Tag: Free Christian Fiction

New Free Read: “The Bureau of Destiny”

Published on by Isabella AldenLeave a comment

In the early 1910s, Americans were experiencing a world in turmoil. With major events like the start of World War I and the sinking of the Titanic, many people found themselves looking for reassurance, order, and a sense of control over their futures. One surprising place they turned to—The stars.

During this time, a massive craze for astrology, palmistry, and fortune-telling swept the country. Newspapers filled their classified pages with advertisements from self-proclaimed astrologers, clairvoyants, and palm readers promising to map out business  prospects, cure health troubles, and—most popular of all—arrange perfect marriages.

A newspaper column from the classified ads page under the heading "CLAIRVOYANTS" listing several businesses. CLAIRVOYANT Palmist and Card Reader. Queen Olamphey. Phone Cedar 852. No. 2 Crown Street. MADAM LILLIS, Daughter of Queen Alice. Hours, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. No clients received on Sunday. 432 Pleasant Street, Cor. of Bellevue St. Phone Cedar 1911-W. LORNA LEE. Scientific palmist and medium. Her parlors are filled daily with people who go away pleased and satisfied. Come and see for yourself. LOW FEE this week: 50c, 41. No. 168 Pleasant St. Closed on Sunday.
from the Telegram and Gazette (Worcester, Massachusetts) September 6, 1914.

Raymond Macdonald Alden—Isabella’s son—recognized the growing trend. Raymond was an acclaimed scholar and author in his own right. He held a doctorate, served as chair of the English department at Stanford University, and was a noted expert on Shakespeare and classic literature who frequently delivered popular lectures.

Newspaper advertisement block. Headline: "MODERN DRAMATISTS AND SOCIAL PROBLEMS" (Ibsen, Galsworthy Hauptman, Brieux) Dr. Raymond McDonald Alden of Leland Stanford University. Lecture at Professional Woman's Building, 210 East Grace, Friday Evening, 8:15 o'clock. ADMISSION $1.00. For Benefit of Bureau of Vocations.
from the Richmond Times Dispatch, May 1, 1919.

Raymond was also an award-winning short story writer. He watched the growing obsession with astrology and palmistry with a sharp, humorous eye. In 1914, he confronted the trend the best way he knew how: through a light-hearted romantic story that poked fun at the craze. His story playfully shows how common sense, honesty, and real human connections make a far more reliable foundation for love than any horoscope ever could.

When a skeptical young man stumbles into a Los Angeles “Bureau of Destiny” to cure his heartache, he has little hope for a happy future. But as the bureau’s clever secretary takes his romantic fate into her own hands, he soon learns that destiny works in mysterious and delightfully unexpected ways.

YOU CAN READ “THE BUREAU OF DESTINY” FOR FREE!

Choose the reading option you like best:

You can read the story on your computer, phone, tablet, Kindle, or other electronic reading device. Just click here to download your preferred format from BookFunnel.com

Or you can select BookFunnel’s “email” option to receive an email with a PDF version you can read, print, and share with friends.

New Free Read: His Friend

Published on by Isabella Alden2 Comments

This month’s free read is a sweet story about faith and Christmas blessings by Isabella’s sister, Marcia Livingston.

Book cover showing a small Victorian-era cottage nestled in a quiet, snowy landscape at night. Through a downstairs window can be seen a Christmas tree. In all the windows shines a warm, golden light, contrasting with the dark, cold surroundings.

Wealthy Mr. Thornton finds his greatest pleasure in carrying out the quiet, unseen work of “his Friend.” With Christmas fast approaching, he has renovated a beautiful cottage to bestow upon an as-yet-unknown person who is homeless and friendless. When his path crosses that of Lily Winthrop and her grandfather, Mr. Thornton sees a clear object for his charity. Will his act of giving remain anonymous, or will Lily and her grandfather discover the secret donor of their miraculous Christmas gift?

You can read “His Friend” for free!

Choose the reading option you like best:

You can read the story on your computer, phone, tablet, Kindle, or other electronic reading device. Just click here to download your preferred format from BookFunnel.com.

Or you can select BookFunnel’s “email” option to receive an email with a PDF version you can read, print, and share with friends.

New Free Read: The Deacon’s Songs

Published on by Isabella Alden1 Comment

Like her younger sister Isabella, Marcia Macdonald Livingston was a talented writer. Her stories always contained a message of faith and a happy ending; and she excelled at writing about the trials—small and large—that husbands and wives face together.

This month’s free read is about one of those couples who must learn to cope with an empty nest.

Mrs. Warner is in despair. After her beloved daughter marries a young pastor and moves away, the once-cheerful woman cannot muster a smile for her husband, the Deacon. It will take a lonely November evening and the comforting strains of a few old hymns for this devoted couple to rediscover their faith and their gratitude for one another.

You can read “The Deacon’s Songs” for free!

Choose the reading option you like best:

You can read the story on your computer, phone, tablet, Kindle, or other electronic reading device. Just click here to download your preferred format from BookFunnel.com.

Or you can select BookFunnel’s “email” option to receive an email with a PDF version you can read, print, and share with friends.