Subject
Man-women relationships -- Juvenile fiction Books
Best books
Margaret Penrose
Dorothy Dale's engagement
"Dorothy Dale's Engagement" by Margaret Penrose is a novel written in the early 20th century. This installment follows the main character, Dorothy Dale, and her adventurous chum Tavia Travers as they navigate life changes and romantic interests during their first trip to New York City without an adult chaperone. The story centers on their experiences as they shop and inadvertently encounter a charming young man named G. Knapp, whose presence stirs feelings and complications in Dorothy's otherwise sensible life. The opening portion of the book introduces Dorothy and Tavia as they travel to New York City, discussing their plans and dealing with the hustle of the city life. Their excitement is met with a mix of humor and chaotic situations, including an encounter with G. Knapp, who assists them with their luggage. The girls’ contrasting personalities come to the forefront—Tavia is playful and flirtatious, while Dorothy is more composed and practical. As they navigate the city, Tavia loses her handbag, setting off a chain of events that leads to potential trouble, ultimately introducing elements of mystery and romance in their unexpected encounters with G. Knapp. This sets the stage for adventure and exploration of young love amidst the backdrop of an exciting urban landscape.
Francis Lynde
The Donovan chance
"The Donovan Chance" by Francis Lynde is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story unfolds around Larry Donovan, a young railroad worker who grapples with his ambitions and familial responsibilities in a dynamic setting filled with adventure and challenges in the railroading industry. The book primarily explores themes of opportunity and aspiration as Larry seeks to transcend his current role and provide a better future for his family. The opening of the novel introduces Larry Donovan as he finishes his shift at a locomotive roundhouse, reflecting on his dissatisfaction with his job and contemplating his aspirations. His conversation with his father illustrates the weight of familial expectations and the burden of responsibility on Larry's shoulders, especially as he ponders the future of his siblings. As the narrative progresses, an emergency arises when a runaway locomotive threatens a freight train, compelling Larry and his friend Dick Maxwell to act heroically. Their daring chase to stop the chaotic runaway sets the stage for Larry’s journey, highlighting his courage and initiating his quest for greater opportunities in the railroad business.
Amy Le Feuvre
Dwell Deep; or, Hilda Thorn's Life Story
"Dwell Deep; or, Hilda Thorn's Life Story" by Amy Le Feuvre is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story revolves around Hilda Thorn, a young girl navigating life after becoming an orphan at a tender age. As she enters a new home with her guardian, she grapples with her religious convictions amidst a lively, secular family and the societal pressures of her time. At the start of the narrative, Hilda reflects on her transition from the solemnity of her orphaned life to a vibrant, yet perplexing, new environment filled with lively relatives who prefer gaiety and social gatherings. Despite her longing for deeper meaning, Hilda's faith and sense of duty pull her toward a different path, challenging her to remain steadfast in her beliefs even as she faces mockery and resistance from those around her. This opening sets the stage for her internal struggles and the tensions between her heart's desires and her spiritual convictions, hinting at the growth and changes she will encounter throughout her life story.
Amy Le Feuvre
Odd made even
Odd made even by Amy Le Feuvre is a novel written in the late 19th century. It follows Betty Stuart, an impulsive, idealistic young woman restless with London society and longing for purpose, as she and her steadier sister Molly accompany their overworked mother to a country vicarage. In this reflective, faith-infused domestic tale, Betty’s quest to “make odd even” intertwines with a bitter, blind villager she longs to comfort and with Gerald Arundel, a principled landowner facing the loss of his ancestral home. The opening of the novel finds Betty bristling at shallow social calls and a persistent suitor, then whisked to the countryside when her mother’s health fails. In the village, Betty rekindles her childhood bond with the sculptor Mr. Russell, discovers solace at the church organ, and coaxes the embittered, blind Mat Lubbock to be her blower while quietly offering him hope. A chance encounter with a man in evident anguish later proves to be Gerald Arundel, whose gracious hospitality, love of books, and philanthropic bent impress Betty even as rumors—confirmed in his calm presence—surface that he must sell the Red Manor. Amid garden walks, organ-playing, and earnest conversations about charity and purpose, Betty is urged to fill her life with others’ needs, setting the story’s course of inner growth, compassion, and testing through altered circumstances.
Recently surfaced classics