Books in The Elsie Books series

They had already had their half hour with mamma which made so sweet a beginning of each day yet she too must have a liberal share of the eagerly bestowed caresses; while Bruno a great Newfoundland the pet playfellow and guardian of the little flock testified his delight in the scene by leaping about among them fawning upon one and another wagging his tail and uttering again and again a short joyous bark.

During an extended stay at Viamede, the family is blessed with a new addition, Lily, "on loan" from heaven for a short time. Soon they return to Ion, where Elsie takes in Cousin Molly, a young girl who has been injured in a fall. Elsie makes a commitment to nurture, educate, and encourage Molly in the faith. Because of Lily's failing health, the family make and extended visit to Elsie's childhood friend, Lucy Ross. There, Elsie befriends a nearly blind child of her former governess. The famliy decides to take a trip to the Centennial in New York, and Ronald once again joins the family. As Elsie's children move from childhood into adulthood, young Elsie's heart is captured by a fine young man.

Set amid the sweet blossoms of a southern mansion, this timeless classic delves in to the heart of Elsie - by all accounts, an extraordinary little girl. Share in Elsie's quest for love from her earthly father as it leads to a mature understanding of the love of her Father in Heaven. Join Elsie as she suffers through endless hours of scrutiny from Miss Day, her mean-spirited school teacher, taunting from her mischievous young Uncle Arthur, and scoldings from a cold-hearted father she desires to please - all with the peace and quiet countenance that comes from knowing she is God's child. This, the first of the heart-warming Elsie books, will both challenge and inspire you.

A series of catastrophes threatens the Dinsmore family. In quick succession they are faced with measles, typhoid fever, separation, and death. Despite all these troubles, Elsie is strengthened in her trust of God, who continues to faithfully provide all her needs. After months of separation, young Elsie is finally reunited with her Lester. During this time Edward and Violet also develop strong romantic interests, Edward with the intriguing Zoe and Violet with the rugged seaman, Captain Raymond, and his children - Max, Lucinda, and Gracie. Join in the unfolding of the young adult lives of Elsie, Edward, and Violet as their love interests mature and eventually make Elsie a grandmother.

As Elsie grows from childhood to girlhood, so does her understanding of and obedience to God. Her devotion to Him causes conflict bewteen her and her beloved father. Gripped by jealousy and contempt, he seeks to wipe out all religious influences surrounding his daughter. Still, Elsie's convictions remain firm. As a last resort, Elsie's father moves away until Elsie will submit to his law, and no other. The rancor causes Elsie to become very ill. Receiving word of her illness and realizing the effect of his cruelty, her father returns home to both Roselands and to God. Join ELsie as she struggles with loneliness, abandonment, and even the threat of death in this, the second in The Elsie Books.

God has added two children - Rosie and Walter - and will take a father. Despite troubles and adversity, Elsie is thankful for her family and keeps looking to an ever-sustaining God for all her needs. She continues to mold the lives she touches for the Master whom she loves and serves. Meanwhile, Cousin Molly matures in a successful writer, and young Elsie faces a long and distant engagement to her Lester. During a winter visit to Viamede, Cousins Molly and Isa begin to find their places in God's plan. An interlude at the Jersey shore provides an opportunity for Edward and Violet to grow and mature in ther faith.

As Elsie and her father prepare for her marriage to John Travilla, Elsie moves to Viamede, her mother's childhood home in Louisiana. Overseeing the plantation, Elsie observes the treatment of the slaves and strives to bring them into an awareness of God's love for them. As Mr. and Mrs. Travilla start their life together, Elsie's old boyfriend tries to bring it all to a tragic end. In a fit of jealous rage, he unsuccessfully attempts to shoot the newly married couple. Happy with her life with her new husband, Elsie experiences the wonderful joys of motherhood. Join Elsie as she moves into a fresh and exciting new phase of her life.

As Elsie experiences changes from girlhood to womanhood, her family is also undergoing change. With the marriage of her father to a woman Elsie has loved from childhood, Elsie is joined by a brother and sister who adore her. But all the support of her family cannot prepare her for what is ahead - her first love and her first heartbreak. Her relationship with her father forces her to give up on the man she desperately loves. But to her surprise, and the surprise of her father, true love's shadow has been with her since childhood. Join Elsie as she grows into a fine young woman, facing all the challenges - and blessings - that come from womanhood.