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The House of Love
This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the original. Due to its age, it may contain imperfections such as marks, notations, marginalia and flawed pages. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions that are true to the original work.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1914
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
February 9, 2021
I first read this book years and years ago, and re-reading it now, being older, it meant so much more to me than it did back then. Now I have passed through times of trial, have had to bear with those who are unloving and hurtful, and the attitude of Doris Avery was nothing short of inspiring.
As she was met time and again by hurtful words and actions, as she served the unjust punishments that Mrs. Wilde laid upon her, she strove with herself to forgive them, to love them, to rise up to her position in the House of Love and to show them what, exactly, that house was made of.
As I read of Doris’ life, of everything that had happened to her, and her earnest desire to be found worthy of that House of Love, I was convicted by the knowledge that I do NOT strive my hardest to bring my emotions and thoughts under control, and I don’t exert myself to show others the love of the Lord Jesus when I have been wronged myself. Any effort I make is weak at best, and often I don’t appeal first to my Lord until after I have struggled in vain.
As I continued to read, I was struck by the faith that Doris exhibited, as well. She longed for a better pair of shoes and a pretty dress, and she knew they were somewhere in the House of Love. And lo and behold, they appeared for her, for our Father knows our needs before we ask Him. She longed for piano, she knew there was one for her somewhere in the House of Love, and she was permitted to borrow Aurelia’s piano until she had her own.
The love and faith this remarkable girl exhibited and shared with others was intriguing, and at the end of this book my prayer was that I may exhibit this same love and faith, which should be an attribute to all Christians.
As she was met time and again by hurtful words and actions, as she served the unjust punishments that Mrs. Wilde laid upon her, she strove with herself to forgive them, to love them, to rise up to her position in the House of Love and to show them what, exactly, that house was made of.
As I read of Doris’ life, of everything that had happened to her, and her earnest desire to be found worthy of that House of Love, I was convicted by the knowledge that I do NOT strive my hardest to bring my emotions and thoughts under control, and I don’t exert myself to show others the love of the Lord Jesus when I have been wronged myself. Any effort I make is weak at best, and often I don’t appeal first to my Lord until after I have struggled in vain.
As I continued to read, I was struck by the faith that Doris exhibited, as well. She longed for a better pair of shoes and a pretty dress, and she knew they were somewhere in the House of Love. And lo and behold, they appeared for her, for our Father knows our needs before we ask Him. She longed for piano, she knew there was one for her somewhere in the House of Love, and she was permitted to borrow Aurelia’s piano until she had her own.
The love and faith this remarkable girl exhibited and shared with others was intriguing, and at the end of this book my prayer was that I may exhibit this same love and faith, which should be an attribute to all Christians.
April 14, 2024
Sweet and heartwarming old story of an orphan who rises above the anger and hate of those surrounding her by clinging to the King of Love. At first I wasn't sure of the doctrinal background as there were several references to artwork containing "a Madonna," etc., in the descriptive narrative (which typically might point to an author's devotion to or toleration of Mariology). I was happily corrected when I came to a plot twist involving a long-ago gospel street preacher leading someone to Christ. Very interesting.
Content considerations: very clean, appropriate for young readers.
It appears that Lamplighter publishers left this largely untouched in its original layout. The plot is somewhat disconnected, and there are a few typos, but the overall worth makes that easy to ignore.
Content considerations: very clean, appropriate for young readers.
It appears that Lamplighter publishers left this largely untouched in its original layout. The plot is somewhat disconnected, and there are a few typos, but the overall worth makes that easy to ignore.
April 23, 2011
I Love this book and have read it many many times over, and I learn more every time I do! I don't think i can read it enough! This book is special to me because it has more in it than an engrossing plot line- if you and I could only read with a pure open mind oh what riches could be found in the depths of this profound little Book!
May 30, 2025
This was a lovely book! It was hard to get into at the start but once the main character, Doris, was properly introduced I was eager to know her story.
The beginning struck me as a Cinderella-type situation or Cosette-type (from Les Mis) and I really enjoy such stories because you feel that such a lovely, kind person cannot be consumed by such dreary, sad work + life forever because they are so perseveringly kind to the unkind people around them - even if it's an uphill battle.
Another part of this story I enjoyed was the vivid characters that filled it. The perseverance and sweetness of Doris, the vileness of Mrs. Wilde, the vanity of Aurelia, the meekness of Mr. Wilde, the gentleness of Miss Graves, the kindness of Mrs. Gilbert and more! Especially in the first half, Kelsey's keen eyes, kind heart, and overall older-brother spirit for Doris that protected her time and again from Mrs. Wilde's schemes was precious to watch.
Finally, the ending was beautiful, once a few details were laid out I guessed how it would end but that did not stop it from being beautifully expressed.
I would highly recommend this especially to teenage/young adult girls :) Great book!!
The beginning struck me as a Cinderella-type situation or Cosette-type (from Les Mis) and I really enjoy such stories because you feel that such a lovely, kind person cannot be consumed by such dreary, sad work + life forever because they are so perseveringly kind to the unkind people around them - even if it's an uphill battle.
Another part of this story I enjoyed was the vivid characters that filled it. The perseverance and sweetness of Doris, the vileness of Mrs. Wilde, the vanity of Aurelia, the meekness of Mr. Wilde, the gentleness of Miss Graves, the kindness of Mrs. Gilbert and more! Especially in the first half, Kelsey's keen eyes, kind heart, and overall older-brother spirit for Doris that protected her time and again from Mrs. Wilde's schemes was precious to watch.
Finally, the ending was beautiful, once a few details were laid out I guessed how it would end but that did not stop it from being beautifully expressed.
I would highly recommend this especially to teenage/young adult girls :) Great book!!
June 24, 2014
The best stories are those that both bring joy to the reader and make the reader want to be better. The House of Love has both, along with a page-turning story and beautiful writing. Thrown into a life of poverty and servitude under a cruel master, Doris—though just a young girl—takes comfort in the promise that she shall “dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.” Realizing that “God is love,” she concludes that she may live in the “house of love” no matter who and what surrounds her. With this realization, and a determination to live knowing its truth, Doris, like Southworth’s Ishmael and Everett-Green’s Geoffrey is an inspiration. Much of the book follows Doris’s life as a servant girl in a modest but selfish home following the death of her mother, which succeeded that of her father. She is treated unfairly, especially in contrast to the daughter of the household, but her friendliness wins her friends, and those friends work to help her. The final few chapters are set ten years later. They almost present as a separate short story that would be a fun read alone, but they bring the whole to a satisfying conclusion.
October 16, 2024
O carte gingașă, frumoasă care te atinge delicat pe suflet, deși conține pasaje întregi în care este scos în evidență Răul pe care îl pot face oamenii, un Rău făcut cu satisfacție și bună știință. Dar, Bunul Dumnezeu este acolo, în Casa unde domnește iubirea și trebuie să crezi neclintit în acest loc și în bunătatea Lui și atunci va fi Bine.
Mi-a plăcut foarte mult, avem nevoie de astfel de cărți, chiar avem!
Mi-a plăcut foarte mult, avem nevoie de astfel de cărți, chiar avem!
March 15, 2021
ce poveste frumoasă!
ce frumos exeplifica modul în care Dumnezeu poartă de grijă, indiferent de circumstanțe, iar când El pregătește o binecuvantare sau o lucrare, nimic nu-L poate opri.
“casa lui Dumnezeu este Casa Iubirii și nu vom mai pleca din ea!”
ce frumos exeplifica modul în care Dumnezeu poartă de grijă, indiferent de circumstanțe, iar când El pregătește o binecuvantare sau o lucrare, nimic nu-L poate opri.
“casa lui Dumnezeu este Casa Iubirii și nu vom mai pleca din ea!”
April 4, 2020
I'll never stop reading this book ever. Every time I read it, it just touches my heart so deeply. You just want to be like Doris.
December 7, 2022
Great story with quotable lines. Poorly developed finish.
September 7, 2024
Deci..e bombastică cartea…am trăit toate emoțiile aproape citind-o ..
January 25, 2019
What an awesome book, even better than The King’s Gold, which was pretty good. The book is loosely based upon Psalm 23. It follows the life of the servant girl, Doris, as she struggles to find refuge in a truly hostile environment. God always managed to find a way to deliver her in spite of her circumstances. The only things I didn’t like about the book were that the deliverance came a little too quickly and the emphasis on bloodlines for status. People back then placed too much emphasis on who your parents were and not enough on your character, which in Doris’ case was pretty amazing.
July 20, 2024
O carte stereotipică a Povestei Cenușăresei. Însă scoate la iveală un adevăr: după suferință, vom avea toți bucurie.
September 28, 2016
ahh, this book.
I remember this book so well.
I think the first time I read this, I was 13 years old and it touched me very deeply. I do believe I may have read some of this author's other books but none of them touched me as much as this one did. After I read it, it stayed in my head for so long and I read it twice more. Still remains a favorite.
I remember this book so well.
I think the first time I read this, I was 13 years old and it touched me very deeply. I do believe I may have read some of this author's other books but none of them touched me as much as this one did. After I read it, it stayed in my head for so long and I read it twice more. Still remains a favorite.
January 9, 2024
A Cinderella story in the style of Grace Livingston Hill, beginning with a mistreated angelic orphan and her confidence that as long as she is obedient to God in kindness and faithfulness, He'll look after all her needs and bless her days. Unrealistic and a bit slow at times, but inspiring.
January 24, 2013
This is another one of my favorite Elizabeth Cheney books. Every time I read it I can come away with something new that encourages me that I didn't get the first time. Recommend for everyone!
January 29, 2013
Read aloud to Anna.
December 2, 2014
incredible book; one every family should read. i've read it close to 10 times.
May 2, 2017
One of my many favorite lamplighter books!!
September 22, 2016
This has moved into my top 10 favorite Lamplighter books. My daughter had been begging me to read and I'm so glad I did.
March 23, 2011
This book really reminds me of Elsie Dinsmore except the Doris is poor. It is a must read!!
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews