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Beauty for Ashes
Gloria knew the benefits of wealth. Her life had been filled with every conceivable luxury, which would only continue when she was married to a well-known and wealthy man. But Gloria's world is shattered when her fiancé is found murdered--in very questionable circumstances. Broken-hearted, Gloria flees to the quiet country town where her father grew up.
There she meets sincere, humble people who seem satisfied without money--and discovers a love she never dreamed existed. But can even the love of handsome Murray MacRae release Gloria from the shame of her past?
There she meets sincere, humble people who seem satisfied without money--and discovers a love she never dreamed existed. But can even the love of handsome Murray MacRae release Gloria from the shame of her past?
317 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1935
63 people are currently reading
274 people want to read
About the author
Grace Livingston Hill
594 books572 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 - 30 of 38 reviews
May 19, 2019
4.5 stars, rounded up
Probably one of my favorite GLH books to date because the characters are so well fleshed out and hop off the page. It also has a strong presentation of the Gospel, which the heroine had not been familiar with, and it was very well portrayed (didn’t feel shoehorned in where it didn’t belong, but worked naturally in the story).
The cover’s pretty but there’s not a lot of music actually in the story. I did find it interesting to note that the two sisters played piano and violin, just like GLH’s own two daughters.
Probably one of my favorite GLH books to date because the characters are so well fleshed out and hop off the page. It also has a strong presentation of the Gospel, which the heroine had not been familiar with, and it was very well portrayed (didn’t feel shoehorned in where it didn’t belong, but worked naturally in the story).
The cover’s pretty but there’s not a lot of music actually in the story. I did find it interesting to note that the two sisters played piano and violin, just like GLH’s own two daughters.
April 5, 2019
I was excited about the violin on the cover, but there turned out to be very little violin playing (and of course the brother's old violin would be a Strad . . . right).
But I did enjoy the story of the sisters' transformation in the face of hard times—and the historical insight into what it must have been like to live during the Depression.
But I did enjoy the story of the sisters' transformation in the face of hard times—and the historical insight into what it must have been like to live during the Depression.
September 26, 2024
Rating: 5 / 5
This is a really lovely story that was just perfect! I truly love Ms. HIll's style overall, but in this book in particular, she has struck the perfect balance of...oh, many things!
Following the tragic(?) death of her ex-fiance, Gloria Sutherland wants nothing more than to get away from everyone and everything in her old and frivolous life. With her father, she takes a trip out to the countryside and is able to find a bit of peace, even if it's only in moments and snippets. Once her father leaves though, she finally meets Murray McRae, who, apart from being a charming neighbor and an entertaining tennis player, is also brightly confident and at peace himself, being "saved". Evidently, Murray's own religious interest spurs on questions in Gloria as well, and a journey to the Lord that is prompted by her own difficulty in life. When her sister Vanna comes up to the country as well, things get doubly interesting, and thus Ms. Hill weaves a perfect and perfectly balance story of two romances bound together by religion.
From start to finish, I loved this book, and I think I can easily put it in the Top 10 of my favourite Grace Livingston Hill reads--though it will be a while yet before I make an official list of that, as I intend to read a great deal more of her works before deciding. Still though, it's definitely an essential read for anyone who loves her style of writing as I do, and a charming story that will relax and inspire you.
This is a really lovely story that was just perfect! I truly love Ms. HIll's style overall, but in this book in particular, she has struck the perfect balance of...oh, many things!
Following the tragic(?) death of her ex-fiance, Gloria Sutherland wants nothing more than to get away from everyone and everything in her old and frivolous life. With her father, she takes a trip out to the countryside and is able to find a bit of peace, even if it's only in moments and snippets. Once her father leaves though, she finally meets Murray McRae, who, apart from being a charming neighbor and an entertaining tennis player, is also brightly confident and at peace himself, being "saved". Evidently, Murray's own religious interest spurs on questions in Gloria as well, and a journey to the Lord that is prompted by her own difficulty in life. When her sister Vanna comes up to the country as well, things get doubly interesting, and thus Ms. Hill weaves a perfect and perfectly balance story of two romances bound together by religion.
From start to finish, I loved this book, and I think I can easily put it in the Top 10 of my favourite Grace Livingston Hill reads--though it will be a while yet before I make an official list of that, as I intend to read a great deal more of her works before deciding. Still though, it's definitely an essential read for anyone who loves her style of writing as I do, and a charming story that will relax and inspire you.
April 16, 2016
I REALLY enjoyed this book, even more than The Challengers. The story was so sweet and sincere and the ending was just right, because it emphasized what is really important in this life. (Plus, the 1930s details were delightful, as always. :) )
March 24, 2014
This book was one of the best GLH's I have ever read. The message touched my heart. If you have never read a book by Grace Livingston Hill, you should try one.
October 28, 2012
I have had this book on my bookshelves for a long time. Would pull it out then decide against it. I am so sorry I did not read it right away. If I could have given it a 10 star rating I would have. It was very well written and grabbed me right from the start. A well to do family with two lovely girls and a boy who was away from home. One of the girls was a week away from being married when a very unfortunate thing happened. Despite her mothers feelings she wanted to get away from any one that would know her. Her father had just the right place in mind. He took her back to where he was raised. Way out in the country where life was simple. She ended up spending many days there and found the true meaning of life and love. Her sister eventually joined her and what an adventure they had together. They both found faith in Christ and the true meaning of love. Then their father became ill and they had to return home. Let's just say that God's plan is always the best even when misfortune happens. Don't want to spoil the ending for anyone. A must read and a keeper book for me.
October 29, 2014
I got to give this book its due respect. This author actually lived the time period the story took place and she would have seen lots of changes with people, environment, government, economy in her life time. I didn't realise the author wasn't who I thought she was till reading the book (got her mixed up with another author). I liked the story of the 2 sisters who saw life in 2 different settings and were able to choose for themselves their futures. They didn't have to be govern by attitude n behaviour of lifestyle chosen by money, breeding, location. Their mother needed a slap or two in her behaviour n thinking. As for the men it's good to know their are spiritual ones out in the community to be found. (we are just passing through on this earth to a better place made without pain/sorrow/death)
May 8, 2014
Hott Synopsis:
Gloria is devastated when barely a week before their nuptials her fiance is killed while out with another girl.
Running away to her father’s ancestral home to avoid the well meaning attention she finds that maybe there is a bit more to this life than she’s always believed.
Hott Review:
This isn’t my first or even second read of this book. I’ve actually owned it for years and read it several times. Yet, this time I didn’t enjoy it as much as I have in the past. Usually, I’m more able to focus on Gloria’s growth whereas this time I couldn’t get past the devastation that started this.
More…
Author: Grace Livingston Hill
Source: Barbour Books via Netgalley
Grade: B+ – I gave this a B+ because even though I didn’t enjoy it so much this time, I have enjoyed it very much in the past.
Ages: 16+
Steam: Nada
Setting: 1930′s Maine
Gloria is devastated when barely a week before their nuptials her fiance is killed while out with another girl.
Running away to her father’s ancestral home to avoid the well meaning attention she finds that maybe there is a bit more to this life than she’s always believed.
Hott Review:
This isn’t my first or even second read of this book. I’ve actually owned it for years and read it several times. Yet, this time I didn’t enjoy it as much as I have in the past. Usually, I’m more able to focus on Gloria’s growth whereas this time I couldn’t get past the devastation that started this.
More…
Author: Grace Livingston Hill
Source: Barbour Books via Netgalley
Grade: B+ – I gave this a B+ because even though I didn’t enjoy it so much this time, I have enjoyed it very much in the past.
Ages: 16+
Steam: Nada
Setting: 1930′s Maine
February 9, 2010
Why do I enjoy the old Grace Livingston Hill novels so much? She wrote the original Christian fiction. Her characters, although "old-fashioned", face dilemmas which are surprisingly modern. Beauty for Ashes is not one of her most compelling but it makes a good read.
July 31, 2020
A delightful 'riches to rags' conversion story in which the heroine(s) lose it all materially and yet gain it all spiritually. I love any GLH novel where a character leaves the city to embrace the simple life in the country-the more domestic details, the better. This had great descriptions of the farmhouse, the Maine countryside, and amazing meals that made you hungry to read about.
The conversion, how Gloria and Vanna had their eyes opened by Murray and Robert to what really mattered in life, felt organic as it unfolded over the course of the story. The sweet scene(s) at the waterfall were classic GLH romance.
While I've enjoyed all of her books I've read so far, not all of them are ones I'd read more than once. This is one I would.
The conversion, how Gloria and Vanna had their eyes opened by Murray and Robert to what really mattered in life, felt organic as it unfolded over the course of the story. The sweet scene(s) at the waterfall were classic GLH romance.
While I've enjoyed all of her books I've read so far, not all of them are ones I'd read more than once. This is one I would.
March 18, 2022
Gloria's world comes crashing to a halt when her fiance dies under dubious circumstances. All her wealth and beauty cannot protect her from the scandal. In fleeing to find somewhere to grieve the life she could have had, she winds up in a remote location, her father's childhood home, where she discovers new Life and a better way of doing things.
I love Grace's books when they turn into a double romance, though I wish like crazy this book was twice as long so we could get to know all the characters better. This story though is such a journey, beautiful to read, even if the circumstances are a touch contrived and things get a little sermon-esque now and again. Still, I love Grace's books anyway, as they feed something in my soul which craves the simplicity of the message the author worked so hard to convey.
That said, I have to give this book five stars just because I read it at the right time and place for it to speak deeply to me.
I love Grace's books when they turn into a double romance, though I wish like crazy this book was twice as long so we could get to know all the characters better. This story though is such a journey, beautiful to read, even if the circumstances are a touch contrived and things get a little sermon-esque now and again. Still, I love Grace's books anyway, as they feed something in my soul which craves the simplicity of the message the author worked so hard to convey.
That said, I have to give this book five stars just because I read it at the right time and place for it to speak deeply to me.
December 1, 2013
Livingston Hill's BEAUTY FOR ASHES is typical of her brand of evangelical Christianity and the device of having either hero, or heroine experience, through meeting the other, a conversion. In this case, the novel is weakened by the fact that Gloria's story is eclipsed by her sister's, Vanna's. However, the second half of the novel, which focusses on Vanna, has a great "dark night of the soul" description. It is in the writing that Livingston Hill's strength lies; her prose is powerful and interesting more often than not. If you'd like to read a more detailed review, please follow the link:
http://missbatesreadsromance.com/2013...
I am grateful to Barbour Publishing for an e-ARC, via Netgalley, in exchange for these honest reviews.
http://missbatesreadsromance.com/2013...
I am grateful to Barbour Publishing for an e-ARC, via Netgalley, in exchange for these honest reviews.
June 26, 2014
One of my very favorites of GLH's books, I reread it regularly. You do have to be okay with her proselyting, but that's actually one of the reasons I love the book so much! I love a story where God is the the reason for happiness in people's lives, through tragedy but with God, they are brought to much better solutions than without them! Gloria's tragedy turned out to be her saving blessing!
May 28, 2009
This is a story of a young woman whose fiance is murdered. She leaves town, hating the rumors she hears about what he was doing before he died. She meets a young Christian man. Hard for me to remember it all, but it's similar to a lot of GLH's romances.
December 19, 2007
I found it to be a charming book. I loved how the womem found salvation through their different circumstances.
June 14, 2017
My second favorite of her works.
January 9, 2014
It was a great book! Definitely would recommend it.
July 20, 2016
Took me a few chapters to get into this story but once I did, I thoroughly enjoyed it! I like how the multiple stories were woven together and it got a bit suspenseful toward the end. Very enjoyable.
June 4, 2018
I can tell what G.L. Hill thinks of city-dwellers ...
On the other hand, I can tell G.L. Hill thinks people in the country are much more superior.
If guys want to learn how to be as chivalrous as possible, they should probably imitate G.L. Hill's male heroes.
Those were kind of random thoughts, because that's generally what I had about this book. Overall, I enjoyed it, but there were little details that seemed a little too much. For example, how Gloria and Vanna both adapted so well to the country, and how everyone in the Sutherland family just loved the not-so-backwoods and plain, country, and Christian folks. Not that there wouldn't be someone who is attracted to the country despite their childhood, but I was surprised both sisters were immediately taken to them.
I also was a little confused at the fact that when each couple professed their love, that automatically made them engaged?? Like, there was no, "Will you marry me" moment, just an "I love you" moment. So ... I guess that was just understood? But it was very sweet anyway, especially with
On the other hand, I can tell G.L. Hill thinks people in the country are much more superior.
If guys want to learn how to be as chivalrous as possible, they should probably imitate G.L. Hill's male heroes.
Those were kind of random thoughts, because that's generally what I had about this book. Overall, I enjoyed it, but there were little details that seemed a little too much. For example, how Gloria and Vanna both adapted so well to the country, and how everyone in the Sutherland family just loved the not-so-backwoods and plain, country, and Christian folks. Not that there wouldn't be someone who is attracted to the country despite their childhood, but I was surprised both sisters were immediately taken to them.
I also was a little confused at the fact that when each couple professed their love, that automatically made them engaged?? Like, there was no, "Will you marry me" moment, just an "I love you" moment. So ... I guess that was just understood? But it was very sweet anyway, especially with
March 20, 2025
I normally like Grace Livingston Hills books but this one was not up to her normal standard. It felt like you came in at the middle of the story and the characters were either written to be very good or very bad, no nuances at all. The mother type character was absolutely horrible- I don’t see how the father type person ever came to be involved with her in the first place and then to just wrap it all up niceLu the end. No no no. I will continue to read her books because this is the first one I have come across that wasn’t up to the same standards as her others.
May 5, 2019
I have all of her books.
I have read her books at least 6 times each. Am so thrilled to find them on kindle, even though I own all her books kindle is easy to read in bed & take the places. Her books are beautifully written and romantic. Love reading how people survived during the depression with what they had. Beautiful how people find God.
I have read her books at least 6 times each. Am so thrilled to find them on kindle, even though I own all her books kindle is easy to read in bed & take the places. Her books are beautifully written and romantic. Love reading how people survived during the depression with what they had. Beautiful how people find God.
April 23, 2024
Another good Grace Livingston Hill read. This book contained life's darker elements, which was a change from the usual peachy atmosphere that is in many of Hill's stories, but the overall theme still rang forth virtues such as courage, forgiveness, and strength. I enjoyed the fact that this was less about romance and more about the characters' discovery of and growth in God.
February 9, 2026
wholesome and uplifting
GLH is one of my favorite authors. I believe I’ve read every book she’s ever written. Her life itself is a testimony to God‘s enduring faithfulness. Beauty for Ashes is filled with the timeless message of how God can turn deep pain into to something beautiful if we trust Him. I highly recommend!
GLH is one of my favorite authors. I believe I’ve read every book she’s ever written. Her life itself is a testimony to God‘s enduring faithfulness. Beauty for Ashes is filled with the timeless message of how God can turn deep pain into to something beautiful if we trust Him. I highly recommend!
November 1, 2017
What a delight to find unapologetically Christian stories from the first part of the 20th century! I found this book and several others by GLH in an antique shop, and loved them all. Perfect bedside reading.
August 27, 2021
Ends abruptly
It would appear the story is not complete. This was not free or a sample. I paid for it and expected to get the entire book. It does not even show the percentage read. Rating is for the kindle edition, not the story.
It would appear the story is not complete. This was not free or a sample. I paid for it and expected to get the entire book. It does not even show the percentage read. Rating is for the kindle edition, not the story.
October 15, 2021
I downloaded this as part of a set of books. It was pretty dated. The very privileged main character’s fiancé died so her father takes her back to where he grew up where she meets a whole slew of salt of the earth people and discovers a Christian faith.
December 9, 2023
Such a wonderful book!
I love all the books by Grace Livingston Hill! This one is special it deals with wealth and how money cannot satisfy. The story is rich with spiritual truths and leaves one uplifted after reading it. Love this book!
I love all the books by Grace Livingston Hill! This one is special it deals with wealth and how money cannot satisfy. The story is rich with spiritual truths and leaves one uplifted after reading it. Love this book!
August 25, 2024
A lovely story about a family that finds its way back together. And not just the parents/children, but the husband/wife. The father and wife haven't connected in years. The two girls are miserable. They're involved with people who are nasty and conniving.
Then the fiancé dies, and the girl who'd been left behind just needs to get away to think. When she leaves, she finds out that the gilded life isn't as healthy, happy, or holy as the one she could have away from the materialism and social dance of the modern world.
I really, REALLY liked it.
Then the fiancé dies, and the girl who'd been left behind just needs to get away to think. When she leaves, she finds out that the gilded life isn't as healthy, happy, or holy as the one she could have away from the materialism and social dance of the modern world.
I really, REALLY liked it.
September 16, 2018
Another great book by Grace!!! Loved the Mystery plus romance thrown into it. Started off sad at 1st BUT I'm glad it ended on a happy note :D
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews