Enchanted Ground

by Temple Bailey

A novel of love and ambition set in Depression-era Florida.

Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1933

About the author

Known as "Queen of the Romantic Novel", Irene Temple Bailey was born in Petersburg, Virginia. Her childhood was spent in Washington, D.C., and she attended a girls' school in Richmond, Virginia. In the early 1900s, she had her fiction published in national magazines such as The Saturday Evening Post, Cavalier Magazine, Cosmopolitan, American Magazine, McClure's, Woman's Home Companion, Good Housekeeping, and McCall's.

Her success with short stories inspired her to try her hand at books, and her first novel, Judy, was published in 1907. She eventually wrote over 25 best-selling books and became one of the most successful authors of her time. Later she also ventured into screenwriting; in 1914 she wrote the screenplay for the Vitagraph Studios film Auntie.

Temple Bailey is probably most famous for her short story, "A Parable of Motherhood."

Source: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/1...

Reviews

[Genny Medford · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting read for the time period
I enjoy reading this time period of books to get a sense of how people lived during the era it was written( even if fiction)- helps me understand the struggles of my grandparents and parents who grew up during the depression. I learn more of the demographic culture of my country through the author’s eyes
man against self - main characters struggle within themselves -
Lots of reasons for people to have anger issues as set during the Great Depression
Characters seemed more forgiving and less violent than the bitterness I thought would occur- especially compared to current times
Also it was obvious that it was written by a white author- shows the sentiment of the time period
an easy read
Pets( a cat and dog ) were also used for symbolism to compare and contrast; probably if I reread I would see symbolism through the hurricanes and landscapes.

[Lynette Nickel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the characters. And the gorgeous setting in nature. Temple Bailey writes beautifully, with a depth of emotion that speaks my heart's language.The story was not happily ever after, even as life isn't. I didn't agree with the ending from a Christian standpoint, but that didn't erase my enjoyment of the book. I would definitely reread it.

[Chelsea · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a book previously owned by my grandmother. I fell in love with this story and still think often of it. Definitely worth the read!

[Diane Glover · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an old book. Based on the reviews it had on several sites I decided that since I had a copy I would give it a try. Many people stated that this was their favorite book by this author. If so, I don't know that i will read anymore of her books, even if they are OLD (which is one of my favorite kinds of books to read) This is supposed to fall in the "inspirational" category, but I found that though it does have references to "Christianity" it was very mild in not stating any sort of real belief outright. Yes several of the characters express faith but not in any beat you over the head with the Bible kind of way. Its very general. Otherwise I liked the characters but I can't say I loved any of them. The main characters seemed a bit unbelievable at times. Their thoughts and actions superficial. And in the end one character makes a choice and yet ends up in heaven... which didn't make any kind of sense. I liked the book. I didn't love it. And I hated the ending. too abrupt and to unbelievable for anyone of any real faith.

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay, that would be first published in 1933. This is the equivalent of the Harlequins of the 50's and 60's (yes, I realize there are still Harlequins being published). What is fascinating about reading early chick lit is seeing how the characters are managed, what the gender stereotypes are, what the sexual encounters are like (here...well, the sheltered heroine trembles when the hero touches her cheek) (and I mean the cheek on her face, mind). We have post Depression adjustment, loyal black servants, noble country doctor and parson, troubled Lucifer-beautiful hero/antihero, spunky parson's wife, etc. Incredibly disturbing overtones of abuse between heroine and her father, eep. Orange groves and a hurricane and a devoted, dying mother. What more could you desire?

[Morag · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just re-read this one as well. Probably my favorite of Temple Bailey's novels (which is saying a lot, because I love so many of them). The characters are absolutely wonderful! The setting is one that I would normally not be much interested in, but she is such an expert that I was hooked from the beginning. Though this was still a "lighter read," I feel this is the most raw and realistic of all of her novels. The side character Jinx just may be my favorite of all of her female characters!