Author
Eleanor H. (Eleanor Hodgman) Porter
1868-1920
Eleanor H. (Eleanor Hodgman) Porter (1868-1920) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
WikipediaSubjects
Books by Eleanor H. (Eleanor Hodgman) Porter
Pollyanna
"Pollyanna" by Eleanor H. Porter is a novel published in 1913. When eleven-year-old orphan Pollyanna arrives to live with her stern Aunt Polly in a small Vermont town, she brings with her "The Glad Game"—finding something positive in every situation, no matter how difficult. Her infectious optimism begins transforming the lives of the town's most troubled inhabitants. But when tragedy strikes, even Pollyanna's unwavering cheerfulness faces its greatest test.
Miss Billy — Married
"Miss Billy — Married" by Eleanor H. Porter is a novel written during the early 20th century. The story revolves around the newly married couple, Billy Neilson and Bertram Henshaw, as they navigate their relationship, family expectations, and the challenges of married life. The narrative sets a light-hearted tone infused with deep emotion as it explores themes of love, domesticity, and personal growth. The opening of the book introduces the wedding of Billy and Bertram through the clergyman’s familiar words, highlighting the couple's joy and naivety as they exchange vows. This moment leads to reflections from family members about their concerns for the couple's future, notably Billy's perceived irresponsibility and lack of practical skills. As the narrative unfolds, we witness the initial adjustments of their married life, alongside the gossip and opinions of those around them, hinting at the comedic and heartfelt adventures that await them as they blend their lives together.
Just David
"Just David" by Eleanor H. Porter is a children's novel published in 1916. When young David's reclusive father dies, the violin-playing boy must adapt to village life with adoptive parents, unable to even recall his own last name. Raised in mountain isolation, David knows nothing of sin or sorrow. Through his innocent nature and extraordinary musical gift, he begins to transform the hearts of those around him, healing broken relationships and restoring harmony to the community—while mysteries about his true identity slowly surface.
Pollyanna Grows Up
"Pollyanna Grows Up" by Eleanor H. Porter is a children's novel published in 1915. The only official sequel written by Porter herself, it follows Pollyanna as she travels to Boston to bring happiness to the unhappy Mrs. Carew, who mourns her lost nephew. Through her optimism, Pollyanna transforms lives and makes unexpected connections. Eight years later, now twenty, Pollyanna faces new challenges when hard times force her family to take in boarders, leading to surprising reunions and romantic revelations.
Miss Billy's Decision
"Miss Billy's Decision" by Eleanor H. Porter is a novel likely written in the early 20th century. It explores the life of Billy Neilson, who is engaged to the artist Bertram Henshaw, and the various relationships and interactions she navigates amid the playful banter and complexities of love and friendship. At the start of the story, readers are introduced to Calderwell and his friend M. J. Arkwright, two men discussing their lives and acquaintances. Calderwell is humorously enthralled by the mystery of Arkwright's initials, culminating in a delightful twist when it’s revealed that M. J. is indeed a man despite the name "Mary Jane." Meanwhile, Billy is preparing to announce her engagement while exhibiting playful innocence and charm. As she communicates with Aunt Hannah about a new girl, Mary Jane, who will be joining them, the plot hints at delightful complications ahead when identity and expectations are turned upside down in the charming and interconnected lives of the characters.
Across the Years
"Across the Years" by Eleanor H. Porter is a collection of short stories written in the early 20th century. The book captures the intricacies of human relationships and the passage of time, with an emphasis on the experiences of everyday people and their heartfelt moments. The characters, such as the elderly couple Samuel and Lydia Ann, illustrate the themes of love, nostalgia, and the simple joys and struggles of life. The opening of the book introduces readers to Samuel and Lydia Ann, an elderly couple who reflect on their Christmas traditions and desires. As they bemoan the predictability of their children’s holiday gifts, Lydia Ann shares her wish for a festive Christmas tree and indulgent treats like ice cream and pink peppermints. Samuel, inspired by her longing, decides to organize a surprise celebration for them. Meanwhile, their children, unaware of their parents' festive plans, contemplate their own way to bring holiday cheer. This charming introduction sets the tone for a narrative that explores themes of love, family connection, and the importance of celebrating life’s simple pleasures.
Miss Billy
"Miss Billy" by Eleanor H. Porter is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story follows the life of a young woman named Billy Neilson, who is navigating her newfound independence after the death of her aunt, which has left her feeling quite alone in the world. Seeking connection and family, she decides to reach out to her father's old friend, William Henshaw, whom she has never met, and expresses her desire to come and live with him. At the start of the book, we are introduced to Billy as she writes a heartfelt letter to her "Uncle William" sharing her loneliness and her enthusiasm for their potential new relationship. The opening chapters detail her optimistic and impulsive nature as she eagerly prepares to leave her old life behind and venture into the unknown with the hopes of creating a new home. The narrative sets up the contrast between Billy's lively spirit and the more subdued, structured lives of the Henshaw brothers, who are left grappling with the unexpected arrival of a young woman into their predominantly male household. The dynamic promises to bring both challenges and humor, as the brothers must adjust to the changes that Billy's presence will inevitably bring.
The Turn of the Tide: The Story of How Margaret Solved Her Problem
"The Turn of the Tide: The Story of How Margaret Solved Her Problem" by Eleanor H. Porter is a novel likely written in the early 20th century. The book tells the poignant story of a young girl named Margaret who, after being lost for four years, returns to her mother, Mrs. Kendall, and struggles to adjust to her new life of comfort while grappling with her past in the city slums. The novel explores themes of social class, compassion, and personal growth as Margaret navigates her relationships with those around her. The opening of the novel introduces Margaret, who has just reunited with her mother at their home, Five Oaks, filled with nostalgia and bewilderment. The narrative shows her blissful rediscovery of home and her mother’s affection, contrasted with her traumatic memories of her past life marked by hardship and survival. As Margaret shares her experiences and remembers the kindness of those she had to leave behind, her mother grapples with the challenge of integrating her daughter's past into their new life. The reader is drawn into the emotional complexity of their relationship as they both seek to find a balance between gratitude and the urge to help those less fortunate.
Oh, Money! Money! A Novel
"Oh, Money! Money!" by Eleanor H. Porter is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves primarily around Stanley G. Fulton, a wealthy yet introspective millionaire who grapples with the legacy and implications of his vast fortune. Haunted by concerns over how his inheritance will be managed after his passing, Fulton hatches a plan to disguise himself under the alias John Smith to observe how his distant relatives back East contend with unexpected wealth. At the start of this captivating tale, we meet Fulton in the office of his lawyer, contemplating the potential fate of his money and expressing skepticism about organized charity, which he feels lacks genuine compassion. Inspired after encountering a young man who squandered his inheritance, Fulton devises a scheme to anonymously provide his three cousins with significant financial sums to assess their character and capability of handling wealth. The opening chapters artfully set the stage for a narrative rich with social commentary, exploring themes of money, morality, and family, while introducing a cast of quirky relatives, including Flora, a modest dressmaker, and James Blaisdell, a struggling grocery store owner. Fulton's journey promises to reflect not only on his own values but also on the intrigues of human nature in relation to wealth and responsibility.
Dawn
"Dawn" by Eleanor H. Porter is a novel written during the late 19th century. The story revolves around young Keith Burton, who on his fourteenth birthday, discovers he is starting to experience blurred vision, leading to the anxiety of potential blindness. The narrative explores his emotional struggles alongside his relationships with his father and the lively, supportive figure of Susan Betts, as they navigate the fears and hopes surrounding Keith's condition and future dreams. The opening portion of the book introduces us to Keith's initial realization of his failing eyesight after receiving a gift from his father. It captures his apprehension about the implications of his condition, as he overhears conversations about a local man going blind. A significant relationship begins to form between Keith and Susan, who brings comic relief and heartfelt concern into his life, while illuminating the challenges Keith faces. The chapters illustrate Keith's dread as he grapples with potential blindness, while hinting at the strong themes of friendship, resilience, and the pursuit of dreams, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of the characters' journeys in the rest of the novel.
