Five Fall Favorites: Vintage
Hello, everyone! And welcome to the beginning of the Five Fall Favorites blog party! Every day this week (Monday to Saturday) we’ll be posting our top five books in a different category. Each of the participating blogs will be welcoming you to a different “party room” each day at the Literary Lodge—which means that at Sheep Among Wolves we’re starting out in the barns!
A big red barn might not be the first place you’d look for vintage books, but it’s amazing what you can find tucked away in a corner. Is that an old trunk, with some musty books hidden inside? Let’s grab a few, head up to the loft, and curl up in a nest of fragrant hay, to see what they’re all about.
Clean Your Boots, Sir?
SAW Rating—65/100
Robert Rightheart spends his days blacking boots beneath the shadow of the Royal Exchange—trying to scrape together enough money to support his bedridden father and two small brothers. When a chance customer accidently overpays him for his work, Robert is faced with a decision that will shape the whole course of his future life. Are the lessons he has learned in the mission Sunday School strong enough to hold him to a course of unwavering honesty?
This anonymous tale from the 1860s offers a vivid illustration of Psalm 67:3: “Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.” From the slums of London to a merchant’s office in India—from the depths of poverty to earthly prosperity—Robert Rightheart demonstrates the power of a clean conscience and a life of integrity, founded on the love and strength of a living Saviour.
I love the fact that Robert is an upright, Christian character from the very beginning of the book. His life is dedicated to the Lord—and that dedication influences his conduct through every chapter.
Read Courtenay’s full review here.
View the Goodreads page for this book here.
Larry’s Little Lamb
SAW Rating—72/100
Larry is eagerly looking forward to the “happiest time of the year” and especially to the upcoming school Christmas pageant. But his plans are jeopardized by his mischievous little lamb, who is continually getting into trouble. Will Larry and his lamb be able to redeem their character and make good on their second chance?
Larry’s Little Lamb is a charming children’s story with captivating illustrations and a theme of Christmas spirit that will warm your heart. Though intended primarily for a younger audience, adults and children alike will enjoy this cozy vintage Christmas book.
Read Chelsea’s full review here.
View the Goodreads page for this book here.
Bessie in the City
SAW Rating—74/100
When their beloved Sunday-school teacher decides to move west as a home missionary, Maggie and Bessie Bradford are wild to send a special gift to the “little log-cabin children” of the American frontier. But will the sisters be able to earn the huge sum of five dollars to buy the precious library books in time?
Despite many faults and foibles, (as you will see from the items of note!) this just might be my all-time favourite Christian Victorian children’s story. Maggie and Bessie are wonderfully well-drawn and loveable characters. Joanna Mathews has brought them to life with a keen sense of humour and a touching sense of the innocent faith of a child.
Read Courtenay’s full review here.
View the Goodreads page for this book here.
The Bishop’s Shadow
SAW Rating—79/100
A rough, ragged street boy in a large Victorian metropolis, Tode Bryan has never really had a chance. And until he met Nan and Little Brother, he didn’t really want one, either. But slowly, the crack in his heart opened by his affection for an innocent baby, widens to admit a deeper, more profound love and reverence. Tode’s admiration of “the Bishop” leads him on an adventure he would never have anticipated, an adventure that completely changes his life—and the lives of those around him.
The Bishop’s Shadow is a heart-warming and sometimes heart-rending tale of a lonely street waif and the man who first opens his heart to the love of Christ. A beautiful story for both adults and children, the book reminds us all that the Christ-life is more than acknowledging our sins. It takes commitment, love and patience—and a willingness to be His “shadow” in reaching out to the hurt and broken around us.
Read Chelsea’s full review here.
View the Goodreads page for this book here.
Please note: This is the Goodreads page for the original version, not the Joyce Nolt edited edition referenced in our review.
Lily Gordon
SAW Rating—82/100
“Always remember, dear Lily, that there can only be a right and a wrong in every action, however small.”
As Mrs. Blair launches her dearly loved pupil into a world where she has always reigned like a queen, she fears lest Lily’s yielding and easy-going nature will fail when put to the test of following the only rule she will be subject to—her own sense of right and wrong. Will Lily’s dreams of usefulness to her father and brothers drift into idle, unfulfilled fancies on the current of self-indulgence? Or will she be able to choose the right path over the easy one, and prove the beauty and the happiness of serving others and “rendering to all that which is just”?
Lily Gordon is a unique and engaging tale of a motherless “lassie” in rural Scotland faced with the task of managing her father’s house. In a world where the roles of men and women are being continually challenged, this story provides an interesting perspective on putting our whole hearts, souls and talents into the tasks and opportunities God has given us as women. I especially enjoy the character of Mabel Seton, but I love how Lily, Geraldine and Mabel each follow God’s path while at the same time retaining their individual personalities.
