Not Under the Law by Grace Livingston Hill

“Desperate and on the run, Joyce’s only hope is a man who betrayed her.”

Another one of the many novels my grandparents sent from California in that lovely large box of Grace Livingston Hill books. My mother has been hounding me forever to read this book, and I am so happy I finally did.

This may be one of my favorite grace Livingston hill books I have read this far. It simply made me want to re-evaluate my life and living arrangements. It sent me dreaming of a tiny home life, how it would be to leave and disappear to another state and town-how my life could change just by one decision and making the choice to be true to myself.

This book had it all, love, trial, grave robbers (!!), and of course, like every Grace Livingston Hill book, God.

It was an absolute joy to read this book, it's truly a treasure, and especially so when I can talk about it with my Mom, Grandmother, and Aunt. I absolutely love that these novels have been passed down through generations.

I did not want this book to end!

But seriously...who saw the grave robbers coming!!

Cloudy Jewel by Grace Livingston Hill

A older woman who never had a family of her own cared for others her entire life, until two unexpected people came and cared for her.

Goodreads blurb;

“Gentle Julia Cloud has devoted her life to caring for others. After her invalids mother’s death, she is without financial means to live on her own. Having just rejected her cruel and selfish youngers sister’s offer to come live with her-she is forced to thinking of a bleak future. Then out of the blue her niece and nephew appear to proposition her into joining them in a new exciting adventure. Through her new adventures and experiences more love and happiness than she could ever imagine.”

This book was heartwarming and refreshing to read. It reminded me heavily of Aunt Cretes Emancipation but more fleshed out, kind of what would have happened if the book was longer. I truly enjoyed the love the niece and nephew showered on Cloudy Jewel but more so how they appreciated, loved, and truly listened to her opinions. If Julia’s opinion was set on something, the niece and nephew might not understand, but they love and respect her so much they will respect and never go against it. Even if they do go against it, soon enough they would be back home apologizing. It was an easy read and was heavy with christian/religious undertones as well as main topics. Definitely recommend reading and will read it again.

The Enchanted Barn by Grace Livingston Hill

 Shirley Hollister is the oldest sibling who is the caretaker and provider for her family and sick mother. With these responsibilities, she never became pessimistic but remained humble and loving. When the lease on their city home comes to an end- Shirley is forced into looking for other accommodations for her family. When she least expects it she finds a Barn 10 minutes out of town, that will fit her family perfectly. When locating the barn’s owner, she finds rich and loving Sidney Graham. Slowly he turns the barn into a real home, but without Shirley’s permission. When revealed- their true hearts are shown as well.

Growing up, my mother always told me of this book. So when I recieved the shipment of Grace Livingston Hill novels, I made sure to read it first. The description I gave makes it sound as if it is only a romance novel, but I assure you there is adventure and excitement in it as well. I honestly couldn’t put it down and read it in one day. I highly recommend it.

Miranda (Miranda #3) by Grace Livingston Hill

As the last novel in the Miranda trilogy, it truly wraps everything together. All characters from past books, except Phoebe Dean, return to close out the series.

Goodreads blurb;

“Five separate times Miranda Griscom has rejected a wealthy admirer’s proposal of marriage, content in her role as housekeeper and nanny for the Spaffords. The community thinks her daft to refuse such a man, but they don’t know that her heart belongs to the town’s black sheep--who when, accused of murder twelve years ago, she helped to escape. When she finds out where he has been living, she can only hope to get word to him and clear his name.”

*Warning- Spoilers*

This final story truly wraps the entire trilogy together- all the pieces finally coming together to complete the story and fulfill the life of sweet Miranda. This stories features the Spafford’s and Miranda as well as their relationship to the entire town. David owning the local town newspaper, his involvement in politics as well as new scientific inventions (such as the railroad!). The mischief Miranda involves herself into such as the “Hypnotism” and proving the innocence of her true love. She also revealed her true desire in life-to own the house across the street and to be in charge of her own household.

Through trials and chance encounters-the name of her true love, Allan, was cleared and able to return home from the Oregon wilderness. From the moment he came back into her life- their future together was sealed and Miranda lived happily ever after in her house across the street.

This book left me in tears. The pure innocence and and love of the book left me speechless. Truly Miranda got everything good she put towards the world right back for her own happy ending. I wish there was more Miranda in the books but I am thrilled at the ending.

Phoebe Deane (Miranda #2) by Grace Livingston Hill

Phoebe Deane is the second novel in the Miranda trilogy. It introduces new characters such as Phoebe Deane, but also has beloved ones from the first novel- Miranda and Marcia and David Spafford.

Goodreads blurb;

“Day after day Phoebe is subjected to living a servants life in her brother’s home, picked on by her hateful sister-in-law, and forced to endure matchmaking schemes influenced by greed. Could a chance encounter in the woods change the direction of her life?”

*Warning- Spoilers*

Grace Livingston-Hill is not only a Victorian styled writer but many of her stories have a Christian or religious base. If you have read any of her novels, there are several mentions of God and other religious or biblical references. Out of all three novels in the Miranda series, Phoebe Deane is the most religious. That was not an issue and it did not deter my interest in the novel, but it was a main focus. So if you are not one who enjoys religious books or ideas, maybe skip or skim those parts of the novel.

The character of Phoebe Deane is respectable and innocent- a bit naive and stand-offish which can come across annoying. It is more of a Cinderella story, being able to escape her intolerable sister-in-law and arranged marriage in order to marry the man of her dreams.

To me the most important part of the book was the true introduction of Miranda and her growth from the first novel. Unfortunately, she is only in about ⅓ of the novel, but it shows her nature, her intent, and undying love towards those she admired and “adopts” as her family/projects. In the little amount she appears she makes an impact and truly makes the novel worth reading.

I enjoyed this novel, it was not my favorite from the trilogy, but I would read it again.

Marcia Schuyler (Miranda #1) by Grace Livingston-Hill

Marcia Schuyler is the first novel in the Miranda Trilogy by Grace Livingston Hill. It definitely sets the tone for one of the most beloved series written by Livingston Hill. It starts the series and backstory for characters that occur throughout the trilogy.

Goodreads blurb;

“Two sisters are as different as night and day--and inexplicably linked by the man they both desire. Kate Schuyler lives only for what pleases her in the moment, while Marcia Schuyler sacrifices her youth to marry her older sister’s jilted fiance. Can Marcia endure living in borrowed clothes and a borrowed home with a borrowed husband?”

Reading Grace Livingston-Hill is new for me but certainly not new for my family. My grandparents, who live in California, sent over two boxes of her novels and works. If you’re a fan of Livingston-Hill you’ll understand how very many books that is. On Goodreads alone, it says she had 220 distinct works. Luckily, I’ve just received around 60 or 70 of her works-so get ready for a lot of Livingston-Hill book reviews.

*Warning-Spoilers*

My opinion of the first book would be that it was difficult- not in the sense that it was slow or not easy to get into. This novel was published in 1808, and it was more of the mindset that was difficult to get into. For instance, when Kate runs away and marries her Beau. The Schuyler's are devastated and betrayed, but what bothers them more than the family name being slandered, is that David will be wife-less and would be embarrassed returning home as a single man. Being a 24 year old woman, I would never think that if I decided to leave a fiance and elope with another man...that my father would insist my 17 year old sister marrying my abandoned fiance.

Once getting past the generation and era difference and simply realizing things were different in 1808-I truly enjoyed the book. It is a romance novel, the entire trilogy is, and it is beautifully done. It is shown when Marcia holds her vows and respects them, even though they are made to a man who should not have been her husband. How she truly falls in love with David and they spend the remainder of their years together. Marcia truly is a feminist of her time. I do have to say, the characters did not seem real or “fleshed out” at some parts, but it truly is worth reading and finishing the trilogy. The best part of the novel for me was the introduction of Miranda (it is called the Miranda trilogies for a reason!) and her cheeky personality.