The Hidden Hand

The first Lamplighter book I ever read was The Hidden Hand by E.D.E.N Southworth. This is the book that caused me to finally take the Lamplighter catalogues seriously; I realized that these were probably really good books and became very interested in them.

The book opens with Major Ira Warfield, the gruff and harsh owner of Hurricane Hall, reflecting on how glad he is that he doesn't have to leave his warm cozy house on this blustery Hallows Eve. His reflections are soon turned upside down as he is called to the bedside of a dying woman where he hears a story full of mystery and learns of a girl that will need his protection as this woman is soon to die.
There is allot of excitement at Hurricane Hall as soon as Major Warfield brings his new ward home. Capitola is her name and she is full of fun, loves adventures, and has a knack for getting into mischief! You will find yourself spell bound as you read of the adventures that Capitola gets herself into.

There is another side of the book... Marah Rocke and her son Traverse live in a small shack and live off of a meager living that Traverse is able to make. You will see the meek and gentle character of Marah shine through as she reminds those around here that God is in control. You will also see the manly character of Traverse reflected in his tender care for his mother. You will be challenged to step back and watch God work through your circumstances as you read about these that take place here.

The title of the book is "The Hidden Hand" and it wasn't until just recently that I realized that all through the book you can see the hidden hand of God. From Major Warfield bringing Capitola home to the many trials that Marah and Traverse Rocke go through, you can see the "plan in it all".

This is not your normal Lamplighter book but if you love adventures and escapades, this book is for you! You will not be able to put it down!

Another Book Review!

I was very hesitant about purchasing "Cobwebs and Cables" as it sounded like a very depressing book. The item description clearly stated that this book was about one man's sin and the way that it seemed to keep compounding. As I began to read, I soon found that it was so gripping that I couldn't put it down.

"Cobwebs & Cables" by Hesba Stretton
The book opens with a man reflecting on the web of sin and lies that he has woven for the past several years. As the clock strikes the hour he rouses himself and puts into action the plan that he has laid out to save himself and, seemingly to him, his family. As the story unfolds you begin to see the effects that his sin has on his wife and children. You will meet Phebe Marlowe, who is a dear friend to this man's family, and see how she is "the strong one" through all of the difficulties while bringing comfort and support to all those who are affected.
The book covers all the way up to the adulthood of this man's children and you will be unable to put it down. As you finish the final chapter you begin to realize how loving and forgiving our God truly is.

A Book Review

I am still in the midst of reading through all of the Lamplighter books on my shelf and I do believe that I'm nearing the halfway mark! I know for certain that I have several "thick" books left before starting on the "thinner" books.

"The Lost Clue" by Mrs O.F. Walton was one that I had on last years Christmas list and although I had not yet read it, I gave it to a friend as a Christmas gift. She so enjoyed it which was wonderful; the thing that I love about Lamplighter Books is that you can give them as gifts and know that you're giving the person some quality reading material.

"The Lost Clue"
There are two main characters in the story- Captain Fortesque and Marjorie Douglas who are both the recipients of a circumstance that cause a big change in their very different lives. Captain Fortesque takes on a responsibility that is both noble and self sacrificing; Marjorie learns that she can be a bright ray of sunshine even in the most miserable of situations.
All through the book there is the underlying mystery of... well you just need to read it!
One thing that I was struck with was Marjorie's sweet Christlike attitude even when she had to leave those most dear to her. She relied on the Lord and exuded a love for others that could only have come from Him.

From My BookShelf

I have a good many books. To state it correctly, I most likely have over one hundred and fifty books. Most of them are from my Grandmothers' collection which she left to me two years ago and all of them were published before nineteen-fifty. Grandma lived in Michigan right on the Michigan/Indiana state line, and was an avid yard saler. She has been known to get to yard sales well before the advertised opening time and help take the covers off of the tables!! I have some very fond memories of her "escapades"!!

As my Momma says, "if Grandma didn't think a particular book wasn't good enough to read a second time, she wouldn't keep it", therefore, I must have the cream of her crop of reading!!
I loved going up to Grandma's and Grandpa's because I could spend the whole week reading Gene Stratton Porter books or whatever else I thought sounded interesting!!
Gene Stratton Porter is one of my favorite "old timey" authors. I love how her books are centered around gardening and the outdoors. I always come away with a desire to have gardens like those in her books!
Let me share a few of my favorite Gene Stratton Porter books!...

"A Girl Of The Limberlost- published in 1910"
This is one of my FAVORITE books and I certainly enjoy reading it over and over again!! The movie that was made quite some time ago doesn't even do the book credit AND the movie ends less than halfway through the book.
This book also stirred my curiosity about collecting butterfly's' as it sounds like a really neat thing to do!! Have any of y'all done this?

One of the things that endears this book to me is the illustrations and art work sprinkled throughout the story. The pictures always add a special touch for me.

"The Keeper Of The Bees-published 1925"
This book is also among my favorites collection. It is the story of a wounded soldier who overhears doctors discussing that they don't expect him to recover from his wound, and the results of what hearing this prompts him to do. You will be surprised at all the twists and turns this book takes and rejoice when he finally regains his health!!

I think this book is what first got me interested in gardening!
I've bought several of my Gene Stratton Porter books over e-bay at very good prices. I prefer to buy the books that have the beautiful illustrations and art, along with not being "the normal library books" with plain covers.
I've had fun working on my collection, but the fun part about it is getting to read it over and over and over again!!!