Because of Stephen

This is one of Ms Hill's earliest works-1903. It has some similarites to A Voice in the Wilderness which is also very good. Though this one really has less drama, fewer characters I think in a lot of ways I liked it better. It is the story of two men who have gone out West (running away from life's disappointments with bitter hearts). One of the men's half sister shows up on the very day her letter announces her intention, they are shocked but also pleased. She makes a huge difference in their barren lives. She also sees her brother as someone noble that he is not and his partner as the real problem. As usual in her best books she reveals Margaret's desire to be used of God , her sensitivity to the Holy Spirit and challenges us in the process. It is simple but satisfying!

Without much warning at all Margaret Halstead arrives at her brother Stephen's ranch with plans to care for him and share her faith in Christ. But it doesn't take long for it to become plain that her mission will include some unexpectedly wild companions-including the disturblingly dictatorial Philip Earle. With awe-inspiring speed, Margaret brought grace and elegance to her brother's crude cabin earning his immediate approval. However, it was a different story when it came to his carousing lifestyle . This book has a wonderfully beautiful ending that brought tears to my eyes and earned this book a permanent spot on my keeper shelf.