The Martyr of the Catacombs (Dramatic Reading)

Marcellus, a Roman centurion, is instructed to eradicate the Christians from the catacombs. When he goes to investigate, he discovers the truth about their beliefs and 'Him Who loved us.' As persecution sweeps across Rome, will Marcellus be the next one in danger? Summary by Esther ben Simonides Narrator: Esther ben SimonidesMarcellus: Patrick SavilleLucullus: Jason in PanamaHonorious: Don GilmoreCaecilia: Adele de PignerollesBrother Cinna: Larry WilsonPollio: Eddy ShermanAdditional Narration: Beth ThomasOther Characters:David Kowarsky, Julie Barkley, larryhayes7, Leanne Yau, MaryAnn, RecordingPerson, Rupert Holliday, TwinkleAudio Edited by: Esther ben Simonides, Adele de Pignerolles and Beth Thomas

16 episodes

Donal Grant

After leaving home in search of work, Donal Grant accepts a position as tutor to a young boy who lives in a sprawling castle, which also houses an eccentric old man, a beautiful and troubled young woman, and an ancient family legend of a secret room hidden somewhere within the castle. This is the sequel to "Sir Gibbie" by the same author, but is quite capable of standing as a complete and compelling story in its own right. - Summary by Devorah Allen

84 episodes

Unto Caesar

"The State," he said, speaking at least as haughtily as Dea Flavia herself, "hath agreed to accept the sum of twenty aurei for this slave. 'Tis too late now to make further bids for her." But a pair of large blue eyes, cold as the waters of the Tiber and like unto them mysterious and elusive, were turned fully on the speaker. "Too late didst thou say, oh Taurus Antinor?" said Dea Flavia raising her pencilled eyebrows with a slight expression of scorn, "nay! I had not seen the hammer descend! The girl until then is not sold, and open to the highest bidder. Or am I wrong, O praefect, in thus interpreting the laws of Rome?" "This is an exceptional case, Augusta," he retorted curtly. "Then wilt thou expound to me that law which deals with such exceptional cases?" she rejoined with the same ill-concealed tone of gentle irony. "I had never heard of it; so I pray thee enlighten mine ignorance. Of a truth thou must know the law, since thou didst swear before the altar of the gods to uphold it with all thy might." "'Tis not a case of law, Augusta, but one of pity." The praefect, feeling no doubt the weakness of any argument which aimed at coercing this daughter of the Cæsars, prompted too by his innate respect of the law which he administered, thought it best to retreat from his position of haughty arrogance and to make an appeal, since obviously he could not command. Dea Flavia was quick to note this change of attitude, and her delicate lips parted in a contemptuous smile. "Dost administer pity as well as law, O Taurus Antinor?" she asked coldly. - Summary from the book

36 episodes

En Route

The second book by Huysmans concerning the religious development of the novelist Durtal, who in the first book ("La-bas") experienced depravity and Satanism. In this book he struggles desperately to find a foothold in the Catholic faith. He is aided by his aesthetic sensitivities and the support of an understanding priest. But it is not until he undertakes a retreat in a Trappist monastery that he achieves depth of spiritual transformation. ( Peter Tucker)

20 episodes

Mrs. Solomon Smith Looking On

Old Mrs. Solomon Smith considers herself "nothing but an ignorant old woman" who didn't have the advantages others did when growing up. However, those around her know that she's actually full of biblical wisdom and the experience of walking with Christ through the years. She shares her wisdom -- and more importantly, Christ -- to those she meets in everyday life, in a wise and gentle manner. She touches lives wherever she goes. But can her life and example touch the heart of Laura, a young woman who loves and respects her, but doesn't seem interested in religion? (Summary by TriciaG)

27 episodes

Miss Dee Dunmore Bryant

The Bryant family - widowed Mrs. Bryant and her children Benjamin, Caroline ("Line" for short), and little Daisy - is on the thin edge of poverty due to debt incurred when Mr. Bryant was alive. We follow the family, especially Ben and Daisy, as they help shoulder some of the burden. Prominent in the story are children's dolls, which are the means to some of the family's income. - Summary by TriciaG

24 episodes

The Parables

This is a collection of the parables of the new testament. - Summary by Lynda Marie Neilson

26 episodes

Elsie at Nantucket

Elsie and her family travel to Nantucket Island to spend the summer. The Raymond children and others learn important lessons. After a delightful summer, they journey on to Lansdale, Ohio to visit Aunt Wealthy. - Summary by Amy

15 episodes

Twenty Minutes Late

Sequel to Miss Dee Dunmore Bryant. Being 20 minutes late after a day out with the Kedwins and Ben and Daisy, her siblings, starts a series of events in motion that lead Caroline Bryant to Philadelphia...and to people and situations she could never have foreseen. - Summary by TriciaG

24 episodes

Far Above Rubies

Proverbs 31:10-11 says, "Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil." (KJV) With this in mind, George MacDonald gives us the short story of a young and aspiring Scottish poet named Hector. - Summary by HannahMary

6 episodes

By What Authority?

Two wealthy families are neighbors in Elizabethan England; one is staunchly Catholic and the other is devoutly Protestant. The attractive young scions of the families are drawn to each other in friendship and love, but are kept apart by their opposing religions. Life is very difficult for Catholics during those times. They are subject to fines, imprisonment, torture and ignominious death for practicing their faith. On the other hand, for various reasons some Catholics give up their inherited faith, and even betray and persecute their fellow-religionists. As the threads of plot are woven tighter, heroes emerge, sometimes most unexpectedly, as they grapple with theological doubts and conflicts, and undergo extreme suffering and loss. The many characters we meet ring true, whether they are brilliant or superstitious, stalwart or wavering, pious or violent; and it is a great privilege to spend time with such towering historical figures as St. Edmond Campion and Queen Elizabeth herself. Love, history, theology, suspense, and an array of colorful characters are sewn inexorably together in this large and compelling story. (Intro by Carol Pelster)

41 episodes

A Christmas Miscellany 2018

Sixteen Christmas stories or essays. (David Wales)

16 episodes

The Crucifixion of Philip Strong

Having simultaneously received letters of call from two different churches, Philip Strong must choose, balancing head, heart, and God's calling. - Summary by David Gore

24 episodes

The Ballad of the White Horse (Version 3)

This epic poem is about Alfred the Great's defense of Christian England against the pagan Viking invaders. The decisive battle is fought in sight of a white horse mark made on a hill, after which the poem is named. As the white horse mark must be continually maintained by weeding to be clearly seen, Chesterton sees it as a symbol of the continual struggle to maintain the Christian culture and values for which Alfred the Great fought. - Summary by Robin Lamb

9 episodes

The Cathedral

It is the third of Huysmans' books to feature the character Durtal, a thinly disguised portrait of the author. He had already featured the character of Durtal in Là-bas and En route, which recounted his conversion to Catholicism. La Cathédrale continues the story. After his retreat at a Trappist monastery, Durtal moves to the city of Chartres, renowned for its cathedral. Huysmans describes the building in great detail. - Summary by Wikipedia

17 episodes

Opening a Chestnut Burr

Walter Gregory is a gentleman whose health is broken down by the stress of Wall Street and the consequences of his fast lifestyle. Disillusioned in love and betrayed in friendship, he returns to visit his childhood home in the country. Who is this young woman Annie Walton he finds there? Can she truly be as good as she seems? He determines to test her character to the utmost. Deceitful villains, fire, death, and nautical disasters all try our hero and heroine. She has shown him the saving faith that gives life. Can he rescue her from a false fiancé who would ruin hers? (LikeManyWaters)

36 episodes

Driven Back To Eden

Frustrated with life in the tenements generally and the negative influences on his children specifically, a father decides to move his family to the country, where they live off the land and breathe fresh air. - Summary by David Gore

45 episodes

Pansies for Thoughts

The young Grace Livingston compiled this book using quotes from her aunt's works; Isabella Macdonald Alden (who wrote under the pen name "Pansy"). It is a quote for each day of the year from one of the "Pansy Books" plus a bit of related scripture or verse. - Summary by LikeManyWaters

13 episodes

Mildred at Roselands

In order to recover her health, Mildred Keith goes to visit her mother's extended family, the Dinsmores, in the South. Mildred makes new friends while at Roselands, learns important lessons and grows in her faith in Christ. (Summary by Amy)

28 episodes

From Jest to Earnest

As a practical joke at a house party, a young and beautiful socialite tries to make a fool out of a visiting young missionary to amuse her friends. She pretends to be a seeker in order to win his affections, but gets a lot more than she bargained for... - Summary by LikeManyWaters

37 episodes

Making Fate

A group of young adults away on a nutting expedition is delayed in a hospitable home by a sudden rainstorm. After the storm, Marjorie insists that she must get home that night, albeit late, out of respect and care for her mother. Others want to extend the fun and stay away overnight. Ralph, the driver of their wagon and unspoken beau of Marjorie, is swayed by the teasing ridicule of Estelle to refuse to take them home that night. Unknown to the party, unexpected opportunities occur at Ralph's and Estelle's homes that same night, and their delay and subsequent actions profoundly affect the course of all three of their lives. (Summary by TriciaG) Sequel: Overruled

30 episodes

Miss Priscilla Hunter, and My Daughter Susan

Two shorter stories in one book. In "Miss Priscilla Hunter," the church has been carrying debt for years. It's an embarrassment, and it is hindering them from doing necessary work. They've tried to chip away at it in the past with festivals and fundraisers, but it seems like it will never go away. Miss Hunter, a poor seamstress, finally takes matters into her own hands and works to KILL that debt once and for all! In "My Daughter Susan," we tag along with Susan in what is apparently a typical day for her, seeing how she works for others and her Lord, within the context of temperance. (Summary by TriciaG)

