A Haven for Vee

Tuesday, February 4, 2014

Grace Livingston Hill

Before we get truly started here, I'd like to explain that I am not spending John's hard earned cash on apps for iPhones or iPads. Ha! My kids keep gifting me with gift certificates to iTunes. Thus far, they've been burning a hole in my pocket. I have not purchased music; I have purchased one book and the gizmo mentioned yesterday. That leaves me with more than $20 to spend from Christmas 2012 and an equal amount from Christmas 2013. I think that I have some research to do. Anyone know any great apps for a gal like me or for grandchildren? Oh, and I had thought that if one purchased something that there would be no advertising popping its ugly head into the middle of things—wrong.

~~~

Sometimes, just before I roll out of bed in the morning, I am thinking what I'll slap on the blog for the day. Good thing that I got up on the wrong side of the bed because I had this view of my inveterate skier who  has been coasting this hill for at least three days. I dare not say, but he's nearly the last of the Christmas decorations. I hope.


~~~
It is because people live in the things they possess instead of in their relationship to God that God seems at times to be cruel.
~Grace Livingston Hill 




And here's the glimpse of the other side of the bed. I had pulled three Grace Livingston Hill books from the shelves the other day. My habit is to remove book jackets, though in this case they are so charming. My grandmother gave my daughter a 1920s dress just that color. Nan had worn it to "the office."

Grace Livingston Hill was an inveterate writer...prolific. Women of a certain age have often read her books. They are usually Horatio Alger style stories where the heroine is in deep, dark distress until a rescuer arrives in the form of a tall, dark stranger. They are sweet love stories where the faith of the writer is shared. The heroine may have to lead her rescuer to faith in God or, more rarely, it is the other way around.

Grace's personal experience was perhaps the most fascinating story of all. Oh, yes! I think it would make an incredible book of its own. You don't need me to tell that story. I'll just send you off to read more if your interest has been piqued. 

Grace Livingston Hill dot com
Grace Livingston Hill see "Writing Career" Now there's a story in a nutshell!

My great-grandmother read these stories; my grandmother and mother, too. I couldn't get enough of them from about ages 12 to 14. My daughter has zero interest. What about you? Have you ever read any Grace Livingston Hill?

51 comments:

  1. Yes, I read Grace Livingston Hill! My all time favorite of hers is "The Substitute Guest". It's a great Christmas/Winter story, with lots of snow, old fashioned family fun times. As with her books, they are old fashioned or as I like to say "a little hokey"! But wonderful Christian values and usually the gospel is presented in every book. I have even acquired a few free books on my Kindle.
    Thank you also for the art picture on Sunday, what a wonderful song.

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    1. I have not read this one! I did note that it is on the list of five most popular of her books with "The Enchanted Barn," my favorite, at the top of the list. I must look for it! Thanks.

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    2. The Substitute Guest is one of my favorites! I can easily find you a copy Vee at the bookstore I mentioned in my comment. The cost is very small. I like The Enchanted Barn too!

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    3. Oh yes, I forgot about the Enchanted Barn, a favorite also.

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  2. I haven't and even worse, never heard of her. However, that is about to change and upon your recommendation, I'm going searching for her books, XOXO

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  3. Yes..I remember those book jackets/covers. Love the snowman..Blessings

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  4. I love the quote...I'll write it in my journal today. I don't remember ever reading these books but I love the colorful covers. Enjoy your day my friend! We're starting off with a bit of fog but at least it's warm. Sweet hugs!

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  5. Oh yes! Our small church had a "library", a bookcase full of books we could borrow, including GLH books. I read every one they had, then would check out stacks of them from our county library. A few years ago, someone gave me several of the hardback books & I began a collection. There are a few I don't have. I spent many a night curled up in my bed, reading until the wee hours of the morning. Somewhere back in my blog, I did a post about GLH books. Thanks for reminding me!

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  6. I do read her books, but not regularly. I am reading my way through one, Crimson Mountain, right now. We have a Mennonite bookstore that sells new and used books and always has these old GLH books. You are right about the story lines, most are light and easy reading, which is just the ticket sometimes!

    Deanna

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  7. I think I learned about GLH from reading blogs through the years. I have picked up a couple of her books at thrift shops and enjoyed them very much. After reading your first comment, I am adding two more to my list of books to look for.
    I'm off the check out the links.

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  8. No I haven't read any of her writings, but that quote this morning just hit me in the heart, with deep conviction. I need to take time to read.
    I love your little bear skiing....I still haven't put my Christmas dishes away. LOL

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  9. My mother had many of GLH's books and I read them when I was young. It's been a long time since I've read one, or anything else for that matter besides blogs and recipes. :) I will go check out Ms. Hill's story now.

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  10. No ,but I will look for her books. Thanks for the great tip.

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  11. I have read her entire collection. My Aunt is a fan and my uncle collected all the books for her. They have a little landing in their home between the sets of stairs that serves as a library with floor to ceiling, wall to wall book shelves filled some of the most wonderful tomes. A cozy overstuffed chair, reading lamp, and little table are all the furnishing one needs to take a magical adventure into the land of books. I spent the entire summer of my 13th year reading through the Grace Livingston Hill collection. My personal favorites are The Challengers (1932), Re-creations (1924) and The Enchanted Barn (1918). Oh and I can't forget Marcia Schuyler (1908) and its continuing story of one of the characters Miranda (1915), these two have light humor to them. My mother always loved Cloudy Jewel (1920). Vee, you make me want to re-read all these wonderful Christian classics. Thanks for a stroll down memory lane. Have a cozy day!

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    1. Miss Sandy~

      I want to go sit on the landing in your aunt's home. It sounds so cozy!

      So good to have you pop by...

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  12. I read GLH avidly at about the same age you did. Book after book. I wonder now where I got them from. The Enchanted Barn was my favourite, too. Since reading that book, I've often dreamed of converting an old barn into living quarters. The Enchanted Barn recently came into my possession from my sister's MIL. I re-read it and still enjoyed it, while trying to turn off my inner editor.

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  13. I love those old book jackets. This week I went through a box of old books from my mom. I didn't find any of GLH but I did find some others of interest to me.

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  14. I know that name very well but have been reading since about 10 yrs. old and my memory is not that good so I don't remember if I have or not. Will be finding some for my Kindle however. I can feel something simmering in Downton Abbey. Bates is probably gonna blow soon.

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  15. I have read most of her books and love them. I am very often drawn to books simply by their illustrated cover.

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  16. ENjoy your itunes gift certificates.
    I would frame those book covers
    and hang in a powder bath . . .

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  17. I read some of her books in my late teens and early 20's. I should look for some of the ones I haven't read, I get so sick of the sex and language in some of the newer books. I know, I sound like a granny, but I just don't care to be bombarded with that stuff.

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  18. Love that quote. In the past I did read some Grace Livingston Hill but it was far enough back that I don't have any of her books on any of my shelves.
    Apps that the big kids at my house like are Flight Control HD... it's a plane landing app with flight paths and you have to keep the planes from crashing into each other.

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  19. My grandmother had probably every one of her books. I would spend hours reading them in my grandmother's library … one after another on our vacation weeks with her when I was in junior high---about the age when you read them. I think I'm with Deana, I loved the Substitute Guest. I then went on to my grandmother's Emily Loring books which were not religious but quite similar, romance with a bit of a mystery thrown in, always driving around in a "roadster." I'm always amazed at how much many of us bloggers have in common.

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  20. I also have an iTunes gift card unused. If you get any great ideas let me know.

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  21. I am just beginning to explore the app store since I found out there are so many photography apps.
    Your little boys might enjoy the candy crush game.

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  22. I love her stories! By the way, I have the biography of her life that I bought at a book sale long ago. If you are interested in it.

    I give my grandchildren iTunes gift cards when I haven't a clue what else to give them. They have been collecting either apps for the iPad they use for homeschooling or for movies. I know one of them used their gift card to purchase the unabridged version of Return of the King.

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  23. I read a few of her books when I was younger and didn't care for them.......then I read (because of the Chautauqua connection) some books by her aunt, Isabella Alden, who wrote under the name of Pansy. But in the past few years, because of things on the internet, I've read and enjoyed The Enchanted Barn and The Story of a Whim.....I have them on my kindle and I think they were free as were many Grace Livingston Hill books. I think there is one more title I've read but cannot recall. What are some of your favorites, Vee?

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  24. I think I have read them all! At least all that are in our library system! I discovered them when I was in high school when an older lady gave me 3 of them that had been hers, I was hooked! I can't remember my favorite's title but it was about a family who lost their home and lived in a barn and in the end the barns owner and the young lady fell in love and married.

    Blessings

    Linda

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  25. No, I've never read any of her books, but I am going to.
    Can't help you with the apps - don't have an iPhone or iPad.

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  26. I've never used iTunes cards for my phone or macBook. I go for free apps if I need one and rarely think about adding apps to them. Maybe I need to check that out! I remember reading Grace Livingstone Hill books as a younger woman but it's been years now. I love the covers of yours. Very vintage. :) The ones I read were in paperback form.

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  27. I have read MANY of her books years ago. Back in my early 20's. Haven't read any in a while though...LOVE the book covers...Hope your day was good!

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  28. I am also crazy about the books of Elizabeth Goudge, which I inherited from my cousin Hazel (more an aunt's age). Such great books. Have you read them?

    As far as apps go, well, I bought my grandchildren (on my iPad) Barefoot Atlas, which is interactive and so much fun. Has sound, kids can move across the world and learn facts from everywhere. My six year almost 7 year old grandson Moses loves it. Then the other app I love is Star Walk. I can go outside at night and hold my iPad up and it will identify all the constellations, nebulae, etc. So fabulous.

    Sending love and yes, three deaths knocked me to the ground, but I am up again and working hard. Makes us so appreciate each other and our true friends.

    Love,
    S

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    1. Yes! I went on a Goudge reading spree a few years ago. Wonderful stories filled with so much wisdom.

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  29. Hello Vee, I have seen them but I have never ready any, but now I will be on the hunt for one and I will remember this post about them.I am still working on Downton Abby season, as I watched one and they were out of two so I am watching three now and four is being recorded. I don't have a clue of the timeline now HA HA!! So you can forget about me even starting Sherlock Holmes :o)
    Blessings, Roxy
    Are you a midget? Cause your neighborhood looks really tiny,,,, LOL HAAAAAA

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  30. I read quite a few of her books when I was younger as well. I only own two of them--Happiness Hill and The Seventh Hour. Happiness Hill is one of those books I reread every few years. They are simple stories but they can put things back in perspective.

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  31. Vee, you must, you absolutely MUST read my post today. There you will find all your questions answered, and more.
    Many of GLH's books are available for Kindle at Amazon for free, or a mere pittance. (I only get free books, thrifty person that I am)

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  32. and I do stay caught up with your posts! I hope you find the potatoes by sight and not smell...

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  33. Gosh, I must be living underneath a rock because I've never heard of that author. As far as apps go, so far I have only gotten free ones. But I am going to break down and buy a few photography ones. Let me try them out before I tell you, though. I'd hate to steer you wrong.

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  34. I came kicking and screaming into the computer age. My husband was glued to it morning , noon and night. He would come home with something new every night for his computer. I named the thing Baby, and always said, " well what are we feeding Baby tonight?" Years passed and I got hooked and started using it more that him. The original "Baby" has been replaced several times. Now I need to master apps......sheesh. I fear I shall be kicking and screaming all over again. Ha.

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  35. I should ask our grandchildren what apps they use. That should be an interesting discussion. As a child, I read anything I could find about animals to include some on veterinary care. Odd child!

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  36. In a quick scan of your comments, it seems that I am the only one who has not read any Grace Livingston Hill books! There is a book that comes to mind, however, that I read as a teenager, and it seems to be in this style, so I am wondering if it could be one of hers. If only I could remember the title...

    I love the look of old books, so the samples of your collection catches my eye!

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  37. Oh wow, it's been a really long time since I've read one of her books. I usually only buy music from itunes for my ipad.

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  38. Oh my goodness you are the only other person in the world I know who reads and hopefully loves Grace Livingston Hill books. My aunt God rest her soul got me hooked on these books when I was younger. I have the entire set. There are about 85 of them. I think they are totally fantastic!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am so glad to hear you like them. I do believe her husband was a minister. My favorite is Cromson Roses. And I believe she tries in each book to explai how to come to Christ, sandie

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  39. I, too, read Grace Livingston Hill books when I was younger. My Grandmother had a few around her house, and in those days I read everything I could get my hands on. Loved those books... And I'm glad you included that quote. It's a great reminder.

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  40. I must confess I've never heard of her. but the illustrations on the covers would draw me right in on that fact alone.

    I don't have an iphone or pad, so no help from me on this.

    Thanks for your concerns my sweet friend.

    xo
    Leann

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  41. My sister-in-law gave me a book of hers to read and I thoroughly enjoyed it...I wish I could remember what the title was, but it has slipped my mind.

    Hugs to you, Vee!

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  42. Mmm...my comment disappeared....My two favorite GLH books are April Gold and The Enchanted Barn . I keep those on a bookcase in my bedroom because I read them so often (the other GLH books are out in the living room)

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  43. I am a huge GLH fan! I will confess that I have shed a tear or two with a lump in my throat at the earnest faith and purity of romance that hero often offers his beloved. San Diego County Library used to have loads of her books and I discovered them one day during some shelf reading (making sure books are shelved correctly.) I was hooked on the illustrations and the story lines!
    Christie is the title of one book that is unusual as it features a guy (Christie) who is in Florida back in the 1920s-ish. I wondered if GLH had a chance to travel to FL as the descriptions of the area are interesting. The story line dialog was mostly done through letters.
    GLH also provided great costuming commentary. I got a kick out one book that had the heroine catching a train in a great rush and realizing that she had neglected to put on her hat in her haste to get to the train. She spends several pages fretting/agonizing about the fact that she is without a hat. She finally resolves her issue by taking one of her gloves and fashioning something from it that would serve as a hat by the time her destination is reached. Atta girl!

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  44. I've never owned a physical copy, but I downloaded 12 free Grace Livingston Hill books, via amazon.com, on my Kindle. All of the old ones are free. I've read most of them, and really enjoyed them.
    nancyr

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