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The White Lady
If there was one thing Constance Wetherill would not accept, it was pity. So when her family lost their fortune, she slipped away from town, determined to start a new life. And she succeeded wonderfully! Not only did she establish a thriving business, she discovered the wonder of service to Christ--and found love with a dedicated young minister.
Then the night of the great fire threatened to take it all away from her. . . .
Then the night of the great fire threatened to take it all away from her. . . .
249 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1930
67 people are currently reading
261 people want to read
About the author
Grace Livingston Hill
599 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 - 27 of 28 reviews
February 13, 2024
I found the first half a bit slow but I couldn’t stop reading the second half. Livingston Hill brings all the plot threads together at the end with quite a bang. In some ways, I think this could have been longer. There were many bits of the plot I would have been happy to read more about. And there was some suspension of disbelief required that might have been made more plausible with more detail. (Honestly though I can easily suspend disbelief. 😂 ) There is a real poetic justice at the end that I enjoyed very much and yet I would have liked Constance to have more of a last word. There is a beautiful story of redemption woven into several characters’ storylines. I enjoyed that very much. John Endicott is a Father Tim-like character, so genuinely caring of his varied flock. Jimmy and Norah are easily two of my favorite characters. Jimmy has a bit of Dooley about him and Norah a bit of Puny. I loved the food details with the tea shop. And the romance is sweet on both sides. All in all, a gentle and a moving story.
P.S. How could I forget the excellent Dr Randall? Jimmy’s reason for getting him instead of another doctor is possibly my favorite part of the whole book.
P.S. How could I forget the excellent Dr Randall? Jimmy’s reason for getting him instead of another doctor is possibly my favorite part of the whole book.
July 13, 2016
Hill's stories are my "guilty pleasure-escapist reading." I can't stand so-called "romance" novels, but for Grace Livingston Hill I make an exception. I can lose myself in her superb descriptions of life in the 1920s - 1940s, from the clothing they wore, to the food they ate, where they lived, what they drove, and the music they listened to. Her heroines were good, strong, resourceful women of deep faith, who overcame insurmountable obstacles through persistence and prayer. And when there is a romance, there might eventually be hand-holding, a hug, and a kiss--always leading to marriage--but no sex scenes or even hints that there might be.
February 12, 2018
A Sweet little romance, but there were too many ends left dangling throughout the book which made it a bit frustrating.
Update 2018: perhaps I read it a little more carefully this time, or maybe just through familiarity there did not seem to be so many danglers this time through. I like Constance's determination to make her way in the world. I still wish the conclusion was not quite so sudden.
Update 2018: perhaps I read it a little more carefully this time, or maybe just through familiarity there did not seem to be so many danglers this time through. I like Constance's determination to make her way in the world. I still wish the conclusion was not quite so sudden.
February 17, 2023
Rating: 3.4 / 5
Somehow, this book took longer for me to get through than other Grace Livingston Hills novels I've read, and it's a bit hard to consider why that is. I think part of the reason might be because for over half of the novel, all we get is descriptions of Constance Wetherill's change from a life of riches to a life of rags, how she tries to cope with economizing her limited fortune and somehow figuring out ways to make more money to survive in the future.
A lot of the first part was trail and error for figuring out what would work and what wouldn't, and the entire time Constance is keeping her situation a secret, even from her own grandmother. During this time, I think my main problem is that she doesn't really get a lot of interaction with other people like the minister from the back summary of the book.
In other words, it wasn't as charming as what I was expecting it to be, and when the plot really gets going by the last quarter of the book, I lost interest in the story overall and just glazed over the exciting parts. The ending was too fast and too sudden after 150 pages or so of smooth-and-easy, description-full passages to read through.
All in all, an 'okay' read, but not the best work by Hill from what I've read so far.
Somehow, this book took longer for me to get through than other Grace Livingston Hills novels I've read, and it's a bit hard to consider why that is. I think part of the reason might be because for over half of the novel, all we get is descriptions of Constance Wetherill's change from a life of riches to a life of rags, how she tries to cope with economizing her limited fortune and somehow figuring out ways to make more money to survive in the future.
A lot of the first part was trail and error for figuring out what would work and what wouldn't, and the entire time Constance is keeping her situation a secret, even from her own grandmother. During this time, I think my main problem is that she doesn't really get a lot of interaction with other people like the minister from the back summary of the book.
In other words, it wasn't as charming as what I was expecting it to be, and when the plot really gets going by the last quarter of the book, I lost interest in the story overall and just glazed over the exciting parts. The ending was too fast and too sudden after 150 pages or so of smooth-and-easy, description-full passages to read through.
All in all, an 'okay' read, but not the best work by Hill from what I've read so far.
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September 6, 2013Grace Livingston Hill wrote around 100 novels--and I think I may own copies of them all. (Some I bought years ago at library booksale, editions dating from maybe 1930's which were going for perhaps 50 cents each or less --but no one else was interested, maybe because demographics of area had changed. I also own a number of Christian novels by her aunt and mentor, Isabel Alden.
After reading WOMAN IN WHITE by Wilkie Collins, I understand reasons for some parts of WHITE LADY that had made me wonder.
After reading WOMAN IN WHITE by Wilkie Collins, I understand reasons for some parts of WHITE LADY that had made me wonder.
February 10, 2016
My favorite Christian author of all time.
I was quite young when I was introduced to Grace Livingston Hill by an elderly lady who he lived during the time when Mrs. Hill lived. She had the complete works in her personal library and graciously let me borrow them. I became hooked and vowed that one day I would have them too. Thanks to Kindle for helping me make my dream come true. These books are fresh, wholesome, and sweet love stories. I would recommend them to everyone.
I was quite young when I was introduced to Grace Livingston Hill by an elderly lady who he lived during the time when Mrs. Hill lived. She had the complete works in her personal library and graciously let me borrow them. I became hooked and vowed that one day I would have them too. Thanks to Kindle for helping me make my dream come true. These books are fresh, wholesome, and sweet love stories. I would recommend them to everyone.
December 15, 2018
Her writing is like no other ... my all-time favorite author/!
I liked everything about this book. Love her style of writing, the uniqueness of each of her characters, and the inspiring life lessons in her storylines. And I'm never the least bit bored.
I liked everything about this book. Love her style of writing, the uniqueness of each of her characters, and the inspiring life lessons in her storylines. And I'm never the least bit bored.
October 10, 2012
Very improbable. I like the way Constance's plan to make it on her own requires a faithful servant to do all the cooking and cleaning at her tea room.
February 24, 2020
I love GLH!
February 25, 2018
Was first introduced to her books by my MIL, before I realised a while world of Christian fiction existed. Nice story with a strong Christian theme, and some suspense.
July 3, 2023
Easily one of my favorite Grace Livingston Hills.
January 29, 2026
Well, I enjoyed reading this once. It did seem pretty fantastic in some ways and the ending had to be rather dramatic to wrap everything up so quickly. Constance was sweet, but I didn't really like the fact that she never told her grandma about what happened. I do think she would have been okay about it all later. And the build up of Silas and what he had planned really didn't amount to anything, which was fine, but it seemed over dramatized. I was glad that Morris didn't even up being a jerk at the very end even if he was one much of the time.
The Christianity was sort of there, but all the parts where someone gets saved were just sort of left behind and glossed over so that you really weren't sure what happened.
The Christianity was sort of there, but all the parts where someone gets saved were just sort of left behind and glossed over so that you really weren't sure what happened.
January 30, 2008
This is set in the 1920s, featuring a society heiress in New York who suddenly hears that she has lost her fortune. A bit predictable but pleasant enough reading, though there were rather too many authorial asides. A clear Christian message which wasn't too instrusive. Enjoyable light read, on the whole.
April 26, 2018
I have recently been introduced
I have recently been introduced to this author and I find each book so wonderful. Sometimes challenges come into a life and the way out is very different from the previous life. God can work out his will even when we are not as close to him as we should be.
I have recently been introduced to this author and I find each book so wonderful. Sometimes challenges come into a life and the way out is very different from the previous life. God can work out his will even when we are not as close to him as we should be.
October 6, 2017
Sweet and touching. I read this book because I've read two of Grace Livingston Hill's books before, and I think of them often. They seem to have had a lasting impact on me. They are simple and sweet, but are interwoven with beautiful Christian concepts and goodness.
April 15, 2016
Probably one of my least favorite of GLH so far. i know her formula, but this one was just not that interesting to me.
September 26, 2024
What was the same:
Girl's father was upstanding, wealthy man. Family fortune disappears (this time by way of an unwise/spendthrifty uncle), and she and grandmother are left with barely anything to survive on.
What was different:
They end up in a haunted house! She sees it from the train, gets off and meets a young boy (who becomes her best friend), and she decides to set up a tea room and earn her living anonymously in the country.
What was ridiculous:
There's NO WAY Granny wouldn't catch on to the fact that there was a change in their circumstances. Just the fact that they never went home, again, was a tip-off. She's old, not stupid. Also, there is NO WAY that Norah (their ONE servant) could be the housekeeper, restaurant cook, hostess, waitress, and MORE, by herself.
What I didn't like:
They have a chance meeting of the two (H/h) in NYC, but never bring it back into the story, which bothered me. There's a 'poor cousin' that Constance has stay with Granny while she scopes out the haunted house... but they never take her on to stay with them (she could help Norah!!), when they move there. Also there's a poor great-aunt who could come and live with them, but that never happens, either.
What I enjoyed:
The relationship between John and Constance was great. Jimmy was adorable, and we loved reading his antics and zeal, all through the book. But I really wanted more description of what happened to John in the fire - they have him bandaged, but then... what, he makes a 100% recovery? Not sure about that...
Also, I want a book for Silas. I really, really do. Have Jenny marry or fall in love, and bring in a nurse who might be a little rough, a little homely, a little beaten down, and let her love Silas. I want more, there, too. Makes me want to write his story.
Girl's father was upstanding, wealthy man. Family fortune disappears (this time by way of an unwise/spendthrifty uncle), and she and grandmother are left with barely anything to survive on.
What was different:
They end up in a haunted house! She sees it from the train, gets off and meets a young boy (who becomes her best friend), and she decides to set up a tea room and earn her living anonymously in the country.
What was ridiculous:
There's NO WAY Granny wouldn't catch on to the fact that there was a change in their circumstances. Just the fact that they never went home, again, was a tip-off. She's old, not stupid. Also, there is NO WAY that Norah (their ONE servant) could be the housekeeper, restaurant cook, hostess, waitress, and MORE, by herself.
What I didn't like:
They have a chance meeting of the two (H/h) in NYC, but never bring it back into the story, which bothered me. There's a 'poor cousin' that Constance has stay with Granny while she scopes out the haunted house... but they never take her on to stay with them (she could help Norah!!), when they move there. Also there's a poor great-aunt who could come and live with them, but that never happens, either.
What I enjoyed:
The relationship between John and Constance was great. Jimmy was adorable, and we loved reading his antics and zeal, all through the book. But I really wanted more description of what happened to John in the fire - they have him bandaged, but then... what, he makes a 100% recovery? Not sure about that...
Also, I want a book for Silas. I really, really do. Have Jenny marry or fall in love, and bring in a nurse who might be a little rough, a little homely, a little beaten down, and let her love Silas. I want more, there, too. Makes me want to write his story.
July 17, 2021
3.5 stars rounded up...not sure why, and I can't really tell you - I've since read another couple of books and the details are a tad fuzzy in my brain (just catching up on Goodreads), so I'm just going off of impressions and vague remembrances.
I think I remember liking the characters a lot. John was especially pitiful and lovable- the way he was starved for friendship, companionship and beauty tugged at heartstrings! And when he prayed that God would send someone like Connie to be with him to help...it just really makes you appreciate Adam's perspective in the garden of Eden. John was definitely my favorite character because I also enjoyed reading about his delicate balancing act with his congregation.
Constance was fine and I liked her, but I always kind of wish she'd have told her grandmother the truth... (although, spoiler alert, it looks like maybe the "truth" wasn't going to be true for long!)
Anyway, this was a cute story and a fun read. I'd recommend this one, although I may not re-read.
I think I remember liking the characters a lot. John was especially pitiful and lovable- the way he was starved for friendship, companionship and beauty tugged at heartstrings! And when he prayed that God would send someone like Connie to be with him to help...it just really makes you appreciate Adam's perspective in the garden of Eden. John was definitely my favorite character because I also enjoyed reading about his delicate balancing act with his congregation.
Constance was fine and I liked her, but I always kind of wish she'd have told her grandmother the truth... (although, spoiler alert, it looks like maybe the "truth" wasn't going to be true for long!)
Anyway, this was a cute story and a fun read. I'd recommend this one, although I may not re-read.
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April 16, 2020Inspired in parts by Wilkie Collins WOMAN IN WHITE (among others paying tribute to later are LAURA by Vera Caspery (made into classic Noir movie starring Gene Tierney), Twenties Girl by Sophie Kinsella (also tips hat to MOONSTONE), Colombian telenovela LA VIUDA DE BLANCO (White Widow), and I suspect possibly WHAT HAPPENS IN PARADISE--missing woman loved to wear white, among other simularities--when final book in later trilogy comes out in October 2020, will confirm...or not.
June 25, 2024
I liked most of it quite a bit. I love seeing people rise above misfortune and find new ways to survive and thrive. Having her suddenly get her money back at the end kind of undermines the story and was unnecessary. I also could have done entirely without the fire and everything to do with the side character Silas. But I really enjoyed the main characters and their family and friends. I just wish her stories didn’t end so abruptly. An epilogue would be nice!
June 21, 2021
It starts slow but builds and is worth the read.
While it starts slow,it’s definitely worth the read. Unusual setting and story but it pulls you in and has you rooting for the heroine and her beau
While it starts slow,it’s definitely worth the read. Unusual setting and story but it pulls you in and has you rooting for the heroine and her beau
January 10, 2023
delightful
From riches to rags.. a beautiful story finding true wealth. This books has a sweet way of pointing us toward our need for a Savior no matter what our “station” in life.
From riches to rags.. a beautiful story finding true wealth. This books has a sweet way of pointing us toward our need for a Savior no matter what our “station” in life.
September 18, 2021
First time reading this. Good story.
August 30, 2022
I don't remember reading any of Grace Livingston Hill's books before.
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January 25, 2008Hill, Grace Livingston
August 5, 2016
great characters, improbable story, rushed ending.
April 8, 2017
Wonderful
Loved the story it was full of discovery of life's purpose and God's abiding love. The gift's that are freely given.
Loved the story it was full of discovery of life's purpose and God's abiding love. The gift's that are freely given.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 28 reviews