University of Virginia Library

Any one taking up the book must take a “through ticket,” as there is no stopping
place “this side” of the last page. The arts of the designing woman are given in their
true color, showing to what oily-tongued hypocrisy humanity will stoop for the furtherance
of its purposes; what a vast amount of unhappiness one individual may bring upon
an otherwise happy family; what untold misery may result from the groveling spirit
of fancied revenge, when cherished in the bosom of its unhappy possessor.

The talented author of “Tempest and Sunshine” has again hit on a happy subject.
“The Homestead on the Hillside” has afforded her ample scope for the exercise of those
high descriptive powers and those striking portraitures of character which have rendered
her former works such general favorites. In one word, the book before us is no
ordinary production.

Vigor, variety, a boldness and freedom of style and expression, eccentricity alike of
character and incident, are among its most striking peculiarities. She has improved, in
the book before us, upon her first effort, and several of these tales will not fail to add to
her already well established reputation as a vigorous and attractive writer.

The artfulness and resignation exhibited by the Widow Carter, in her modest but not
unnatural endeavors to gain the tender regard of Mr. Hamilton, as she smoothed the pillow
of his dying wife, deserve the especial attention of gentlemen liable to a like attempt
from a similar cause. They will doubtless see a dozen widows in the very dress and position
of the philanthropic Mrs. Carter. There is quite a moral for young Misses, too, in
the book.”

It cannot fail to please the lovers of flowing and graceful narrative.

It will be superfluous to say that Mrs. Holmes is a charming writer.

Its genial spirit, its ready wit, its kindly feeling, will doubtless meet with due appreciation
from all its readers. It touches with ready sympathy the fountains of mirth and
tears, and one can neither restrain the one nor withhold the other, in reading its tales of
joy and sorrow.

We have perused this book with none but feelings of pleasure; and we have closed its
pages, bearing in our heart its sweet spirit and eloquent moral. We heartily commend
it.

Her portrayal of human character and actions are admirable; her style is fluent and
fascinating, and a most intense degree of interest is kept up throughout the volume.
But among all its excellent qualities, most prominent appears its eloquent morals. Read
it, so that you can have it to say, “I once read a good book.”