Grace Livingston Hill’s three novels about nineteenth-century small-town America remain relevant a century after they were first published. The timeless themes include the powerful influence of gossip, the importance of faith, and the precious gift of true friendship.

Marcia SchuylerWhen Kate Schuyler abandons her groom on her wedding morning, her father offers her younger sister Marcia as a substitute to avoid scandal. Marcia is infatuated with her new husband and hopes to mend his broken heart. Meanwhile, the new bride must adjust to unfamiliar surroundings, some nasty in-laws, and the town lothario—with the help of the irascible girl next door, Miranda Griscom.

Phoebe DeanePhoebe’s ineffectual brother is kind enough but his wife regards her as an unpaid servant. Still, the mere presence of the lovely girl vexes the woman and she conspires with a slovenly widower who wants to marry Phoebe to provide a mother for his large brood. The man disgusts her and he threatens to ruin her reputation if she won’t accept him. Will her wily friend Miranda be able to rescue her from his clutches?

MirandaStrong-willed Miranda is content working as a live-in housekeeper for her friend Marcia’s family. She prides herself on being “a free and independent woman who can earn my own living'. With her freckles and red hair (and the town’s prejudice because of her wayward father’s exploits), Miranda never expects to find true love. When it comes, it leads to adventure for this courageous, indomitable girl.