I thoroughly enjoyed all the stories here -- there wasn't a single one that didn't move me in some way and bring a smile to my face. I'd read a few of them before, but long ago, so they felt pretty fresh and new to me again.
The stories included here are:
"A Merry Christmas" -- the March sisters share their Christmas breakfast and find their own joy doubled, then exchange and receive gifts with their own family plus others.
"Kate's Choice" -- a wealthy orphan must decide which of her aunts and uncles she will live with now, and surprises everyone with her choice.
"The Quiet Little Woman" -- a warmhearted orphan is taken in by a family to be their maid-of-all-work, but yearns for their kindness and friendship more than anything.
"Tilly's Christmas" -- a poor child rescues a half-frozen bird and shares kindness and love with those around her, and is rewarded by an unexpected friend.
"What Love Can Do" -- people living in a boarding house with a poor family acquire a fresh understanding of what it means to show love and kindness to others.
"Rosa's Tale" -- an aging horse uses the Christmas gift of speech to tell the story of her life.
"Mrs. Podgers' Teapot" -- a widow learns the truth about her dead husband, a man who lodges at her house, and herself. Probably my favorite story of all!
Particularly Good Bits:
Half the real beauty, virtue, and romance of the world gets put into humble souls, hidden in plain bodies (p. 117, "Mrs. Podgers' Teapot").
If This was a Movie, I Would Rate It: G. Good, wholesome, heartwarming stories.
This has been my 48th book read and reviewed for my fourth Classics Club list. Looks like I'll be finishing this list and starting another one this winter sometime!