Read Chelsea’s full review here.
View the Goodreads page for this book here.
What Do I Love About Vintage Books?
As I settle down in my nest of hay, and lift the first cover, a flood of memories washes over me. Maybe, after all, that is what I really love most about vintage books. Whether I’ve read them over and over until they’re dogeared and tattered, or am opening a glass-case copy for the first time, vintage books have a wealth of associations. They make a link from the past to the present. They carry memories for us. They carry memories for others. They form a part of the precious heritage we receive from generations that have gone before—as well as the legacy we can pass on to the generations yet to come.
What are a few of your all-time favorite vintage books? I’d love to hear what they are, and why they appeal to you, in the comments section below!
Don’t forget to join us tomorrow for a look at five more fall favorites. (I’m planning to use a word you’ve never even heard before, in the opening paragraph!)
For more information on the Five Fall Favorites blog party, (or to see some more favorite vintage stories,) step over to Rebekah at the Literary Lodge:
Don’t miss your chance to be this year’s Five Fall Favorite’s giveaway winner! The 2020 fall reading collection includes 5 signed paperback books by FFF participants/alumni, a FFF book bag, and an Amazon gift card.
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Do you ever feel the longing for a mentor to guide and encourage you as you strive to fill the role of a godly wife and mother? Timeless Tips from Mentors of the Past is the resource you have been looking for!
What do we mean by a great book? What makes literature truly great? How do you recognize outstanding literature when you find it?
These look so interesting, especially Lily Gordon. I don’t know what I’m going to do about all these great looking books I need to read;D
Yes! Lily Gordon is a really good book! I remembered just how good it was reading it over for this party! I know – I’m thinking I need to sit down and make a real list of books I need to read! Otherwise it’s so hard to remember them. Thanks for stopping by, Grace!
I haven’t read any of these, but now I really want to! “Clean Your Boots, Sir?” looks intriguing, and “Larry’s Little Lamb” has the cutest cover! I’ll have to read them!
Doesn’t it? I absolutely LOVE the illustrations in “Larry’s Little Lamb”! They make the book, in my opinion! I hope you enjoy all these books, Natalie!
Oh, I’ve read “Clean Your Boots, Sir” and “The Bishop’s Shadow” and really liked them! I want to read the other three books though. Especially “Larry’s Little Lamb”! (Christmas book!)
*settles down in the hay loft with my stack of books to read for a bit*
*sends cat over to Jana since I’m not fond of them* 😉
Yes, I think those books would be right up your alley, Rebekah! And Larry’s Little Lamb . . . I’m guessing you will LOVE it!
Hi! This is such an awesome blog! I just followed by email. I am really looking forwards to the continuation of the five fall favorites! 🙂 -Sadie S.
Thank you, Sadie! I’m glad you’re enjoying our blog and the fall favourites, and thank you for signing up!
I have not read any of these books!!! I need to… *makes a mental note*
As I told Katja, SawyerMarie, you definitely should! They are worth taking time to read!
Haven’t read any of these, but they look cool!
Glad they look of interest to you, Faith! Thanks for coming over!
“In The Bishop’s Shadow” looks like something I need to check out!
Yes, I think you would enjoy it, Abigail! I was suprised how delightful it still is reading it as an adult!
I haven’t read any of these. How fun!
Thanks, Sarah! And yes, I think they’re all fun reads!
I’ve never heard of any of these! Boy I’m hearing about so many interesting books!!! Alas I don’t know when they will be taken off the shelf for a read!
I know, Heidi! I think my to-read list is going to be a mile long by the end of this week!
I would love to curl up in a loft with these books! Perhaps a barn cat would nap nearby as well? Vintage books have such a charming, calming aura
Yes, just the smell of some old books makes me feel cozy! And if you have a barn cat to bring along, Jana, I’m sure she’d be welcome at the Literary Lodge!
I totally need to read these! (I know, I say this every time, but it’s TRUE!!) Thank you, girls!
Yes! You do need to read them, Katja! I’d be so interested to hear your thoughts once you do!
I loved Clean Your Boots, Sir? and The Bishop’s Shadow! The other three look so interesting too. Thank you for sharing!
Yes, it was quite fun to read over old favourites and realize that they still ARE favourites! Thanks for stopping by, Erika!
“Lily Gordon” looks really good! Thanks for the book suggestions!
I’m so glad it was helpful, Lilly! I think you’ll enjoy “Lily Gordon”!