"Miss Lou" tells the story of the titular character, Louisa Gregory, and her romantic journey. Miss Lou is a strong-willed and independent young woman who lives in a rural area, and she becomes romantically involved with Tom Marsden, a somewhat reclusive farmer. Their relationship faces various challenges and obstacles, including the disapproval of some of the people in their community.Edward Payson Roe's novels often feature strong moral themes and address issues of faith, love, and virtu...

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...

A prosperous family loses everything, and the daughter goes out to work in a New York shop — where the hours, the standing and the manager between them do what the fire could not. Roe was a Presbyterian minister and a chaplain at Gettysburg who turned novelist after the Chicago fire and outsold every American of his decade; this 1881 novel is his attack on shop conditions and on the opium the doctors handed out for exhaustion.

In "From Jest to Earnest," Edward Payson Roe navigates the delicate balance between humor and serious introspection, artfully portraying the moral dilemmas faced by individuals in a rapidly changing society. Set against the backdrop of late 19th-century America, Roe's narrative seamlessly intertwines elements of romance and social commentary, employing a rich, descriptive prose style that evokes a vivid sense of place and character. The text addresses themes of love, ambition, and the purs...

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...

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...

A young girl's wooing presents the emotional and moral growth of a young woman raised in a household shaped by responsibility, social expectations, and subtle tensions within family life. The narrative explores how youth gradually encounters the realities of maturity, where innocence is challenged by the complexities of affection, duty, and personal choice. Life within the home environment reveals contrasting attitudes toward ambition, independence, and emotional restraint, allowing the ce...

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 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...

In "The Earth Trembled," Edward Payson Roe explores the profound disruptions and moral dilemmas that arise from natural disasters, most notably through the backdrop of a devastating earthquake. The narrative encapsulates the intricate interplay of human emotion and resilience, delivered in Roe's signature style that marries vivid descriptions with deep psychological insight. As it unfolds, the novel delves into themes of faith, redemption, and social responsibility, reflecting the late 19t...

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...

"Without a Home" explores the emotional turmoil and complexities of shifting social status, particularly the contrast between past comfort and present hardship. The narrative underscores the impact of financial instability on familial relationships, as the once-prosperous Jocelyn family is faced with the disintegration of their wealth. Central to the story is the protagonist's evolving understanding of her social world, as she navigates personal struggles amid the collapse of the family’s ...