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As IN A Mirror
1898. 303 pages. No dust jacket. Blue pictorial cloth. Insert to front pastedown. Inscription to front endpaper. Pages are moderately tanned and thumbed at the edges, with moderate foxing. Binding has remained firm. Boards are a little rub worn with slight shelf wear to corners, spine and edges. Corners are a little bumped. Spine ends are a mildly crushed, with small splits and chips. Tanning to spine and edges. Boards are bowed. Book has a forward lean. Water marks to boards and spine.
Hardcover
First published January 1, 1897
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About the author
Pansy
329 books31 followersNote: In her lifetime, Isabella Macdonald Alden was usually published under the pseudonym Pansy, and occasionally under the name Mrs. G.R. Alden.
Aunt to Grace Livingston Hill
The sixth of seven children born to Isaac and Myra Spafford Macdonald, of Rochester, New York, Isabella Macdonald received her early education from her father, who home-schooled her, and gave her a nickname - "Pansy" - that she would use for many of her publications. As a girl, she kept a daily journal, critiqued by her father, and she published her first story - The Old Clock - in a village paper when she was ten years old.
Macdonald's education continued at the Oneida Seminary, the Seneca Collegiate Institute, and the Young Ladies Institute, all in New York. It was at the Oneida Seminary that she met her long-time friend (and eventual co-author), Theodosia Toll, who secretly submitted one of Macdonald's manuscripts in a competition, setting in motion a chain of events that would lead to the publication of her first book, Helen Lester, in 1865.
Macdonald also met her future husband, the Rev. Gustavus Rossenberg Alden, at the Oneida Seminary, and the two were married in 1866. Now Isabella Macdonald Alden, the newly-married minister's wife followed her husband as his postings took them around the country, dividing her time between writing, church duties, and raising her son Raymond (born 1873).
A prolific author, who wrote approximately one hundred novels from 1865 to 1929, and co-authored ten more, Alden was also actively involved in the world of children's and religious periodicals, publishing numerous short stories, editing the Sunday Juvenile Pansy from 1874-1894, producing Sunday School lessons for The Westminster Teacher for twenty years, and working on the editorial staff of various other magazines (Trained Motherhood, The Christian Endeavor).
Highly influenced by her Christian beliefs, much of Alden's work was explicitly moral and didactic, and often found its way into Sunday School libraries. It was also immensely popular, in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with an estimated 100,000 copies of Alden's books sold, in 1900.
Information taken from:
readseries.com
isabellamacdonaldalden.com
Aunt to Grace Livingston Hill
The sixth of seven children born to Isaac and Myra Spafford Macdonald, of Rochester, New York, Isabella Macdonald received her early education from her father, who home-schooled her, and gave her a nickname - "Pansy" - that she would use for many of her publications. As a girl, she kept a daily journal, critiqued by her father, and she published her first story - The Old Clock - in a village paper when she was ten years old.
Macdonald's education continued at the Oneida Seminary, the Seneca Collegiate Institute, and the Young Ladies Institute, all in New York. It was at the Oneida Seminary that she met her long-time friend (and eventual co-author), Theodosia Toll, who secretly submitted one of Macdonald's manuscripts in a competition, setting in motion a chain of events that would lead to the publication of her first book, Helen Lester, in 1865.
Macdonald also met her future husband, the Rev. Gustavus Rossenberg Alden, at the Oneida Seminary, and the two were married in 1866. Now Isabella Macdonald Alden, the newly-married minister's wife followed her husband as his postings took them around the country, dividing her time between writing, church duties, and raising her son Raymond (born 1873).
A prolific author, who wrote approximately one hundred novels from 1865 to 1929, and co-authored ten more, Alden was also actively involved in the world of children's and religious periodicals, publishing numerous short stories, editing the Sunday Juvenile Pansy from 1874-1894, producing Sunday School lessons for The Westminster Teacher for twenty years, and working on the editorial staff of various other magazines (Trained Motherhood, The Christian Endeavor).
Highly influenced by her Christian beliefs, much of Alden's work was explicitly moral and didactic, and often found its way into Sunday School libraries. It was also immensely popular, in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with an estimated 100,000 copies of Alden's books sold, in 1900.
Information taken from:
readseries.com
isabellamacdonaldalden.com
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
May 28, 2018
4 1/2 stars.
September 14, 2023
This is definitely one of my favorite books by Isabella Alden and I very much enjoyed re-reading it, especially now that I am a more serious writer. As a writer, I loved the plot and can definitely relate to John Stuart King and the great lengths he went to for research. I loved each of the Elliotts and their unique personalities. The story is fascinating with the scrapes Corliss and Elfrida get into, along with the missing will, and all the times John doesn't quite act like a normal hired man. The message of truth is also very well done. The ending isn't quite what I hoped for or expected, but it's definitely understandable given Hildreth's view of truth and deception.
May 8, 2024
This is the first and only of her books I’ve read but I SO want to read more! The one I have is my dad’s copy and a FIRST EDITION!!!!! It’s a really really awesome book! There are stuff in there that can be hard to understand (but of course it helps you increase your vocabulary) but understood most of it! :) I highly recommend her if your into Victorian era stories!
July 28, 2015
An excellent book similar to That Printer of Udell's by Harold Bell Wright. A Christian in name only or with works accompanying/fruit bearing?
Setting is the 1870's. The story illustrates truth vs falsehood; wealth vs poverty; industry vs unemployment; means vs homelessness; outward appearance vs the condition of one's heart.
A writer doing a story on tramps becomes a tramp himself. He not only finds information for his upcoming book, but he finds the truth about loving Christ from the heart.
Setting is the 1870's. The story illustrates truth vs falsehood; wealth vs poverty; industry vs unemployment; means vs homelessness; outward appearance vs the condition of one's heart.
A writer doing a story on tramps becomes a tramp himself. He not only finds information for his upcoming book, but he finds the truth about loving Christ from the heart.
March 25, 2016
Thought provoking
First I must say I admire Isabella Alden and have enjoyed her stories. I wish I could be such a witness for Christ. This was a great twist in a plot, having the author in the story became a tramp to better know his subject.
First I must say I admire Isabella Alden and have enjoyed her stories. I wish I could be such a witness for Christ. This was a great twist in a plot, having the author in the story became a tramp to better know his subject.
May 13, 2021
Pansy is always a delightful read but I was hoping for a clearer ending but thinking it thoroughly through I think it makes sense for truth being so important to Hildreth, I still am able to my own understanding how it will end after the pages no longer appear. Truth is the theme throughout and what it means to a young lady whose family practises Christian values and a young man's respect for the family, especially the eldest daughter.
Story in short - John's journey for a book he is writing takes a turn into looking at himself in a mirror.
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John King is a rich young man who is friends with Fletcher, after a sermon on tramps and giving help, John devises a plan to tramp for a book he is writing but his friend tells him, it will be folly because he has money when he needs it. John King changes into a tramp walking around the city where he was born, asking for work, being ignored rejected. John sees his friend Fletcher and wonders if his friend will recognise him, Fletcher tries to help which brings John to smile, Fletcher tries to discourage his friend but tells him to see Dr. Talbert for help, the pastor who did he sermon on tramps which started this adventure. John sees the pastor who is having a busy day and shuts the door on John. Finally John finds relief from being hungry by farmer Mr. Elliott whose family knows how their father likes to help the less fortunate. John sees Hildreth, the older daughter, who reminds him of a beautiful picture at home. John started his tramp adventure in early July and now it is September which he found himself at the Elliott Farm. He had learned a lot especially being deprived of want. John is getting used to the routine and started to think of the Bible and the need of church which was lacking since he first set out, feeling that his appearance in church would with attract too much attention. The family discuss the worthiness of him, he sees them as being the closest to perfect in their acts of kindness, he would like to talk to Hildreth. Corliss and Elfrida are the other children. Hildreth is asked to go to a club meeting which will have games, after the last one she refused ever to go again. Her friends try to change her mind into attending, Elfrida would like to go but can only go if her sister is to go. Elfrida is upset and would like to have some fun, John hears Hildreth express the truth to her friends but feels it is not fair for the younger, he looks to find out more about this gathering. Elfrida is finally convinced to go with her friend, Laura's plan to stay the night at her home and they will go to the party together, the Elliotts had no idea of this plan, thinking that Laura being ill lately will not be going to the party across the street. Elfrida has gone to the dance and John is tending the horses when he glances at the games with many of the forfeits are kisses. Elfrida has refused the kissing and Rob Skerritt is trying to get his kiss when John steps in and tells Rob to leave the girl alone, Elfrida is upset at John because he would not give his promise to tell about her being at the dance, if they ask he must tell. A smooth college man looks to dance with Elfrida. Rex Hartwell is Squire Hartwell's nephew, his mother died when he was 5 & his father died before his wife. The Squire raised the nephew but he did not come to stay with him until they vacationed abroad. Nannie Marvin comes from poor family in the farm business, though her father is intelligent, she has been working as a secretary for the Squire and after the return of the men from their vacation, Rex is interested in Nannie too, his uncle sees this but is taking his nephew out of his will due to his nephew not wanting to be a lawyer, as the Squire wants but to be a country doctor as his father, who did not do well. John has a distant relative connection with Hartwell, he saw the old man when he was around 8. Hartwell's will is to go to John King, nobody would think that this young tramp was the heir but the will is lost. Hartwell died and did not tell his lawyer were it was kept, after weeks of search, Hartwell's lawyer not pleased at the situation, gives the house to Rex. Rex who is studying to be a doctor and Nannie, who was looking for work can now plan their wedding. Mr. Elliott has a cough and his wife wants him to stay home instead of driving to school for the beginning of winter classes, so John is told to go with Rex and Nannie driving them there. Miss Elliot wanting to help John, asks him about teaching some young boys but after she worries though he is good in his job, hopefully he is not speaking of evil to the young boys. The religious subject is honesty which makes John wonder. On the trip home Hildreth tries to find out more about John, hoping he has not disappointed his mother. It is hard for John to reply because his mother who likes her luxuries and has different ideas about her son, not understanding that he likes to study and work, she thinks he should live off their money. John receives letters from Fletcher who is tired of answering for him and he must return soon. John's mother wants him back and does not know why he is in the country so long, Elizabeth can not wait forever. Elizabeth tells John about a possible step father. Elizabeth is a cousin that was raise with him and they thought they would marry, she does not like his writing either Corliss seemed to do something with other boys that was disrespectful to the college which he admitted in front of his friends which the college president heard and confronted the young man. Corliss was upset to be called a liar looks to go home early and does after he hears his father is ill. John hears through Thomas, a young boy, that Elfrida has been writing letters to a college boy, who looks to take her to a questionable house, finally John finds her, Elfrida, in a carriage with the boy and John tells her the need to go home. John had taken Elfrida home and that night when John went into the Wayside house and saw Corliss who saw him and told Hildreth, wondering about that, not knowing he was looking for his little sister. Corliss comes home and tells Hildreth about the girls writing to college boys and one was Nell Marvin, he wanted to go to the Wayside house to see, so he lied about being at the Belmont house where he said he was for his friends not to think he was at Wayside, he had left the money and has no idea about the $50. Hildreth hearing from Corliss that John was at the Wayside house worried her, Elfrida finally told her sister about writing to a college boy and sending Nell's picture and John taking her from the college boy's carriage, Hildreth was upset about this and needing to talk to John, the suspicious hired help. Corliss talks to John and John offers help like $50, he can have within the hour which makes Corliss suspicious and they both talk about their first time at the Wayside house. The truth about Wayside came out in the papers though it was attempted to cover up. Laura said that Elf Elliott was the girl and was angry at her that is why she told, which was picked up by earnest reporters. Corliss finds out that it was his sister that he tried to save at the Wayside, he was ashamed and upset. Elfrida still thinks the letters beautiful and thinks the boy is not that bad. Hildreth comes to the Marvins to tell them about the photo was given to the college boy and returning it with an explanation. Nannie was upset at her friend always talking about the truth. I knew when she was upset at the winter gathering talking about truth, that she had found will, she found it be accident and thought to leave it there, thinking how hard it would be on Rex. Finally she told Rex thinking he would no longer love and want to marry her but he tells her that it will be okay, he loves her and tempted, she did not heed evil. She will bring the will to the lawyer saying it has been found. Rex tells her the new heir will be resonable, he seems like the money is not that important. After Nannie tells Rex about the will, Nannie thinks she should tell all during church services but Rex convinces her let Hildreth to decide and she decides that it is unnecessary and nobody business. The couple prays. Driving Hildreth home he learned about the will being found which causes him to speak as John King himself, saying it must be stopped. She looks at him thinking he is insane. He says he must talk to her at 7 p.m. and he knows that she will never want to be his friend; he prepares for the interview and dresses as himself, Fletcher has sent him clothes. Hildreth is astonished by the change and trying to understand why he did what he did, she is hard on him from not telling the truth and finding out he is the writer and he is not her friend but should a change of clothes made such a difference? He tells her his desire to make Rex and Nannie the heirs. She is cold to him which he wants to stay and finish several things but she wishes he would go directly. Not very Christian. The lawyer comes to the Marvins and tells that he had a vistor after Rex left and the heir has given the property to the couple, but Rex says the will must stand. The lawyer then gives another legal document that states Nannie if she marries Rex will be the owner of all. John sees Mr. Elliott who had heard the whole story and is fair to him but it seems he does not like to be duped either, basically dismisses John which brings a sadness to him. Not wanting to return home, he wants to look up Corliss to see if he could help. John looked to help Corliss which would have Hildreth like him but when Corliss talks of Christianity and needing help finding his way, John confesses he has not been useful and wishes he could help but he can not advise, Corliss says they can do it together. John is doing much with Corliss but it seems she does it truly trust him. He does not want to marry Elizabeth and finds out that she is getting married. He longs to ask Hildreth to marry him and writes her a heartfelt frank letter which she response quickly that she is sorry for being hard and wants to be friends, he reads the letter many times and basically her heart can not trust him, not to do this again. Will her heart open up or will she marry another? I feel he will keep trying by doing what is right and honest, in the end he will prevail if she has some feelings for him, which I think she does for her worrying about John Stuart and she will see all the good he has done. He will pray for a chance for her to open her heart to him, it is too early. Will she marry Dr. Warden? I hope not, John is extremely good hearted.
Story in short - John's journey for a book he is writing takes a turn into looking at himself in a mirror.
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John King is a rich young man who is friends with Fletcher, after a sermon on tramps and giving help, John devises a plan to tramp for a book he is writing but his friend tells him, it will be folly because he has money when he needs it. John King changes into a tramp walking around the city where he was born, asking for work, being ignored rejected. John sees his friend Fletcher and wonders if his friend will recognise him, Fletcher tries to help which brings John to smile, Fletcher tries to discourage his friend but tells him to see Dr. Talbert for help, the pastor who did he sermon on tramps which started this adventure. John sees the pastor who is having a busy day and shuts the door on John. Finally John finds relief from being hungry by farmer Mr. Elliott whose family knows how their father likes to help the less fortunate. John sees Hildreth, the older daughter, who reminds him of a beautiful picture at home. John started his tramp adventure in early July and now it is September which he found himself at the Elliott Farm. He had learned a lot especially being deprived of want. John is getting used to the routine and started to think of the Bible and the need of church which was lacking since he first set out, feeling that his appearance in church would with attract too much attention. The family discuss the worthiness of him, he sees them as being the closest to perfect in their acts of kindness, he would like to talk to Hildreth. Corliss and Elfrida are the other children. Hildreth is asked to go to a club meeting which will have games, after the last one she refused ever to go again. Her friends try to change her mind into attending, Elfrida would like to go but can only go if her sister is to go. Elfrida is upset and would like to have some fun, John hears Hildreth express the truth to her friends but feels it is not fair for the younger, he looks to find out more about this gathering. Elfrida is finally convinced to go with her friend, Laura's plan to stay the night at her home and they will go to the party together, the Elliotts had no idea of this plan, thinking that Laura being ill lately will not be going to the party across the street. Elfrida has gone to the dance and John is tending the horses when he glances at the games with many of the forfeits are kisses. Elfrida has refused the kissing and Rob Skerritt is trying to get his kiss when John steps in and tells Rob to leave the girl alone, Elfrida is upset at John because he would not give his promise to tell about her being at the dance, if they ask he must tell. A smooth college man looks to dance with Elfrida. Rex Hartwell is Squire Hartwell's nephew, his mother died when he was 5 & his father died before his wife. The Squire raised the nephew but he did not come to stay with him until they vacationed abroad. Nannie Marvin comes from poor family in the farm business, though her father is intelligent, she has been working as a secretary for the Squire and after the return of the men from their vacation, Rex is interested in Nannie too, his uncle sees this but is taking his nephew out of his will due to his nephew not wanting to be a lawyer, as the Squire wants but to be a country doctor as his father, who did not do well. John has a distant relative connection with Hartwell, he saw the old man when he was around 8. Hartwell's will is to go to John King, nobody would think that this young tramp was the heir but the will is lost. Hartwell died and did not tell his lawyer were it was kept, after weeks of search, Hartwell's lawyer not pleased at the situation, gives the house to Rex. Rex who is studying to be a doctor and Nannie, who was looking for work can now plan their wedding. Mr. Elliott has a cough and his wife wants him to stay home instead of driving to school for the beginning of winter classes, so John is told to go with Rex and Nannie driving them there. Miss Elliot wanting to help John, asks him about teaching some young boys but after she worries though he is good in his job, hopefully he is not speaking of evil to the young boys. The religious subject is honesty which makes John wonder. On the trip home Hildreth tries to find out more about John, hoping he has not disappointed his mother. It is hard for John to reply because his mother who likes her luxuries and has different ideas about her son, not understanding that he likes to study and work, she thinks he should live off their money. John receives letters from Fletcher who is tired of answering for him and he must return soon. John's mother wants him back and does not know why he is in the country so long, Elizabeth can not wait forever. Elizabeth tells John about a possible step father. Elizabeth is a cousin that was raise with him and they thought they would marry, she does not like his writing either Corliss seemed to do something with other boys that was disrespectful to the college which he admitted in front of his friends which the college president heard and confronted the young man. Corliss was upset to be called a liar looks to go home early and does after he hears his father is ill. John hears through Thomas, a young boy, that Elfrida has been writing letters to a college boy, who looks to take her to a questionable house, finally John finds her, Elfrida, in a carriage with the boy and John tells her the need to go home. John had taken Elfrida home and that night when John went into the Wayside house and saw Corliss who saw him and told Hildreth, wondering about that, not knowing he was looking for his little sister. Corliss comes home and tells Hildreth about the girls writing to college boys and one was Nell Marvin, he wanted to go to the Wayside house to see, so he lied about being at the Belmont house where he said he was for his friends not to think he was at Wayside, he had left the money and has no idea about the $50. Hildreth hearing from Corliss that John was at the Wayside house worried her, Elfrida finally told her sister about writing to a college boy and sending Nell's picture and John taking her from the college boy's carriage, Hildreth was upset about this and needing to talk to John, the suspicious hired help. Corliss talks to John and John offers help like $50, he can have within the hour which makes Corliss suspicious and they both talk about their first time at the Wayside house. The truth about Wayside came out in the papers though it was attempted to cover up. Laura said that Elf Elliott was the girl and was angry at her that is why she told, which was picked up by earnest reporters. Corliss finds out that it was his sister that he tried to save at the Wayside, he was ashamed and upset. Elfrida still thinks the letters beautiful and thinks the boy is not that bad. Hildreth comes to the Marvins to tell them about the photo was given to the college boy and returning it with an explanation. Nannie was upset at her friend always talking about the truth. I knew when she was upset at the winter gathering talking about truth, that she had found will, she found it be accident and thought to leave it there, thinking how hard it would be on Rex. Finally she told Rex thinking he would no longer love and want to marry her but he tells her that it will be okay, he loves her and tempted, she did not heed evil. She will bring the will to the lawyer saying it has been found. Rex tells her the new heir will be resonable, he seems like the money is not that important. After Nannie tells Rex about the will, Nannie thinks she should tell all during church services but Rex convinces her let Hildreth to decide and she decides that it is unnecessary and nobody business. The couple prays. Driving Hildreth home he learned about the will being found which causes him to speak as John King himself, saying it must be stopped. She looks at him thinking he is insane. He says he must talk to her at 7 p.m. and he knows that she will never want to be his friend; he prepares for the interview and dresses as himself, Fletcher has sent him clothes. Hildreth is astonished by the change and trying to understand why he did what he did, she is hard on him from not telling the truth and finding out he is the writer and he is not her friend but should a change of clothes made such a difference? He tells her his desire to make Rex and Nannie the heirs. She is cold to him which he wants to stay and finish several things but she wishes he would go directly. Not very Christian. The lawyer comes to the Marvins and tells that he had a vistor after Rex left and the heir has given the property to the couple, but Rex says the will must stand. The lawyer then gives another legal document that states Nannie if she marries Rex will be the owner of all. John sees Mr. Elliott who had heard the whole story and is fair to him but it seems he does not like to be duped either, basically dismisses John which brings a sadness to him. Not wanting to return home, he wants to look up Corliss to see if he could help. John looked to help Corliss which would have Hildreth like him but when Corliss talks of Christianity and needing help finding his way, John confesses he has not been useful and wishes he could help but he can not advise, Corliss says they can do it together. John is doing much with Corliss but it seems she does it truly trust him. He does not want to marry Elizabeth and finds out that she is getting married. He longs to ask Hildreth to marry him and writes her a heartfelt frank letter which she response quickly that she is sorry for being hard and wants to be friends, he reads the letter many times and basically her heart can not trust him, not to do this again. Will her heart open up or will she marry another? I feel he will keep trying by doing what is right and honest, in the end he will prevail if she has some feelings for him, which I think she does for her worrying about John Stuart and she will see all the good he has done. He will pray for a chance for her to open her heart to him, it is too early. Will she marry Dr. Warden? I hope not, John is extremely good hearted.
February 2, 2008
John Stuart King is a well-known author. When he listens to a sermon one day about being kind to the homeless, he can't stop thinking about the issue. He decides to become a tramp himself to see what it's like--providing a good source for his next story. He discovers that no one seems to truly care about tramps. That is, until he stumbles across a family in the country. The Elliott family provides him with a job on their farm. They treat him kindly. Helen Elliott, the oldest girl in the family, is beautiful--and above all, truthful. Corey is a college boy who stumbles into some trouble by telling jokes. And Anna, the youngest, goes behind her family's back and meets a young man who is practically a stranger. John tries to help Corey and Anna, and in some respects succeeds. However, he can't help wondering what they would all think of him if they knew of his masquerade--especially Helen, with her ideals of truth.
When a lost will is recovered, will John be forced to make his true identity known? And will it cost him more than he can bear?
This is a thought-provoking, intriguing novel--I highly recommend it!
When a lost will is recovered, will John be forced to make his true identity known? And will it cost him more than he can bear?
This is a thought-provoking, intriguing novel--I highly recommend it!
August 1, 2019
This was not the first Isabella Alden story I've read, but I'm pretty sure it's the first full-length novel. I really enjoyed it, and liked the conclusion very much.
The setting: mostly in the country, with farms, but also a nearby college town. Like her niece (Grace Livingston Hill), the country is portrayed generally as a better place--i.e., people with more hospitality--but there were still pitfalls for innocent girls like Ellen. Not many parts of the setting was emphasized much at all, and I don't believe the date or the exact place in the U.S. were mentioned.
The characters: Unlike the common format Grace Livingston Hill has, there were many prominent and important characters in As in a Mirror. John Stuart King, of course, was the main one, and I really enjoyed reading his perspective. I'm not sure how I would perceive his character if I was not a writer myself, but I know that my author perspective changes things. (It is kind of weird to read about people who are at least somewhat like myself, though--almost like Isabella Alden decided to settle with an easy character.
I liked HIlda's character, although I confess she wasn't always entirely likable. I think that was the point, though--she wasn't perfect, even though she desired to hold to a high standard of truth. I think she is very relatable and realistic, but at the same time honorable. Her brother Colin was similar, but in a different way. (If that made any sense) He was realistic, because I think there are many people who grow up in faithful Christian households, and yet never claim a faith of their own. Colin's character arc and plot conclusion tied in extremely well with John Stuart's plot. Ellen served her purpose well--showing how nice John is--but the rest of her character didn't strike me as anything remarkable. Rex Hartwell reminded me of Grace Livingston Hill's beloved heroes(maybe she got the idea from her aunt!), and Nannie's struggle, which amounted to hatred of her best friend, seemed well-portrayed, as well.
Since this book's plot revolved around the topic of truth, you can be assured that godly virtues and biblical themes are woven throughout. (The book wouldn't be a book without them) Truth was exalted, and well it should be. It's possible that the "Speak the truth in love " part may have been under-emphasized, but I think the message is clear through Hilda's personality. Can't say much due to spoilers, but John's and Colin's spiritual status by the end of the book was great, and I especially loved the relationship between John and Hilda--it was impressive.
The writing style was similar to Grace Livingston Hill's--not really a surprise there--but there were additional complexities that were included. I can't say which style I prefer, but there is certainly nothing wrong with this one. There honestly was the hint of a classic when the backstory of the Hartwell inheritance was explained. (Now that was a lot of information)
I was somewhat surprised to find this book lacking in romance, but it was nothing but pleasant. The plot itself was simple, but the characters' interactions and relationships were anything but. This was a nice story with important faith elements woven in, and I would recommend this to readers who enjoy historical fiction with a strong Christian message.
The setting: mostly in the country, with farms, but also a nearby college town. Like her niece (Grace Livingston Hill), the country is portrayed generally as a better place--i.e., people with more hospitality--but there were still pitfalls for innocent girls like Ellen. Not many parts of the setting was emphasized much at all, and I don't believe the date or the exact place in the U.S. were mentioned.
The characters: Unlike the common format Grace Livingston Hill has, there were many prominent and important characters in As in a Mirror. John Stuart King, of course, was the main one, and I really enjoyed reading his perspective. I'm not sure how I would perceive his character if I was not a writer myself, but I know that my author perspective changes things. (It is kind of weird to read about people who are at least somewhat like myself, though--almost like Isabella Alden decided to settle with an easy character.
I liked HIlda's character, although I confess she wasn't always entirely likable. I think that was the point, though--she wasn't perfect, even though she desired to hold to a high standard of truth. I think she is very relatable and realistic, but at the same time honorable. Her brother Colin was similar, but in a different way. (If that made any sense) He was realistic, because I think there are many people who grow up in faithful Christian households, and yet never claim a faith of their own. Colin's character arc and plot conclusion tied in extremely well with John Stuart's plot. Ellen served her purpose well--showing how nice John is--but the rest of her character didn't strike me as anything remarkable. Rex Hartwell reminded me of Grace Livingston Hill's beloved heroes(maybe she got the idea from her aunt!), and Nannie's struggle, which amounted to hatred of her best friend, seemed well-portrayed, as well.
Since this book's plot revolved around the topic of truth, you can be assured that godly virtues and biblical themes are woven throughout. (The book wouldn't be a book without them) Truth was exalted, and well it should be. It's possible that the "Speak the truth in love " part may have been under-emphasized, but I think the message is clear through Hilda's personality. Can't say much due to spoilers, but John's and Colin's spiritual status by the end of the book was great, and I especially loved the relationship between John and Hilda--it was impressive.
The writing style was similar to Grace Livingston Hill's--not really a surprise there--but there were additional complexities that were included. I can't say which style I prefer, but there is certainly nothing wrong with this one. There honestly was the hint of a classic when the backstory of the Hartwell inheritance was explained. (Now that was a lot of information)
I was somewhat surprised to find this book lacking in romance, but it was nothing but pleasant. The plot itself was simple, but the characters' interactions and relationships were anything but. This was a nice story with important faith elements woven in, and I would recommend this to readers who enjoy historical fiction with a strong Christian message.
October 13, 2025
3.5 stars
It’s been years since I’ve read this book and after a reread I think I understand why I didn’t read it again often.
John Stuart King’s decision to become a tramp to learn what it was really like for the book he was writing, was quite fun. I liked him all the way through the book and sympathized with him in his wanting to help but not being able to do much as John Stuart the handyman. I did have to smile at his inability to make his characters do what he wanted them to do.
The republished book I read had changed the names of the Elliott children. Why? I don’t know unless it was to give them easier names.
Helen annoyed me. I think she’s the reason I haven’t read this book more often. Yes, I do like that she wanted to speak the truth, but there were times that it felt like she justified speaking words that weren’t exactly kind just because they were “true.” How about speaking the truth in love? And she came across as an “I’m doing right because I always speak the truth and everyone else should be just like me.” She also seems to forget the verses in Proverbs about concealing things being the right thing to do at times. She also drove me crazy when she finds out who John really is. It was pretty much a “I don’t know you and won’t acknowledge you because you are wearing different clothes and aren’t just a hired man” attitude.
Cory and Anna both learned hard lessons about playing with the truth, but I can’t help wondering if they would have needed such things if their older sister had been more kind and understanding and loving.
The end left me wondering if the author thought Helen’s ridged view on truth was right or if John’s actions were justified. It does give you some things to think about and consider.
It’s been years since I’ve read this book and after a reread I think I understand why I didn’t read it again often.
John Stuart King’s decision to become a tramp to learn what it was really like for the book he was writing, was quite fun. I liked him all the way through the book and sympathized with him in his wanting to help but not being able to do much as John Stuart the handyman. I did have to smile at his inability to make his characters do what he wanted them to do.
The republished book I read had changed the names of the Elliott children. Why? I don’t know unless it was to give them easier names.
Helen annoyed me. I think she’s the reason I haven’t read this book more often. Yes, I do like that she wanted to speak the truth, but there were times that it felt like she justified speaking words that weren’t exactly kind just because they were “true.” How about speaking the truth in love? And she came across as an “I’m doing right because I always speak the truth and everyone else should be just like me.” She also seems to forget the verses in Proverbs about concealing things being the right thing to do at times. She also drove me crazy when she finds out who John really is. It was pretty much a “I don’t know you and won’t acknowledge you because you are wearing different clothes and aren’t just a hired man” attitude.
Cory and Anna both learned hard lessons about playing with the truth, but I can’t help wondering if they would have needed such things if their older sister had been more kind and understanding and loving.
The end left me wondering if the author thought Helen’s ridged view on truth was right or if John’s actions were justified. It does give you some things to think about and consider.
July 4, 2021
Disappointing in the end
I enjoyed the book very much, until the ending. Being the romantic that I am, it didn’t end to suit me. Even though John and Corliss grew as Christian’s and became friends, it didn’t have closure with John and Corliss. It seems he ended just as he started out. Hmmm
I enjoyed the book very much, until the ending. Being the romantic that I am, it didn’t end to suit me. Even though John and Corliss grew as Christian’s and became friends, it didn’t have closure with John and Corliss. It seems he ended just as he started out. Hmmm
August 12, 2022
Done, finally. I liked the concept and at first it was entertaining but then it just progressed so slowly 🐌 that every time I started to read I just wanted to take a nap. This short book took me way to long to read.
October 1, 2018
Truth!!
Truth is a rare commodity these days! Sad but true. Hildreth was adamant to the point of fanaticism, but she was always right. Oh what a tangled web we weave...
Truth is a rare commodity these days! Sad but true. Hildreth was adamant to the point of fanaticism, but she was always right. Oh what a tangled web we weave...
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November 29, 2022Excellent book. Gave me something to think about!
December 2, 2022
I wasn’t sure if I would enjoy this book or not but in the end I really did! Some of the characters were a touch unrealistic but I liked them
January 5, 2025
Beautifully written, simple truth. But alas, Not the ending I wanted- though I understand it.
August 6, 2016
great book, old fashioned story of the consequences of not telling the truth!
April 10, 2019
A story from 1898 with a shocking modern parallel
A writer hides his identity to learn about the life of the homeless (tramps), but finds himself instead challenged by the strict adherence to truth he finds in the life of a young, Christian lady he meets. When both her sister and her brother fall into a trap epitomised by the modern danger of chat rooms, catfishing and social media, truth is the only thing that will save any of them, but the price of even casual deception proves higher than each of them realises for the others.
A writer hides his identity to learn about the life of the homeless (tramps), but finds himself instead challenged by the strict adherence to truth he finds in the life of a young, Christian lady he meets. When both her sister and her brother fall into a trap epitomised by the modern danger of chat rooms, catfishing and social media, truth is the only thing that will save any of them, but the price of even casual deception proves higher than each of them realises for the others.
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