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Head of the House
When tragedy befalls the Graeme family, young Jennifer suddenly finds herself in the position of head of the house over her six younger brothers and sisters. When she overhears her relatives making plans to take over the family estate and split her family up, Jennifer decides it is time to act. They must run away!
Finally, hidden from prying relatives and strangers in a small cottage in the mountains, Jennifer and her family seem to be safe--until disaster strikes! One of the youngest children gets lost in the forest, and another falls dangerously ill. But, miraculously, in the midst of fear and despair, Jennifer finds the true source of strength--and an unexpected love.
Finally, hidden from prying relatives and strangers in a small cottage in the mountains, Jennifer and her family seem to be safe--until disaster strikes! One of the youngest children gets lost in the forest, and another falls dangerously ill. But, miraculously, in the midst of fear and despair, Jennifer finds the true source of strength--and an unexpected love.
270 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1940
49 people are currently reading
272 people want to read
About the author
Grace Livingston Hill
575 books567 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 36 reviews
June 20, 2018
My absolute favorite of all of Gracie’s books! Jennifer Graeme is the oldest of seven children. Just shy of her turning of age, the family is informed that both parents have perished in a plane crash. The day after the funeral, Jennifer overhears her ‘family’ (aunts and uncles) plotting to separate the children and divide up the family goods. After the family leaves, with quick work she dispenses with the servants and packs her siblings up and heads out of town. The plan is to stay away until she is of age and can have a say in what happens with her family, and step into her role as head of the house. Unbeknownst to them, a beloved uncle has been named as their guardian. They reach out to him through personal ads in a New York newspaper, and he supports their decision. What ensues are three months of adventure, trials, triumphs, growth, and joy. Through one such trial they are brought into contact with two beloved friends from their past, and introduced to the saving grace of Jesus Christ, the true Head of the House. Reading this story again was like visiting an old friend. A treasure for sure.
September 27, 2020
A classic old story with a Christian theme. After her wealthy parents die suddenly in a plane crash, Jennifer’s ugly aunts descend like vultures, threading to split apart the children. Jennifer and her brother Jeremy sneak away from home with their younger siblings. Their adventure in hiding includes a boat, a nasty old shack, a cottage on the mountain....etc. The toddler, Robin, gets sick. Eventually Jennifer falls in love, but that’s more an afterthought. I was fascinated by the characterization of the grasping Aunt Petra.
Quibble: In this book, GLH is heavy-handed on the Bible passages and the preachiness overwhelms the story.
Cornflakes were invented already way back then, which surprised me.
Quibble: In this book, GLH is heavy-handed on the Bible passages and the preachiness overwhelms the story.
Cornflakes were invented already way back then, which surprised me.
October 5, 2017
I love Grace Livingston Hill's books, mainly because she writes from a different era. Though the publishers tried to update her books by putting a 70's picture on the front, her stories are still set in the classic Grace Livingston Hill time period, the 30's and 40's. This was a time in our history where life had rules, there was a distinct right and wrong, and classes of people were defined differently than today. Not that it was better, it was just different; unlike our world today where everything is relative to our feelings. The Bible played a major part in people's lives, but the sins of today were going on then too.
Grace Livingston Hill's books always have a beautiful and exciting love story, one where Christians and non-Christians lives collide. I read her books to my 97 year old mother-in-law, Anna, and she relates in a different way than me. I am awed by the way people lived in that time period, and she actually lived in the 30's. When Grace describes clothing of the day, Anna remembers having a dress made out of that material. If I don't understand an idiom of that day, Anna explains it to me. These are wonderful books to share with an older friend or relative. You can read them aloud and not worry that people listening will be shocked by any passages. Instead they will be encouraged.
Grace Livingston Hill's books always have a beautiful and exciting love story, one where Christians and non-Christians lives collide. I read her books to my 97 year old mother-in-law, Anna, and she relates in a different way than me. I am awed by the way people lived in that time period, and she actually lived in the 30's. When Grace describes clothing of the day, Anna remembers having a dress made out of that material. If I don't understand an idiom of that day, Anna explains it to me. These are wonderful books to share with an older friend or relative. You can read them aloud and not worry that people listening will be shocked by any passages. Instead they will be encouraged.
April 23, 2011
Another charming Grace book ...originally published in 1940 ... but just a timeless story.
Wonderful family sage of Jennifer Graeme and her six brothers and sisters who run away after their parents' sudden deaths to escape grasping relatives who want to take over their lives. Jennifer knows in a few months she will reach her majority and be able to be the head of the house.... so off the little family bravely goes into adventure and change. Loved this one.
Wonderful family sage of Jennifer Graeme and her six brothers and sisters who run away after their parents' sudden deaths to escape grasping relatives who want to take over their lives. Jennifer knows in a few months she will reach her majority and be able to be the head of the house.... so off the little family bravely goes into adventure and change. Loved this one.
March 10, 2017
This is one of my favorite Grace Livingston Hill's ever!
November 10, 2016
Grace Livingston Hill is the queen of Christian fiction! I have read nearly 25 of her books at least over the course of my life. She always has such a sweet, pleasant and exciting offering and this was no exception! The story was so sweet and the romance so pure and almost non existent (which is how I like it) that it was just a sweet clean read! This one was the story of Jennifer Graeme and her family as they did there best to escape the clutches of their manipulating relatives, stay together and eventually find Jesus. I would highly recommend this book as well as many others by Miss Hill. Fabulous reading!
December 9, 2018
Great Story
I chose this rating because I enjoy reading this author. She writes interesting stories with good moral values and a Christian base. I will seE more of this author.
I chose this rating because I enjoy reading this author. She writes interesting stories with good moral values and a Christian base. I will seE more of this author.
October 21, 2008
In "Head of the House," Grace Livingston Hill showcases one of her trademarks -- the ability to follow the trials and adventures of a family, while making the reader feel that they're part of the group.
The story opens just after the sudden death of a man and woman, who leave behind seven children! The oldest, Jennifer, soon discovers that their overbearing aunts and uncles are plotting to separate the children, farm the youngest ones off to boarding schools, and marry Jennifer to an "acceptable" young man.
Jennifer is three months away from coming of age. She makes the dramatic decision to leave her carefree society life and devote her attention to raising her siblings...and the first order of business is to run away with them until she is legally able to take charge!
Over the course of three months, Jennifer and her little family face trouble, danger, and hardship that bind them closer together. They find a faith that will carry them through the rest of their lives. And Jennifer meets a long-lost friend who shows her that the responsibility of "Head of the House" can be shared.
~~
First published in 1940, "Head of the House" is a wonderful time capsule of customs and place; but the story at the heart of the novel is timeless.
There are *eight* main characters; and to handle that task, Grace uses kind of a total omniscient narrative. We follow the story mostly through the eyes of Jennifer, the "Head of the House;" but at other times we see life from the perspective of her brothers and sisters. There are also places where the story slips into narration, with beautiful descriptions of setting.
Somehow, Grace manages to do this seamlessly. (I'm still studying her style, trying to figure out how she does it.) This story is quiet and warm, with moments of drama and danger. Uniquely, the drama doesn't come from evil villains or flying bullets (as in some of her other books), but from the real-life conflict and life-or-death moments inherent in raising a family.
The story opens just after the sudden death of a man and woman, who leave behind seven children! The oldest, Jennifer, soon discovers that their overbearing aunts and uncles are plotting to separate the children, farm the youngest ones off to boarding schools, and marry Jennifer to an "acceptable" young man.
Jennifer is three months away from coming of age. She makes the dramatic decision to leave her carefree society life and devote her attention to raising her siblings...and the first order of business is to run away with them until she is legally able to take charge!
Over the course of three months, Jennifer and her little family face trouble, danger, and hardship that bind them closer together. They find a faith that will carry them through the rest of their lives. And Jennifer meets a long-lost friend who shows her that the responsibility of "Head of the House" can be shared.
