Showing results by author "Gene Stratton-Porter" in All Categories

Elnora Comstock lives with her widowed mother at the edge of Limberlost Swamp. Her mother is harsh and critical of her daughter, but Elnora is a loving girl who befriends all creatures. She is especially drawn to the beautiful moths that flutter through the trees in Limberlost. Although Elnora longs to go to high school, she has no money to pay for tuition and books. When her cruel mother refuses to help, all seems lost, until Elnora learns she can sell the rare insects she collects. Still, her journey through high school and college will be full of challenges - and surprises.

In a desperate bid for freedom from a tuberculosis sanatorium, a young soldier escapes to a breathtaking bee garden by the sea. Here, among the buzzing hives and an eclectic mix of companions, he embarks on a transformative journey, learning about love, life, and the art of beekeeping, despite his initial ignorance. (summary by Czandra)

Freckles, a plucky young man, lands a job as a watchman for a lumber company that logs timber in a mysterious forest swamp called the Limberlost.

Jamie MacFarlane has returned a hero from the Great War but with a stubborn chest wound. The government has sent him to their new thermal springs hospital in California “where it was hoped that the brilliant sunshine, the fruits, and the clean air, the eternal summer of a beneficent land” would heal him. But nothing has worked and with his parents now deceased and no one to care for him, it seems the next step is a camp rife with tuberculosis. Realizing this, Jamie begins his Great Adventure on foot toward the ocean.

Michael “Mickey” O’Halloran is no stranger to hardship. As an orphaned newsboy in the early 1900s, every day brings struggle. However, his kindness, faith, love, and optimism define his character and shine so brightly that he leaves an incredible impact on those around him. After taking in a crippled girl in need, Mickey works even harder to prepare a home, provide for their needs, and to bring joy and hope to their dark times.

This is a captivating, good-humored look at family life in a small farming community in Indiana in the early 1900s.

This is the sequel to Freckles - the moving story of a young girl whose kindness and wholesome philosophy brightens the lives of everyone she meets.

This is the charming story of David Langston, a young man in search of the woman of his dreams. She came to him in a vision and he knows he must find her.

Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of A Girl of the Limberlost, a captivating novel by American writer and naturalist Gene Stratton-Porter, first published in August 1909. Set against the backdrop of the Limberlost Swamp in Indiana during the early 20th century, this story weaves a rich tapestry of nature, adventure, and the struggles of a young girl seeking her place in a rapidly changing world. (Summary from Wikipedia)

In this heartfelt memoir inspired by the authors own life, we follow the journey of the little sister, the youngest of eleven siblings who feels unwanted at first. Her closest bond is with her beloved brother, Laddie, who becomes her anchor in a world where she often feels isolated. As she navigates the challenges of loneliness and the struggle to focus on her studies, she finds solace in the beauty of nature. With a mix of humor and poignancy, little sister shares her unforgettable story of love, loss, and resilience. (Summary by Stav Nisser)

In Daughter of the Land, we follow the journey of Kate Bates, one of sixteen siblings, as she seeks the freedom and life that has long been out of reach. With dreams of a loving husband, a family, and a thriving farm, Kate’s pursuit of independence sets off a chain of events that ripple through her world. This poignant tale explores the themes of love and forgiveness amidst the backdrop of brokenness, revealing how faith can illuminate even the darkest valleys. Join Kate as she discovers that through God’s grace, all things can indeed work together for good. - Summary by Patience Charles

Scotch-Irish immigrants Jimmy Malone and Dannie MacNous are partners in an earlier Indiana trapping and fishing enterprise; a picture of life and relationships in conflict, with each partner in love with the same woman.

Amaryllis, a five-year-old child who has been abandoned by her wealthy parents to the care of paid staff, runs away. Her plan is to find a home where someone will love her. She meets a lonely older boy who teaches her games, plays his violin for her, and introduces her to the glorious wonders of his garden. His sympathy and kindness bring comfort to her hungry heart. Their idyllic two days end when Amaryllis is discovered but she never forgets the boy. This is a sentimental tale of growing up, and of love lost and found again.

Immerse yourself in the enchanting Limberlost swamp of Indiana as you follow Elnora Comstock on her poignant journey. Battling against hardships and striving for an education, Elnora yearns for the maternal love that has long eluded her. Join her as she navigates lifes challenges and celebrates her triumphs. - Summary by Patience Charles

Freckles and A Girl of the Limberlost are two of Gene Stratton Porter's most famous novels. Set primarily in the Limberlost Swamp of Indiana, USA, Freckles follows the story of Freckles, a lame orphan whose innate character rises above his circumstances. A Girl of the Limberlost is the story of Elnora, blamed for her father's death by her mother, who nevertheless meets every challenge that comes her way with admirable resilience.

Adam Bates, the Land King of Hartley, Indiana, rules his 16 children with a firm hand and a tight purse. All work tirelessly on the family farm until the sons, at 21, are given 200 acres of land with a house and barn (they pay the taxes while their father holds the deeds). The daughters, at 18, get a term at Normal School to train as schoolteachers, a position they hold until they marry. Kate, the youngest, has always bristled at her father's preference for his sons but eagerly awaits her chance for further education. Her father has other plans.

This novel, set in 1920s California, tells the tale of Linda Strong who shares her father’s love for the beauty of nature in California. When her parents suddenly pass away, she is left with her sister Eileen, a huge house, and much wealth. Eileen goes on a spending spree, dissipating the inheritance at an alarming pace. When Linda eventually finds out, she meets with their banker and finds a way to earn money in a manner that she enjoys. The narrative includes romance, murder, and delightful descriptions of the state’s fauna and flora.

First published in 1909, A Girl of the Limberlost is a novel by American writer and naturalist Gene Stratton-Porter. This classic of Indiana literature is a sequel to Stratton-Porter's earlier novel Freckles. Wholesome, sensible, and beautiful, the heroine, Elnora, is also compassionate, self-reliant, and intelligent. Neglected by her mother, Elnora reaches through this hardship toward education, friendship, and love. There are no shortcuts and her hard work brings joy to herself and all those she loves.

Dive into a poignant tale of love, betrayal, and friendship in At the Foot of the Rainbow. Follow the lives of three intertwined souls Jimmy, a selfish and deceitful man who has manipulated his loyal friend Dannie for far too long; Mary, Jimmys wife, who harbors feelings for another; and Dannie, the ever-patient and compassionate friend who would do anything for them both. As secrets unravel, emotions run high, leading to moments that will make you smile, cry, and even laugh. This heartwarming story is a captivating exploration of relationships and the complexities of human connection—don’...

A Girl of the Limberlost, a novel by the writer and naturalist Gene Stratton-Porter, was published in 1909 as the sequel to her earlier novel Freckles. The tale unfolds in and around the Limberlost Swamp of north-eastern Indiana and in the nearby town of Onabasha. The main character, Elnora Comstock, lives with her widowed mother, Katharine Comstock, on the edge of the wetlands. The embittered Katharine blames her daughter for the death of her husband, who was swallowed by quicksand.