Showing results by author "Gene Stratton-Porter" in All Categories

Freckles is the only name he has ever known. His right hand is missing at the wrist, and he is haunted by not knowing how it happened. Raised since infancy in a Chicago orphanage, he speaks with a slight Irish accent and sings with a beautiful voice. Now, exhausted after many days of walking, he applies for a job with the Grand Rapids Lumber Company, guarding timber in the Limberlost Swamp from timber thieves. His Swamp Angel declares her love for him and promises that she will find his parents and prove that Freckles comes from "a race of men that have been gentlemen for ages."

Freckles is a spirited young man raised in a Chicago orphanage, fueled by a dream to find his place in the world despite the challenges of having only one hand. His journey leads him to the enchanting Limberlost Swamp, where he becomes a guardian of its precious timber. Here, he discovers a profound love for the wilderness and the diverse wildlife he encounters daily. Along the way, Freckles meets the captivating girl he affectionately calls the Swamp Angel, igniting a passion for nature that propels him on a quest for knowledge about the birds and plants that surround him. With the guidance ...

Join the heartwarming journey of Michael O’Halloran, a spirited and hopeful newsboy who, despite being orphaned at a young age, embraces life with a simple mantra “Be Square!” This delightful tale captures Michaels unwavering optimism and the way he brightens the lives of everyone he meets. A truly uplifting story that reminds us all of the joy that comes from kindness and connection. (Summary by Mary A.)

Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of A Girl of the Limberlost, a captivating novel by American writer and naturalist Gene Stratton-Porter, first published in August 1909. Set against the backdrop of the Limberlost Swamp in Indiana during the early 20th century, this story weaves a rich tapestry of nature, adventure, and the struggles of a young girl seeking her place in a rapidly changing world. (Summary from Wikipedia)

In this heartfelt memoir inspired by the authors own life, we follow the journey of the little sister, the youngest of eleven siblings who feels unwanted at first. Her closest bond is with her beloved brother, Laddie, who becomes her anchor in a world where she often feels isolated. As she navigates the challenges of loneliness and the struggle to focus on her studies, she finds solace in the beauty of nature. With a mix of humor and poignancy, little sister shares her unforgettable story of love, loss, and resilience. (Summary by Stav Nisser)

Elnora Comstock lives with her widowed mother at the edge of Limberlost Swamp. Her mother is harsh and critical of her daughter, but Elnora is a loving girl who befriends all creatures. She is especially drawn to the beautiful moths that flutter through the trees in Limberlost. Although Elnora longs to go to high school, she has no money to pay for tuition and books. When her cruel mother refuses to help, all seems lost, until Elnora learns she can sell the rare insects she collects. Still, her journey through high school and college will be full of challenges - and surprises.

Freckles is a young man who has spent his entire life in a Chicago orphanage, dreaming of a job, a sense of belonging, and acceptance despite his disability of having only one hand. His journey leads him to the enchanting Limberlost Swamp, where he becomes a guardian of its precious timber. Here, he uncovers a profound love for the wilderness and the diverse wildlife he encounters during his daily rounds. As he explores this new world, he also falls for a girl he affectionately calls the Swamp Angel. This story beautifully captures Freckles courageous spirit as he embraces his role in the ...

Dive into the enchanting world of Harvester, a romantic novel by Gene Stratton-Porter that beautifully weaves together a love for nature, strong moral values, and an engaging storyline. Follow the journey of a young man who lives in the serene countryside with his loyal dog and a menagerie of animals, cultivating herbs for local medical suppliers. One fateful evening, he envisions his Dream Girl, sparking a quest that leads him to discover not just her, but himself. Join him on this heartfelt adventure filled with love, longing, and the magic of the natural world.

In a desperate bid for freedom from a tuberculosis sanatorium, a young soldier escapes to a breathtaking bee garden by the sea. Here, among the buzzing hives and an eclectic mix of companions, he embarks on a transformative journey, learning about love, life, and the art of beekeeping, despite his initial ignorance. (summary by Czandra)

In the heart of the Midwest, 26-year-old David Langston, affectionately known as the Harvester, leads a simple life alongside his loyal dog. Devoted to cultivating and harvesting trees, plants, and herbs, David sells his bounty as medicinal ingredients to pharmaceutical companies. Each spring, when the first bluebird returns, he turns to his canine companion for guidance on whether to continue his bachelor lifestyle or seek a wife. This year, for the first time in six years, the dog suggests he should pursue love. Reluctantly, David embraces this advice, and that night, a vivid vision of a ...

In Daughter of the Land, we follow the journey of Kate Bates, one of sixteen siblings, as she seeks the freedom and life that has long been out of reach. With dreams of a loving husband, a family, and a thriving farm, Kate’s pursuit of independence sets off a chain of events that ripple through her world. This poignant tale explores the themes of love and forgiveness amidst the backdrop of brokenness, revealing how faith can illuminate even the darkest valleys. Join Kate as she discovers that through God’s grace, all things can indeed work together for good. - Summary by Patience Charles

Dive into the enchanting world of The Song of the Cardinal, where a spirited male Cardinal makes his home in a tree beside a farmer and his wife. As the Cardinal serenades the skies in search of a mate, the couple finds themselves captivated by his vibrant antics. His joyful melodies not only lead him to love but also breathe new life into the farmer and his wifes marriage. Experience this heartwarming parallel love story that is sure to lift your spirits and leave you feeling uplifted! (Summary by peppersnoodles93)

Gene Stratton-Porter (August 17, 1863 - December 6, 1924) was a pioneering American author, naturalist, and wildlife photographer, with a passion for the enchanting birds and moths of the rapidly disappearing wetlands in the lower Great Lakes Basin. The Limberlost and Wildflower Woods of northeastern Indiana served as both her inspiration and laboratory, fueling her stories, novels, essays, photography, and films. Renowned for her artistic talents, Stratton-Porter is celebrated as one of the first female authors to advocate for conservation, particularly championing the Limberlost Swamp. While...

Amaryllis, a five-year-old child who has been abandoned by her wealthy parents to the care of paid staff, runs away. Her plan is to find a home where someone will love her. She meets a lonely older boy who teaches her games, plays his violin for her, and introduces her to the glorious wonders of his garden. His sympathy and kindness bring comfort to her hungry heart. Their idyllic two days end when Amaryllis is discovered but she never forgets the boy. This is a sentimental tale of growing up, and of love lost and found again.

Freckles and A Girl of the Limberlost are two of Gene Stratton Porter's most famous novels. Set primarily in the Limberlost Swamp of Indiana, USA, Freckles follows the story of Freckles, a lame orphan whose innate character rises above his circumstances. A Girl of the Limberlost is the story of Elnora, blamed for her father's death by her mother, who nevertheless meets every challenge that comes her way with admirable resilience.

Adam Bates, the Land King of Hartley, Indiana, rules his 16 children with a firm hand and a tight purse. All work tirelessly on the family farm until the sons, at 21, are given 200 acres of land with a house and barn (they pay the taxes while their father holds the deeds). The daughters, at 18, get a term at Normal School to train as schoolteachers, a position they hold until they marry. Kate, the youngest, has always bristled at her father's preference for his sons but eagerly awaits her chance for further education. Her father has other plans.

First published in 1909, A Girl of the Limberlost is a novel by American writer and naturalist Gene Stratton-Porter. This classic of Indiana literature is a sequel to Stratton-Porter's earlier novel Freckles. Wholesome, sensible, and beautiful, the heroine, Elnora, is also compassionate, self-reliant, and intelligent. Neglected by her mother, Elnora reaches through this hardship toward education, friendship, and love. There are no shortcuts and her hard work brings joy to herself and all those she loves.

A Girl of the Limberlost, a novel by American writer and naturalist Gene Stratton-Porter. It is considered a classic of Indiana literature. It is the sequel to her earlier novel Freckles. Patricia Raub (Senior Lecturer of American Studies at the University of Massachusetts Boston) notes that Stratton-Porter was "one of the most popular woman novelists of the era, who was known for her nature books and her editorials on McCall's 'Gene Stratton-Porter Page' as well as for her novels.

Gene Stratton-Porter was a naturalist and fierce conservationist as well as an author, and one of the areas she held dearest was the Limberlost swamp. Indeed, she spent her income and life endeavouring to protect it.

"Laddie" is Gene Stratton-Porter’s most autobiographical novel, and is titled after her brother, who drowned as a teenager. It is the story of Pamela Pryor and Laddie Stranton. Whilst she is rich, Laddie is but a poor farm boy. Her father opposes the match, and Pamela tries her best to change his mind.