The Road to Understanding
"The Road to Understanding" by Eleanor H. Porter is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story focuses on Burke Denby, a young man who has been sheltered and indulged since childhood, his complex relationship with his father, John Denby, and his burgeoning affection for Helen Barnet, a nursemaid. The narrative explores themes of love, duty, and the clash of social classes as Burke confronts the realities of adult life and independence while pursuing his feelings for Helen. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to Burke Denby, a twenty-year-old who has lived a life of privilege but whose past is marked by the absence of his mother, who died when he was a child. Despite being a likable and intelligent young man, Burke is unprepared for the challenges of love, particularly when he encounters Helen Barnet, a beautiful and kind nursemaid. Their first meeting is fraught with charm and misunderstanding as Burke is captivated by her presence. The narrative hints at the struggles they will face due to their different social standing when Burke's father expresses fierce disapproval of his feelings for a woman of Helen's station. This opening portion sets the stage for a tale steeped in romantic tension and familial conflict, drawing readers into the emotional turmoil both characters will navigate as they seek a path toward understanding and acceptance.
The Sunbridge Girls at Six Star Ranch
"The Sunbridge Girls at Six Star Ranch" by Eleanor H. Porter is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story follows a group of young girls from Sunbridge, particularly focusing on Cordelia Wilson and her friends, known as the Happy Hexagon Club, as they embark on an adventurous trip to Texas. Their journey promises new experiences, friendships, and the charm of the Texas ranch life that awaits them. At the start of the narrative, we are introduced to Cordelia's aunt, Miss Sophronia, who is astonished to learn about Cordelia’s upcoming trip to Texas with her friends. As the girls prepare for their adventure, excitement builds in their small New Hampshire town, and they eagerly discuss their plans and what awaits them at Genevieve Hartley’s Texas ranch. The opening portions establish the strong personalities of the girls, their relationships, and hints at the cultural differences they will discover as they transition from the familiar surroundings of their home into the vast unknown of the Texas landscape, laying the groundwork for the journey ahead.
The Tangled Threads
"The Tangled Threads" by Eleanor H. Porter is a collection of short stories written in the early 20th century. The book explores the lives and struggles of various characters, with themes centering on personal sacrifice, dreams, and family dynamics. The opening stories introduce us to characters such as Hester Martin, a mother deeply dedicated to providing her daughter Penelope with opportunities she herself never had, highlighting the emotional and financial challenges of their lives. At the start of the collection, Hester Martin is depicted as a woman who has dedicated her life to her family, reflecting on her past desires for music that remained unfulfilled. After years of saving, she finally plans to give her daughter music lessons, hoping to fulfill the dreams she could not realize. The narrative showcases Hester's hopes, her daughter's initial indifference to music, and the solace Hester finds in playing the piano, illustrating the bond between mother and daughter shaped by love, expectation, and the yearning for a better life through music. This opening segment sets the tone for the stories to come, which promise insights into the intricacies of human relationships and the threads that bind us all.
Mary Marie
"Mary Marie" by Eleanor H. Porter is a novel written in the early 20th century. The narrative revolves around the life of a young girl named Mary Marie Anderson, who finds herself caught between the contrasting worlds of her divorced parents. As she navigates her dual identities—Mary with her father and Marie with her mother—she explores themes of family dynamics, the impact of divorce on children, and her own growth and identity. The opening of the book introduces Mary Marie, a thirteen-year-old girl who relishes the uniqueness of her family situation, particularly the fact that she is living in an era of divorce, which is not common among her peers. The narrative is presented through her fresh, curious perspective as she begins her diary, exploring her feelings about her parents' separation and reflecting on her desire to document her life as an exciting story. The initial chapters set the stage for her journey, filled with whimsical innocence and a blend of excitement and confusion as she prepares to split her time between her two very different parents, each with their own personalities and influences on her life.