The Twenty-fourth Of June, Midsummer's Day

by Grace S. Richmond

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Genres: Classics, Romance, Fiction, American Classics

424 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1914

About the author

Grace Louise Smith Richmond (1866–1959), American romance novelist created the Dr. R.P. Burns series.

Her first short stories were published in various women's magazines including the Women's Home Companion, Ladies' Home Journal, and Everybody's Magazine as early as 1898. Richmond wrote 27 novels between 1905 and 1936. Red Pepper Burns was published in 1910. Like most of her strong-willed yet compassionate characters, R.P. Burns is a kind, old-souled country doctor who makes house calls. His fiery red hair and temper to match earned him his nickname Red Pepper, though he is still a charming and endearing gentleman. Mrs. Red Pepper (1913), Red Pepper's Patients (1917), and Red of the Redfields (1924) followed.

Reviews

[Kathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a wonderful book.
This is, essentially, a romance. A romance seeking a kindred spirit in the right Reader of the 21st Century to love this book as it ought to be loved. Some might roll their eyes at the love-at-first-sight, at the (at times) "overly" sentimental or flowery prose, at the sheer *goodness* of the characters. Yet, I loved the book for all these reasons and so many more. If you will look deeper, you will find such a multi-layered story, full of personalities and problems and joys and struggles that are as profoundly meaningful today as they were in 1914 when this book was first published. Richmond's books are so powerful to me because, more than making me wish for "the good old days", they make me want to find many of these beautiful qualities of the past in my own life. Rich Kendrick is refreshingly more three-dimensional than many a leading man. I was so grateful that this wasn't a typical bad-boy-turns-good-for-good-girl story. Rich was good to begin with but, like so many young people, he lacked guidance (and motivation) to broaden his character and his interests beyond the high society life he was born to. Roberta Gray was good and worthy and idealized, yes, but she was also mired with pride and prejudice (against Rich, judging him unfairly simply because of his status) and she had her own learning to do along the way. I so enjoyed Rich's journey and I would probably have wanted to marry him if I was reading this as a young teen ;-) All of the secondary characters are drawn with depth and care, and I really felt the heartbeat of the Gray family's home and could understand how much Rich longed to be part of the kind of warm family, the sort of Real Family Life, with all it's little joys and troubles and helpfulness and genuine friendship for one another, that made his solo pursuits of clubs and travels and parties seem pale and puny. As with all of Richmond's books, I am surprised by the course of events, even though it's pretty easy to guess the eventual outcome. I feel challenged to write a review that shows how deeply I loved this book, and perhaps, Dear Reader, you will not love it as well as I do. Yet I still encourage you to read it if it sounds the least bit like something you would enjoy. Or consider one of Richmond's other works--they deserve to be better known. If you're a fan of Louisa May Alcott, L. M. Montgomery, Kate Douglas Wiggin, and the like, please consider giving Richmond a try. Several of her books are on Project Gutenberg :-) I should also add that, despite the title, much of this story takes place during winter and (even has a few lovely Christmas chapters) so it's suitable to read any time of the year.

[Dianna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book number three I've read by Grace S. Richmond, and I really can't think why she isn't better known. She deserves a place among all the "kindred spirit" authors of the turn of the twentieth century.

My favorite part about this book is the warm description of family life—it gives me no end of inspiration as a mother!

[Elisabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Grace Richmond's books are kind of like a fluffy blanket or a mug of hot cocoa. Nothing really earth-shaking happens in them; you just spend some time with thoroughly good, nice people who face ordinary life problems and challenges and sort them all out happily by the end of the book. Which means there's not a lot of conflict (at least none that you can't pretty accurately guess the outcome of), but sometimes you can do with a book like that to while away an afternoon.

[Mallory · Rating 5 out of 5]

2025: first re-read - a beautiful love story in which different elements stood out this time around. Overall, I appreciate how Roberta doesn't make Rich change his life - he wants to change because of her.

2016: This is the best book I've read this year and I doubt any will surpass it.

Once Richard Kendrick encounters the Gray family, he falls under the spell of not only their daughter Roberta, but also their family life itself. Realizing that they possess something he has been missing all these years in his own relationships, he strives to make himself better acquainted with them and in so doing, changes the direction of his life entirely.

An unusual romance, coupled with a cast of characters that demonstrate the allure and power of a strong home and family, ensure that I will return to this story again and again.

Favorite quotes: "All in all, they were a goodly family, just such a family as is to be found beneath may a fortunate roof; yet a family with an individuality all its own and a richness of life such as is less common than it ought to be."

"He had not been drugged by the enchantment that is like wine; he had been stimulated by the charm that is like the feel of the fresh wind upon the brow."

"I haven't wanted anyone to make me happy. I've been absorbed in my work and my play. I enjoy my men friends and am glad when they go away and leave me. Life is so full and rich, just of itself. There are so many wonderful people of all sorts. The world is so interesting, and home is so dear!" - Roberta Gray

[Laura Waxman · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you get a chance, read this. I can't even describe how wonderful it was. The writing was superb, the characters developed, the plot engaging. I loved the world created and found myself contemplating my own life and decisions therein.

[Katy · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my all-time favorite books. Again, a spunky heroine who speaks her mind and is all I-am-woman-hear-me-roar, and in the end finds true love. There are some fun, clever interchanges. This is very old-timey, written in the early 1900's-ish.

[Jessica Dudenhofer Beery · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wholesome old-fashioned romance that left you feeling like ‘that was actually worth reading.’ Why do I have to find books almost a century old to be able to say that, it seems lately? Will keep any eye out for other books by the author...apparently she was a best-seller alongside Gene Stratton Porter and Montgomery, which is probably why I enjoyed it. Would love to find an old edition without the cheesy-looking cover (lol)

[April · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent book, well worth the time. She waxes rather Pride and Prejudice like for a bit, but moves on. I'd forgotten how much I enjoy this author.

[Chef Clove · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grace Richmond is a wonderful storyteller. She understands and portrays the nuances of relationships.

[Lydia C Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5🌟
A very sweet story 😊

[Shanna Jarrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adored this sweet, beautifully written book. I haven't read any books written during this time period (1915) aside from classics like The Secret Garden and Anne of Green Gables, and I found myself captivated by the lyrical descriptions of a time and place so much different to 2023. The story is engaging and satisfying...a lonely yet wealthy young man finding his purpose in life and a great love affair, and also, the meaning of family and dear friends. It warmed my heart and that it ended at Christmas made it a perfect December read.

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't love the overarching story in this one, but the bits about Richard learning how to work like a man were really excellent.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Joe Wheeler chose this book to include in his series of 'Great Stories' alongside such classics as Robinson Crusoe, Little Men, A Christmas Carol and Freckles. After reading it I understood why. I don't read romances, but this is kind of a suspense-romance-mystery-drama all rolled into one. Because of the type of values weaved throughout the story, it would make an excellent read for young women preparing for courtship (or whatever term someone is using...Godly relationship with intent to marry.) OK, I'm going to make a cup of hot tea and do some reading now. I woke up from a long nap with a nasty sore throat and a fever. Ugh...

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this. It has the flavor of Louisa May Alcott's writing. I'm looking forward to reading the other ones in this collection. The best way I can think to describe this is that it's kind of like Little Women but from Laurie's point of view (if he was a little bit older). It made me smile and it made me tear up.

[Leslie · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was so boring that I came near to the end, where he takes the girl back to the mountain to propose and then ....... I put the book down to work and never remembered to pick it back up. So, I never finished the book. I have no intention to either. I have since read like 10 other books.

[Deb · Rating 4 out of 5]

I appreciate her frequent theme - what's important in choosing a husband is not so much the outward appearance but how he handles crises - models of rectitude may desert you, but the ones who are steady are the ones you want!

[Lora]

My daughter asked me about this book today, and when I started to explain, I realized that I was halfway through and not much had happened, and that I didn't care about the characters, and I didn't even care if I finished the book. So, I stopped.

[Dillon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book, but I did find the plotline and characters a little chalky. They didn't feel as deep and real. I really liked Richmond's other works a lot though.

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story was written in 1919, the style of writing is a bit wordy, but the true sense of the story came through. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

[Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked the change in heart and ambition shown from Richard's perspective, with only glimpses of Roberta's thoughts from time to time. An excellent book.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It immediately draws you in and takes you to a place of insight and simple values.

[Suzannah Rowntree · Rating 3 out of 5]

Most enjoyable! Review coming.

[Nicole Korak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet book

I've read this book 4 or 5 times and love it every time. It's classic from times gone by and has a great moral message.

[Ren · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was originally gifted this book purely because the title is the same as my birthday. And every year since I had the intention of reading it, if just for the meme.

As such, I had no expectations for 'The Twenty-Fourth of June.' That being said, I quite enjoyed it.

It reminded me an incredible amount of 'The Magnificent Ambersons' which would be published four years later in 1918. Plotwise, in both novels, we follow a young man set to inherit a fortune from a rich grandfather. Both protagonists are lackadaisical and shun the idea of working to 'earn' their inheritance. And both of them are jerks, and called out for being so by their respective love interests. Indeed, the allergy to having a job is what constitutes the start of each man's character arc. However, their paths for arriving at the end of that arc are... different, to say the least.

George Amberson, of 'The Magnificent Ambersons,' wholeheartedly rejects the changing American sensibility towards class, holding on to the idea that class is tied to blood, and therefore isn't something to be earned or lost based on socital contribution. This is exemplified by his refusal to get on the automobile bandwagon, sticking to horses and carriages long after it makes sense to do so. By the end of the novel, he's lost his status, his love interest, and... he has to get a job.

Only at the point at which he begins working does he earn the respect of the woman he's been courting the entire novel: the daughter of a nouveau riche family.

In 'The Twenty-Fourth of June,' on the other hand, protagonist Richard Kendrick, learns his lesson fairly early on. Though he is also from a wealthy family and needn't work if he doesn't want to, getting rejected by his love interest, Roberta, is the catalyst that leads him to a more industrious lifestyle. After getting seriously involved in the business world, his temperament improves, and, well, he gets the girl. Curiously, a recurring symbol connected with him is the automobile. His attachment to his car at the beginning is definitely due to it being a status symbol, and also then acts as an easy throughline to why he might be more willing to follow other modern notions of class, specifically, the notion that high class status is earned, not inherited.

I doubt very much that Booth Tarkington, author of 'The Magnificent Ambersons,' was ripping this novel off when conceiving of his own, but I do think the striking similarities and their close-together publication dates reveal something interesting about the American zeitgeist at the time. Clearly, there was something in the water about developing a distinctly American class sensibility and binding it to the idea of work. We see as well the beginnings of the myth of the American Dream and as well the fairy tale that America is a meritocracy.

In 'The Magnificent Ambersons,' George really does end up having to pull himself up by his bootstraps, so to speak, but in a way that's so tied to the moral of the story that the artifice is palpable. In 'The Twenty-Fourth of June' we sort of pretend that Richard does because his first real job is helping make his friend's shop a success without the help of his grandfather's money (though he does employ one of his grandfather's business advisors, so, hardly a 'bootstrap' story).

Both authors as well tie being hardworking with moral character. When the young men aren't working, they're worse people than when they both get jobs, and indeed, in both cases, having the job is the specific thing that makes them better people, and therefore worthy of their respective love interests.

If those themes are of interest to you, you're a good match for either or both novels. 'The Twenty-Fourth of June' won no Pulitzer Prizes, and the love story, which honestly starts off really well, and Roberta is a great, three-dimensional character, takes a sudden sappy turn at the end that I could have done without (like, really, Roberta goes from vibrant and fully realized to not even getting any dialogue and turning into a 'sexy lamp'). However, it's a fun story with good writing. A nice light bit of late Edwardian fiction.

[Angie Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This not being my first book by the author, I was expecting to enjoy the story. I was not expecting to cry--not once but a few times--just from pure sweetness and love. And not romantic love, either--oh, it's definitely there, but I think it was the growing relationship between Richard and his grandfather that touched me most deeply.

I really loved the fact that even though Richard starts out seeming like your typical lazy, rich young man, as the story goes on, we get more and more glimpses of the real good that's been hidden for so long beneath that disinterested facade. And I loved the way that, even though his attraction to Roberta was undeniable and immediate, his attraction to the whole loving family circle was just as strong, and his longing to be part of it went so much deeper than the romantic interest. I understood and applauded Mrs. Gray for being careful with who she invited into their children's lives, but I ached for Richard sometimes in the beginning, standing on the outside looking in. And I cheered when people began to recognize both his loneliness and his worth, and to invite him in, no matter what Roberta thought. :P Mrs. Stephen was probably my favorite of the bunch along those lines, and I felt much more hopeful for Richard's case once she took it up. ;)

Roberta was an enigma--I liked her for the most part but did get a little frustrated at times when she continued to put the worst possible construction on everything after she should have had enough evidence to at least soften her opinions a little. But as much as I don't usually like passionate declarations of love when the other party isn't ready or interested, I did have to smile a little when Richard turned what was supposed to be her ultimatum and dismissal back against her. At that point I did kind of think she deserved it. ;) And I appreciated the way he stuck to his part of the bargain, and the growing they both did in the meantime before coming back together.

This is a love story without question, but it's so much more than that, and in my opinion well worth the read. The story itself I would probably give four stars, but those bits that brought tears to my eyes out of the blue bump it up to a five. <3

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't know how she does it, Grace S. Richmond. This is such a simple, uplifting story that at times I thought it was almost moving into dull, but then the author captured me again and I was up late reading the next chapter and then the next. I think what caught my heart me were the ordinary moments, interspersed with moments of more meaning and depth.

Richard Kendrick, young heir to a fortune, stumbles into a job, his first, that opens a door into a new way of living, one that eschews idleness and requires purpose. His interactions with the Gray family change his perspective and inspire him to seek for more worthy ways to utilize his time and resources.
This knowledge and perspective don't come immediately or even easily. But, as in real life, he begins to learn and follow a new path, line upon line and precept upon precept.

[Tirzah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wished I would have enjoyed this book more than I did. The writing is fine, the plot progressed, and the characters are developed; in fact, I gravitate towards these types of books, but the timing was all wrong. Summer would have been the ideal time when my mind is fresh and less distracted. I read it during some stressful weeks and a work tragedy hit the day before I finished the book, so my mind was not with Richard and Roberta. This makes any review of mine unreliable, so all I will say is that it was a good book that I recommend to fans of old-fashioned, clean romance and to those who enjoy fiction set in the early 20th century.

[Bonnie Davis]

Didn’t finish it

[Dd · Rating 2 out of 5]

A bit simple plot.

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very old-fashioned; I read it because I found it among my Mother's things.