very good book, but I don't like how they killed of the one character just to make a point and I don't like how he just found his father and then immediately moved away. I liked the characters though so this is one of my top books this year.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 3, 2022
Saved at sea I thought it was a good book. It was nice had sad parts. It was a short book overall it could have been much longer. It was happy and sad when his dad arrived. I learned that a dock is a scary place and lighthouses are tall
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 9, 2017
Quick little allegory on the meaning of, need for, and process of salvation.
The Kindle version could do with a bit of editing.
All-in-all a worthy read.
The Kindle version could do with a bit of editing.
All-in-all a worthy read.
November 8, 2017
4th graders reading
My child's teacher is reading this book with her class. It was wonderful! I downloaded it and found it reviting myself.
My child's teacher is reading this book with her class. It was wonderful! I downloaded it and found it reviting myself.
October 19, 2018
Lovely story with some not over the top yet challenging theology. My family was just ready for it.
January 2, 2019
Children's story of a lighthouse keeper's grandson that includes plan of salvation.
April 19, 2020
A beautiful tale. I've read and re-read this and never stop loving it!
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August 5, 2020Chapter 5
November 19, 2020
A mystery/adventure novel for young readers. I enjoyed it quite a bit when I was young!
January 16, 2021
A very nice book
Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews