The Gold Shoe

The first thing you need to remember with anything written by Grace Livingston Hill is that these books were mostly written in the early half of the 1900's and times were different then. Women wearing makeup or polished nails was frowned on except in society and nice Christian women did not drink, smoke, dance, cut their hair, or wear revealing clothing. So it's not going to be like books written today. If you like other GLH books, you'll probably like this one. What I love about this particular book is that GLH turned it around. She almost always has some non-Christian, very unlikeable person that you just can't stand, but this time, it's a little different. The McDonald's, Thurley and his mother Marget, live in an unpretentious little house near a train station. Thurley, who is a minister finds a young woman at the station (which is closed) during a snow storm and brings her home to get her out of the snowstorm. She is everything they consider improper: she was on her way to a dance, she smokes, drinks, has on a flimsy, somewhat revealing dress and high heel shoes, and knows nothing about the Bible or God. But they both like her very much and she fits into their household, during the storm, as though she belongs. Then after Tasha leaves, Hespa comes to watch over Marget while Thurley is gone. Hespa is supposedly a Christian, is planning a life of service to others and doesn't smoke, drink, dance or wear revealing clothes. And they just can't stand her. This book entertains while showing some basic things about human nature, and you even begin (almost) to like Hespa a little... maybe.

I'm sure Mrs. Hill's work inspired many other writers of inspirational fiction. This novel, as it brings together two lovers from worlds apart, is in the same class with "The Christmas Bride" and "The Strange Proposal." A great introduction to this author's many works.

Set on roaring 20s! Rich girl realizes simple things ,faith, and love are more important than just a good time . Flapper story! I love to read how what was abhorrent then is accepted now. Some of that is sad. Some just a bit funny. Lipstick , nail polish etc .. but values don't change . Or shouldn't .

Grace Livingston Hill is my all-time favorite author. This book is about Anastasia Endicott who is stranded on a cold winter night and a local train depot. In walks in Thurly McDonald to the rescue. Speaking of rescue, Tasha (as she is called) looses one of her gold dancing shoes. This causes Mother McDonald some concern since Tasha is a "worldly" girl and Thurly is a preacher. During the story, you will have to see the struggles that Tasha and Thurly have to deal with regarding their own separate issues. Good book.

Characters were vivid. Mother wins an award for best supporting actress. Loved the scenes, the characters, the Cinderella storyline, right to the finish. Good read. If you're a fan, you'll love it. If you haven't read her before, it's a grand introduction. Enjoy!

Grace Litvingston Hill is one of my favorite authors and this book was so cute. This was her Cinderella story, and a very nice retelling it was.As always, Hill is not ashamed of her faith or standards. Some people might not like how she paints right and wrong as black and white, but I love it. Her books always inspire me to draw closer to God.

This story has it ALL! The wealthy debutant, as heroine and the handsome football hero turned preacher for the hero! The hero's mother adds a delightful 3rd main character to the story. You'll want to read this one from beginning to end without stopping!!!!!!!!

I enjoyed this book very much. A socialite is rescued from a snow storm by a young minister and left with his mother. She is worldly but charming and sweet and both Mother and son are taken with her. The problem for the Mother is that she sees Tasha for the potential harm she could be to her son, but she genuinely likes her. Another young woman then appears on the homefront, one who MIGHT be perfect for her son but who in reality makes her(the Mother) absolutely crazy. The story is rich and original with lots of lessons painlessly woven. This story beautifully shows Ms Hill's skill as a writer.

Another fantastic story written by one of my favourite authors. Thank you for allowing me to experience a small get-away with amazing readings.