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The Substitute Guest
When Alan Monteith decides to help a friend in need by delivering a bottle of medicine to a sick woman, he never imagined being stranded in a blizzard. And he never imagined climbing a mountain on foot. But when his car breaks down in front of the Devereaux’s home, that’s just what he ends up doing. Daryl Devereaux was looking forward to a peaceful holiday until Alan Monteith arrives. As the young stranger and her brother trudge into the storm, Daryl is left to pray for their safe return, never realizing that night will change their lives forever.
256 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1936
77 people are currently reading
621 people want to read
About the author
Grace Livingston Hill
572 books564 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
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews
January 11, 2021
Grace Livingston Hill is still one of my favorite authors, and this book is just precious. Yet, this book now has a special place in my heart. We started this for Christmas as a family, and we finished it on a snowy day in January... the day we got three inches of snow in Texas! That was 2 and a half more inches than I had ever seen.
December 26, 2019
I'm wading through a backlog of Grace Livingston Hills I picked up when the kids were little. Hill was clearly a "seat of the pants" kind of writer, who would come up with a keen scenario with maybe a general idea of where she was going, then she'd plunge in to see where it led. When she was at the top of her game, this worked really well; when she wasn't, it didn't.
She had her act together on this one. The original set-up had all the elements she needed to carry her through to a satisfying conclusion, so none of the characters make a sharp right turn somewhere along the way to fit the new role she thrusts on them, and there aren't people popping up half way through the book who logically should have been there from the first.
This is a very Christmassy tale, with most of it taking place during a snowstorm and then with the characters snowbound over the holidays, and there's lots of talk about Christianity and what it means to the characters, an element which varies considerable with Hill's books depending on where she was in her career (not because Hill's beliefs changed but because she had more freedom to talk about them after she'd become established). I like Hill because of her homey touches, and this book is full of them, so it's likely to become one of my favorites.
She had her act together on this one. The original set-up had all the elements she needed to carry her through to a satisfying conclusion, so none of the characters make a sharp right turn somewhere along the way to fit the new role she thrusts on them, and there aren't people popping up half way through the book who logically should have been there from the first.
This is a very Christmassy tale, with most of it taking place during a snowstorm and then with the characters snowbound over the holidays, and there's lots of talk about Christianity and what it means to the characters, an element which varies considerable with Hill's books depending on where she was in her career (not because Hill's beliefs changed but because she had more freedom to talk about them after she'd become established). I like Hill because of her homey touches, and this book is full of them, so it's likely to become one of my favorites.
December 12, 2021
Rating: 5 / 5
Coincidentally, the storm raging outside my own home is what prompted me to read this book at this exact time, as it has been on my bookshelves along with several other Grace Livingston Hill books, just waiting for the proper time to be read. Having confirmed that I absolutely adore this writer's writing style, I find that "the right moment" can have a monumental impact on the book at hand.
For instance, because this book takes place at Christmastime, and during a snowstorm, one might feel closer to it if they read it at such a time--as is my case. The cozy, old time-y, Christmastime feelings that are so lacking in the holiday of the world today are very much present in the story presented by Ms. Hill, and it gave me that same sense of true spiritual simplicity that I enjoy in her works. So, in other words, I loved it and have nothing negative to say about it. Joy to all the world in simple things like family and God, and even though things may seem as bleak as a rugged snowstorm at first, you'll see what life has in store for you by just trusting and having faith.
We all need moments like this in life--in literature, they are true treasures.
Coincidentally, the storm raging outside my own home is what prompted me to read this book at this exact time, as it has been on my bookshelves along with several other Grace Livingston Hill books, just waiting for the proper time to be read. Having confirmed that I absolutely adore this writer's writing style, I find that "the right moment" can have a monumental impact on the book at hand.
For instance, because this book takes place at Christmastime, and during a snowstorm, one might feel closer to it if they read it at such a time--as is my case. The cozy, old time-y, Christmastime feelings that are so lacking in the holiday of the world today are very much present in the story presented by Ms. Hill, and it gave me that same sense of true spiritual simplicity that I enjoy in her works. So, in other words, I loved it and have nothing negative to say about it. Joy to all the world in simple things like family and God, and even though things may seem as bleak as a rugged snowstorm at first, you'll see what life has in store for you by just trusting and having faith.
We all need moments like this in life--in literature, they are true treasures.
April 11, 2021
A family of four find a stranger on their doorstep due to a snowstorm of a century.
Helping the elderly, good homespun fun indoors and old-fashion pleasures outdoors; close-knit hearts make this a heartwarming Christmas story.
Throw in a few arrogant people trying to boss them around and claim their heartstrings in love and you have a contrast between simple home life and city frivolity. A pleasant Christmas story with Christ lifted up throughout.
Helping the elderly, good homespun fun indoors and old-fashion pleasures outdoors; close-knit hearts make this a heartwarming Christmas story.
Throw in a few arrogant people trying to boss them around and claim their heartstrings in love and you have a contrast between simple home life and city frivolity. A pleasant Christmas story with Christ lifted up throughout.
July 14, 2024
I like this one quite a lot! It's both a Christmas story (with lots of homey GLH touches), and a clear presentation of the Gospel. Of course the bad girl wears makeup and the bad boy drinks, and playing ping-pong is fine while bridge is worldly; but it's still a nice love story with a reminder that God often works out the details (including when to put the potatoes in the oven).
July 25, 2025
A world without moral ambiguity
Every character in The Substitute Guest is either a good person or not that. What's more, the bad people are very bad, and also remarkably stupid. The good people are no geniuses, but there is a difference. The bad people tend towards petty criminal elements of The Gang That Couldn't Shoot Straight. The lapses of the good people tend more towards Jonesing for that Darwin Award. Fortunately, when you are the hero of a book whose author needs you to live in order for the plot to continue, any level of stupidity is survivable. The plot of The Substitute Guest is one of those plots that depends on people doing stupid things to generate action.
This was all clumsy, but what particularly struck me was the entire lack of moral ambiguity. If you're a Good Person in The Substitute Guest, you always know what is The Right Thing To Do. It may not be what you want to do, but The Right Thing is always entirely clear.
Now, The Substitute Guest is a "Christian Romance". Is this entire lack of moral struggle a necessary characteristic of Christian literature? It should not be. Even a good Christian will at times find it difficult to discern the right decision. People who always know what is right are the raw material from which suicide bombers are made.
Blog review.
Every character in The Substitute Guest is either a good person or not that. What's more, the bad people are very bad, and also remarkably stupid. The good people are no geniuses, but there is a difference. The bad people tend towards petty criminal elements of The Gang That Couldn't Shoot Straight. The lapses of the good people tend more towards Jonesing for that Darwin Award. Fortunately, when you are the hero of a book whose author needs you to live in order for the plot to continue, any level of stupidity is survivable. The plot of The Substitute Guest is one of those plots that depends on people doing stupid things to generate action.
This was all clumsy, but what particularly struck me was the entire lack of moral ambiguity. If you're a Good Person in The Substitute Guest, you always know what is The Right Thing To Do. It may not be what you want to do, but The Right Thing is always entirely clear.
Now, The Substitute Guest is a "Christian Romance". Is this entire lack of moral struggle a necessary characteristic of Christian literature? It should not be. Even a good Christian will at times find it difficult to discern the right decision. People who always know what is right are the raw material from which suicide bombers are made.
Blog review.
August 5, 2013
GL Hill apparently wrote many books around the first part of the 20th Century; I had never heard of her until I happened upon this one. Look: it's not 'great literature.' She'll never be studied in college lit courses (well, I doubt it anyhow). But this was a light, appealing, relaxing book to read, particularly around Christmastime. (it is set at Christmas) The book is heavy on the salvation theme near the end; I'm a Christian so I'm cool with that. The plot was sweet, but quite predictable. What I liked best about the book were the little homey domestic details (hot water bottles, lavender scented sheets, doughnuts!) that made me feel so cozy to be reading this simple book on a snowy winter's day. I'd read more of her books JUST to eat up these sweet details...but not so much for the plot or characters.
Charming 1930s beach book, basically!
Charming 1930s beach book, basically!
December 29, 2008
12-29-08: It's possible I've read this book more times than any other. (Yes, I've read the Bible more often, but not cover-to-cover this many times!) ;-) It's been my annual Christmas read for ages. This year, I'm thoroughly enjoying the ambiance of a 1940's Grosset and Dunlap hardcover edition, complete with gorgeous dust jacket.
Family, friendship, warmth; a house party that will make your heart twang with longing; and great drama that not only endangers the hero's physical life, but threatens his business, his soul, and his heart, as well. Any wonder why I reread this every year?
Family, friendship, warmth; a house party that will make your heart twang with longing; and great drama that not only endangers the hero's physical life, but threatens his business, his soul, and his heart, as well. Any wonder why I reread this every year?
August 4, 2021
One of her better novels.
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November 22, 2022Ugh no, I've not read this book yet... Maybe sometime in the future but not yet. Goodreads is so helpful sometimes...
July 28, 2013
My review: 4 STARS
When I read the description I thought it would be a nice story to read on this hot sunday. I had no idea who Grace Livingston Hill was till I was through with the book. She wrote over 100 books and was considered pioneer of Christian romance. So I know their are a lot more of her work for me to read. It told how she was born 1865 died 1947. I just thought it was a story written about 1920s setting.
This was a nice Christmas story. It had heroics, faith, selfishness, greed and good examples to live by. I read it in one setting. I look forward to reading more books by Grace.
The characters were a wide range from high society, to farmers. Too spoiled young ladies, to kind ladies. Too drunks to hard workers. I was really rooting for Alan.
Alan has no family left. He was going to spend his Christmas vacation at a party he was invited too. He wanted to see more of Demeter Cass and see if she was the one for him. Before Alan could leave he needed to get some work done. Alan is a lawyer.
While dropping the paper to his Doctor friend he hears about a desperate lady in the mountain needing a certain medication by 6:00p.m. on Christmas eve. He promised his friend that he would take the medicine to her. It was not far out of his way.
Well the snow storm turned out to be a blizzard. Alan had other problems get in his way. His car broke down on the mountain but close to a farm house. When Alan made his way inside and asked for use of the phone and directions to where he needed to go. Alan found the only way up there now was a three mile walk in the heavy snow even if his car would start again.
When the Devereaux family realized how important it was to get the medicine up the mountain they worked together to help make it possible. Lance would go with him. They helped Alan get into warmer clothing, fed him, got ropes, flashights, shovels and candle lanterns to help them to get up and than back down again.
Through that hike Alan and Lance got close. Lance made it possible for Alan to keep his word. Alan and Lance were offered to stay the night before going back down the mountain. Lance needed to get back home and Alan would not have him go alone after all his help.
The Devereaux took Alan in and made him feel like he belonged and shared their Christmas and faith with him.
It felt good to read this story. Their are so many people who go out of their way to help each other and we mostly hear about the ones who are causing problems than solving them. It left me with a smile as I enjoyed this story. I want to be like the Devereaux family helping and sharing.
I was given this ebook and asked in return to write a honest review of it by Netgalley when done.
09/01/2013 PUB Barbour Publishing, Inc. 256 pages original title The Substitute Guest (GLH, #20)
Description below taken off of Netgalley.
When Alan Monteith decides to help a friend in need by delivering a bottle of medicine to a sick woman, he never imagined being stranded in a blizzard. And he never imagined climbing a mountain on foot. But when his car breaks down in front of the ’s home, that’s just what he ends up doing. Daryl Devereaux was looking forward to a peaceful holiday until Alan Monteith arrives. As the young stranger and her brother trudge into the storm, Daryl is left to pray for their safe return, never realizing that night will change their lives forever.
December 10, 2013
MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK
I didn’t realize this was a Christmas story until I started reading it. I rarely read the backs of books or reviews, if I like the book cover, or if I know the author, I read the book! And it was both in this case. It is so amazing to me that a book written around sixty years ago still has a high honor in the Christian fiction world today. I am so glad Barbour book decided to bring back there Grace Livingston Hill books for all of us to enjoy.
While taking medicine up the mountain to someone who needed it to live, Alan Monteith found himself spending time in the presence of the beautiful Daryl Devereaux , and they were clearly attracted to each other. I really enjoyed reading this story set in the late 1920′s. A lot of tension was involved because of the snow storm, and Alan and Daryl’s brother having to walk up the snow filled mountain. And it was Christmas at that. It is nice to read a book written so long ago, the writing has changed, but I love that the Gospel is always the same. Just as it is in this book. Grace Livingston Hill never fails to share the plan of Salvation through Christ in her books. And she has an awesome way of weaving Salvation and Scripture throughout the book. I really want to encourage you to pick up a copy of The Substitute Guest, and to check Barbour Books for many more books written so long ago by the Queen of Fiction.
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.
I didn’t realize this was a Christmas story until I started reading it. I rarely read the backs of books or reviews, if I like the book cover, or if I know the author, I read the book! And it was both in this case. It is so amazing to me that a book written around sixty years ago still has a high honor in the Christian fiction world today. I am so glad Barbour book decided to bring back there Grace Livingston Hill books for all of us to enjoy.
While taking medicine up the mountain to someone who needed it to live, Alan Monteith found himself spending time in the presence of the beautiful Daryl Devereaux , and they were clearly attracted to each other. I really enjoyed reading this story set in the late 1920′s. A lot of tension was involved because of the snow storm, and Alan and Daryl’s brother having to walk up the snow filled mountain. And it was Christmas at that. It is nice to read a book written so long ago, the writing has changed, but I love that the Gospel is always the same. Just as it is in this book. Grace Livingston Hill never fails to share the plan of Salvation through Christ in her books. And she has an awesome way of weaving Salvation and Scripture throughout the book. I really want to encourage you to pick up a copy of The Substitute Guest, and to check Barbour Books for many more books written so long ago by the Queen of Fiction.
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.
September 14, 2013
To be able to bear reading Livingston Hill's novel, one has to approach it as an artefact of a time, place, and mode of writing. Published in 1936 and recently reissued, this novel will strike even the inspirational romance reader's sensibilities as heavy-handed, moralistic, judgemental, and didactic. There is very little romance evident here, and the lushness of the writing is saved for the hero's journey to redemption. The most alienating aspect of reading the novel is the extent to which the modern reader will have to accept an intrusive narrative voice: commenting on the action and characters incessantly. If you would like to read a more extensive analysis of this iconic inspirational romance writer's work, please follow the link:
http://missbatesreadsromance.com/2013...
I am grateful to Barbour Books for an ARE received via Netgalley in exchange for this honest review.
http://missbatesreadsromance.com/2013...
I am grateful to Barbour Books for an ARE received via Netgalley in exchange for this honest review.
April 27, 2014
Hott Synopsis:
Alan Monteith knows something is missing from his life and he’s hoping it’s the gorgeous blonde that he’s planning to meet at the upcoming Christmas house party. Sure she seems superficial but he’s sure there is something more substantial under that veneer.
Alan has not problem putting off the house party and offering to take a prescription to a friend’s patient in the midst of an oncoming blizzard. Luckily for Alan, God’s in charge of this delivery!
Hott Review:
This is one of my favorite Christmas books. I’ve read it many times over the years and honestly have trouble remembering that it’s historical fiction. With the exception of a few details this could happen tomorrow. It’s a romantic tale about trusting God and moving on. It’s definitely a keeper!!
More…
Author: Grace Livingston Hill
Source: Barbour Books via Netgalley
Grade: A
Ages: 12+
Steam: YA
Alan Monteith knows something is missing from his life and he’s hoping it’s the gorgeous blonde that he’s planning to meet at the upcoming Christmas house party. Sure she seems superficial but he’s sure there is something more substantial under that veneer.
Alan has not problem putting off the house party and offering to take a prescription to a friend’s patient in the midst of an oncoming blizzard. Luckily for Alan, God’s in charge of this delivery!
Hott Review:
This is one of my favorite Christmas books. I’ve read it many times over the years and honestly have trouble remembering that it’s historical fiction. With the exception of a few details this could happen tomorrow. It’s a romantic tale about trusting God and moving on. It’s definitely a keeper!!
More…
Author: Grace Livingston Hill
Source: Barbour Books via Netgalley
Grade: A
Ages: 12+
Steam: YA
December 26, 2017
An accidental encounter, the result of a breakdown in a blizzard becomes the right turning for a young man on the cusp of making a lot of bad decisions. His errand of mercy inspires a family to not only take him in, but creates the bond of a lifetime and leads to his own discovery of God.
OK, that's a rather opaque description. This is a beautiful story that's perfect for reading at Christmas. Grace is at her best here, yes a bit preachy, but I always look at her books as sermons written as fiction which makes the lesson go down so much better. The evil has its usual comeuppance, the good is rewards, and all live happily ever after. I can't imagine a better book to read next to the Christmas tree. This is one of my favorites.
OK, that's a rather opaque description. This is a beautiful story that's perfect for reading at Christmas. Grace is at her best here, yes a bit preachy, but I always look at her books as sermons written as fiction which makes the lesson go down so much better. The evil has its usual comeuppance, the good is rewards, and all live happily ever after. I can't imagine a better book to read next to the Christmas tree. This is one of my favorites.
December 22, 2017
A very representative example of Hill's work. The good men are manly and yet kind, the good women are feminine and gentle. All the good ones either know the Lord or get saved, all the bad ones reap the reward of their bad behavior. Lots of wonderful scenes of domesticity and homey, wholesome fun.
It is not great literature by any stretch of the imagination (her characters do tend to resemble cardboard and her plots are weak). But I cannot help but like it. It is just so wonderfully homey and wholesome-- reading her books is like being wrapped in a warm blanket in front of the fire, safe and secure on a cold blustery winter's night. It is confection to be sure, but such pleasant wholesome confection!
It is not great literature by any stretch of the imagination (her characters do tend to resemble cardboard and her plots are weak). But I cannot help but like it. It is just so wonderfully homey and wholesome-- reading her books is like being wrapped in a warm blanket in front of the fire, safe and secure on a cold blustery winter's night. It is confection to be sure, but such pleasant wholesome confection!
November 10, 2020
I liked this one. Great characters, especially the old grandfather. Alan promised to deliver medicine to a very sick older lady, so he grits his teeth and climbs a mountain through a wicked blizzard, guided by a strong young farmer. Lots of good techniques for how to survive — and not get lost — in a blinding blizzard. Lots of cheerful Christmas celebrations, feasting, singing, giving presents, scripture readings, etc. Some of Hill’s books are just smothered by a snowstorm of scriptures, meditations, and preachings, but not this one — it felt like a better balance. The romance was fine, too.
April 23, 2011
All right ... I am completely captivated and entertained by these old time Grace Livingston Hill classics. My collection was my mother's ... and I can see why these novels live on and still bring pleasure to readers. ... This one was about two strangers caught up at Christmas together in a warm family farm setting due to a blizzard ... and how the lives of many are impacted through that one holiday time. Really nice.
July 29, 2013
I don't think I've read anything by this author before. This was a nice little Christmas story where a traveler gets caught in a blizzard and meets a wonderful family that gives him much more than just shelter from the storm. I love how the "villains" were portrayed. Harold moving with a "fast" crowd, and Demeter with her crimson finger tips and lips painted like they were bleeding. That made me laugh.
March 22, 2016
Substitute Guest
Grace Livingston Hill is one of my favorite authors and I would recommend her books to anyone. You can guarantee that her books will be clean with a strong Christian influence. The Substitute Guest has always been a favorite of Hill's stories and I've reread it many times.
Grace Livingston Hill is one of my favorite authors and I would recommend her books to anyone. You can guarantee that her books will be clean with a strong Christian influence. The Substitute Guest has always been a favorite of Hill's stories and I've reread it many times.
July 3, 2019
I first read this book after I got it from a Christian book store in Gatlinburg. It is a cozy read. I thought it was a current novel but realized it was an old book with a new cover. I enjoyed it none the less. It seemed a little old fashioned at first. Then I realized the time period in which it was written. American culture has changed. It is one of my favorite books by Grace Livingston Hill.
November 28, 2025
Always one of my favorites!
December 25, 2023
The book was the first GLH I remember being read and now it has become a part of every Christmas now. No one writes sweet romances like Grace Livingston Hill.
July 31, 2019
My absolute favorite of all of GLH's books.
January 6, 2023
Is this a romance or a sermon?
I liked the general plot, even if it was predictable. It was a feel-good story. I liked our main characters, even though they were all basically perfect. It was just a sweet story without much surprise.
I did NOT like the black and white portrayal of good and evil. These characters were either exceptional (fundamental) Christians and therefore ‘good’, or they were ant-religious and ‘bad’. If you weren’t yet a Christian but willing to hear the message, that put you in the ‘probably good’ column. The author must have lived with blinders on to not know there are a tremendous number of good people who are not fundamental Christians or any kind of Christian or even religious.
I also don’t really understand why I have more trouble with societal norms of the early 20th century than I do of time periods before. There are quite a number of references to what it means to be a ‘man’ and women simply aren’t… anything like a man.
I didn’t know anything about the author or her writing and the cover blurbs do not mention the extremely heavy evangelical Christian element. The author decided at an early point in her career that the most important thing she could do through her writing was to ‘share the message of salvation [through Jesus Christ].’ Don’t get me wrong. I liked some of this content, but it was just too much and was heavy handed.
Here’s how I found this book: I started following a woman on Instagram because of her gentle, uplifting posts. In December she mentioned reading this book and that she reads it every Christmas. My library system didn’t have it, so I bought an inexpensive used copy on eBay.
I liked the general plot, even if it was predictable. It was a feel-good story. I liked our main characters, even though they were all basically perfect. It was just a sweet story without much surprise.
I did NOT like the black and white portrayal of good and evil. These characters were either exceptional (fundamental) Christians and therefore ‘good’, or they were ant-religious and ‘bad’. If you weren’t yet a Christian but willing to hear the message, that put you in the ‘probably good’ column. The author must have lived with blinders on to not know there are a tremendous number of good people who are not fundamental Christians or any kind of Christian or even religious.
I also don’t really understand why I have more trouble with societal norms of the early 20th century than I do of time periods before. There are quite a number of references to what it means to be a ‘man’ and women simply aren’t… anything like a man.
I didn’t know anything about the author or her writing and the cover blurbs do not mention the extremely heavy evangelical Christian element. The author decided at an early point in her career that the most important thing she could do through her writing was to ‘share the message of salvation [through Jesus Christ].’ Don’t get me wrong. I liked some of this content, but it was just too much and was heavy handed.
Here’s how I found this book: I started following a woman on Instagram because of her gentle, uplifting posts. In December she mentioned reading this book and that she reads it every Christmas. My library system didn’t have it, so I bought an inexpensive used copy on eBay.
October 20, 2025
4.5 stars
I enjoyed this book. It takes place mostly at Christmas time so that was fun. A little taste of Christmas before Christmas. Lovely family and Alan was great! I did have to sigh a little at how bad the other guy and gal were and wonder (as did some others) how Alan and Daryl were ever interested in them, but it all worked out.
Good, clear message of salvation.
A story I’ll probably read again.
I enjoyed this book. It takes place mostly at Christmas time so that was fun. A little taste of Christmas before Christmas. Lovely family and Alan was great! I did have to sigh a little at how bad the other guy and gal were and wonder (as did some others) how Alan and Daryl were ever interested in them, but it all worked out.
Good, clear message of salvation.
A story I’ll probably read again.
December 15, 2024
The Grace Livingston Hill mood invariably comes to me during winter, probably because they are cozy, comforting reads. I specifically searched for her Christmas themed books and started with The Substitute Guest, which was a great way to start off! It is one of my favorites. It can be read in any season, but if you're looking for a winter or Christmas read, consider The Substitute Guest.
November 11, 2014
I am fed up to here with books that are vulgar, so I decided to dedicate the next couple of weeks to reading Christmas books that will put me in the right frame of mind for the upcoming holidays. I found out about Grace Livingston Hill from a Goodreads group, Seasonal Reads. I agree with Polly that her writing is not great literature, but it's nice for this time of year. Sometimes the salvation theme got a little heavy but that's to be expected, for this is a Christian author after all.
I was tickled by a couple expressions that seemed too modern for a book written in 1936. Maybe we're just recycling those expressions: he's all that, we were all kinds of worried, man alive, and we hang together come to mind.
I was tickled by a couple expressions that seemed too modern for a book written in 1936. Maybe we're just recycling those expressions: he's all that, we were all kinds of worried, man alive, and we hang together come to mind.
April 14, 2023
A blizzard on Christmas Eve. A young lawyer taking medication to a home he has never visited. Getting lost and seeing Christmas lights in a farmhouse. A loving Christian family. What could be better? There are so many things to enjoy about this story. The faith elements were very good. Yet there was little nuance. All the good people were very good. All the bad people were very bad. It was not quite realistic but still an enjoyable story.
March 31, 2014
He was a man of his word - even if it meant risking his life. But he never realized how empty his life was until he met a small, close-knit family on Christmas and was invited to learn more about his Savior, Jesus Christ.
I'm of a different religion than the author, but I love the overall story anyway. Boy meets girl, both change for the better, and they fall in love.
I'm of a different religion than the author, but I love the overall story anyway. Boy meets girl, both change for the better, and they fall in love.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews