What do you think?
Rate this book
The Christmas Bride
After Greg Sterling acknowleges to himself his love for Margaret, a woman in desperate circumstances he had aided in the park, his newfound love disappears before he can share his feelings with her
429 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1934
About the author
Grace Livingston Hill
613 books574 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
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
December 19, 2018
This one gave me so many warm Christmas fuzzies that I'm adding a star just for how much coziness it made me feel! I especially loved the faithful grandparents in Vermont and was on tenterhooks for them to be taken care of in time. The amount of emotions the story encompassed was pretty great, and this story's definitely recommended for a sweet Christian romance.
October 28, 2020
A bit too much religion in this book, detracting somewhat from the story. Otherwise, a sweet holiday romance, written in 1934.
The Christmas Bride begins in the American "Far West" (no idea which state), but is set primarily in Philadelphia and Vermont (I think it was Philly -- the city wasn't named). The time period is the late 1920's as America began to feel Depressed. This story spans Thanksgiving and Christmas. Heartwarming holiday scenes, with the H / h and her kindly old grandparents. Descriptive scenes of the Depression. The author lived through it, so she'd know. Some heartwrenching scenes when poor Margaret (the heroine) is starving and cold.
I chuckled at the various expressions, like "what a peach!" and "a crackerjack cook!" and "Say!" The new technology is not shortened yet: "automobile" (not car) "telephone" (not phone) "manifolding machine"
Plot: Gregory Sterling finds oil on his land out West, so he sells it for millions and goes back home to Philly. Having been exposed to worldly superficiality, he vows that he won't become like that -- a rich, snobbish, golf-playing lush (hee-hee). Arriving back East after ten years away, he finds his fair city in dire straights from the Depression. The house where he grew up, his old school -- everything is dirty and depressing.
Even worse, Greg's old high school sweetheart has become a Jezebel!! Red lips, make-up, and cigarettes!!! Doubly divorced, drinking, and gambling! Why, she's almost the devil incarnate. ;)
His poor heart is broken. He becomes bitter and disillusioned, till he meets his starving Christmas bride: brave, selfless, refined, and kind. She is a Christian, too, like him.
But just days after meeting Margaret and placing her in the hospital she disappears without a trace! Blame it on the haughty head nurse, Miss Grandon. Heartwrenching scenes when Margaret is half-dead but toiling on. Likewise, when Greg is searching desperately for her, worrying. I liked the scene where the cruel nurse got her comeuppance.
Finding her again, Greg helps Margaret get a job. Poor girl finally gets a hot bath, hot food, and a real bed. Phew!
With his millions, Greg vows to help the poor, to give them work, not free handouts. He wants to give them the message of God's love, too. His friend, Reverend Rhoderick Steele, helps him create a philanthropic business model.
Margaret worries about her grandparents. Will they get to keep their farm in Vermont, threatened by foreclosure? I liked the old folks.
Quibbles
The business plan only gets a vague description, but enough that I understood it. Too much time was spent describing the new office supplies and furnishings.
BUT, our millionaire extraordinaire gives booklets to the starving? Not hot soup? Why not both? What was Hill thinking?? Christ fed the 5000 during The Sermon on the Mount, and they weren't even literally starving. This cost the author one star.
At the end of the story, the unpleasant scene at their new house did NOT fit. I didn't like it at all. Didn't belong. Ruined the happy ending and cost one more star. Inserted just so Hill could make yet another moralizing speech?
In this book, the author goes overboard on the religious stuff. Too much praying and scripture quoting -- that's no way to tell a story. (I liked the Christmas caroling, though.) The Christians are purely good and the nonChristian are either benignly ignorant or utterly depraved. All black and white. Judgemental. Not compassionate.
Some of Hill's books have no religious message at all, most have just a slight bit, and some have a lot. I think this is her worst (or best, some would argue).
Mom liked Hill's books, and I'd sometimes read them. They are usually better than this one.
I like the original cover art better than this kindle cover. This girl looks too well fed, and her coat is all wrong. She bought a coat in this story and Greg gave her a fur coat. Neither coats fit the picture. Not a big deal.
The Christmas Bride begins in the American "Far West" (no idea which state), but is set primarily in Philadelphia and Vermont (I think it was Philly -- the city wasn't named). The time period is the late 1920's as America began to feel Depressed. This story spans Thanksgiving and Christmas. Heartwarming holiday scenes, with the H / h and her kindly old grandparents. Descriptive scenes of the Depression. The author lived through it, so she'd know. Some heartwrenching scenes when poor Margaret (the heroine) is starving and cold.
I chuckled at the various expressions, like "what a peach!" and "a crackerjack cook!" and "Say!" The new technology is not shortened yet: "automobile" (not car) "telephone" (not phone) "manifolding machine"
Plot: Gregory Sterling finds oil on his land out West, so he sells it for millions and goes back home to Philly. Having been exposed to worldly superficiality, he vows that he won't become like that -- a rich, snobbish, golf-playing lush (hee-hee). Arriving back East after ten years away, he finds his fair city in dire straights from the Depression. The house where he grew up, his old school -- everything is dirty and depressing.
Even worse, Greg's old high school sweetheart has become a Jezebel!! Red lips, make-up, and cigarettes!!! Doubly divorced, drinking, and gambling! Why, she's almost the devil incarnate. ;)
His poor heart is broken. He becomes bitter and disillusioned, till he meets his starving Christmas bride: brave, selfless, refined, and kind. She is a Christian, too, like him.
But just days after meeting Margaret and placing her in the hospital she disappears without a trace! Blame it on the haughty head nurse, Miss Grandon. Heartwrenching scenes when Margaret is half-dead but toiling on. Likewise, when Greg is searching desperately for her, worrying. I liked the scene where the cruel nurse got her comeuppance.
Finding her again, Greg helps Margaret get a job. Poor girl finally gets a hot bath, hot food, and a real bed. Phew!
With his millions, Greg vows to help the poor, to give them work, not free handouts. He wants to give them the message of God's love, too. His friend, Reverend Rhoderick Steele, helps him create a philanthropic business model.
Margaret worries about her grandparents. Will they get to keep their farm in Vermont, threatened by foreclosure? I liked the old folks.
Quibbles
The business plan only gets a vague description, but enough that I understood it. Too much time was spent describing the new office supplies and furnishings.
BUT, our millionaire extraordinaire gives booklets to the starving? Not hot soup? Why not both? What was Hill thinking?? Christ fed the 5000 during The Sermon on the Mount, and they weren't even literally starving. This cost the author one star.
At the end of the story, the unpleasant scene at their new house did NOT fit. I didn't like it at all. Didn't belong. Ruined the happy ending and cost one more star. Inserted just so Hill could make yet another moralizing speech?
In this book, the author goes overboard on the religious stuff. Too much praying and scripture quoting -- that's no way to tell a story. (I liked the Christmas caroling, though.) The Christians are purely good and the nonChristian are either benignly ignorant or utterly depraved. All black and white. Judgemental. Not compassionate.
Some of Hill's books have no religious message at all, most have just a slight bit, and some have a lot. I think this is her worst (or best, some would argue).
Mom liked Hill's books, and I'd sometimes read them. They are usually better than this one.
I like the original cover art better than this kindle cover. This girl looks too well fed, and her coat is all wrong. She bought a coat in this story and Greg gave her a fur coat. Neither coats fit the picture. Not a big deal.
January 6, 2023
It was a sweet but predictable story, of course, it's a Grace Livingston Hill after all. A comforting Christmas read with a strong salvation message. I read so many of her novels as a teen as well as Emilie Loring, right along with my mom.
March 20, 2017
Not my favorite GLH book, but I did enjoy the story. This particular GLH story has surprisingly little character development--both protagonists are close to perfect from the very beginning, and the one conversion that occurs requires very little persuasion to reach that point. Overall, an enjoyable read but not very memorable.
December 24, 2022
Not one of her best, but I liked the strong current of Biblical themes. I thought they got a bit extreme at times, but I liked to see how the heroine's grandparents trusted in God through their hard times, and how the newly married couple had strong values and convictions.
January 13, 2025
Pretty good
This isn't my favorite book by the author, but is a pleasant read. As always, the author includes a strong gospel message.
This isn't my favorite book by the author, but is a pleasant read. As always, the author includes a strong gospel message.
October 18, 2012
Grace Livingston Hill in her new book, “The Christmas Bride” Book Nine in the Love Endures series published by Barbour Publishing, Inc. takes us into the life of Greg Sterling.
