AustLit

Light-hearted romance. An argument with a crusty nobleman in England separates a rising stockbroker from his beloved and precipitates him into the USA to earn his fortune. He fails but turning hunter captures game fowl for the San Francisco market - and accidentally meets them there at Christmas time. Further arguments about ducks are avoided. (PB)

A lover's quarrel results in a broken engagement - but a beautiful cousin and a wise aunt concoct a scheme using jealousy and absence to repair the breach. Light US romance that ends in a double wedding. Pleasant. (PB)

A lady nurse works in the Hospital of the Grey Nuns in London, her past a secret. Dr Elmer falls in love with her and discovers she has a child - and only later that her husband has deserted her. He brings them together on her husband's death bed - and 2 years later marries her himself. Sentimental; setting unusual; competent tale. (PB)

Christmas introduces a rich solitary woman to a poor little girl who she shelters when her mother dies. Years later another Christmas sees her about to adopt but the girl's uncle appears to claim her at the last minute. He claims not his niece but her guardian as they have been estranged lovers since a sadder Christmas years before. Improbable but pleasant tale; sentimental. (PB)

Lively amusing tale of a small street of old time neighbours in a US city whose history is briefly given and quarrels described. All come together to provide a Christmas pudding for the newly-emigrated fatherless Sweetapple family from England. Neighbourly, suburban Christmas story. Unusual. (PB)

The King's hunt saves a boy from a witch's enchantment and he becomes the royal page-boy. In his turn he saves the princess from her imprisonment by the witch masquerading as a Finisher of royal young ladies. Lively, entertaining. (PB)

An editor's punishment by female readers for his unhelpful household hints. Humour. (PB)

Light-hearted romance, probably US. Guy Atlee is twice rejected by Bertha Finch, his high-school sweetheart; once for being too young and once - disguised as an elderly man - for being too old. When he removes his disguise the spirited Bertha joins in the laugh and agrees to marry him. (PB)