Author
Mary Finley Leonard
1862-1948
Mary Finley Leonard (1862-1948) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
Subjects
Books by Mary Finley Leonard
The Candle and the Cat
"The Candle and the Cat" by Mary Finley Leonard is a children's novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers around a young girl named Caro and her adventures with her beloved cat, Trolley, in the context of her family's interactions with their neighbors, particularly the reclusive Grayson family. The themes of friendship, kindness, and the importance of light—a metaphor for hope and cheer—are woven throughout the narrative. The plot unfolds as Caro, staying with her grandfather, attempts to bring happiness to her new surroundings and those she meets. Struggling with her fear of the dark, Caro is given a special silver candlestick that belonged to her grandmother, which symbolizes her desire for comfort and warmth amid uncertainties. As she ventures to visit Walter Grayson, the sickly young man unable to walk, she unknowingly helps bridge the gap between the Graysons and her family, thus restoring old friendships and creating new bonds. The story culminates in a heartwarming Christmas celebration that highlights themes of reconciliation, community, and the cherished moments that unite people across differences.
The Spectacle Man: A Story of the Missing Bridge
"The Spectacle Man: A Story of the Missing Bridge" by Mary Finley Leonard is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around Frances, a young girl who encounters a peculiar optician known as the Spectacle Man, and becomes intertwined with the lives of those around her, including her family and new acquaintances. The narrative hints at themes of friendship, adventure, and the idea of "mending bridges," both literally and metaphorically. The opening of the story introduces Frances meeting the Spectacle Man, who is cheerfully occupied in his shop when she arrives to have some glasses mended for a friend. The scene is rich with detail, describing the Spectacle Man's quirky appearance and the charming ambiance of his shop. Frances's curiosity and admiration for the Spectacle Man grow as they share an engaging dialogue, while an impending rainstorm adds tension to the scene. As the story unfolds, it foreshadows the relationships Frances will form and the adventures that lie ahead in this quaint, whimsical setting.
The Pleasant Street Partnership: A Neighborhood Story
"The Pleasant Street Partnership: A Neighborhood Story" by Mary Finley Leonard is a fictional narrative written in the early 20th century. The story centers around various residents of Pleasant Street and the dynamic changes they face, particularly with the opening of a new shop that stirs both excitement and apprehension within the established neighborhood. The opening chapters introduce key characters, such as Norah Pennington, a young woman determined to bring a fresh and welcoming business to the area, as well as the notable community residents who may resist or embrace these changes. The opening of the book sets the stage for a neighborhood in transition, highlighting the contrasting views of the established residents of the Terrace and the newcomers on Pleasant Street. As a drug store is proposed and ultimately transformed into a shop for notions run by Norah and her partner Marion, the initial excitement is juxtaposed with skepticism from the old guard of the neighborhood. The narrative delves into the lives of characters like the curious James Mandeville and the rigid Mrs. Millard, illustrating their relationships and reactions to the encroaching changes, ultimately suggesting themes of community, adaptation, and the tension between tradition and progress.
Mr. Pat's Little Girl: A Story of the Arden Foresters
"Mr. Pat's Little Girl: A Story of the Arden Foresters" by Mary Finley Leonard is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story introduces readers to a young girl named Rosalind Patterson Whittredge, who navigates the complexities of her life after arriving at her grandmother's home. Throughout her journey, she encounters various characters, including the kind-hearted but peculiar magician, Mr. Morgan, who sparks her imagination and leads her to seek friendships in an unfamiliar place. At the start of the novel, Rosalind is settling into her new surroundings, which include a beautiful garden that only partially comforts her loneliness. She expressively engages with her environment, reciting hymns and dreaming of the Forest of Arden, which serves as a metaphor for the adventures she longs to experience. Her chance meeting with Mr. Morgan, a deaf cabinet-maker, marks the beginning of her exploration of Friendship, as she yearns to meet new people and learn to communicate in different ways. This opening sets a tone of innocence and curiosity, hinting at themes of friendship, belonging, and the magic that exists in everyday life.
The Story of the Big Front Door
"The Story of the Big Front Door" by Mary Finley Leonard is a children’s novel written in the late 19th century. The narrative centers around the adventures of a group of children in a quaint neighborhood where they engage in imaginative play, including games inspired by classic stories like Robin Hood. Their interactions are influenced by their relationships with each other and their new neighbor, Miss Brown, who is key to the unfolding of their shared experiences. The opening of the story introduces Ikey Ford, who brings troubling news of new occupants moving into the abandoned "Brown house," which has been the children's playground. This news sparks a series of discussions among the neighborhood kids about their feelings of loss and incites their imaginations as they plot ways to reclaim their space. The initial chapters depict the children's creative games and the camaraderie that blossoms among them, highlighting themes of friendship, exploration, and the impact of community as they navigate the changes brought by their new neighbor and the secrets held by the mysterious front door of her house.
The Little Red Chimney: Being the Love Story of a Candy Man
"The Little Red Chimney: Being the Love Story of a Candy Man" by Mary Finley Leonard is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around the titular "Candy Man," a character whose life intertwines with a charming young woman named Miss Bentley, also referred to as "the Girl of All Others." Their interactions and the influence of various supporting characters suggest themes of love, class differences, and the pursuit of happiness within an urban setting. At the start of the story, the Candy Man is introduced while he tends to his Candy Wagon on a rainy day in October. He witnesses a near-accident involving Miss Bentley, which sparks an immediate connection between them. She is briefly flustered but expresses gratitude, leading him to recall her delightful presence. As he goes about his day, he reflects on this encounter, pondering the complexities of social status and his own humble position. The narrative hints at the unfolding romance and adventures tied to the "Little Red Chimney," where Miss Bentley resides, as well as the interesting lives surrounding both the Candy Man and Miss Bentley, including an old miser and a lively child named Virginia.