The Enchanted Barn Paperback – 1900

This is the first book I've read by this author, but it won't be my last. Grace Livingston Hill is from a different era, writing in a flowing prose style that is somewhat unusual in this day and age, but is most enchanting. The story comes from a bye-gone era of honor, courage, humility, faithfulness, morality.....all of the finest qualities of mankind that are so often ignored in today's storytelling. I felt myself wishing for a return to those days that seem long-gone. It's a sweet story of the deepest love and utmost concern for family by a young woman who has had all of the responsibility for them thrust upon her unexpectedly. The author weaves a somewhat magical tale that transports the reader to a gentler, kinder time of honorable love and commitment. It is a delightful story and I'm glad I discovered this author.

After reading a number of Victorian classics in a row, this made a nice simple and even sweet read. It was a nice change of pace. I liked the premise of the story and the young heroine was very likable. There are a couple of times in the book where it actually gets exciting. It would really appeal to a woman more than a man, I think, because of the romantic aspect of the story. It almost went over the line for me with the increasing religious aspect of the story, especially toward the last third of the book. That would be my only criticism. I could have totally done without that. It was evident that our young heroine and her family were good people with high moral standards. I thought I had read that this author is known for adding that religious aspect to her books, so I was prepared. But, if this is a turn off for you, don't bother with this book.

I was so disappointed in this "book" if one can call it that :( This is merely a printed copy in book format, no content, copyright info, nothing . . . I did notice there were some pictures within the context, however, I have returned this book for credit. I ordered two Grace Livingston Hill books and both were like this, one didn't even have page numbers. I am a collector of her books so neither book was something I would add to my over 100 plus book collection. Check other sources for copyright books, they are available!

Reading a Grace Livingston Hill book is one of the most relaxing things anyone can do. I agree that this isn't the copywrighted version but it was free so I took a chance and the formatting didn't bother me I was so involved in the story.Shirley Hollister has only a few weeks to find a new home for her family, her mother is ill and cannot help her and she and her brother bear the main financial burden for her mother, 2 sisters and younger brother. Money is very scarce and they can only afford $15.00 per month in rent. On an unexpected afternoon off she takes a trolley to look for a new home and overhears a conversation about a barn that they pass. It's stone, and looks very stable and Shirley immediately wonders if she could rent it for the summer, so they could save money and give her mother the fresh air she needs so much to hasten her healing. Making a quick tour of the old building, Shirley's hopes are high that they could make the move work for a few months.After meeting with the owners son, Sidney Graham, Shirley waits to hear if she can rent the barn and is elated to find that Mr. Graham has become the owner and he is willing to rent it and insists on some modifications to make it more livable.This is a classic romance with a modest hard working young Christian woman who is making the best of a life she never expected to live. You will enjoy this story and you will imagine how a barn can become a home for a family who needs so much.

I read this book a few years ago. And it stayed with me as one of my favorites. Came across it the other day and decided to reread it. It was even better than the first time I read it. A strong young woman with a lot of responsibility on her shoulders, trusting that God would see her and her family through hardship, and miracle after miracle showed that God's plan was better than she ever dreamed. In taking a chance to ask for the impossible, she met young Sydney Graham, and from that point, even facing danger, life took her into unexpected adventure, and to the true love of her heart. I highly recommend this book. Thank you.

Things had been hard for Shirley's family after her father died and her mother became sick. Shirley had a job as a stenographer, but the entry level pay was low. Her brother had to drop out of school and work at a grocery store. Her sister, Carol, took care of the household chores after school, and sometimes she had to stay home and look after their four-year-old sister, when their mom took a spell for the worse. To make the problems worse, their house was being torn down to make way for a new building, and Shirley could not find another suitable place for such a low rent. One day, she noticed a pretty, old, rock barn and had the idea perhaps they could rent it for a low rate. When she went to see the owner, she met Mr. Sidney Graham, who said he would check out the matter and get back to her. This begins a chain of improvements on the barn and their moving out to it for the summer. Sidney brings his sister, Elizabeth, to see them, and she's Carol's age. Soon the families are visiting back and forth. Shirley's quick wits helps solve two business dilemmas, and Sidney's attraction to her grows. Shirley, however, doesn't think her lower social class will ever be appropriate for him, since he often makes the society page.This is a sweet story of two remarkable families and how their lives become connected. Too much of the story is told rather than shown, and there is a lot of description, but the story is still interesting. There were a few minor mistakes. "Kelp" for "help" and "toe" for "to" were probably scanning problems. It also read, "The doctor was deeply interest in the barn." I doubted if a wealthy businessman would just happen to have a flashlight in his pocket. It seemed a little strange that a four-year-old girl would always sleep in a crib. At one point, it says George smiled a welcome to Elizabeth, but a little later they had to swing by and pick George up from his work. And, I smiled at the thirty-bedroom cottage. Yet, I did like the novel.