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Blue Ruin
Lynette had waited all her life for one man. But now that they are together, something is terribly wrong.
Grace Livingston Hill is the beloved author of more than 100 books. Read and enjoyed by millions, her wholesome stories contain adventure, romance, and the heartwarming triumphs of people faced with the problems of life and love.
Grace Livingston Hill is the beloved author of more than 100 books. Read and enjoyed by millions, her wholesome stories contain adventure, romance, and the heartwarming triumphs of people faced with the problems of life and love.
323 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1928
63 people are currently reading
226 people want to read
About the author
Grace Livingston Hill
579 books568 followersalso wrote under the pseudonym Marcia MacDonald
also published under the name Grace Livingston Hill Lutz
A popular author of her day, she wrote over 100 novels and numerous short stories of religious and Christian fiction. Her characters were most often young female ingénues, frequently strong Christian women or those who become so within the confines of the story.
niece to Isabella MacDonald Alden
also published under the name Grace Livingston Hill Lutz
A popular author of her day, she wrote over 100 novels and numerous short stories of religious and Christian fiction. Her characters were most often young female ingénues, frequently strong Christian women or those who become so within the confines of the story.
niece to Isabella MacDonald Alden
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
April 2, 2010
I'm kind of embarrassed to admit that I read this, but I found some Grace Livingston Hill at the library and picked them up for nostalgia's sake. I used to read her books when I was young finding them in my parents' used bookstore. Hill's books should be read in small doses. The sweetness becomes cloying after awhile. Having said that however, I must admit there are lessons to be found in them. As a Christian, it is good to be reminded of how a true Christian life looks and that my life continues to need some tweaking to be in alignment with that kind of life.
May 20, 2025
I really enjoyed this story. It's a little heartbreaking because you see a young man make all the wrong choices and a young woman who loves him stand up for what is right in the face of her hurt.
This is a sobering book, but a good one.
This is a sobering book, but a good one.
February 10, 2018
Lynette is clueless, absolutely clueless. Excited to be home from college, and ready to resume the romance with the same man she'd kind of been promised to in high school, she never took into consideration that her high school sweetheart would change.
Maddening in that we spend most of the book on him, and not anywhere near enough time on Lynette, or on her fabulous journey (I really really wish I could have seen more of this...) we have what feels somewhat like a sermon on what happens when you let "just a little bit of sin" into your life.
This book feels preachier than most, and that's saying something. But I love Grace's books, and I understand why she was writing them. We also have to understand the time period in which she's writing, and just what the threats of the day were. The very things she preaches against were things that were very shocking for the day - bare knees and shoulders, petting, going out to the movies for example. These are things which seem innocent, but when you take away the values, the faith, and even the foundation of Christianity, there is very little left to hold you up. It's no wonder Grace was concerned.
Well-told, this story of course comes to a right and happy conclusion for those who deserve it. Maybe it reads a little like a melodrama straight out the silent movies (is that somewhat ironic?) but this is what entertainment was at the time, so maybe we can be a little forgiving in that regard.
Maddening in that we spend most of the book on him, and not anywhere near enough time on Lynette, or on her fabulous journey (I really really wish I could have seen more of this...) we have what feels somewhat like a sermon on what happens when you let "just a little bit of sin" into your life.
This book feels preachier than most, and that's saying something. But I love Grace's books, and I understand why she was writing them. We also have to understand the time period in which she's writing, and just what the threats of the day were. The very things she preaches against were things that were very shocking for the day - bare knees and shoulders, petting, going out to the movies for example. These are things which seem innocent, but when you take away the values, the faith, and even the foundation of Christianity, there is very little left to hold you up. It's no wonder Grace was concerned.
Well-told, this story of course comes to a right and happy conclusion for those who deserve it. Maybe it reads a little like a melodrama straight out the silent movies (is that somewhat ironic?) but this is what entertainment was at the time, so maybe we can be a little forgiving in that regard.
August 31, 2018
Blue Ruin is one of my absolutel favorite books. No matter how many times I read it, it never fails to speak to my heart.
This sweet historical romance may have been written before my grandmother was born, but it shows that things just don't change. People don't change. God doesn't change. Christians still have the same battles today as they did when Adam walked the earth. The scenery has changed, the context has not.
If you're going through a valley, or have been through one, you'll see your life, and the lives, and choices, of those around you reflected in the pages of this wonderful story!
This sweet historical romance may have been written before my grandmother was born, but it shows that things just don't change. People don't change. God doesn't change. Christians still have the same battles today as they did when Adam walked the earth. The scenery has changed, the context has not.
If you're going through a valley, or have been through one, you'll see your life, and the lives, and choices, of those around you reflected in the pages of this wonderful story!
September 20, 2018
As the title warns, spends considerable time following the ruin of one of the characters, which is not really typical of GLH. Does not spend a lot of time on the guy the heroine ends up with, which IS typical of GLH. Ditto the time spent on little old lady characters.
It's one of the more preachy GLH novels, but I enjoyed it.
It's one of the more preachy GLH novels, but I enjoyed it.
December 24, 2011
I actually really enjoyed this story. The other books I've read by this author have just been okay, but I really felt like she did a good job with the characterization in this one. The characters were a bit one-dimensional, but that really did make it easier to commiserate with certain aspects of the story. I sympathized with Lynette and experienced a genuine pain and shock right along with her when Dana Whipple, the young man she had always planned her future with, changed so drastically.
January 27, 2016
Great lessons from this old style book. Always loved Grace Livingston Hill stories.
July 13, 2014
Love this author.
Read
November 29, 2014Love her books.
August 7, 2021
Rating: 3.6 / 5
In terms of story, this is more or less Hill’s version of the Adam and Eve story, focusing almost entirely on Adam’s fall. And, as other reviews have pointed out, although Lynette is the heroine, it is very much the anti-hero, Dana’s story.
The setup is a bit different than most Hill stories in that the pairing of Lynn and Dana is already complete, and at first Dana seems like he’s going to be the hero, with a career as a minister ahead of him and everything. However, we find very early on, before he is even tempted by sin via a modern vixen, he is predisposed to be critical and to always have his own way. His criticism of Lynnette is the least of his mistakes towards her though, trust me. The entire book goes through his “Blue Ruin” in great detail.
As for making this story stand out from among Hill’s works, there are two surprising aspects:
One, that there is a scene between Lynette and her mother wherein her mother talks about the differences and different importances of earthly love of the flesh versus spiritual and mind love. I don’t think I’ve ever heard that addressed in a Christian novel before because they tend to end at a happily ever after with a kiss and sort of brush sex under the carpet as something that’s either sinful or just not to be talked about, so that was new.
Also, I ended up really liking Grandma Whipple as a character near the end when she, believe it or not, gets violent, and this is treated as a good and righteous thing, wow!
I guess my down-rating of this book is because, like most other readers, I really wish that the focus had been on Lynette instead of Dana. And although she does get her happily ever after, it is quick, and it doesn’t feel deserved because we’ve hardly seen it progress and develop, we haven’t seen Lynette get over her heartbreak so much as just be told about it in a fast description.
Therefore, while it does have it good points to be sure, this is one of Hill’s stories that I can’t help but want to change, just a bit. Still though, a lovely addictive to my shelves—especially in terms of the cover!
In terms of story, this is more or less Hill’s version of the Adam and Eve story, focusing almost entirely on Adam’s fall. And, as other reviews have pointed out, although Lynette is the heroine, it is very much the anti-hero, Dana’s story.
The setup is a bit different than most Hill stories in that the pairing of Lynn and Dana is already complete, and at first Dana seems like he’s going to be the hero, with a career as a minister ahead of him and everything. However, we find very early on, before he is even tempted by sin via a modern vixen, he is predisposed to be critical and to always have his own way. His criticism of Lynnette is the least of his mistakes towards her though, trust me. The entire book goes through his “Blue Ruin” in great detail.
As for making this story stand out from among Hill’s works, there are two surprising aspects:
One, that there is a scene between Lynette and her mother wherein her mother talks about the differences and different importances of earthly love of the flesh versus spiritual and mind love. I don’t think I’ve ever heard that addressed in a Christian novel before because they tend to end at a happily ever after with a kiss and sort of brush sex under the carpet as something that’s either sinful or just not to be talked about, so that was new.
Also, I ended up really liking Grandma Whipple as a character near the end when she, believe it or not, gets violent, and this is treated as a good and righteous thing, wow!
I guess my down-rating of this book is because, like most other readers, I really wish that the focus had been on Lynette instead of Dana. And although she does get her happily ever after, it is quick, and it doesn’t feel deserved because we’ve hardly seen it progress and develop, we haven’t seen Lynette get over her heartbreak so much as just be told about it in a fast description.
Therefore, while it does have it good points to be sure, this is one of Hill’s stories that I can’t help but want to change, just a bit. Still though, a lovely addictive to my shelves—especially in terms of the cover!
January 4, 2024
3.5 stars
I wasn't expecting to like this at all. The first half is rather slow and similar to several of her other novels, but the second half picks up nicely and was more interesting and meaningful. I'm just a little sad that we didn't get to see her trip through Europe.
I wasn't expecting to like this at all. The first half is rather slow and similar to several of her other novels, but the second half picks up nicely and was more interesting and meaningful. I'm just a little sad that we didn't get to see her trip through Europe.
January 16, 2024
Wonderful story
What mess we make when we try to do things in our own strength and doing what we think is right rather than taking everything to the Lord first.
If we obey what we know is right, God will bless it every time.
What mess we make when we try to do things in our own strength and doing what we think is right rather than taking everything to the Lord first.
If we obey what we know is right, God will bless it every time.
Read
January 25, 2008Hill, Grace Livingston
September 13, 2011
I don't remember much, but I know it wasn't one of my favorites of GLH's books. I think it was one of the first I read of hers.
June 8, 2017
I forgot how good Grace Livingston Hill's books can be. The faith element is unashamedly strong, and the characters are very relatable - even nearly a century after being written.
April 26, 2024
While a good book, this one's a *HARD* read.
It's not because it was written in 1929 and the language/slang is so much different. It's not because of the characterizations... it's because it's cautionary tale, mostly about a young man named Dana (and not about Lynette, the girl in blue).
There are a TON of parallels in the story to today. Jessie Belle being obsessed with taking selfies. Dancing around, trying to get attention. Throwing trash down a canyon. Being an exhibitionist. People spiteful, people letting their kids do whatever they want... there's a LOT to be unpacked, here.
But the story isn't mostly a happy one. If it had been about Lynette, it would have been, but instead it's more of a 'prodigal son' story, without the repentant return and restoration. And the entire time, the young man refuses to accept responsibility for his choices/actions, and refuses to humble himself before Yehovah Elohim. Much. Like. Today.
I wish I knew what astronomy book GLH was referencing in this book - I'd love to get my hands on it, because the idea of the Jews purposely building the pyramids in the position that they did, to honor Yehovah unbeknownst to the Egyptians? That would be astounding to read evidence of.
I love Biblical numerology, eschatology, and Biblical astronomy... and GLH always delivers and surprises. The woman was well-read and well versed. Her books reflect it.
I had no use for the sermon in the book, though. It was supposed to be so enlightening, but really it was far too verbose to reach the masses and far too generalized to touch hearts. That's me - a non-Chrischun - taking issue with the vagueness that is grandiose preaching, though.
Overall, it's a story well worth reading, however. Because life isn't always happy endings. Grandmother Whipple screwed it, big. Mother Amelia ruined her son. Dana never once took responsibility for his demise. And Dorothy? I don't believe she ever learned a thing from Lynette, either.
It's not because it was written in 1929 and the language/slang is so much different. It's not because of the characterizations... it's because it's cautionary tale, mostly about a young man named Dana (and not about Lynette, the girl in blue).
There are a TON of parallels in the story to today. Jessie Belle being obsessed with taking selfies. Dancing around, trying to get attention. Throwing trash down a canyon. Being an exhibitionist. People spiteful, people letting their kids do whatever they want... there's a LOT to be unpacked, here.
But the story isn't mostly a happy one. If it had been about Lynette, it would have been, but instead it's more of a 'prodigal son' story, without the repentant return and restoration. And the entire time, the young man refuses to accept responsibility for his choices/actions, and refuses to humble himself before Yehovah Elohim. Much. Like. Today.
I wish I knew what astronomy book GLH was referencing in this book - I'd love to get my hands on it, because the idea of the Jews purposely building the pyramids in the position that they did, to honor Yehovah unbeknownst to the Egyptians? That would be astounding to read evidence of.
I love Biblical numerology, eschatology, and Biblical astronomy... and GLH always delivers and surprises. The woman was well-read and well versed. Her books reflect it.
I had no use for the sermon in the book, though. It was supposed to be so enlightening, but really it was far too verbose to reach the masses and far too generalized to touch hearts. That's me - a non-Chrischun - taking issue with the vagueness that is grandiose preaching, though.
Overall, it's a story well worth reading, however. Because life isn't always happy endings. Grandmother Whipple screwed it, big. Mother Amelia ruined her son. Dana never once took responsibility for his demise. And Dorothy? I don't believe she ever learned a thing from Lynette, either.
August 24, 2023
This is the love story of life long friends, Lynette and Dana; two young people who have just finished college and have returned to their hometown after four years apart, to start their lives together as a couple. But right from their very first conversation we sense that something is askew. Dana, who has been in seminary, talks of a future that does not match the plans he had talked of before going away to college. He wants to preach at a big city church and become a world famous preacher. He talks of God in a worldly way and it is obvious that his beliefs have changed. Not only that but he is critical of Lynette’s last four years, and her small “unimportant”Bible college, and talks down to her, as if her schooling was nothing and her beliefs are not up w the modern religious beliefs of the current times. Lynette is confused and tries to deny her doubts about him but his comments continue to discredit her and don’t seem Biblical.
Will they be able to talk through their differences?
Enter a flashy Summer visitor and her mother who come to spend the warm months with Dana’s family. Trouble is brewing for Dana and Lynette. Will they be able to weather the storm?
This was a fast paced, romantic inspirational book. It points to the importance of solid values based in the Bible and the need to stay in the Word. Straying just a little bit can bring life long consequences. A good read for young adults and older readers.
Will they be able to talk through their differences?
Enter a flashy Summer visitor and her mother who come to spend the warm months with Dana’s family. Trouble is brewing for Dana and Lynette. Will they be able to weather the storm?
This was a fast paced, romantic inspirational book. It points to the importance of solid values based in the Bible and the need to stay in the Word. Straying just a little bit can bring life long consequences. A good read for young adults and older readers.
December 12, 2021
I feel like this book probably deserves a 1 star review, but I'm giving it 2 because...reasons? I really honestly don't know...my fingers just pressed "2" of their own accord and I'm going to go with it.
This is a terrible book whose main character, Dana (yeah Lynette isn't the main character- she gets so little page time, we don't get to go along on much of her trip, and her main romance is glossed over, so no, she doesn't get to be the main character), studies to be a preacher without actually believing in God. Then he throws away an amazing girl who is smart, beautiful and loves him to distraction for a lustful fling with an idiot. To top it all off, he can't even realize that he is at fault for his life going to ruin- he just constantly blames the women in his life for all his problems. Guess that's what comes of being a spoiled pretty boy.
100% will not re-read. Still not as bad as Dawn of the Morning though. But it just may be the worst romance after Beloved Stranger...or maybe worse actually! Yeah, I'm gonna say it is a worse and faster romance than Beloved Stranger because we barely saw any of it...and frankly if it wasn't a GLH I would never have seen it coming. (And of course I'm talking about the romance between two side characters, not our main character Dana.)
This is a terrible book whose main character, Dana (yeah Lynette isn't the main character- she gets so little page time, we don't get to go along on much of her trip, and her main romance is glossed over, so no, she doesn't get to be the main character), studies to be a preacher without actually believing in God. Then he throws away an amazing girl who is smart, beautiful and loves him to distraction for a lustful fling with an idiot. To top it all off, he can't even realize that he is at fault for his life going to ruin- he just constantly blames the women in his life for all his problems. Guess that's what comes of being a spoiled pretty boy.
100% will not re-read. Still not as bad as Dawn of the Morning though. But it just may be the worst romance after Beloved Stranger...or maybe worse actually! Yeah, I'm gonna say it is a worse and faster romance than Beloved Stranger because we barely saw any of it...and frankly if it wasn't a GLH I would never have seen it coming. (And of course I'm talking about the romance between two side characters, not our main character Dana.)
January 27, 2018
Happy ending
I gave a score three because of some of the goings-on prattling on about nothing. I didn't like about the book because I had to skip over some parts because it was just too much what I like about the book was that she came to herself realizing the man she loves all her life wasn't worth it but he was still conceited and to himself picking it was more than actually was and then her finding the man of her dreams that the Lord had promised her in the end.
I gave a score three because of some of the goings-on prattling on about nothing. I didn't like about the book because I had to skip over some parts because it was just too much what I like about the book was that she came to herself realizing the man she loves all her life wasn't worth it but he was still conceited and to himself picking it was more than actually was and then her finding the man of her dreams that the Lord had promised her in the end.
August 23, 2019
This was fairly typical GLH, but a better story than some of her others. The amazing thing about this book to me was how Modernism and Relativism had already become prominent when this book was written in 1928. The modernist education that Dana received in his seminary training is so prevalent in our culture today. The main characters in GLH books usually are portrayed either extremely good or extremely bad, and this book follows that pattern. However, it was very prophetic of our times.
January 23, 2025
I read this once many years ago, but did not remember it until I was a few chapters in. This is not as pleasant a read as many Grace Livingston Hill books. There is entirely too little time spent with Lynnette doing exciting and good things and entirely too much time spent with Dana and Jessie Belle becoming more steeped in sin and wickedness.
November 29, 2025
I have been reading GLH for over 40 years and this is definitely one of my least favorite. It's hard to like anyone in this book. Everyone is either mouthy and annoying or weak. Apparently, GLH wrote this right after her own failed second marriage to a much younger man, so maybe that is why it seems to different from her other novels.
June 28, 2019
I mean, "romance." In Christian romances, the denouement is often one character converting to Christianity (rather than in secular romances, when the climax is usually a climax ifyouknowwhatImean). Ugh, these books.
August 10, 2020
A delightful book.
University studies and just ended for Lynette and Dana. Would they marry quickly and join their lives together? A slightly different approach for Grace. It is now a new favorite
University studies and just ended for Lynette and Dana. Would they marry quickly and join their lives together? A slightly different approach for Grace. It is now a new favorite
July 5, 2022
A little more on the didactic side for GLH. I enjoyed it, but not my favorite of hers. Good symbolism. Originally published in 1928.
August 26, 2024
I have so much to say about this gem of a book. I hope to return and be able to flesh it all out. There were so many strong points.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews