As Elsie and Edward experience the joys of parenthood, the Civil War begins and ends, with terrible losses to their families.

Amid crashing thunder, roaring winds, pounding rain, and the creaking of the steamer as it struggled forward in the rolling sea, the passengers could hear the occasional shouted order from the officers. The steamer was tossed from side to side. 'Are we in danger of striking the rocks, Papa?' Elsie asked her father. 'I think not, ' he replied. At that instant, a terrible cracking sound assaulted their ears. The whole boat shuddered, and a man's panicked voice rose high above the screams and cries---'We've struck ground! We'll all be drowned!' As the storms of life continue to break around Elsie Dinsmore Travilla and her family, there are terrible tragedies to endure and times of joy as well. The Travilla children are growing up and facing life-altering decisions. Others in the Dinsmore family must confront dramatic upheavals in their lives. As the United States approaches the celebration of its first century as a nation, will Elsie and her family have their own causes to celebrate? How will adversity affect Elsie's world and the hopes of those she loves so dearly? Elsie's Great Hope again takes readers into the exciting story of a family grounded in Christian love and faith. Adapted from the influential nineteenth century novels by Miss Martha Finley, this eighth book in the series offers modern readers a wealth of hope and wisdom that is as meaningful today as it was over a hundred years ago. Elsie's Great Hope is packed with new adventures and fascinating characters that promise to intrigue and inspire readers of every age.

Two decades before the Civil War, an eight year- old Southern heiress longs for the love of the father she has never known---but when they meet at last, nothing is as Elsie expects. Can the proud and willful Horace Dinsmore learn to love his only child---a little girl whose first allegiance is to God? Introducing soft cover editions in the Elsie Dinsmore Series with newly designed covers.

The bestselling author of The Trouble with Goats and Sheep delivers a suspenseful and emotionally satisfying novel “infused with warmth and humor” (People) about a lifelong friendship, a devastating secret, and the small acts of kindness that bring people together. There are three things you should know about Elsie. The first thing is that she’s my best friend. The second is that she always knows what to say to make me feel better. And the third thing…might take a bit more explaining. Eighty-four-year-old Florence has fallen in her flat at Cherry Tree Home for the Elderly. As she waits to be rescued, she thinks about her friend Elsie and wonders if a terrible secret from their past is about to come to light. If the charming new resident is who he claims to be, why does he look exactly like a man who died sixty years ago? From the acclaimed, bestselling author of The Trouble with Goats and Sheep, Three Things About Elsie “breathes with suspense, providing along the way piercing, poetic descriptions, countless tiny mysteries, and breathtaking little reveals…a rich portrait of old age and friendship stretched over a fascinating frame” (Kirkus Reviews, starred review). This is an “amusing and heartbreaking” (Publishers Weekly) story about forever friends on the twisting path of life who come to understand how the fine threads of humanity connect us all.

A pious young girl has difficulty establishing a relationship with her wordly father who seems indifferent to her religious principles.

Two decades before the Civil War, an eight year- old Southern heiress longs for the love of the father she has never known---but when they meet at last, nothing is as Elsie expects. Can the proud and willful Horace Dinsmore learn to love his only child---a little girl whose first allegiance is to God? Introducing soft cover editions in the Elsie Dinsmore Series with newly designed covers.