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The Street of the City
When a handsome young man comes to tell Frannie that her mother is very ill, she wants nothing more than to go home. But her kind messenger assures her that he will take care of everything. Touched by his concern and sensitivity, Frannie's love for him begins to grow. There is only one He is from the wealthy side of the river, and she is from the poor side.
Will the jealousy and schemes of their friends pull them apart―or show them the road to faith and love?
Grace Livingston Hill is the beloved author of more than 100 books. Read and enjoyed by millions, her wholesome stories contain adventure, romance, and the heartwarming triumphs of people faced with the problems of life and love.
Will the jealousy and schemes of their friends pull them apart―or show them the road to faith and love?
Grace Livingston Hill is the beloved author of more than 100 books. Read and enjoyed by millions, her wholesome stories contain adventure, romance, and the heartwarming triumphs of people faced with the problems of life and love.
262 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1942
102 people are currently reading
265 people want to read
About the author
Grace Livingston Hill
572 books564 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 39 reviews
October 13, 2012
This is my favorite Grace Livingston Hill book! It's set during WWII and is about a young woman, her struggling family, an elderly woman, and, of course, a young man. All of her books are pure and innocent, but this one has such beautiful imagery! The street of the city is the frozen river that she ice skates to and from work on each day.
I took it to camp with me and read it to my cabin of 9th grade girls. I didn't have time to finish it, though, so they all wanted her name so they could find the book themselves and read it, including my college age co-counselor! I actually discovered Grace Livingston Hill when I was chasing toddlers around as a young mom. I just love the faith and family perspective her books have!
I took it to camp with me and read it to my cabin of 9th grade girls. I didn't have time to finish it, though, so they all wanted her name so they could find the book themselves and read it, including my college age co-counselor! I actually discovered Grace Livingston Hill when I was chasing toddlers around as a young mom. I just love the faith and family perspective her books have!
December 23, 2017
I always love a good GLH book. This was a beautiful winter/war story. <3
February 13, 2016
This book by GLH is set (and was written) during WW2, which is a particularly favorite setting of mine. Frannie is a young woman from a good family that fell on hard times when the father became ill, lost his business and then died. They have recently moved to a new city, into a small house on "the wrong side of the river" and Frannie has gone to work in a defense plant. When her mother collapses, some new people enter their lives that are to have a lasting impact on the family. This includes a young man named Valliant Willoughby (fortunately a more honorable Willoughby than Jane Austen's) who begins to take Frannie out - to church and Bible studies.
Of course, like all of GLH's books, there's quite a bit of Biblical and Christianity bits. This one also includes stuff about the war and defense work and SPIES. Great stuff. Lots of period details. Very enjoyable.
Of course, like all of GLH's books, there's quite a bit of Biblical and Christianity bits. This one also includes stuff about the war and defense work and SPIES. Great stuff. Lots of period details. Very enjoyable.
November 23, 2020
Rating: 4.7 / 5
As expected of Grace Livingston Hill, this was a lovely story. It has a little bit of everything in it to enjoy—faith, live, family, a pair of unwanted male suitors, a jealous female rival, a war-based political plot, and all with a wintry twist!
The street of the city here refers both to the heavenly city of gold and also the silvery-golden frozen river on which the main characters skate. There is such beautiful imagery in this book to compliment the beautiful romance and faith that it is definitely one of the more picturesque reads by Hill! The cover as well is simply splendid and I just truly enjoyed reading it!
Looking forward to more reads by Ms. Hill—I’m building up quite a collection on my shelves!
As expected of Grace Livingston Hill, this was a lovely story. It has a little bit of everything in it to enjoy—faith, live, family, a pair of unwanted male suitors, a jealous female rival, a war-based political plot, and all with a wintry twist!
The street of the city here refers both to the heavenly city of gold and also the silvery-golden frozen river on which the main characters skate. There is such beautiful imagery in this book to compliment the beautiful romance and faith that it is definitely one of the more picturesque reads by Hill! The cover as well is simply splendid and I just truly enjoyed reading it!
Looking forward to more reads by Ms. Hill—I’m building up quite a collection on my shelves!
June 19, 2018
Another good Christian book
This isn't my favorite of Grace Livingston Hill's books but it's very good. Set in the time of war when every citizen was helping the war effort. Something that likely wouldn't happen today.
This isn't my favorite of Grace Livingston Hill's books but it's very good. Set in the time of war when every citizen was helping the war effort. Something that likely wouldn't happen today.
October 22, 2025
I’m never sure when I pick up a Grace Livingston Hill book if I will really like it or not. This one I did like. Lady Winthrop was a dear old lady and I would like to spend time with her. Val was delightful. I loved how caring and kind he was. And his comebacks to Marietta’s “advice” (more like orders) had me almost chuckling. Frannie was sweet and lovely. I liked her willingness to accept help but not depend on it.
There is some danger and some no so good men, but of course everything is resolved and taken care of.
There are some odd things of how some people during WWII were sure the Bible was talking about the war in Daniel and how Christ’s return must be very soon. But there wasn’t much detail and it was only part of the story.
There is some danger and some no so good men, but of course everything is resolved and taken care of.
There are some odd things of how some people during WWII were sure the Bible was talking about the war in Daniel and how Christ’s return must be very soon. But there wasn’t much detail and it was only part of the story.
February 21, 2021
Frannie and her family are new tenants in the little house on the river. When things go wrong, it's a stranger from across the river who lends a hand. A beautiful wintertime story of soft romance, a little bit of thrill and adventure, conspiracy and of course a gentle Christian message. I absolutely love this book, and have read it many times. I imagine skating on the river to and from work, and how beautiful this time together is for this lovely couple. Perfection!
July 7, 2022
This book is from an author who died in 1947 but one of the best loved authors of all time. Her books carry themes of christian values and many combine suspense,romance and a lesson all in one. This book was an enjoyable read as long as you keep in mind the time period it was written in. Good writing is timeless as is Grace Livingston Hill
June 24, 2018
Good Christian Reading
I have loved Grace Livingston Hill books since m teenage years. Thought I had read them all but I did not remember this one. I loved the fact ,that true to the form of her books,there were those coming to Christ. I loved that with this one both of the love birds were saved at the same time.
I have loved Grace Livingston Hill books since m teenage years. Thought I had read them all but I did not remember this one. I loved the fact ,that true to the form of her books,there were those coming to Christ. I loved that with this one both of the love birds were saved at the same time.
June 29, 2018
This novel, like so many others, has failed to grab and captivate my attention. There are many different times that I can pick up a novel and cannot finish it at that time; however, I might be able to return to it at a later date. This is one of those, who knows, maybe next time it will be a game changer.
June 30, 2018
Another wonderful book!
This book is a sweet love story. The main characters are very likeable. I enjoy the way the author weaves in faith and the love of our Saviour. If you are a romantic at heart, you will enjoy this book.
This book is a sweet love story. The main characters are very likeable. I enjoy the way the author weaves in faith and the love of our Saviour. If you are a romantic at heart, you will enjoy this book.
November 27, 2018
A delightful story. A sweet romance. A little intrigue. I have not read anything written quite like this. I love the way she describes simple things. Characters that find their faith which creates a tighter bond between them.
April 2, 2019
Cute story. It seemed much more fitting for the early 1900’s than the 1940’s. There was some weird end times theology, but it was a small part of the story. The poetic references to Heaven and the longing for it was quite sweet.
July 8, 2015
This is the first book that I have read by this author. I really enjoyed this book.
June 13, 2018
Enjoyed this book
I got hooked on reading by reading Grace Livingston Hill books from school library. And I still enjoy her books . Some I have read over and over.
I got hooked on reading by reading Grace Livingston Hill books from school library. And I still enjoy her books . Some I have read over and over.
June 14, 2018
very good
June 14, 2018
Ebook
It’s war time and the 5th elements plans are foiled but a young woman and her family moving into the house they were using. She meets a young man and their loves change
It’s war time and the 5th elements plans are foiled but a young woman and her family moving into the house they were using. She meets a young man and their loves change
June 17, 2018
Enjoyable nice clean read
I really enjoyed this wholesome story with a good story line and good people. I look forward to more of the same kind.
I really enjoyed this wholesome story with a good story line and good people. I look forward to more of the same kind.
June 21, 2018
The a street of the city
Reading about the war effort and the efforts of some to sabotage the effort. Young love continues even in war time.
Reading about the war effort and the efforts of some to sabotage the effort. Young love continues even in war time.
June 21, 2018
Love Grace Livingston hill s books
I've read Grace Livingston hills books since i can remember.
They give a flavor of times in the past.
Of hardships and God's care
I've read Grace Livingston hills books since i can remember.
They give a flavor of times in the past.
Of hardships and God's care
August 23, 2018
Sweet and endearing love story. Also, reflects how God protects and guides those who love Him and trust His Word
November 13, 2018
This is a sweet story of love in the era of World War II. Even in the midst of helping the war effort, this young couple fall in love and come to faith.
May 6, 2020
Two young people working for their country during WW II, find each other and begin strengthening their faith as they get to know each other.
January 2, 2021
I always love Grace Livingston Hill books. This one is set during WWII and was not a disappointment! They are always encouraging!
February 20, 2021
I love Grace Livingston Hill and this is one of my favorite comfort stories.
March 31, 2022
Back in the saddle again, reading more of GLH books to try to reach my goal of finishing them all before my mother does! (I had to take a break for my mental health, but it seems like yesterday's 2 in 1 day reading spurt hasn't hurt me, so I'm going to take that as a green light sign to keep reading like a mad woman!)
This one was definitely not what I was expecting... (did I read the synopsis before reading? Why no, no I did not. Sometimes I like flying blind.) It was actually a fairly cute story set in WWII about a girl from the wrong side of the "tracks" (or river in this story) and her romance with a boy from a more wealthy family. They both work in war plants and meet while ice skating to work down the frozen river (kind of...there's more to it, but you know, that's basically the imagery).
As in most GLH WWII books, there was, of course, some intrigue with Nazi traitors. However, in this book, GLH must have changed her mind halfway through the writing process without telling her editors because the baddies at first wanted the main character's house to build a shell powder plant, then the narrative changed and they needed the house because they had hidden illegal radio transmitting equipment in the basement? Which is it Grace? Make up your mind? Honestly, this confusion is probably what knocked a star down for me. It doesn't take much to stick to your story once you start it, or else if you find that that plot line doesn't work, go back and change it! Honestly, geez.
Anyway, complaints about the plot hole aside, I also thought the side characters were poorly drawn and needed fleshed out. I really like the old lady who narrated the opening of the novel, but we barely see her afterwards! And the little sister is basically a nondescript character as well. And the mother gets very little page time. BUT the river is a character in and of itself - and is very well drawn and I loved it!
So overall - this was a cutesy little love story with plot holes and bad characterizations. (And maybe no plot at all? But I mean, that is typical, so I'm gonna give that a pass.) However, for whatever reason, it hit me the right way yesterday when I read it. Does it deserve 4 stars? Nah, probably not. But will I read it again? Yes, yes I will.
This one was definitely not what I was expecting... (did I read the synopsis before reading? Why no, no I did not. Sometimes I like flying blind.) It was actually a fairly cute story set in WWII about a girl from the wrong side of the "tracks" (or river in this story) and her romance with a boy from a more wealthy family. They both work in war plants and meet while ice skating to work down the frozen river (kind of...there's more to it, but you know, that's basically the imagery).
As in most GLH WWII books, there was, of course, some intrigue with Nazi traitors. However, in this book, GLH must have changed her mind halfway through the writing process without telling her editors because the baddies at first wanted the main character's house to build a shell powder plant, then the narrative changed and they needed the house because they had hidden illegal radio transmitting equipment in the basement? Which is it Grace? Make up your mind? Honestly, this confusion is probably what knocked a star down for me. It doesn't take much to stick to your story once you start it, or else if you find that that plot line doesn't work, go back and change it! Honestly, geez.
Anyway, complaints about the plot hole aside, I also thought the side characters were poorly drawn and needed fleshed out. I really like the old lady who narrated the opening of the novel, but we barely see her afterwards! And the little sister is basically a nondescript character as well. And the mother gets very little page time. BUT the river is a character in and of itself - and is very well drawn and I loved it!
So overall - this was a cutesy little love story with plot holes and bad characterizations. (And maybe no plot at all? But I mean, that is typical, so I'm gonna give that a pass.) However, for whatever reason, it hit me the right way yesterday when I read it. Does it deserve 4 stars? Nah, probably not. But will I read it again? Yes, yes I will.
January 3, 2025
This is a very sweet book, about two people and a frozen river that an elderly neighbor sees glowing gold in the sun, and fancies it to be like the street of the Great City (New Jerusalem, in Heaven), which is a street of gold.
A young girl of reduced circumstance meets a talented young man from the 'rich side of the river', and they strike up a friendship when near tragedy strikes, and her mother falls unconscious whilst the girl is at work.
The things I don't like about this book are MANY, which is why I had to dock stars:
1 - The younger sister is overlooked/neglected by the sister. A LOT. In most of the other GLH books, the family is fleshed out and lovely, a joy to read about. In this book, the mother is sequestered in a back room somewhere for most of the book, and treated like less than human, almost. As for the child, she's treated as superfluous to the story, instead of a part of it. I really didn't like that.
2 - There are no explanations of consequences of trespassing. Two young guys taken away for trespassing, but GLH doesn't bother to address what happened to them, if charges were drawn up... nada. Nothing. Two men were trespassing and committing treason, and we don't even know who the 'significant' one was - one of the local factory owners? A 'patriot' who's not so patriotic? What happens to Mike? We never know.
3 - I hate the christianity in this one. Yes, its' WWII. Yes, many preachers were equating that to the end times. But they're absolutely flawed in every way, as there was no Revived Roman Empire at that time, there was no covenant with many at that time, there were no fulfillments to even *HINT* that those were the end times... heck, they could barely circle the globe in 1943, hello! It was grasping, and sullies the truth of the ACTUAL times.
So no. I wasn't as fond of this one. In many ways it was as beautifully written as her other books, but there were glaring issues that I didn't care for, as well.
A young girl of reduced circumstance meets a talented young man from the 'rich side of the river', and they strike up a friendship when near tragedy strikes, and her mother falls unconscious whilst the girl is at work.
The things I don't like about this book are MANY, which is why I had to dock stars:
1 - The younger sister is overlooked/neglected by the sister. A LOT. In most of the other GLH books, the family is fleshed out and lovely, a joy to read about. In this book, the mother is sequestered in a back room somewhere for most of the book, and treated like less than human, almost. As for the child, she's treated as superfluous to the story, instead of a part of it. I really didn't like that.
2 - There are no explanations of consequences of trespassing. Two young guys taken away for trespassing, but GLH doesn't bother to address what happened to them, if charges were drawn up... nada. Nothing. Two men were trespassing and committing treason, and we don't even know who the 'significant' one was - one of the local factory owners? A 'patriot' who's not so patriotic? What happens to Mike? We never know.
3 - I hate the christianity in this one. Yes, its' WWII. Yes, many preachers were equating that to the end times. But they're absolutely flawed in every way, as there was no Revived Roman Empire at that time, there was no covenant with many at that time, there were no fulfillments to even *HINT* that those were the end times... heck, they could barely circle the globe in 1943, hello! It was grasping, and sullies the truth of the ACTUAL times.
So no. I wasn't as fond of this one. In many ways it was as beautifully written as her other books, but there were glaring issues that I didn't care for, as well.
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October 26, 2022Another good one.
This story shows GLH's delightful sense of humor when Marietta gets herself into a difficult situation. Lots of action going on all around Frannie and her family and more than a few guardian angels to keep everyone safe. I especially appreciated the story because it describes how WW2 affected the people who lived and worked at home supporting the war effort and the sacrifices they made during that difficult time.
This story shows GLH's delightful sense of humor when Marietta gets herself into a difficult situation. Lots of action going on all around Frannie and her family and more than a few guardian angels to keep everyone safe. I especially appreciated the story because it describes how WW2 affected the people who lived and worked at home supporting the war effort and the sacrifices they made during that difficult time.
May 3, 2019
I so love Grace Livingston Hill!
Good story about war times, sacrifice, dedication, patriotism & of course love. Scripture is woven throughout this exciting depiction of the war effort, espionage & neighborly sacrificial love. This the second time I've read this book & I enjoyed it better the second time around!
Good story about war times, sacrifice, dedication, patriotism & of course love. Scripture is woven throughout this exciting depiction of the war effort, espionage & neighborly sacrificial love. This the second time I've read this book & I enjoyed it better the second time around!
July 30, 2019
Summary.
I would recommend this story to all. It's sweet romance simply complimenting the story of salvation. Wish she were still with us to thank and write more of life when simple was the best.
I would recommend this story to all. It's sweet romance simply complimenting the story of salvation. Wish she were still with us to thank and write more of life when simple was the best.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews