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Crimson Roses
One rose changes a young woman’s solitary life forever. After setting out on her own, Marion Warren is overcome with drab routine. Her solution: buy a season ticket to the symphony. But to Marion’s surprise, each night she finds a mysterious crimson rose—and no sign of who left it. Then wealthy Jefferson Lyman whisks into Marion’s already up-turned world, bringing with him socialite Isabel Cresson. Jefferson sets out to win Marion’s heart…but Isabel’s dangerous envy may thwart his chances altogether.
315 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1928
60 people are currently reading
519 people want to read
About the author
Grace Livingston Hill
591 books569 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 90 reviews
January 24, 2024
I've had a small collection of Grace Livingston Hill books on my shelf my whole life (they were my grandmother's). The great American novel this isn't, but it's sweet and a pleasant break from 2015 to look back 100 years. Is the main character, in the end, "rescued" by a man? Yes. But she's also strong, independent, values-driven, and determined to do whatever it takes to live the life she wants - and that doesn't include chasing a man. My kind of girl!
April 18, 2017
Does anyone today have such a longing, such a desire for the finer things? You see, I understand this premise only too well. When I was a student, I scraped together what funds I could so that I could have season tickets to the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra. I sat in the highest seats alone, just so I could enjoy the music, the atmosphere, the culture. Does anyone today do that?
And imagine...finding a single red rose waiting for you at your seat each time you arrive to hear the music...! *blissful sigh*
Such is the stage set for a beautiful romance between a girl who works hard for her living, who comes from humble means, and a wealthy man of the world. Truly this one is one of my favorites!
And imagine...finding a single red rose waiting for you at your seat each time you arrive to hear the music...! *blissful sigh*
Such is the stage set for a beautiful romance between a girl who works hard for her living, who comes from humble means, and a wealthy man of the world. Truly this one is one of my favorites!
October 13, 2016
Crimson Roses (1928) was the first Grace Livingston Hill I ever read and it is my favorite. I borrowed an old edition from our church library. Years later I found a paperback copy--and I bought it out of nostalgia with plans to reread it. Then I found a first edition with dust jacket that I just had to make mine. This year I decided to finally revisit the book and see if it still held up as my favorite.
The story centers on a Cinderella-style heroine, Marion Warren, who has spent the last two years of her life nursing her sick father. This was a labor of love--because she and her father were very close. But when her father passes away no will can be found and her brother who uses his force of personality to make decisions regarding their now jointly-owned property. Despite knowing their father's wishes that Marion stay in the city and complete her education, Tom wants to sell the city house and move to a farm in the country where his wife will be happy and his children will have plenty of room. Unknown to them both, his wife has hidden the will that would have given Marion the house she grew up in as well as enough money for her education. The wife, although not as cruel as the stepmother in the fairy tale, also expects that Marion will come along and help her with the housework and the children.
Marion decides that she can't bear to do that and to follow her father's wishes (and, truth be told, her own dream) and finds herself a job in a department store and a small apartment. The life is hard and she has to really manage her money, but she saves up enough to purchase season tickets to the symphony...and that's when the magic happens. No fairy godmother this time, but a single crimson rose each night in her seat. And roses delivered when she's sick. And a mystery person who shelters her with an umbrella one stormy night after the symphony. Little does she know that she has caught the eye of the wealthy Jefferson Lyman who longs for a real woman--a woman who shares his interests (music, knowledge, and culture) and not one of the flighty socialites who have set their caps for him.
When it becomes obvious where Jeff's interests lie (though Marion can scarcely believe it), one of those socialites, Isabel Cresson, makes trouble--accosting Marion at her ribbon counter in the department store and then arrange for an embarrassing social event. But Marion has her champions--her fellow workers know what kind of woman she is and stand up for her and Jeff manages to rescue her from the event before her reputation can be ruined. And like the fairy tale, there is a happy ending in store.
To modern sensibilities it may seem like Marion is a meek little doormat--but she is actually a very strong young woman who sticks to her beliefs and convictions and also shows determination to make the life she wants long before the "wealthy savior" comes along to take her out of poverty. She defies her brother and her sister-in-law--who are quite convinced that she'll come crawling back to them for shelter once she's had enough of hard work and little money. The scene at the end when Marion and Jeff stop by unexpectedly is quite delightful. And, through it all, Marion remains sweet and kind and true to herself and her beliefs.
Crimson Roses is a lovely romance from early last century and should definitely be read with that in mind. I enjoyed it every bit as much now as I did nearly 35 years ago.
First posted on my blog My Reader's Block. Please request permission before reposting. Thanks.
The story centers on a Cinderella-style heroine, Marion Warren, who has spent the last two years of her life nursing her sick father. This was a labor of love--because she and her father were very close. But when her father passes away no will can be found and her brother who uses his force of personality to make decisions regarding their now jointly-owned property. Despite knowing their father's wishes that Marion stay in the city and complete her education, Tom wants to sell the city house and move to a farm in the country where his wife will be happy and his children will have plenty of room. Unknown to them both, his wife has hidden the will that would have given Marion the house she grew up in as well as enough money for her education. The wife, although not as cruel as the stepmother in the fairy tale, also expects that Marion will come along and help her with the housework and the children.
Marion decides that she can't bear to do that and to follow her father's wishes (and, truth be told, her own dream) and finds herself a job in a department store and a small apartment. The life is hard and she has to really manage her money, but she saves up enough to purchase season tickets to the symphony...and that's when the magic happens. No fairy godmother this time, but a single crimson rose each night in her seat. And roses delivered when she's sick. And a mystery person who shelters her with an umbrella one stormy night after the symphony. Little does she know that she has caught the eye of the wealthy Jefferson Lyman who longs for a real woman--a woman who shares his interests (music, knowledge, and culture) and not one of the flighty socialites who have set their caps for him.
When it becomes obvious where Jeff's interests lie (though Marion can scarcely believe it), one of those socialites, Isabel Cresson, makes trouble--accosting Marion at her ribbon counter in the department store and then arrange for an embarrassing social event. But Marion has her champions--her fellow workers know what kind of woman she is and stand up for her and Jeff manages to rescue her from the event before her reputation can be ruined. And like the fairy tale, there is a happy ending in store.
To modern sensibilities it may seem like Marion is a meek little doormat--but she is actually a very strong young woman who sticks to her beliefs and convictions and also shows determination to make the life she wants long before the "wealthy savior" comes along to take her out of poverty. She defies her brother and her sister-in-law--who are quite convinced that she'll come crawling back to them for shelter once she's had enough of hard work and little money. The scene at the end when Marion and Jeff stop by unexpectedly is quite delightful. And, through it all, Marion remains sweet and kind and true to herself and her beliefs.
Crimson Roses is a lovely romance from early last century and should definitely be read with that in mind. I enjoyed it every bit as much now as I did nearly 35 years ago.
First posted on my blog My Reader's Block. Please request permission before reposting. Thanks.
August 10, 2015
Standard Grace Livingston Hill fare. Saintly, beautiful heroine is beset by comically villainous foes who seek to destroy her. She bears her troubles with angelic resignation (literally angelic; no human would react that way) and is eventually rewarded for her virtue beyond her wildest imaginings. These books are like a spoonful of whipped cream. Pleasurable, but need some substance to offset the cloying sweetness.
August 16, 2016
What a darling bit of old-fashioned romance! What a sweetly tender place to rest your heart for a while, a place without a drop of cynicism! Grace Livingston Hill's novels have this way of touching me and inspiring me with their most sincere sweetness and their high ideals. ^_^
September 23, 2011
My all-time favorite Christian romance. This is Hill at her best.
December 5, 2019
Rating: 4.5 / 5
The plot of this story plays out very much like a Cinderella story, which, while it does not make it my favourite Grace Livingston Hill read by a long shot, is very sweet and comforting in its own way.
Events revolve around the lovely Marion, whose father has just died and whose sister-in-law is pushing for their family to move to the countryside. But, because Marion doesn't want to leave, she secretly secures a job for herself and a boarding room, to live independently by her own means, even though she is starting out with nearly nothing.
A couple of months later, we see that Marion has progressed into a comfortable lifestyle for herself, but something is still missing from her lonely life, so she tries to find solace in music, and purchases season tickets for herself. However, she unwittingly captures the attention of a rich young man in the process, and so begins her Cinderella story and finding her own Prince Charming for a happily ever after.
As far as the stories go by this beloved author, I wouldn't say that it's the most exciting, or the most religious, or the most adventurous, or anything like that; but, on the other hand, the payoff at the end does make is one of the more romantic works by Hill, and I appreciate that for what it is. Again, not my favourite, but as a nice, comfortable, in-between read when you're looking for a break from anything more intense, it's the perfect book to curl up and spend a few hours with.
The plot of this story plays out very much like a Cinderella story, which, while it does not make it my favourite Grace Livingston Hill read by a long shot, is very sweet and comforting in its own way.
Events revolve around the lovely Marion, whose father has just died and whose sister-in-law is pushing for their family to move to the countryside. But, because Marion doesn't want to leave, she secretly secures a job for herself and a boarding room, to live independently by her own means, even though she is starting out with nearly nothing.
A couple of months later, we see that Marion has progressed into a comfortable lifestyle for herself, but something is still missing from her lonely life, so she tries to find solace in music, and purchases season tickets for herself. However, she unwittingly captures the attention of a rich young man in the process, and so begins her Cinderella story and finding her own Prince Charming for a happily ever after.
As far as the stories go by this beloved author, I wouldn't say that it's the most exciting, or the most religious, or the most adventurous, or anything like that; but, on the other hand, the payoff at the end does make is one of the more romantic works by Hill, and I appreciate that for what it is. Again, not my favourite, but as a nice, comfortable, in-between read when you're looking for a break from anything more intense, it's the perfect book to curl up and spend a few hours with.
August 4, 2025
This story was just sweet and lovely. Not a lot of Christian depth but an enjoyable story with characters I loved. And even some who weren't so lovable either ended up being better by the end or had me knowing that their opinions and words wouldn't matter to Marion anymore.
The romance didn't have a lot of substance beyond "oh, she's lovely and so wholesome and I love her" but somehow it did feel like this would be a marriage that would last.
The romance didn't have a lot of substance beyond "oh, she's lovely and so wholesome and I love her" but somehow it did feel like this would be a marriage that would last.
April 2, 2025
As the book opens, Marion Warren is sitting at her father's deathbed. She's spent the last five years nursing first her mother, then her father, through terminal illnesses. She has always been especially close to her father, so this is particularly hard on her. They had great plans for her life, including college and possibly a teaching career, which was all sidelined when her parents took ill.
While she's at her father's side, her sister-in-law is downstairs in the study, hiding a copy of the father's will. Jennie (said SIL) just knows Mr Warren is going to leave the family home to Marion, instead of leaving it to her husband, Tom, the eldest child and heir of the family. Jennie is very headstrong and wants to move back to the country with her husband and children, and would just love to have single, spinster Marion along as the maid of all work, governess, and companion. Jennie figures that what no one knows can't hurt them, or sideline her own plans.
Mr Warren dies, Tom feels obliged to care for his sister, but Marion wants to re-start her own life. She's 23 and determined to return to her education. Tom pressures her into giving up her share of the money from the sale of the family home, but Marion is determined to stay in the city, so she goes out one day and finds a small room and leans on a friend of her father's for a recommendation for a job. She does all of this very covertly, and thus Tom and Jennie are stunned when she tells them that she's not going with them. Jennie is furious, but Tom just figures that he has to let Marion have her head, and that she'll be begging to come to them soon enough, once she learns how hard it will be to be alone.
Marion starts her working life at the ribbon counter at a department store. She goes back to the family church and tries to make the acquaintance of her old school chums (including Isabel Cresson), but they shun her. The five years she's spent shut up in her family home caring for her ailing parents, Isabel and the other girls spent going to college and moving in society. They sneer at Marion's drab, unfashionable clothes and then proceed to ignore her. Marion is so intimidated that she retreats to the church kitchen to wash dishes!
She feels even more out of place at the department store, where the other working girls are fashionable flappers, with their bobbed hair, cheap jewelry, loads of makeup, and "indecent" clothes. Marion eschews makeup, drinks milk, and studies the fashions in the French department, because of course she's especially skilled in needlework and can rework her own clothes at least into modest fashion. She learns from a customer about tickets to the winter symphony season and decides to save her pennies so that she can attend. She's slowly starting to take up courses as well, and feels that being able to attend professional concerts each week will enhance her education, as well as bring her pleasure.
Marion buys a season ticket for a cheap seat in the balcony, and is surprised when a crimson rose is left in her seat at the second concert. She's certain that it's not meant for her, and feels guilty for keeping such a lovely object, even after no one comes to claim it. She even tries to turn it in to an usher at the end of the concert! Roses continue to appear in her seat each week, and she is confused but secretly pleased. She has no idea of where they are coming from, but they are a welcome little gift and she enjoys them - and the music - thoroughly.
At the next church social, Marion is introduced to Jefferson Lyman, a local boy made good whose grandparents helped found the church. Lyman takes special interest in Marion, even abandoning the fashionable crowd to speak to her, which rouses Isabel's jealousy. Lyman is the most eligible bachelor in town, and she has her eye on him as a potential husband. They are of the same social set, after all, whereas Marion is a little working girl. Isabel is so outraged at Lyman's indifference towards her that she actually shows up at the department store the next day and gives Marion an earful about how everyone is talking about her, being so shameless as to throw herself at Lyman and demand his attention, etc. Isabel makes a scene in front of customers, basically making a complete ass of herself, but Marion is mortified. What if Isabel is right? How dare she speak to someone who is so obviously her social better?
Isabel goes further, tricking Marion into accepting a ride to what she believes is a Christian Endeavor Society dinner, when in actuality it's a bunch of Isabel's coarse friends who kidnap Marion and take her to a roadhouse/speakeasy and basically assault her. Jefferson Lyman rides to her rescue (quite literally), which both infuriates and chastens Isabel.
Marion is torn about spending more time with Lyman, as she is acutely aware of their differences, but he is such a kind, attentive gentleman - plus, he's also a season ticket holder for the symphony! They spend a lot of time discussing the music, the orchestra, etc and she is in heaven with the lively, intelligent discussion. Between this, her roses, and her promotion at work to making silk flowers, all is going well!
The symphony season ends, and Marion feels this will be the end of both the roses and her acquaintance with Lyman, but he surprises her by inviting her to a special concert given by renowned pianist Jan Paderewski. She hesitantly accepts, vowing to starve herself so she can afford the alterations on a new dress so that she is elegant enough to attend in Lyman's presence. She is shocked when two dozen crimson roses are delivered to her at work on the day of the concert, but is so pleased that she shares her good fortune with her co-workers. She vows to enjoy this last concert with Lyman and then tell him who she *really* is, and how she's completely unworthy of his time or attention.
The two attend the concert, and then have a lavish dinner at the most elegant restaurant in the city. Marion stumbles and bumbles her way through her "explanation" of who she is, and Lyman basically laughs and tells her that he's known all along; he's heard stories of her generous father, and of course they attend the same church. He already knows she's a working girl, and confesses not only to visiting her counter (she didn't recognize him), but also that he's been the one sending her the crimson roses. He was standing behind her in line to buy the season tickets to the symphony and fell in love with her at first sight, and has been trying to woo her from afar because he wants to marry her. Marion is absolutely shell-shocked by these revelations, but agrees to marry him. The final chapters of the book detail their wedding plans and the start of their married life, including an excellent comeuppance scene with her brother and sister-in-law, who are absolutely stunned by Marion's sudden elevation in the world. She's a rich man's wife, but she's still the same Marion.
I enjoyed this story a great deal; I love anything that involves music, and have a soft spot for secret admirers. Unfortunately, Marion is frustratingly stupid for about 2/3s of this. She is built up as an independent, if timid, woman at the start, and she makes pretty darn strong strides to assert that independence after the death of her father. She goes into her working life with open eyes, determined to make the best of things, and actually finds her father's will after Tom and Jennie move out of the family house. She is heartsick, but also determined not to hold a grudge. Her brother didn't know about the will, so she can't blame him for doing what he believed was best at the time. She actually burns the will without ever showing it to him!
But after the initial setup, Marion proves to be a weak character. She is acutely distressed by her 'lower' social class, and spends a lot of time angsting about this - not only when comparing herself to the glamorous, wealthy Isabel and Lyman, but also with her flapper colleagues at the department store. She is also completely unaware of the origin of the crimson roses, even after Lyman shows up at her counter and asks her to make silk roses that are the same color! She doesn't believe him when he tells her that he was the admirer who was sending them the entire time. It's like - girl please, you cannot be that obtuse. It makes you look like a moron. I had little patience for all her angsting about how she wasn't good enough for Lyman, so I'm glad that the marriage proposal and wedding weren't especially drawn out for this reason.
The final chapters of the book are excellent, as Marion surprises her brother and sister-in-law by visiting them with her new husband after the wedding. They have such low opinions of her that they are sure she married a loser who wants to mooch off of them, so what a surprise they are in for when they meet the glamorous Lyman! He doesn't rub their noses in it, but Jennie has a complete comeapart, to the point of breaking down and confessing about hiding Mr Warren's will way back at the beginning of the story. Marion forgives her, of course, and Jennie is so grateful that she starts treating her like a human being.
Between this, and Isabel Cresson's wedding gift to the couple of "a paperweight in green jade in the form of an exquisitely carved little idol with the countenance of a Chinese devil," the novel ends on a high note.
Find more reviews at The Vintage Romance Reader
While she's at her father's side, her sister-in-law is downstairs in the study, hiding a copy of the father's will. Jennie (said SIL) just knows Mr Warren is going to leave the family home to Marion, instead of leaving it to her husband, Tom, the eldest child and heir of the family. Jennie is very headstrong and wants to move back to the country with her husband and children, and would just love to have single, spinster Marion along as the maid of all work, governess, and companion. Jennie figures that what no one knows can't hurt them, or sideline her own plans.
Mr Warren dies, Tom feels obliged to care for his sister, but Marion wants to re-start her own life. She's 23 and determined to return to her education. Tom pressures her into giving up her share of the money from the sale of the family home, but Marion is determined to stay in the city, so she goes out one day and finds a small room and leans on a friend of her father's for a recommendation for a job. She does all of this very covertly, and thus Tom and Jennie are stunned when she tells them that she's not going with them. Jennie is furious, but Tom just figures that he has to let Marion have her head, and that she'll be begging to come to them soon enough, once she learns how hard it will be to be alone.
Marion starts her working life at the ribbon counter at a department store. She goes back to the family church and tries to make the acquaintance of her old school chums (including Isabel Cresson), but they shun her. The five years she's spent shut up in her family home caring for her ailing parents, Isabel and the other girls spent going to college and moving in society. They sneer at Marion's drab, unfashionable clothes and then proceed to ignore her. Marion is so intimidated that she retreats to the church kitchen to wash dishes!
She feels even more out of place at the department store, where the other working girls are fashionable flappers, with their bobbed hair, cheap jewelry, loads of makeup, and "indecent" clothes. Marion eschews makeup, drinks milk, and studies the fashions in the French department, because of course she's especially skilled in needlework and can rework her own clothes at least into modest fashion. She learns from a customer about tickets to the winter symphony season and decides to save her pennies so that she can attend. She's slowly starting to take up courses as well, and feels that being able to attend professional concerts each week will enhance her education, as well as bring her pleasure.
Marion buys a season ticket for a cheap seat in the balcony, and is surprised when a crimson rose is left in her seat at the second concert. She's certain that it's not meant for her, and feels guilty for keeping such a lovely object, even after no one comes to claim it. She even tries to turn it in to an usher at the end of the concert! Roses continue to appear in her seat each week, and she is confused but secretly pleased. She has no idea of where they are coming from, but they are a welcome little gift and she enjoys them - and the music - thoroughly.
At the next church social, Marion is introduced to Jefferson Lyman, a local boy made good whose grandparents helped found the church. Lyman takes special interest in Marion, even abandoning the fashionable crowd to speak to her, which rouses Isabel's jealousy. Lyman is the most eligible bachelor in town, and she has her eye on him as a potential husband. They are of the same social set, after all, whereas Marion is a little working girl. Isabel is so outraged at Lyman's indifference towards her that she actually shows up at the department store the next day and gives Marion an earful about how everyone is talking about her, being so shameless as to throw herself at Lyman and demand his attention, etc. Isabel makes a scene in front of customers, basically making a complete ass of herself, but Marion is mortified. What if Isabel is right? How dare she speak to someone who is so obviously her social better?
Isabel goes further, tricking Marion into accepting a ride to what she believes is a Christian Endeavor Society dinner, when in actuality it's a bunch of Isabel's coarse friends who kidnap Marion and take her to a roadhouse/speakeasy and basically assault her. Jefferson Lyman rides to her rescue (quite literally), which both infuriates and chastens Isabel.
Marion is torn about spending more time with Lyman, as she is acutely aware of their differences, but he is such a kind, attentive gentleman - plus, he's also a season ticket holder for the symphony! They spend a lot of time discussing the music, the orchestra, etc and she is in heaven with the lively, intelligent discussion. Between this, her roses, and her promotion at work to making silk flowers, all is going well!
The symphony season ends, and Marion feels this will be the end of both the roses and her acquaintance with Lyman, but he surprises her by inviting her to a special concert given by renowned pianist Jan Paderewski. She hesitantly accepts, vowing to starve herself so she can afford the alterations on a new dress so that she is elegant enough to attend in Lyman's presence. She is shocked when two dozen crimson roses are delivered to her at work on the day of the concert, but is so pleased that she shares her good fortune with her co-workers. She vows to enjoy this last concert with Lyman and then tell him who she *really* is, and how she's completely unworthy of his time or attention.
The two attend the concert, and then have a lavish dinner at the most elegant restaurant in the city. Marion stumbles and bumbles her way through her "explanation" of who she is, and Lyman basically laughs and tells her that he's known all along; he's heard stories of her generous father, and of course they attend the same church. He already knows she's a working girl, and confesses not only to visiting her counter (she didn't recognize him), but also that he's been the one sending her the crimson roses. He was standing behind her in line to buy the season tickets to the symphony and fell in love with her at first sight, and has been trying to woo her from afar because he wants to marry her. Marion is absolutely shell-shocked by these revelations, but agrees to marry him. The final chapters of the book detail their wedding plans and the start of their married life, including an excellent comeuppance scene with her brother and sister-in-law, who are absolutely stunned by Marion's sudden elevation in the world. She's a rich man's wife, but she's still the same Marion.
I enjoyed this story a great deal; I love anything that involves music, and have a soft spot for secret admirers. Unfortunately, Marion is frustratingly stupid for about 2/3s of this. She is built up as an independent, if timid, woman at the start, and she makes pretty darn strong strides to assert that independence after the death of her father. She goes into her working life with open eyes, determined to make the best of things, and actually finds her father's will after Tom and Jennie move out of the family house. She is heartsick, but also determined not to hold a grudge. Her brother didn't know about the will, so she can't blame him for doing what he believed was best at the time. She actually burns the will without ever showing it to him!
But after the initial setup, Marion proves to be a weak character. She is acutely distressed by her 'lower' social class, and spends a lot of time angsting about this - not only when comparing herself to the glamorous, wealthy Isabel and Lyman, but also with her flapper colleagues at the department store. She is also completely unaware of the origin of the crimson roses, even after Lyman shows up at her counter and asks her to make silk roses that are the same color! She doesn't believe him when he tells her that he was the admirer who was sending them the entire time. It's like - girl please, you cannot be that obtuse. It makes you look like a moron. I had little patience for all her angsting about how she wasn't good enough for Lyman, so I'm glad that the marriage proposal and wedding weren't especially drawn out for this reason.
The final chapters of the book are excellent, as Marion surprises her brother and sister-in-law by visiting them with her new husband after the wedding. They have such low opinions of her that they are sure she married a loser who wants to mooch off of them, so what a surprise they are in for when they meet the glamorous Lyman! He doesn't rub their noses in it, but Jennie has a complete comeapart, to the point of breaking down and confessing about hiding Mr Warren's will way back at the beginning of the story. Marion forgives her, of course, and Jennie is so grateful that she starts treating her like a human being.
Between this, and Isabel Cresson's wedding gift to the couple of "a paperweight in green jade in the form of an exquisitely carved little idol with the countenance of a Chinese devil," the novel ends on a high note.
Find more reviews at The Vintage Romance Reader
April 14, 2021
Agh!! What a trip at the finish line! *Shutter* I have such a bad taste in my mouth, I just can't get over it! There were some sweet moments in this book...but ugh!!!
Ok, let's start over. I have been on a Grace Livingston Hill kick for a while now - can't seem to get enough of the old-timely stories with their wholesome encouragement and quaint storylines. I truly appreciate the eras-gone-by and all that. Plus, I am pretty forgiving of historical POV's. However, I just couldn't handle the ending of this book! Can we say CREEPER!
The book opens with our heroine, Marion, nursing her dying father. Her (basically) evil sister-in-law hides the will so that Marion's brother will get more money, and so that Marion will not be able to afford the education she wants. After being pushed around by her family, Marion finally decides enough is enough, gets a job, and moves into a shabby little apartment. With her meager savings, she decides to better herself by attending lectures and concerts. (She appreciates all things intellectual - and has high quality tastes.) It is at one of these concerts that a rich man sees her and falls in love with her - knowing she is a poor working girl who wants to better herself. To this end, he starts leaving a rose on her concert seat every evening. He then stalks her house to find out where she works, and then, realizing that they go to the same church, finagles an introduction to her from their pastor and an old business acquaintance. Because he is so rich and she is so poor, everyone around her tells her that she shouldn't even talk to him because they are not in the same class, so even though he tries to talk to her, she basically thinks he's just using her as a psychological study.
The book ends on their first real date, with him finally telling her that he was the one leaving her roses and that he loves her...and get this...wants to marry her the next week. And after legit BULLYING her into agreeing to marry him (I'm not kidding here - he manipulates her into marrying him by telling her stories about his dead mother and how lonely he is without her, guilts her into believing that she doesn't need to know him better, and then after Marion tells him she needs more time, he basically nullifies any opinions she has and gets his way) he starts taking over all aspects of her life - everything from quitting her job for her, to deciding what she will eat at restaurants. (Ok, I know she is inexperienced, but honestly, this isn't a love story - it's the beginning of an abusive relationship with a narcissist!) And although the narration would have the reader believe otherwise, the hero(for lack of a better word) always kind of seemed to be superior to Marion simply because he was rich. Of course Marion would marry him. Of course she didn't need to know him better. What was there to know? He was rich!
But beyond this, I think GLH set a bad precedent by making it "noble" for Marion to burn the will after she found it. God is a just God and He hates evil. The Bible also says to look after widows and orphans. I think it is a slippery slope to say that Marion was right to not stand up for herself in this situation. I think that people should be able to advocate for themselves and still be within God's will.
Had GLH been able to have the relationship grow a bit normally over time, or had the hero (?) been the least respectful or concerned about Marion's wishes in the end, I might have given this book a pass. However, I cannot forgive this book, even knowing its historical time frame due to the utter lack of respect for women that I seen by the man who is written to be the "highest standard". I will not be re-reading this one, nor will I recommend.
Ok, let's start over. I have been on a Grace Livingston Hill kick for a while now - can't seem to get enough of the old-timely stories with their wholesome encouragement and quaint storylines. I truly appreciate the eras-gone-by and all that. Plus, I am pretty forgiving of historical POV's. However, I just couldn't handle the ending of this book! Can we say CREEPER!
The book opens with our heroine, Marion, nursing her dying father. Her (basically) evil sister-in-law hides the will so that Marion's brother will get more money, and so that Marion will not be able to afford the education she wants. After being pushed around by her family, Marion finally decides enough is enough, gets a job, and moves into a shabby little apartment. With her meager savings, she decides to better herself by attending lectures and concerts. (She appreciates all things intellectual - and has high quality tastes.) It is at one of these concerts that a rich man sees her and falls in love with her - knowing she is a poor working girl who wants to better herself. To this end, he starts leaving a rose on her concert seat every evening. He then stalks her house to find out where she works, and then, realizing that they go to the same church, finagles an introduction to her from their pastor and an old business acquaintance. Because he is so rich and she is so poor, everyone around her tells her that she shouldn't even talk to him because they are not in the same class, so even though he tries to talk to her, she basically thinks he's just using her as a psychological study.
The book ends on their first real date, with him finally telling her that he was the one leaving her roses and that he loves her...and get this...wants to marry her the next week. And after legit BULLYING her into agreeing to marry him (I'm not kidding here - he manipulates her into marrying him by telling her stories about his dead mother and how lonely he is without her, guilts her into believing that she doesn't need to know him better, and then after Marion tells him she needs more time, he basically nullifies any opinions she has and gets his way) he starts taking over all aspects of her life - everything from quitting her job for her, to deciding what she will eat at restaurants. (Ok, I know she is inexperienced, but honestly, this isn't a love story - it's the beginning of an abusive relationship with a narcissist!) And although the narration would have the reader believe otherwise, the hero(for lack of a better word) always kind of seemed to be superior to Marion simply because he was rich. Of course Marion would marry him. Of course she didn't need to know him better. What was there to know? He was rich!
But beyond this, I think GLH set a bad precedent by making it "noble" for Marion to burn the will after she found it. God is a just God and He hates evil. The Bible also says to look after widows and orphans. I think it is a slippery slope to say that Marion was right to not stand up for herself in this situation. I think that people should be able to advocate for themselves and still be within God's will.
Had GLH been able to have the relationship grow a bit normally over time, or had the hero (?) been the least respectful or concerned about Marion's wishes in the end, I might have given this book a pass. However, I cannot forgive this book, even knowing its historical time frame due to the utter lack of respect for women that I seen by the man who is written to be the "highest standard". I will not be re-reading this one, nor will I recommend.
April 19, 2012
I can't remember when I read this book, but I don't think I was much older than 12. It was one of the first "romances" I read. I found the leaving of these roses on the heroine's seat at the concert hall so very sweet and romantic. So I'm voting as my 12-year-old self by giving it 5 stars.
Oh, yes. Maybe that's why I wanted to go to classical concert music shortly after this. I was so happy to get a subscription to our city's symphony orchestra's concerts from my grandmother. But alas, no roses, though I did meet an elderly lady composer there. Until then, I hadn't realized that there were actually women composing.
Oh, yes. Maybe that's why I wanted to go to classical concert music shortly after this. I was so happy to get a subscription to our city's symphony orchestra's concerts from my grandmother. But alas, no roses, though I did meet an elderly lady composer there. Until then, I hadn't realized that there were actually women composing.
January 31, 2018
I read this when I was 14 and loved every minute of it. Recently a good friend reminded me about it and that I shared it with her and how much she loved it. It’s a classic poor girl is saved by a rich man kind of love story but this girl is not desperate. She is not searching and feeling sorry for herself, she is living life to the fullest as she is able and someone see’s the vitality in her and seeks her out. 🌹
November 19, 2011
** This is just a QUICK REVIEW of my thoughts on the book **
Got this from the library and flicked through reading pages here and there, but it seemed far too boring to actually read so I sent it right back.
Got this from the library and flicked through reading pages here and there, but it seemed far too boring to actually read so I sent it right back.
August 1, 2017
Marion was a good character, very kind and a tad naive but still fun and interesting to read about. The romance was sweet and I enjoyed that part quite a bit. I haven't read many of this author's books but I definitely liked this one.
August 9, 2015
A very sweet little romance although the heroine is a little more naïve than I prefer.
January 5, 2020
I liked the first half better than the second half. It’s a bit more like pre-Jane Austen novels where the good characters are exceptionally good and the one bad character doesn’t have many, if any, redeeming qualities. It makes for easy reading because it’s obvious who to root for, but it’s not true to life and a little too picture perfect without a compelling redemptive ending. That being said, I did like Marion, the main character, a lot.
May 27, 2025
Ah, this feels like such a classic Grace Livingston Hill. Yes, the romance was a little shallow and quick, but it was still sweet, innocent, and endearing. The whole story is like a soak in a relaxing bubble bath or laying under a tree and watching the leaves blow in the wind, relaxing and dear.
I loved this couple and just the pure sweetness and simplicity of this story.
I loved this couple and just the pure sweetness and simplicity of this story.
July 20, 2012
Grace Livingston Hill in her new book, “Crimson Roses” Book Six in the Love Endures series published by Barbour Publishing, Inc. takes us into the life of Marion Warren.
From the back cover: “There it lay in all its dusky majesty. Her rose!”
When Marion Warren bought herself a season ticket to the symphony, she expected to bring a spark of new life into her world of drab routine. But what she finds at the concert hall sends her life whirling into the unknown and makes her wish for the drab again. Each night a mysterious crimson rose rests on her seat with no sign of who left it—except perhaps the young man Marion saw watching her on opening night.
As the mystery of the roses looms large, wealthy Jefferson Lyman whisks into Marion’s world, bringing with him a deepening love for Marion–and the jealousy of socialite Isabel Cresson. Jefferson searches for a way to win Marion’s heart, but his efforts may be in vain. Soon Isabel’s false charm begins to draw Marion into a dangerous social circle–threatening to end more than a budding romance.
When Grace Livingston Hill’s first husband died he left her with two young daughters to raise. In an effort to support her family she turned to writing. However, Ms. Hill just didn’t want to write anything she wanted to write stories of faith. Originally written in 1928 “Crimson Roses” is a wonderful story of how God can take our circumstances and change them to the better. Marion is a store clerk who no one seems to notice and so she lives in a very drab world. To spicen up her life a little she gets herself a season ticket to the symphony. All this was supposed to do was give her something to do in the evenings. Now she becomes the object of someone’s attention who gives her crimson roses. This is a great blossoming story as Marion has no choice to change with the attention of this unknown suitor. I think it is a wonderful romance that will keep you reading as to what happens next. Ms. Hill knows how to tell a great story and while it may be old it still is a powerful story.
If you would like to listen to interviews with other authors and professionals please go to www.kingdomhighlights.org where they are available On Demand.
To listen to 24 hours non-stop, commercial free Christian music please visit our internet radio station www.kingdomairwaves.org
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Barbour Publishing, Inc. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
From the back cover: “There it lay in all its dusky majesty. Her rose!”
When Marion Warren bought herself a season ticket to the symphony, she expected to bring a spark of new life into her world of drab routine. But what she finds at the concert hall sends her life whirling into the unknown and makes her wish for the drab again. Each night a mysterious crimson rose rests on her seat with no sign of who left it—except perhaps the young man Marion saw watching her on opening night.
As the mystery of the roses looms large, wealthy Jefferson Lyman whisks into Marion’s world, bringing with him a deepening love for Marion–and the jealousy of socialite Isabel Cresson. Jefferson searches for a way to win Marion’s heart, but his efforts may be in vain. Soon Isabel’s false charm begins to draw Marion into a dangerous social circle–threatening to end more than a budding romance.
When Grace Livingston Hill’s first husband died he left her with two young daughters to raise. In an effort to support her family she turned to writing. However, Ms. Hill just didn’t want to write anything she wanted to write stories of faith. Originally written in 1928 “Crimson Roses” is a wonderful story of how God can take our circumstances and change them to the better. Marion is a store clerk who no one seems to notice and so she lives in a very drab world. To spicen up her life a little she gets herself a season ticket to the symphony. All this was supposed to do was give her something to do in the evenings. Now she becomes the object of someone’s attention who gives her crimson roses. This is a great blossoming story as Marion has no choice to change with the attention of this unknown suitor. I think it is a wonderful romance that will keep you reading as to what happens next. Ms. Hill knows how to tell a great story and while it may be old it still is a powerful story.
If you would like to listen to interviews with other authors and professionals please go to www.kingdomhighlights.org where they are available On Demand.
To listen to 24 hours non-stop, commercial free Christian music please visit our internet radio station www.kingdomairwaves.org
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Barbour Publishing, Inc. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
June 4, 2018
This is one of my favorite Grace Livingston Hill books. I've had it for years and years. It was originally published in 1928 and has been published several times since then.
Synopsis:
Marion Warren is a shy girl who just lost her father whom she has taken care of for several years. No will to be found, her brother decides to sell the family home and move them all to the country. Marion's dream has always been to continue her education and she knows she will not be able to do that if she lives in the country. She sets out to find a job and a room for herself. She is willing to give up her share of the inheritance in order to fulfill this dream. Marion is able to scrape together enough money to buy her first season concert ticket. On her first night to attend she finds a single crimson rose in her chair. It is so beautiful she is sure that someone has accidentally left it in her chair and will be back to claim it. In the meantime she enjoys it's fragrance throughout the concert. When nobody comes to claim the rose she is content to take it home and dream about the giver(perhaps an older woman who somehow knew that this lonely girl needed something beautiful in her life). Each night throughout the season that she is at a concert there is a single crimson rose in her seat. They are the highlight of her lonely life. Marion's co-workers soon find out what a sweet and generous girl she is. Jefferey Lyman a wealthy young man soon spots her at a church function and is fascinated by her character. She is unlike any girl he has ever known. Unfortunately there is always a villain(or villainess in this case) who has to intrude and make life miserable for the poor trod upon girl. Isabel has her eyes set on Jefferey. When she notices that he is interested in Marion she goes to great lengths to eliminate the competition.
My Thoughts:
Grace Livingston Hill writes such great romance novels where the characters are always so innocent and naive'. Written in a time when chivalry was still expected of a suitor GLH still manages to show the seemly side of people's behavior and how pure love and faith can conquer all. I've been a fan since I was a teenager and after re-reading Crimson Roses I find that I still envy the innocence of GLH's heroines.
Synopsis:
Marion Warren is a shy girl who just lost her father whom she has taken care of for several years. No will to be found, her brother decides to sell the family home and move them all to the country. Marion's dream has always been to continue her education and she knows she will not be able to do that if she lives in the country. She sets out to find a job and a room for herself. She is willing to give up her share of the inheritance in order to fulfill this dream. Marion is able to scrape together enough money to buy her first season concert ticket. On her first night to attend she finds a single crimson rose in her chair. It is so beautiful she is sure that someone has accidentally left it in her chair and will be back to claim it. In the meantime she enjoys it's fragrance throughout the concert. When nobody comes to claim the rose she is content to take it home and dream about the giver(perhaps an older woman who somehow knew that this lonely girl needed something beautiful in her life). Each night throughout the season that she is at a concert there is a single crimson rose in her seat. They are the highlight of her lonely life. Marion's co-workers soon find out what a sweet and generous girl she is. Jefferey Lyman a wealthy young man soon spots her at a church function and is fascinated by her character. She is unlike any girl he has ever known. Unfortunately there is always a villain(or villainess in this case) who has to intrude and make life miserable for the poor trod upon girl. Isabel has her eyes set on Jefferey. When she notices that he is interested in Marion she goes to great lengths to eliminate the competition.
My Thoughts:
Grace Livingston Hill writes such great romance novels where the characters are always so innocent and naive'. Written in a time when chivalry was still expected of a suitor GLH still manages to show the seemly side of people's behavior and how pure love and faith can conquer all. I've been a fan since I was a teenager and after re-reading Crimson Roses I find that I still envy the innocence of GLH's heroines.
September 11, 2011
Marion Warren, a shy, lovely woman, tries to adjust to her life after her father dies and her brother’s family leaves. She finds work and an apartment to stay in, and saves her pennies to go to the orchestra. There, on her seat, she finds a beautiful red rose. She sets it in the seat beside her, thinking someone must have left it or dropped it and would come back for it. After the concert is over and no one claims the rose, Marion takes it home with her and loves it, even saving the petals.
Between her work, she attends church and a few church functions, helping wash dishes. Her former schoolmate, Isabel Cresson, despises Marion and her old-fashioned ways, making things difficult for Marion.
At the next concert Marion attends, there is another red rose in her seat! As roses continue to appear, Marion wonders who could be giving them to her, and why.
Marion meets a charming young man at her work, and later is introduced to him at a church get-together. She realizes he is a rich man, but she doubts that he knows her low social standing, or he would not associate so much with her.
As things progress and she is captivated by the rich young man (Jefferson Lyman), she knows it is an impossible thing to even dream of marrying him, so she doesn’t. Invited by Jefferson to a wonderful concert, she decides she must tell him of her poor and lowly standing. . . . But she is eager to go to the concert, so she waits until after it is over.
This is a cute, though predictable, story, and was easy and fun to read, as are most of Mrs. Hill’s books. One thing that is common to most of her books is that the heroine/hero are almost perfect—good-looking, polite, conscientious, etc., and almost never say or do anything wrong. While these are good examples to follow, it is unrealistic to find anyone so good all the time and sometimes makes me a bit annoyed. I guess Marion does say something unkind once, but mostly she is the meekest and most perfect person in the world! But it is an interesting book and I like the dress and hat descriptions.
Between her work, she attends church and a few church functions, helping wash dishes. Her former schoolmate, Isabel Cresson, despises Marion and her old-fashioned ways, making things difficult for Marion.
At the next concert Marion attends, there is another red rose in her seat! As roses continue to appear, Marion wonders who could be giving them to her, and why.
Marion meets a charming young man at her work, and later is introduced to him at a church get-together. She realizes he is a rich man, but she doubts that he knows her low social standing, or he would not associate so much with her.
As things progress and she is captivated by the rich young man (Jefferson Lyman), she knows it is an impossible thing to even dream of marrying him, so she doesn’t. Invited by Jefferson to a wonderful concert, she decides she must tell him of her poor and lowly standing. . . . But she is eager to go to the concert, so she waits until after it is over.
This is a cute, though predictable, story, and was easy and fun to read, as are most of Mrs. Hill’s books. One thing that is common to most of her books is that the heroine/hero are almost perfect—good-looking, polite, conscientious, etc., and almost never say or do anything wrong. While these are good examples to follow, it is unrealistic to find anyone so good all the time and sometimes makes me a bit annoyed. I guess Marion does say something unkind once, but mostly she is the meekest and most perfect person in the world! But it is an interesting book and I like the dress and hat descriptions.
November 8, 2018
My favorite author of last century
After years of selfless caregiving, the death of her father forces A young woman to A crisis about the future of Her life. An arrogant older brother and opportunistic sister-in-law assume control over all of the money and try to force the heroine into servitude. After a few mistakes, she manages to stand up for herself in A way which leaves room for reconciliation at A later time, plus find A way to stand on her own two feet in order to do what she believes God wants her to do.
A "love letter" to Grace: I discovered Grace Livingston Hill at a time in my life when I was young and exploring my faith in Jesus Christ, femininity, and...basically figuring out how to be "in but not of the world"- something that Grace's characters do very well.
Complicated families, difficult personalities, staying true to one's own high standards- all of these things are present in her novels without coming off as sanctimonious or "preachy" (at least in my opinion). Grace is full of, well, grace.
It's the cleverness and creativity of the heroines in their various situations, perhaps, that keep uprooting for characters so good that they could be boring. The villains are often so rotten and trying, it is delightful to see them routed by either the supernatural in believable ways. Grace's novels have both great heroines\heroes AND great villains!
I am always inspired by Grace's books to hold true to my own standards, even after making terrible mistakes, to love my enemies, to persevere, to pray and to creatively use my blessings to bless other people in order to point the way to our incredible God and precious Savior.
Her books have me the hope and strength to stay open for my own great love story to take place, which I am grateful to God for - every single day. And also to look for the Fruit of the Spirit in those who claim to be Christian.
After years of selfless caregiving, the death of her father forces A young woman to A crisis about the future of Her life. An arrogant older brother and opportunistic sister-in-law assume control over all of the money and try to force the heroine into servitude. After a few mistakes, she manages to stand up for herself in A way which leaves room for reconciliation at A later time, plus find A way to stand on her own two feet in order to do what she believes God wants her to do.
A "love letter" to Grace: I discovered Grace Livingston Hill at a time in my life when I was young and exploring my faith in Jesus Christ, femininity, and...basically figuring out how to be "in but not of the world"- something that Grace's characters do very well.
Complicated families, difficult personalities, staying true to one's own high standards- all of these things are present in her novels without coming off as sanctimonious or "preachy" (at least in my opinion). Grace is full of, well, grace.
It's the cleverness and creativity of the heroines in their various situations, perhaps, that keep uprooting for characters so good that they could be boring. The villains are often so rotten and trying, it is delightful to see them routed by either the supernatural in believable ways. Grace's novels have both great heroines\heroes AND great villains!
I am always inspired by Grace's books to hold true to my own standards, even after making terrible mistakes, to love my enemies, to persevere, to pray and to creatively use my blessings to bless other people in order to point the way to our incredible God and precious Savior.
Her books have me the hope and strength to stay open for my own great love story to take place, which I am grateful to God for - every single day. And also to look for the Fruit of the Spirit in those who claim to be Christian.
January 16, 2025
This was another sweet Grace Livingston Hill romance. I think it is one of the better ones.
A young woman chooses to be out on her own after her father has passed away rather than follow her brother and his family to the country and spend the rest of her life living with them, unappreciated and wasting away. From reading other GLH books, this must have been a very common possibilty for unmarried ladies of meek and quiet character in those days and indeed a future one would wish to avoid if possible.
At any rate, Marion does wish to avoid this as she has dreams of getting a better education and raising her status in the world by becoming a teacher. She goes out on her own, much to her family's chagrin, and decided to work and earn her own way. After being so much at home for the past five years, caring for her parents, she is suddenly in the world and must deal with the world of boarding houses, department store jobs, and church socials.
I enjoyed that the author chose to let us see a tiny bit of the married life of the couple in the end. Most of these books end with a beautiful wedding, but here we are allowed to see a bit of the interaction of the new couple and be assured that they will be happy.
One question that was nagging me throughout this book: The sainted father was ill for a couple of years and daughter Marion was caring for him. After his death, we see the young woman attending church for the first time in several years. It seems that she was not able to attend church all this time because of caring for her parents. So the father could not spare the girl for one or two hours a week so she could attend worship services? Maybe my understanding of that day and age is lacking, but I find it difficult to revere and respect the man as much as his daughter did.
A young woman chooses to be out on her own after her father has passed away rather than follow her brother and his family to the country and spend the rest of her life living with them, unappreciated and wasting away. From reading other GLH books, this must have been a very common possibilty for unmarried ladies of meek and quiet character in those days and indeed a future one would wish to avoid if possible.
At any rate, Marion does wish to avoid this as she has dreams of getting a better education and raising her status in the world by becoming a teacher. She goes out on her own, much to her family's chagrin, and decided to work and earn her own way. After being so much at home for the past five years, caring for her parents, she is suddenly in the world and must deal with the world of boarding houses, department store jobs, and church socials.
I enjoyed that the author chose to let us see a tiny bit of the married life of the couple in the end. Most of these books end with a beautiful wedding, but here we are allowed to see a bit of the interaction of the new couple and be assured that they will be happy.
One question that was nagging me throughout this book: The sainted father was ill for a couple of years and daughter Marion was caring for him. After his death, we see the young woman attending church for the first time in several years. It seems that she was not able to attend church all this time because of caring for her parents. So the father could not spare the girl for one or two hours a week so she could attend worship services? Maybe my understanding of that day and age is lacking, but I find it difficult to revere and respect the man as much as his daughter did.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 6, 2025
This book has sat comfortably in my memories after reading it as a young teen, but now rereading it as an adult, it was a troubling story. True to other Hill books, the heroine is remarkably good and sweet, but her naivety was almost beyond belief and crossed over, regularly, into accepting abuse from others in the name of being a good Christian witness. Another reviewer put it well when they said the male protagonist bullied Marion into marriage.... After effectively stalking her. Considering the power dynamic between the two of them (he's presumably older than her as well as his social and financial status where he holds weight over both her employer and minister) the romance aspect feels more like predator/prey. It's a lot less sweet and romantic now that I'm not in the throws of my own adolescent naivety.
I'm always interested in how GHL depicts the class divide in her books and always enjoy her gentle stories, but this book was truly disappointing.
I'm always interested in how GHL depicts the class divide in her books and always enjoy her gentle stories, but this book was truly disappointing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 19, 2019
Marion's dear father has passed away, and her brother Tom is eager to sell the old home and move to a farm in the country. This breaks Marion's heart, for she loves her home in the city. Tom and his wife Jenny expect her to move with them and give up her half of the inheritance, but Marion knows that she will be miserable in the country, and secretly makes her own plans to get a job and board in town letting Tom and Jenny have all the money so that they can move. When they find out, they are shocked and angry, but realize there's no changing Marion's mind. They leave for their new home, expecting Marion to fail in her plans and join them shortly. But Marion doesn't fail. She does well in her new job, and saves her pennies carefully so that she can take classes and attend the symphony, and meets a man who appreciates her for who she is.
November 28, 2020
The heroine, Marion, is a bit too naive for belief at times, and the ending of the story might seem to drag on far longer than it would in a typical current romance novel. But the ending is a desirable, happy one, and the young woman's faith is rewarded, which both are refreshing to see. I'd argue that there's more to like in this romance than in many being published 90+ years later.
While one view might be that Marion is "rescued" by her rich suitor following an unlikely turn of events, they did have social contacts that made their acquaintance not a pure fluke, and I'd argue that she had taken serious initiative and was well on her way to being a successful working woman in terms of the standards of her time and the opportunities she had -- she's not simply a passive "help me!" character.
While one view might be that Marion is "rescued" by her rich suitor following an unlikely turn of events, they did have social contacts that made their acquaintance not a pure fluke, and I'd argue that she had taken serious initiative and was well on her way to being a successful working woman in terms of the standards of her time and the opportunities she had -- she's not simply a passive "help me!" character.
January 28, 2011
Grace Livingston Hill books are a little bit like a highway accident--I want to slow down and see what is going on but I'm embarrassed to do so. Marion loses her home after the death of her ailing parents, due to the subterfuge of her mean sister-in-law Jenny. But she "musters her wits," finds employment and a place to live, and is even able to save for a concert series. She is flabbergasted when a single rose appears on her seat at the concerts. Is romance in the cards for Marion? The novel is sentimental and predictable, but a gently entertaining story for an undemanding romance reader. I do like to read books in which a character's faith is taken for granted and not crucial to the plot (just as it often is in real life)--a non-apocalyptic Christian novel.
November 7, 2017
I found this to be a charming little book, even if it was a little predictable. Yes, it is dated & old-fashioned, you can certainly tell it was written in the 1920's rather than a modern writer trying to recapture those times. For example, the characters often being referred to as "the girl" & "the man" rather than by name but for me that just adds to it's appeal. A sweet "romantic-trip-back-in-time".
May 7, 2012
Read this way back in middle school (nearly 20 years ago, yikes!) excited to read it again! :)
Well, it wasn't quite as magical as I remembered it, but it's a sweet story and I'm glad I read it again... the leaving of the roses in the concert hall was probably the first stirring of romance I ever felt... something that has stayed with me and probably alsays will!
Well, it wasn't quite as magical as I remembered it, but it's a sweet story and I'm glad I read it again... the leaving of the roses in the concert hall was probably the first stirring of romance I ever felt... something that has stayed with me and probably alsays will!
August 3, 2016
It was good light reading. I enjoyed the ending because it wasn't as abrupt as romance books usually are. The love of books, art, music, and roses(of course) that the heroine had made the book more appealing to me. However, at times she did and thought things that defied all reason, and that was exasperating. Overall though, it was a pleasant read.
December 26, 2011
And last but not least, man with wealth from unspecified sources marries shop girl.
(After saving her from flappers and other wicked women who paint, bob their hair, expose their knees, and use modern slang.)
(After saving her from flappers and other wicked women who paint, bob their hair, expose their knees, and use modern slang.)
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