~~
First published in 1940, "Head of the House" is a wonderful time capsule of customs and place; but the story at the heart of the novel is timeless.
There are *eight* main characters; and to handle that task, Grace uses kind of a total omniscient narrative. We follow the story mostly through the eyes of Jennifer, the "Head of the House;" but at other times we see life from the perspective of her brothers and sisters. There are also places where the story slips into narration, with beautiful descriptions of setting.
Somehow, Grace manages to do this seamlessly. (I'm still studying her style, trying to figure out how she does it.) This story is quiet and warm, with moments of drama and danger. Uniquely, the drama doesn't come from evil villains or flying bullets (as in some of her other books), but from the real-life conflict and life-or-death moments inherent in raising a family.
June 8, 2015
I re-read this book for my 2015 Reading Challenge in the category "Read a book your mother loves." It was really the only book I could think of--as a young girl (maybe 10 or 12 years old) my mom and I went through some boxes of books that had been left in the attic of our farmhouse and were there when they moved in many years before. I had run out of reading material, and my mom remembered those boxes, so we dug through them, only to find most were in Swedish, but a few we could read. Mom wasn't much of a reader, but she recognized this author's name. She actually read this one and liked it, so I read it and I loved it too.
It's sort of a cheesy romance/adventure story, written in 1940, about a family of seven children who are left orphans when their parents die in a plane crash. The eldest, Jennifer, has three months until she's of age and can legally take charge of the family, so she packs up all her younger siblings and runs away before their evil, interfering aunts can split them up and get their hands on the family money.
In the re-read, I really could have done without the preachy "Jesus saves" message in the last couple of chapters, but it still was a sweet, nostalgic read for me.
It's sort of a cheesy romance/adventure story, written in 1940, about a family of seven children who are left orphans when their parents die in a plane crash. The eldest, Jennifer, has three months until she's of age and can legally take charge of the family, so she packs up all her younger siblings and runs away before their evil, interfering aunts can split them up and get their hands on the family money.
In the re-read, I really could have done without the preachy "Jesus saves" message in the last couple of chapters, but it still was a sweet, nostalgic read for me.
October 18, 2019
Rating: 4.6 / 5
The recommendation for romance in this novel is very slight, as it only comes around near the end and has very little to do with the main story--if anything, it's just a nice little extra tidbit, but not at all the main point. If I had to sum up, in a nutshell, what the main point it, I'd say that it's all about family.
The story starts off immediately after the sudden and tragic accident that deprives the young Graeme children of both their parents. The eldest, Jennifer, as head of the house, feels responsible for everyone, especially after she hears "the aunts"--aka their greedy and selfish relatives, most especially their Aunt Petra--discussing on how they might best handle the family fortune and separate the children. Jennifer springs into action with the plan of running away for three months or so, just until she comes of age and can thus manage their lives without interference.
We follow along as the siblings--Jennifer, Jeremy, Hazel, Tryon, Heather, Karen, and little baby Robin--go off alone into the world and somehow make out okay. Jennifer and Jeremy are very much the main characters of the story, as they are the ones in charge of everything and who plan out their next moves. Through cooperation and a few difficulties around the way, with the help of God and their own resourcefulness, we're rewarded with a happy ending.
Now, this is neither the most preachy nor the most adventurous of Ms. Hill's novels that I've read, but it is a nice middle road that focuses on family above all things, which is honestly nice after other stories that focus elsewhere. It was a book that made me happy for my own family, and honestly, what else can one ask for from a book full of pure, clean emotion?
All in all, yet another delightful read.
The recommendation for romance in this novel is very slight, as it only comes around near the end and has very little to do with the main story--if anything, it's just a nice little extra tidbit, but not at all the main point. If I had to sum up, in a nutshell, what the main point it, I'd say that it's all about family.
