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At the Altar: Matrimonial Tales
L.M. Montgomery proves that love does conquer all in this collection of nineteen funny and romantic short stories. Couples make it to the altar despite myriad obstacles, including mistaken identities, family obligations, meddling gossips—even one very determined cat—and their journeys couldn't be more delightful for the reader. Fans of the Anne of Green Gables books as well as hopeless romantics everywhere will treasure this book.
228 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published April 1, 1994
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2132 people want to read
About the author
L.M. Montgomery
1,863 books13.2k followersLucy Maud Montgomery was a Canadian author, best known for a series of novels beginning with Anne of Green Gables, published in 1908.
Montgomery was born at Clifton, Prince Edward Island, Nov. 30, 1874. She came to live at Leaskdale, north of Uxbridge Ontario, after her wedding with Rev. Ewen Macdonald on July 11, 1911. She had three children and wrote close to a dozen books while she was living in the Leaskdale Manse before the family moved to Norval, Ontario in 1926. She died in Toronto April 24, 1942 and was buried at Cavendish, Prince Edward Island.
Montgomery was born at Clifton, Prince Edward Island, Nov. 30, 1874. She came to live at Leaskdale, north of Uxbridge Ontario, after her wedding with Rev. Ewen Macdonald on July 11, 1911. She had three children and wrote close to a dozen books while she was living in the Leaskdale Manse before the family moved to Norval, Ontario in 1926. She died in Toronto April 24, 1942 and was buried at Cavendish, Prince Edward Island.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
January 22, 2024
Considering that with regard to L.M. Montgomery's fiction, it is usually her romance heavy stories I tend to enjoy reading the least (both as episodes in her full-length novels and as main concepts and subjects of and for her shorter tales) I have actually been rather pleasantly (and really, truly more than pleasantly) surprised that with At the Altar: Matrimonial Tales, there have in fact been quite a goodly number of inclusions I have found absolutely delightfully engaging and indeed also and thankfully only a very select few tales I have actively and vehemently despised (with most of them such as for example The Touch of Fate, When Jack and Jill Took a Hand and The Gossip of Valley View involving either active matchmaking or interference and unreasonable family disapproval of the protagonists' choices of potential mate, of their love interests).
Now I cannot and will not in any manner claim that At the Altar: Matrimonial Tales is bound to become one of these favourite Rea Wilmshurt L.M. Montgomery short story collections I have enjoyed so much that I will be regularly rereading ALL of the presented tales, as indeed rather too many of them are due to their thematics of romance, marriage and how the latter is achieved not really all that much of a personal like and interest as far as plot material goes (and yes, some of the tales such as for instance The Pennington's Girl and An Unconventional Confidence are really rather too annoyingly predictive and therefore also kind of too obvious and overly repetitive in nature). But since at least seven of the eighteen or so stories of At the Altar: Matrimonial Tales I have found engaging and enjoyable enough to at least consider putting on my potential reread list, I will most definitely consider a high three star ranking for this collection, and to also recommend it to readers who tend to much like and appreciate L.M. Montgomery's romance type of tales (as the stories compiled by Rea Wilmshurst and included in At the Altar: Matrimonial Tales certainly do all and sundry fit the bill as being thematically spot-on subject matter wise, even if to and for me, a collection of L.M. Montgomery short fiction based almost entirely on romance, wooing, marriage and the obstacles to marriage is just not really my thing so to speak, especially in larger dosages).
Now I cannot and will not in any manner claim that At the Altar: Matrimonial Tales is bound to become one of these favourite Rea Wilmshurt L.M. Montgomery short story collections I have enjoyed so much that I will be regularly rereading ALL of the presented tales, as indeed rather too many of them are due to their thematics of romance, marriage and how the latter is achieved not really all that much of a personal like and interest as far as plot material goes (and yes, some of the tales such as for instance The Pennington's Girl and An Unconventional Confidence are really rather too annoyingly predictive and therefore also kind of too obvious and overly repetitive in nature). But since at least seven of the eighteen or so stories of At the Altar: Matrimonial Tales I have found engaging and enjoyable enough to at least consider putting on my potential reread list, I will most definitely consider a high three star ranking for this collection, and to also recommend it to readers who tend to much like and appreciate L.M. Montgomery's romance type of tales (as the stories compiled by Rea Wilmshurst and included in At the Altar: Matrimonial Tales certainly do all and sundry fit the bill as being thematically spot-on subject matter wise, even if to and for me, a collection of L.M. Montgomery short fiction based almost entirely on romance, wooing, marriage and the obstacles to marriage is just not really my thing so to speak, especially in larger dosages).
November 18, 2025
Delightful!! Libby and I have been reading our way through these collections of LMM short stories and it's so fun each day to read a story and chat about them. This collection was particularly good. I think there was only one story that we both felt was underdeveloped and a little meh. I think my two favorite stories were Them Notorious Pigs and The Dissipation of Miss Ponsonby. Can't wait to read this again in the future!
November 18, 2025
This collection of short stories by L.M. Montgomery is the perfect comfort reading. The stories were originally written for various magazines, and the quality varies quite a bit--some are quite short and not well-developed. I enjoyed them all the same.
September 29, 2009
This is a book for the unabashed romantic and the unabashed Montgomery lover. It contains nineteen short stories by Montgomery, all concerning (you guessed it!) marriage. Some stories are quite humorous; “Them Notorious Pigs,” for example. Most are more typically romantic, although all of them have the undeniable tang that Montgomery imparts to her characters. Even the most predictable stories are seldom boring.
Of course, they are predictable. In a collection focusing on love and weddings that is almost a given. There are no surprises here. Well, perhaps half a one. But if you throw all desire for a spectacular climax to the winds, sit back, and enjoy the journey, the stories are often quite rewarding. The minor characters quite often had me in stitches (Aunt Marcella in “What Aunt Marcella Would Have Called It,” Miss Susan in “By the Rule of Contrary”) and the main characters are usually sympathetic and at least semi-believable.
In my opinion, the absolute worst part of this book is the front cover, which depicts a young girl in a shirtwaist and black skirt standing in an orchard with a gentleman some years her senior behind her. I am not sure what story this is supposed to represent, but it ranks up there with the cover of The Blue Castle and the “Nibbler” cover of Persuasion. The whole thing makes the book look like a second-class romance novel. I would like to hear what L.M. Montgomery would say if she could see it.
Of course, they are predictable. In a collection focusing on love and weddings that is almost a given. There are no surprises here. Well, perhaps half a one. But if you throw all desire for a spectacular climax to the winds, sit back, and enjoy the journey, the stories are often quite rewarding. The minor characters quite often had me in stitches (Aunt Marcella in “What Aunt Marcella Would Have Called It,” Miss Susan in “By the Rule of Contrary”) and the main characters are usually sympathetic and at least semi-believable.
In my opinion, the absolute worst part of this book is the front cover, which depicts a young girl in a shirtwaist and black skirt standing in an orchard with a gentleman some years her senior behind her. I am not sure what story this is supposed to represent, but it ranks up there with the cover of The Blue Castle and the “Nibbler” cover of Persuasion. The whole thing makes the book look like a second-class romance novel. I would like to hear what L.M. Montgomery would say if she could see it.
August 29, 2017
There are quite a few good ones here. This collection includes 19 tales of romance and and all of them have happy endings. Some are funny, some are sad (some-what) but they all were very entertaining. Loved "Aunt Philippa and the Men"- the first and "Jack and Jill Take a Hand" - the final and enjoyed everything in between. They might look like typical romance but a closer look will show otherwise. For example "The Penningtons' Girl", a respectable man bravely woes a servant girl. Nan" is an young woman who has to make her own proposal. Aunt Philippa "Aunt Philippa and the Men" looks like Montgomery's typical grumpy old lady but she's far more and you'll only realize it, reading the final two lines of the story.
In a nutshell, a great collections for hopeless romantics and for the fans of Montgomery.
In a nutshell, a great collections for hopeless romantics and for the fans of Montgomery.
July 25, 2020
This was fun! Perhaps my favourite Montgomery short story collection so far.
As the title suggest, these joyous tales revolves around romance and marriages. About family dramas and unlikely coincidences. About sudden elopements and larger-than-life weddings.
While Montgomery is often accused of being sentimental, I didn't read these tales as sentimental at all. I read them as lighthearted fun. They reminded me of the Montgomery who wrote A Tangled Web; an absurd comedy of manners and family drama. Montgomery's supposedly romantic tales are in fact very tongue-in-cheek. Or at least they can be read that way.
For instance, I couldn't help laughing at The Gossip of Valley View in which a bored boy starts a false rumor of two unmarried adults getting engaged; and the poor objects of the gossip starts believing it to be true. Or in Aunt Philippa and the Men where a seemingly stern aunt takes a sudden turn. Montgomery is at her best when she makes fun of village life, dives into grumpy characters or creates unlikely heroes; delighting in the ridiculous farce that a marriage truly is.
Of course, the stories are not necessarily great art; they were written for magazines with an expected word count and therefore some of them seems severely underdeveloped; the characters are most often completely unbelievable. But they're great fun nevertheless.
This is one of those instances where you really shouldn't judge a book by its cover (or even its title). These tales are fun, satirical and I imagine the author ending the stories with a playful wink rather than a heartfelt sigh.
As the title suggest, these joyous tales revolves around romance and marriages. About family dramas and unlikely coincidences. About sudden elopements and larger-than-life weddings.
While Montgomery is often accused of being sentimental, I didn't read these tales as sentimental at all. I read them as lighthearted fun. They reminded me of the Montgomery who wrote A Tangled Web; an absurd comedy of manners and family drama. Montgomery's supposedly romantic tales are in fact very tongue-in-cheek. Or at least they can be read that way.
For instance, I couldn't help laughing at The Gossip of Valley View in which a bored boy starts a false rumor of two unmarried adults getting engaged; and the poor objects of the gossip starts believing it to be true. Or in Aunt Philippa and the Men where a seemingly stern aunt takes a sudden turn. Montgomery is at her best when she makes fun of village life, dives into grumpy characters or creates unlikely heroes; delighting in the ridiculous farce that a marriage truly is.
Of course, the stories are not necessarily great art; they were written for magazines with an expected word count and therefore some of them seems severely underdeveloped; the characters are most often completely unbelievable. But they're great fun nevertheless.
This is one of those instances where you really shouldn't judge a book by its cover (or even its title). These tales are fun, satirical and I imagine the author ending the stories with a playful wink rather than a heartfelt sigh.
January 1, 2023
Sweet collection of short stories--nothing too memorable, but fun fluff. I always enjoy Montgomery's writing.
Want to read
June 10, 2012Aunt Philippa and the Men - 4* - Typical Montgomery with the grumpy old lady who knows everyone's business but secretly does care for those close to her. A great start to the collection.
A Dinner of Herbs - 4.5* - This one just made me smile. A bit contrived, perhaps, but very sweet. I've become a bit sappy and weepy in the run up to my own wedding!
Jessamine - 3* - Sweet but very short, which made the story seem all the more predictable. I wished this story had had a few more pages to make me care about the characters, but ultimately it just didn't live up to the previous entries in this collection.
The Pennington's Girl - 3.5* - At times I really liked this story, but when the identity of the heroine was revealed at the end I almost felt a little disappointed. Like, couldn't they have been happy even if she was poor? Did she have to secretly be from a respectable family? Perhaps I would have interpreted this story differently if I didn't grow up in the 21st century.
The Gossip of Valley View - 4* - This story was a lot of fun, typical Montgomery. It felt like it could have been set in Avonlea. Not a lot of romance, but it was pretty amusing and made me smile.
A Dinner of Herbs - 4.5* - This one just made me smile. A bit contrived, perhaps, but very sweet. I've become a bit sappy and weepy in the run up to my own wedding!
Jessamine - 3* - Sweet but very short, which made the story seem all the more predictable. I wished this story had had a few more pages to make me care about the characters, but ultimately it just didn't live up to the previous entries in this collection.
The Pennington's Girl - 3.5* - At times I really liked this story, but when the identity of the heroine was revealed at the end I almost felt a little disappointed. Like, couldn't they have been happy even if she was poor? Did she have to secretly be from a respectable family? Perhaps I would have interpreted this story differently if I didn't grow up in the 21st century.
The Gossip of Valley View - 4* - This story was a lot of fun, typical Montgomery. It felt like it could have been set in Avonlea. Not a lot of romance, but it was pretty amusing and made me smile.
April 9, 2024
4/2024 reread:
I needed something comforting after finishing the beloved Mitford series, and this volume served well. Although some of the romances feel too underdeveloped for me to be very invested in them, each story has its own special feature, either the characters, the narrative style, a running joke. I am always surprised that LMM's short stories are rather obscure. They deserve more attention.
***
2011?
I love the stories in this book. Just because they're grouped together by theme, I don't find them redundant or tiresome at all, and it's hard to pick a favorite...maybe between Jessamine, Them Notorious Pigs, and the Dissipation of Miss Ponsonby.
I needed something comforting after finishing the beloved Mitford series, and this volume served well. Although some of the romances feel too underdeveloped for me to be very invested in them, each story has its own special feature, either the characters, the narrative style, a running joke. I am always surprised that LMM's short stories are rather obscure. They deserve more attention.
***
2011?
I love the stories in this book. Just because they're grouped together by theme, I don't find them redundant or tiresome at all, and it's hard to pick a favorite...maybe between Jessamine, Them Notorious Pigs, and the Dissipation of Miss Ponsonby.
June 5, 2020
Toto bolo veľmi milé a sladké <3
April 26, 2020
I’ve had a few volumes of L.M. Montgomery’s short stories sitting on my shelf for years now and never opened them. Today seemed like the day. These are all about courtship and weddings and like any collection of short stories some are better than others, but the majority are cute and I enjoyed reading them. My favorites are the ones where the confirmed old bachelor (and in the times these were written that means late 30s/early 40s) realizes he’s found the wonderful “old maid” (i.e. late 20s or early 30s) he just can’t live without. :)
July 28, 2025
Getting married in the past must’ve been so easy. All you had to be was a woman with a kind heart and endless patience and you can be engaged within a few pages. Money, common interests, housing, and lifestyle differences do not matter. If you’re ready to be a wife, a man will just decide to marry you and boom! You’re a wife. Never mind if the guy is kind of an ass, he’ll soften up for you like caramel. L.M. Montgomery really was such a dreamer. Love a girlie with a romantic heart <3
October 24, 2024
LM Montgomery's short stories were incredible! You could make a movie out of any of them and it would be rich and full. She managed to fit so much - make it read so seamlessly - in such few words.
March 24, 2020
A mixed bag, but pandemic comfort reading. I’m running low on library books.
July 13, 2015
Finally finished, but I was only reading it at the gym so it took me a while. Anyway, as much as I love Montgomery's series, her short stories are something to be desired. If I was reading them younger (or if indeed I were living in her time) I might have liked them more, but as it was they were very stiff and painful at times. Some stories were worse than others, but all just mediocre. Actually there was one story I particularly liked called An Unconventional Confidence that was structured rather well and only by the middle of the story did a figure out the twist, which was a nice surprise. The rest were rather predictable, but I can tell Montgomery was trying to find new ways to structure her stories, whether she borrowed from somethings she had read or came up with them on her own, at least you can tell she was trying to break free of the norm. The lady who edited this has so much love for Montgomery and her stories that I'm glad she was the one to put it together. I am glad I have this collection. I bought this book at a book store maybe 17 years ago, and only now, in the year I'm getting married, did I decide to pick it up and read it. Better late than never!
November 6, 2015
Every time I am reading a book by LM Montgomery, I am convinced she is my favorite author. She wrote marvelous books and stories. I am always certain that her characters truly existed, cuz they seem so real. And to think that so many of her stories were lost until this wonderful lady found them and published them!
True, the stories of At the Altar: Matrimonial Tales are not as funny or romantic or sweet as, let's say, The Blythes Are Quoted, but I would feel like a crime if I rate this book less than 4 stars.
Without any doubt, my favorite story was the last one "Jack and Jill take a hand". The two different POV were very amusing, and as the story was a little bit longer that the rest, it did not feel rushed.
Recommended to all people who likes to read light, romantic, happy short stories; written by the Great Lucy Montgomery.
True, the stories of At the Altar: Matrimonial Tales are not as funny or romantic or sweet as, let's say, The Blythes Are Quoted, but I would feel like a crime if I rate this book less than 4 stars.
Without any doubt, my favorite story was the last one "Jack and Jill take a hand". The two different POV were very amusing, and as the story was a little bit longer that the rest, it did not feel rushed.
Recommended to all people who likes to read light, romantic, happy short stories; written by the Great Lucy Montgomery.
July 19, 2016
I have zero memory of things I read, so frankly I don't know if I had already read these stories before or not, maybe in another collection, maybe in a novel in which Montgomery cannibalized her own short stories. Certainly most felt familiar, but in a good way, like when you come home after a long, tiring travel.
Of course I'm going to give eighteen romance stories set in Prince Edward Island (or thereabouts) a high rating. It was interesting to see how some of them played around with unreliable narrators or "voice" ("Jack and Jill" is the most notable example); on the other hand, all the stories about revere psychology felt a little too obvious, not that I particularly minded. Some of them were powerful enough to make me put down the book after reading to reflect on it before switching to a new one.
Usually I try to put some plot details in my goodreads reviews because, again, I never remember anything, but this time I think I'll let future me enjoy these stories again in a decade or two, unmarred by spoilers from 2016.
Of course I'm going to give eighteen romance stories set in Prince Edward Island (or thereabouts) a high rating. It was interesting to see how some of them played around with unreliable narrators or "voice" ("Jack and Jill" is the most notable example); on the other hand, all the stories about revere psychology felt a little too obvious, not that I particularly minded. Some of them were powerful enough to make me put down the book after reading to reflect on it before switching to a new one.
Usually I try to put some plot details in my goodreads reviews because, again, I never remember anything, but this time I think I'll let future me enjoy these stories again in a decade or two, unmarred by spoilers from 2016.
September 1, 2013
A series of short stories all centered around proposals. I've read this book before, several times in fact. It's an easy, fun read with sweet stories. The stories all have similarities: happy love endings, and if we don't see a proposal then we are left with a very strong expectation of one.
They all have some cliche techniques though, that make them very fanciful: love at first sight, mistaken identity leading to realization of love, a lost lover returning, bits of jealousy to induce speeding up of courtship, sometimes no courtship- just encounters then a proposal, characters believing their feelings are unrequited when they aren't, believing someone else holds their lovers heart, elopements, etc. They can lead the story to be predictable. More than once I did ask myself if true love really could happen in such a way. Again, that is where the fanciful comes in. Personally the stories told from the point of view of the children witnessing were some of the most entertaining.
They all have some cliche techniques though, that make them very fanciful: love at first sight, mistaken identity leading to realization of love, a lost lover returning, bits of jealousy to induce speeding up of courtship, sometimes no courtship- just encounters then a proposal, characters believing their feelings are unrequited when they aren't, believing someone else holds their lovers heart, elopements, etc. They can lead the story to be predictable. More than once I did ask myself if true love really could happen in such a way. Again, that is where the fanciful comes in. Personally the stories told from the point of view of the children witnessing were some of the most entertaining.
June 15, 2017
Overall, quite pleasant with good helpings of Montgomery's signature humor.
I particularly liked "The Gossip of Valley View" and "The Pursuit of the Ideal." A racist comment (or two?) from the narrator in one (or two?) of the stories did spoil some of the reading for me, as "Tannis of the Flats" spoiled the ending of Further Chronicles of Avonlea, and my understanding that the writing took place in another time period doesn't make such ignorance "okay."
At any rate, the collection ends on a strong and very amusing note with "Jack and Jill Took a Hand."
I particularly liked "The Gossip of Valley View" and "The Pursuit of the Ideal." A racist comment (or two?) from the narrator in one (or two?) of the stories did spoil some of the reading for me, as "Tannis of the Flats" spoiled the ending of Further Chronicles of Avonlea, and my understanding that the writing took place in another time period doesn't make such ignorance "okay."
At any rate, the collection ends on a strong and very amusing note with "Jack and Jill Took a Hand."
August 26, 2009
This is a book I have read and re-read time and time again, as well as all of Lucy Maude Montgomery's books. I haven't read any that I didn't like. She is one of my absolute favorite authors of all time.
This book is one of her many short story collections. She is a master at writing the short story and I love to pick up her short story books and be able to read them when I don't have a lot of time to focus on a book. I'd highly recommend all of L.M. Montgomery's stories - long or short.
This book is one of her many short story collections. She is a master at writing the short story and I love to pick up her short story books and be able to read them when I don't have a lot of time to focus on a book. I'd highly recommend all of L.M. Montgomery's stories - long or short.
December 23, 2012
It took me a bit to get through this, seeing as I was on Christmas break. But I read each story one at a time, and every single one was perfect and witty and altogether wonderful! I love Montgomery's imaginations and glad she allows us readers to take a peek inside her head. I highly recommend this book for anyone looking for a quick and fun read.
July 21, 2025
How delightful to find an L.M.Montgomery book of short stories that I hadn't read yet, so I thoroughly enjoyed this book and will no doubt read it again another day.
I liked 'The Twins & A Wedding', where 2 children are so determined to go to a Wedding, they go to the wrong one! I also enjoyed, 'The Gossip of Valley View' and 'Them Notorious Pigs'.
I liked 'The Twins & A Wedding', where 2 children are so determined to go to a Wedding, they go to the wrong one! I also enjoyed, 'The Gossip of Valley View' and 'Them Notorious Pigs'.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 21, 2011
sometimes the l.m. montgomery mood hits hard and regardless of how good the novel or stories are, i will love them because they are l.m. montgomery. these stories were romantic and predictable and happy and i of course loved them.
February 29, 2008
These were humorous. Fun to read, although even at this age I was finding the excessive focus on matrimony getting to be a bit much. I suppose it was preparing me for my BYU days.
June 20, 2011
pleasing, simple short story collection-enjoyable and relaxing reading-happy endings, beautiful setting, predictable plots
December 27, 2013
A pretty little collection of old fashioned short stories all involving a marriage. This was one of my favorite collections and I enjoyed all the stories.
March 3, 2021
5 stars & 5/10 hearts. This is a sweet, humorous collection of sweet romances, overall quite enjoyable.
Aunt Philippa & the Men: 3 stars & 3/10 hearts. Aunt Philippa is doubtless the ancestor of Miss Cornelia from the later Anne books. She’s also like Mrs. Rachel Lynde a little. Anyhow, she’s quite funny and enjoyable. Mark and Ursula are very nice, and overall it’s an enjoyable story.
Content: a few stories are mentioned of suicide & digging up a dead person.
A Dinner of Herbs: 3.5 stars & 4/10 hearts. To start off with, I really like Michael and Robyn. And I liked the plot. There's just a tang to it, somehow. Can't explain it more than that...
Jessamine: 5 stars & 5/10 hearts. I love this little story, and I wish it were published on its own. It’s just super sweet and delightful and adorable and refreshing and heartwarming in every way. <33
The Penningtons’ Girl: 3 stars & 3/10 hearts. Another ruefully humorous story with a good deal of sweetness. Nelly & Winslow were pretty cute together, and their story was quite enjoyable.
1 euphemism.
The Gossip of Valley View: 3 stars & 3/10 hearts. An example of how bad turns to good? XD Anyhow, its a fun and cute little romance that I enjoy reading.
The Pursuit of the Ideal: 3 stars & 3/10 hearts. Aside from a kiss or two mentioned, its a very sweet, delightful little romance that I thoroughly enjoy.
By the Rule of Contrary: 5 stars & 5/10 hearts. I think this is one of Montgomery’s most hilarious stories ever. I can’t say much for spoilers, but.... it’s wonderful. XD
Nan: 3 stars & 3/10 hearts. Bruce is awful, and I really like Nan. She did a good choice. ;)
The Wooing of Bessy: 3 stars & 3/10 hearts. This is a sadder story--sad because it shows how lying and trickery works against you and breaks your dearest. I liked Bessy and Lawrence a lot, and I really liked their story.
2 kisses mentioned.
Miss Cordelia’s Accommodation: 4 stars & 4/10 hearts. What a sweet, lovely, wholesome little romance! It’s just so cute and delightful!
The Twins & a Wedding: 5 stars & 5/10 hearts. Even though the twins didn’t act quite right, the story is really hilarious and sweet!
Them Notorious Pigs: 4.5 stars & 5/10 hearts. This story is just so funny and sweet! It's quite short but really delightful.
The Dissipation of Miss Ponsonby: 3 stars & 3/10 hearts. I couldn't help feeling sorry for Miss Ponsonby. Stephen was amazing, and I really did like Jerry & Elizabeth! I think it was a sweet little story, overall. :)
An Unconventional Confidence: 4.5 stars & 5/10 hearts. Oh, this story is delightful! It is so sweet and humorous and so wittily crafted. One of the best of Montgomery's short works, I think!
The Way of the Winning of Anne: 3.5 stars & 4/10 hearts. Oh my, yes, this story is so funny and sweet! I love Montgomery’s stories about stubborn maids XD
The Touch of Fate: 3 stars & 3/10 hearts. Of course, this being set among the Mounted Police gives it bonus points. ;) I really liked Violet & John, and the story was quite humorous and enjoyable.
What Aunt Marcella Would Have Called It: 2 stars & 2/10 hearts. Welllll... this story is just not my favourite. First off, Glen sounded really young and silly somehow. And I didn't like the hero (I even forgot his name). And the relationship between Isabel & Glen was really tense and... jealous?? And then Glen stealing Isabel's basically averred "boyfriend"... and D sweet-talking one sister knowing it to be the other sister? Idk, it's just a bit weird and nasty to me. I just don't like it.
When Jack & Jill Took a Hand: 4 stars & 4/10 hearts. Oh my, this story is really quite hilarious. Jill is absolutely ridiculous and Jack is so funny... but they both have such sweet hearts! The voices were so well done, and the plot was very good. Dick and Aunt Tommy were excellent. ;)
Content: a kiss
A Favourite Humorous Quote: "'Good evening, Miss Elizabeth,' said Dick, just as if I were grown up, you know. 'Won't you sit down? Try that green velvet chair. I am sure it was created for a. pink dress and unfortunately neither Mrs. Dodge nor I possess one. How are all your people?'
"'We are all pretty well; thank you,' I said, 'except Aunt Tommy. She—' I was going to say, 'She cries every night after she goes to bed,' but I remembered just in time that if I were in Aunt Tommy's place I wouldn't want a man to know I cried about him even if I did. So I said instead '—she has got a cold.'
"'Ah, indeed, I am sorry to hear it,' said Dick, politely but coldly, as if it were part of his duty as a minister to be sorry for anybody who had a cold, but as if, apart from that, it was not a concern of his if Aunt Tommy had galloping consumption."
Aunt Philippa & the Men: 3 stars & 3/10 hearts. Aunt Philippa is doubtless the ancestor of Miss Cornelia from the later Anne books. She’s also like Mrs. Rachel Lynde a little. Anyhow, she’s quite funny and enjoyable. Mark and Ursula are very nice, and overall it’s an enjoyable story.
Content: a few stories are mentioned of suicide & digging up a dead person.
A Dinner of Herbs: 3.5 stars & 4/10 hearts. To start off with, I really like Michael and Robyn. And I liked the plot. There's just a tang to it, somehow. Can't explain it more than that...
Jessamine: 5 stars & 5/10 hearts. I love this little story, and I wish it were published on its own. It’s just super sweet and delightful and adorable and refreshing and heartwarming in every way. <33
The Penningtons’ Girl: 3 stars & 3/10 hearts. Another ruefully humorous story with a good deal of sweetness. Nelly & Winslow were pretty cute together, and their story was quite enjoyable.
1 euphemism.
The Gossip of Valley View: 3 stars & 3/10 hearts. An example of how bad turns to good? XD Anyhow, its a fun and cute little romance that I enjoy reading.
The Pursuit of the Ideal: 3 stars & 3/10 hearts. Aside from a kiss or two mentioned, its a very sweet, delightful little romance that I thoroughly enjoy.
By the Rule of Contrary: 5 stars & 5/10 hearts. I think this is one of Montgomery’s most hilarious stories ever. I can’t say much for spoilers, but.... it’s wonderful. XD
Nan: 3 stars & 3/10 hearts. Bruce is awful, and I really like Nan. She did a good choice. ;)
The Wooing of Bessy: 3 stars & 3/10 hearts. This is a sadder story--sad because it shows how lying and trickery works against you and breaks your dearest. I liked Bessy and Lawrence a lot, and I really liked their story.
2 kisses mentioned.
Miss Cordelia’s Accommodation: 4 stars & 4/10 hearts. What a sweet, lovely, wholesome little romance! It’s just so cute and delightful!
The Twins & a Wedding: 5 stars & 5/10 hearts. Even though the twins didn’t act quite right, the story is really hilarious and sweet!
Them Notorious Pigs: 4.5 stars & 5/10 hearts. This story is just so funny and sweet! It's quite short but really delightful.
The Dissipation of Miss Ponsonby: 3 stars & 3/10 hearts. I couldn't help feeling sorry for Miss Ponsonby. Stephen was amazing, and I really did like Jerry & Elizabeth! I think it was a sweet little story, overall. :)
An Unconventional Confidence: 4.5 stars & 5/10 hearts. Oh, this story is delightful! It is so sweet and humorous and so wittily crafted. One of the best of Montgomery's short works, I think!
The Way of the Winning of Anne: 3.5 stars & 4/10 hearts. Oh my, yes, this story is so funny and sweet! I love Montgomery’s stories about stubborn maids XD
The Touch of Fate: 3 stars & 3/10 hearts. Of course, this being set among the Mounted Police gives it bonus points. ;) I really liked Violet & John, and the story was quite humorous and enjoyable.
What Aunt Marcella Would Have Called It: 2 stars & 2/10 hearts. Welllll... this story is just not my favourite. First off, Glen sounded really young and silly somehow. And I didn't like the hero (I even forgot his name). And the relationship between Isabel & Glen was really tense and... jealous?? And then Glen stealing Isabel's basically averred "boyfriend"... and D sweet-talking one sister knowing it to be the other sister? Idk, it's just a bit weird and nasty to me. I just don't like it.
When Jack & Jill Took a Hand: 4 stars & 4/10 hearts. Oh my, this story is really quite hilarious. Jill is absolutely ridiculous and Jack is so funny... but they both have such sweet hearts! The voices were so well done, and the plot was very good. Dick and Aunt Tommy were excellent. ;)
Content: a kiss
A Favourite Humorous Quote: "'Good evening, Miss Elizabeth,' said Dick, just as if I were grown up, you know. 'Won't you sit down? Try that green velvet chair. I am sure it was created for a. pink dress and unfortunately neither Mrs. Dodge nor I possess one. How are all your people?'
"'We are all pretty well; thank you,' I said, 'except Aunt Tommy. She—' I was going to say, 'She cries every night after she goes to bed,' but I remembered just in time that if I were in Aunt Tommy's place I wouldn't want a man to know I cried about him even if I did. So I said instead '—she has got a cold.'
"'Ah, indeed, I am sorry to hear it,' said Dick, politely but coldly, as if it were part of his duty as a minister to be sorry for anybody who had a cold, but as if, apart from that, it was not a concern of his if Aunt Tommy had galloping consumption."
June 24, 2020
Back in the 1990’s as a teen, I would save up my money and always be on the lookout at B. Dalton for any “new” books by L.M. Montgomery (author of Anne of Green Gables). I had all her novels, but collections of her short stories kept appearing. I devoured them all. Montgomery’s short stories are like the snippets about different characters that are found in her full-length novels.
At the Altar was comfort reading perfect for a global pandemic. It was chosen as the May pick for the Facebook L.M. Montgomery book club. I had not read it since I was a teenager and I greatly enjoyed revisiting it. All the stories in this collection end with a happy marriage, but the path to the marriage differs. Some of the stories were whimsical, and some were quite humorous. Many involved men and women who thought they were too old for love but are able to find the perfect person. There are misunderstandings that are made right, like in one story where the kids wreck their Aunt’s romance, but can make amends. I enjoyed them all.
Overall, At the Altar is a perfect comfort read with happy wedded endings for all the stories.
Book Source: Purchased at B. Dalton when I was a teen.
This review was first posted on my blog at: https://lauragerold.blogspot.com/2020...
At the Altar was comfort reading perfect for a global pandemic. It was chosen as the May pick for the Facebook L.M. Montgomery book club. I had not read it since I was a teenager and I greatly enjoyed revisiting it. All the stories in this collection end with a happy marriage, but the path to the marriage differs. Some of the stories were whimsical, and some were quite humorous. Many involved men and women who thought they were too old for love but are able to find the perfect person. There are misunderstandings that are made right, like in one story where the kids wreck their Aunt’s romance, but can make amends. I enjoyed them all.
Overall, At the Altar is a perfect comfort read with happy wedded endings for all the stories.
Book Source: Purchased at B. Dalton when I was a teen.
This review was first posted on my blog at: https://lauragerold.blogspot.com/2020...
February 28, 2023
Kniha je plná zábavných romantických poviedok, nad ktorými sa nie raz pousmejete. Ľúbostné príbehy a romance sa najčastejšie spájajú s mladými ľuďmi, avšak autorka podáva príbehy ako o ľuďoch, ktorí vstupovali do manželstva mladí, tak aj o tých, ktorí tak urobili v staršom veku. Charakteristický nenahraditeľný Montgomeryovský štýl presne vystihol psychológiu a charakteristiku postáv v čom je, ako sa aj na obálke knihy spomína, autorka neprekonateľná. Situácie, v ktorých sa dievčatá a ženy v príbehoch ocitajú sú podané s láskou, citlivo a hlavne zmyslom pre humor. Okolnosti vyvrcholia prekvapujúcim koncom a viaceré z nich sú veľmi dojímavé. Aj tu sa neraz odzrkadlili zaujímavé charaktery so silnými stránkami, ale aj s obyčajnými ľudskými chybami. Niekedy cestu k oltáru v poviedkach jednoducho skomplikujú bežné nedorozumenia a niekedy príde na scénu aj tretia osoba, ktorá to všetko prekazí.
September 24, 2017
In this compilation of short stories, the editor has gathered those that end "at the altar" with a wedding by hook or by crook. LM Montgomery's stories never fail to bring a smile to my face and a warm comfortable feeling to my heart. While most of the endings are predictable, even her secondary characters are always clearly depicted with memorable personality traits. Her main characters are infinitely lovable. I'd recommend reading one story a day so you don't overdose on the sweetness!
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