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The Finding of Jasper Holt
The night of the train crash, their lives became entwined. And even though stories of Jasper Holt's wild past were rampant, Jean Grayson knew her heart would always belong to this handsome stranger who had saved her life. But Jasper knew Jean's family would never accept him. So he made her a promise that one day he would prove his worth to all who were determined to keep them apart. . .
200 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1916
35 people are currently reading
260 people want to read
About the author
Grace Livingston Hill
595 books570 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 41 reviews
September 14, 2024
Second Rating: 5+++ / 5
How else could I describe this other than absolutely beautiful and absolutely perfect?
As one of my early Grace Livingston Hill reads, this story was one of the ones that convinced me to love this author, and her style. The characters in the story are so well-described, just put into perspective as real people who each seek to make their way in the world. In particular, what makes Jasper Holt a fine character is that while he is good at heart and misunderstood, he's also tough as nails and does what needs to be done in harsh circumstances and situations. By all accounts, I can see him as being an intimidating character as well as a good Christian one, and that maybe that's the reason behind some of his neighbours being wary of him.
But then, when paired with the purity and trust from Jean Grayson, how else could Holt be but honourable, true, and heroic? Especially as Jean is just as steadfast towards him as he is towards her, just reading about this couple was so heartening that one can simply read the story for the pleasure of knowing where their lives take them and how they feel about each other and love each other no matter what.
Of course, we also get exciting situations coming into play as well, particularly at the beginning of the story with the train and wilderness scenes. Some drama and action in these kinds of books is always welcome, especially since one knows whilst reading them that nothing truly bad can ever happen, and so I appreciate the action as well as the love.
Again, religion is not at the forefront of this story as much as in some of Hill's other works, but nevertheless the messages behind trust and hope and love changing a person and how they live is still present, and something to appreciate.
I will be coming back to this story many, many times throughout my life--without a doubt!
Rating: 5 / 5
Yet another great read by Grace Livingston Hill, a relaxing refresher that is clean, simple, and heartwarming. As in the case of The White Flower, this is mainly a plot-driven book with almost little to no religious preaching in it. Prayer itself is more a matter of course, something used in those little-odd moments when one needs comfort in order to get through something difficult. Neither of the protagonists need to find God, so there is less preaching on Hill's part and instead more of a focus on the story.
Similarly to The White Flower, we start off on a train. This time, our protagonist, Jean Grayson, is a heroine on her way to visit her sister and her family out west, but an uncouth old man uses a rouse to hand her over a wallet belonging to Jasper Holt, who is also on the train and whom Jean instinctively trusts. What she doesn't know is that Holt's reputation is questionable everywhere, and the person who hates him most is actually her own brother-in-law, who desires Holt's wallet and whom the old man, Scathlin, is secretly working for. A train accident ensues and Holt and Jean are thrown together by chance, and from whereon proceeds the story of Holt's redemption, both in fact and in dissuading the exaggerated rumors about him that Jean must likewise learn to overcome.
What can I say except that, as always, I love Hill's way of writing, that calm, peaceful, and pure way of stating the simple things of life as though they are all something to be appreciated, great things in and of themselves. Even wearing some beautiful flowers as adornment, or making a room look pretty is something to be admired in her stories. It's not an everyday sort of read for me, but in those moments when I too want comfort and long for something simple and clean, I turn to Hill's works--of which there are many, thank goodness, and many yet that I have to read!
How else could I describe this other than absolutely beautiful and absolutely perfect?
As one of my early Grace Livingston Hill reads, this story was one of the ones that convinced me to love this author, and her style. The characters in the story are so well-described, just put into perspective as real people who each seek to make their way in the world. In particular, what makes Jasper Holt a fine character is that while he is good at heart and misunderstood, he's also tough as nails and does what needs to be done in harsh circumstances and situations. By all accounts, I can see him as being an intimidating character as well as a good Christian one, and that maybe that's the reason behind some of his neighbours being wary of him.
But then, when paired with the purity and trust from Jean Grayson, how else could Holt be but honourable, true, and heroic? Especially as Jean is just as steadfast towards him as he is towards her, just reading about this couple was so heartening that one can simply read the story for the pleasure of knowing where their lives take them and how they feel about each other and love each other no matter what.
Of course, we also get exciting situations coming into play as well, particularly at the beginning of the story with the train and wilderness scenes. Some drama and action in these kinds of books is always welcome, especially since one knows whilst reading them that nothing truly bad can ever happen, and so I appreciate the action as well as the love.
Again, religion is not at the forefront of this story as much as in some of Hill's other works, but nevertheless the messages behind trust and hope and love changing a person and how they live is still present, and something to appreciate.
I will be coming back to this story many, many times throughout my life--without a doubt!
Rating: 5 / 5
Yet another great read by Grace Livingston Hill, a relaxing refresher that is clean, simple, and heartwarming. As in the case of The White Flower, this is mainly a plot-driven book with almost little to no religious preaching in it. Prayer itself is more a matter of course, something used in those little-odd moments when one needs comfort in order to get through something difficult. Neither of the protagonists need to find God, so there is less preaching on Hill's part and instead more of a focus on the story.
Similarly to The White Flower, we start off on a train. This time, our protagonist, Jean Grayson, is a heroine on her way to visit her sister and her family out west, but an uncouth old man uses a rouse to hand her over a wallet belonging to Jasper Holt, who is also on the train and whom Jean instinctively trusts. What she doesn't know is that Holt's reputation is questionable everywhere, and the person who hates him most is actually her own brother-in-law, who desires Holt's wallet and whom the old man, Scathlin, is secretly working for. A train accident ensues and Holt and Jean are thrown together by chance, and from whereon proceeds the story of Holt's redemption, both in fact and in dissuading the exaggerated rumors about him that Jean must likewise learn to overcome.
What can I say except that, as always, I love Hill's way of writing, that calm, peaceful, and pure way of stating the simple things of life as though they are all something to be appreciated, great things in and of themselves. Even wearing some beautiful flowers as adornment, or making a room look pretty is something to be admired in her stories. It's not an everyday sort of read for me, but in those moments when I too want comfort and long for something simple and clean, I turn to Hill's works--of which there are many, thank goodness, and many yet that I have to read!
August 10, 2017
Jasper Holt is a bad man. Or at least that's what you'll hear from anyone you ask if you travel out West. But Jasper Holt saved the life of a young girl with a pure heart, and she saw what no one else did.
This is a book a little outside the norm of what the Grace Livingston Hill books usually are. Part of what I would call the "Western" stories, you're never quite sure just where "West" is with Grace. Someplace where there's cowboys and rough men, and gunfights, and shysters, and all manner of things. But the story takes place around 1920 which adds in the hints of the luxuries of the times, like automobiles. (No telephone though, which would have changed the story somewhat I'm sure...)
I liked Jean quite a lot. She's a scrappy little thing, that doesn't back down. And I really liked Jasper who loves with such a pure heart that you can't help but believe in him. This is one of those stories I hadn't read before, but that I'm glad I found now as it was great fun to read. I look forward to finding some of her other stories that take place "Out West."
This is a book a little outside the norm of what the Grace Livingston Hill books usually are. Part of what I would call the "Western" stories, you're never quite sure just where "West" is with Grace. Someplace where there's cowboys and rough men, and gunfights, and shysters, and all manner of things. But the story takes place around 1920 which adds in the hints of the luxuries of the times, like automobiles. (No telephone though, which would have changed the story somewhat I'm sure...)
I liked Jean quite a lot. She's a scrappy little thing, that doesn't back down. And I really liked Jasper who loves with such a pure heart that you can't help but believe in him. This is one of those stories I hadn't read before, but that I'm glad I found now as it was great fun to read. I look forward to finding some of her other stories that take place "Out West."
July 27, 2023
Jean Grayson is travelling across the country to visit her much older, married sister in Hawk Valley. Due to a mixup on the final leg of the journey, she has to sit in the public passenger car while her sleeper bunk is sorted. Jean is nervous about this, especially when the only available seat is next to a sketchy looking old man who opening leers at her. Fortunately, a handsome young man is also sitting there, one who makes her feeling immediately safe. When the conductor arrives to announce her sleeper is ready, both men overhear her name and the names of her prominent relations out west. As she's leaving, the old man contrives to place a leather wallet in Jean's care, telling her to deliver it to her brother-in-law.
The old man is a thief called Scathlin, and the young man is named Jasper Holt. Scathlin used to work for Holt, and stole all of his very important papers at the behest of Jean's BIL, who is Jasper's mortal enemy. Holt tracked down Scathlin and has stuck to his side like glue in order to retrieve the papers. He sees what Scathlin does - passing the wallet to Jean - but doesn't try to get it from her.
A few hours later, the train is involved in a horrendous derailment and wreck while crossing a high bridge over water. The cars are on fire, and Jean has to maneuver herself out of her sleeper and drop into the water to escape. Mercifully, another passenger comes to her rescue and drags her from the water - and it turns out to be Jasper Holt!
The two make their way across land towards Hawk Valley on foot, and then horseback, arriving two days later. During these two days, the two have fallen completely head over heels for each other. Before they arrive at Jean's sister's house, Jasper confesses his identity to her and warns her that everyone in Hawk Valley hates him, most of all her BIL. He does not tell her anything about the wallet and does not try to take anything from her, mostly because he suspects that Scathlin removed one or two key documents before giving her the wallet. The two vow to continue trusting in each other, no matter what Hawk Valley has to say about it. Jasper leaves Jean to her family and sets off to find Scathlin.
Jean is greeted with open arms by everybody, and she actually surprises her brother-in-law by giving him the wallet. His reaction makes Jean suspicious, especially when he comes asking for more documents from her. She'd found one that fell out when she initially retrieved it and realized that it belonged to Jasper. She later overhears a conversation between her brother-in-law and one of his cronies in which they quite conveniently outline their plans to basically steal Jasper's property for themselves, but they are missing two key documents, one of which Jean has. She knows she has to return it to Jasper, but he told her he wouldn't come near her family's property, so how can she safely get it back to him?
Meanwhile, Jasper has run Scathlin to ground once again, takes the other important document from his possession, and brings him back to Hawk Valley, basically as an insurance policy. Scathlin tries to threaten Jean for the paper she has, and Jasper swoops to her rescue. She gives him her document, which makes those in her BIL's possession worthless. At the same time, she asks him to participate in the tournament that her family is holding in her honor before she returns east. He does, wins the biggest prize, and suddenly the townsfolk are wondering if all the nasty rumors and innuendo surrounding him are actually true.
Jean returns east to her parents, and she is separated from Jasper for a year(!) before finally reuniting with him. There is a climactic ending and their reunion is very sweet, so this was basically just a feel-good story from pillar to post.
I really enjoyed this. It's low drama, fairly low angst, and basically the story of how a man's reputation can be torn to shreds for no reason at all. There's no Obvious Villain twirling his mustache stage left; and for a GLH book, the religious elements are exceedingly light. There is no proselytizing, no sudden conversion to evangelical ways and means (it's implied to be the reason for Jasper's change in attitude, but there's no explicit come-to-Jesus moment), no judgment to those who aren't Christians, etc. The most that's present here is some prayer, and the fact that Jean's father is a minister and she herself teaches Sunday School classes. Jean herself is of course the apple of everyone's eye, and her sister is forever trying to matchmake for her and an eligible young man in town, but it's not obnoxious. That earned an extra star from me.
This is a very pleasant read, and one I think even non-religious people could enjoy.
Find more reviews at The Vintage Romance Reader
The old man is a thief called Scathlin, and the young man is named Jasper Holt. Scathlin used to work for Holt, and stole all of his very important papers at the behest of Jean's BIL, who is Jasper's mortal enemy. Holt tracked down Scathlin and has stuck to his side like glue in order to retrieve the papers. He sees what Scathlin does - passing the wallet to Jean - but doesn't try to get it from her.
A few hours later, the train is involved in a horrendous derailment and wreck while crossing a high bridge over water. The cars are on fire, and Jean has to maneuver herself out of her sleeper and drop into the water to escape. Mercifully, another passenger comes to her rescue and drags her from the water - and it turns out to be Jasper Holt!
The two make their way across land towards Hawk Valley on foot, and then horseback, arriving two days later. During these two days, the two have fallen completely head over heels for each other. Before they arrive at Jean's sister's house, Jasper confesses his identity to her and warns her that everyone in Hawk Valley hates him, most of all her BIL. He does not tell her anything about the wallet and does not try to take anything from her, mostly because he suspects that Scathlin removed one or two key documents before giving her the wallet. The two vow to continue trusting in each other, no matter what Hawk Valley has to say about it. Jasper leaves Jean to her family and sets off to find Scathlin.
Jean is greeted with open arms by everybody, and she actually surprises her brother-in-law by giving him the wallet. His reaction makes Jean suspicious, especially when he comes asking for more documents from her. She'd found one that fell out when she initially retrieved it and realized that it belonged to Jasper. She later overhears a conversation between her brother-in-law and one of his cronies in which they quite conveniently outline their plans to basically steal Jasper's property for themselves, but they are missing two key documents, one of which Jean has. She knows she has to return it to Jasper, but he told her he wouldn't come near her family's property, so how can she safely get it back to him?
Meanwhile, Jasper has run Scathlin to ground once again, takes the other important document from his possession, and brings him back to Hawk Valley, basically as an insurance policy. Scathlin tries to threaten Jean for the paper she has, and Jasper swoops to her rescue. She gives him her document, which makes those in her BIL's possession worthless. At the same time, she asks him to participate in the tournament that her family is holding in her honor before she returns east. He does, wins the biggest prize, and suddenly the townsfolk are wondering if all the nasty rumors and innuendo surrounding him are actually true.
Jean returns east to her parents, and she is separated from Jasper for a year(!) before finally reuniting with him. There is a climactic ending and their reunion is very sweet, so this was basically just a feel-good story from pillar to post.
I really enjoyed this. It's low drama, fairly low angst, and basically the story of how a man's reputation can be torn to shreds for no reason at all. There's no Obvious Villain twirling his mustache stage left; and for a GLH book, the religious elements are exceedingly light. There is no proselytizing, no sudden conversion to evangelical ways and means (it's implied to be the reason for Jasper's change in attitude, but there's no explicit come-to-Jesus moment), no judgment to those who aren't Christians, etc. The most that's present here is some prayer, and the fact that Jean's father is a minister and she herself teaches Sunday School classes. Jean herself is of course the apple of everyone's eye, and her sister is forever trying to matchmake for her and an eligible young man in town, but it's not obnoxious. That earned an extra star from me.
This is a very pleasant read, and one I think even non-religious people could enjoy.
Find more reviews at The Vintage Romance Reader
June 24, 2022
2022: Starting off the new year strong with a sweet re-read. Growing up this 4-in-1 paperback was one of my favorites, and kickstarted my obsession with early 20th century fiction.
"The Finding of Jasper Holt" (3 stars). I liked it, but I think I liked it more as a child. Girl survives train wreck with handsome young man, only to find he's a semi-outlaw. The original "bad boy" of my life, Jasper ends up becoming Mayor? (somehow I missed that the first six times I read that) and literally saves a baby from an angry bull.
"The Mystery of Mary" (2 stars). Not really my favorite, especially since on re-reading, the hero's name that I thought was "Tyron" was TRYON. TRYON??? like. Here, let me tryon your hat. Also, the poor girl who was running from a conspiracy to steal her fortune literally agrees to marry Tryon the SECOND TIME IN HER LIFE SHE TALKS TO HIM. Like, yes girl, he was very nice to you and saved your butt but you maybe need to, I dunno exchange names and life stories before you do that. I remember seeing the novel in it's standalone printing and being surprised at how small it was, but honestly GLH was right to make it tiny, I think it might be my least favorite of hers. [EDIT: hahaha not anymore! Read on!]
"Phoebe Deane" (5 stars). Just giving 5 stars because I CAN, ok? And that's on a reread! Set in an earlier time period than GLH's others, this is a standalone sequel to "Marcia Schuyler", which I read some years later. This book is actually really, really good! Phoebe is emotionally abused by her sister-in-law and sexually harrassed by the neighbor (like, this never stopped being relevant). There were chunks of discussion on slavery and abolitionism that I must have completely glazed over as an 8-year-old because WOW. The romance is sweet but actually is conducted over a span of time. Is it overly dramatic? HECK YES. But works so well! The best character is definitely Miranda Griscom, who with grit and humor and cleverness, saves the day MANY TIMES. (I just found out that she gets her own novel to end the trilogy!?!?!?!? I must read it!!) I would recommend this as a standalone, not just for me, but anyone looking for a fun, dramatic novel of a previous day.
[EDIT: I have read "Miranda" now and am completely, utterly disappointed. GLH goes off on unbelievable historical tangents and spends entire chapters--consecutively--on people who aren't the main characters. The only thing giving it one star is the unexpected passion from the hero, Allen Whitney, but he's out of the story most of the time. Miranda is clever as always, but her cleverness is buried under a slag of boring historical side notes and boring non-MC character development, and even veers off into unloveable hokiness. This book is literally all the worst parts about GLH. 1 star.]
Diverse Women (2 stars). Isabella Alden is NOT GLH and she doesn't have her touch, although their styles are similar (really, pre-war purple prose is all very similar). These short stories are mostly duds, although the descriptions are truly lovely. The drama feels very self-insertion-y, but they're fun to pass the time with!
First Log: Mom had this book on her shelves--my first foray into "romance"! Very tame, very sweet, and utterly adorable. Purple prose, flowers, tender glances, dainty picnic lunches by a burbling stream...ugh so much fun to lose yourself in for a few hours. I'm probably just nostalgic but I love Grace Livingston Hill.
"The Finding of Jasper Holt" (3 stars). I liked it, but I think I liked it more as a child. Girl survives train wreck with handsome young man, only to find he's a semi-outlaw. The original "bad boy" of my life, Jasper ends up becoming Mayor? (somehow I missed that the first six times I read that) and literally saves a baby from an angry bull.
"The Mystery of Mary" (2 stars). Not really my favorite, especially since on re-reading, the hero's name that I thought was "Tyron" was TRYON. TRYON??? like. Here, let me tryon your hat. Also, the poor girl who was running from a conspiracy to steal her fortune literally agrees to marry Tryon the SECOND TIME IN HER LIFE SHE TALKS TO HIM. Like, yes girl, he was very nice to you and saved your butt but you maybe need to, I dunno exchange names and life stories before you do that. I remember seeing the novel in it's standalone printing and being surprised at how small it was, but honestly GLH was right to make it tiny, I think it might be my least favorite of hers. [EDIT: hahaha not anymore! Read on!]
"Phoebe Deane" (5 stars). Just giving 5 stars because I CAN, ok? And that's on a reread! Set in an earlier time period than GLH's others, this is a standalone sequel to "Marcia Schuyler", which I read some years later. This book is actually really, really good! Phoebe is emotionally abused by her sister-in-law and sexually harrassed by the neighbor (like, this never stopped being relevant). There were chunks of discussion on slavery and abolitionism that I must have completely glazed over as an 8-year-old because WOW. The romance is sweet but actually is conducted over a span of time. Is it overly dramatic? HECK YES. But works so well! The best character is definitely Miranda Griscom, who with grit and humor and cleverness, saves the day MANY TIMES. (I just found out that she gets her own novel to end the trilogy!?!?!?!? I must read it!!) I would recommend this as a standalone, not just for me, but anyone looking for a fun, dramatic novel of a previous day.
[EDIT: I have read "Miranda" now and am completely, utterly disappointed. GLH goes off on unbelievable historical tangents and spends entire chapters--consecutively--on people who aren't the main characters. The only thing giving it one star is the unexpected passion from the hero, Allen Whitney, but he's out of the story most of the time. Miranda is clever as always, but her cleverness is buried under a slag of boring historical side notes and boring non-MC character development, and even veers off into unloveable hokiness. This book is literally all the worst parts about GLH. 1 star.]
Diverse Women (2 stars). Isabella Alden is NOT GLH and she doesn't have her touch, although their styles are similar (really, pre-war purple prose is all very similar). These short stories are mostly duds, although the descriptions are truly lovely. The drama feels very self-insertion-y, but they're fun to pass the time with!
First Log: Mom had this book on her shelves--my first foray into "romance"! Very tame, very sweet, and utterly adorable. Purple prose, flowers, tender glances, dainty picnic lunches by a burbling stream...ugh so much fun to lose yourself in for a few hours. I'm probably just nostalgic but I love Grace Livingston Hill.
February 7, 2013
If you like suspence-filled Western romances, this fits the bill. Jean Grayson is on her way out west to visit her brother-in-law, Mr. Harrington. He is the richest man in Hawk Valley, and is trying to steal the silver mine that Jasper Holt owns. Jean meets Jasper on the train ride out west, and they both like each other a lot. When Jean arrives at her brother-in-law's, however, she finds out from him what a terrible cowboy young Jasper is. What will Jean do? Trust her instincts and believe in Jasper, or freeze him? If you are interested in the history of the early 1900s, you'll find a little of that here, too. I learned all about Pullman berths and silver mines and ruthlessness. Grace seems to include a little of everything in this one! Hope you like it!
March 13, 2017
A virtuous damsel purifies a rapscallion with one glance of her trusting eyes. Of course, it turns out that he was never so rapscallioiny after all. This is a GLH book, after all. Only villains have sinful, cowardly hearts!
I missed what always draws me back to GLH -- details about everyday 1915 (romanticized) life. Not nearly enough on clothing, cooking, or decorating to fulfill my craving! Next time I read one by her, it will be Recreations, after which I am sure I will want to stencil birds on every wall and serve delicately poached eggs for breakfast.
I missed what always draws me back to GLH -- details about everyday 1915 (romanticized) life. Not nearly enough on clothing, cooking, or decorating to fulfill my craving! Next time I read one by her, it will be Recreations, after which I am sure I will want to stencil birds on every wall and serve delicately poached eggs for breakfast.
August 19, 2018
It's always hard to keep my emotions in check when I'm reading a GLH novel, when the supposedly honorable characters get it all wrong and pass along downright untruths about the ones we know are good. Or when the truly evil schemers lie through their teeth (I wonder where that phrase came from!) In these cases, I find I keep reminding myself that it's just a story, and in this genre everything usually turns out fine. So interesting how often the n'ere-do-wells manage to get hold of people's private mail from the post office and do dastardly deeds with it. Very compelling story. Originally published in 1916. I listened to this book as a free audio download from LibriVox.org, by another of their truly talented volunteer readers.
July 29, 2024
This review/rating is seriously mixed. I feel like Grace goes a bit heavy on the theme of 'girls-can-go-around-alone-with-strange-men-if-they-feel-instinctively-that-he's-a-good-guy'. In real life, this usually ends in tragedy. In Mrs. Hill's world, it ends in a wedding. But...
I cannot deny that Jasper Holt has a real draw. He's manly and handsome and strong; deep down inside, he's sad and lonely and has always felt that no one loved him. It's been a catalyst for female pity and attraction throughout history. Add to Jasper that everyone seems to be against him for no reason at all, and you've thrown in the 'underdog-without-a-cause'. The way that the heroine's family changes towards him is a bit tropy, but very romantic, and despite the final scenes being pretty sappy, you're just ready for a happy conclusion, so it works.
I cannot deny that Jasper Holt has a real draw. He's manly and handsome and strong; deep down inside, he's sad and lonely and has always felt that no one loved him. It's been a catalyst for female pity and attraction throughout history. Add to Jasper that everyone seems to be against him for no reason at all, and you've thrown in the 'underdog-without-a-cause'. The way that the heroine's family changes towards him is a bit tropy, but very romantic, and despite the final scenes being pretty sappy, you're just ready for a happy conclusion, so it works.
May 20, 2016
There's something about these "vintage" novels that makes me forgive them for using tropes that would usually make me roll my eyes at a modern novel that used them. Beautiful, do no wrong heroines, couples that fall in love almost immediately, perfect (or nearly so) heroes... The list goes on. Somehow if the book was written before 1950, it feels natural for some reason, and doesn't bother me a bit - in fact, I like it.
Comfort reading, I guess? It IS relaxing to step into an idealized world now and then, where you can rest assured that nothing too graphic or horrible will happen, and where a happy ending is guaranteed. This book fits that bill perfectly - I enjoyed it.
Comfort reading, I guess? It IS relaxing to step into an idealized world now and then, where you can rest assured that nothing too graphic or horrible will happen, and where a happy ending is guaranteed. This book fits that bill perfectly - I enjoyed it.
January 12, 2017
1916. Jean is traveling to "the West" to visit her sister; the train crashes; she is saved by a man named Jasper Holt. When she gets to her sister's house she learns that he is not well-liked in the town, but Jean likes him best of all.
This book was kinda boring and not very believable, and I can't say I loved it. It falls into the GLH categories of 'western' and 'good guy takes all the blame.' Not her best.
This book was kinda boring and not very believable, and I can't say I loved it. It falls into the GLH categories of 'western' and 'good guy takes all the blame.' Not her best.
February 10, 2025
Another wonderful romantic read by Grace Livingston Hill, "The Finding of Jasper Holt" is a story of misunderstanding a young gentleman with a strong personality that is not worried about public opinion. I loved this sweet story about a young girl falling in love with the public enemy of the people.
Story in short- Jean comes out West to visit her sister's family and sees that her life has changed forever.
❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌spoiler alert
I was wondering how Jasper and Jean finally were able to get together, it was tied up nicely with Eleanor loving him for saving her young son from a bull that was rushing. Since Jean first met Jasper on a train, she trusted him by his look of kindness and care.
I loved how time and time Jean trusted though it seemed all else did not. It was surprising that Jasper's family was well off and he was not an orphan but was rejected and neglected because he was wild as a kid but he was not really bad. It seemed like James was doing something more sinister than it was which was dastardly!
Story in short- Jean comes out West to visit her sister's family and sees that her life has changed forever.
❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌spoiler alert
I was wondering how Jasper and Jean finally were able to get together, it was tied up nicely with Eleanor loving him for saving her young son from a bull that was rushing. Since Jean first met Jasper on a train, she trusted him by his look of kindness and care.
I loved how time and time Jean trusted though it seemed all else did not. It was surprising that Jasper's family was well off and he was not an orphan but was rejected and neglected because he was wild as a kid but he was not really bad. It seemed like James was doing something more sinister than it was which was dastardly!
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May 14, 2024I wish I knew what GLH was aiming at with this one...
The gospel is very clear in "The Search" (1919) which I just finished and "The Witness" (1917) which I am reading now. But in "The Finding of Jasper Holt" (1916) I feel a bit confused whether its the girl or the Christ who is Jasper's salvation.
I enjoyed it well enough once I didn't have to worry about anyone overhearing - when my husband and grandchildren were around I felt somehow embarrassed. It felt a bit mushy. However, Jasper develops into a sort of Christ figure (sacrificing his life for others) and that was inspiring I guess.
GLH really does come in many flavors and I think I prefer her less romantic novels.
The gospel is very clear in "The Search" (1919) which I just finished and "The Witness" (1917) which I am reading now. But in "The Finding of Jasper Holt" (1916) I feel a bit confused whether its the girl or the Christ who is Jasper's salvation.
I enjoyed it well enough once I didn't have to worry about anyone overhearing - when my husband and grandchildren were around I felt somehow embarrassed. It felt a bit mushy. However, Jasper develops into a sort of Christ figure (sacrificing his life for others) and that was inspiring I guess.
GLH really does come in many flavors and I think I prefer her less romantic novels.
March 9, 2025
I found this Hill book different than others in that there wasn't an evil man or evil woman standing between the couple. Instead, it is a community and their belief in hearsay. I found that a nice change. The ending made me nervous, but knowing Hill's philosophy on happy endings, I knew everything would be ok. It ranks high on my Hill list; probably one of my top ten favorites. And I continue to be impressed by how many different ways Hill can describe the sunset and sunrise.
October 27, 2025
Charming Christian Romance from the popular Grace Livingston Hill, published in 1915. I enjoyed the deep descriptions of the feelings of the characters and became entranced with the romantic story-line fraught with so many stumbling blocks. A really enjoyable turn from more modern writing back to the days of the romantic pen.
October 15, 2019
I love all Grace Livingston Hill books.
This one had a bit more of a twist to it.
The way the heroine sticks up for Jasper even though everybody is ready to condemn him, including her own family is just wonderful. It just proves you should not listen to the popular opinion, form your own.
This one had a bit more of a twist to it.
The way the heroine sticks up for Jasper even though everybody is ready to condemn him, including her own family is just wonderful. It just proves you should not listen to the popular opinion, form your own.
August 20, 2018
A story of courage and commitment.
December 20, 2018
Much wistfulness
This is a sweet, cozy, romantic Western from a Christian perspective about the transformative power of the love of a good woman.
This is a sweet, cozy, romantic Western from a Christian perspective about the transformative power of the love of a good woman.
February 28, 2019
Very good
The story flows well. The main characters are very interesting and I like knowing how much time it takes to finish the book.
The story flows well. The main characters are very interesting and I like knowing how much time it takes to finish the book.
September 13, 2019
I normally like her earlier stuff, but this one was hokey.
April 6, 2022
Girls book but really liked it!
July 30, 2022
A Hallmark style love story! Super contrived, but a such fun one!
October 25, 2022
This book 📖 was somewhat predictable but REALLY good!!! I loved it. 💕 Romance, but old fashioned, clean romance. Adventure but not scary. It’s truly a new favorite! I’ll be re-reading this one!
December 9, 2022
Really good story. I enjoyed this one a lot.
December 13, 2022
Another in the man-of-ill-repute-saved-by-encounter-with-womanly-goodness genre. Surprised GLH wasn't a papist, much as she likes her coredemtrixes. I'll give it a just-OK.
March 23, 2024
Youtube
October 1, 2024
Not one of my favorites, but still a sweet story.
January 12, 2025
4.5 stars
January 16, 2026
The perfect innocent and lovely romance to start the year off. It was written so eloquently and poetically and I found it extremely refreshing.
August 17, 2017
Good book
One of herbest booksall her books are grest this.was one of my favorites.i have read most of her books and read themthrough at one sitting
One of herbest booksall her books are grest this.was one of my favorites.i have read most of her books and read themthrough at one sitting
October 18, 2010
This is one of the very first GLH books I read, I believe, and I still remember its mysterious quality (though vaguely).
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