The story starts off immediately after the sudden and tragic accident that deprives the young Graeme children of both their parents. The eldest, Jennifer, as head of the house, feels responsible for everyone, especially after she hears "the aunts"--aka their greedy and selfish relatives, most especially their Aunt Petra--discussing on how they might best handle the family fortune and separate the children. Jennifer springs into action with the plan of running away for three months or so, just until she comes of age and can thus manage their lives without interference.
We follow along as the siblings--Jennifer, Jeremy, Hazel, Tryon, Heather, Karen, and little baby Robin--go off alone into the world and somehow make out okay. Jennifer and Jeremy are very much the main characters of the story, as they are the ones in charge of everything and who plan out their next moves. Through cooperation and a few difficulties around the way, with the help of God and their own resourcefulness, we're rewarded with a happy ending.
Now, this is neither the most preachy nor the most adventurous of Ms. Hill's novels that I've read, but it is a nice middle road that focuses on family above all things, which is honestly nice after other stories that focus elsewhere. It was a book that made me happy for my own family, and honestly, what else can one ask for from a book full of pure, clean emotion?
All in all, yet another delightful read.
August 3, 2016
As is often the case with Grace Livingston Hill, although the cover and even the cover blurb make it sound like a romance, in actual fact the hero shows up in maybe three chapters, and it's much more a story about a girl's relationship with her family. Not that this bothered me, I've just always found it interesting that GLH books are invariably presented as romances, when a fair percentage of them have very little romance in the actual plot.
As with most of GLH's books that lack much romance, I liked this one just fine. Got preachy here and there (bits of sermons the kids listen to, mostly), but none of it bothered me. I was surprised at how slangy her heroine and brother are the first chapter -- she's had slangy characters before, but usually the heroine doesn't indulge -- but that was merely unexpected, and I adjusted pretty easily. The plot meanders considerable, but keeps moving right along (assuming you enjoy GLH's little domestic interludes), and there were no glaring "wait, she just totally changed direction" moments, so anyone used to GLH's loose plots likely won't mind.
Unless you count Dickens, she's about the only author I enjoy who seems to neither plan it all out ahead, or to go back and rewrite so it feels planned (still haven't figured out how Madeine L'Engle got as far as she did in one novel without a character who is crucial to the final product), but for whatever reason with Hill I'm happy to just sit back and enjoy the ride, often as not. Recommended for anyone who views her books the same way.
As with most of GLH's books that lack much romance, I liked this one just fine. Got preachy here and there (bits of sermons the kids listen to, mostly), but none of it bothered me. I was surprised at how slangy her heroine and brother are the first chapter -- she's had slangy characters before, but usually the heroine doesn't indulge -- but that was merely unexpected, and I adjusted pretty easily. The plot meanders considerable, but keeps moving right along (assuming you enjoy GLH's little domestic interludes), and there were no glaring "wait, she just totally changed direction" moments, so anyone used to GLH's loose plots likely won't mind.
Unless you count Dickens, she's about the only author I enjoy who seems to neither plan it all out ahead, or to go back and rewrite so it feels planned (still haven't figured out how Madeine L'Engle got as far as she did in one novel without a character who is crucial to the final product), but for whatever reason with Hill I'm happy to just sit back and enjoy the ride, often as not. Recommended for anyone who views her books the same way.
January 10, 2010
This is one of my favorite books by Grace Livingston Hill, as it was the very first book I read of hers when I was about ten years old. At the age of ten, my favorite thing about the book was that the main character's name was Jennifer. I've read it probably about a dozen times since then, and now I have come to appreciate the excellent writing and GLH's practice of inserting the Gospel into her novels.
September 26, 2018
My mom introduced me to Grace Livingston Hill as a young teen, main to get me away from Sweet Valley High books. Head of the House is by far one of my favorite GLH books. It's heartbreaking and funny in different turns.
This is a definite must read book. I go back as often as possible and re-read her works.
This is a definite must read book. I go back as often as possible and re-read her works.
May 19, 2018
Amazing stories that stand the test of time
Wonderful books even though the author died over 70 years ago. What I also find interesting is reading about the way of life in the time periods these books were written. I have enjoyed lots of her stories written in different decades.
Wonderful books even though the author died over 70 years ago. What I also find interesting is reading about the way of life in the time periods these books were written. I have enjoyed lots of her stories written in different decades.
September 13, 2011
I liked it.
September 11, 2016
Always loved this one.
March 8, 2016
Wonderful story for any age.
Warm story full of family love. Endurance and humor. As with all books by GLH, the discovery of Christ our Father. Wonderful explanation of hell.
Warm story full of family love. Endurance and humor. As with all books by GLH, the discovery of Christ our Father. Wonderful explanation of hell.
September 13, 2025
I enjoyed most of it. The siblings were dears and I loved how Jennifer and Jeremy tried their best to take care of them and keep everyone together. The aunts were terrible! But I liked Uncle Blake even if he was rather lax about his responsibilities.
The siblings don’t know anything about God or Salvation even though the older ones attended Sunday school when they were younger. Apparently none of the other kids did and the family never went to church. They start to pray when they are in trouble and can’t do anything. The whole Christian message felt rather vague except for a sermon on heaven and hell.
Then suddenly the romance happens. You knew who the hero was going to be before he really had anything to do with Jennifer, but then it felt like they were together for a few days, maybe a week, when he said “I love you.” Not much of a romance, but I didn't mind.
Of course everything wraps up nicely and everyone, except the greedy aunts, are all happy.
The last couple of chapters felt rushed.
The siblings don’t know anything about God or Salvation even though the older ones attended Sunday school when they were younger. Apparently none of the other kids did and the family never went to church. They start to pray when they are in trouble and can’t do anything. The whole Christian message felt rather vague except for a sermon on heaven and hell.
Then suddenly the romance happens. You knew who the hero was going to be before he really had anything to do with Jennifer, but then it felt like they were together for a few days, maybe a week, when he said “I love you.” Not much of a romance, but I didn't mind.
Of course everything wraps up nicely and everyone, except the greedy aunts, are all happy.
The last couple of chapters felt rushed.
November 13, 2025
yet another five star by an amazing author!
January 20, 2013
Not really a romance, (that part is saved for the last two chapters only,) this was a book of children surviving on their own with the help of the Lord. I like stories where dependence on God is learned. Frustrating though, is the prejudice mentality of the early 20th century, which is why I only gave this book three stars.
June 27, 2013
A cheesy story...but sweet all the same. Not one of her best.
July 1, 2024
Absolutely LOVED this book.
A story about seven children (think 'Sound of Music') who are orphaned and on the run. Why? Because the aunties want to split the family up and sent most of them to boarding schools. The eldest - Jennifer - is only three months away from her coming of age, and so she decides if they can 'disappear' for just three months, together, she can keep the family whole.
Thus begins the adventure. Jeremy (second oldest, think Friedrich) can drive a car, knows Father's affairs, and that Father purchased a boat so recently that nobody knows about it. It's a big boat - a 48 footer, and a live-aboard. Jennifer has the combination to father's safe, and is able to get the money they'll need for food and supplies. If they can just get away!
All of the children are of the same mind, and work together. They know when to pipe down, have code words for hiding, help with the food prep and clean-up of everything, look after each other (well... mostly)... it's wonderful.
The *BEST* part about this story is the faith aspect. I only *WISH* they had people like Val, who put the Lord absolutely first in everything they do and say. He is what I want my sons to grow up like. And yes, he's absent from the book until the end and the romance isn't really a thing, but this book doesn't NEED romance to be the driving theme.
It's HIGHLY recommended, as a story, and one of my new favorites of GLH's!
A story about seven children (think 'Sound of Music') who are orphaned and on the run. Why? Because the aunties want to split the family up and sent most of them to boarding schools. The eldest - Jennifer - is only three months away from her coming of age, and so she decides if they can 'disappear' for just three months, together, she can keep the family whole.
Thus begins the adventure. Jeremy (second oldest, think Friedrich) can drive a car, knows Father's affairs, and that Father purchased a boat so recently that nobody knows about it. It's a big boat - a 48 footer, and a live-aboard. Jennifer has the combination to father's safe, and is able to get the money they'll need for food and supplies. If they can just get away!
All of the children are of the same mind, and work together. They know when to pipe down, have code words for hiding, help with the food prep and clean-up of everything, look after each other (well... mostly)... it's wonderful.
The *BEST* part about this story is the faith aspect. I only *WISH* they had people like Val, who put the Lord absolutely first in everything they do and say. He is what I want my sons to grow up like. And yes, he's absent from the book until the end and the romance isn't really a thing, but this book doesn't NEED romance to be the driving theme.
It's HIGHLY recommended, as a story, and one of my new favorites of GLH's!
July 20, 2021
Waffling between 4 and 5 stars and decided to round up. Probably more like a 4.5 star read.
I quite liked the family dynamics between the siblings- it reminded me of The Enchanted Barn. At first, when Jennifer didn't wait to hear about their guardian, I was concerned that this book was going to turn into another Dawn of the Morning (what a TERRIBLE book!! Just communicate with your family for 5 stinking minutes dag nab it! So many misunderstandings would have been cleared up!), but pleasantly, they did communicate with Uncle Blake, and they were able to grow together and find Jesus, so it was all worthwhile.
Overall, I would definitely recommend. Not my all time favorite, but still worthy of a 5 star rating. Definitely a re-read candidate.
I quite liked the family dynamics between the siblings- it reminded me of The Enchanted Barn. At first, when Jennifer didn't wait to hear about their guardian, I was concerned that this book was going to turn into another Dawn of the Morning (what a TERRIBLE book!! Just communicate with your family for 5 stinking minutes dag nab it! So many misunderstandings would have been cleared up!), but pleasantly, they did communicate with Uncle Blake, and they were able to grow together and find Jesus, so it was all worthwhile.
Overall, I would definitely recommend. Not my all time favorite, but still worthy of a 5 star rating. Definitely a re-read candidate.
July 17, 2020
A classic book by this author
I have re-read this book several times through the years. It is a sweet story of a family coming together after the death of their parents. I do wish the book had been a little longer, as I thought the ending somewhat abrupt. However,I enjoyed the book immensely.
I have re-read this book several times through the years. It is a sweet story of a family coming together after the death of their parents. I do wish the book had been a little longer, as I thought the ending somewhat abrupt. However,I enjoyed the book immensely.
February 3, 2025
Another Fun Read!
This book was as enjoyable as all of Grace Livingston Hills’ books. The main characters were lovable ( but not all! Some were obnoxious!) . Great story, showing that love of God and trust in Him, rather than in ourselves, is the way to happiness and fulfillment.
This book was as enjoyable as all of Grace Livingston Hills’ books. The main characters were lovable ( but not all! Some were obnoxious!) . Great story, showing that love of God and trust in Him, rather than in ourselves, is the way to happiness and fulfillment.
November 22, 2021
One of GLH's best!
You'll love this independent family, with big sister Jennifer and her brother Jerry. I read this the first time when I was just a young girl and I was enraptured by their courage and love for their younger siblings.
You'll love this independent family, with big sister Jennifer and her brother Jerry. I read this the first time when I was just a young girl and I was enraptured by their courage and love for their younger siblings.
March 28, 2020
This was a quick and easy enjoyable read.
July 26, 2021
Another one of my favorites of GLH books. I usually try to read it every few years. Love all the characters and story
February 21, 2022
I read this book when I was a teenager, I always liked the premise of the story line, but it was pretty cheesy and overly simplistic now 40+ years later.
January 14, 2024
Head of the House
This story is a delightful story of romance, grace and mercy. Jennifer and Jack had many obstacles to clear before they were able to come together.
This story is a delightful story of romance, grace and mercy. Jennifer and Jack had many obstacles to clear before they were able to come together.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews