Included in this volume are three stories about women scholars. From past experience, I am sure these short stories are new to this publication.
BLESSING IN DISGUISE (Sarah M. Eden) -- E
This is quite a unique story about an orphan, Fred Fitzsimmons, who is finishing a doctor's degree at Trinity College in Dublin. However, two of Fred's professors suspect there is something off about the student and want it ferreted out before graduation. To that end, they ask for Liam Rafferty, an engineering student with a reputation for solving riddles and mysteries.
As Liam figures out the oddity of Fred, he also learns that he may destroy a life if he is not careful. This story is rare and touching.
AN UNEXPECTED EDUCATION (Michelle Paige Holmes) -- VG
Esther Sessions is a product of the Liverpool slums. When a factory explodes, killing Ester's father and brother, Esther has an opportunity to attend Bedford Women's College in London. Esther latches onto that opportunity to provide for herself by studying hard.
Her favorite teacher is Professor John Lind, a kind teacher of literature who speaks to Esther's heart. However, when he quits teaching suddenly, Esther is morose. Esther's benefactor makes some inquiries. This was a bit too magical but delightful.
GOOD HEIR HUNTING (Nancy Campbell Allen) -- E
On Bertie's deathbed, he admitted to his baron-father that he was the father of an illegitimate boy. The Baron sends his solicitor-nephew to look for the child and his mother in Liverpool.
It is a chaotic first day of school at the kindergarten of Ellie Perkins. Suddenly, she finds out that she is one teacher short. When Graham Lucas arrives and tells the headmistress that he is looking for an orphan, she entreats him to teach her class until she can find another teacher. Graham agrees because there are two Stephen Smiths, and he's not sure which one is the child he is seeking. This is a delightful story.
BLESSING IN DISGUISE (Sarah M. Eden) -- E
This is quite a unique story about an orphan, Fred Fitzsimmons, who is finishing a doctor's degree at Trinity College in Dublin. However, two of Fred's professors suspect there is something off about the student and want it ferreted out before graduation. To that end, they ask for Liam Rafferty, an engineering student with a reputation for solving riddles and mysteries.
As Liam figures out the oddity of Fred, he also learns that he may destroy a life if he is not careful. This story is rare and touching.
AN UNEXPECTED EDUCATION (Michelle Paige Holmes) -- VG
Esther Sessions is a product of the Liverpool slums. When a factory explodes, killing Ester's father and brother, Esther has an opportunity to attend Bedford Women's College in London. Esther latches onto that opportunity to provide for herself by studying hard.
Her favorite teacher is Professor John Lind, a kind teacher of literature who speaks to Esther's heart. However, when he quits teaching suddenly, Esther is morose. Esther's benefactor makes some inquiries. This was a bit too magical but delightful.
GOOD HEIR HUNTING (Nancy Campbell Allen) -- E
On Bertie's deathbed, he admitted to his baron-father that he was the father of an illegitimate boy. The Baron sends his solicitor-nephew to look for the child and his mother in Liverpool.
It is a chaotic first day of school at the kindergarten of Ellie Perkins. Suddenly, she finds out that she is one teacher short. When Graham Lucas arrives and tells the headmistress that he is looking for an orphan, she entreats him to teach her class until she can find another teacher. Graham agrees because there are two Stephen Smiths, and he's not sure which one is the child he is seeking. This is a delightful story.
