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In the Way
When wealthy Ruth Benedict moves from New York City to a small village, she soon finds that everyone hates her. Everyone, that is, except one man.
214 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1897
68 people are currently reading
164 people want to read
About the author
Grace Livingston Hill
581 books563 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 - 19 of 19 reviews
March 30, 2022
While it is clear that this is Grace Livingston Hills early work. It lacks some of the polish of many of the books I've read by her, but it still has all of the charm. Yes, some of the messages show her youth and inexperience. Tabaco and poor dress are on par with being heathen. Yet, the simple and sincere faith that defines one of my favorite aspects of GLH books is there.
This was a delightful read. On to the next book, Lone Point.
This was a delightful read. On to the next book, Lone Point.
September 10, 2018
I have enjoyed so many of Grace Livingston Hill’s books and this was no exception. It must be taken into consideration that many of her books were written over 100 years ago (this one was written in 1897) and customs and mores were quite different then. However, there is a compelling storyline that runs through each that leaves the reader with positive feelings about life, love, family and faith at the end. Although this book is labeled as a “romance,” and although some characters do fall in love, it is certainly not a “romance” as defined by modern romance novels. There are many Christian concepts presented but in a way that is natural and consistent with the tone of the book in general. There were many characters introduced in this book. Yet, it was easy to understand and enjoy each part each character played to move the storyline to a satisfying ending. I especially enjoyed the descriptions of the homes and their furnishings and the clothing. It certainly gave me a unique peek into that period of time as do most of this author’s stories. Grace Livingston Hill is a wonderful storyteller and the story flowed so that before I knew it all the storylines had come together and the book was finished. To me, it was a very enjoyable read.
September 8, 2024
Rating: 4.1 / 5
Usually, I'm a bit more cautious with Grace Livingston Hill's earlier works, as they do feel a tad old fashioned and stricter than some of her later materials, and for a 21st century modern reader, it's therefore a lot to acclimate yourself to before heading in and reading. (In particular, my worry was that there might be the missionary angle, which I dislike in any context and therefore will stay away from.)
HOWEVER
I was pleasantly surprised that this story, whilst still a bit out of time, is certainly not out of tune. Instead, it focuses on the arrival of Ruth to her brothers' farm not as a start of Christian endeavors, but rather how their mutual siblings' love is guided by Christ and how it ends up changing ALL of their lives for the better.
I am taking one star off because I did feel that it went a bit far (particularly in the case of Joseph, who got QUITE the development in terms of Christian service), but overall was still relatable enough to human matters of faith without going overboard, that it overall read okay.
A lovely read, for lovely sunny days.
Usually, I'm a bit more cautious with Grace Livingston Hill's earlier works, as they do feel a tad old fashioned and stricter than some of her later materials, and for a 21st century modern reader, it's therefore a lot to acclimate yourself to before heading in and reading. (In particular, my worry was that there might be the missionary angle, which I dislike in any context and therefore will stay away from.)
HOWEVER
I was pleasantly surprised that this story, whilst still a bit out of time, is certainly not out of tune. Instead, it focuses on the arrival of Ruth to her brothers' farm not as a start of Christian endeavors, but rather how their mutual siblings' love is guided by Christ and how it ends up changing ALL of their lives for the better.
I am taking one star off because I did feel that it went a bit far (particularly in the case of Joseph, who got QUITE the development in terms of Christian service), but overall was still relatable enough to human matters of faith without going overboard, that it overall read okay.
A lovely read, for lovely sunny days.
January 30, 2008
The story of two farmers in the USA whose lives are changed when their lively sister comes to look after them. Quite a nice story, and well-written, but suffers enormously from introspection with far too many character viewpoints and authorial asides (although they were common at the time of writing). They don't just explain what is fairly obvious, they show the author's rather horrendous class and culture biases. Also, the Christian message is over-pushed in my view, along with some legalistic biases of the time.
Readable with a fair bit of skimming!
Readable with a fair bit of skimming!
Read
November 29, 2014I love all of Grace Livingston Hill's books. She is an amazing author.
February 10, 2023
Grace Livingston Hill's "In the Way" was published in 1897, so it has an old fashioned feel but to me that is indeed charming and delightful. The formula of helping others lead the life of true Christians and not just saying they attend church weekly but actually living the life. I always feel happy after reading her novels and I enjoy these wholesome interesting stories. A little bit of surprise here but basically these characters are predictable. It will be interesting reading some of the Ruskin's books that Ruth suggested to Ellen.
Story in short- The country Benedict brothers are reunited with their city born sister who was raised by their aunt and uncle as their own. How will the city girl fit into their neglected farm home?
➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖
Highlight (Yellow) | Location 22
“Oh, Ruth!” said Joseph, a kind of dismay and consternation in his voice. He laid down his bread and molasses and sat back in his chair. “What in the name of common sense does she want to come here for?” he asked after a minute. “Because Aunt Ruth is dead,” answered David, like a lesson he had been saying over to himself to be sure he had it right, “and because
Highlight (Yellow) | Location 25
she is alone and is our sister and we are her brothers.” “Well, where’s all the money that was going to be left her? Is it dead too?” “I don’t know about the money; she doesn’t say as to that.” “It must be gone or she wouldn’t want to come here. Why doesn’t she do something and stay where she is? After being away from home all her life, she can’t expect to be taken care of now.”
Highlight (Yellow) | Location 42
David looked about the room again in a troubled way. It was the same room he remembered in
Highlight (Yellow) | Location 43
his boyhood, aye, even his babyhood, away back where that shadowy memory of his mother moved about; but the old kitchen had a brighter look in those days. What made the difference? Then when mother had gone and Aunt Nancy had come, the room had seemed well enough; father had lived there and seemed contented. After father had died, Aunt Nancy had kept the room about the same, until her death, nine months ago, and nothing had been changed since.
Highlight (Yellow) | Location 55
“Look here, Joe,” said the elder brother turning slowly around, the cold greasy dishwater dripping from his great red hands, “you are hard on her. She never knew she wasn’t Aunt Ruth’s own child until after
Highlight (Yellow) | Location 56
after Aunt Ruth died, three weeks ago. It was part of the agreement, you know. Father thought it best for her to have a mother. Aunt Ruth said she wanted her to grow up loving her as her own mother. I never could quite see how it was right and fair not to tell her, but Aunt Ruth made a good deal of it, and father thought it would be just as well, for she would have everything money could buy—you know Uncle Hiram was pretty rich awhile before he died, until he lost a good deal in
Highlight (Yellow) | Location 60
a failure of some kind. She was a pretty little thing when I saw her.” Here the dishwasher folded his arms and leaned back against the sink. “You know father sent me there with a message the year before he died, and he told me not to tell anyone who I was, but Aunt Ruth. I wasn’t to let Ruth know I belonged to her, if I should happen to see her, because he said she had never even heard of me. I didn’t kind of like the idea, then, for it seemed as though she would feel ashamed of me if she knew I belonged to her, and I went
Highlight (Yellow) | Location 63
there feeling all out of patience with a girl that was letting herself be fooled in that way; but you know she was a baby only a few days old when she went there, and how was it her fault?
❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌spoiler alert
I had thought that Joseph would be harder to win over but it was nice that he was won over to Ruth when she had injured herself. I had thought that Ellen would not end so nicely but with Joseph's care and guidance helped her. I liked that Ellen also was looking for love not just convenience and Joseph had then told of his love for her. I was happy that Louise fell in love with David. It was wonderful that they all became Christians, leading that life. It is funny how when hearing her daughter profess her being a Christian, the mother thought her ill. I suppose she was used to her daughter being a certain way which she kind of enjoyed too. Also Ellen's mother was resistive in her going the missionary route, wanting her to marry a rich farmer instead.
Highlight (Yellow) | Location 82
Her letter had been a brief one and to the point, with an undertone of eager sisterly love and longing for someone who belonged to her, in her loneliness; and this on the second reading reached her elder brother’s heart and made him wish that their father was alive to give
Highlight (Yellow) | Location 84
her what she wanted. He felt himself utterly unable to do so.
Highlight (Yellow) | Location 123
“Are you David?” she asked eagerly before he reached her, and then without waiting to give him time for more than a nod in reply, she put up her pretty lips and threw one arm simply and gracefully about his neck and kissed him.
Highlight (Yellow) | Location 125
David felt as though he never had been through such a trying experience in his life and would rather be killed outright than go through it again. He was painfully conscious of the watching eyes. He dared not turn toward them to see what they thought. He had a faint hope that the outgoing train had attracted the attention of most of them, but it was only a hope. Ellen Amelia Haskins, the eldest granddaughter, was taking notes with undivided attention, and she immediately began to give abroad news.
Highlight (Yellow) and Note | Location 128
All Summerton knew that away back in the years somewhere there had been a baby sister in the Benedict household, who had been adopted by the father’s rich brother, but they had almost forgotten the story.
*** When Ruth Benedict was born her mother died during childbirth or soon after. She was not told who her true parents were; Ruth's real father had his brother and his wife bring Ruth up as their own. With both adopted parents gone, Ruth who is a little younger than Joseph her true brother and David Benedict, her older brother are know to her now. Their father died years ago and they take care of the farm are worried about this city born sister coming to visit.
Story in short- The country Benedict brothers are reunited with their city born sister who was raised by their aunt and uncle as their own. How will the city girl fit into their neglected farm home?
➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖
Highlight (Yellow) | Location 22
“Oh, Ruth!” said Joseph, a kind of dismay and consternation in his voice. He laid down his bread and molasses and sat back in his chair. “What in the name of common sense does she want to come here for?” he asked after a minute. “Because Aunt Ruth is dead,” answered David, like a lesson he had been saying over to himself to be sure he had it right, “and because
Highlight (Yellow) | Location 25
she is alone and is our sister and we are her brothers.” “Well, where’s all the money that was going to be left her? Is it dead too?” “I don’t know about the money; she doesn’t say as to that.” “It must be gone or she wouldn’t want to come here. Why doesn’t she do something and stay where she is? After being away from home all her life, she can’t expect to be taken care of now.”
Highlight (Yellow) | Location 42
David looked about the room again in a troubled way. It was the same room he remembered in
Highlight (Yellow) | Location 43
his boyhood, aye, even his babyhood, away back where that shadowy memory of his mother moved about; but the old kitchen had a brighter look in those days. What made the difference? Then when mother had gone and Aunt Nancy had come, the room had seemed well enough; father had lived there and seemed contented. After father had died, Aunt Nancy had kept the room about the same, until her death, nine months ago, and nothing had been changed since.
Highlight (Yellow) | Location 55
“Look here, Joe,” said the elder brother turning slowly around, the cold greasy dishwater dripping from his great red hands, “you are hard on her. She never knew she wasn’t Aunt Ruth’s own child until after
Highlight (Yellow) | Location 56
after Aunt Ruth died, three weeks ago. It was part of the agreement, you know. Father thought it best for her to have a mother. Aunt Ruth said she wanted her to grow up loving her as her own mother. I never could quite see how it was right and fair not to tell her, but Aunt Ruth made a good deal of it, and father thought it would be just as well, for she would have everything money could buy—you know Uncle Hiram was pretty rich awhile before he died, until he lost a good deal in
Highlight (Yellow) | Location 60
a failure of some kind. She was a pretty little thing when I saw her.” Here the dishwasher folded his arms and leaned back against the sink. “You know father sent me there with a message the year before he died, and he told me not to tell anyone who I was, but Aunt Ruth. I wasn’t to let Ruth know I belonged to her, if I should happen to see her, because he said she had never even heard of me. I didn’t kind of like the idea, then, for it seemed as though she would feel ashamed of me if she knew I belonged to her, and I went
Highlight (Yellow) | Location 63
there feeling all out of patience with a girl that was letting herself be fooled in that way; but you know she was a baby only a few days old when she went there, and how was it her fault?
❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌spoiler alert
I had thought that Joseph would be harder to win over but it was nice that he was won over to Ruth when she had injured herself. I had thought that Ellen would not end so nicely but with Joseph's care and guidance helped her. I liked that Ellen also was looking for love not just convenience and Joseph had then told of his love for her. I was happy that Louise fell in love with David. It was wonderful that they all became Christians, leading that life. It is funny how when hearing her daughter profess her being a Christian, the mother thought her ill. I suppose she was used to her daughter being a certain way which she kind of enjoyed too. Also Ellen's mother was resistive in her going the missionary route, wanting her to marry a rich farmer instead.
Highlight (Yellow) | Location 82
Her letter had been a brief one and to the point, with an undertone of eager sisterly love and longing for someone who belonged to her, in her loneliness; and this on the second reading reached her elder brother’s heart and made him wish that their father was alive to give
Highlight (Yellow) | Location 84
her what she wanted. He felt himself utterly unable to do so.
Highlight (Yellow) | Location 123
“Are you David?” she asked eagerly before he reached her, and then without waiting to give him time for more than a nod in reply, she put up her pretty lips and threw one arm simply and gracefully about his neck and kissed him.
Highlight (Yellow) | Location 125
David felt as though he never had been through such a trying experience in his life and would rather be killed outright than go through it again. He was painfully conscious of the watching eyes. He dared not turn toward them to see what they thought. He had a faint hope that the outgoing train had attracted the attention of most of them, but it was only a hope. Ellen Amelia Haskins, the eldest granddaughter, was taking notes with undivided attention, and she immediately began to give abroad news.
Highlight (Yellow) and Note | Location 128
All Summerton knew that away back in the years somewhere there had been a baby sister in the Benedict household, who had been adopted by the father’s rich brother, but they had almost forgotten the story.
*** When Ruth Benedict was born her mother died during childbirth or soon after. She was not told who her true parents were; Ruth's real father had his brother and his wife bring Ruth up as their own. With both adopted parents gone, Ruth who is a little younger than Joseph her true brother and David Benedict, her older brother are know to her now. Their father died years ago and they take care of the farm are worried about this city born sister coming to visit.
September 21, 2018
In The Way
I liked the way the plan of salvation was presented in different ways and the wonderful descriptive language Mrs. Hill always uses in her books
I liked the way the plan of salvation was presented in different ways and the wonderful descriptive language Mrs. Hill always uses in her books
April 30, 2024
Number of pages: 214
Genre: Fiction
Series: N/A
Age recommendation: High School (15+)
Summary: When David and Joseph Benedict get word that their sister is coming to live with them, they don’t know what to do. Being on their own for years now, they are not happy about the idea of a woman coming in and messing things up. But they have no clue about the joy and new life that will be breathed into them by her coming.
My thoughts: This was a pretty good book. I especially enjoyed the first few chapters; some things made me laugh out loud. Firstly, Ruth’s shock that her brother did not put on a collar (they used to be removable) when he came to pick her up from the train. Second, Joe’s defiance makes him all the more a likeable character in my opinion. I felt so bad for him when he thought Ruth was trying to steal his bedroom; I’m glad the whole thing got cleared up pretty quickly.
I don’t know what to think of all of Ruth’s teachings. She kept stressing the importance of looking good and styling ourselves and our things (like our houses) nicely in order to feel closer to God because good things make us look upward or something like that. Maybe it was that beauty points us to God; I found it a little unclear. Anyway, I don’t think it’s wrong to have nice things – certainly being a Christian doesn’t mean we have to give away everything we have and live in some hovel somewhere, and certainly we can dress nicely, so long as we are modest. I just wonder if Ruth took these things a little too far.
I also didn’t love the emphasis on sabbath and rule keeping. Firstly, we don’t keep the sabbath (Saturday, not Sunday is the sabbath), and secondly, following rules or trying to live a good life doesn’t make someone a Christian. For the sabbath thing, I was glad that Ruth didn’t turn it into a rule that you can do nothing but read the Bible, but suggested it was a better use of one’s time to get closer to God and to feel the joy and rest that comes from reading His word rather than silly stories or whatever. I thought that was a really good way to put it. By way of salvation, I wish there had been a clearer gospel message, and a clearer indication that some of the characters had actually been saved. Overall, I’d say it was pretty good though.
I really enjoyed the story. I liked how all the characters were able to help each other. I appreciated how it showed that even non-Christians can recognize the good that knowing Christ can do for a person, and without accepting Him themself, draw others closer to Him. It’s not that we don���t want people to know God, but it’s just cool to be reminded that God can use anyone – even those who are not interested in Him.
As always, one of the fun parts of reading older books is finding all the things that were shocking or “new-fangled” in the day the book was written, but aren’t anymore. The things that stood out to me was the “disgrace of not wearing a collar;” the fact that all the girls sewed their own clothes and that a ball was the worst thing one could ever imagine happening to tempt the young people. I’ve never heard of removable collars before this book; actually maybe I read about it in another old book, but I’m not sure. Nowadays, it’s probably cheaper to buy clothes than to sew them yourself. So many people don’t even know how to sew anymore. And I’ve never heard of a ball happening in my town ever. There were school dances and that’s about it as far as I know (I’ve never been to one, but people said I didn’t miss much).
In the Way was an interesting book, and I would definitely read more books by this author.
My personal rating: 4/5 stars.
Link to blog: https://karinaschristianreads.wordpre...
Genre: Fiction
Series: N/A
Age recommendation: High School (15+)
Summary: When David and Joseph Benedict get word that their sister is coming to live with them, they don’t know what to do. Being on their own for years now, they are not happy about the idea of a woman coming in and messing things up. But they have no clue about the joy and new life that will be breathed into them by her coming.
My thoughts: This was a pretty good book. I especially enjoyed the first few chapters; some things made me laugh out loud. Firstly, Ruth’s shock that her brother did not put on a collar (they used to be removable) when he came to pick her up from the train. Second, Joe’s defiance makes him all the more a likeable character in my opinion. I felt so bad for him when he thought Ruth was trying to steal his bedroom; I’m glad the whole thing got cleared up pretty quickly.
I don’t know what to think of all of Ruth’s teachings. She kept stressing the importance of looking good and styling ourselves and our things (like our houses) nicely in order to feel closer to God because good things make us look upward or something like that. Maybe it was that beauty points us to God; I found it a little unclear. Anyway, I don’t think it’s wrong to have nice things – certainly being a Christian doesn’t mean we have to give away everything we have and live in some hovel somewhere, and certainly we can dress nicely, so long as we are modest. I just wonder if Ruth took these things a little too far.
I also didn’t love the emphasis on sabbath and rule keeping. Firstly, we don’t keep the sabbath (Saturday, not Sunday is the sabbath), and secondly, following rules or trying to live a good life doesn’t make someone a Christian. For the sabbath thing, I was glad that Ruth didn’t turn it into a rule that you can do nothing but read the Bible, but suggested it was a better use of one’s time to get closer to God and to feel the joy and rest that comes from reading His word rather than silly stories or whatever. I thought that was a really good way to put it. By way of salvation, I wish there had been a clearer gospel message, and a clearer indication that some of the characters had actually been saved. Overall, I’d say it was pretty good though.
I really enjoyed the story. I liked how all the characters were able to help each other. I appreciated how it showed that even non-Christians can recognize the good that knowing Christ can do for a person, and without accepting Him themself, draw others closer to Him. It’s not that we don���t want people to know God, but it’s just cool to be reminded that God can use anyone – even those who are not interested in Him.
As always, one of the fun parts of reading older books is finding all the things that were shocking or “new-fangled” in the day the book was written, but aren’t anymore. The things that stood out to me was the “disgrace of not wearing a collar;” the fact that all the girls sewed their own clothes and that a ball was the worst thing one could ever imagine happening to tempt the young people. I’ve never heard of removable collars before this book; actually maybe I read about it in another old book, but I’m not sure. Nowadays, it’s probably cheaper to buy clothes than to sew them yourself. So many people don’t even know how to sew anymore. And I’ve never heard of a ball happening in my town ever. There were school dances and that’s about it as far as I know (I’ve never been to one, but people said I didn’t miss much).
In the Way was an interesting book, and I would definitely read more books by this author.
My personal rating: 4/5 stars.
Link to blog: https://karinaschristianreads.wordpre...
January 26, 2022
Honestly this book probably doesn't deserve 3 stars, but I really wanted to like it, so I'm being generous.
The novel opened up with some serious Brentwood or Re-Creations vibes (2 of my all time favorite GLH books) so I was predisposed to love this. (Probably the reason I'm being so generous with the stars.) However it quickly went downhill as the reader got to know the main character. A more pretentious, perfect, holier than thou, character have I rarely seen- even in GLH! She was so perfect that GLH tried to write in that she rode a bicycle before it was considered proper in order to (maybe) show she was human, but that completely fell flat. Instead, it just looked like everyone else's morals were wrong and that Ruth was still perfect in every aspect of her judgment. And if that wasn't annoying enough, we see flashbacks of Ruth critiquing a minister about his theology on Sabbath keeping. (Of course, it was to show how Ruth was correct and the minister needed HER help in order to really be godly.) All in all, Ruth was just too perfect (but EVERYONE loved her!!) to be likable and honestly, she ended up ruining the book for me.
I enjoyed seeing the growth of the brothers throughout the book, and David's romance with Louise was ok (although I got tired of the masculine heavy handedness that GLH really advocated in this novel- ugh!) Overall though, all the romances in this novel were unsatisfactory because they were non-existent and too much like the story of Rebecca in the Bible (i.e.- Will you go with me to the mission field? We'll have to get married. Yes, I will go, even though you don't really know or love me.)
Overall, I can't really recommend this one. I really wanted to like it more than I did, but it just isn't that great. If you want a book with a heroine with a savior complex, try Brentwood or if fixing up shabby houses is your thing, read Re-Creations. Skip this one.
The novel opened up with some serious Brentwood or Re-Creations vibes (2 of my all time favorite GLH books) so I was predisposed to love this. (Probably the reason I'm being so generous with the stars.) However it quickly went downhill as the reader got to know the main character. A more pretentious, perfect, holier than thou, character have I rarely seen- even in GLH! She was so perfect that GLH tried to write in that she rode a bicycle before it was considered proper in order to (maybe) show she was human, but that completely fell flat. Instead, it just looked like everyone else's morals were wrong and that Ruth was still perfect in every aspect of her judgment. And if that wasn't annoying enough, we see flashbacks of Ruth critiquing a minister about his theology on Sabbath keeping. (Of course, it was to show how Ruth was correct and the minister needed HER help in order to really be godly.) All in all, Ruth was just too perfect (but EVERYONE loved her!!) to be likable and honestly, she ended up ruining the book for me.
I enjoyed seeing the growth of the brothers throughout the book, and David's romance with Louise was ok (although I got tired of the masculine heavy handedness that GLH really advocated in this novel- ugh!) Overall though, all the romances in this novel were unsatisfactory because they were non-existent and too much like the story of Rebecca in the Bible (i.e.- Will you go with me to the mission field? We'll have to get married. Yes, I will go, even though you don't really know or love me.)
Overall, I can't really recommend this one. I really wanted to like it more than I did, but it just isn't that great. If you want a book with a heroine with a savior complex, try Brentwood or if fixing up shabby houses is your thing, read Re-Creations. Skip this one.
December 23, 2019
I did not enjoy this book.
There were some parts that were good- the initial set-up, with Ruth coming home and determining to love her brothers well & make a lovely home for them, was nearly all good. After that it got kind of convoluted, and very very preachy.
You know I love Christian books. But we can write those well, can we not? Without making everyone feel as if a particularly censorious schoolmarm is lecturing us?
The fact of the matter is that smoking is not sinful. It may be disgusting (debatable, especially when pipes and cigars come into the question), but it's not immoral. Dancing is also not immoral. It may be wise (I would say it is) to refrain from dancing intimately with men other than your husband, but not all dancing is of this sort.
To have GLH swing from these legalisms to extolling the goodness of a lady missionary, who is going about preaching, sounds like, or at least teaching with authority- both of which ARE forbidden by Scripture! Well. It was just too much.
There were some parts that were good- the initial set-up, with Ruth coming home and determining to love her brothers well & make a lovely home for them, was nearly all good. After that it got kind of convoluted, and very very preachy.
You know I love Christian books. But we can write those well, can we not? Without making everyone feel as if a particularly censorious schoolmarm is lecturing us?
The fact of the matter is that smoking is not sinful. It may be disgusting (debatable, especially when pipes and cigars come into the question), but it's not immoral. Dancing is also not immoral. It may be wise (I would say it is) to refrain from dancing intimately with men other than your husband, but not all dancing is of this sort.
To have GLH swing from these legalisms to extolling the goodness of a lady missionary, who is going about preaching, sounds like, or at least teaching with authority- both of which ARE forbidden by Scripture! Well. It was just too much.
November 3, 2024
Ruth was sent to live with an aunt when her mother died, leaving her awkward pa to take care of her two older brothers who didn't need the 'woman's hand' that she did. Now that the aunt is dead, Ruth wants to connect with her family - the two brothers she'd never known she had... until now.
A sweet story about prejudice - everyone thinking that because Ruth was 'citified', she wouldn't be able to relate to the country folk, her farmer brothers, or the neighbors around her. She's actually sweet and loving and so kind, though.
This is a good 'un, for GLH. I enjoyed it very much.
A sweet story about prejudice - everyone thinking that because Ruth was 'citified', she wouldn't be able to relate to the country folk, her farmer brothers, or the neighbors around her. She's actually sweet and loving and so kind, though.
This is a good 'un, for GLH. I enjoyed it very much.
March 27, 2025
Not a romance like the cover of my version says, but I like that! It's about a sister who was raised by her aunt and uncle and doesn't discover her two brothers until after her adoptive parents die. She goes to live with the brothers and hopes to win them over to Christianity. The smalltown setting makes things interesting. It's mostly about everyday life. Nowadays, it reads like historical fiction, given the 1897 setting, which makes me like it more.
July 7, 2023
Excellent Christian book
Oh, how I wish our youth of today would realize their bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit. They would be so much better equipped and ready for the work He has for them. I'm much afraid we've thrown our morals out the back door. This book is about the way it should be.
Oh, how I wish our youth of today would realize their bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit. They would be so much better equipped and ready for the work He has for them. I'm much afraid we've thrown our morals out the back door. This book is about the way it should be.
June 26, 2024
Likeable characters and a heartwarming story. Things wrap up very quickly towards the end, and a bit tidily with not one but three romances, but enough time has passed during the story that these relationships feel believable.
May 30, 2020
Wonderful sound book! A delight!
You just can’t get good writing like this now. Although this was years ago it’s words have the same meaning today.
You just can’t get good writing like this now. Although this was years ago it’s words have the same meaning today.
January 17, 2022
Showing the way
I wish I had found Grace Livingston Hill and her aunt Isabella Alden when I was a young woman. They would truly have made a difference!
I wish I had found Grace Livingston Hill and her aunt Isabella Alden when I was a young woman. They would truly have made a difference!
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May 10, 2024!!!
June 11, 2024
Sometimes one just needs to read the sweetness of Grace Livingston Hill and relearn the lessons within her books about how to seek the Lord.
September 2, 2021
One of my absolute favorite books. Love it.
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