Showing results by author "Pansy" in All Categories

Join four spirited friends—spoiled yet charming Ruth, playful and mischievous Eurie, the independent and brainy Marion, and the shy, approval-seeking Flossy—as they embark on an unforgettable adventure at Chautauqua. Authored by Isabella M. Alden under the pen name Pansy, this captivating tale is the first in the Chautauqua Girls series. Set against the backdrop of a vibrant adult education movement that flourished in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, their lives are forever transformed through culture, entertainment, and the bonds of friendship. (Summary by TriciaG and Wikipedia)

In the Wilbur home, six o'clock on Saturday evening was the children's hour with Grandma. . . . During the season of which I am going to tell you, she and they had planned that the story was always to be about a certain verse in the Bible. . . . I cannot copy all the stories for you; but it has occurred to me that there is no good reason why, once a month, you should not join the Wilbur circle and hear for yourselves. So, without more ceremony, consider yourselves invited. - Summary from the text

Esther Ried Randall tries to live up to her parents' expectations and the name she's been given, but her religion is a chore. Will she learn the lesson of faith that Ester did? Fifth and final book in the Ester Ried series. Authored by Isabella M. Alden under the pen name “Pansy.” (Summary written by Tricia G)

In Ester Rieds Namesake, Esther Ried Randall grapples with the weight of her name and her parents’ lofty expectations. As she navigates the challenges of faith that often feel burdensome, can she uncover the true essence of belief that her namesake, Ester, discovered? Join Esther on her transformative journey in the fifth and final installment of the Ester Ried series, penned by Isabella M. Alden under the charming pseudonym “Pansy.” (Summary written by Tricia G)

Aunt Hannah always dreamed of her nephew John marrying a local girl and taking over the family farm. However, John had other ambitions—first pursuing a college education and then entering seminary. Now, as he embarks on his first pastorate, it’s clear that his wife, Mattie, struggles with the responsibilities of a pastors wife and the demands of rural life. If only he had heeded Aunt Hannahs wishes! (Summary by MaryAnn)

Maynie Thorne has become a Christian, and she's joined the church. But somehow, despite her good intentions, she struggles to think and act like a Christian around her friends and family. I think many of us can relate. (Summary by TriciaG)

Sixty-two short pieces, many/most of them originally published in The Pansy, a magazine for children. The topics are many and varied, but mostly involve children and teach a moral lesson. (Summary by TriciaG) PARENTAL WARNING: A couple stories, such as "Gertie's Sober Talk" and "Old Jack", are about animals that die or are put down, and who don't have souls.

A collection of short stories for children, published in 1888. Some are "made up" stories and some are real-life accounts, all with the purpose of teaching -- a moral lesson, a Christian concept, or a bit of science or history. Presumably these were originally published in The Pansy, a magazine for children. --Summary by TriciaG Tune in section 2 by James McGranahan, 1877. Tune in section 32 by Philip P. Bliss, 1871.

This is a collection of 40 short (some VERY short) stories from Christian author Pansy. They seem to have been taken from her magazine for children, The Pansy (1873–1896). Some are pure fiction; some are historical fiction, and some are true accounts of historical events. (Summary by TriciaG)

Are you tired of being emotionally stable? Do you wish you could turn every minor interaction into a full-blown existential crisis? Look no further than Maybe I'm the Problem? – the ultimate guide to professional self-gaslighting and strategic overthinking. From the brilliantly neurotic mind of Dicholas Chad Pansy comes a self-help book that will definitely not help you at all. Inside, you’ll learn essential skills like: Turning a simple "Hey" text into a three-day analysis of your entire life. Convincing yourself that your perfectly fine presentation was actually a career-ending disaster.

Overtired, overworked, and increasingly irritable, Ester Ried has been relying solely on her own dwindling strength, hoping desperately for a day that might bring change. Inadvertently neglecting her walk with God, she finds herself not only unhappy, but also to be spreading that unhappiness to those around her. Upon receiving a letter from her wealthy cousin inviting her to visit, Ester is finally able to experience change in her life. This begins a course that alters more than she ever dreamed.

Rebecca Harlowe is a young woman who strives to apply Christ's instructions in the Bible to her daily life and relationships. In this book we witness some of her successes and failures and the effect of her example on those around her. (Summary by BookAngel7)

Stephen Mitchell is a young man without a place in the world. He hates farming, although he works endless hours on the poor family farm. He isn't qualified for many jobs in town since he's had very little formal schooling. And he is a loner because he’s too self-conscious and awkward to speak to other boys his age, let alone a young lady. But Providence puts Stephen in the middle of a lecture at the Chautauqua camp meeting. For the first time in his life, Stephen is inspired to take one small step toward improving himself. And that single small step soon begets another. - Summary by TriciaG

Eighteen year old Chrissy Hollister attends a Christian Endeavor Society meeting while away for the summer, and it changes her whole outlook on Christian service. She decides to begin a chapter at home. But she finds that the scheme is more difficult to bring about than she had expected. - Summary by TriciaG

Seventh book in the Chautauqua Girls series. Written by Isabella Alden under the pseudonym “Pansy.” Erskine, Ruth's son (a 5-year-old at the end of Judge Burnham’s Daughters) is now a grown man, and Ruth is 50-something. He brings home an American wife from Paris, a woman who seems to want to tear apart mother and son. But Irene has some big secrets to hide. (Summary by TriciaG) Previous book in series: Workers Together, or, An Endless Chain Next book in series: Four Mothers at Chautauqua

Short stories and sketches all relating in some way to temperance and advocating for prohibition. Each story looks at a different facet of the issue. It is presumably children's literature, but most of it would not be understood by the younger set. I recommend pre-teens and older for these stories. - Summary by TriciaG

Two stories about young people. "Gertrude's Diary" is written by a young girl. She and her three friends have given to them Bible verses each month, and they journal about how well their lives measure up to the verses. In "The Cube", a society is formed of 27 cousins and friends, who perform plays for each other to guess what event in history the scenes are portraying. - Summary by TriciaG

Third book in the Chautauqua Girls series. Written by Isabella Alden under the pseudonym Pansy.Ruth's father brings home a wife and daughter, after 18 years, that Ruth had never known about. Suddenly she is no longer the queen of her home. And what's worse, the new mother and sister are rude and antagonistic. How will Ruth bear this cross? (Summary by Tricia G) Previous book in series: The Chautauqua Girls at Home Next book in series: Ester Ried Yet Speaking

A tale of human choices and lost opportunities, and how one's choices affect so many other lives, for good or ill. A borrowed watch. A selfish younger brother. An engagement and flirtation. A trip to the city to replace the watch turns David Ransom's life in a whole new direction. - Summary by TriciaG

Now that the railroad has come through, Christie Tucker's parents have decided to save enough for her to go to her well-to-do Uncle Daniel for a one-day visit, on Christmas, which is also Christie's birthday. It's her first trip away from home -- and on the cars! Of course, the trip doesn't turn out exactly as expected. That one day, and how Christie lived it, has consequences that keep coming! Addressed by the author to girls, it is still a pleasant story for adults, too. (Summary by TriciaG)