Happiness Hill

This was my favorite book through my teen years. I know, it's outdated and a little corny, but when you consider it was written in the 30's, you have to give Grace Livingston Hill credit. I was exposed to modern Christian romance novels as a teen, but I always came back to this one as my favorite because it was so well written and I loved the plot. I give Grace Livingston Hill all the credit for my love of English and History, and she probably deserves some credit for my happy marriage as well - because she instilled (deep in my subconscious mind) the importance of family and friendship, and not just romance. My husband bought me this book for my birthday a couple of weeks ago, and it's been so fun to read through it again!

Captivating story about a young woman who discovers that it is possible to be self-centered without realizing it. While she's spending her hard-earned money for a vacation at a popular resort, her family's needs suddenly come to her attention through a series of minor tragedies. But maybe there are rewards for those who seek to do what is right - like meeting Mr. Right, a chance to earn extra money, and relief for the suffering family. A vacation-centered story. I love this book - a great Christian romance novel. All of Grace Livingston Hill's books are pertinent to the present, not just the past. She seems to have had a real God-given talent for writing.

Having read this book at least 25 times, I'm well qualified to review it! Our heroine quickly discovers that it is much more satisfying to help her suffering family (they lost their money, parents are in poor health, younger siblings need her to caretake) than to pursue the elevated social life into which she has been invited, thanks to a wealthy college friend. Enter our struggling hero, who as good as becomes one of the family. The hero and family members are appealing, and one wants to see them succeed. The heroine is beautiful, tired, and works all the time at home and the office--not much warmth or dimension. It's rather exhausting to read about her. A persistent, wealthy suiter, who provides some lightness in her life, leaves the heroine on the fence for awhile. One part of the plot is somewhat racy for GLH and the time in which it was written. Both main characters come to know God in the course of the story. So, this is a good family story, with romance, humor, suspense, spiritual content, and a plot twist. In the end, the moral is that by giving up selfish pursuits in place of duty, one in fact gains everything. It's also a love story that takes its time, with the hero and heroine getting to know each other as good friends long before there is any romance between them.

This is a wonderful book that touched my heart. It is not only tells of the love of two people, but also of the love God has for us.