From the back cover: “His heart sank more and more over the ghastly thought that perhaps he should never find her again…”
Greg Sterling spent the last ten years out West trying to eke out a living on rough, unforgiving land…until he discovered oil and his fortune was made. With his recently acquired wealth to his name, Greg heads back East hoping to prove his worth among those who once doubted his potential.
But only hours after arriving, Greg sees a young woman collapse on a park bench and rushes to her side. There’s no doubt that Margaret McLaren needs someone’s help–his help. But just as quickly and unexpectedly as she appeared in his life, Margaret vanishes without a trace. Now Greg will do anything to find her again.
Just as Greg’s search comes up empty-handed, old flame Alice Blair sets out to rekindle their relationship. Will it keep Greg from finding his true love?
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. Nothing blows up, there are no car chases and the future of the world is not in jeopardy yet “The Christmas Bride” is very exciting. Originally written in 1934 “The Christmas Bride” is a wonderful story of how God can take our circumstances and change them to the better. Greg Sterling left town because the townspeople thought he was worthless. Now wealthy he has returned to prove them wrong. Then he meets Margaret, who vanishes on him. As he tries to find her his old flame resurfaces. However his only interest is in Margaret. I think “The Christmas Bride” is an exciting story and 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: “His heart sank more and more over the ghastly thought that perhaps he should never find her again…”
Greg Sterling spent the last ten years out West trying to eke out a living on rough, unforgiving land…until he discovered oil and his fortune was made. With his recently acquired wealth to his name, Greg heads back East hoping to prove his worth among those who once doubted his potential.
But only hours after arriving, Greg sees a young woman collapse on a park bench and rushes to her side. There’s no doubt that Margaret McLaren needs someone’s help–his help. But just as quickly and unexpectedly as she appeared in his life, Margaret vanishes without a trace. Now Greg will do anything to find her again.
Just as Greg’s search comes up empty-handed, old flame Alice Blair sets out to rekindle their relationship. Will it keep Greg from finding his true love?
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. Nothing blows up, there are no car chases and the future of the world is not in jeopardy yet “The Christmas Bride” is very exciting. Originally written in 1934 “The Christmas Bride” is a wonderful story of how God can take our circumstances and change them to the better. Greg Sterling left town because the townspeople thought he was worthless. Now wealthy he has returned to prove them wrong. Then he meets Margaret, who vanishes on him. As he tries to find her his old flame resurfaces. However his only interest is in Margaret. I think “The Christmas Bride” is an exciting story and 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.”
November 27, 2021
Another re-read in November 2021. One things that's always tickled me about GLHs characters is how their names often reflect their character. Especially the men - for instance, in this book we have Greg Sterling and Rhoderick Steele, both men of "sterling" character, strong as steel. I especially was interested in the name Rhoderick, because both my father and my brother carried this name, although spelled slightly different - Roderick. It's the only time I remember reading this name in a book.
I enjoyed my re-read of the Christmas Bride. I've been trying as I read to figure out why I love GLHs books so much. Some more than others, and this is definitely one of her best, and one of my favorites. I think it's partly because they were written in a simpler time, and the characters were more black and white - the bad ones were really bad and the good ones were really good. I like the way her characters meet trouble with faith and trust in God, even when all seems lost.
Some people may find her books simplistic and formulaic. I find them refreshing, and feel as though I've come from a cleansing bath after I read one.
I enjoyed my re-read of the Christmas Bride. I've been trying as I read to figure out why I love GLHs books so much. Some more than others, and this is definitely one of her best, and one of my favorites. I think it's partly because they were written in a simpler time, and the characters were more black and white - the bad ones were really bad and the good ones were really good. I like the way her characters meet trouble with faith and trust in God, even when all seems lost.
Some people may find her books simplistic and formulaic. I find them refreshing, and feel as though I've come from a cleansing bath after I read one.
December 6, 2021
I enjoyed this story. I liked the characters and was glad the “disappearing act” didn’t last long. I was afraid when it happened that it would be most of the book. Thankfully it wasn’t. Loved the grandparents! And I wanted to go visit their little farm in Vermont.
There were more Christian aspects to this story than in many of GLH’s others books that I’ve read, which I liked. The Gospel was presented truly and not just given some vague nod to.
I did wish it had had more Christmas to it as that was only in the last few chapters. Maybe I’m just picky and what more of Christmas with a title like this one. Oh, well, I still enjoyed it and will most likely read it again.
There were more Christian aspects to this story than in many of GLH’s others books that I’ve read, which I liked. The Gospel was presented truly and not just given some vague nod to.
I did wish it had had more Christmas to it as that was only in the last few chapters. Maybe I’m just picky and what more of Christmas with a title like this one. Oh, well, I still enjoyed it and will most likely read it again.
December 19, 2012
I have loved Grace Livingstone Hill's books for years, and I'm delighted that they are being reissued now! The Christmas Bride is a gentle story of love, faith and hope and is just a delight to revisit. I highly recommend this charming books!
December 5, 2025
Yes, GLH novels are formulaic, antiquated, and fairly moralizing. But I don't care; I still love them. They are also sweet, romantic, and clean. And this one, at least, was full of the gospel!
January 21, 2024
Second Rating: 5 / 5
Just as lovely the second time around as the first!
Rating: 5 / 5
Yet another lovely read by Hill, this time a vivid depiction of how times can change from hopeless to hopeful through having faith in God even when all the world seems to be against you. It's a multi-layered story in that there is a bit of preaching about the Word, but it ties in to the story specific to this novel and thus becomes plot-based.
Focusing in on Greg Sterling as he returns from a successful land sale that makes him a millionaire, the reader follows Greg as he returns to his hometown and, like so many of us can relate to, expects to find it unchanged and, in a way, wants to go back to the past when he remembers times being good. But, as the sad reality unfolds that things have changed--and certainly not for the better--Greg has to find his calling through new walks of life.
This opportunity is presented through Margaret McLaren, a young lady whose situation is truly one of the most hopeless ones that I've read in Hill's novels. She's not drastically in danger like some heroines who are kidnapped or sought by unpleasant suitors or the like, but rather she is simply in a low and hopeless position through no fault of her own, and, understandably, has a hard time keeping hold of her faith. As Greg is introduced to his new faith and Margaret holds onto hers, the two meet through dire circumstances and slowly begin to rebuild their lives around the teachings of Christ. They have chapters equally dedicated to them throughout the novel, and even Margaret's dear grandparents get a chapter focusing in on their faith and how they uphold it.
The story, on the whole, was uplifting, and the ending felt well-deserved. Definitely a read that I enjoyed from start to finish and will be re-reading again in the future.
Just as lovely the second time around as the first!
Rating: 5 / 5
Yet another lovely read by Hill, this time a vivid depiction of how times can change from hopeless to hopeful through having faith in God even when all the world seems to be against you. It's a multi-layered story in that there is a bit of preaching about the Word, but it ties in to the story specific to this novel and thus becomes plot-based.
Focusing in on Greg Sterling as he returns from a successful land sale that makes him a millionaire, the reader follows Greg as he returns to his hometown and, like so many of us can relate to, expects to find it unchanged and, in a way, wants to go back to the past when he remembers times being good. But, as the sad reality unfolds that things have changed--and certainly not for the better--Greg has to find his calling through new walks of life.
This opportunity is presented through Margaret McLaren, a young lady whose situation is truly one of the most hopeless ones that I've read in Hill's novels. She's not drastically in danger like some heroines who are kidnapped or sought by unpleasant suitors or the like, but rather she is simply in a low and hopeless position through no fault of her own, and, understandably, has a hard time keeping hold of her faith. As Greg is introduced to his new faith and Margaret holds onto hers, the two meet through dire circumstances and slowly begin to rebuild their lives around the teachings of Christ. They have chapters equally dedicated to them throughout the novel, and even Margaret's dear grandparents get a chapter focusing in on their faith and how they uphold it.
The story, on the whole, was uplifting, and the ending felt well-deserved. Definitely a read that I enjoyed from start to finish and will be re-reading again in the future.
January 6, 2013
Gregory Sterling is suddenly a man of the world after the discovery of oil on his property. When he witnessed Margaret McLaren fall he took it upon himself to assist in her care however he could despite the questioning of others concerning his honest motives.
Alice Blair whose past was known by Gregory realizes that some things need to be revitalized before the hour is overdue. But at what price?
Will love be rekindled or will there be another?
This read is a classic romantic gentle novel that will take the reader back to another time period. Prose is dated yet refreshing! I did enjoy the character of Gregory charming, easy to connect with and realistic! Scenery was exquisite and very descriptive felt as if I were there.
I found reading that most parts within the book made it impossible to put down but a few though I struggled through. This is a faith challenging and inspiring read that is good for a relaxing winter day.
Thanks to Barbour Publishing for the complimentary copy from the Christmas Giveaway!
Alice Blair whose past was known by Gregory realizes that some things need to be revitalized before the hour is overdue. But at what price?
Will love be rekindled or will there be another?
This read is a classic romantic gentle novel that will take the reader back to another time period. Prose is dated yet refreshing! I did enjoy the character of Gregory charming, easy to connect with and realistic! Scenery was exquisite and very descriptive felt as if I were there.
I found reading that most parts within the book made it impossible to put down but a few though I struggled through. This is a faith challenging and inspiring read that is good for a relaxing winter day.
Thanks to Barbour Publishing for the complimentary copy from the Christmas Giveaway!
May 30, 2013
It’s been a long time since I’ve read a Grace Livingston Hill book! I am so glad they are making a comeback. I really enjoyed this wonderful Christmas story.
The head nurse on the hospital floor was a bit arrogant and took things into her own hands a bit too soon. Greg brought Margaret into the hospital and paid her entire bill, setting her room up as a memorial to give poor people a nice room for free while in the hospital. When Margaret found out, she really made an idiot of herself. But Greg soon set her straight!
This well written story is full of realistic characters that you will grow to love, and Grace Livingston Hill gives readers a heartwarming story to read during the Christmas Holidays. Pick up your copy now, so you will have it when the holiday season gets here!
I received this book from the publisher Barbour Books to read and review. 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 55.
The head nurse on the hospital floor was a bit arrogant and took things into her own hands a bit too soon. Greg brought Margaret into the hospital and paid her entire bill, setting her room up as a memorial to give poor people a nice room for free while in the hospital. When Margaret found out, she really made an idiot of herself. But Greg soon set her straight!
This well written story is full of realistic characters that you will grow to love, and Grace Livingston Hill gives readers a heartwarming story to read during the Christmas Holidays. Pick up your copy now, so you will have it when the holiday season gets here!
I received this book from the publisher Barbour Books to read and review. 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 55.
December 28, 2024
I started the year on Grace Livingston Hill, and so too I end it on that note. Here a man with newfound wealth finds a girl who is starving to death before his eyes. His efforts to save Margaret are sometimes a little heavy-handed, but the sincerity is there, as it is in his own stumbling newfound walk with Christ.
Again, we see the blissful idyll of the family farm, and living simply, held in contrast to the things of the world. At the same time, education and the betterment of one's mind is held in high esteem. I like these aspects to Grace's book as she always inspires me to not only try to live a better life, but to keep pressing on when things are difficult. I find myself praying more when reading these books.
Update to add in 2023: Still a lovely book, very enjoyable to read this holiday season. :)
Again, we see the blissful idyll of the family farm, and living simply, held in contrast to the things of the world. At the same time, education and the betterment of one's mind is held in high esteem. I like these aspects to Grace's book as she always inspires me to not only try to live a better life, but to keep pressing on when things are difficult. I find myself praying more when reading these books.
Update to add in 2023: Still a lovely book, very enjoyable to read this holiday season. :)
October 19, 2014
This is my first experience with classic Christian writer Grace Livingston Hill. I have to say, even though I'm not a huge fan of older literature other than the Bible, I really enjoyed it. It had a timeless appeal and quite a bit of old-school charm. If you're a fan of Christian fiction, you should definitely check Grace Livingston Hill's books out. Though she may have left this world decades ago, she lives on through her writings...and for good reason, too.
January 22, 2008
ohmygosh! this is the first Grace Livingston Hill book I read when I was a kid! I still love this one the most probably.....or it's tied with The Enchanted Barn.
*after reading* I always love it every time I read this book.
*after reading* I always love it every time I read this book.
December 21, 2017
I liked this one, especially having read it around Christmas. It was wonderful to read about the relationship between two people who are Christians. It contains a bit of mystery along with adventure and romance. All in all, a good read.
September 23, 2013
It's an older book and I had to adjust to the writing style. It's written in the omniscient point of view, which I also had to adapt to since I don't read many of those. But the story is sweet and the main characters charming.
June 10, 2015
The Christmas Bride
Excellent book about a man who suddenly becomes rich and can not understand how the world has changed in 10 years. After seeing a young lady collapse in the park, he provided for her care.
I highly recommend this book!
Excellent book about a man who suddenly becomes rich and can not understand how the world has changed in 10 years. After seeing a young lady collapse in the park, he provided for her care.
I highly recommend this book!
September 19, 2008
This would be a great movie.
Read
May 31, 2011Grace Livingston Hill is my guilty pleasure...
May 30, 2021
Read this again, hoping I’d like it better as there are so many good ratings. No, still just 3 stars for me. A dull book compared to so many excellent ones she has written.
March 24, 2014
I love Grace Livingston Hill and this book was true to the others. It is a wonderful book. Very clearly talks about the Lord and being a Christian.
January 14, 2014
excellent
March 31, 2016
A very pure and sweet Christian love story. I was left with a happy feeling.
December 5, 2023
Very sweet! Perfect bedtime read.
January 7, 2026
I liked it. It was calming and many just sweet and old fashioned scenes. Bible quotes were used nicely.
May 31, 2017
I was first introduced to Grace Livingston Hill as a young reader. She was my first foray into Christian or Inspirational Fiction. I enjoy her simplistic writing style, her ability to speak on lifestyle purity in away that is completely foreign today and may have even been foreign in her own time, her ability to bring redemption in a dark world, and for her simplistic preaching within the story lines.
"The Christmas Bride" is a wonderful story of being in a place for "such a time as this". Greg recently sold his property and came into a large fortune. A chance sighting allows him to witness the collapse of Margaret, who is past her last dime. Using his fortune, he seeks out treatment for her. An unfortunate event sends Margaret out into the world without Greg, who spends day after day searching for her. After Greg is able to find her, he helps her in ways she never imagined. I would say more but you really need to read this story!
If there had to be a con it would simply be that the simplistic yet powerful purity that she writes about is so foreign for us today. Sometimes it is hard to imagine someone acting or responding in the ways that the characters do. One simply has to be willing to look at the context and beyond trying to make it fit into current culture.
"The Christmas Bride" is a wonderful story of being in a place for "such a time as this". Greg recently sold his property and came into a large fortune. A chance sighting allows him to witness the collapse of Margaret, who is past her last dime. Using his fortune, he seeks out treatment for her. An unfortunate event sends Margaret out into the world without Greg, who spends day after day searching for her. After Greg is able to find her, he helps her in ways she never imagined. I would say more but you really need to read this story!
If there had to be a con it would simply be that the simplistic yet powerful purity that she writes about is so foreign for us today. Sometimes it is hard to imagine someone acting or responding in the ways that the characters do. One simply has to be willing to look at the context and beyond trying to make it fit into current culture.
December 12, 2025
I love Grace Livingston Hill's books, but they are a little old fashioned. In a lot of Hill's books the "good people" are very good, giving, caring, they don't smoke, wear make-up, dance, or drink, and they are attractive and intelligent. The "bad people" are very bad, they drink, smoke, drink, gamble, go out all night, they have multiple divoces, are immoddest, and while they can be portrayed as attractive and intelligent they usually end up being considered fake or false. It makes the plot and character development very predictable, almost funny. But I love these books for the sweetness of them, and for the fact that my Mom and Grandmother gave them to me. The books are predictable, but fun, romantic, quick reads.
"Christmas Bride" follows the pattern. Very sweet, feel-good romance. The characters are a litle "ccokie cutter", but I still felt for them. It starts with a rescue and a frantic search and it ends with a family and a Christmas wedding. Even though it's predictable, I still found myself nervous for the main characters, and smiling at the end.
"Christmas Bride" follows the pattern. Very sweet, feel-good romance. The characters are a litle "ccokie cutter", but I still felt for them. It starts with a rescue and a frantic search and it ends with a family and a Christmas wedding. Even though it's predictable, I still found myself nervous for the main characters, and smiling at the end.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews