I’ve been asked who my favorite author is so many times, that I decided it was time I did a post about her. My family first discovered “Pansy” when I was about 13 years old. The first books I read were “Ester Ried’s Awakening” and “New Graft on the Family Tree.” Since that time I’ve read almost 90 books or stories written by this author and there have only been a few (less than five) that I don’t care for as much. I know her stories have had a great influence on my writing and on my life. But let me introduce you to “Pansy.”
Pansy’sfirst book, “Helen Lester” almost wasn’t published. She had written the
story for a contest but refused to send it in. The contest was for the
best story showing a child the way to Christ. When Isabella’s friend
discovered the story hadn’t been sent, she sent it in herself though
Isabella had told her to throw it in the fire. I’m so glad she didn’t! If you go here, you can read the book for FREE!
Married
to a minister, Pansy was an active part of the lives of the
congregation and most of her stories are based on real people, real
events and real experiences that she came across. Perhaps that is why
the characters in her books are so real and the struggles they face
speak to the hearts of readers still.
Those these books all have wonderful principles from the Bible and the characters often have discussions about what is right and what is not, it is all told in an interesting way. She never preaches at the reader.
It’s impossible to pick just one or even two favorites from the pen of Isabella Alden. When we first started reading these books, they were all out of print except 5. Since then, several places have started to republish the stories. Since Pansy wrote nearly 200 books during her lifetime, not all have been reprinted or republished. You can find many of them available in kindle format here. Or you can search her entire list of books here and see what you can find used. I have over 70 titles in hardcover, paperback, new, used, and printed from the computer on my bookshelf. And, when I discover one I haven’t read before, I’m delighted. You can also listen to over 25 stories for free from Librivox. These include all the Ester Ried series, all the Chautauqua series, individual stories like “Mag and Margaret,” “Little Fishers and Their Nets,” “The Browns at Mt. Hermon” and others.
If I had the time, I could tell you about individual titles, what stories are part of a series, which book in the series comes first, are there any books that boys would like, which stories are good for younger readers, and so much more. If you want any of those questions answered, just let me know in a comment.
Who is your favorite author? How has that person influenced you? Have you ever read any books by Pansy? If so, what is your favorite book?
I discovered Pansy's books about three years ago. "Ester Reid" was a school requirement, Mom and I read it together, and we loved it! 🙂 Since then I've read "Helen Lester". We have a really old copy that's about to fall apart. <3 I love old books! I hope to read more by her. 🙂
Thanks for sharing about your favorite author, Miss Morris!
You're welcome, Faith. I would highly recommend reading more Pansy books. Or listening to them. If you want a list of some top ones, let me know. 🙂
I would love a list of your top favorites. 🙂