Myrtle ReedRezensionen

This book was not entirely what I was expecting it to be. There is both happiness and unhappiness in it, but it is probably the sorrow that leaves the biggest impression, even though everything ends being basically okay. There is one unforgettable and cruelly horrific scene that I could not make myself read in depth--animal lovers would do well to watch out. The best part of the book is young Dr. Ralph and Araminta. Dr. Anthony Dexter is utterly cold and incomprehensible, and I didn't care to read so much about him. Those parts of the book were really hard. It makes me wonder whether I would really want to read other things by this author. It was just a book that left me feeling more sad than happy.

This novel from 1905 is obviously old-fashioned, but I found it entertaining and often very funny. Harlan and Dorothy are young newlyweds. They inherit a big, gloomy country mansion from Harlan‰ÃƒÂ›Ã‚ªs Uncle Ebeneezer, whom they have never met. Shortly after they move in, and Harlan begins to pursue his dream of writing a novel, Ebeneezer‰Ûªs wacky relatives begin arriving. They claim that they always spend summers at the mansion, and see no reason why a change in ownership should alter this satisfactory custom.

This motley cast of characters not only impose on Harlan and Dorothy‰Ûªs hospitality, but they have an ulterior motive: they all believe the Uncle has hidden money and other valuables on the premises, and each believes he or she is the one Ebeneezer intended to have it. This leads to much stealthy nocturnal exploration of the house and grounds, and various players absconding into the shrubbery with shovels and spades.

It could all be quite hilarious, but the author doesn‰Ûªt completely commit to the farce. She also interjects some very serious and somber musings on what it‰Ûªs like to be a writer and how isolating and all consuming the creative process becomes. I found these passages to be interesting, but completely discordant in tone with the rest of the novel, dulling the humorous edge.

Despite these complaints, this was a quick and quaint read, and it was fun discovering the clever way Ebeneezer had set up his relatives for their final comeuppance.

The most charming captivating romance mystery I have ever read! Beautifully written!

Funny with satire and an abundance of misfit characters. A perfect choice for those who enjoy adding books onto their Halloween reads list. 3.5 stars

Originally published in 1902, Myrtle Reed's At the Sign of the Jack O'Lantern is a delightful novel about a young, newly married couple and their adventures in their new home.

Upon the death of his Uncle Ebeneezer, a man he has never met, Harlan Carr becomes the new owner of Ebeneezer's stately home in the country. Eager to get away from New York City, Harlan and his new wife Dorothy immediately set out for the property, where Harlan, a writer, plans to compose his first novel. As they settle into their new home, Dorothy begins to think there is more to the house, and deceased Uncle Ebeneezer, than meets the eye. Dorothy's feelings are further compounded by the arrival of Ebeneezer's distant relatives, who have used his home as a summer gathering place for years and don't view Ebeneezer's death and the subsequent change in ownership as a reason to stop visiting. As a result, Harlan and Dorothy find themselves host to variety of guests, putting a strain on their marriage and jeopardizing the completion of Harlan's novel. Can their marriage, as well as Harlan's writing career, survive?

At the Sign of the Jack O'Lantern is full of quirky characters, some loveable, some despicable. Harlan and Dorothy Carr are well-drawn and sympathetic, and it is easy to comprehend their mounting frustration as their new home is invaded by a steady stream of uninvited guests. The interaction of Harlan and Dorothy with their guests, as well as the guests' interaction with each other, is often times comic. Further hilarity ensues when each guest searches, under the cover of darkness, for the riches they just know Ebeneezer left behind for them. Even in death, however, it seems it is Uncle Ebeneezer who will have the last laugh.

As evident by the novel's title, At the Sign of the Jack O'Lantern makes for a perfect autumn read. Nevertheless, given its comic nature and fabulous cast of characters it is a book that can be enjoyed at any time of the year.

Occasionally I like to read a really awful book. Not just mediocre, as though an author had a good premise and just couldn't execute it, but really bad. Master of the vineyard filled the bill very nicely. Alden Marsh, the master of the vineyard, is a spoiled brat who hates grapes and is only hanging around because his mother manipulated him into it. He becomes engaged to Rosemary, a hearty young girl badly in need of a makeover, chiefly because she's the only female creature between 20 and 50 that he knows. He is then immediately captivated by a mysterious and beautiful stranger, with whom he shares some sort of weird telepathic connection. They fall in love, but she is duty bound to return to her husband. He is reconciled to grapes and to Rosemary after pages of turgid prose.

The best thing about the novel are the two villains of the piece--Rosemary's grandmother and aunt. Reed had a real comic gift, especially with lower-class characters, and the two women have several ignorant panel discussions about items in the newspaper that are actually quite funny. This aside, this is an awful example of an early 20th century romantic novel.

if you ever find yourself with an overabundance of fish, you will surely find a recipe to your liking in this book! There must be hundreds of recipes in the book to cook a variety of fish.

I'm not sure why this book meant so much to me but after I finished reading a friend's copy, I went down to Powells and randomly just happened to find one for myself. The concept of the veiled woman- and the power of myth- was overwhelming. This book made me cry.

Later printing. One of a series of ten.

1st ed. One of ten in series.

1000 set/10. 1st ed. One of ten volumes. VGC Pub posthumously. Some have original dw. This set came from one owner purchased on a visit to town 1912-13.
http://www.onfoodandhistory.com/blog/2009/02/myrtle-reed-mrs.html

1st ed. 1/10 in series.

Epigrams and Opinions from the Writings and Sayings of Myrtle Reed. From 16 popular novels, 10 Olive Green cook books. Posthumous tribute. Myrtle Reed McCullough, 27 Sep 1874 - 17 Aug 1911. Beautifully designed book, printed in black & red.

1st ed. 1/10 in series.

1st ed. 1/10 in series.

1st ed. 1/10 in series.

150. Famous Margaret Armstrong-decorated binding. Prolific author and cookery writer. See entries.

In Memory of A Weaver of Dreams (A tribute to Myrtle Reed ) by Addison Blakely is in the front of the book

275. Very rare, excellent condition. Myrtle Reed [Mrs. Mccullough](1874-1911), a compilation published posthumously from her 10 Olive Green [pseudonym] cook books. With additional chapters on dining, table setting, The Kitchen Rubiayat. 'The only excuse the author and publishers have to offer for the appearance of this book is that, so far as they know, there is no other like it.' Says it all. A GEM. Margaret Armstrong designed book.

1st ed. One of 10 in series.

4th impression. 1/10 in series.

4th impression. 1/10 in series.