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Overruled
“It might have been!” What might have happened if Ralph Bramlett had married Marjorie Edmonds instead of Estelle Douglass? And how might Estelle's life be different if Ralph had fulfilled the early career promise he had shown?
When gossip, family failures, and errors in judgment threaten to destroy Ralph's and Estelle's lives―not to mention Marjorie's reputation―all their secret desires and disappointments are revealed. But God's overruling hand brings about changes that neither of them could foresee―changes that could eventually lead to the darkest times of their lives―and the brightest hopes imaginable.
Heartwarming stories of faith and love by Grace Livingston Hill's aunt―Isabella Alden. Each book is similar in style and tone to Hill's and is set in the late 1800s and early 1900s.
When gossip, family failures, and errors in judgment threaten to destroy Ralph's and Estelle's lives―not to mention Marjorie's reputation―all their secret desires and disappointments are revealed. But God's overruling hand brings about changes that neither of them could foresee―changes that could eventually lead to the darkest times of their lives―and the brightest hopes imaginable.
Heartwarming stories of faith and love by Grace Livingston Hill's aunt―Isabella Alden. Each book is similar in style and tone to Hill's and is set in the late 1800s and early 1900s.
280 pages, Paperback
First published September 19, 1997
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About the author
Pansy
339 books30 followersNote: In her lifetime, Isabella Macdonald Alden was usually published under the pseudonym Pansy, and occasionally under the name Mrs. G.R. Alden.
Aunt to Grace Livingston Hill
The sixth of seven children born to Isaac and Myra Spafford Macdonald, of Rochester, New York, Isabella Macdonald received her early education from her father, who home-schooled her, and gave her a nickname - "Pansy" - that she would use for many of her publications. As a girl, she kept a daily journal, critiqued by her father, and she published her first story - The Old Clock - in a village paper when she was ten years old.
Macdonald's education continued at the Oneida Seminary, the Seneca Collegiate Institute, and the Young Ladies Institute, all in New York. It was at the Oneida Seminary that she met her long-time friend (and eventual co-author), Theodosia Toll, who secretly submitted one of Macdonald's manuscripts in a competition, setting in motion a chain of events that would lead to the publication of her first book, Helen Lester, in 1865.
Macdonald also met her future husband, the Rev. Gustavus Rossenberg Alden, at the Oneida Seminary, and the two were married in 1866. Now Isabella Macdonald Alden, the newly-married minister's wife followed her husband as his postings took them around the country, dividing her time between writing, church duties, and raising her son Raymond (born 1873).
A prolific author, who wrote approximately one hundred novels from 1865 to 1929, and co-authored ten more, Alden was also actively involved in the world of children's and religious periodicals, publishing numerous short stories, editing the Sunday Juvenile Pansy from 1874-1894, producing Sunday School lessons for The Westminster Teacher for twenty years, and working on the editorial staff of various other magazines (Trained Motherhood, The Christian Endeavor).
Highly influenced by her Christian beliefs, much of Alden's work was explicitly moral and didactic, and often found its way into Sunday School libraries. It was also immensely popular, in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with an estimated 100,000 copies of Alden's books sold, in 1900.
Information taken from:
readseries.com
isabellamacdonaldalden.com
Aunt to Grace Livingston Hill
The sixth of seven children born to Isaac and Myra Spafford Macdonald, of Rochester, New York, Isabella Macdonald received her early education from her father, who home-schooled her, and gave her a nickname - "Pansy" - that she would use for many of her publications. As a girl, she kept a daily journal, critiqued by her father, and she published her first story - The Old Clock - in a village paper when she was ten years old.
Macdonald's education continued at the Oneida Seminary, the Seneca Collegiate Institute, and the Young Ladies Institute, all in New York. It was at the Oneida Seminary that she met her long-time friend (and eventual co-author), Theodosia Toll, who secretly submitted one of Macdonald's manuscripts in a competition, setting in motion a chain of events that would lead to the publication of her first book, Helen Lester, in 1865.
Macdonald also met her future husband, the Rev. Gustavus Rossenberg Alden, at the Oneida Seminary, and the two were married in 1866. Now Isabella Macdonald Alden, the newly-married minister's wife followed her husband as his postings took them around the country, dividing her time between writing, church duties, and raising her son Raymond (born 1873).
A prolific author, who wrote approximately one hundred novels from 1865 to 1929, and co-authored ten more, Alden was also actively involved in the world of children's and religious periodicals, publishing numerous short stories, editing the Sunday Juvenile Pansy from 1874-1894, producing Sunday School lessons for The Westminster Teacher for twenty years, and working on the editorial staff of various other magazines (Trained Motherhood, The Christian Endeavor).
Highly influenced by her Christian beliefs, much of Alden's work was explicitly moral and didactic, and often found its way into Sunday School libraries. It was also immensely popular, in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with an estimated 100,000 copies of Alden's books sold, in 1900.
Information taken from:
readseries.com
isabellamacdonaldalden.com
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
May 10, 2022
This is an "old-fashioned" story - the plot is primarily character development rather than action, and there are deep spiritual truths and struggles. Isabella Alden was the aunt of Grace Livingston Hill; Grace admired her aunt very much and attempted to follow in her footsteps as a writer.
This book was number 2 in a series and I couldn't find number 1. I think there were things that happened in the first book that might have explained a lot of what was happening in this one. I grew a little confused over names and relationships. Altogether, I think this was not one of my favorite of Alden's books. There are some that have really ministered to me and contributed to my spiritual growth, such as Ester Reid, Ester Reid Yet Speaking, and Julia Reid, as well as a short story called An Interrupted Night.
This book was number 2 in a series and I couldn't find number 1. I think there were things that happened in the first book that might have explained a lot of what was happening in this one. I grew a little confused over names and relationships. Altogether, I think this was not one of my favorite of Alden's books. There are some that have really ministered to me and contributed to my spiritual growth, such as Ester Reid, Ester Reid Yet Speaking, and Julia Reid, as well as a short story called An Interrupted Night.
June 21, 2022
Pansy's "Overruled" is the second book of "Marjorie's Story" and my favorite of the two. I like Marjorie but although she has many male admirers, I find her very trying at times. She helps others but she has more self interest than others, Glyde and Hannah, and also more than I thought she should have, one example is wanting to help Ralph and Estelle, yet not seeing because she wanted to help, her help was making matters worse. Another example was she was not overly excited to help as other on the New Year calls. There are discussion questions at the end asking what couples you would like another story centered on, I would like to hear more about Ralph and Estelle's future. I enjoyed many Christian messages, one of my favorites was about "ifs". Not look what " if" I did this and that would my life be better, Ralph used this one a lot. Looking at the past that cannot be changed but may cause trouble moving forward, not that knowing what one did in the past you could not learn from but to fantasize, where you cause unhappiness moving forward. I also loved that those that sinned in the past can move forward with a clear slate with the help of Christ. Pansy would be shocked if she saw the prevalence and acceptance in general of alcohol/drugs in today’s society and it is a shame that it is ruining so many lives.
Story in short- Estelle and Ralph are having troubles and Marjorie thinks she can help the couple in a happy marriage.
➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖
Highlight (Yellow) | Location 173
“I am sorry my business-like habits have proved a cause of offence to you. As to my own affairs, nothing would give me greater pleasure than to be strictly methodical. There is a serious difficulty in the way. I have not yet learned how to pay bills without tangible aid. The simple fact is that my last quarter’s salary was entirely spent some weeks before it was due. Some of it, you may remember, went to pay that dressmaker’s bill of which you
Highlight (Yellow) | Location 176
boast. Mr. Sewell will find that he will be compelled to wait until I get ready to pay him; and I shall take care that there shall be no bill hereafter to settle with him. In truth, I am tempted to refuse to pay any of these fellows, because they sent the bills to the house instead of to my office. I had no intention of troubling you with matters of this kind.”
Highlight (Yellow) | Location 182
“Pray, do not take the trouble to try to put it courteously; say, rather, the plain truth: that you had no intention of letting me know that you are unable to pay your honest debts. It is certainly a new experience to me. My father is poor, and has always been; but I do not believe he ever owed a person for twenty-four hours beyond the date of payment.
Highlight (Yellow) | Location 184
It is probably very unbusiness-like for me to wonder what you do with your money, but I confess I am curious. Your salary is larger than my father ever had to depend upon; yet he managed to feed and clothe and care for three daughters, as well as himself and wife. If I might be allowed to suggest to such a business-like person, I should say it was quite time you began to keep your own books, instead of those of other people. I supposed it was Hannah who was threatening our respectability, but it seems I was mistaken.”
❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌spoiler alert ❌❌❌❌
I really wanted Mr. Maxwell to win his love, Marjorie, and felt badly for him that his brother won her love. I was hoping he would find another, maybe Hannah but like he told her he had loved someone that did not choose him. Maxwell wrote a letter to Mrs. Edmonds telling her not to tell of his last he for Marjorie but I can see Marjorie finding out. Maybe by the letter or by Hannah talking about Maxwell and how he loved a married woman that did not chose him. I think it would upset her but she did not love him, so she would not have that regret. I would have chose Maxwell, hands down. I also liked how Jack was able to stop drinking too bad, he did not change while his wife was alive. What I loved best is how Estelle and Ralph opened their hearts to Christ and were able to share a life together again, being better in the end. I am hoping Hannah is able to find someone who loves her! One thing for Marjorie is wanting to help her friends, but she should have done so in a way that would not bring more troubles to the couple. I loved that Maxwell, not really liking Ralph when he was always troubling Marjorie but helping him so much especially after he found out that Marjorie was going to marry his brother. Maxwell could feel what Ralph must have felt and wanting to help him for Marjorie's sake.
Highlight (Yellow) | Location 250
“This one will ‘count,’ I fancy. It is probably intended for my Christmas; only, being the dear, thoughtful creature that he is, Uncle Anthony sent it on after the first frost, so as to be ready for the cold. Can you guess what it is, Estelle?” “I was never skilful at guessing,” Mrs. Bramlett said, a trifle coldly. The truth is, she found it impossible to speak other than coldly when Uncle Anthony was the subject of conversation. She could never forget
Highlight (Yellow) | Location 290
“Oh, I forgot; I have something of more importance to tell you; Marjorie has come. You do not seem a bit surprised; I am afraid you have
Highlight (Yellow) | Location 291
heard of it before, and I wanted to be the first to give the news.” “I have heard nothing about her, and thought nothing about her for weeks. What a child you are, Glyde! Do you never mean to grow up?” “It seems so delightful to have her back,” said Glyde, ignoring the reproof;
Highlight (Yellow) | Location 298
Has Marjorie brought Mr. Maxwell with her?” “No,” said Glyde wonderingly; “at least I suppose not; I hadn’t thought of him. Why no, Estelle; he could not be here at this time of year. He is a college professor, you know, and all the colleges are in session now.”
Highlight (Yellow) | Location 301
“I do not know what he is,” said Mrs. Bramlett; “a gentleman of elegant leisure apparently. I am sure he spent one winter here, and then went abroad for I do not know how long; and Marjorie has spent the intervening time with him. I did not know but now that she had decided to come home, she was going to let him accompany her; she seems to have him well under her control.”
Highlight (Yellow) | Location 373
Poor Jack certainly had an unenviable record behind him. “A worthless, drunken fellow,” “A ne’er-do-well in any direction,” “An unprincipled creature,” “A man who killed his wife by dissipation and neglect,”—this was the verdict, variously phrased according to the style of the speaker that one was sure to receive when one questioned concerning him. It is true that Jack had not drank any liquor for several months, and was keeping himself as steadily at work as previous habits of superficiality and his general reputation would admit. But when every good thing which could be said of him was freely admitted, the question was, why should Hannah Bramlett permit his almost daily visits? Not only this, but that estimable young woman walked the streets with him, allowed him to attend her home from the weekly prayer-meetings and from other
Highlight (Yellow) | Location 379
public places. She allowed him to linger at the gate, not merely for a few minutes, but sometimes for a full half- hour; indeed, there were watchers who affirmed that on certain occasions it had been an hour and ten minutes by the clock before the vigil closed. Mrs. Bramlett, when in her indignation she had told off his sister’s sins to her husband, had not exaggerated the stories.
Highlight (Yellow) | Location 383
The tongues of a certain class of people were undoubtedly busying themselves with Hannah Bramlett’s affairs. Mrs. Bramlett was loyal enough to her husband’s family to be genuinely alarmed at this. It was one thing to find fault with Hannah, herself; it was quite another to have the neighborhood gossips making free with her name.
Highlight (Yellow) | Location 403
Marjorie smiled. “Did I look cross, mother? I must have a very tell-tale face.” Then, after a moment, “To tell the truth, I have not been able to get away from some of the things that Glyde told me this afternoon. She is troubled about Estelle and Ralph.” Mrs. Edmonds sewed steadily for several seconds. She could not decide whether to question or be silent. At last she said,—
Highlight (Yellow) | Location 421
“I know, mother, that you sometimes find it difficult to understand my persistent interest in these two; but—we were children together, you remember, and—I realize now that I influenced them both much more than I was aware at the time. I sometimes think that they are living out the life which I fostered in them; and if my influence had been different, why—”
Story in short- Estelle and Ralph are having troubles and Marjorie thinks she can help the couple in a happy marriage.
➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖
Highlight (Yellow) | Location 173
“I am sorry my business-like habits have proved a cause of offence to you. As to my own affairs, nothing would give me greater pleasure than to be strictly methodical. There is a serious difficulty in the way. I have not yet learned how to pay bills without tangible aid. The simple fact is that my last quarter’s salary was entirely spent some weeks before it was due. Some of it, you may remember, went to pay that dressmaker’s bill of which you
Highlight (Yellow) | Location 176
boast. Mr. Sewell will find that he will be compelled to wait until I get ready to pay him; and I shall take care that there shall be no bill hereafter to settle with him. In truth, I am tempted to refuse to pay any of these fellows, because they sent the bills to the house instead of to my office. I had no intention of troubling you with matters of this kind.”
Highlight (Yellow) | Location 182
“Pray, do not take the trouble to try to put it courteously; say, rather, the plain truth: that you had no intention of letting me know that you are unable to pay your honest debts. It is certainly a new experience to me. My father is poor, and has always been; but I do not believe he ever owed a person for twenty-four hours beyond the date of payment.
Highlight (Yellow) | Location 184
It is probably very unbusiness-like for me to wonder what you do with your money, but I confess I am curious. Your salary is larger than my father ever had to depend upon; yet he managed to feed and clothe and care for three daughters, as well as himself and wife. If I might be allowed to suggest to such a business-like person, I should say it was quite time you began to keep your own books, instead of those of other people. I supposed it was Hannah who was threatening our respectability, but it seems I was mistaken.”
❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌spoiler alert ❌❌❌❌
I really wanted Mr. Maxwell to win his love, Marjorie, and felt badly for him that his brother won her love. I was hoping he would find another, maybe Hannah but like he told her he had loved someone that did not choose him. Maxwell wrote a letter to Mrs. Edmonds telling her not to tell of his last he for Marjorie but I can see Marjorie finding out. Maybe by the letter or by Hannah talking about Maxwell and how he loved a married woman that did not chose him. I think it would upset her but she did not love him, so she would not have that regret. I would have chose Maxwell, hands down. I also liked how Jack was able to stop drinking too bad, he did not change while his wife was alive. What I loved best is how Estelle and Ralph opened their hearts to Christ and were able to share a life together again, being better in the end. I am hoping Hannah is able to find someone who loves her! One thing for Marjorie is wanting to help her friends, but she should have done so in a way that would not bring more troubles to the couple. I loved that Maxwell, not really liking Ralph when he was always troubling Marjorie but helping him so much especially after he found out that Marjorie was going to marry his brother. Maxwell could feel what Ralph must have felt and wanting to help him for Marjorie's sake.
Highlight (Yellow) | Location 250
“This one will ‘count,’ I fancy. It is probably intended for my Christmas; only, being the dear, thoughtful creature that he is, Uncle Anthony sent it on after the first frost, so as to be ready for the cold. Can you guess what it is, Estelle?” “I was never skilful at guessing,” Mrs. Bramlett said, a trifle coldly. The truth is, she found it impossible to speak other than coldly when Uncle Anthony was the subject of conversation. She could never forget
Highlight (Yellow) | Location 290
“Oh, I forgot; I have something of more importance to tell you; Marjorie has come. You do not seem a bit surprised; I am afraid you have
Highlight (Yellow) | Location 291
heard of it before, and I wanted to be the first to give the news.” “I have heard nothing about her, and thought nothing about her for weeks. What a child you are, Glyde! Do you never mean to grow up?” “It seems so delightful to have her back,” said Glyde, ignoring the reproof;
Highlight (Yellow) | Location 298
Has Marjorie brought Mr. Maxwell with her?” “No,” said Glyde wonderingly; “at least I suppose not; I hadn’t thought of him. Why no, Estelle; he could not be here at this time of year. He is a college professor, you know, and all the colleges are in session now.”
Highlight (Yellow) | Location 301
“I do not know what he is,” said Mrs. Bramlett; “a gentleman of elegant leisure apparently. I am sure he spent one winter here, and then went abroad for I do not know how long; and Marjorie has spent the intervening time with him. I did not know but now that she had decided to come home, she was going to let him accompany her; she seems to have him well under her control.”
Highlight (Yellow) | Location 373
Poor Jack certainly had an unenviable record behind him. “A worthless, drunken fellow,” “A ne’er-do-well in any direction,” “An unprincipled creature,” “A man who killed his wife by dissipation and neglect,”—this was the verdict, variously phrased according to the style of the speaker that one was sure to receive when one questioned concerning him. It is true that Jack had not drank any liquor for several months, and was keeping himself as steadily at work as previous habits of superficiality and his general reputation would admit. But when every good thing which could be said of him was freely admitted, the question was, why should Hannah Bramlett permit his almost daily visits? Not only this, but that estimable young woman walked the streets with him, allowed him to attend her home from the weekly prayer-meetings and from other
Highlight (Yellow) | Location 379
public places. She allowed him to linger at the gate, not merely for a few minutes, but sometimes for a full half- hour; indeed, there were watchers who affirmed that on certain occasions it had been an hour and ten minutes by the clock before the vigil closed. Mrs. Bramlett, when in her indignation she had told off his sister’s sins to her husband, had not exaggerated the stories.
Highlight (Yellow) | Location 383
The tongues of a certain class of people were undoubtedly busying themselves with Hannah Bramlett’s affairs. Mrs. Bramlett was loyal enough to her husband’s family to be genuinely alarmed at this. It was one thing to find fault with Hannah, herself; it was quite another to have the neighborhood gossips making free with her name.
Highlight (Yellow) | Location 403
Marjorie smiled. “Did I look cross, mother? I must have a very tell-tale face.” Then, after a moment, “To tell the truth, I have not been able to get away from some of the things that Glyde told me this afternoon. She is troubled about Estelle and Ralph.” Mrs. Edmonds sewed steadily for several seconds. She could not decide whether to question or be silent. At last she said,—
Highlight (Yellow) | Location 421
“I know, mother, that you sometimes find it difficult to understand my persistent interest in these two; but—we were children together, you remember, and—I realize now that I influenced them both much more than I was aware at the time. I sometimes think that they are living out the life which I fostered in them; and if my influence had been different, why—”
May 31, 2024
I didn't enjoy this book as much as the first one. In some ways, it didn't seem like Pansy's usual writing, though in other ways it did.
One thing I did really like was
Did I enjoy this book? Yes, I really did! It was good to watch things unfold based on the choices the characters made in the first book. The lesson on not focusing too much on the past and the way things could have turned out differently is so important. But there were also aspects that had me frustrated with how the plot was unfolding. One of the best parts of the story for me was listening to the audiobook version with my mom and sister.
One thing I did really like was
Did I enjoy this book? Yes, I really did! It was good to watch things unfold based on the choices the characters made in the first book. The lesson on not focusing too much on the past and the way things could have turned out differently is so important. But there were also aspects that had me frustrated with how the plot was unfolding. One of the best parts of the story for me was listening to the audiobook version with my mom and sister.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 16, 2024
The second and final installment of the "Marjorie" series, which I think is improperly labeled because the story focuses just as much on other characters as it does on Marjorie. Similarly to the first book, my only qualms with this one are the Arminian influences in the conversion stories and theological conversations among the characters. They acknowledge God's sovereignty to bring them into whatever circumstance they are in, and yet reject any picture of Him "saving those who don't want to be saved." It was the view that many modern evangelicals have that God would not "force" anyone to love Him. I also did not agree with the obvious bent towards the prohibition of alcohol. The reason I wanted to finish the series was because I think Pansy does a great job of exposing the human heart in her characters and writing a truly moving redemption story (I'm mainly referring to Ralph and Estelle). And although I don't know if I am fully on board with Marjorie's decision of who to marry, I found the ending of the book to be very satisfying.
June 2, 2021
Just as in our own lives, God knows the beginning from the end!
I have seen this book many times while perusing books online and it just didn’t seem like something I would be interested in. Well, let me tell you that I was so far off base! What a sweet, amazing story this book holds between its pages. You just didn’t know what was going to happen from one event to the next. And how God works through this writer is incredible. You will laugh, cry, wonder what on earth is next. Isabelle Alden is a marvelous entertainer, I wish she were still with here with us. I look forward to seeing her in heaven.
I have seen this book many times while perusing books online and it just didn’t seem like something I would be interested in. Well, let me tell you that I was so far off base! What a sweet, amazing story this book holds between its pages. You just didn’t know what was going to happen from one event to the next. And how God works through this writer is incredible. You will laugh, cry, wonder what on earth is next. Isabelle Alden is a marvelous entertainer, I wish she were still with here with us. I look forward to seeing her in heaven.
May 1, 2022
I appreciated some of the lessons of this sweet old story, and some I didn't. The ones I appreciated were the thoughts of how to serve the Lord, help others, and not to gossip. Also to be self-sacrificial, faithful to marriage vows, and forgiving. On the negative side (for me) was the anti-alcohol rhetoric (though we should definitely be careful how much we drink and not to be a stumbling block to others, as the Scriptures warn) and the Arminianism (shown in free will arguments).
The romance was subtle, chaste, and sweet, which I'm glad of. There was also a great thread of God's "overruling" plans, how He works in mysterious ways. Overall a fine book that quietly drew me in.
The romance was subtle, chaste, and sweet, which I'm glad of. There was also a great thread of God's "overruling" plans, how He works in mysterious ways. Overall a fine book that quietly drew me in.
July 25, 2021
This is a wonderful continuation of Marjorie's story that is entertaining and thought-provoking. It's a reminder that we can map out all the plans we want for our lives, but God sometimes overrules them for a purpose. A beautifully written book.
October 11, 2024
Marjorie's story didn't go in the direction I thought it would go! (I didn't read the summary first.) But it was a good thinking book... and it is the way life is. People go in such unexpected directions. Need to remember that God can make it all good!
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews