The Distractions of Martha. By Marion Harland. New York: Chas. Scribner’s Sons. Price, $1.50.
The publication of Mrs. Terhune’s last novel added a pleasant feature to the celebration of the author’s golden wedding. An authority on household matters of all kinds, this talented Virginian selected for her latest theme the experiences of a newly married young couple, who move into a little house in the suburbs and plunge at once into housekeeping. It is the simplest kind of housekeeping, and yet to Martha—full of theories and ideas as she is—it quickly becomes very complicated. Her struggles with seemingly simple recipes, and the extraordinary food that is produced by an apparently exact following of the rules, are told in a brightly humorous way that is irresistible. Later, when increased prosperity brings Martha face to face with the servant problem, her difficulties are equally grave. The way in which she triumphs, however, will be an inspiration to everyone struggling with the same difficulties.
Daddy’s Daughters. By Marion Ames Taggart. New York: Henry Holt & Co. Price, $1.25.
“Daddy” is an amiable, patient, literary man, who, like many of his kind, finds it difficult to make both ends meet. His four daughters are distinct individualities, each with a separate charm, which is brought into play in the course of the account of the family happenings. Another family of girls, with three brothers, lives on the other side of the garden hedge, and their joint excursions and adventures form the incidents of this very readable juvenile.
Polly of the Pines. By Adele E. Thompson. Boston: Lothrop, Lee & Shepard. Price, $1.25.
Miss Thompson is notable among authors for the young for her understanding of youthful character and the sustained interest of her plots. Polly is a revolutionary heroine, a little rebel among the loyal Scots of the Carolinas. She leaves her own home and finds refuge with an uncle and does her best for the colonies. The ubiquitous Tarleton plays the villain royalist and is completely outwitted when he encounters the ready and brave little Polly.
Animal Serials. By Edwarde Blaisdell. New York: T. Y. Crowell & Co. Price, $1.
One of the most interesting of the nonsense jingles offered for the holiday trade is “Animal Serials.” The rhymes are clever and amusing and the illustrations are exceedingly apt. The humor in each so thoroughly corresponds to the other that they can be appreciated by all youngsters.