Playing With Fire By: Amelia Edith Huddleston Barr (1831-1919)
Playing With Fire by Amelia Edith Huddleston Barr is a mesmerizing and thought-provoking tale set in New York City during the late 19th century. This historical fiction novel delves into the complexities of love, ambition, and the clash of traditional values in a rapidly changing society. The story follows the life of Kate, a strong-willed and determined young woman who dreams of becoming a successful playwright. Against the backdrop of a male-dominated world, Kate faces countless obstacles and societal expectations as she navigates her way through the creative industries. Her passion for writing is fueled by a deep desire to challenge the norms and conventions of her time, often at great personal cost. Barr masterfully weaves together a web of intricate relationships, highlighting the contrasts between traditional beliefs and the emerging progressive mindset. Kate's ambitions are further complicated by a burgeoning romance with David, a wealthy and well-regarded businessman who embodies the very ideals she seeks to challenge. The tension and sparks between them are electrifying, aptly reflecting the title of the novel. The author's vivid and evocative descriptions transport readers back to the Gilded Age, painting a vivid picture of the city's bustling streets, extravagant parties, and the opulence that defined the era. Barr also skillfully explores themes of social disparity, women's rights, and the sacrifices one must often make to follow their dreams. Through her strong characterizations, the author adeptly captures the struggles and triumphs of individuals caught in the shifting currents of a society on the brink of change. While the pace of the narrative may be slow at times, Barr's lyrical prose and impeccable attention to detail keep readers engaged and invested in the characters and their journeys. The novel is filled with poignant moments, heart-wrenching dilemmas, and unexpected twists that keep readers guessing until the very end. Playing With Fire is a captivating historical fiction novel that not only entertains but also invites readers to reflect on the themes and issues it presents. Amelia Edith Huddleston Barr's compelling storytelling and rich portrayal of the past make this novel a worthwhile read for anyone seeking a poignant and enlightening literary experience. First Page: PLAYING WITH FIRE BY AMELIA E. BARR AUTHOR OF "ALL THE DAYS OF MY LIFE," "THE BOW OF ORANGE RIBBON," ETC. "Truth is like water; the moment it stands it stagnates; creeds are merely stagnant truth. " ILLUSTRATED BY HOWARD HEATH WILLIAM BRIGGS TORONTO 1914 COPYRIGHT, 1914, BY D. APPLETON AND COMPANY Printed in the United States of America WITH SINCERE RESPECT AND EVERY GOOD WISH I INSCRIBE THIS NOVEL TO WILLIAM JOHN MATHESON, ESQ. OF HUNTINGTON, LONG ISLAND [Illustration: "'Good bye, Richard!' she cried. 'Good bye, dearest of all!'"] CONTENTS I. THE MINISTER'S FAMILY II. LORD RICHARD CRAMER III. DONALD PLEASES HIS FATHER IV. THE GREAT TEMPTATION V. THE MINISTER IN LOVE VI. DONALD TAKES HIS OWN WAY VII. MARION DECIDES VIII. MACRAE LEARNS A HARD LESSON IX. WHEN WILL THE NIGHT BE PAST? X. A DREAM XI. LOVE IS THE FULFILLING OF THE LAW XII. AFTERWARD LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS "'Good bye, Richard!' she cried. 'Good bye, dearest of all!'" "There came again to her that singular sense of a past familiarity" "She smiled and laid her jeweled white hand confidingly on his" "The descent seemed steep and dark" PLAYING WITH FIRE CHAPTER I THE MINISTER'S FAMILY An high priest clothed with doctrine and with truth... Continue reading book >>

Playing With Fire By: Amelia Edith Huddleston Barr (1831-1919)

Playing With Fire by Amelia Edith Huddleston Barr is a mesmerizing and thought-provoking tale set in New York City during the late 19th century. This historical fiction novel delves into the complexities of love, ambition, and the clash of traditional values in a rapidly changing society.

The story follows the life of Kate, a strong-willed and determined young woman who dreams of becoming a successful playwright. Against the backdrop of a male-dominated world, Kate faces countless obstacles and societal expectations as she navigates her way through the creative industries. Her passion for writing is fueled by a deep desire to challenge the norms and conventions of her time, often at great personal cost.

Barr masterfully weaves together a web of intricate relationships, highlighting the contrasts between traditional beliefs and the emerging progressive mindset. Kate's ambitions are further complicated by a burgeoning romance with David, a wealthy and well-regarded businessman who embodies the very ideals she seeks to challenge. The tension and sparks between them are electrifying, aptly reflecting the title of the novel.

The author's vivid and evocative descriptions transport readers back to the Gilded Age, painting a vivid picture of the city's bustling streets, extravagant parties, and the opulence that defined the era. Barr also skillfully explores themes of social disparity, women's rights, and the sacrifices one must often make to follow their dreams. Through her strong characterizations, the author adeptly captures the struggles and triumphs of individuals caught in the shifting currents of a society on the brink of change.

While the pace of the narrative may be slow at times, Barr's lyrical prose and impeccable attention to detail keep readers engaged and invested in the characters and their journeys. The novel is filled with poignant moments, heart-wrenching dilemmas, and unexpected twists that keep readers guessing until the very end.

Playing With Fire is a captivating historical fiction novel that not only entertains but also invites readers to reflect on the themes and issues it presents. Amelia Edith Huddleston Barr's compelling storytelling and rich portrayal of the past make this novel a worthwhile read for anyone seeking a poignant and enlightening literary experience.

First Page:

PLAYING WITH FIRE

BY AMELIA E. BARR

AUTHOR OF "ALL THE DAYS OF MY LIFE," "THE BOW OF ORANGE RIBBON," ETC.

"Truth is like water; the moment it stands it stagnates; creeds are merely stagnant truth. "

ILLUSTRATED BY HOWARD HEATH

WILLIAM BRIGGS TORONTO 1914

COPYRIGHT, 1914, BY D. APPLETON AND COMPANY

Printed in the United States of America

WITH SINCERE RESPECT AND EVERY GOOD WISH I INSCRIBE THIS NOVEL TO WILLIAM JOHN MATHESON, ESQ. OF HUNTINGTON, LONG ISLAND

[Illustration: "'Good bye, Richard!' she cried. 'Good bye, dearest of all!'"]

CONTENTS

I. THE MINISTER'S FAMILY

II. LORD RICHARD CRAMER

III. DONALD PLEASES HIS FATHER

IV. THE GREAT TEMPTATION

V. THE MINISTER IN LOVE

VI. DONALD TAKES HIS OWN WAY

VII. MARION DECIDES

VIII. MACRAE LEARNS A HARD LESSON

IX. WHEN WILL THE NIGHT BE PAST?

X. A DREAM

XI. LOVE IS THE FULFILLING OF THE LAW

XII. AFTERWARD

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS

"'Good bye, Richard!' she cried. 'Good bye, dearest of all!'"

"There came again to her that singular sense of a past familiarity"

"She smiled and laid her jeweled white hand confidingly on his"

"The descent seemed steep and dark"

PLAYING WITH FIRE

CHAPTER I

THE MINISTER'S FAMILY

An high priest clothed with doctrine and with truth... Continue reading book >>

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Wikipedia – Amelia Edith Huddleston Barr
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