10 episodes

The Story of a Whim

A group of girls send gifts and letters to one whom they think to be a young woman like them. "Christie" is really a poor young bachelor tending his orange grove in sunny Florida. Through his correspondence with Hazel (who still thinks he's a girl) he becomes a Christian, and falls in love with her. What will happen when she takes a trip south to meet her dear pen-pal? - Summary by LikeManyWaters

12 episodes

The Big Blue Soldier

Back from the Great War, a penniless and disillusioned young soldier finds himself in the home of Miss Marilla Chadwick, a sweet old lady who is expecting her nephew for dinner. Mary Amber, Miss Marilla's neighbor, is also there. He hates girls. She hates men. What will be the result? He will fight girl in the concrete! - Summary by LikeManyWaters

7 episodes

A Day of Fate

A night editor at a New York paper escapes to the country to avoid a nervous breakdown. Providence lands him in the middle of a loving Quaker family in time to save them from being roasted by a lightning strike. Then what could be more natural than falling in love with a girl already engaged to someone else? Truly, it was a Day of Fate for him. "Some shallow story of deep love." (Shakespeare) - Summary by LikeManyWaters

36 episodes

The Trial

In this sequel to "The Daisy Chain," new joys and challenges meet the May family in a new season of life. The older children are at work in their various callings, a foreign grandson enlivens the old family home, and the younger children are now growing up and finding their paths in life. Ethel continues to be the anchor of the home and right hand to their doctor-father, while new friends end up deeply impacting their lives, their faith, and their hearts. Make sure to start with "The Daisy Chain" to fully appreciate this book! - Summary by HannahMary

30 episodes

A Red Wallflower

A motherless girl finds life very lonely living with only her dour father and two servants in the quiet New England countryside. Lonely, that is, until a neighbor begins to fill her long days and hungry mind with fascinating studies and companionship. These rich days leave an even bigger blank when his parents send him to college and eventually to university in England, determined to keep him away from young Esther. Where can she find the comfort and joy for which she is longing and searching as she grows into womanhood? - Summary by HannahMary

48 episodes

Cunning Workmen

Miss Cora Parkhurst is an irresponsible and flighty Sunday school teacher for a group of young ladies. She has simply no time to prepare the lessons, nor any knowledge of what it means to be a sincere Christian. Mr. Robert Hammond is an earnest, dedicated Sunday school teacher for a group of young men. Mr. Hammond invites Miss Parkhurst to the weekly teachers' meeting to spur her on, only to discover how much spiritual help and encouragement she needs! Meanwhile, Miss Parkhurst's fiance, Mr. George Tracy, is ambivalent towards any religious activities that interfere with his and Cora's relationship, and despises Mr. Hammond. (Summary by TriciaG)

21 episodes

The Man of the Desert

Fleeing from an aggressive suitor, Hazel Radcliffe becomes hopelessly lost in the Arizona desert. Exhausted, she falls unconscious from her pony. Soon she is found by John Brownleigh, a handsome missionary who lives nearby. As he cares for her, a strong and true love grows between them. She was raised in luxury, he was raised to serve God. They part knowing very little about each other except for the love they feel. Back home among her family and friends, Hazel makes an important decision. She will do all she can to change, but can she do so before it's too late? Follow her journey of coming closer to the Lord and finding true love in an unlikely place. - Summary by LikeManyWaters

17 episodes

Mildred and Elsie

Mildred returns home from visiting her mother's relatives. She continues to grow in wisdom and beauty and receives many proposals of marriage. She is an ever-increasing blessing to her family and community. In-laws are added to the family, and they enjoy a visit from Horace Dinsmore and his daughter Elsie. - Summary by Amy

23 episodes

Teddy's Button (Version 3)

Teddy is a little boy who cares about his father's button more than anything in the world. He wants to be in the Queen's army when he grows up, but his pastor tells him how he can be a soldier in God's army while he is still young. Teddy has many ups and downs as he tries to be a good soldier for his Captain, Jesus Christ. (Summary by Kylie)

10 episodes

Grandpa's Darlings

Fiction, or fact? The narrator asserts it's fact. The narrator is an author, whom her little nieces call "Auntie Belle". There's also an "Auntie Dule" (proper name Julia), Grandpa and Grandma, Mama and Papa, and eventually an Uncle Ross (Isabella Alden's husband, Gustavus Rossenberg Alden). The book is made up of vignettes of the funny sayings or doings of little Minnie and little Gracie, and how these lead to Grandpa's wise lessons for both the little ones and the adults. - Summary by TriciaG

26 episodes

David Ransom's Watch

A tale of human choices and lost opportunities, and how one's choices affect so many other lives, for good or ill. A borrowed watch. A selfish younger brother. An engagement and flirtation. A trip to the city to replace the watch turns David Ransom's life in a whole new direction. - Summary by TriciaG

28 episodes