Dennis Fleet is a hard-working and pious young Christian man who's come to the big city of Chicago in order to earn money for his poor family. As he braves his first icy winter, he quickly moves up the rungs of business until he finds himself working for the prosperous art dealer Mr. Ludolph. Ludolph's beautiful daughter Christine quickly catches Dennis's eye-but much to his chagrin, she's a non-believer.Roe, a Presbyterian minister from New York, was inspired to write Barriers...

First serialized in the popular children's magazine St. Nicholas, Driven Back to Eden is a classic of the 19th-century "back-to-the-land" genre. In the preface, author Edward Payson Roe explains that he intended to write a realistic story that could serve as a practical and encouraging guide for families wishing to escape urban tenements for a healthier, more wholesome life in the country.For Robert Durham, a bookkeeper earning a modest salary, life in his crowded...

The story follows the life of the protagonist, Neal Thornton, who begins as a carefree, humorous young man but gradually matures and becomes more earnest and responsible as the novel progresses. The title "From Jest to Earnest" alludes to this transformation. The novel explores themes of personal growth, responsibility, and the challenges and moral dilemmas faced by the characters as they navigate the complexities of life and society.Edward Payson Roe's works often addressed social and mor...

The story revolves around the life of the protagonist, George Gaston, who is an ambitious and talented young artist. George is deeply in love with Mary Johnson, but he faces several challenges in his pursuit of a successful career and a future with Mary. One of his main rivals for Mary's affections is Edward Kemble, who is handsome and wealthy, providing a stark contrast to George's modest circumstances.The novel explores the romantic and professional rivalries between George and Edward, a...

The novel explores the lives and experiences of its central characters, Major and Edithie Waldron, who live in a rural setting. The narrative delves into their personal and family relationships, their social interactions, and the challenges they face in their daily lives. The title "Opening a Chestnut Burr" is a metaphor for discovering the hidden and unexpected aspects of life and human nature.Edward Payson Roe was a 19th-century American author known for his novels that often featured th...

The story in "A Day of Fate" is set against the backdrop of the American Civil War. It follows the lives of several characters whose paths intersect on a fateful day, each dealing with their own personal struggles, loyalties, and decisions during a time of great national conflict. The novel explores themes of duty, sacrifice, and the impact of war on individuals and their communities.Edward Payson Roe was known for his novels that often addressed social and moral issues of his time. "A Day...

The story is set in the Adirondack Mountains of upstate New York and revolves around the experiences of the main character, Phil and his family. Phil is a young, ambitious farmer who, after the death of his father, takes on the responsibility of managing the family farm and providing for his mother and siblings. The novel follows Phil's struggles to improve the farm and provide for his family in the midst of adversity.The title, "Driven Back to Eden," suggests the novel's theme of returnin...

In "A Young Girl's Wooing," the narrative likely explores the romantic relationships of young characters, possibly dealing with themes of courtship, love, and societal expectations prevalent in the late 19th century. Roe's novels typically contained moral lessons and reflected the cultural norms of the time.If you have specific questions or if there's a particular aspect of the novel you'd like to know more about, feel free to ask!

The story is set in the 19th century and centers around the character Richard Lounsbury, a young man who is idealistic and motivated by a strong sense of duty and honor. The narrative explores his life, experiences, and relationships as he tries to live according to his principles in the rapidly changing society of the 19th century.Edward Payson Roe's works often focus on themes of morality, virtue, and the challenges faced by individuals in a changing world. "A Knight of the Nineteenth Ce...

In "A Face Illumined," the story follows the life of the protagonist, Robert Ellice, a young man who is a talented artist. Robert's life takes a turn when he meets and falls in love with a beautiful but blind woman named Mildred Kent. Their love story forms the central focus of the novel.The title, "A Face Illumined," suggests the theme of inner beauty and the idea that true beauty comes from within. It also reflects the idea of illumination or enlightenment, as the characters undergo pers...

The story revolves around the character of Ruth Bolles, a young woman who is struggling to find her place in the world. Ruth faces various challenges, including questions of her independence and how to make a meaningful impact on society. The novel explores themes of gender roles, women's rights, and personal development in a changing society.Edward Payson Roe's works often addressed social and moral issues of his time, and "What Can She Do?" is no exception. It reflects the changing roles...

The novel follows the lives and experiences of its central characters, including John Harrington, a young man who becomes involved in social reform efforts to address the problems of poverty and inequality. The narrative delves into the complexities of social issues and the characters' moral and spiritual growth.Edward Payson Roe was known for his novels that often featured themes related to religious and moral values. "Barriers Burned Away" is an example of his storytelling style, which c...