Towers in the Mist by Elizabeth Goudge (1938)

Towers in the Mist is set in Oxford during the Reign of Elizabeth I. Elizabeth Goudge centres her story around the Leighs, a fictional family, but she includes a wealth of historical figures such as Walter Raleigh, Philip Sidney, Thomas Bodley, Cardinal Wolsey, and the Earl of Leicester, Robert Dudley. Canon Leigh is a widower … Continue reading Towers in the Mist by Elizabeth Goudge (1938)

For the Family’s Sake: Chapter 4

Ellis Peters (1913-1995) is a nom de plume used by Edith Pargeter, an English author who wrote prolifically but is probably best known for her murder/mystery Brother Cadfael series. The title of this chapter is taken from her book, Ellis Peter’s Shropshire. Ellis Peters held a Christian worldview. She never married and travelled extensively, but … Continue reading For the Family’s Sake: Chapter 4

The White Witch by Elizabeth Goudge (1958)

  Elizabeth Goudge is an author whose stories linger with you long afterwards. Somehow she manages to explore character, spirituality, and heavy themes with grace and perspective. She is never black and white, which is a quality I didn’t understand when I was younger. Life is so much easier if you can separate people and … Continue reading The White Witch by Elizabeth Goudge (1958)

Pilgrim’s Inn by Elizabeth Goudge (1948)

Pilgrim’s Inn (also published as The Herb of Grace) is the second book in the Eliot Family Trilogy. Its best to read it after The Bird in the Tree as most of the characters are introduced in the first book and the central theme continues into the second book. I read both books one after the … Continue reading Pilgrim’s Inn by Elizabeth Goudge (1948)

The Scent of Water by Elizabeth Goudge (1963)

    ‘At least there is hope for a tree:    If it is cut down, it will sprout again,    and its new shoots will not fail.Its roots may grow old in the ground    and its stump die in the soil,yet at the scent of water it will bud    and put forth shoots like a plant.’ … Continue reading The Scent of Water by Elizabeth Goudge (1963)

Green Dolphin Country by Elizabeth Goudge (1944)

    Earlier this year I was introduced to Elizabeth Goudge through her book The Rosemary Tree and after reading that I knew that I’d read more by her. I ordered Green Dolphin Country because a good friend recommended it but I was surprised when it arrived that it contained 743 pages. I don’t usually … Continue reading Green Dolphin Country by Elizabeth Goudge (1944)

Back to the Classics: Linnets & Valerians by Elizabeth Goudge (1964)

  I had a mixed reaction to Linnets & Valerians, a children’s book by Elizabeth Goudge which was published in 1964. On the one hand, most of the characters in this book are attractive, well portrayed, and interesting. The storyline is involved and has plenty of appeal also but I was uncomfortable with how Goudge … Continue reading Back to the Classics: Linnets & Valerians by Elizabeth Goudge (1964)

The Rosemary Tree by Elizabeth Goudge (1956)

  The Rosemary Tree is the first book I’ve read by Elizabeth Goudge, although she’s been on my radar for many years, but I doubt it will be my last as I found her writing to be descriptive and multi-layered; her characters warm and interesting.The Rosemary Tree not only has an engaging plot, it also … Continue reading The Rosemary Tree by Elizabeth Goudge (1956)