On the Banks of Big Elk Creek: The Life of Martha Finley-Beloved Author of the Elsie Books

Reading the book On the Banks of Big Elk Creek: The Life of Martha Finley was a wonderful way get a glimpse of the godly woman behind the Elsie Book series. My children have enjoyed the Elsie Books and have added them to our list of favorite 19th century girls' books but have always wanted to know more about the author. This little book is the perfect companion to Finley's Elsie series. Big Elk Creek is like a living history lesson, when we see the ninteenth century through Finley's eyes, and it also helps us understand the very talented and devout lady of great character that she is. An added bonus is living only a short day's ride from Elkton, Philadelphia, and the New Jersey Shore described in the book that will offer opportunities to visit some of these favorite Elsie/Finley sights with my little children. Then her books will really come alive for them and I'm sure they will love them enough to share them with their children! I know the book is historical fiction, but there are enough facts there to tell us much about Finley: that she enjoyed wild financial success, even for a man in the 19th century - having made nearly a quarter million dollars in her day, that she was prolific at writing - more than 100 books, that she was both critically acclaimed and criticized - and read my more than a million readers, but mostly that she gave us a heroine for girls in Elsie like no other, before or since; the ideal little girl. I highly recommend this book to be read by mothers and little girls alike, as an inspirational life to be emulated today.

iT WAS A THRILL TO READ THIS BOOK. IT BROUGHT TO LIFE THOSE TIMES IN WHICH MARTHA FINLEY WAS RAISED. AND BEING FROM ELKTON, MARYLAND, IT WAS ESPECIALLY INTERESTING TO READ ABOUT MY HOMETOWN!!!