Violet and Lulu were still alone upon the veranda where the captain had left them while he drove into the village on that first evening after their home-coming from beautiful Viamede. They had now taken possession of two easy-chairs standing close together, and were enjoying the quiet and an extended view of the well-kept grounds and the green fields and wooded hills that lay beyond. For some moments neither had spoken; then Violet broke the silence. "Lulu, I have been thinking of that poor Mrs. McAlpine and her daughter whom you met when your father took you and Max out to the far West. Tell me something about them if you feel inclined." "Yes, Mamma Vi; they were refined, lovable people and I like to think and talk of them; except that it makes me sad to think what a hard, trying life they led and are yet leading, I suppose."

The Elsie Dinsmore Novels, Martha Finley, in our opinion is the author of the best Series of novels that we have seen in our forty-three years of reviewing. Written by Martha Finley, an unmarried teacher of the last century, these novels proved to be a means of conveying her deep love for Christ Jesus. She loved her Lord, she loved His Word, and this love was passed on to His sheep through the writing of by far the best and most Biblical novels you will ever read or see. Altogether there are 28 of these novels, all built around Elsie Dinsmore, her immediate family, her extended family, and her neighbors.

"When Elsie's daughter, young Elsie, hears that her beloved Lester has contracted typhoid fever overseas, she and her brother Edward embark for Italy to nurse him back to health. As Lester slowly recovers, the two are married with only Edward and a few friends in attendance. On the return trip to America, Edward is reacquainted with the Loves, a father and daughter who had been vacationing in Italy. Edward and Zoe, the daughter, fall in love and marry. Meanwhile, at home, Captain Raymond, a widower, courts and wins the love of Elsie's daughter Violet. Elsie, her children, and their families spend a happy summer at the shore. When the time comes for the captain to return to sea, Violet and his children are left in the care of "Grandma" Elsie and her father"--Amazon

It is 1901 when Elsie and her family travel to California. During this time President McKinley is assassinated, the children learn stories about Revolutionary officers, a new baby joins the family, and they return home.