What do you think?
Rate this book
The Best Man
Pursued by men desperate for secret information that could threaten national security, Cyril Gordon seeks refuge in a church, stumbles into a wedding, and is mistaken for the best man.
190 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1914
212 people are currently reading
445 people want to read
About the author
Grace Livingston Hill
579 books568 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
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews
July 11, 2018
I loved this story! I didn't know Hill wrote anything so edge-of-your-seat, and I loved the suspense of wondering if Cyril's pursuers would catch up with him before he got his unintended bride to safety. It was an unusual and unpredictable plot, and the ending was downright pleasure.
I listened to the free Librivox recording.
I listened to the free Librivox recording.
February 23, 2017
One of my other favorite GLH. This one features a young man who is a spy for the government, which makes it even better!
May 29, 2023
Second Rating: 5 / 5
Still just as wonderful and sweet to read the second time around! I really do think that the Secret Service angle of everything adds an additional extra booster to the plot, as otherwise it would be a bit bland and maybe even unbelievable that a man could really not realize that he was the bridegroom at a wedding until it's too late!
Ahem-hem-hem, but anyway, all in all, this is still just a lovely, straightforward, 5-star read, all centered around a hero who not only has to keep his own secret message safe, but also has the charge of a lovely bride to contend with as well--a bride who starts off their marriage hating him because she think's he's someone else, someone truly horrible, and whose safety is now his responsibility!
Still, the happy ending and lovely writing makes it all worthwhile, and it's amazing to think that this was written in 1908, and yet it flows so seamlessly into a narrative that seems indeed timeless.
A lovely re-read, with many more re-reads to come, I'm sure!
Rating: 5 / 5
Yet another lovely read by Grace Livingston Hill, though of course I'm not surprised. Having already established that I love this author's writing, I think it ordinary or normal when I find yet another treasured book to add to my collection, which is slowly but steadily (and happily, for me) growing.
In this book we encounter Cyril Gordon, a government agent sent on an important task to retrieve a cipher from unlawful parties that would put the country at risk. Through the barest of chances and the strangest twists of fate, Cyril finds himself in a church, dazed and mistakenly thinking that he is likewise mistaken for the best man. So, as a means to hide himself from ill-intentioned pursuers, Cyril goes along with it, only to find out that he is in fact the groom! (And reasons are provided for why the wedding goes off without a hitch, don't worry, and though it seems very unlikely, it is nevertheless logical, in its own way.)
Anyway, with a new bride in tow, it's a series of chase after chase, rounding off with a perfectly sweet and delightful ending. Now, like The White Flower, this is a very plot-driven book, that focuses on actions rather than ruminating over religious themes. As a matter of fact, I'd be hard pressed to find Christianity mentioned even once, except perhaps in quoting a brief poem by Browning somewhere near the middle. Otherwise, and surprisingly, the only Christian elements about this is that both the hero and heroine are married in a Church, married in their hearts and by religious law, even though it's put to question whether the hastiness and lack of knowledge of the event ought to be considered valid or not. It's a romance as clean as any that Hill has written, and I for one quite love it, sweet and nice in all its entirety.
A lovely read, a lovely future re-read, and all in all another book well-received on my ever-growing shelves.
Still just as wonderful and sweet to read the second time around! I really do think that the Secret Service angle of everything adds an additional extra booster to the plot, as otherwise it would be a bit bland and maybe even unbelievable that a man could really not realize that he was the bridegroom at a wedding until it's too late!
Ahem-hem-hem, but anyway, all in all, this is still just a lovely, straightforward, 5-star read, all centered around a hero who not only has to keep his own secret message safe, but also has the charge of a lovely bride to contend with as well--a bride who starts off their marriage hating him because she think's he's someone else, someone truly horrible, and whose safety is now his responsibility!
Still, the happy ending and lovely writing makes it all worthwhile, and it's amazing to think that this was written in 1908, and yet it flows so seamlessly into a narrative that seems indeed timeless.
A lovely re-read, with many more re-reads to come, I'm sure!
Rating: 5 / 5
Yet another lovely read by Grace Livingston Hill, though of course I'm not surprised. Having already established that I love this author's writing, I think it ordinary or normal when I find yet another treasured book to add to my collection, which is slowly but steadily (and happily, for me) growing.
In this book we encounter Cyril Gordon, a government agent sent on an important task to retrieve a cipher from unlawful parties that would put the country at risk. Through the barest of chances and the strangest twists of fate, Cyril finds himself in a church, dazed and mistakenly thinking that he is likewise mistaken for the best man. So, as a means to hide himself from ill-intentioned pursuers, Cyril goes along with it, only to find out that he is in fact the groom! (And reasons are provided for why the wedding goes off without a hitch, don't worry, and though it seems very unlikely, it is nevertheless logical, in its own way.)
Anyway, with a new bride in tow, it's a series of chase after chase, rounding off with a perfectly sweet and delightful ending. Now, like The White Flower, this is a very plot-driven book, that focuses on actions rather than ruminating over religious themes. As a matter of fact, I'd be hard pressed to find Christianity mentioned even once, except perhaps in quoting a brief poem by Browning somewhere near the middle. Otherwise, and surprisingly, the only Christian elements about this is that both the hero and heroine are married in a Church, married in their hearts and by religious law, even though it's put to question whether the hastiness and lack of knowledge of the event ought to be considered valid or not. It's a romance as clean as any that Hill has written, and I for one quite love it, sweet and nice in all its entirety.
A lovely read, a lovely future re-read, and all in all another book well-received on my ever-growing shelves.
September 15, 2017
Synopsis:
Cyril Gordon, a member of the Secret Service, is sent on a highly sensitive, dangerous mission to retrieve a document stolen by criminals - criminals cloaked in fine suits and ties. But when these men find themselves bereft of their booty, their response will send Cyril on a wild escape that takes him to a strange place of refuge...a wedding.
What we loved:
This story line was a joy! At one point in the reading, we were all literally sitting on the edge of our seats, eyes bulging! It is so exciting, so thrilling - and, in the end, so sweet. Cyril is a great guy, absolutely one of our favorite fictional men; the supporting cast acts perfectly in character, and propels the plot forward at a breathless pace.
What we hated:
George. Disgusting fellow. Glad to see the back end of him!
What made us laugh:
How could you not? Just wait till you read the part about Cyril and the dog - or Cyril reading the newspaper to Julia Bentley!
What made us cry:
Cyril is so gallant and sweet - the absolute gentleman. When an especially wonderful event takes place at the end, you can get really choked up.
Warnings and caveats:
None! Clean and relaxing read, in terms of content.
Cyril Gordon, a member of the Secret Service, is sent on a highly sensitive, dangerous mission to retrieve a document stolen by criminals - criminals cloaked in fine suits and ties. But when these men find themselves bereft of their booty, their response will send Cyril on a wild escape that takes him to a strange place of refuge...a wedding.
What we loved:
This story line was a joy! At one point in the reading, we were all literally sitting on the edge of our seats, eyes bulging! It is so exciting, so thrilling - and, in the end, so sweet. Cyril is a great guy, absolutely one of our favorite fictional men; the supporting cast acts perfectly in character, and propels the plot forward at a breathless pace.
What we hated:
George. Disgusting fellow. Glad to see the back end of him!
What made us laugh:
How could you not? Just wait till you read the part about Cyril and the dog - or Cyril reading the newspaper to Julia Bentley!
What made us cry:
Cyril is so gallant and sweet - the absolute gentleman. When an especially wonderful event takes place at the end, you can get really choked up.
Warnings and caveats:
None! Clean and relaxing read, in terms of content.
July 5, 2015
This is too good. It's keeping me up at night!
Despite the continuous improbabilities of the story, the impossibly chivalrous hero and angelic heroine, I really enjoyed this tale. It was lovely to read a story where you know there will be justice and a happy ever after.
The Librivox narrator was excellent too.
Despite the continuous improbabilities of the story, the impossibly chivalrous hero and angelic heroine, I really enjoyed this tale. It was lovely to read a story where you know there will be justice and a happy ever after.
The Librivox narrator was excellent too.
December 19, 2023
Yes, this is one of her shallower stories, but I still love this story. I love the spy aspect. It is a stupidly fast romance.
January 4, 2013
Do you believe in love at first sight? In The Best Man by Grace L. Hill she takes this precept a few steps further. This story was first published in 1908 and, in my opinion, is far ahead of its time in both style and concept. Cyril Gordon, a secret agent unlike the rather blundering Pinkerton agents that spied for the Union during and after the Civil War, resembles more the 007 of Ian Fleming. Sent on a mission to obtain a damaging document, gets tied up in a domestic intrigue and marriage. The story is fast-paced and (at points) bordering on exciting. Except for the lack of explicit sexual innuendos and active violence it could almost pass for a more contemporary work. This story is of a marriage born of necessity flowers into an undying love in less than thirty-six hours. This is the first work I've read by Grace Livingston Hill (1865-1947) the author of more than 100 novels and innumerable short stories. Grace Hill isn't as widely known as her writing talents should suggest and I would readily read more if I ever get the chance. I highly recommend this to everyone that loves an old style book with old style values.
May 26, 2012
I was on a Grace Livingston Hill kick a while back and read several of her novels. They are always quaint and old-fashioned, sometimes a little preachy, but almost always a nice relaxing read.
September 2, 2015
First Reading 2011: I enjoyed the intrigue and suspense of this story, and loved the developing relationship between the bride and groom. It’s fun to see proved, once again, that a wholesome novel with characters of integrity can still be exciting and absorbing.
Second Reading 2015: I loved this tale just as much as in the first reading. It had been long enough that I had forgotten most of the story's details, even though I did remember the ending. Still fun, entertaining, and suspenseful.
Second Reading 2015: I loved this tale just as much as in the first reading. It had been long enough that I had forgotten most of the story's details, even though I did remember the ending. Still fun, entertaining, and suspenseful.
April 23, 2011
Another Grace Livingston Hill title - originally published in 1914.
This one started right away with intrigue, a secret service officer caught in a a quandry, with a charming twist of how in trying to escape capture he ends up in a wedding ... and, unbelievable, is thought to be the groom. Then the girl's own story of intrigue comes out as the two combine ... making for a truly charming read.
This one started right away with intrigue, a secret service officer caught in a a quandry, with a charming twist of how in trying to escape capture he ends up in a wedding ... and, unbelievable, is thought to be the groom. Then the girl's own story of intrigue comes out as the two combine ... making for a truly charming read.
November 26, 2021
Not one of her better stories. 2.5 upgraded to 3*
Read
September 14, 2019Originally published in 1914, so why the modern cover? It gives a totally false impression. I don't object to 'classic' novels - in fact I thoroughly enjoy a decent 'oldie' but I felt as if I had been deliberately misled by the cover of this book, and nowhere does it say in the blurb that this is 'historical'.
Not rating. The writing was ponderous and forced and I stopped reading at 27%
Not rating. The writing was ponderous and forced and I stopped reading at 27%
April 1, 2016
This was suspenseful, sweet and clean! I really enjoyed it. I like that they don't kiss at all until they're [completley] married. You'll understand what I mean if you read it.
-1 star for the whole instalove thing
-1 star for the whole instalove thing
September 16, 2019
Struggle
I wanted to love this book but the typos made me frustrated. The speech of the book was very high brow and at times sappy. A great story premise but not my style in execution.
I wanted to love this book but the typos made me frustrated. The speech of the book was very high brow and at times sappy. A great story premise but not my style in execution.
July 1, 2023
Unusual plot and very enjoyable.
June 18, 2016
This was a clean romantic suspense, without anything religious. I enjoyed it, although I'm not really a fan of stories.
January 3, 2017
Marvelous, old-fashioned romantic tale,
September 19, 2020
Not quite what I expected.
I was under the impression that this was a detective story (which it was) but it turned out to be much more of a romance than anticipated. The story concept was interesting enough, but the writing felt rushed especially at the parts I wanted to hear. There also wasn’t much at all that was wholesome or edifying in any particular way, so the whole thing was kinda pointless at best. Also the fact that Cyril had accidentally married a girl to avoid detection, and then let himself get attached to her even though he believed that she rightly was promised to the man he pretending to be (whom she hadn’t seen for 10 years) was a bit of a awkward situation. Of course it all turned out right in the end and the other guy was a villain who had blackmailed her into marriage, but still...
I was under the impression that this was a detective story (which it was) but it turned out to be much more of a romance than anticipated. The story concept was interesting enough, but the writing felt rushed especially at the parts I wanted to hear. There also wasn’t much at all that was wholesome or edifying in any particular way, so the whole thing was kinda pointless at best. Also the fact that Cyril had accidentally married a girl to avoid detection, and then let himself get attached to her even though he believed that she rightly was promised to the man he pretending to be (whom she hadn’t seen for 10 years) was a bit of a awkward situation. Of course it all turned out right in the end and the other guy was a villain who had blackmailed her into marriage, but still...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
November 1, 2025this is a case of mistaken identity, and as always I love the old-fashioned nuances and tropes that define Ms Livingston Hills novels. Loved it!
July 13, 2024
4.5 ⭐️
The ending was overlong, the only flaw in an otherwise perfectly delightful story of a Secret Service agent who accidentally marries a woman while he’s on the run with secret documents 🫠💕
The ending was overlong, the only flaw in an otherwise perfectly delightful story of a Secret Service agent who accidentally marries a woman while he’s on the run with secret documents 🫠💕
March 21, 2018
Cyril Gordon, a secret service man, gets roped into an unintentional marriage as he flees from people intent on killing him. The bride has not seen the soon-to-be groom in ten years and the wedding goes forward. He's an honorable man and conflicted about the marriage, to say the least. His mission is a matter of life and death, but he's accepted the charge to care for this woman, at least until he can leave her with her people and explain...unless the real bridegroom shows up first! And how can he explain his duplicity without revealing his ultra-secret mission? And why does his temporary bride, whom he's never met before the ceremony, seem to hate him so much?
Celia Hathaway is marrying against her will, blackmailed into it. She has no idea that she married Cyril, not the horrible man who's threatening her family. So when she finds her new husband to be kind and honorable, and solicitous instead of selfish and cruel, she's amazed. And he's actually good looking rather than the pudgy and dissolute tyrant she was expecting. She feels like a traitor to slowly find she enjoys his presence. She could even like the fellow, if it had not been for all those evil letters!
And then Cyril's pursuers put them both in danger before there's time to explain.
So the plot to this romance is insanely far-fetched, but Grace Livingston Hill makes it work. It's a fun romp, marred only by the depiction of taken-for-granted black servants that grates on the modern ear and heart but was nevertheless regrettably typical for the time period.
Celia Hathaway is marrying against her will, blackmailed into it. She has no idea that she married Cyril, not the horrible man who's threatening her family. So when she finds her new husband to be kind and honorable, and solicitous instead of selfish and cruel, she's amazed. And he's actually good looking rather than the pudgy and dissolute tyrant she was expecting. She feels like a traitor to slowly find she enjoys his presence. She could even like the fellow, if it had not been for all those evil letters!
And then Cyril's pursuers put them both in danger before there's time to explain.
So the plot to this romance is insanely far-fetched, but Grace Livingston Hill makes it work. It's a fun romp, marred only by the depiction of taken-for-granted black servants that grates on the modern ear and heart but was nevertheless regrettably typical for the time period.
February 10, 2018
What a delightful surprise. I had never heard of this author but happened upon The Best Man while looking for an audio book.
Cyril Morgan is a government agent sent to retrieve a stolen coded message that will endanger national security. He escapes from a dinner party with the message but in his escape he gets involved in a wedding. Instead of standing in as the best man he finds himself married to the bride. His pursuers continue to follow him but now he feels he has the additional responsibility for a new bride. A woman he does not know and who has seemed unhappy and ill even at the wedding. How does that happen? The intended groom has been living abroad for a number of years and no one questions his appearance.
There is suspense, intrigue, blackmail, and a chase in an unpredictable plot. The characters are likable as the improbable romance develops.
Cyril Morgan is a government agent sent to retrieve a stolen coded message that will endanger national security. He escapes from a dinner party with the message but in his escape he gets involved in a wedding. Instead of standing in as the best man he finds himself married to the bride. His pursuers continue to follow him but now he feels he has the additional responsibility for a new bride. A woman he does not know and who has seemed unhappy and ill even at the wedding. How does that happen? The intended groom has been living abroad for a number of years and no one questions his appearance.
There is suspense, intrigue, blackmail, and a chase in an unpredictable plot. The characters are likable as the improbable romance develops.
January 22, 2013
This book was a fun read, although I had to completely engage in "suspension of disbelief" because of the too many coincidences and a too-trusting major character. Published in 1908, the book is about Cyril Gordon, a secret service agent who works in Washington, DC. He is sent to New York City on a dangerous mission of major national importance, and through a bizarre circumstance, ends up married to a woman who thinks he is someone else, and the entire wedding party buys into this notion as well. His delicate wife, Celia, doesn't figure out that he's not who she thinks he is until almost the end, even though she participates in some scary chases. Nevertheless, it's a charming story and I enjoyed its pace.
June 17, 2013
I picked up a bunch of Grace Livingston Hill romances at the library book sale because I have always liked her books. They are early Christian romance novels and as such usually have more than a little preaching. What made this title unique is that although the hero and heroine are very moral, upright, good-hearted people there is almost no mention of religion in this book. It is an exciting story of espionage and mistaken identity that is not perhaps entirely plausible but good fun. I don't usually reread Mrs Hill's books much but this one could be an exception.
May 4, 2013
I really wanted to give this more stars. In the simplest from it was a really good book. The plot was complex and exciting. The characters were lovable. When the book was done though, it just had no redeeming value. All it was was a "cute book." There wasn't really even one moral point that I could find. The relationship in the book was pretty superficial. A little more depth would have been nice.
August 14, 2018
Although the main theme of the plot was a bit far fetched, this book was fun all the way through. It was, I thought, a bit adventurous of old Gracey, a bold subject matter-- Spies! And I enjoyed it. This book didn't have as much of the Christian element as some of them do, it was less bold in that regard. Nevertheless, a good solid romance/adventure! I enjoyed it.
April 21, 2016
A typical GLH fluffy and totally unlikely romance, but enjoyable to read. In a world where "love" so often fails, it's sometimes delightful to fall back on these fairy-tale stories of romance and true love, and once again believe that "love never fails"!
June 9, 2015
This improbably story of a man who accidently gets married while trying to do his job in the Secret Service, is well-written and enjoyable to hear. Much like the movies that were made in the 40's with silly things happening, I just went with it.
September 9, 2019
Precious
From before 1923 rings this clarion love story. Mystery, intrigue, both horse-drawn carriages and automobiles---and even motorcycles! And, of course, the very important railroad. Delightful.
From before 1923 rings this clarion love story. Mystery, intrigue, both horse-drawn carriages and automobiles---and even motorcycles! And, of course, the very important railroad. Delightful.
March 14, 2018
My very favorite!
Suspense and romance tied into one! As is evident in many GLH novels there is an element of the unbelievable, but that is the case in many a movie as well. Loved the fun dialog between the main characters.
Suspense and romance tied into one! As is evident in many GLH novels there is an element of the unbelievable, but that is the case in many a movie as well. Loved the fun dialog between the main characters.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews