Posted in Book Reviews

This was Martha Finley's "best seller." Originally meant to be just this one book, it ended up being the first of a twenty-eight book series. Elsie Dinsmore lives at the time leading up to the American Civil War (which takes place in book #4) and is at this point eight years old.

Elsie lives at an estate called "Roselands" with her rich relatives, her grandfather and his wife, their six children, and numerous servants. None except a few of the servants are Christians, which makes it hard for Elsie to keep on God's path.

Her main help is of course God. She reads the Bible and prays as often as she can. But she also has her "mammy" Chloe to give her encouragement and guidance.

At the beginning of this book, Elsie's father is in Europe travelling. She has never seen him and longs for him tremendously. Her mother died shortly after Elsie was born. She is constantly being teased and tormented by her family and teacher. One of the "reasons" why they mistreat her is because she is richer than them. Her aunt Enna and uncle Walter are both younger than her.

After having a companion for a while in her aunt Adelaide's friend Miss Allison, one of Elsie's greatest wishes comes true - her father comes home.

But, he is not pleased with the way Elsie shows him affection. She is not as bold or outspoken as his sisters. Thus, even though Elsie loves him dearly, he is even more severe with her (if possible) than her grandfather and other relatives.

Many events happen before they are both happy. But by the end of this highly entertaining story for all ages, they are nearly so. Of course, Horace Dinsmore cannot be as happy as Elsie while he is not a Christian. But remember, this is 28 book series!

Though I would not nessisarily recommend reading the entire series until you know that you at least like the first one, I find no reason why you would not like it.

Wonder where you could find a copy of a book written in 1868? If you like to read from your computer, there is a free version at Project Gutenberg. Or if you like a book you can hold in your hand, Mantle Ministries has a very durable hardcover edition. I have read this book countless times with the book amazingly still in good condition!

'Til next time,

Heather