The Dim Lantern

by Temple Bailey

"The Dim Lantern" is a timeless love story exquisitely written with a realness for any age. The story develops a classic love triangle. This book tells about a man suffering from the mental, physical, and emotional effects of war. Yet, he overcomes his demons to make himself worthy of the girl he loves.

Genres: Fiction

218 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1923

About the author

Known as "Queen of the Romantic Novel", Irene Temple Bailey was born in Petersburg, Virginia. Her childhood was spent in Washington, D.C., and she attended a girls' school in Richmond, Virginia. In the early 1900s, she had her fiction published in national magazines such as The Saturday Evening Post, Cavalier Magazine, Cosmopolitan, American Magazine, McClure's, Woman's Home Companion, Good Housekeeping, and McCall's.

Her success with short stories inspired her to try her hand at books, and her first novel, Judy, was published in 1907. She eventually wrote over 25 best-selling books and became one of the most successful authors of her time. Later she also ventured into screenwriting; in 1914 she wrote the screenplay for the Vitagraph Studios film Auntie.

Temple Bailey is probably most famous for her short story, "A Parable of Motherhood."

Source: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/1...

Reviews

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes, I go on author binges.
One suggestion that Temple Bailey books have are that you overcome yourself, before you offer yourself to someone in marriage. Those who do have confidence in their marriage and those who don't struggle.
This book is about a man who is struggling from the mental, physical, and emotional effects of war. He loves a girl named Jane. The story is about how he overcomes his demons in order to make himself worthy of her and about her learning what is most important in a man and marriage.

[Johnny Bennett · Rating 4 out of 5]

This romance involves a small change to the classic love triangle story. As it was being read, the brain was trying to cast different characters and turn it into a mini series. Unfortunate single use of the N-word as a general pejorative instead of specifically directed one.

[Stephanie Pieck · Rating 4 out of 5]

The ending of this novel, a lovely period piece of World War I, was perfectly executed. There are no "happily ever afters," but "all manner of things shall be well."

[Erin Orchard]

I found this book at a used book store, and I had to own it. One of my most loved and cherished book of all time is Wallflowers by Temple Bailey which I first discovered at a used book store as well. I am so excited to read it, it was quite a happy find. :)

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even though this is just a romance novel, it is so well written. It is so refreshing to read a beautifully crafted story with proper grammar, excellent word choice, and upstanding characters. I highly recommend any of her books.

[Bruce Hundertmark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Timeless

This story is timeless, exquisitely written with a realness for any age. One of the best books I've ever read. I wish the story could have kept going. It would have been great fun to continue the journey.

[Morag · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite Temple Bailey novels!